Friday 31 August 2012

Labor Day


Labor day signals the end of summer, and rewards us with a three day holiday. Although it’s not actually considered a consumer holiday, it has bigger and better bargains than Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. So if you’re planning on spending some (more like all) of your long weekend shopping, here are some great deals to check out. Happy shopping!
American Eagle:
  •  30% off + free shipping on all online orders
Anne Klein:
  •  25% off all online orders
Armani Exchange:
  • Extra 40% off sale items + free shipping on orders over $100.
Bath and Body Works:
  • Take 20% off your order with code ADBBWAUG
  • Take 30% off orders of $30 or more with code F126497
Bloomingdales:
  • Hello big brown bag sale! 40% off shoes, handbags, dresses, and coats.
Bluefly:
  • Up to 80% off + free shipping.
Cole Haan:
  • Up to 60% off selected items
Diane Von Furstenburg:
  •  30% off pre-fall styles by using code SURPRISE at checkout
Lord & Taylor:
  •  20% off regular items or 25% off clearance items with code LDAY
  • Additional 10% off above code by using the code LDAYPLUS
Macys:
  •  Extra 25% off online clearance items.
  •  15% off + free shipping for online orders over $99
Moschino:
  •  Up to 60% off shoes, apparel, and accessories
Shoe Dazzle:
  • Buy 2 or more to get $10 off each item.
Tillys:
  • 30%-50% off clearance items.
 

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Coloured Tips!

Badgley Mischka, Bill Blass, The Blonds, Chanel, Donna Karan, Joy Cioci, Ruffian, and Thakoon are all modeling this gorgeous look for fall.
A hot, new nail trend, dominating the runways, is a modern twist on the classic French manicure. The only rule: no white tips! Try experimenting with different combinations of base and tip colours. I love the look of silver or gold tips, paired with a dark base. It reminds me of jewelry for your nails!
I love having fabulous nails, but I hate the thought of spending so much money and time at a salon. Last time I went for a French manicure, I ended up leaving with eyelash extensions, an eyebrow tint, a bellybutton piercing, and no money. Whew- talk about a staff that’s great at their job. Getting pampered is fun, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, keep reading! Here’s how to get this look at home. 

 After waiting for the base to dry, paint the tips your desired colour. Don’t have a steady hand? Use pieces of tape to mark off the tips, and then polish the uncovered area.Using a stencil creates a crisp line, free of mistakes. Carefully peel off the tape, and apply a top-coat to seal in your masterpiece. Once dried, clean up your cuticles with a polish remover pen (I love Sally Hansen Quick Care Clean-up for Manicures).
*Tip: For a half-moon arc, cut the tape to follow the natural curve of your nail.


Monday 27 August 2012

Chemical Peels

 

 
Chemical peeling is a treatment, used to improve the skin’s texture and appearance. A chemical solution is applied that penetrates the top layer of skin, causing it to dissolve. The new, revitalized skin will be smoother, softer, with reduced wrinkles.
Chemical peels are effective in treating hyperpigmentation including sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles. It can also be used to treat acne, clogged pores, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles. New lesions are less likely to surface after a chemical peel. Results will differ depending on the type of acid used.

Salicylic Acid:

A salicylic acid peel breaks down protein bonds, and acts as an anti-inflammatory to immediately reduce breakouts. It unclogs congested pores, lifts out blackheads, evens out skin tone while preventing future impurities. Since it exfoliates the skins surface, and deep inside pores it also reduces wrinkles and fine lines. I would recommend this peel for people with oily or acne prone skin.

Glycolic Acid:

Glycolic acid stimulates the production of collagen, a protein helps tighten and structure the skin. Once dead cells are removed, your skin is left with a rejuvenated, smooth, vibrant-looking glow. It is ideal for treating minor hyperpigmentation, dry areas, fine lines, and acne. I would recommend this people for people with dry, dehydrated, or acne prone skin.

