I've come across numerous tips featured in popular, mainstream magazines, but most were simply too difficult to achieve - I don't always carry around a hairspray to fix my wild mane, nor do I bring along a big pump of moisturizer and foundation. So, what's a girl gotta do? Here are some tips I've collected so far:

Dry or Frizzy Hair? Humidity and rain? When frizz and flyaways attack, reach for a little hand cream - dilute it with some water - and there you got some serum! Or if the hair is a complete mess, bring a hairband! Make a pony tail or a messy bun. Work with your tangles to rock a trendy, messy bun.

Defuse Booze Breath? Order a glass of water along with booze to counteract the effects of booze, and carry around mini brushlike tools, plus dental floss with mint flavour is great too!

Oily Skin in the Club - Hit up the bathroom for some toilet paper or purchase Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets, tiny enough for the purse!

Greasy Hair? Pat roots with the face powder then tousle to blend it in. It will absorb the excess oils plus offer instant volume.

Racoon Eyes? Trying to rub away mascara or liner with a tissue will only irritate your delicate under-eye skin. Instead, reach for the hand lotion. Dab a little bit under the eye and gently swipe it away with a soft tissue.

Smelly Pits? The alcohol in hand sanitizer is perfect for killing the odor-causing bacretia. Rub a small amount onto each underarm, or if you just shaved, dab them with a little perfume. Those small easy to carry roller balls come in handy.

Dehydrated, dry lips? Wet your lips, then dab a little bit of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline lip therapy, as it seals in the water.

Melting Self Tanner? Dab some translucent face powder on the areas where you sweat the most. The light layer will help absorb sweat later on, minimizing the risk of a rub-off.

MUST HAVES staples in my purse:

• sanitizer
• face powder
• hand cream or lotion
• tissue paper
• lipstick
• mini-mirror
• mascara
• eye-curler
• concealer

In the last month or so I have hit the pan too many times. Hurray! It felt so good to finally be done with many of the products below. Such a relief, for I tend to purchase much more than I need or require. 10 mascaras? Really? But at least, I can say goodbye to DiorShow. I've used it for longer than I should have. Remember the 6 month rule? Ah, finally!

And of course, here is the very long list. Enjoy.

From choosing a moisturizing anti-aging cream to investing in laser resurfacing, follow these tips to keep your skin looking young this winter.

Cold, dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin. In fact, you might feel like your skin is aging over night as wrinkles, crow’s feet and other imperfections seem more pronounced. Fight back with a winter antiaging strategy that keeps your skin soft and supple. 

Get extra moisture

There’s no doubt about it – the winter air dries out your skin. Not only are you battling cold air outside, you’re also fighting the dry air inside that can rob skin of its natural water and oil levels. To combat the dryness, choose a creamy face wash instead of a foaming formula. Make sure you use a moisturizing face cream after washing. You may need to choose a stronger anti-aging cream to use in the winter than you do in the summer.

Protect your skin

While the lack of sunshine would suggest otherwise, sunscreen is still essential to skin protection in the winter. The sun can damage your skin – increasing wrinkles and age spots – just as badly in the winter as it can in the summer. Your daily moisturizing face cream should contain an SPF of at least 15. Apply this to your face and neck. If you are going to be exposed to the elements for long periods of time, you may need to use traditional sunblock as well. Keep in mind that the snow can reflect the sun’s rays, so daytime skiing trips and sledding adventures can make you especially prone to sunburned skin. In addition, be careful not to shower with water that is too hot. While a steaming shower seems to erase the bone chilling cold, it an also strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers and baths instead or you’ll end up aiding the aging process.

Exfoliate 
Exfoliating can give your skin a healthy glow. That’s because exfoliating removes dead skin cells and leaves behind an even tone. It can also help promote the growth of new cells. Choose an exfoliator with round beads. Granules should be avoided since they can scratch and irritate skin. Be careful not to exfoliate too often – once a week is optimal for best results.

