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 :)

July Favourites

Hi Lovlies

Here are a few products I picked up this month!

1. H&M Short Coat

This is more for Fall wear rather than Summer but I had to order it before they sold out! I ordered this item online and was shipped in 2 days! You can wear this short coat for a casual day or dress it up for a night out. I might order this in white as well. I love it that much!

2. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

When I don't have time at night for my regular skin routine, I use this cleansing oil as I find it really gets all the dirt and whatever makeup is left over on my face. This is not a makeup remover so makes sure to remove the majority of you make with a wipe prior to using this cleansing oil. I add a bit onto a cotton pad and smooth it all over my face and then wash it off. My skin feels very soft and not greasy. It does a great job cleaning my skin.

3. Makeup Forever Double Ended Sculpting Brush

I already own this brush, but I picked it up for a friend this month. I love the bristles on this brush and everyone I use it on loves how it feels against their skin. I use it to apply powder, blush , bronzer and highlight. It's multipurpose so you defiantly get your moneys worth!

4. Allure Magazine - Salma Hayek

I don't usually pick up magazines as I have no time to read them, but when I saw one of my favourite petite actresses on the cover I just had to snatch it up! I adore Salma Hayek, and no, not just because she's Lebanese! I think she's a great combination of charm and beauty! She exudes natural elegance and is a good humanitarian. BTW her beauty tips are worth a read!

5. Michael Kors Shoes

I bought these shoes at Winners. I needed a pair of work shoes and these definitely fit the bill!. The heel is not high, but gives a bit of a lift and won't hurt me after wearing them all day. I don't believe these shoes are sold at the Michael Kors store any longer :(

6. Fresh Eau de Parfum - Sugar and Lemon

I saw this at Sephora, sprayed it on and came back the next day to purchase it. It lasted the whole day!! I had so many compliments that I smelled so "Fresh" and "Light" that I had to add it to my large collection. I've been wearing it everyday now and don't see myself getting tired of it anytime soon! I did only purchase the .34 oz rollerball bottle, but will most likely order the full size bottle soon.

7. Stella and Dot Malta Bib Statement Necklace

I have been waiting for this necklace to go on sale all Summer long! I was worried that it wouldn't look as lovely in person but I was wrong. It really does :) This statement necklace is a mixture of metal, stone and genuine turquoise and is hand crafted. I wore it over a bright white tank with jeans and it definitely was a statement piece and pulled my whole outfit together. So happy with my purchase!

8. Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme Eyeshadow

I worked on a beautiful bride this past weekend that wanted a very bright, shimmery golden Arabian style makeup done for her wedding. I was on the hunt for the perfect gold base/eyeshadow. After looking at Chanel, MAC and MUF, I discovered it at the Lise Watier counter at Shoppers. I loved the pigmentation, creamy texture of the product and how easy it was to apply on the eyelid. This product is similar to Maybelline tattoos but for a special event I would splurge on these creamy eyeshadows. You will not be disappointed! I purchased the colour Wonderland but will be going back to pick up Sunrise peach and Magie Blanche! Love them!

xoxo
Maha 

ON THE HUNT FOR (OTHF): Day Bag

Hi Lovlies!

I have a dilemma.  I need your help! 

You, my loyal blog followers, will decide on my next day bag! I've been on the hunt for an everyday bag for about 2 months now. To be honest I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the choices, however, I found 4 bags that pretty much fit all my criteria ( perfect for everyday use, large, lightweight, classic, sturdy, easy to clean, and affordable). The most important criteria will have to be size. I usually carry around a sippy cup, a small toy, a pull-up, my wallet, keys and of course a small makeup bag. Being a mom of 3 I carry odd things!

