It has been almost two years since my last empties post, so I have accrued alot of items to share with you all. As always, I will post the name of the item, a brief and quick round-up of my thoughts and whether or not I would repurchase it. I would say that this is about 80% of my empties? there are some that I have just tossed and forgotten to save, so below you will find a combination of baby, hair, skin, cosmetics and other misc products. Buckle up, it's going to be one long post!

Breaking New: the AVON x THE FACE SHOP is now live and I am super excited. This collaboration was a total shock to me and I'm not mad at it. I am so excited in fact because this means that it is a great platform for both companies to be able to showcase each others products. I'm sure alot of AVON clients may not have heard of THE FACE SHOP before, and now they can get introduced to it which is fantastic! 

I was set a few items from their collection to try! First is the skinscare set which features generous deluxe sizes of four different products to try: 

The Therapy Oil Blending Cream

Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Dr Belmur Cica Recovery Cream 

Veilment Natural Spa Black Rose Body Scrub and Cleanser 

Next, I received a box of make-up items that features products to create a nice complexion:

1. Ink Lasting Cushion Foundation - love this cushion foundation, it makes it look like second skin, a better version of me. It has a natural matte finish that is cooling on application and dries down fairly quickly and does not dry tacky. 

2. Moisture Cushion Blush - great applicator, the cushion pad itself is smaller so it can really focus on just the cheeks. It gives a natural flush to the cheeks and lasts all day.

3. Ink Lasting Primer - a gel primer that helps to minimize pores and make your makeup last all day. It is said to brighten your skin and smooth uneven texture. I liked how lightweight this was on the skin and how it dried down quick meaning no wait time for the makeup application. It did smooth out the pores on my nose/cheek area. 

4. Flat Velvet Lipstick - as the name indicates this is a velvet matte lipstick. Feels lightweight on the lips and is opaque and only requires one swipe. 

Below is all the products in action (plus my own black liner and brows)

Until next time, XO - M.

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

I have been a huge fan of Live Clean products as you may probably know if you are a follower of my blog and one of the launches that I most look forward to yearly is the Holiday series. Last year, I was obsessed with their Vanilla Peppermint liquid hand soap and stocked up so I could use it throughout the year. I made it up to the summer time - haha! This year I'll know better and prepare myself better! In addition to their Holiday liquid hand soap line up (which includes Holly Berry, Vanilla Peppermint and Gingerbread Latte), they have launched two new scents in a foaming hand wash formula. 

The two new scents are Frosted Apple and Fresh Snow. 

Frosted Apple - I love apple scented products and this is more of a fall apple scent vs. a crisp apple scent - he has the warmer notes vs. the light and airiness. I still love this and will use it first before the Fresh Snow which is more Holiday to me. 

Fresh Snow is what you expect it to be, the moment you open your front door and the air is cold and crisp and a fresh layer of snow has fallen. LOVE! It's giving me all sorts of Winter vibes and I am living for it! 

I have seen these in the shelf of Walmart and have seen them online at Well.ca at right under or around the $5 price point. I will definitely be buying the Vanilla Peppermint and 1-2 more of the Fresh Snow and Frosted Apple this year to last me a few more months! 

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Being a skincare junkie, I was really excited to be introduced to the brand Jowaé - which in Korean means harmony. The main philosophy behind the brand is to use products to help re-establish the balance of your skin from daily stresses that affect your skin, known aggressions. They utilize four simple steps to help the skin regain harmony, balance, luminosity and protection. 

They utilize natural-origin ingredients and all of their products contains zero parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, silicon and ingredients of animal origin or synthetic colorant. It is ideal for sensitive skin and has a very subtle and pleasing scent.

As mentioned above, the four fundamental steps of Korean skincare - 1. Cleanse 2. Prepare 3. Activate and 4. Correct. I go into more detail of each product below - please note that there are several products for each stage of the skincare process/steps, what I have mentioned in this post and below is what was sent to me for my skin type.