Kojic Acid:

Kojic acid is a naturally occurring bleaching agent. It reduces hyperpigmentation, evens out skin tone, and brightens skin. It is typically used in combination with another type of peel. I would recommend this for those looking to treat hyperpigmentation or melasma.

Lactic Acid:

Lactic acid helps our skin to naturally moisturize itself. Lactic acid’s ability to draw moisture out to the surface of the skin makes it ideal for dehydrated or aging skin. As lactic acid is composed of larger molecules, it is much gentler than other peels. I would recommend this for sensitive, dehydrated, and mature skin. However, it is also great for the treatment of rosacea.

 

August Giveaway

...Because the Best Price is Free

E.L.F essential professional complete set of 12 brushes!

'Like' my page to be automatically entered!
Winner will be announced on September 15th. 
    Set includes:
  • Concealer Brush
  • Blush/Bronzer Brush
  • Foundation Brush
  • Blending Eye Brush
  • Smudge Eye Sponge
  • Eye Liner Brush
  • Total Face Brush
  • Defining Eye Brush
  • Eyelash & Brow Wand
  • Lip Defining Brush
  • Brow Comb & Brush
  • Eye Shadow Brush

August Favourites

Soap and Glory's Scrub, Actually

A sugar based, abrasive scrub that leaves your skin feeling so clean and fresh! I love everything about this product. It gives your skin a warming sensation, as it digs the impurities out from your pores. I've used other Soap and Glory products in the past, and have noticed they all have a signature scent. Which is why I was so surprised when I smelled this. It smells like strawberry Starbursts! The only drawback is that the fragrance only lasts for a few hours, and I wish I could constantly smell like this! It costs $16.50 for 200ml, but a little goes a long way, you are definitely getting what you pay for.

Pink Nouveau by MAC

Pink Nouveau by MAC is my go-to, staple lipstick. It's a true bubblegum pink that makes me feel like Barbie. It's intense and bold without being overwhelming, or dramatic. Totally wearable.The satin finish gives it a creamy, smooth texture. It's blue-based, but would look good on any skin type, warm or cool, and any hair colour. Pink Nouveau is highly pigmented, and lasts without fading for a few hours. The only drawback to this product is that it can be drying, but it's nothing that exfoliation/ lip balm prior to use can't solve!

  Sweet Soak's Cotton Candy Epsom Salt

Lately, I've been getting aches and pains in my back, so I started taking Epsom salt baths. Nothing works like Epsom salt does. Amazingly enough, while shopping at Winners I stumbled upon cotton candy Epsom salt! Yum! It smells so good, and makes my bath water a bright blue. My skin feels so soft after taking a bath, like a baby's! 

 Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub  

An exfoliant that gently buffs skin, and then uses botanicals to soothe the skin afterwards, all in one! I have combination skin, so finding an exfoliant that actually works for me was a challenge. I find that they are usually too abrasive (working nicely on my t-zone but leaving my cheeks dry, sore and red), or not abrasive enough (working properly on my cheeks but leaving my t-zone feeling oily and still dirty). Skin prep scrub is my happy medium, and by far the most effective exfoliant I've ever used. It removes my impurities, drawing out excessive oil, without drying up my skin. This is the perfect new addition to my skin care routine, it leaves my skin soft and glowing.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

This is the best product for acne. If I could give it three thumbs up, I would. I never imagined a product would be able to deliver results as soon as you use it. It's great for oily skin, skin that gets congested, or just clearing up impurities. It doesn't irritate or dry my skin, and still gives amazing results.

Luminess Air

I've used different kinds of airbrushing makeup, and I currently own two different compressors. Luminess air is a great product for those who are experienced in airbrushing, as well as beginners. You definitely do not need an airbrushing machine to achieve flawless foundation. I just prefer it as it doesn't 'cake up' like other makeup and doesn't clog your pores. It also lasts a long time, I have worn it for 12 hours with a single application and felt no need to touch-up or reapply.