Try New Treatments
The winter may also be an ideal time to try laser resurfacing. The procedure works by sending a beam of concentrated light into the skin to remove damaged cells and promote the growth of new skin cells and collagen. Laser resurfacing can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives your skin a more even, tighter look. Is laser resurfacing safe? Overall, the side effects are minor and include changes in skin’s pigment, burns, scars and bacterial infections, though most users experience little to no side effects. Laser resurfacing can be done by a professional or in the privacy of your own bathroom with an at-home system. You can also check to see if the laser you’ll be using has been approved by Health Canada as a safe and effective product.

Be good to your skin this winter
Giving your skin the royal treatment all winter long will keep it looking soft and supple. The more you care for your skin, the better chance you have of keeping the signs of aging – wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots – at bay.

Sponsored content was created and provided by Tria Beauty

Finally! I have hit the very bottom in many of my hair products. It wasn't hard for I have very very long, thick hair, which requires a lot of conditioning and styling products. My all time favourite is definitely Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil brands.

1. L'Oreal Total Repair Replenishing Mask - Great product for the price; rated 4/5 on MakeupAlley; highly recommended for damaged hair.
2. Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Spray - I am in love! It smells amazing, and works so well. I will definitely repurchase. Everything from the line is in fact amazing and worth it.
3. Sebastian Trilliance Shampoo/Conditioner - Good, but not great. I am on the fence.
4. Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Shampoo/Conditioner - See my review.
5. Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner - While it may have great reviews online, it wasn't working well for me. My hair ended up being rather dry.
6. Moroccan Oil Original Treatment for all hair - See my review.
7. Got2B Rockin It Dry Shampoo - Amazing! It perfectly absorbs the oils and dirt off my scalp; it's affordable and of great quality, great dupe for half price! I will definitely repurchase.
8. Dove Damage Therapy Burst Shampoo - Good. Moisturizing. Unfortunately, there's not much else for me to say. Dove products simply work, and it's worth trying.
9. TiGi - Bed Head Urban Antidotes Level 2 Recovery - Simply amazing! It's rated as 4.6/5 on MakeupAlley.com. My hair loves it.

Giovanni 2CHIC Ultra Sleek Leave-in conditioner and styling elixir is made with Brazilian keratin and argan oil - two very trendy ingredients at the moment. This hair product claims to smooth and style every hair strand, banish frizz, and defend against split ends.

After shampooing and conditioning, I have applied Giovanni 2CHIC Leave-in conditioner evenly throughout my damp locks. The hair immediately felt soft, non-greasy, and manageable. However, the scent wasn't very pleasant, perhaps because it contains no artificial fragrance?

PROS:

• Deep conditioning
• Works well with heat
• Protects colour
• Makes hair softer
• Eco-friendly
• USDA certified organic ingredients
• 100% Vegetarian
• No phthalates
• No artificial fragrance, dyes, sulfates, parabens
• Smoothing effect
• Great packaging - convenient, medium sized pump makes it easy to use and apply

CONS:
Funky smell

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

As I mentioned in my previous post, tt has taken me weeks to collect received gifts and purchases and make a few photos. But here it is.

It has taken me weeks to finally make a list of the items I have received as gifts and bought as presents to myself of course. The Holiday Season was busy this year...as there was barely any time for blogging. I've simply put the items away, for now, in its original packaging until the day when I can finally make the time to take photos! And today was that day. Enjoy! & Stay tuned for part 2 & individual reviews.

My absolutely favourite is Prada Candy - smells like sweet vanilla. Delicious.

Happy Holidays to all! It has been a great year!

My key pieces for my New Year's Eve outfit: Vintage Escada blazer, Halston Heritage strappy gold sandals, and BCBG Max Azria cocktail dress.

One week caffeine is good and popping multi-vitamins is bad, but sooner or later, we find contradictory research - which apparently is the norm in the science world. How confusing! So, is it good or is it bad? Nobody knows, but here is what I've read in Women's Health October 2012 edition:

Flossing may help prevent heart diseases. 

There is no proof, no solid evidence to support the idea that poor oral hygiene causes heart attacks. However, keep on flossing! As my dentist says, flossing reduces your risk for gum diseases which can lead to tooth loss. So, do the deed at least once a day.

Soy is a no-no if you or a family member had breast cancer. 