STEP 1 - Purifying Cleansing Gel - $20.50 (200ml)

This is the one I'm using for my combo to oily skin, it helps to rinse my face of any last traces of makeup, I do use some micellar water to remove the majority of my makeup off first. It effectively cleanses the face without stripping it or leaving behind that squeaky feel. This product is comprised of 89% natural products and it is a gel formulation that works into a gentle foam. I use this both night and day.

STEP 2 - Hydrating Water Mist - $19 (200ml)

This is suitable for all skin types and can be applied anytime of the day, as part of your skincare routine or even as a refresher throughout the day. It helps to wake the skin up to receive the skincare treatments you are about to apply and is composed of 97% natural ingredients. It contains Sakura Blossom Water, Pure Water and Botanical Glycerin. It has a very light mist and is said to be inspired by the Korean lotions used after makeup removal to prepare the skin for daily care. If you find yourself having applied too much, then just gently pat into the skin with your hands as opposed to wiping away with a cloth or tissue.

STEP 3 - Youth Concentrate Complexion Corrector - $52 (30ml)

This is  for all skin types and works to reduce dark spots, brightens and evens out the complexion. It contains 89% natural ingredients and contains Youth and Complexion Correcting White Tea and Antioxidant and Brightening VitaminsE and B3. This is a light emulsion that is unlike anything I've ever felt before - it comes out almost thick-like but then melts into your skin leaving behind a soft and powdery finish. I use this in the morning on my face and neck.

STEP 4 - Moisturizing Light Cream - $30 (40ml)

This cream is suitable for those with normal to combination skin. It is very light-weight, almost like a gel and absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshing. It contains Sakura Blossom Water and Moisturizing Pine Extract with Vitamin E - It is comprised of 88% of natural products.

Products for the body: 

Left: Revitalizing Moisturizing Lotion - $28 (400ml)

This is suitable for those with normal to dry skin and has a very light weight texture that helps the skin e softer, more supple and luminous. It almost has a gel-like texture and sinks into the skin very quickly. It contains 97& natural ingredients and contains Bamboo Water, Shea Butter, Sunflower and Emollient Soy Oil. 

Right: Hand and Nail Nourishing Cream - $10 (650 ml)

This is for dry or damaged hands and works amazingly on my cuticles as well. It is a thicker texture but is not greasy at all. It contains 96% natural ingredients and has Camellia Oil, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil to name a few of the ingredients. 

I have been really enjoying this new line of skincare that I have been introduced to and would like to try even more from their line, including the Balancing Mattifying Fluid, expecially for the warmer summer season when my skin goes a bit oilier in the t-zone. The fragrance of these products are very subtle, there is a slight variance to each of the products but all are relatively mild and nothing that is too overwhelming or obnoxious. This is great for those who have sensitive skin, or even are sensitive to fragrances. 

Of all the products I have tried, my favorite would probably be the hand lotion and the corrector. 

Until next time, XO - M.

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

I was recently graciously sent the above products from Scentuals to try out, they are a brand that produces Natural and Organic Skincare products, and it is my first time trying out their products. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts, and which products I would recommend then keep on reading below! I have included descriptions of the products directly from their site for your convenience!

Live Clean is honestly on a roll the past few months, launching their foaming hand washes, then foaming body washes and now deodorants! This is so exciting as I feel like this was much needed in their range of body products. I have very sensitive armpits, I've written about this on my blog before, and using generic brands irritate and causes rashes (so attractive, I know). I am currently using LaVanilla Sport Luxe Deodorant which works amazingly, but hey it has quite a hefty price tag. I was very interested in trying these out the minute I got it, so if you're interested in seeing what I think, then keep on reading below!

They have launched four different scents - from left to right in the photo above, you have Fragrance Free, Sparkling Citrus, Cool and Fresh and Powder Clean. These are made with 99% naturally derived ingredients and is said to provide you with freshness, comfort, leaving behind no white residue and providing odour control. 