I'm not limiting myself to these 4 bags, as I know there is so much variety out there and I can't possible research them all! That's why I'm introducing the "On The Hunt For (OTHF) " segment to the blog. You ladies out there have amazing recommendations on different products, clothing and decor so I thought why not tap into that! I'll be decorating my house soon as well as revamping my wardrobe so I hope the OTHF segment will inspire you to share what items you love in your life and would recommend for others! So be on the look out for more OTHF posts!



Here are my choices : 

1. Mark &Graham Everyday Leather Tote Bag

This bag can be monogrammed! The leather is really soft and is very roomy! 

2. Le Pilage Longchamp Tote

This bag definitely is a classic. It's very easy to clean, light and can fold into notebook size and be put away. Favourite of mine so far!

3. Free People Slouchy Vegan Tote 

This tote is large enough to carry a laptop. It comes with a long removable strap and a coin purse( bonus!). It's made out of 100% Vegan Leather. 

4. French Connection "Buckle Up" Backpack

This is a surprising large and structured backpack. It has 3 interior zipper compartments as well as adjustable straps. It's a bit on the trendy side but can be dressed up. 

Now it's your chance to comment on what bag from the list you like or if you have another suggestion, let's hear it!!

Have a great day!

Skin Saving DIY Facial Mask

Hi Beauties,

I've been so upset lately at how my skin has looked the past few weeks. I don't remember when my last facial or exfoliating treatment was. I've noticed more blackheads around my chin and nose area, dull complexion and of course the dreaded acne around my T-zone...gross! Not sure if it's because of the heat or stress!



So began my mission to find something to save my skin! As I'm trying to live a more wholesome lifestyle, I decided to forgo the chemically induced facial treatments and opt for a more holistic approach to my skin problem. I decided to make my own facial mask. Yes, I've become a DIY'er! Masks are great to use once or twice a week, depending on your skin, to deep clean and re-hydrate your skin! I researched a lot of masks online until I found one that not only benefits my skin in many ways (skin brightener, acne reduction, pore diminishing) but also uses wholesome ingredients. This one is by far the most effective and now my "GO-TO " weekly mask:

COCONUT OIL + HONEY + LEMON 

Organic Coconut Oil is naturally rich in antioxidants. It helps eliminate dry cells, clears acne, unclogs pores, promotes skin elasticity, and helps hydrate the skin even after washing it off as it penetrates deep into the skin cells! 

Raw Honey is used to hydrate and moisturise the skin, fades acne scars/blemishes, and exfoliates skin cells when combined with other oils such as coconut or olive. 

Lemon Juice acts as a natural astringent and is amazing at killing bacteria that causes acne. 

These ingredients combined together make a powerhouse mask that costs less than .75 cents a batch!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 2 teaspoons raw honey

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

1 Combine the above ingredients thoroughly in a small mixing bowl.

2 Apply a thick coat of the mixture onto your clean face.

3 Allow the mixture to sink in for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

(via Healthmunsta)

Too easy right ? It's been 2 weeks since I made my first batch of this miracle mask and I LOVE IT! My skin looks dewy (not oily), hydrated, and my acne diminished in 2 days! I didn't wear makeup today, just moisturiser, and I had a natural glow to my skin that I hadn't seen in a long time! So happy I came across this skin saving mask!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Maha

EYELINER 101!

Every makeup bag needs a good black eyeliner to help create that perfect cat eye look! It's no secret how much I love my eyeliner, but it seems I'm on a never ending quest to find the best black eyeliner out there. It's been a long 15 years but I think I got it! Actually, because I'm a self proclaimed makeup junkie I couldn't narrow it down to just 1 so I had to list my top 9. I have all these eyeliners in my makeup bag ( no joke!)  and I use them quite a bit. I reach for my gel or liquid liners when I want an extra bold look.  For a soft smokey eye I opt for a pencil liner instead. Regardless of the type of liner I use they all have to be long wearing, smudge proof, easy to apply and of course black.

