What’s On My Christmas List This Year

With Christmas approaching faster than ever, I’m getting asked for my Christmas list. Yes, I’m a professional in my mid 30’s and I still provide a list! The truth is that I would be happy with just spending some time relaxing with loved ones. I love everything about this season and one of my favorite things is when my husband and I have our annual Christmas date night where we dress up and go to a nice restaurant. I would honestly be happy with just that! But for those who need something more tangible, this is what I’m wishing for this year:

 

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Hair Mist – $65

If you have been following my blog for a while you will know that Flowerbomb is one of my favorite perfumes, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that they make a hair mist with the same scent. I’m new to the hair mist party but I have a feeling I’m going to love it.

Barefoot Dreams Blanket – approx. $246 Canadian

The dream in the brand name is probably more likely where this blanket will be for me, but I can wish for it though right?! I wasn’t sure what the hype was with this blanket given the cost of it… until I tried it in store. It’s so incredibly soft and cozy that I keep thinking about it.

Just about anything from Lush

Bath bombs, lip scrubs, shower gels, massage bars, bubble bars, I love it all! Anything from Lush will make me deliriously happy. When all else fails when it comes to shopping for me, go with Lush.

 

 

Gift Cards – Nordstrom/Aritzia/Sephora

Gift cards are not given the credit they deserve. When you get a gift card for someone you’re not only giving them the freedom to pick out their own gift, you’re giving them the gift of a trip to their favorite store. How can you go wrong?! Answer: you can’t.

 

Does anyone else have a Christmas list? What are you hoping for?

-SS

Keeping Lips Soft & Hydrated in Winter

It’s happened. I knew it would eventually, but you always think maybe this will be the year we get skipped, maybe it won’t be so bad. No such luck, winter is here and I think it’s here to stay. So long cute heels, fall jackets and moisturized skin and hello winter boots, parkas and dry chapped lips!

 

My lips get incredibly dry during the cold months and as a result, lots of TLC is needed. We all know that the most important way to stay hydrated is by making sure we’re drinking water, but sometimes a little more help is required! I’ve found that one of the best ways to keep my lips looking and feeling soft and hydrated is to treat them overnight. Below I am sharing my favorite products that I make sure I always use before I go to bed so that I can wake up with beautifully soft and hydrated lips, no matter how low the thermostat dropped overnight!

 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask – $30

 

If you haven’t tried these lip masks yet, you need to! (pro tip: you can ask for a sample at Sephora if you want to test it out first). Handcrafted with agave nectar and jojoba oil, this lip product is actually designed to be used overnight. One swipe of these lip masks before bed guarantee that you will wake up with softer, smoother and healthier lips!

I have a few of these but my favorite is the lavender one, it actually contains lavender, which helps to promote restful sleep.

 

FRESH Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm – $22

 

 

I’ve posted about this before and there’s a reason for that because this balm is seriously amazing! The scent is absolutely decadent and the formula actually feels like you are putting caramel on your lips (minus the stickiness!). I usually put this on my lips on days where I need the hydration but I don’t feel like I need anything quite as intense as a lip mask. It never fails that I always wake up with moisturized and soft lips whenever I use it.

 

Has anyone else used the products above? What are some of your favorite winter beauty tips?

-SS

My Favorite Sephora Holiday 2018 Gift Sets

It’s November, and you know what that means?! I can officially start talking about Christmas! I feel as though I have to bite my tongue all October and then the second Halloween is over, it’s my time.

One of the things that I love to do each year is browse the holiday gift sets that stores put out, and which better store than to do this at than Sephora?! I’ve been keeping an eye on the Sephora holiday gift sets since September and I have rounded up my favorites below:

 

Sephora Favorites Best Hair Kit Ever – $32 ($80 value)

If you haven’t tried a Sephora Favorites kit yet, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. This kit comes with 8 products in a cute rose gold makeup bag. The products are suitable for all hair types and it’s a great way to try out new things.

