Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask

For the last few year I have seen read blogs and seen videos featuring sheet masks. They are not very easily found in North America, but they seem to be huge in Asia. So when Garnier came out with their new Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask I was all over it!

I got mine at Shoppers Drug Mart. The price was around $20.00 for a box of six or $3.99 individually. I didn't want to splurge on the whole box until I tried them out, so I just picked up two individual masks.

The Claims

This product is said to help with dark spots (hence the name), dullness and uneven skin tone. It is supposed to be loaded with vitamin C and keep your skin intensely hydrated for 24 hours.

My Experience.

The masks themselves are VERY saturated with product- which is amazing. There is actually supposed to be half a bottle worth of product in each mask! I applied it on freshly cleansed skin and kept it on for about 15-20 minutes (the package suggests 10). After, the mask is not completely dry, but you can definately tell lots has been absorbed into the skin. I then simply massaged the remaining product into my skin. I even used the remainder on the sheet and rubbed it on the top of my hands!

My Results

My skin was VERY moisturized, plump and smooth afterwards. I've tried using the masks both at night before bed and in the morning before makeup. I like both ways, but I found I loved the way my makeup applied after using the mask. My skin felt and looked very plump and moisturized.

Final Verdict

I would definitely repurchase these masks again! Although, I do find them a wee bit pricey. The directions suggest using up to 3 times a week, but I think that might be a little too expensive. I think I will incorporate this into a once-a-week (maybe Sundays) beauty night.

Have you tried Garnier's new sheet masks? What about any other brands of sheet masks?

Lots of love,

xxx Jess

Revlon Nail Art Expressionist

It's Friday, I had a half day at the office and so of course I had the urge to swing by the drug store. I went to pick up the new Garnier Dark Spot Masks (Which I got- review coming soon!), but I always find myself wandering to the nail isle.

I was in the mood for some sparkle and this Revlon Nail Art Expressionist duo in 350 "Ulterior Motif" caught my eye (plus it was on sale!). As summer is coming to an end, I find myself leaning towards darker shades as summer slowly fades away (sigh). 

The base is a deep iridescent grey, not quite black, and the sparkles are a mixture of small and chunky pink sparkles. I had original planned on only using the sparkles for an accent nail, but I went sparkle craaazay and did them all.

Have you tried these polishes? I'm thinking of picking up a couple more shades!

Lots of love,

xx Jess

Review: Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9 and more!

It is rare that I come across a product that truly lives up to its hype. After trying so many products over the years and spending so much money, I've come to join the camp of, "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is."

Now, I have struggled with my skin from my late teens up until now in my mid twenties. In my early twenties I suffered from really bad cystic acne. I was prescribed accutane and thought I was on the road to beautiful skin. After Accutane my skin was beautiful, smooth and glowing. I was amazed! Then, about 1 year after I completed my treatment and my acne came back! Back to the doctor I went and was put on a second round of Accutane. My skin was perfect again, for about a year... and back it came.

Fast forward a few years and I still struggle with acne. Albeit, I rarely have the huge, painful cysts I once had, I have many white heads, black heads, clogged pores and just lumpy bumpy skin all over my face. I have found that this type of acne has been so much harder to treat and it's harder to cover with makeup because the skin's texture is so bumpy. I've tried dozens of products and I was fed up.

Enter Paula's Choice.

I recently stumbled across the Paula's Choice after doing some research about skin care, particularly BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), as I learned it's good at unclogging pores and dealing with white heads and black heads. But I still hesitant order.

Then I stumbled across a video from on of my all time favourite YouTube Beauty gurus, Wayne Goss (AKA gossmakeupartist on YouTube). I have always really trusted his opinions on products and skin care. He was raving about Paula's Choice and particularly a new product called Resist BHA 9 and how amazing it was for unclogging pores and dealing with breakouts and imperfections.

I ended up ordering Resist BHA 9, Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and Skin Recover Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol (which I use under my eyes).



After a couple of days I say immediate improvements in bumps and within about a week- noticable results. Even my boyfriend said something- and that says a lot!!

My skin care routine is not 100 times more simple, with less products, yet 100 times more effective!

Today I placed my second order with Paula's Choice and I am confident that it won't be my last!!

Have you tried any of Paula's Choice products? If so, what were they and what were your results? I'd love to hear!!

Lots of love,

Jess xxx

Simple DIY Statement Necklace

Hi ladies!

Just a quick post to show you my latest DIY venture: a knotted statement necklace. The turquoise fabric is actually from an old t-shirt and the chain is extra I had laying around from another project.

I love the way it came out and I can't wait to experiment with more colours, sizes and chains.

Lots of love,

Jess xoxox

Clean and pretty professional-looking manicure at home

Hi Ladies!

I am super excited because tomorrow I have a job interview for a position in my field. I have been job hunting for a few months now so I'm really happy. When on an interview or in a professional setting, it's important to keep your nails clean and professional looking. Not to long, no chips and maybe skip the crazy neon greens.

