Hi everyone! It's Sam from Gemstone Beauty taking over today. You've probably seen me around, doing some nail art posts with Miranda, but this time, I bring you something different. But first, I'd like to take this chance to say Thank You to my lovely host. As always, it's a pleasure to be here.


This month's Canadian Beauty Blogger guest post theme is Worth The Splurge. I hummed and hawed, going back and forth on a couple items, but I kept going back to one item: my Clarisonic.

Our skin is a very fickle organ. At times dry, other times oily, breaking out, or all three plus more, all at once! A routine skincare regime is extremely important. At the very top of that regime is washing. But did you know that you're not actually removing everything off your skin when you use your hands & facecloth?

The Clarisonic cleanses the skin 6 times better than washing with your hands alone. There are different Clarisonics with different price points, starting at $139CAD +. Before I get into the details, here's a little information about the one I have, the Clarisonic Mia 2.

What it is:
A travel-friendly, professional-quality skincare brush with two speeds.

What it is formulated to do:
It's time to think beyond the washcloth and elevate cleansing to a sonic level. Clarisonic's patented sonic technology gently removes the impurities traditional cleaning methods leave behind, cleansing six times better than your hands alone. In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective. And with regular daily use you'll notice a reduction in dry patches, oily areas, and blemishes.

Here are some of the features this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
- 2 speeds for added cleansing customization
- Pulsing T-Timer for 60-second cleanse
- Improved user interface indicating speed and charge functions
- 2 year warranty 

Clarisonic Mia 2

I actually received mine as a Christmas gift from my boyfriend when he overheard me talking with someone about wanting a Clarisonic. Good on him for picking that up!

When I first got it, I didn't expect it to revolutionize my skincare routine the way it did. It came with the delicate (or was it sensitive?) brush head which is a great brush head to use for beginners. When you're not used to a deep clean, it's best to ease into it, specially if you have sensitive skin.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 has two speeds, low and high and has a 90 second timer. The device pulsates to indicate when it's time to switch areas, as follows:

• 30 seconds for forheard
• Pulse
• 30 seconds for nose and chin
• Pulse
• 15 seconds for 1 cheek and half jaw
• Pulse
• 15 seconds for the other cheek and other side of jaw

The Clarisonic Mia 2 is also waterproof. That means you can do it in the shower and not worry about getting it wet.

While many Clarisonic options come with a cleanser (they often have kits around the holidays), you can use any cleanser that you'd like. As long as it's not an exfoliator. The tiny beads can actually damage the Clarisonic, so DO NOT USE with the device. If you feel the need to exfoliate, replace your morning or evening Clarisonic session with your exfoliator.

Radiance and Normal brush heads

The brush head needs to be replaced every 3 months (just think of all that dirt, oil and dead skin it's removing). The brush heads are available in "sensitive", "delicate", "normal" and "deep pore". They also have a "radiance" brush head and others that go with different devices, such as "body" and "pedi".  The first 4 retail for approximately $30 each, or $46 for a two pack.

After my first time using the Mia 2, I was hooked. My skin never felt so clean. The great thing, it wasn't that weird, tight, shinny kind of clean. It was a natural feeling of clean.

Then I applied my skin care products and noticed that they actually absorbed into my skin instead of just partially absorbing and sitting on top of my skin. At that point, I realized that I wasn't getting the full benefits of my skincare products and was probably spending more money on 1) more expensive products because the "cheaper" products weren't working 2) more products because I'd go through products quicker since I'd apply more than what was needed.

The choice is yours: Use Clarisonic branded cleansers and serums, or use your favourites

After two weeks, I started breaking out and wondering WTF!? Turns our this is a purge, that's actually very normal to happen. Your skin isn't used to such a good clean, and now that the Clarisonic is bringing the dirt and oil up from deep within the layers of your skin, a purge takes effect. While mine wasn't as bad as some I've seen online, it last about 10 days and was a little annoying.

But after that, it's been bliss. I tend to use my Clarisonic about 4 days a week and haven't had any break outs since that purge. I've also noticed that my skin looks more radiant and my pores have started to shrink. I'm now using the "normal" brush head, but I might go to the "deep pore" brush next to shrink the pores to the max and go back to the "normal" to keep everything up.

So, would I say that this is Worth the Splurge? Abso-freakin'-lutely!

A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to try out some products from B.Kamins. To be honest, I had always seen these products and knew about the brand but never got around to trying it until I was approached with it. Let me tell you, I wish I had discovered this earlier in my life.


Just a small intro to B.Kamins for those that are new to this brand. B.K is a clinical skincare line that is also used in professional spas. They are a Canadian company and have a lab in Montreal where all of these goodies are produced. You can purchase their products via their website and I've also seen it at select Shoppers/Murale. It is important to note that the ingredients and products are regulated by Health Canada, that means you know it contains quality ingredients being used to create/produce this line of skincare.

Products that were sent for my review include:
1. Vegetable Cleanser
2. Day Lotion SPF 15
3. Renewal Serum
4. Night Cream
5. Diatomamus Earth Mask- Dry to Normal Skin 

I had a wonderful phone consultation with the amazing Ryan, and a few months later I actually had the chance to spend the day with him and I'm looking forward to the next time he's coming back to Toronto! He gave me a quick run through of how to use these products and I thought I'd pass them along to my wonderful readers, and let you know my thoughts about them!

1. Vegetable Cleanser - Day & Night - This is a vegetable based gel cleanser and makeup remover all in one. It is perfect for all skin types - dry, combo, oily. When applied and lightly massaged into your skin, it dissolves and removes any trace of dirt and makeup from your face and is gentle enough to be used around your eyes. This is fragrance, oil and color free and can be used on the most sensitive skin. It helps maintain the moisture balance in your skin and improves skin's smoothness and elasticity. They say you can also use this for shaving (but I haven't done that yet).