 

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Carnaval Magic – $49

 

There’s a reason why this cream is a cult favorite! This set comes with two tubs of the infamous Bum Bum cream, the body mist and my personal favorite, the lip balm. You do not want to miss out on this!

L’Occitane Holiday Almond Ornament – $14

I love gifts that can actually be hung on the tree and Sephora never disappoints in bringing out a new one each year. This one contains some of my favorite products from L’Occitane and I can’t wait to put it on my tree! Bonus tip – the almond oil works great for shaving your legs!

 

Too Faced Under The Christmas Tree Breakaway Face & Eye Set – $52 ($250 value)

Run to Sephora to pick this one up because I guarantee it won’t last! It comes with two eyeshadow palettes (I adore Too Faced eyeshadows!), a face palette with highligher/bronzer/brush, and a Better Than Sex mascara. This is a “one for you, one for me” kind of purchase!

 

Peter Thomas Roth Mask Frenzy – $95

Peter Thomas Roth masks are amazing, but they can get pricey. This gift set is a great way to try out the brands best selling masks without the cost commitment of purchasing separately. It comes with Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask, Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask, 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask, Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask, Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-Tox™ Hydrator. I suspect this one won’t last long either!

Do you have any you would like to share?

-SS

Review: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow

Since it’s Monday I think we all need a pick-me-up and so it just makes sense that I should share my experience with a brand that’s not only fun and cheerful, but definitely works as a pick-me-up for your skin!

I have incredibly oily skin and it’s tough for me to find products that control the oil while also providing much needed moisture and radiance. That was until I found Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask – $59

I bought the mask on a whim on our trip to Vegas back in August. I was immediately drawn to the color and the watermelon on the packaging (I looooove watermelon!). Once I got home I didn’t waste any time in trying it and loved the result: glowing, smooth, radiant and controlled skin! You put this on before bed and leave it on overnight. The smell is amazing, actually like watermelons without being too fake, and since it sinks into your skin right away, there’s no residue or film left on your pillow. Its formula includes soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHA for perfectly smooth skin every single time!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer – $50

It literally took me one use to fall in love with the mask so I purchased the moisturizer immediately. Taken from the Glow Recipe website, the moisturizer is “Spiked with vitamin- and amino acid-rich watermelon extract, plumping hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals like peony and jasmine extracts, this cooling gel-emulsion absorbs instantly to seal in hydration and prep skin for the day ahead. Antioxidants guard against free radicals and repair damaged cells along the way. Used morning and night, it drenches skin in luscious, long-lasting moisture. ” Who doesn’t want that?!

I use the sleeping mask about once a week, more often if my skin is looking particularly tired or dull, and I use the moisturizer daily in the morning after my usual skincare routine.
Has anyone tried anything else from Glow Recipe? What did you think?

-SS

Fave Brand Alert: Kristin Ess

Whenever I find a new brand I love, I can’t wait to come here and share it with you guys. I’m especially excited about this one because it’s an inexpensive drug store available brand! The brand I’m here to talk about today is Kristin Ess.

 

 

 

Kristin Ess describes their line as an affordable luxury haircare brand, and they are hitting it out of the park! The products were created by Kristin Ess herself who is a hairdresser with over 2 decades of experience. Trust me, her experience shows! Every product I have used so far has left my hair feeling incredibly soft, manageable and shiny. Oh, did I mention that all of her products smell absolutely incredible and in colors like blush, light grey and black, these are bottles that you want to display! No hiding away these for me.

 

It’s tough for me to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I’d go with the The One Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. Sulfate and paraben free, they are good for the environment and my hair extensions. My hair has a natural orange-y tint to it so a good purple shampoo and conditioner is a must. The One Purple Shampoo and Conditioner make sure that my hair stays brass free and soft.

 

The Style Assist Blow Dry Mist is a close second in terms of favorites. I need this like I need air. I mean, who doesn’t need something that not only cuts down on drying time, but also detangles and adds shine?! I hate drying my hair because I’m so impatient so I have tried many blow dry mists and trust me, this one works!