 

For my interview I chose a soft pale pink with a sheer white topcoat over top. The colours I chose are called "Blush Rose" from Joe Fresh (This may only be available in Canada) and on top is "Couture" by Seche Vite. 

I started by moisturizing my cuticles, pushing them back and filing my nails to the shape I like. I prefer a rounded square shape

 Next, I applied two coats of Blush Rose, letting each coat dry in between.

 I then finished off with the Seche Vite top coat and let my nails dry completely before doing anything with my hands. The last thing you want in an interview in smudged or chipped polish :/

What do you guys think? Are these nails interview appropriate?

Lots of love,

Jess xoxox

How to grow long and healthy hair fast

If your hair is anything like mine, you were not blessed with the magical long hair gene. I have girlfriends that will chop off their hair to their shoulders at Christmas and by Easter their hair seems to be magically at their belly button! An exaggeration? Yes- but not too far off base. I am one of the unlucky ones whose hair grows at a snails pace- but for the first time in a long time my hair seems somewhat longish, with the longest bits just at about nipple length. Am I finally part of this long-hair club that I've wanted in for years? YES! But the road here has been long and I've picked up a few tips and tricks a long the way. Here are just a few.

Skip the heat
I know this can be scary. There has been points in my life that I have been a slave to heat tools. Not a day would go by without passing a straightener through my hair... and boy did it show! My hair was dry and the ends were split and snarly. Dry, damaged ends will snap and break and take away any length you have achieved. I promise, the longer you go without heat and embrace your natural hair texture, the healthier your hair will look and the easier ditching the heat will be. Too many of us get caught in the viscous cycle wear our hair is so damaged, only heat styling will make it look good. So STOP NOW!

Rock your natural colour
I am a natural brunette but during university I took the leap and became a blonde- and I loved it! It brightened up my face and I got so many compliments. I kept the blonde for about four years. Although I had noticed by hair was growing much slower than usual and it wasn't shiny or healthy looking. To give my hair (and my bank account) a break I went back to my natural brown this past Christmas and my hair has been so much healthier since and has grown faster in the last five months than it has in a long time. Even my friends have noticed!

Get Dirty
Let you hair's natural oils do what they were meant to do- nourish and condition your hair. Stop washing your hair daily and stripping the natural oils. Start slow by washing every other day, then every third. Experiment with dry shampoos and cute hair styles. Your hair may seem greasy at first, but this will eventually diminish.

Condition, condition, condition
Find a deep conditioner that you love. Use it 1-2 times a week (more or less depending on your hair). The more moisturized your hair is, the less likely it will break, causing you to lose length.

Say 'so long' to sulfates
Shampoos with harsh chemicals and detergents strip your hair of moisture. They may feel luxurious and lather well in your hair, but it is doing much more harm than good. Use a sulfate free, and preferable natural shampoo. These are now widely available in drugstores. There is no excuse.

Find balance from within
Drink water, eat your veggies and get lots of protein. Not only will your hair thank you, so will your skin, nails and waist line!

These are just a few of my top tips. What are some of your favourite ways to take care of your locks?
Comment below!

Lots of love,
Jess xoxox

It's all about the CORAL! Four perfect coral shades for spring and summer

When I think of spring and summer lips one word comes to my mind: CORAL. I absolutely love shades of coral. It is a very wearable colour and compliments a wide variety of skin tones. Here is a list of some of my coral lipsticks that I have found myself reach for.

"Ravishing" by MAC
This is such a beautiful lip colour, perfect for any spring and summer look. It is a bright coral,so I like to wear it with a very neutral eye and soft cheeks. The finish is a creamsheen, so it is very moisturizing and won't give a gnarly dry lip look (I hate that!)

"Peach Parfait" #401 by L'Oreal Colour Riche
This colour is on the peachier side of the coral family (hence the name) and I love it. Of the four shades shown, this is the colour I wear most often. It is very wearable and flattering. In fact, it's so wearable I often feel ok applying it without a mirror. **Shock and horror!!* The L'Oreal Colour Riche line is so moisturizing and smooth, applying more like a lip balm than a lipstick. In. Love.

"Compelling Coral" #402 by L'Oreal Colour Riche
Also from the L'Oreal Colour Riche family, this is the darkest shade of the bunch. I like wearing this shade in the evening for a more dramatic punch while still staying springy. It is also so moisturizing!

"Blushing Coral" by Clinique
I have had this lipstick in my collection for years! It is so wearable and sheer. It is a barely-there kind of shade with a glossy and slightly shimmery finish. A great choice to throw in your purse or beach bag for the day. And like the L'Oreal shades, it is also very moisturizing!

What are some of your fav summer colours? I'm in the market for a new one! Comment below!

Lots of love,

Jess xoxo