The formula contains baking soda, corn starch, soothing aloe and vitamin E. Certified organic parsley, rosemary and sage will also leave your underarms conditioned and fresh all day. 

Lastly, the most important part, which I believe is essential into making sure that irritation does not occur (especially in circumstances like mine), is that this deodorant does not contain aluminum, propylene glycol and triclosan. It does not contain parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, phosphate or silicone. It also does not contain artificial dyes or colors. 

These are available for purchase at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws and retails for approximately $6.99 - $7.99 each.

My personal favorite is the Sparkling Citrus - Fragrance Free wouldn't work for me as I do need some scent as back-up to feel fresh and clean. So far, I have not experienced any irritation, I don't sweat alot so it is doing the job for me and I am quite pleased that I now have a more affordable option for purchase at the drugstore. 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review/consideration. All opinions are my own.

While we are getting glimpses of warmer weather here in Toronto, Winter isn't quite over yet! I know because well, it's still cold plus my hands are still suffering the effects of the weather with the occasional eczema flare-up. It takes me a while to find some hand creams that do not irritate me, so I had to share my findings with you now that I have narrowed it down to my top 5. 

Why 5 you say? well, each one is different - in terms of scent and availability. Honorable mention does go to the Fresh - Seaberry Nourishing Hand Cream that I have been using every winter for the last 2-3 years, that stuff is amazing! But hey, I need to try something new right?

I will review the products from left to right in the above image, so if you're interested in learning more, then keep on reading below!

The Body Shop is currently having their Holiday Sale which features up to 50% off on select items, so if there was anything you were eyeing, I would suggest checking to see if they are currently on sale right now. I have always wanted to try the Banana series, I have heard such great things about it, and their shampoo, conditioner + mask are all 50% off too but it seems like their shampoo is sold out online! BOO :( 

In the past 5 months, I am quite proud of the amount of products used up. As usual, I have separated my review in different categories for convenience - facial wipes/puffs, cleansers and moisturizers, body products, haircare, makeup and miscellaneous. 

While I frequently write about makeup and skincare products, lets not forget about body maintenance products as well - specifically ones to help keep things you know, tidy! Veet has recently released a new beauty styler product, called the Sensitive Precision Expert - which is now the #1 women's electric trimmer in Canada. It is actually an improvement to their first model, and is designed to help trim and precisely shape the hair on your delicate body parts - face/eyebrows, bikini and underarms without the fear of being nicked or cut.  

This trimmer can be used as is, or wet as it is waterproof! It retails for $29.96 (MSRP), and can be found at most Canadian retailers like Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Amazon.

The product comes neatly housed in this a plastic container and bag as you see above, and it comes with the trimmer gadget itself as well as 7 separate accessories. I really appreciate brands who take the time to think of the little things that go the extra mile for me, in this case, the pouch. I can easily just toss everything in the bag and store it in my washroom drawer.

While there are instructions in the product packaging itself, one thing I found helpful was the labelled comb attachments. The ones you see below - 2mm and 4mm are horizontal attachments to help you achieve a uniform hair trim. I would recommend this one for the bikini area. The one on the far left, is a comb attachment that gives you two different lengths in ONE attachment itself - more so aimed for the eyebrow. Again it is set at 2mm and 4mm.

One other great thing is that this trimmer only requires ONE battery - yay! and is very easy to use, just align the arrow together at the base of the unit, and twist shut. Also, there is a little brush to help you clean the razor.

The razor itself has a pivoting heat, which means you can adjust it to whichever angle is best for you to take care of the area you need - I know this was beneficial when trimming the brow area as you might not want it straight, but at an angle. One thing I would recommend is to set it at 4mm first, so you can see how you like it. You can always go shorter, but you can't reverse any mistakes if it is cut too short!

Now for the fun part - a GIVEAWAY! One of you lucky readers will be able to win one of these! To enter, simply fill out the ballot below. I am going to make this a quick one, just so that you can hopefully get this before Christmas, so I will pick a winner Friday night!