1. This is my most used gel liner. I use a MAC 266 or 263 brush to apply it .The consistency of the 
gel is great and it last all day.Gel liners require a bit of practise to achieve the perfect line but this smooth gel formula definitely makes it a lot easier. Fluidline is a cult favourite.    MAC Fluidline 

2. I love the fine tip on this liquid pencil. It's great for precise application around the eyes. The tip glides very easily and this liquid pencil never smudges. EVER! Stila Stay All Day waterproof eyeliner

3. Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner multiple times. Extremely smooth gel formula. Great staying power all day and night. My favourite gel liner to use on clients because I can guarantee them this gel liner will not budge. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner

4. This is a great drugstore gel liner! The formula has changed in the past year or so for the best.It's so easy to apply and it dries quickly so you don't have to wait for it to dry before putting on falsies or mascara. I love that this gel liner comes with it's own brush! I recommend this gel liner for any beginners to eyeliner. Maybelline Lasting Drama by Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner

5. I use The Curve when I'm rushing out the door and can't deal with brushes at that moment. I really like the very skinny tip so you can use it for precision work around the eyes and you always get a sharp clean line. The Curve offers excellent colour payoff and is very quick drying. This is another great drugstore product. NYX The Curve Liner

6. Totalbeauty.com named the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes liner best Kohl Pencil. According to their readers "this drugstore brand stands up to other high-end products". This liner has a very smooth and creamy consistently so it applies very effortlessly. I noticed the staying power of this liner in my waterline on a very humid day; no smudging or running of the product.  Pencil liners are the most commonly used eye liners mostly because their easy to use.  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl


7. This is my go-to liner for any dramatic eye look (think Arabic style). I love the colour payoff on this gel liner and it's one of the smoothest and creamiest formulas on the market. Make UP FOR EVER Aqua 

8. I've been using this liquid liner for for over 10 years now. The short handle is great for precision work around the eyes, the liquid glides on easily and drys quickly. One of the best products Revlon has ever produced.  Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

9. The cheapest blackest drugstore liquid liner on the market . The liquid formula is out of this world. It's really creamy so applying it is effortless. I would highly recommend using this liner to practise if your new to liquid liners. It has a short handle for accurate applications. Great all around product. NYC New York Color Liquid Eyeliner

If you think you found the best BLACK eyeliner , leave a comment below!

8 Essential Brushes

Let's talk brushes!

You can buy the most expensive makeup on the market, but if you don't have the proper tools to apply that makeup, it's useless. Makeup brushes are the most important product in your makeup collection.  Since there are so many out there I've compiled a list of 8 Essential Makeup Brushes that you need to have in your makeup bag right now!

Real Techniques Powder Brush

This brush is used to dust powder on your face. Using a brush to apply powder vs using a puff will save you a lot of product and you'll achieve a more natural look. The brush has synthetic bristles, is hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free. I like that it's a fluffy brush and allows for even distribution of the product on to the face.  I really love this RT brush. I would say I'm kind of a super fan. I own all of the RT brushes and use them often. Makeup artists and YouTube stars Samantha and Nicola Chapman, also known as PixiWoo, are behind the successful line ( they're sisters as well)! The best part is this is such a high quality brush and it only costs $15. Another brush I recommend and I'm sure a lot of you have seen this brush before is the MAC 134 brush, $63. 

Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

This brush can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. The F80 brush doesn't absorb product due to it's soft but dense bristles. I personally like to use this brush to apply cream foundation. I can build the coverage up without any streaking on my face . I prefer to pat the foundation onto my skin first and then in a buffing motion distribute the product all over. This brush allows me to do this effortlessly and leaves me with airbrushed smooth finish, $30 CAD. Another foundation brush that I find works really well with liquid or cream foundation is BareMineral Buffing Brush, $35.

Makeup Forever Large Foundation Brush

I use this brush in the morning when I'm in a hurry to get out the door. Because of the large flat fibre bristles I'm able to cover more space quickly but still achieve an even and flawless coat of liquid foundation. Some flat foundation brushes will give you a "streaky" look when you're working quickly but I haven't experienced any streaks with this brush. I use MUF large foundation brush mostly with liquid foundation, $41. A budget-friendly foundation brush is the Sigma F60, $26.