Doctors were concerned that tofu and edamame could promote the development of cancer by mimicking estrogen which breast tumors are fueled by. Well, it turns out that Soy foods can be safe for all women, and can protect other cancers, but only in moderation. Avoid concentrated levels of Soy which can be found in soy chips, soy powders, fake-meat products, etc.

Fat free salad dressing is the best choice.

Turns out that adding fat to veggies makes each bite more nutritious. Salads are bursting with important vitamins and minerals, and fat enhances the absorption of compounds in veggies called carotenoids, which may reduce risk of cancer and vision loss. So? The best move is to drizzle your salad with canola or olive oil based dressings, but still avoid creamy Italian or blue cheese dressings.

Popping a daily multi-vitamin is a smart habit. 

Truth is multis may not always help, and could be toxic in high dosage. It would be best to focus on getting vitamins from food. If you generally consume veggies, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and low fat dairy, and avoid bad fats and added sugar, you should be in good nutritional shape. But if you are losing weight and cutting calories, the multis could be a good idea. 

Yoga is gentle on the body.

Your body needs time to bend, and yoga can hurt you. Do yoga mindfully. Find a good practitioner  and take your time. Expert say to "get the key pieces in place first" as injuries may strike when transitioning from one pose to the next. Pause. Breathe. Take your time.

You should replace your toothbrush every three months.

True. Even if you regularly sanitize your brush, you can't repair worn down bristles, says Nicole Holland, a dentist in Boston. After 3 months, your toothbrush will become less effective. 

It's fine to keep all of your Over-the-Counter meds in the bathroom.

False. You might be better off storing medicine in your bedroom. "A bathroom's moist air and warm temperatures can make medicine expire faster" says Dr. McDonnell. Always keep your drugs in a dry, controlled environment. 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my contest! 

The November 2012 edition of GlossyBox Canada was filled with goodies to get us ready for the Holidays Season. And once again, Glossy included Golden Ticket items to a lucky few - unfortunately, it wasn't me. The box seemed rather bland, and not as exciting as I was hoping it would be, is it really worth the $21? The price increase made me unsubscribe for the next few months until I decide if I'd like to continue. November did not feel 'deluxe' to me at all.

November Box:
Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor Holiday Shades / Full size / $10.99
Kryolan For GlossyBox Blusher in Glossy Pink / Full size / $16.73
Nexxus Salon Hair Care: Hydration Kit / sample size / $3 worth
Vitabath Shower Gel / sample size / $4
Maybelline MNY My Gloss / Full size / $7.49
Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream / Full size / $3.99
UBER Loyalty Card / 50% off

There was also Glossy Magazine, but unfortunately, there is very little value in it.

Grade: C+

Have you received GlossyBox Canada November 2012? Feel free to leave a comment below.

I've been using Avene Thermal Spring Water for about 3-4 months before I ran out. It's refreshing during summer months, and perfect to use on cold/dry winter days. The product claims to soothe, soften, and restore skin's natural balance: "Clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe and soften the skin.  Used since 1743 in the Hydrotherapy Center to treat serious dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema." The website even offers an option to view clinical data, and offers a list of uses:

Dermatological care: Post surgery, Post procedure, Redness-prone skin / inflammation, Keratosis-prone, scaly skin Eczema / atopic dermatitis, Allergic reactions / sensitive skin / irritation,  Burning / stinging / itching / tingling Daily care: After cleansing, After shaving/after waxing,  After exercise,  During travel,  Sunburn, burns, Diaper rash,  To set makeup

One of the best uses for the Avene thermal water is definitely after exercise. I spray it a few times on my skin, and wait 2-3 minutes to air dry. It then helps my skin feel much more hydrated and fresh.

Here is a list of benefits from Avene official website:

• Calms, soothes and softens
• Rich in silicate and trace elements
• Low salt mineral content does not dry out the skin
• pH 7.5 – perfect balance of anions and cations
• Bottled directly from the source – bacteriologically pure
• Preservative-free
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

And while it may feel like simply water in a can, the tap water we use to wash our face is not all that great for us. The running water often contains skin drying chemicals and chlorine. Many of us get that tight feeling after washing our faces with regular water. Avene helps to relieve that drying effect of regular water. It's a great toner too.