To ENTER:

1. Please do not follow just to unfollow on Instagram, it's unkind and dishonest! I will be checking if you have followed my account (@mirandachan) when the winner is selected. 

2. Giveaway is open to Canadian Residents Only! 

3. Winners have 48 hours to respond to my notification e-mail, failure to do so will result in me selecting a new winner (this is to just keep the ball rolling and not hold-up the process)

4. Prize pack is not mailed out by me, but I will be facilitating with the process with the winner.

Goodluck everyone!

I have been a big fan of Live Clean products as mentioned on the blog several times in the last year or so, I used them during my pregnancy and now use it with my baby boy. My husband also enjoys their products as well and we use them as much as possible in our household - from handwashes to haircare and body products. I have partnered up with Live Clean for another giveaway - this time with body products - three body washes and three body lotions. If you're interested in learning more about the giveaway, and about the brand and prize, then keep on reading below.

The air is crisp and cool and the nights where the sun sets at 9pm are long gone... you notice that the tan you've worked to get this summer is fading, and you just wish that there was a way to keep some color to your complexion without turning into a ghost during the winter season. I typically don't like to self-tan in the dead of winter, however during the fall season or late spring, it's time to get that tan-on! I've collected here in this post some of my tried and true favorites in different formulations of self-tan so that hopefully you will be able to find something that suits you! If you're interested in learning more, then keep on reading below

While we are well into September, I couldn't go without sharing with you my August favorites! Once again, I have limited it to 10 items and spread it across a good range of beauty related items. If you're interested in finding out what they are and my thoughts on the items, then keep on reading below.

With the cooler weather we've been slowly transitioning into the past few weeks, I thought I would share with you some products that I have been gravitating to for my body - some of these products are tried and true meaning I have used them for months - while others have recently been introduced to me which I am loving and have included in my routine. 

Moisturizers, as you may know come in many different formulations ~ you have your regular lotions, body butters, oils and now in-shower body lotions.  I have included my favorites in each category for you so that it narrows things down and makes it a bit more simple for you!

It's time to round up some of the products I've used up in the last 3 months and I've sorted them into categories below - skincare/bodycare, foundations/primers/concealer, mascaras, misc and makeup. Keep on reading below to see what I will repurchase again and what I really enjoyed. 

I have never shared my pregnancy story with you all, perhaps I will at one point or another ... however, I thought that I could share my postpartum journey with you as I am going through it right now. As this is my own personal experience, please keep in mind that nothing below is meant to be insensitive to others - it is what I have personally experienced and how it has made me feel. I've talked to a few new moms recently who have also shared the same views/frustrations so I thought that someone else would probably read this and have felt or is currently feeling the same way at some point as well. Also, keep in mind that I had to narrow it down to just the main points so far, I can't share every single thought... so here goes....

1. Breastfeeding vs. Formula ~ I was one of those women who never had her milk production come in. I don't want to hear that I haven't tried hard enough, because I have. I tried lactation cookies, teas, soups and other concoctions. There was lots of frustration, guilt and overall anxiety about how I couldn't produce milk. My doctor even told me, sometimes it just doesn't happen to some women and you are one of them... and even my mom was asking why I was torturing myself to try to do this. Early on, my baby was losing too much body weight and was really battling jaundice and was told that he's not being fed enough.. so I finally turned to formula. My pediatrician said 15 minutes per boob and then the rest, top him up with formula - at a certain point if you're not producing enough milk and your baby is just working hard to suck nothing out... they are just burning more calories than they are absorbing. That made total sense to me ~ I am here to do what is best for my baby. That is my number one priority. 

What is really frustrating is those who (whether intentionally or not) like to express their opinions on formula feeding vs. breast feeding. How they never know what it's like to ever have had to use a bottle or wash one... how they're baby is only ever breast fed and how they're so lucky to have enough breast milk. I guess it's just knowing who you're talking to.. and knowing that each person has their sensitivities right? It's almost like now I completely get why it's so bad to ask people "when are you planning to have kids?" ~ How do you know that they're not trying? How do you know that they're not experiencing difficulties? How do you know that its not a choice that they're not having kids? Sometimes, it's better to just keep comments to yourself....there's no need to compare yourself to others. 

