Most recently, I entirely finished up The Body Shop's Japanese Cherry Blossom eau de toilette. The bottle was finally emptied after using it a few times a week for a year. I'm honestly impressed with how long this 50ml (1.69oz) bottle lasted! At first, this fragrance smells great, can be worn daily, doesn't irritate the people around you, and is very affordable. However, it only lasts up to 3 to 4 hours on my skin, but much longer on my clothes.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom is made with community trade alcohol made from organic sugar cane in Ecuador. Overall, the scent is very refreshing, spring-like, light, and not too fruity nor overwhelming. 

PROS:

• Light, floral, and woody
• Neutral, and perfect for the office
• Not too strong, good for those with allergies
• Fresh, feminine
• Affordable

CONS:

• Doesn't last long
• Boring design, doesn't come in a package
• Has an alcohol cloud

Value: 4/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Lasting Power: 3/5
Packaging: 3/5
Price: $$

Overall: 3.8/5 

Would I buy it again? Maybe if it is on SALE!

Yes, this post is late, and yes, New Year's Eve is long gone, but I've been too busy and too lazy to put it together until now! :) It took me over 1.5 hours to accomplish this smoky eye look, and of course, my hair being so wavy took me over an hour to straighten. The majority of eye shadow is actually samples I've received from La Coquette Cosmetics. The quality is quite good, but the dark shadow needed quite a bit of shadow poxy / primer. Overall, I was quite happy with the result. The smoky eye look lasted for many hours, and took some 15-20 minutes to remove the makeup using the delicate eye remover Lancome Bi-Facil.

For full list of products see the rest of the post.

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!

Here is a look I've done a few days ago using BonneBell Cafe Classics (retails for less than $5). The end result is natural and fresh! No eyeliner nor mascara...but a hint of sheer moisturizing lipstick. Now that it's cold and windy, I am wearing a lot more moisturizer (with SPF 15) to protect my skin from drying out. And after applying moisturizer, I wait about 5-10 minutes before I apply a primer. For this post, I decided to try Lise Watier Base Miracle which is quite good! I will soon review the products I've used in this look.

I am wearing:

• Clinique Even Better Moisturizer
• Lise Watier Base Miracle
• Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick in Light
• Diorskin Nude in 010
• BonneBell Cafe Classics
• timeBalm Concealer in Light
• Body Shop blush in Petal
• Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Pink Spice

Yesterday I have created something that is more of an 80's look—bold lip and winged-out eyes!
Full product list at the end of the post.

Today I've been playing with La Coquette Cosmetics shadows I've got through etsy.com
Product list after the photos!