Lately the makeup world has been filled with controversy about
palettes that have been released containing a mixture of eyeshadows and pressed
pigments, rather than just eyeshadows as most consumers are led to believe.
Didn’t realize there was a difference? Then you’ve come to the right place!
So what is the difference between the two? Eyeshadows contain a mixture of pigments, micas, binders and preservatives to create a creamy smooth formula that is seamless and blends with little effort. Pressed pigments are just as they sound, they are actual pigments pressed into a pan. Since there are not often extra ingredients added to the pigments, they tend to be used in colors that are extremely vibrant and rather than providing a “wash” of color, they provide full pigmentation. They usually require an eyeshadow base or concealer for the pigment to “stick” to. Different techniques are also used to apply them. Rather than using a fluffy blending brush to apply a pigment, they preform better when used with a small dense packing brush and tapped onto the eye. There is a bit of a learning curve when using pressed pigments, but it is easy to master!
I love summer! I love summer weather, summer clothes, and being able to throw on a pair of flip flops and head out the door! I designed this look around the ease of summer. Being able to take a simple summer dress and amp it up with the right accessories to take it to the next level all while using minimal effort! The Aria Pendant Necklace from Stella & Dot is the very first purchase I made from the company even before I became a stylist! It holds a special place in my heart and I still love it to this day! It works stunningly with this look and I hope you all love it as much as I do! Shop the Stella & Dot here and shop the rest of the look here.
Well a long, long time ago when the idea of writing my own blog was just glimmer of hope in my imagination bucket, I dreamt of a time when I would receive free samples from companies to review and write about. Well my friends that time has finally arrived! I received my first free product samples to use and blog about and I honestly couldn’t be more enthused! The products I received are from a company called HASK. I truthfully had never heard of this company before, but have become so impressed by their products that they are quickly earning a spot in my favorites! I’ll start off my telling you a little bit about the products I received! First this specific line is geared towards color protection, they also offer a variety of different lines geared towards nourishing, deep conditioning, clarifying, repairing and even strengthening so regardless of your hair type and needs they will likely have a product to suite you. Since I have only actually used the color protection line this review will be relative to these products only! In my little goodie bag I received the HASK Kalahari Color Protection Shampoo and Conditioner. As well as the Kalahari Oil Deep Conditioner and Shine Oil and to round it all out a cute little bright pink HASK brush.
What the bottle says: “Kalahari Melon Oil Color Protection Shampoo
Shields and Replenishes
Free of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colors
Preserve and nurture color treated hair with HASK Kalahari Melon Oil Color Protection Shampoo. This natural color-locking, damage-blocking powerhouse ingredient counteracts dry-out and fading, leaving hair nourished and shiny. With Color Shield Complex, cranberry and sunflower oils, this shampoo delicately cleanses to help maintain long-lasting vibrant color. Ideal for color-treated, dry or damaged hair.”
The labels for rest rest of the products same pretty much the same thing. I definitely love that all their products are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, alcohol and artificial colors! As far as my opinion on the actual products I absolutely love them! Here is why;
They smell amazing! Not too strong, just the right amount of yumminess!
When a shampoo or conditioner directs you to use a quarter size amount I usually just ignore it and use as much as I feel I need. but with these products I actually used the smallest amount! Just a quarter size amount of shampoo gave me a wonderful lather and a quarter size amount of conditioner was enough to coat my hair and massage into my scalp
My hair instantly felt amazing once rinsing both of them out and did not feel like they left any residue what so ever!
Although I did not break out my stop watch, I’m certain my blow drying time was significantly less than it usually takes
Once dry, my hair was unbelievably silky and smooth, so much so that my husband even noticed! Even better, it has looked exactly the same for the last three days! No shine lost, no bounce lost and even after wearing it in a pony tail overnight and for one full day, I didn’t even have an elastic line left in my hair!
Final Verdict: This stuff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I am 100% sold on it and can’t wait to try some of their other lines. Not to mention its sold for drug store prices but packs a salon quality punch! I am in love with it and highly recommend it!