2. Unsolicited Advice ~ If you have to begin your sentence to someone with - here's some unsolicited advice for you... chances are, don't finish that sentence and don't bother saying what you have to say, especially if you are so distant from that person. 

3. Having an off day or days ~ We all have bad days there's no doubt about it, but just because I am a new mom, it does not automatically translate to postpartum depression. I completely agree that Postpartum Depression is a very serious topic that has to be discussed and there should be more transparency about it, however what I am talking about is just how being a new mom... and if I am just having a rough few days and you can see that I am having it, it should not directly translate to me having depression and thereby someone suggesting that I need help for it. I had someone very distant to me read on my instagram post that I was having a rough few days ~ and then began the "unsolicited advice on what I should do as a new mom and how I should address my depression before it gets worse". I don't think that is truly the way to handle something like that.. especially not via a DM on Instagram. 

4. Hairloss and Swelling ~ I was fortunate enough to not experience any swelling during my pregnancy, but approximately 1 month postpartum my ankles began to swell so badly that I couldn't even sit or stand without the skin in my ankles hurting when it folded because it was so swollen. It almost felt like the circulation was cutting off when I sat down. The hair loss is no joke - just when you think that the huge chunk you have lost during the shower in your drain is it, you then blow-dry your hair and the entire floor is covered with hair once again. That beautiful hair you have grown during pregnancy is now all on the floor and you have just about enough to make your very own cousin IT from Addams Family. That does stop though, now that I am 5 months postpartum it has finally slowed down and I see the baby hairs growing. 

5. The return of the period ~ I actually got my period back 4 months postpartum and yes it did suck after not having my period for about a year. What makes it worse is when people ask you if you got your period back yet and they say oh wow that sucks, I don't know how it feels like because I didn't get back for a year and a half. Sigh...no...just.. don't do that ...repeatedly to someone. It's not nice.

6. Getting intimate again... ~ when the time comes that you want to get intimate again after you have had your baby, know that things will definitely be different. Your lady bits went through alot during childbirth so sometimes, you may not be too loose but there are also cases where when you are stitched up, you have been over corrected. 

For those of you who are moms... what have been some of your postpartum experiences? 

Until next time, XO - M.

Live Clean is at it again! I have been raving about them on social media and here on the blog, and my love for them really grew when I was pregnant (for those of you who didn't know). 

They have come out with Foaming Hand Washes in three different scents as seen in the photo above. They come in Lemon Mint,  White Tea & Cherry and Vanilla Bean & Coconut. These are light and airy, yet it forms a rich creamy lather that cleanses your hands very well (even washes off any kitchen cooking grease or oily fingers). The formula contains Vitamin E and organic Aloe Vera to make sure that your hands stay very hydrated.  As always, Live Clean keeps their products natural and eco-friendly. 

As mentioned on their website, products are:

-98% plant based ingredients

- SLS and sulfate free

-  Petrolatum and phosphate free

- Silicone and phthalate free

- DEA and paraben-free

- Triclosan and benzalkonium chloride free

- Dye Free

- Pure Vegan

- Never tested on animals

- Cruelty Free

- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested

- Biodegradable ingredients

- Recyclable packaging

Live Clean Foaming Hand Wash is available for purchase at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart, Jean Coutu, Amazon.ca and Well.ca

Overall, this is another win for Live Clean. The product's performance is exactly as described on their site and it treated my eczema prone hands very well and did not cause any flare-ups. I will for sure be purchasing this again in the future. I gifted one of these to my really good friend as part of her house-warming basket because everyone deserves some Live Clean in their lives!

Until next time, XO -M.

