This was just a regular look I did for a dinner in the middle of last week. I was using Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 13. Ah! I love this stuff. It's my go to foundation/primer! Although, it can be too light, so I mix it with my Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 04.

PRODUCT LIST

• Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 13
• Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 04
• theBalm Time Balm concealer in Light
• theBalm Balmbini Palette / I've used a little bit of everything except for the dark green
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in 010 Copper Girl 
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara sampler

Happy Holidays from Glymm!

Overall, this month's box was a little bit disappointing. I was hoping to receive some kind of...well...special treatment, and would see two full sized products. In this December's box, Glymm decided to include the AHAVA hand cream product, this is a brand that I keep seeing in Birchbox. It keeps appearing and re-appearing, and I hear many people are tired from receiving it. To my surprise, I really liked the mineral hand cream by AHAVA. Luckily, there was also a full sized product: Sula Beauty Natural Lip Gloss that retails at $8.

PRODUCT LIST:

• Caudalie / Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask / 3ml / gently dissolves dead skin cells
• Ahava / Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream / 20ml / Lightweight, yet nourishing
• Yves Saint Laurent / La Parisienne / 7.5ml / floral and feminine
• Sula Beauty / Natural Lip Gloss in Come Find Me / Full size at 2.69g / soothing
• Glymm $10 Gift Card to Glymm's Beauty Boutique

What kind of makeup do you wear to work? Bold or bare?

According to last month's Women's Health issue, somewhere in-between bold and bare is a makeup sweet spot that can help you advance your career.

Few interesting facts:

• Research shows that people are more comfortable with polished women than they are with naturally stunning
• If you pay attention to your clothes, accessories, hair, and makeup, you likely pay attention to details at work
• Put some effort in your makeup but don't go overboard
• Heavy makeup may suggest misplaced priorities
• Blush should be a natural looking pink or berry shade
• Opt for sheer lip stain or tinted lip balm. Lips that are too shiny say 'kiss me', and not 'hire' or 'promote' me
• Smoky eyes are repellent at work, so keep it pretty and simple
• Curl your lashes for an instant eye lift, then apply mascara

I've picked up this Shimmer Brick set for $29,  just 3-4 months ago while waiting for the bus. I saw it on sale, and couldn't say no. And the brush obviously made it worth my $29. This is my very first Bobbi Brown item, and I'm in love. It's great quality, quite impressive, and apparently hand made in Italy!

 The set comes with a mini face brush called the face blender. The brush is good quality, and a perfect travel size.

Superb.

I don't think I have anything negative to say. I am happy I picked this up.

The Shimmer Brich Compact is also of superb quality. It is textured, natural, pretty rosy color that leaves your skin glowing. Glowiiiiiing!

What else? Well, many beauty sites raved about this product. It is extremely popular out there, as you may already know... MakeupAlley.com gave the product a 4.2, and a 4.5 at Sephora.com. Wow!

What it is:
Five bars of pure pearl color for shimmering lids and glowing cheeks.

What it does:
This shimmering, brush-on powder is handmade in Italy and creates a soft, rosy glow. It works well with neutral, pink, and rose blush shades.

Value: 5/5
Packaging: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Lasting Power: 4/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I buy it again? YES!

Today I've done a simple look using Maybelline Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush,
a natural/classic mini palette that retails for $10 or less depending on the store.

Take a look!

PRODUCT LIST:

• Moisturized skin with organic Rosehip Seed Oil / makes skin really smooth and helps with scars!
• Lise Watier Miracle Base / it's okay, but too pricy ($30)
• Everyday Minerals in Natural and Sparkle Beige / awesome coverage!
• Maybelline Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush / I used all 5 shades in the palette
• The Body Shop blush in Petal / It's very subtle!
• NARS lipgloss in Wonder / one of my favorite lip glosses
• Clinique mascara sampler

In November, I've purchased awesome goodies found in Canadian stores like Superstore, Shopper's Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Forever 21 (All in Canada). One of the deals was in Shopper's, where GOSH cosmetics waterproof liners were on sale for $4. I've picked up 12 and will be giving out the rest as Christmas gifts (I'm planning to make my own beauty boxes!). Another deal was at Forever 21, many of their makeup palettes go on sale for as little as $4.  

