AUGUST FAVOURITES

I can't believe August is over! Where did the Summer go? The only great thing about August coming to an end is that I can finally reveal my monthly favourites! I'm so excited about these products. I've purchased all these items and just love them so, obviously, I have to share with you all. There is one "Lust" item that made the list! Get ready cause I've been loving a lot of things this month!




EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream

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This non - foaming, 24 hr moisturizing shaving cream is my new holy grail! I'm very prone to red bumps after shaving or waxing and I didn't experience the bumps with this product. It's probably because it's loaded with natural conditioning oils and Shea butter! It left my legs feeling so moisturized that I could have done without applying any lotion, it's that hydrating!You can use this product wet or dry. The best part is this shaving cream is made from recycled plastic so it won't leave a rust ring in your shower. You can choose from Vanilla Bliss ( my fave), Pomegranate or Lavender Jasmine. 

LORAC - 3D Liquid Lustre Top Coat

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I'm always looking for new products that add Oomph! to the eyes. I have a lot of glitters and pigments, but I wanted something different. I read in Allure magazine that this product was the new "Must Have "for the Summer/Fall so of course I had to have it :). These 3D lustre top coat add intensity, shine and sparkle to any eyeshadow look. They can be applied as a top coat for your eyeshadow but also can be worn alone. I like to wear a nude eyeshadow look and add the top coat over it to get a more dramatic day time look without looking overdone. I just love it. I know I'll get further use out of them come holiday party season. The only downside with Lorac products is that they only ship within the U.S and Sephora no longer carries their products in Canada. I was fortunate and had a U.S. address which I used to get these babies. 

Korres Lip Butter

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I'm a huge fan of lip balms and have them scattered everywhere in my home and office space.  I bought this lip butter from Sephora, where it's exclusively sold. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. The staying power of this product is on average to any other tinted balm I've tried, so about an hour, but what I really LOVED about this product was that my lips really felt moisturized and stayed hydrated for a couple of hours even after the tint wore off. This to me is worth the $12 price tag. This product has a thicker consistency so I like to apply it with a lip brush but you can use your fingers of course. I like to layer my application so I wear a neutral lip color like M.A.C blankety or creme cup and add the Korres lip butter on top. I love the shine it gives off. The only drawback about this product is the packaging. It's a bit flimsy and I would have preferred the product in a tube as it's more sanitary. I initially picked up pomegranate but now have all 4 colors. 

Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radian Lotion

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I've been using the Vaseline Cocoa Radiant lotion for a few years now. The packaging has changed, but it still has the same great formula. This lotion is super creamy, super hydrating, thick and non- sticky. It's everything you need in a drugstore moisturizing body lotion. If you're not using it, your  missing out! Your skin will thank you. Yeah... it smells like Cocoa and it smells DEVINE!

L.A. Girl USA HD Pro Concealer

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If you watch Youtube makeup tutorials, you'll notice a lot of beauty gurus use these HD PRO Conceal tubes for highlighting and contouring. I was really intrigued so I ordered them to try them out first hand. I ordered creamy natural, beige, and bronze. I was somewhat impressed...let me explain. The formula is good, but doesn't compare to my NARS or Benefit concealers when it comes to concealing dark circles. If you use them to conceal imperfections or dark circles, I recommend using a corrector first before applying this concealer. If you use these conceal tubes for the sole purpose of highlighting and contouring ( H&C) then you have a definite winner! They are very compact and obviously portable making them so convenient to throw in your makeup bag or in my case, my kit. I used them on almost everyone I worked on this summer to give a light highlight and contour and the result was flawless. I still used my Anastasia of Beverly Hills contour powder palette over the PRO Conceal to ensure the H&C didn't budge. I'm so happy I ordered them. I definitely will be ordering other shades. If your new to the whole highlighting and contouring game definitely give this product a try. At $5.00 US  you can't go wrong.

Morphe M438 Pointed Contour Brush

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I ordered this Morphe contour brush without any expectations. I just wanted to know what all the hype was about. Let's just say my only regret is not ordering more brushes at the same time! This contour brush is AMAZING. It's super soft and versatile as it can be used for contouring but also for applying setting powder under your eyes, blush on cheekbones and bronzer all over. It's angled so it's very precise at applying product exactly where it needs to go. I paid $10.00 US. I would compare the quality of the quality of this brush to my Sigma F25. I love this brush as well but I paid over $30 US for it. I definitely will be ordering a few more Morphe brushes.

e.l.f Studio Stipple Brush

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I paid $1.99 for this synthetic brush from Winners. It was on clearance. It's my go to foundation brush in my own personal makeup bag. I love it. You can buy it online for $3.00. You will use it over and over again as it's super light and the bristles will not scratch your face like other cheaper priced brushes. The bristles are very soft and it evenly distributes my foundation on my skin. I'm not naive, I know this brush will shed at some point but my Chanel brush also shed for the first time last week. No biggie because at $1.99 or $3.00 I can buy another one and not feel guilty

www.papyrusonline.com

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I have a slight obsession with stationary! I own a few boxes of unused greeting cards and more than normal amounts of unused notebooks. I have no intent in mailing these cards out or writing in these notebooks. They're so pretty so I collect them. Papyrus is a beautiful site and I shop from this site often. Papyrus.com offers a broad range of contemporary greeting cards, stationary , gifts and gift wrapping materials. They offer you the option to personalise any item. The notebooks are my favourite, especially the Kate Spade collection. I love how elegant they look on my home office desk. Just love it!!! 

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

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This is my 2nd time reading this book and I, most likely, will read it a 3rd time. I spent a good portion of my "glamping" trip this summer reading it. What a beautiful story about friendship, exile , separation and an everlasting love for ones home country. It's a beautifully written novel that is cherished by many. I highly recommend this book as you will forever feel changed after reading it.