Another favorite is the Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray. Again, I’ve tried many beach wave products and most of the time they contain salt leaving your hair feeling stiff and sticky. Not this one! Like all Kristin Ess products, it delivers exactly waht the label says and you are left with soft, shiny beachy waves.

If you are looking for something fun, you don’t want to miss out on the Rose Gold Temporary Tint. You spray this on wet hair in the shower and the result is a subtle rose gold tint throughout your hair that lasts from 1-3 shampoos.

There are SO many different products in this line so make sure you check out the site to see what else is available. I still haven’t tried everything from Kristin Ess, but I’m slowly getting there and I can’t wait to try some more!

 

Kristin Ess products are available in Target stores in the US and online at well.ca in Canada. Everything is less than $20.

 

Has anyone else tried Kristin Ess? What did you think?

-SS

 

My Top 3 Drugstore Must Haves

If you have followed my blog for any amount of time I’m sure you have quickly learned that I’m a Sephora addict. I’m also a Shoppers Drug Mart  and well.ca (or Walgreens, CVS and Boots, depending on which country I’m in) addict. Below I have shared my top three drugstore must-haves:

 

Neutrogena All-In-One Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes – $13

There’s a reason why makeup artists don’t go anywhere without these wipes, nothing takes off my makeup better than them. You can use them to effectively remove all makeup including waterproof eye makeup and my skin always feels squeaky clean after using them. Inexpensive and efficient, what more do we need?!

Batiste Dry Shampoo – $10.49 (usually around $7 on sale)

This stuff is amazing! I have tried so many other dry shampoos and nothing compares to the OG. I put a couple of sprays in my hair before bed and I wake up in the morning with refreshed hair. I’m able to go 3-4 days without washing thanks to my trusty Batisse! I use the ones for dark hair since I have dark roots, but I really like the Original one too.

 

Jergens Natural Glow – $12.99

I have posted about this many times and I’m sure I will continue to over and over. I have tried so many different self tanners and while there are some that I’m a huge fan of, nothing still compares to my Natural Glow. It really does give you a natural looking tan and the best part is that because it’s gradual, you don’t have to worry about streaking. I will buy this forever!

What are your favorite drug store products?

-SS

FabFitFun Fall 2018

You know that a new season is on the horizon when it’s FabFitFun time again! The Fall box completely took me by surprise this year by arriving about 3 weeks earlier than normal. A great thing to come home to after a somewhat challenging day.

 

As usual, I tore into the box as soon as it arrived leaving me with little opportunity to take some good pictures, but I just couldn’t wait to see what I got and start using everything.

 

All subscribers receive the following:

• Glam Glow Bubble sheet masks – you actually get 2 of these but I used one right away.
• Beautyblender – I was SO excited to see this in my box. I’ve been a big BB fan for a while now and I needed a new one
• Simply Whimsical tea towels – they’re grey and white, which is just perfect for my decor!
• Skin & Co Roma Blue in Capri shower gel – this smells SO fresh, and I needed a new shower gel
• Luna Rica Cashew Butter Fruit & Nut Bar in salted caramel nut – this is a free sponsored item – I haven’t tried this yet but it looks delicious!

The following 3 items are choice items for all members:

• Choice #1: Vince Camuto tote bag or Crown Pro makeup brush set – Despite being a huge Vince Camuto fan, I went with the makeup brushes. I just didn’t need a tote bag and I always need makeup brushes
  

  
• Choice #2: Alfred French Press or Teapot – I went with the french press because I already have a teapot and I have never used a french press. I haven’t tried it out yet but I’m excited to!
  

  
• Choice #3: Catherine Malandrino umbrella (in white or red), or Cylo Cobra Wireless Earbuds (in white or black) – I desperately needed an umbrella especially with our upcoming trip to England so this was a no brainer for me.
  