Real Techniques Blush Brush

Another RT brush! This blush brush ( say that 10 times fast! ) is very soft and picks up the perfect amount of blush. I love the cut of the brush as it sits really nicely on your cheeks and allows for a smooth application with one swipe. I've washed this brush a few times and it didn't shed and dried very quickly. This RT blush brush gets the job done, $11.14. An alternate blush brush that I also enjoy using is the MAC 116 Blush Brush, $42.

Sephora Pro Bronzer Brush

This is a great versatile brush. It can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation as well as bronzer. The synthetic bristles are soft yet dense enough to give you a smooth and natural glow. I love this brush so much that I'm not quite sure what I was using before the Sephora Pro Bronzer, $45.

Sephora Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush

This is my new favourite concealer brush. My sis-in law introduced me to it  ( Hi Foots!!). I have been in love with it since the first use. I use it to colour correct or conceal under eye dark circles or redness. The short synthetic bristles are great for buffing the concealer onto the skin and you can build up the coverage from light to heavy. The only downside to this brush is the long handle. Besides that, I highly recommend the Sephora Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush, $30. Another great concealer brush is the MAC 266 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending Brush, $38.50. This brush is marketed as eyeshadow blending brush but trust me you can use it as a concealer brush as well!

MAC 217 Blending Brush

This was the very first brush I ever bought! In the past 15 years, I've owned 2 of these brushes. Yes , if taken care of properly this brush will last a long time! This brush is superb for blending several cream or powder eye shadows together on the crease but can also be used to apply and shade shadows. Because of it's versatility and longevity the MAC 217 brush is worth the investment, $28.50.

MAC 263 Small Angle Brush

This is the only brush I've ever used for eyeliner. It's always worked for me so I never needed a reason to look for a comparable brush. I use it with Makeup Forever gel eyeliner. The synthetic fibres are very firm so you're almost guaranteed a perfect wing every time and the angle on the brush let's you experiment easily with different wing shapes. To save on costs I also use this brush to fill in my eyebrows. It works beautifully with any eyebrow powder product. For its versatility and ease of use I would recommend picking up the MAC 263 Angle Brush, $20.

Leave me a comment below if there is a brush that you have in you collection and cannot live without! 

Hi Beauties

I hope you're all doing great! Sorry I've been MIA for a little bit on the blog. I have been so busy with the kids, school activities and soccer! School is coming to an end in 2 days......YAY!!!! I think I'm more excited than the kids. Who else needs a break from making lunches in the morning and getting homework done in a reasonable time ? All that to say .... I hope I'll be contributing more to my blog.




I was really bad this weekend and went on a makeup shopping spree ( I'll do a post about what I bought later this week ) ! I left Sephora feeling well ... a bit ashamed of my self ( not really! ) but I knew that spending this much money on makeup was just ridiculous but I still did. That got me thinking;  I have so many dupes in my makeup kit that I use on clients and on myself, why not share them with you all!  I mean everyone likes to save money right ? So here is my first Splurge vs Save  list on my blog. This isn't my complete list but these are some "Save "items that I've tried and I feel are very comparable to their "Splurge" item . Don't  get me wrong  I love my Name Brand items but sometimes a girls gotta save for a rainy day! You know what I mean?  :) If you have any dupes of your own, leave me a comment below. I'm always on the look out for new dupe to try out.

Side note: For those who are new to beauty blogs, a dupe is short for duplicate and it's used in the beauty world to describe a cheaper copy of a high end item.