NIKE SportWatch  + GPS GOLD LIMITED EDITION

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I know this isn't makeup or beauty related, but this gadget is a must for anyone wanting to set fitness goals this fall. This baby right here is at the top of my birthday list! Not only is it functional (tracks calories burnt, goals, pace and has GPS) but it looks really cool on and almost futuristic. Yes, I''m a gadget junkie and this baby here is coming home with me soon.


Talk soon,
Maha

**STAY TUNED FOR MY NYX PRODUCT REVIEW **

DIY After Sun Care Body Butter

Hi Beauties,

I hope you're all enjoying the last few weeks of summer! I know technically the last day of summer is the 23rd of September, but my kids go back to school in 2 weeks so for us summer ends then!
So far we've had a kick ass summer. Lots of outdoor activities, water parks, and picnics :) We've been outside so much that I actually developed my first sunburn in years. Ouch! My olive skin usually tans but this year I burnt!




So, of course, I headed straight to the kitchen to create a very simple and refreshing concoction to sooth my burnt skin. I found this recipe online a few years back and I've used it on myself and my family whenever we've had too much sun and our skin needed some TLC. This recipe is loaded with powerhouse ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E. These all carry a high dosage of antioxidant properties. This body butter will not only treat your sunburn but also help with other skin ailments you may be experiencing ( dry, acne prone, aging). Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and is used to soothe burnt skin instantly. Coconut oil is the holy grail of skin care repair! It's loaded with antioxidants so I slather CO on my face, body and hair before bed every night! Its moisturizing and seeps into your skin follicles quickly so you reap the benefits of CO faster. Vitamin E oil is used in many skin care lines to block free radicals from the body (bonus!) but here we are using it mostly for its anti-inflammatory benefits which help to calm and hydrate sensitive skin. You can also add essential oils to this recipe and it's your preference on what scent you would like to add. I personally love to use citrus oils. I just love smelling like a citrus fruit :). Go ahead and try this recipe and tell me what you think in the comments below :)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp Shea Butter
• 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 3 Tbsp Aloe Vera
• 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (OR Olive, Jajoba or Almond Oil)
• 10-15 Drops of Essential oils of choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler. You can create this by putting the ingredients in a small, glass jar and then placing the jar in a pan of simmering water.
2. Remove from heat once melted and let the mixture cool until it's opaque (to speed this is you can put it in the fridge, but don't let it become solid.)
3. Next, add the remaining ingredients and the coconut/shea mix to a stand mixer bowl, and whip until ingredients are well combined, and the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5-10 minutes.) It's finished when the body butter can stick to a spoon when held upsidedown.
4. Transfer to an a small container or jar and store in a cool place.

( p.s. I dont' recall the source from which I found the recipe)

talk soon,
Maha

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE : TOP BEAUTY PICKS

Hi Beauties,

Since Nordstrom opened it's doors in Ottawa back in March, I found the city got a bit more stylish! Who can resist the exquisite clothing, shoes, accessories and of course beauty products. Currently the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is underway online and in store. I wanted to share with you my top beauty picks from the Anniversary sale. If you picked anything up from the Sale, please share by leaving a comment below!




P.S Click on image title to learn more!

AVEDA Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil

I have been using this oil on my curly hair for quite awhile now. After applying the oil and leaving my hair down to air dry, I see the difference it makes on my curls. They look and feel hydrated!  This moisturizing oil is silicone free and its intent is to add tons of moisture to you hair. Trust me it does!

T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand

"One tool.3 barrels. Endless styling possibilities"is how T3 describes this product. It has a 1" straight barrel for spiral curls, 1 1/4"-3/4" tapered barrel for beachy waves, and 1 1/2" straight barrel for glamour waves.  I have had my hair styled with this product and it's amazing. If you have owned any T3 styling tool then you know they are very high quality tools and are non damaging to your hair. They are easy to use and the curls last all night and into the next day. 

MAC "Nordstrom Naturals" EyeShadow Palette (Nordstrom Exclusive)

This palette is exclusive to Nordstrom and includes 15 best selling MAC eyeshadows. MAC is recognized for having some of the best eyeshadows on the market. If your looking for a natural or neutral palette, this would be great investment as the colours are highly pigmented and long wearing. The price point on this palette is outstanding for 15 MAC shadows!

"Creme de Corps" Home & Away Duo

This is another Nordstrom excluisive. This popular moisturizing duo comes with one 33.8 oz. bottle ( that's a lot of lotion!) and one 2.5 oz bottle.  This lotion is extremely moisturizing and non greasy. Your skin will feel hydrated all day long and is best to be used on very dry skin.

Evian Facial Water Spray (Set of 3)

I've blogged about facial sprays before and I use them often on me and on clients. It is a must in my daily skin care routine as I tend to have dry skin and these type of sprays nourish my skin quickly. Nordstrom sells this highly purified natural spray in a set of 3. This facial spray relieves dry skin quickly and can be used to set your makeup. Dual purpose product! Love it! Nordstrom sells this high quality facial spray in a pack of 3 therefore giving you a price break!

Bobbi Brown ' Secret to Standout Eyes" Set

This is another Nordstrom Exclusive palette. Bobbi Brown created the perfect palette to take you from day to night! It includes 12 shadows, full size eye mascara, full size black gel liner ( my favourite!), mini ultra fine eyeliner brush and 1 hydrating eye cream packet. 

MAC 'Look in a Box' Advanced Travel Brush Set

This brush kit contains 6 best selling MAC brushes and is exclusive to Nordstrom. It's the perfect brush set to pack for a weekend away! 

My favourite brush in the set is the 168SE large angled 

       contour brush!

Maha :)