  

Finally, the following are choice items for Annual subscribers. Seasonal subscribers will be surprised:

• Choice #4: Farmacy Dew It All Total eye cream, Touch in Sol Metallist Liquid Foil Lipstick Duo in “Penny”, or Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Bath Detox. I received the lipstick
  

  

  
• Choice #5: Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant, Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream, or Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser. I received the exfoliant.
  

  

  

If you are having a hard time deciding on which choice you would like, all members have the option of having FabFitFun pick for them.

 

The Fall box is not quite sold out yet so to grab one for yourself (or for a gift) head to FabFitFun to sign up!  They also offer special edition Editor’s Boxes once the seasonal ones are sold out. If you sign up through my link you receive $10 off your first box 🙂

-SS

Friday Favorites: August 3rd

Now that August is here so is the busiest two weeks I have had in a long time and I haven’t had a ton of time to spend pampering myself. So, I have had to look for some time saving options, and thankfully, I haven’t been left disappointed!

FRESH Lotus Youth Preserve Rescuse Mask 

I’m seriously shocked that it took me this long to find this! It is amazing! After using it my skin feels instantly smoother, softer and plumper, and I received so many compliments on my skin when I had to go out without makeup. As with all Fresh products, the Lotus mask is sulfate, paraben and phthalates free, and smell amazing! Highly, highly recommend! The best part? You only need 5 minutes 2-3 times per week!

Patchology Eye Gel Patches 

These. Are. Amazing. I picked a sample pack of these at the airport in New York last year on a whim and I didn’t know much about them so I ended up giving them away. Then a few weeks ago I saw them at Saks and decided to try them out, I’m actually annoyed with myself for giving the first ones away because I don’t know how I managed to live without them! The patches contain caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen, and they really do work miracles on my tired looking eyes and dark circles. I have tried many different gel patches and none of them compare to these, plus you only need to use them for 15 minutes.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 

Another product that I don’t know how I survived without. I bought it while waiting in line at Sephora (you know exactly the type of purchase I’m talking about!) and I’m so glad that I did. First up, it smells amazing, kind of like a berry smoothie. And then it kind of feels like how you would imagine a berry smoothie to feel, kind of soothing and sweet. You put this on before bed and wake up in the morning to soft, smooth lips reducing the need to use a scrub. It really does work!

Anyone else have any time saving beauty products that you can’t live without?

-SS

Tape In Hair Extensions #hairgoals

***scroll down for before & after pics***
I like to somewhat experiment with my hair and so it’s no surprise I have had hair extensions off and on for years. I usually decide that I need to cut my hair into the new trendy bob and then end up hating it, so here come the extensions. I started out by getting a weave about 12 years ago, and oh, the memories! Not color matched, no blending, just overall fake looking awful hair. Not to mention it was painful! After the weave I tried microbeads. Tiny little metal beads that attach the extension hair to your natural hair. They looked good, but I hated how they felt so they didn’t last long. Then, I tried fusion bonds, which I liked a lot more since the bonds were much smaller but I didn’t like the maintenance of them and how it would take 6+ hours to get them installed. At that point I decided to give extensions a break and only used clip ins for special occasions.
That is until this past month. I’m in a wedding in a couple of weeks and I envisioned my hair being long and wavy and despite taking the vitamins I wasn’t getting the long thick hair that the celebrities promise on the IG hair vitamin posts. So, I talked to my hair stylist and decided that it’s time to give extensions another shot.

 

I went with Hotheads extensions, which are tape ins, and we used two packs of hair. The process was quick, it took 3 days for the hair to be ordered and then only an hour and a half for the hair to actually be installed and blended. In no time at all I ended up with long, thick Instagram Influencer worthy hair.

BEFORE: 
AFTER:

I think it looks super pretty and natural and I’m so happy with them!