Splurge 
DIOR Foundation
CHANEL MÉDITERRANÉE LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR
MAC Fix +
Studio Mac Tech
MAC Angel Lipstick
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner
MAC #34 lashes
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Clinique All About Eyes Serum

Save
No 7 BOOTS Foundation
Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish
E.L.F. Mist Spray
NYX Stay MATTE not FLAT Powder Foundation
Revlon Super Lustrous Primrose Lipstick
Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner
Ardell #105 Lashes
Maybelline Rocket Express Mascara
Garnier De-puffer eye roller

Part 3: Summer Essentials - Hair

Hello!

I'm back with part 3 of my 3 part Summer essentials post. I hope you've enjoyed my posts so far. This time we're talking hair :)  Now, I'm not a hairdresser or hair guru by any means,  but I do know what I like for my hair. Here are 4 of my hair essentials that I always use and can't do without for the Summer months! Enjoy!

Hair Products

1. Bumble and bumble Surf Spray!

Hot summer days call for surfer babe waves! Ooh that's catchy  :)  Forget about the flat iron and blow outs this summer.  Think Giselle Bundchen beach wave look for Summer 2015!  Surf Spray is a salt infused styling spray which can be applied to dry or damp hair (I prefer damp) to give you the wavy beach look. It  adds volume and texture to your hair without weighing it down and its super easy to use. Apply the spray evenly to damp hair from root to ends,  then use a diffuser or hair dryer to dry your hair at the root.  You can leave your hair at this point or further enhance the waves by using a 1" curling iron. Once hair is lightly curled, run your fingers through your hair several times to loosen the curls completely, You can apply the Surf Spray again if you wish.

2. Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy

If you have frizzy, damaged, coloured or chemically processed hair then you're in need of some Oil hair treatment. Ojon is a company that no one in my circle of friends knew about until I started to rave about their products. I discovered this brand while watching the shopping network at 2 am. The company states that  " this oil will help nourish, repair and transform dull and damaged hair and give you  glossy healthy shine with only 1 drop". I have to admit, one drop doesn't do it for me. 2 drops is more then adequate for medium to long hair.  You will most definitely see a transformation from dull hair to healthy shine hair with 2 applications of Rare Blend Oil. These oils were cultivated from Tahiti to the Kalahari Desert. I use Rare Blend religiously after I wash my hair and before styling. Add 2 drops in your palm and apply it all over your hair. Style as usual. It makes my hair feel  soft and glossy without weighing it down. I like the fact that this Oil treatment doesn't have to be heated up or washed out of the hair.  Rare Belnd Oil and other Ojon products can be bought at Sephora and Ulta.

3. L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Color UV Protect Spray


The kids and I are always outside in the hot Summer days, so I was looking for something ( besides a hat) to protect my hair from sun damage. Now why should I care about sun protection for my hair you ask? Good question ! According to Good Housekeeping Magazine  "The sun affects hair just like it affects skin.The sun dehydrates hair, leaving it brittle and prone to split ends. It can also fade your hair, which is what makes your colour turn brassy". Ain't nobody got time for brassy hair!!." The L'Oreal EverPure UV protect spray provides SPF 25 protection. You can apply it to damp or dry hair. It's inexpensive and easy to use. This EverPure line also carries shampoo and conditioner with SPF protection as well.

4. Aveda Sun Care

Along with the L'Oreal Color UV protect spray, the Aveda sun care masque is another must have product if you are out in the sun too long . In my case,  I use this hair masque after I've been in chlorine water. Chlorine is very damaging to my curly coarse hair.  I apply the masque in the shower , leave it on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse it off. I notice my hair after every use just feels healthy, soft and shiny. The Sun Care masque is very creamy and smells divine!! It's infused with 100% certified organic essences of neroli, ylang ylang and cistus.  Just love it!

Thank you Beauties !!

I love hearing from my readers so please do post a comment or question. ! I love reading them and responding.

P.S.  I wanted to ensure that all my readers understood that I am in NO WAY paid for these reviews. I spend my own money to purchase these items and I choose to write an honest review. These are not sponsored posts.