You will need to use 2-3 pumps per application. Please note that if you are used to really foamy cleansers, you might not be used to this one. This works up a small lather, but don't let that fool you because it works really well.

A tip Ryan gave me was that you should always clean your skin twice, especially if you have been out all day and use makeup etc on your face. The first cleanse helps to remove all the makeup from your face. The second cleanse helps to lather and lift the dirt/oil.

2. Renewal Serum - Night - This product contains glycolic acid, lemon and orange acid and provides you with a gentle exfoliation on your face. It is recommended that you use this every night. This is suitable for all skin types, except hyper sensitive skin. It is beneficial for sun and environmentally damaged skin as it helps to accelerate the rate of cell renewal and refines your skin texture. It can be used for hydrating acne-prone skin and helps to diminish acne scars.

3. Earth Mask - Once a week - This is a nutrient rich product suitable for dry to normal skin. It contains magnesium, iron, calcium and sodium to rejuvenate dull skin. There is one especially made for normal to oily skin (so no fret). You apply a thin layer of this product, let it sit for at least 30 minutes and let it work its magic. When drying, it grabs onto your blackheads and dead skin cells. Use a washcloth or muslin cloth and dampen with warm water to rub off - this helps to exfoliate your skin. You may feel a slight tingle when applying this mask, so do not be surprised. It is the menthyl lactate component in the mask that helps to calm redness and even out skin tone. Please make sure you follow-up by moisturizing your skin after.


4. Day Lotion SPF 15 - Day - This is an oil-free formula and is perfect for all seasons, especially summer. It absorbs quickly in your skin so that you don't feel the weight of it on your face. I am able to put this on and put on makeup within minutes so it's a win (also it contains SPF, perfect! and it doesn't break me out - double win!). This is said to act as a primer for makeup as well, however, I still like to use a little pore filler around my nose.

* One thing to note is that ever since I have used the B.Kamins products, I have noticed that I am not using as much primer on my face. My pores have reduced, my skin is hydrated and my oily face is under control. I used to be super high maintenance and apply a hydrating spray, a oil reducing primer AND a pore filler. (Yes - three products just to prep my face before applying my actual makeup. However now, I don't have to!)

5. Night Cream - Night - I think this has got to be one of my favorite products. It contains 7% Vitamin E which you can actually see in your cream. They are little blue capsules formulated with Episphere-Blue™ technology which is heat-activated and time release d to deliver anti-oxidant Vit E to help moisturize and repair your skin. This is ultra rich and hydrating and is formulated with skin plumping soluble collagen. When used, I wake up the next morning with beautiful plump and visibly smoother skin. You need the smallest amount as this is really rich. I use one dab and dot it on my cheeks, forehead and chin and rub it upwards on my face. (I learnt this trick to prevent premature sagging). Remember, use very little!! :) Like I previously said, the use of this product with the other products in this line has helped my skin immensely. I'm a convert!

I hope you find this review helpful and I really encourage you to try this brand out :) Let me know if you have any specific questions, I will do my best to answer all of them!

Usually I go for a light tinted moisturizer or foundation, concealer and some bronzer, cream foundation and a lip tint - this package was perfect for me this month and I got the chance to try out some products I haven't previously done before as well!

Hello All You Beautiful People, I'm Samantha from Beautiful, Free and Wonderful. This month's CBB theme is Canada Love. I first want to thank the lovely Miranda. So what does Canadian love means to me? To me Canadian love means supporting small business that are local or within your country. So I will be showing you, my top five canadian brands and products that I love. So lets get started.
1. Eat Sleep Polish in Princess Peach. I am a big fan of video games and never thought I would get excited about a nail polish named after a video game character before. Till I saw this polish. It's a perfect pink that I can get away with wear any season. Also the name just brings you back to your childhood of playing super Mario games.
2. Sweet Leilani Hawaiian Petal Lip Pumping in the shade Coral Reef I remember going over for a trip over to the island on the ferry and walking into the gift shop. Finding this brand changed the way I look at lipsticks. It has the Mac quality with the price of being only 15 dollars. Also it's vegan and cruelty free.
3. LilLuxSoapworks Bath Bombs These are my fave. bath bombs. They smell amazing and they only cost 2.95 each. The store also offers you free shipping in USA and Canada when you buy bulk. The only downside is if you try to break them in half. There is a high change that they will crumble.
4. Beach Baby Bath & Body The Queen Collection I ended up falling in love with this collection. When I became obsessed with certain queens of the past or should I say obsessed with books by Philippa Gregory. They actually smell like what I thought the queens would smell like. Antoinette smells like lemon cake.,Elizabeth smells like a nice warm fire and Cleopatra smells like a nice bath oil. I was quite impress with the staying power. I only had to reapply the scent twice a day. I also will note that it comes in a roll on only.  
5. Elements Body Essentials Blueberry Scrub Soap Bar I don't like sugar scrubs cause they are sometimes too sticky. I don't like salt scrubs cause I tend to get small cuts and don't enjoy the stinging when it finds one. This blueberry scrub soap was the first time I found a scrub that worked for me. The blueberry seeds lasted till it was a tiny sliver of soap. I also recommend saving the soap slivers they make a excellent body wash. I hope you enjoyed taking a look at my top five Canadian loved brands and products. You can follow me here. Enjoy your summer XXOO Samantha

I used all the products above, minus LA LA to create this look for you. I chose to omit LA LA since it's no longer on the site for purchase at this current time. I hope you enjoy it!