Another month has come and gone and therefore it’s time for another installment of monthly favorites! May was positively lovely this year and because it was so warm I am considering it the first official month of summer, woot woot!! With summer come a ton of my favorite things! It was actually hard trying to narrow it down to just a few, but here they are!!!
Starbucks Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino! In May Starbucks always has a Frappuccino Happy Hour, between 2:00pm and 5:00pm Frappuccino’s are buy one get one half off! Needless to say I enjoyed more than one! I always take the opportunity to try different Frapp’s but even after all the new flavors and “secret menu” flavors I have to say my tried and true, always delicious, all time favorite is still the Cafe Vanilla! Mmmmmmm, go try yours today!
Peonies! Peonies are by far my all time favorite flower! I love them so much that for my wedding I ordered them online so I could have them in my bouquet since by the time July rolls around they are considered out of season here in Alberta. Now technically they mostly bloom in June rather than May but they start growing in May so I figured they should make the list! This beautiful gem was grown on my mothers garden! Love it!
Jergens BB Body Cream! I actually purchased this months and months ago from the sale rack in my local drug store. It sat on my shelf until I grabbed it to pack in my bag on a mini vacation my husband and I took. After using it for the first time I can’t believe I waited so long to use it! It is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!! Like BB creams for your face, it provides hydration, illumination as well as evens, firms and corrects your skin tone! When used regularly makes your skin look flawless and although it doesn’t claim to have any self tanning properties, I believe it makes me look slightly bronzed! Definitely a new favorite that I will continue to use for a long long time!
I hope you all had a fabulous May! Stay Beautiful!
Since I recently included Bombay Hair Extensions and Styling Tools in my recent favorites, I decided I would actually like to do a full post on why I love them so much! I first discovered the brand when in search for the perfect clip in hair extensions for my wedding. I searched a ton of websites and read a lot of reviews and finally decided to order through Bombay Hair. Boy was that the best decision! The clip in extensions I ordered were amazing quality, as well as a perfect color match to my hair. They shipped directly to my house in less than three days in a beautiful little white box! Included in the box is a sample strand for you to ensure a good color and texture match, if you feel like it’s not a good match, simply send them back and you can pick another shade. The company does also offer a pretty cool service that allows you email a picture of your hair in natural light and they will actually color match it for you, which takes the guess work our of everything!
I have owned my first pair of clip in extensions for just over a year and they are still in excellent condition even after tons of heat styling and almost daily wear! I have since ordered an additional set that I actually used as permanent extensions installed by removing the clips and installing with an integrated weft extension method that have lasted me 4 months with daily non stop shampooing, blow drying and curling. The quality of these extensions is top notch and I highly recommend them to everyone in the market! They also offer tape in extensions as well as weft extensions to meet all your hair extension needs!
Besides the hair extensions, they also sell professional quality curling wands, flat irons and blow dryers. The styling tools also arrive beautifully packaged and shipping only takes a few days! If you are not located in Canada, they also have warehouses in the United States and the United Kingdom for everyone’s shopping pleasure!
I 100% honestly love these products and purchased them with my own money prior to becoming an affiliate with the company. I am very proud and honored to be working with them and if you are in the market for these products I would very much appreciate you using my link or my discount codes! Should you choose not to but still wish to purchase their products, I still highly recommend them! Here is the my link to shop http://bombayhair.myshopify.com?rfsn=231921.c03a7d . If purchasing hair styling tools or hair extensions use discount code HEINE20 at checkout to save $20 woot woot! If purchasing the Tamanna Ombre clip in extensions use code HEINE10 to save $10. Happy Shopping and Stay Beautiful!
Time for another style installment, and I must say this is one of my favs! This whole outfit was inspired by my new favorite Stella & Dot necklace, the Tulum Tassel! When I first ordered this necklace I literally went shopping looking for outfits to match it, not even realizing it’s so versatile and beautiful it actually already goes with half of my wardrobe! I’m definitely loving the cobalt blue for summer and love love love that Stella is also on board with my color choice! The boho look just screams summer and music festivals and days in the park! This is an outfit that will help you take summer days into summer nights into summer dreams all while rocking a beautiful flower crown! Shop the outfit here and shop the Stella & Dot here! Stay Beautiful and Boho!