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

I have previously written about Jouviance before, it is a Canadian skincare company that is developed by dermatologists. This summer, they released their Coconut Melting Balm which I have been using for so many things on both myself and baby! It is an amazing multi-tasking product that can be used as a body moisturizer, baby butter, belly balm, lip moisturizer, hair mask and serum, hydrating night mask and I even use it on my eczema patches on my hand and my dry cuticles. 

All of the methods of use above are pretty self explanatory, but on baby I like to use it as a diaper balm to prevent diaper rashes! It is also suggested that it can be used as a massaging component for the baby. It is safe for use for babies (clearly) as well as pregnant women on their baby bumps to cure any dry and itchy skin from the stretching and to help address or prevent some stretch marks.

As you can see below, the product is housed in a very generous plastic container that holds 220ml of product and is priced at $45.  The ingredients include: Coconut Oil (50% cold pressed, non-hydrogenated, non-deodorized), 50% coconut oil of first pressure and deodorized by steam, essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Pro-A, B3 and phytosterols. It also includes Hyaluronic Acid which I have constantly raved about on this blog - it is said to give the skin moisture and helps with fine lines and wrinkles by gently plumping it. 

For those who are interested, Coconut Oil is organic, vegan, high-quality and gmo, cruelty and phthalate free. 

The one thing I extremely appreciated was the scent. I really dislike super artificial smelling coconut products or ones that smell too waxy. However, this smells like fresh coconut cream almost - its natural, and has not been messed around with. 

The balm melts really quickly onto the skin and does not leave a thick layer behind. When using it as a moisturizer, I prefer using it at night right after I shower, before I hop into bed. 

This is a highly recommended product to purchase! It is worth every penny considering it is so multipurpose.

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Established in 1981, Neal's Yard Remedies combines apothecary and holistic in their beauty and skincare products. They have such a rich and extensive history that was a really interesting read for me. I had not known about this company before and to learn that they have been around for so long, and exists in so many countries is really a beautiful story. If you want to learn more about it - just click here. 

I was recently contacted by them to review their products and learn more about it, and of course I had to say yes. I was sent the attached Beauty Sleep Gift Set to test out, and it retails for $99. First off, the packaging is absolutely beautiful and luxurious. The gift box is high quality and thick and has a good weight to it, it's the attention to the small details that lets you know that a company has put thought into everything from start to finish.

Within the box, it contains three of their best-selling products which are:

1) Beauty Sleep Concentrate ~ I really enjoyed this product - it was very lightweight and absorbed very quickly to the skin. It didn't feel heavy and was not overly scented where it affected my sleep. This product is said to help combat the appears of fine lines and wrinkles and I use this at night only before sleeping so that there is ample time for it to work it's magic. When I wake up the next day I just splash my face with water (no soap) and still, my skin feels soft and hydrated - it's said to moisturize up to 24 hours. 

This concentrate, as mentioned on the site contains "arcissus tazetta bulb extract, a smoothing tri-peptide and antioxidant-rich nourishing grape seed oil, for skin that looks and feels beautifully moisturized, replenished and recharged." Of course, it also contains a blend of their essential oils that relaxes you and melts your stresses away into dream land.

I really enjoyed using this at night it helped me to sleep easier and eased my tension and woes from always being worried about baby. I mean, I still worry but I felt like I got a better quality of sleep because I could instantly drift off being so relaxed. 

2) Beauty Sleep Bath Milk ~ it contains organic essential oils that infuses into your skin as you soak in the bath that leaves it soft and hydrated. 

3) Beauty Sleep Body Butter ~ A thick and emollient and ultra hydrating moisturizer (you can just see how thick it is in the image below) it does not move at all - it contains essential fatty acids, Vit A + E to condition my dry alligator skin as well as the essential oil blend that Neal's is known for to help you calm and relax at the end of the day. Again, I use this at the end of the day (before bed) and before I put on my PJ pants to just give it time to sink it.

The product that I am most interested to try is their pillow mist though they just have TONS of products to try out I really would love to try anything :)

Until next time, XO - M.

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