PROS:

• Perfect for refreshing my face during the day
• Makes powder foundation look less powdery
• Great for toning before makeup application
• Gentle, without perfume
• Works well for sensitive and oily skin
• Hydrating
• Easy to use
• High ratings on makeupalley.com : 4.2/5

CONS:

• Would be better if it cost less

From my experience, Avene Thermal Spring Water spray definitely works, and I will repurchase it again and again. Perhaps, I will let my boyfriend try it out next as he suffers from severe eczema. 

Value: 4.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4.5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

While I haven't dyed my hair for at least 9 months, my mother not only dyes her hair regularly, but also has tried numerous brands of hair dye. I have convinced her to try Tints of Nature - Conditioning Permanent Colour in 7R Soft Copper Blonde. This was her first time trying out a natural hair colouring system. The product claims to be free of ammonia, resorcinol and parabens. The colour gently cover grey, and uses natural ingredients such as orange, aloe, comfrey, grapefruit and chamomile. Tints of Nature is a highly effective permanent hair colourant made with up to 60% certified organic ingredients.  And while not being a 100% natural option, Tints of Nature is a good alternative, a gentler way to colour your hair with the lowest possible level of PPDs.

A few months ago I did a photoshoot with Vancouver based photographer, David Circle, and makeup artist Victoria Ho - wanted to share these with you! Enjoy!

The Canadian edition of GlossyBox October was dedicated towards Breast Cancer awareness month. This month, 50 lucky Glossies received a golden ticket item - a piece of jewelry! Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the winners. Were you?

Overall, I would give this box a B+. This lipstick due is a handy tool to have and is Australian. I love trying new international brands. Although, we've already had something very similar - a lipstick/lipbalm duo. In October's box we received 3 full sized items, which makes our $15 investment kind of worth it.
Unfortunately, next month the price will go up...and becoming a whooping $21 monthly fee! Have you cancelled your subscription because of the fee? I'm certainly thinking about it. Lamenting.

This month's worth is approximately $75, mainly because the lipstick itself is $40.

Full List:

• Jouviance Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Cream Normal to Dry Skin Treatment / Extremely luxurious face cream, gently formulated to hydrate and increase the firmness of your skin. 
• Modelco Flipstick Lip Duo / in Dusk Lipstick and Striptease Gloss / Shine Ultra Lip Gloss can be worn alone or layered over Lipstick Lip couture for hours of unbeatable shine / FULL SIZE / $38.75
• Zoya Nail Polish / in Rory / FULL SIZE / $8.00 / Toxin Free
• Sebastian Professional Trilliance Shampoo & Conditioner /  Cleanses and polished the hair surface to enable greater light reflection, creating gorgeous natural shine.
• Gilette Venus / Venus & Olay / FULL SIZE / $16.99

Another great box. It will be hard to say good-bye. Let's hope that the price increase will guarantee some amazing products. I heard the U.S. box while being more expensive, even had a Burberry lipstick!

Recently, I have tried Giovanni - 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Ultra-Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner available at local drug stores such as Walmart and Target. My hair is long, wavy, thick and freezy in texture, color treated, requires a lot of shampooing and deep conditioning. This product claims that it will "smooth every strand, seduce with shine, banish frizz, and achieve enviable manageability."

The Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner both have generally average ratings. It's definitely not a super high end, high quality product, but worth trying if purchased on sale. The scent is OK, but could be worse. It reminds me of coconut and cheap Suave conditioners and shampoos. It didn't straighten my hair all that much, and instead made it somewhat dry.  

Pros:

• no chemicals, certified organic, 100% vegetarian ingredients
• affordable
• could work well for fine hair
• hair feels thicker and heavier 
• great for shorter hair
• could work well on African American hair

Cons:

• not very moisturizing
• doesn't perform well with thick hair
• not recommended for longer hair

Value: 3.5/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Performance: 3/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 3.5/5 

Would I use it again? Only if it was on Clearance or SALE!