Well another month gone and another month of new favorites! For those of you who aren’t beautyaholics like myself, you probably wouldn’t know that April is the month of Sephora’s semi annual sale! It’s huge and wonderful and only happens twice a year and since I know it’s coming I usually start building my shopping list months in advance! To my surprise this year I didn’t go as crazy as I have in previous years, but I still did get a few gems! They will not all make my April favorites but this first one did!
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, this stuff has been a cult favorite for years! I have probably gone into Sephora and swatched it about 50 times, but never took the plunge because it’s hella pricey and since I already owned my dream foundation I never really felt the need. That all changed this time, perhaps its because I felt like I didn’t have enough stuff in my cart or after years of hearing how great it is my subconscious just said go for it, and I did! It was totally worth it, this stuff looks so beautiful on the skin, it’s super light weight but has medium coverage which you can build to full without looking cakey. It wears all day and even though it has luminous finish never looks oily. Not only is it beautiful on it’s own, but when mixed with my all time favorite Estee Lauder Double Wear its even better! That is why it is my first favorite this month, get yours here!
I could not go through my April Favorites without including a Stella & Dot item! This month I went a little ham as a stylist, mostly because I had so much product credit, I was able to get my hands on so many beautiful pieces. Although I love them all, there is definitely a stand out favorite, the Tulum Tassel Necklace. It’s the most beautiful cobalt blue and perfect for summer! This is the first necklace I bought that I actually went out shopping for outfits to match the necklace because I just wanted to wear it everyday! Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments and everyone falls in love with it just like I have! Jump on board and get yours here!
Last but of course not least, since here in Edmonton it has practically become July in April, it’s important to take the proper steps to protecting your skin from the blazing sun. I have dug my favorite sunscreen out of the hiding and it’s ready to keep me burn free all summer. It’s the Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen, it comes in a variety of SPF’s and is the only sunscreen I have used on my face that doesn’t A. Make my face feel like a grease ball and B. Doesn’t break me out! You can purchase it at the drugstore and won’t break the bank!
Last minute edit! As I was preparing to post this, I got word that I had become an affiliate with Bombay Hair! Bombay Hair is my go to shop for all things hair! You can find clip in, tape in and weft hair extensions as well as amazing hair styling tools like 5 in 1 curling wands! Say What?1?! Yes, everything they sell is top notch and I am thrilled to be working with them! To check out what they have to offer click here! If purchasing any hair styling tools feel free to use my discount code to save 20%, just type in HEINE20 at checkout! I will be posting a more in depth post about Bombay Hair as well so stay tuned! Until then Stay Beautiful!
I love to shop! This should come as no surprise to anyone! Although I do love a good shopping outing, I can also appreciate a good shopping spree from the comfort of my couch in my pajamas! Through my trial and tribulations I have learned many things, including some of the best stores for online shopping! I will gladly share my wealth of knowledge with you now! Also, while shopping online I prefer to shop through Ebates. Ebates is a online shopping search engine, that pays you to shop. You simply make an online account and shop at your favorite stores through the links on the website. Accounts are free and if you’re shopping anyways, why not get paid?! Sign up here.
First up on the docket Asos. Asos is a UK based brand and store that sells tons and I mean tons of clothing, shoe’s, and accessories. If there is something specific you are looking for, you will likely be able to find it here! They offer a HUGE sale section and FREE worldwide shipping. One important thing to keep in mind is all of the clothing and shoes are in UK sizing which is vastly different from sizing we are used to. There is a way to adjust the settings on the website to change it to US sizing which is highly recommend, so whatever you choose to buy is actually the right size. You also have the option to change currencies, which is another must! Once you’ve changed the sizing and currency options you’re all set to shop away! http://www.asos.com/women/
Next store will also come as no surprise, Sephora! While I prefer to swatch and try out makeup and skincare in store, I find Sephora to often be sold out of everything I wish to purchase. Not to mention it’s always crowded and being color matched by an “expert” usually ends in you purchasing a foundation two shades darker than you need. Hence I often turn to sephora.com, where what you’re looking for is often in stock and you can read the descriptions of foundation shades and usually end up with a better match. They also offer tons of different brands NOT found in stores as well give you tons of free samples which you also don’t get in store. If you order something that you don’t love or is the wrong color, returns in store are fairly easy! Plus if you’re like me and spend more money there than anyone should, you get free shipping! Makes it all worth it right? http://www.sephora.com/
Last but certainly not least is Hautelook. Hautelook and I go way back, so far that it probably launched my online shopping addiction! Hautelook is a daily deal type website that offers your favorite name brands in everything from clothing, shoes and accessories to makeup and skincare. They have sections dedicated to menswear and children’s clothing and even house ware! The website is a part of the Nordstrom family and also lets you shop at Nordstrom Rack which is an entire store dedicated to the bargain shopper. When I say bargain I don’t mean value village, I mean on sale items from Micheal Kors, Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade. It’s practically a shoppers dream! They offer a set shipping rate which also includes duties and they do offer returns but it is not the easiest process and you end up losing out on shipping both ways. Other than that you can get great deals on some amazing things! But be warned, because items sell out fast and sales only last days it can quickly become addicting! Also because some items are shipped to Hautelook before they are in turn shipped to you, shipping times can be unpredictable! I’ve often had things show up in the mailbox I had honestly forgotten about! In the end you can get some great buys and as I have been will continue to shop with them for a long time! http://www.hautelook.com/short/41tDl
FYI all websites mentioned above also have apps for your phones and tablets making shopping easy on the go! Happy Shopping! Stay Beautiful
Well my friends, a year ago I decided to take the plunge and subscribe to the monthly beauty subscription bag Ipsy. I didn’t have to wait long at all and quicker than I can say wham bam, my beautiful metallic pink envelope arrived in the mail. I have to say, in the whole year I have probably only received one sub par bag. The rest have been pretty darn on point! Is it worth the $21CAD a month? I’d say so, I’ve been introduced to tons of fun indy brands and have had the opportunity to try brands I probably would have never purchased on my own and have absolutely loved! Plus who doesn’t love opening up your mailbox and under a pile of bills and speeding tickets finding that beautiful pink sparkle of light! It’s like receiving a small gift every month from a friend who knows what you love! For the record I have also never gone onto the Ipsy website to review my Ipsy bag and yet they still manage to send me great things! Here are a few of my stand out products that I have received over the last year! Anyone who is on the fence about subscribing, I say go for it! Sign up here! Stay Beautiful!
Hikari Cosmetics Blush in the color Tango. I would definitely have never purchased this color on my own, but it is hands down my favorite summer blush of all time! Super pigmented, super blendable and just all around super! Love love love it! Buy it here
Illamasqua Precision Ink Liquid Liner in Abyss, you all know I love me some liquid liner and this stuff is da bomb! Super black and long lasting with a great brush! Purchase yours here FYI the cost of this liner is $38.95 and I only paid $21 for the Ipsy bag which also contained an additional 4 items! So amazeballs!
Slmissglam Blusher Brush, this brush is definitely one of the most beautiful brushes I own, it’s pink and sparkly and pretty much me in brush form! Buy yours here.
Ofra Cosmetics Bliss Eyeshadow/highlighter, this is the most beautiful shimmer highlight I’ve ever received in my bag, it came as pan form so if you didn’t have an empty Z Palette or somewhere to store this it might not be the most ideal, but they do sell them by pan and also full shadows. Purchase yours here!
Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in the color I’m Kind of a Big Deal. The nail polish speaks to me in more ways than one, I’m sure you can figure it out! Be a big deal too and get yours here.
Hello All! I’m excited for another installment of Stella & Dot Style Inspiration! I created this look because I’ve recently been in love with the striped pattern. When I saw this skirt I just new I wanted to to style it up! Also since life and responsibilities often get in the way of fun, I wanted to encourage everyone to take a night off for themselves, get dressed up and go on a good ‘ol fashioned date night! So grab your outfit, grab your jewels and head out on the town like the fashionista you are! Shop the accessories here and shop the rest of the look here! Stay Beautiful!
P.S The slim city clutch is on Flash Sale right now until April 15!