 

Finally, if you are considering hair extensions I have one piece of advice – Go to a professional. I know it’s so tempting to go with the cheap deal you found on Kijiji, but, just don’t do it! You need to make sure that your extensions match the color and texture of your hair, and (this is so, so important) they need to be blended. Extensions that are not blended will scream fake hair and no one wants that. A professional will not only make sure that the color is just perfect, but they will cut the extensions in such a way that you won’t be able to tell that it’s not your real hair. They will also be able to suggest the best products and care for your new hair. Follow their advice, extensions aren’t cheap so you want to make sure that you keep them looking and feeling great.

 

If anyone has any questions or comments don’t hesitate to post below!

 

-SS

Time to Talk Botox!

Scroll down if you want to skip the reading and just check out the before/after pics!

This post is about sharing my experience with Botox and why I am so happy that I got it. I was undecided if I was going to blog about this, but then I decided it’s 2018 and it’s about time that people stop feeling the need to hide certain things that they do for fear of judgement from others. #girlpower

The truth is that although I’m mostly happy with how I look, I can’t deny that over the past few years there have been some small things that I have wanted to change. We are all self-conscious about something and for me that was the wrinkles between my eyebrows. I have been a frowner for basically my entire life, I have an expressive face and I also don’t wear my (reading) glasses as much as I should, which ended up giving me the dreaded “11” lines between my eyebrows. It doesn’t help that the way I sleep kind of squishes my face and the lines have been getting worse overnight. Once I started to hit about age 31 those lines started to get deep enough that after I frown, they weren’t completely going away gifting me with the, oh so popular “resting b***h face” look. I was also starting to look as tired as I felt and I wasn’t okay with that. For about 2 years I researched and tried just about every product on the market different product and DIY remedy I could, but nothing would get rid of those lines. Nothing.

After finally getting sick of comments about me looking mad, tired, or sad I decided to make an appointment with a local medical aesthetic clinic to find out my options. I met with the doctor there (a licensed MD) and she recommended that I stop with all of the expensive creams that haven’t been working and just go straight to Botox.

I was very clear that I wanted to avoid the “frozen face” look so we just went with 20 units between my eyebrows, which was injected as one in the middle and two on each side. I need to point out here that I am terrified of needles and suffer from a vaso vagel response every time I am near one (basically passing out). These needles were SO tiny that all I felt was a small pinch and then it was over. The entire appointment took around 10 minutes. I was surprised at how easy it was!

As for side effects, I had a little tenderness around the injection site for about a day or two but that was it. No additional pain, no bruising, not even a headache.

The doctor said it would take 3-7 days to start noticing the effects of the Botox, and for me it was closer to 7 to get the full effect, I think because my lines were so deep. After about 10 days the lines pretty much disappeared. My face is definitely not frozen, I can still frown but the lines are nowhere near as prominent as before and they don’t stay there. My skin also looks so much smoother. No one has noticed that I got anything done but people have said that I look happy and refreshed! Ha, I don’t feel it but nice to know I can at least fake looking it.

So, as much as I love how Botox has made my face look, it’s actually how I feel that will make me into a repeat customer. For the past few years I have been waking up every day with a tension headache and more often than not, I have had to take medication for it. Since the Botox, these headaches have reduced to almost never and I haven’t had to take one single pain pill. This is so huge for me!

My treatment cost $220 (Canadian) and she said I will need to redo it about every 3 months. I actually just went back for my second treatment right at the 12 week mark because the headaches started to return. I’m one week post treatment and again, no side effects, and the headaches are completely gone.

Now for the pictures! On a side note, does anyone else just hate how they look in pictures or is that just me?!

Before Botox. Relaxed face, no filter.

After Botox. Relaxed face, no filter (but great lighting!) It’s definitely difficult to ignore the difference a tiny bit of Botox has made!

Does anyone else unapologetically get any cosmetic procedures and want to share?

-SS

Disclaimer: In this post I am sharing my personal experience with Botox. I would never recommend for someone to get any kind of cosmetic or medical procedures without consulting with a licensed medical professional first.