See the rest of this post for full list of products and prices.

Honestly, I feel bad for buying so much stuff, but some of it would make great gifts. And it's better to start early Christmas shopping than going through emptied stores. Last year I've spent very little on makeup, in fact, barely anything, so, maybe, just maybe, I shouldn't feel so bad. Hah! :) It's the season! And maybe shopping is good for economy, even if you buy things you don't need. Sounds like a vicious cycle!

Excuses...Excuses...

Joe Fresh nail polishes, I already have so many, but these colors looked so stylish!

Forever 21 eyeshadow for $4. Good quality for the price!

PRODUCT LIST:

• Joe Fresh Style / Lipgloss in Berry / $8, on sale for $2
• Joe Fresh Style / Holiday Eyeshadow Palette / $12
• Joe Fresh Style / Holiday lipgloss set / $10 each  
• Joe Fresh Style / nail polish in Mocha, Fig, and Pumpkin / $3 each
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in 006 Bananas / $12, on sale for $4
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in 010 Copper Girl / $12, on sale for $4
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in Green Grass / $12, on sale for $4
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon / $12, on sale for $4
• Nicka K Cosmetics / Island Palette / available for $2.50 on their website
• QUO Sharpener  for GOSH eyeliners / $3
• Forever 21 Eyeshadow Trio / $4

GOSH waterproof eyeliners

Nicka K - Absolute! 5 color palette

Beautiful packaging by Joe Fresh!

I believe this intense black mascara My Blackest Lashes by Prestige really works!
What do you think?

I've applied one or two coats of this mascara I've snagged at the local drugstore for a mere $5, and it made my lashes a lot thicker and darker without too much clumping, without a spidery-lashes effect.

PROS

• good consistency; not too runny nor dry
• makes lashes voluminous and long
• easy to use
• no flaking
• budget friendly
• 4.1/5 rating on makeupalley.com

As always, this product may not be suited for everyone, but it's worth trying!

Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Lasting Power: 4/5
Price: $

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I buy it again? YES!

Uh-Oh! What else did I get? Well, I've been looking for extra moisturizing skin products, but something more natural and healthier. While at Winners, a Canadian version of TJMAXX, I ran into a skin product section, a small section, and there I have found great quality products that are more expensive online (50% more!).

I've picked up Herbaflor Certified Organic Rosehip Oil:

Helps even out skin tone. Smoothes wrinkles. Instant improvement to skin health. Nourishes and hydrates ageing skin. Moisturises and soothes dry skin. Balances oily skin and reduces appearance of blemishes. High in essential fatty acids to increase skin elasticity. Rich in skin-repairing vitamins and antioxidants. Suitable for all ages and all skin types. No preservatives, colours, additives or fragrance. Super-light and easily absorbed. Certified organic(USDA). source:amazon.com

I've used it only a few times, but it works immediately, especially when my face is super dry. This oil feels pure and clean. I will review it soon.

What else? I have found Green Beaver Winter Face Cream. It's Canadian, 100% natural, vegan, gluten free, and biodegradable. I'm looking forward to trying it!

Extra rich shea and cocoa butter will replenish tight, dry skin caused by cold Canadian winters. Non-greasy and quick absorbing. Naturally suitable for sensitive skin. source:well.ca

Another item I've picked up is a warm-honey-nectar hand lotion from Naturally Upper Canada for only $4. Hand lotion for winter months is a must-have, and this size is perfect for any of my handbags. This soothing lotion smells natural and not overwhelming like most other hand lotions packed with cheap fragrances.

Oh, and I dropped by the Body Shop not too long ago and picked up Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream. It has decent reviews (3.7/5 on makeupalley.com), packaged perfectly, smells fresh, and has an immediate effect around my eyes. I will be reviewing it very soon!

 INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS TO COME!

I am obsessed with sweaters, silky tops and blouses, mini-skirts and shorts! And I can't say NO when I see a good deal (say 50%-75% off the original price). Sigh.

I've payed $10-$40 per item, and a few Material Girl tank tops were as cheap as $7! Yay!

Found brands like: Material Girl, Kensie, Jessica Simpson, Vero Moda, Moon (available in Canada), Calvin Klein, and Kersh (Vancouver based brand).

Sadly, I caught the flu, with some symptoms of a stomach flu (such as abdominal pain and vomiting). Yikes! It was awful for a few days, but now I am feeling much better! It was nothing compared to last year, when I've battled pneumonia for a few weeks (it can be deadly), and had to recover for months.

Apparently, the number one thing I can do is to obsessively wash my hands, thoroughly and frequently. Or perhaps use a hand sanitizer, and maybe I should carry a mini-sanitizer in my purse. I've also recently read that Vitamin C has never been proven to fend off a cold or flu. So, I cant rely on eating oranges non-stop...but maybe orange tea?

Sleep definitely helped. Just yesterday I slept for 12+ hours, and if you're fighting the flu, sleep deprivation is a no-no...and could worsen the symptoms. Eek!

So here are the rules to follow according to Women's Health November 2011 issue:

• Wash my hands - Or use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Moisturize my air - Very humid air might be toxic to viruses 
• Skip Drinking - Too much alcohol impairs my white blood cells' from fighting viruses
• Don't Rely on C - Vitamin C doesn't do much
• Sleep More - That's an obvious one
• Taste the Rainbow - Eat your berries, red beans, and bright fruits
• Drink lots of Green Tea!

I love hats of any kind! Come winter months, and I have them on almost 24/7 ( must be bad for my hair! ). My favourite brands: Forever 21 has cute and very affordable hats, and so does Aldo, and occasionally the department stores like the Bay, Macy's, or Nordstrom have a lot to choose from! Also worth to visit: Winners in Canada, and TJMAXX in the U.S.

This balm was included in my October Glymm box. It claims to be extremely nourishing, a spa treatment. First of, it smells like natural Shea butter, and has no funky aftertaste, in case you get it in your mouth. Once applied, the balm feels like butter on my lips without being too greasy. There is minimal shine, and just enough of a plumping effect.

This was my first time using Principessa product. The company is Canadian, based out of Vancouver, and ships Internationally! Here is a link to their cute yet practical website!

PROS:

• minimal shine
• pout-perfecting/plumping
• smells good
• works immediately
• no funky taste
• reasonably priced
• natural ingredients
• packed with Almond Oil, She Butter, Vegetable Oil & Vitamin E
• cute, and practical packaging

Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I buy it again? YES!

Recently, I finished reading my Elle Canada November edition and found a few mentions of new products that I would love to try: Marcelle Fantasia Winter 2011 palette, and Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Oil Miracle Light Finishing Treatment. The Marcelle palette is $15, and looks promising! The BC Bonacure Oil has very few reviews, but everyone's been raving about it, and this makes me want to try it out.

Here is the ad for Marcelle's Fantasia:

It's finally here! And I may be the last one to get it since I am located in Vancouver, so far away from Quebec, the province of its maker. But it sure was worth the wait! I've got designer nail polish, face products, fancy hair care samples, and Annabelle smudge paint in blue!

Oh boy. I'm taking this afternoon to organize my tiny closet and the very narrow bathroom drawer. I've been too busy to keep it always organized. And now I have to go through the piles of clothing and organize them by categories and color.

When items are all over the place I get quite anxious and have hard time focusing. Does this ever happen to you?

Before and After of my bathroom drawer:

Today I was browsing through beautiful oversized rings sold at Forever 21. They are stunning, well-crafted (for the most part), and extremely affordable. The price range is from $4 to $8...and the ring would last for a year or two...although mine last for a lot longer since I don't wear them as often. Take a look at the ones I've tried on: