Sugar Skull Girl: Last Minute Halloween Makeup

I'm notorious for doing things last minute.. so it's no surprise I waited until the day before Halloween to test out a look. I attempted a (half) Sugar Skull Girl because I thought it looked the most intricate while still simple to do at the same time. The majority of the look was done with eyeliner, and all products used were from my daily makeup stash, nothing special!

I've never done Halloween makeup. This is my first shot, so be nice! :p It actually came out better than I expected. 

I basically followed this tutorial by Youtuber 'courtneylittleCHOREO' and added some colour to it. It was very helpful to watch her create the look step by step.

I am going to explain in detail the skull side only! The other side is personal preference and can be either sublte or more dramatic. I just did my daily routine on the normal side. I was going to add lashes and darken the eyes a bit more, but I didn't have enough time (I did this before class!) If you'd like to know how I typically do my makeup, leave a comment!

For the Look:

I started by drawing the black line down the middle with a Mufe black eyeliner. Blending it out onto the normal side to create a gradient effect. Then I used a the lightest concealer I had, L'Oreal True Match Anti-Fatigue Concealer in Ivory Beige, all over the skull side just to lighten it a bit.

Since I don't have face paint, I used Nyx Jumbo Pencil in Milk all over, including my lips, to lighten the one side of my face. It isn't as white as I'd like, but it would have to do. I powdered my face and then went over the line down the middle (carefully) a few more times. For the cheekbone, I used both a brown and grey eyeshadow by MAC (Night Manoeuvres & Print). Make sure the eyeshadows are matte, and not sparkly!

To cover the brow, I know there is this glue stick technique, but I couldn't find a glue stick so I just used an eyebrow wax to go over the brow a few times and used the Nyx Pencil in Milk over it, which covered it pretty well because I have thin eyebrows.

For the rest of the eye I used the black eyeliner to draw a large circle around it. You can fill it in with some fun colours or black! I used my Coastal Scents 252 Palette and Urban Decay Vice Palette and just messed around with some pinks, yellows, and purple. I then created the flower-like design around the eye using a liquid liner, and blended some black eyeshadow into it. I finished the eye off with liquid eyeliner and mascara. I would suggest using some dramatic lashes with this look!

I used the same black eyeliner to draw the nose, design on the chin, and lips. I also added some pink on the chin for some colour, and to match the eye.

If you are out of ideas and panicking for tomorrow or don't know what to do for a party this weekend, try out a full or half sugar skull girl! I personally don't think it has to be paired with a costume, just dark clothes!

Overall I had fun trying this out and next time I will definitely attempt a full face! What do you guys think, for a noob?

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Infused Fabric Masks Review

A while ago I was sent these 3 new Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa Face Masks to try out. After being unsure of some of their other face masks that I have tried before, I delayed trying these out until now.. and I'm disappointed in myself for waiting so long!

These natural bamboo fabric masks are infused with specially sourced clays, are 99% natural with powerful and natural ingredients, and are designed to be used as part of your weekly skincare regime. They are easy to apple and are all suitable for combination, normal, and oily skin.

Dead Sea Mud Spa "To cleanse skin. With Cloudberry (to soothe, protect, and heal, high in nutrients), Red Grape (anti-oxidant to protect skin from damaging free radicals), and Glacial Clay (to cool, rehydrate, and deep clean pores, removing impurities)."
I have used this one before and I wasn't sure if it really improved my face. My skin did feel smoother after using this and my pores looked a bit tighter. It did not help my acne, although I do like that the ingredients did not react badly with my skin. *Trying this a few more times, I do like it and felt like it did deep clean my pores and help to unclog them. However it was not hydrating.

Glacial Clay Spa "To cleanse and help thirsty skin. With Dead Sea Mud (to draw out impurities and open blocked pores), Dead Sea Salt (to heal), Seaweed (to moisturize, revitalize, and firm skin), and Kelp (with vitamins and minerals to nourish and moisturize skin, regenerate cells, and help anti-aging)."
I felt like this one was more similar to the Dead Sea Mud Mask, as it seemed to tighten my pores, and didn't dry out my skin. It also put a bit of radiance back into my skin.

Red Earth Clay Spa "To deep cleanse. With Pomegranate (for healing, and anti-oxidant rich, protecting skin from damaging free radicals), Cinnamon (for natural anti-bacterial properties), and Mediterranean Clay (to detox and draw out impurities and excess oil)."
I was actually afraid of this one the most because the ingredients include a couple things I am unfamiliar with; Cinnamon and Pomegranate. I felt like these were very powerful ingredients, and I was right... in a good way! Not sure if it was a coincidence, but this mask literally cleared my face up, and it felt smooth for weeks after. Something I haven't actually experienced in a while. I can't see it being anything else, because my skincare regime and my diet, for the most part, stayed the same as well. The mask felt very warm while it was on, and afterwards I was super relieved to see that it did not react badly with my skin, and didn't cause redness.

All 3 of the masks felt cold before and after putting them on. They were easy to wash off and I didn't find them messy at all. They are slightly big on my face, but I don't find that to be an issue.. I just fold them over so they don't go into my hairline (see photos!). I do need to moisturize after using these masks, to help put moisturize back into my skin. I was happy to see that my face wasn't burnt or red after trying the 3 of them. I did not experience breakouts or any bad reaction after using these masks, although I did feel that my breakouts drastically improved with the Red Earth Clay Mask. They all have a natural, earthy, and clean scent to them, however, the Red Earth Clay Mask smelt more fruity and yummy!

I will be definitely going to purchase a few more of these when I find them in stores. They are roughly $2.50 each which is super reasonable for a face mask, and can be found in Canada at Walmart, London Drugs, and select Pharmasave, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Familprix, Guardian, IDA, and Lawtons. I don't believe the Red Earth Clay Spa Mask is available for purchase yet, but I definitely will be clearing the shelves once I do see them in stores.. just kidding...or am I ;)

Disclaimer: I received this product for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Fashion Magazine Beauty Panel: How to Wear Purple Makeup

Purple is one of the best colours to accent brown or hazel eyes. It took me a while to figure this out when I was younger, because the only colour I wanted to wear on my eyes was blue. But blues are a bit harsher on my brown eyes and hooded eyelids, and I realized my eyes work much better with purple shades. 

For a more subtle purple look, I’d go for pinky-purples, and add a lighter shade in the inner corners. I think that bluish-purples tend to look more dramatic and work best with lighter eyes, but all types of purple can definitely make your eyes pop.

Whether I am going for a subtle or dramatic look, I will always add a darker purple in the crease. I think that this helps to add depth for hooded eyelids, especially. Depending on the look I am going for, I will add a very deep purple (dramatic) or a purple only slighter darker than what I used on the lid. 

For this look, I actually added a mauve in the upper crease, but I made sure to have a darker purple in the outer corners of my eyes.

Be sure to prime your eyes beforehand, and use a white base if you’d like the colours to appear much brighter. I used the Coastal Scents 252 Palette in this look, but if you’re not totally sure about purple on your eyes, you can try experimenting with a variety of mini palettes available in stores. Maybelline has quite a few purple palettes in their Color Plush Eyeshadows or Color Explosion Luminizing Eyeshadow Collections.

Products Used: Coastal Scents 252 Palette, Cailyn Gel Liner, Maybelline Rocket Volum Waterproof Mascara

Click to see the rest of the posts from the Beauty Panel for this week!
Also, did you notice my new hair colour? :) It's quite faded now, but I kind of like it better like this :p what do you think!?

Pure + Simple Sensitive Skin Face Wash Review

I actually discovered this product in my Swag Bag from attending the Beauty Board, earlier this year. I really enjoyed the sample we received so I went to their Yonge & Eglington location and purchased the full size. I have been using it daily since then and now it's almost done!

What I love most about this face wash is that it is specifically targeted towards sensitive skin, yet it is still effective enough to remove makeup. It claims that it doesn't include any harsh surfactants or parabens, and uses the mildest botanicals. I have listed the ingredients the best that I could below, as it was hard to read (the text is all smudged):

Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside (Coconut/Corn derived Cleansing Agent), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconute Derived Surfactant), Sodium Lauryl Glucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate (Non-toxic Surfactant), Sodium Lauryl Glutamate (Amino Acid Derived Cleansing Agent), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Glycerin, Zizyphus Joazeiro Bark Extract, Trehalose (Plant Derived Moisturizer), Maltooligosyl Glucoside (Tapioca Derived Surfectant), Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysata (Sugar Derived Thickener), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Blossom Extract, Plantago Major (Plantain) Extract, Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative), Citric Acid, Gluconolactone (Fruit Acid), Sodium Benzoate (Food Grade Preservative), Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil).

Pros:
It doesn't break me out. It removes my foundation and any other face makeup I have on. I wash two or three times to thoroughly remove it, just to be sure (which is kind of a pain!). I'd recommend using makeup wipes to remove your foundation first, so you will not need to wash the face more than once. It does remove eyeshadow, but hardly removes waterproof mascara or eyeliner. My face does not feel oily or too dry afterwards, but you definitely need to moisturize. It is safe for my sensitive skin and feels super clean afterwards. Lately, I've been noticing a big improvement in my acne, and my skin feels much smoother. I have also been staying away from too much fast food and McDonald's, yay! Also, it isn't a miracle all-in-one face wash, and won't minimize the dark spots on your face.
Cons:
It doesn't lather well to begin with, and over time I noticed it lathers even less now. I don't know why but I can only assume it may have to do with being open too long, or the ingredients are losing their effectiveness. I also dislike the label and packaging.. it gets sticky when wet and the text/colour is all smudged now, and the bottle is pretty sticky from the face wash itself, as well. And I can't forget, the higher price.

I purchased this when they had a 15% off all cleansers sale. I was thinking about repurchasing this.. however, I think I will take my chances and try a less expensive alternative. Although it definitely does do everything I want in a standard facial cleanser, and most importantly does not contribute to breakouts. I do still get bumps and the occasional pimple, however! Edit: I do believe my skin is a bit less dry and breaks out less now that I am using an alternative face wash. I will not be repurchasing this due to the high price, but I did like that it removed my makeup better than other face washes I've tried.

Pure + Simple is a Canadian natural-skincare company, based out of Toronto. They have 3 spas in Toronto, although their products are also sold at other locations in Ontario, Alberta, BC, and online! Click here for more details on where you can purchase their products.

The Sensitive Skin Face Wash is available in 2 sizes, 100ml for $19.95 or 200ml for $32.95.

[Winner Never Received Prize] Giveaway: Spicy Subscriptions Halloween Special Spice Box!

Please Note:

After 4 months of contact with Spicy Subscriptions, the winner of this contest has still not received her box. They had given both me and her the run-around and continued giving us problems as to why the box has not shipped yet; such as weather, shipping problems, inventory issues. They even had the nerve to ask me if I wanted to do another giveaway, even though it has been 3 months since this giveaway and the winner has not yet received their prize. I think it's very unprofessional of them to behave like this and run false giveaways on personal blogs for free publicity. For that reason I refuse to work with them in the future, and I will now be skeptical of companies that want me to host a giveaway right off the bat.

I was recently contacted by Spicy Subscriptions to host a sponsored giveaway for my readers! I typically don't focus or review products like these, but I thought it would be nice for the readers that are interested in these products ;) 

Before proceeding, please note this is an adult-themed box giveaway!

Spicy Subscriptions offers a variety of monthly subscription-based boxes focused on intimate and romantic products. You can opt to receive the regular Spice Box for $34.95 a month, or the premium toy of the month for $24.95! Both have yearly subscription discounts, which is explained in much more detail on their website. You can learn more about their services, here!

You can also visit their Spice Shop, a convenient online store where you can browse through and purchase full-size products of the samples you receive. You can also get ideas on what you'd be receiving with a subscription!

Sample photo of a Spice Box, you will be receiving the full-size product, rather than a toy.

This giveaway is for a Deluxe Full-Sized Product + Sample Products from Spicy Subscriptions, it is open to Canada and the U.S. only and it will run for 16 days to October 20th, 2013. Enter below via Rafflecopter. The only mandatory requirement is that you like Spicy Subscriptions Facebook Page, and I included some bonus entries in the Rafflecopter as well! Winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway period, and the prize will be shipped directly from Spicy Subscriptions to you, in discreet packaging so the mailman won't know!

a Rafflecopter giveaway