Vita Liberata Rapid 4-7 Day Tan Mousse

Being so pale, I was dreading the fact of having to show my legs in shorts.. without having a tan. I don't think I am one of those people who actually look good being pale, and I think I look much healthier with a tan. I haven't used self tanning products since the beginning of high school, and they were these low quality wipes that gave me streaks and only lasted a day or so. I finally decided I was going to pick up a lasting self tanner, preferably the well known 'St. Tropez', but when I got to Sephora I saw this brand and thought why not, lets try it!

Vita Liberata's Rapid 4-7 Day Tan Mousse claims a tan that will last 4-7 days. It also promises a tan that begins developing in 30 minutes and continues to develop the longer you leave it on. 1 hour for a light sun-kissed glow, 2 hours for a medium bronze tan, and 3+ for a lusciously dark result. The tan will continue to develop deeper the longer you leave it on without showering. This is initially why I decided to purchase this. I wanted something I could apply and wash off without having to sleep in.

Other promises that are listed on the box of this self-tanner is odour remove for zero smell, a selectable shade, moisture lock for 72hr hydration, and a perfect fade. Vita Liberata's self tanners are also packed with mainly organic ingredients or ingredients that are derived from a natural origin.

Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Dihydroxyacetone, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Troxerutin, Saccharide Isomerate, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesicolosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Litchi Chinensis (Lychee) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Extract, Hydrolysed Silk (Soie), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

When I first opened the box I noticed that the 'included mitt applicator' was actually mini-sized and only big enough to fit on 4 of my fingers -__-. I did get used to it and it ended up working well but I would obviously suggest investing in a larger one. 

First Application Attempt: So beginning my self-tan experiment, it was a few hours before I had a family event, I decided to apply the self tanner without shaking it and in return I was getting fast drying results that I could not blend in for the life of me. It was so frustrating and I soon after realized it was likely because I had not been shaking the bottle. I left the self-tanner on for an hour and a half, hoping to achieve a nice glow, but when I washed it off I saw that it hadn't worked at all.

Second Application Attempt: My second attempt I decided to apply the self-tanner before bed and wash it off in the morning. I know I wanted to avoid doing this but it seemed to be the only way I would have time for it to develop. I applied it before bed and only got 5 hours of sleep, and proceeded to wash it off in the morning. I finally achieved a light tan and it was nothing too drastic, nor did it look orange!

1: Shows the difference in colour on my skin after the second attempt (where I left the self tanner on for 5 hours ish), 2: Difference today, after 3rd application

First Impressions: 

My impressions of the tanning mousse after using it twice; once with no results and once with noticeable results are.... it claims zero smell, but there is a light standard self-tanning smell to this. I mean, you definitely can't go out without washing it off, but after the first wash you can still smell it on your skin. Not sure if other people can smell it too… but I hope not.. It does seem to go away after the second shower.

As mentioned in my first attempt, this product dries very quickly and needs to be blended fast. Oh and do not forget to shake it constantly while applying! It was really stressful the first application because the product kept drying so quickly, it was literally impossible to blend in without leaving darker spots or streaks. After realizing I had to shake it (dur..silly me) I had a bit of an easier time.. but you still need to blend fast! The product dried very quickly, and you are pretty much able to go to bed in 15-30 minutes. It will still feel a bit sticky on the skin, but if you're waiting an hour it will still feel the same on the skin, so I don't think it makes a difference.

Thoughts:

It is definitely not a '1-3 hour tan', I'd say it's ideal as an overnight 'sleep with it on' tanner. 1 hour and a half left me with no tan or glow at all so leave it on for a minimum of 4 hours if you want results. I did leave it on for 12 hours during my 3rd application and I don't think it was still developing after the 4-5 hour mark, because it left me with the same colour I would have probably gotten if I left it for 5-6 hours. I think that the more you continuously apply this, the darker you will get. As in, if you apply it 3 days in a row, you'd be much darker than if you applied it once and left it on for, let's say 20 hours. 

It didn't stain my clothes or sheets as far as I know, I can't really tell as I have darker clothes and colourful sheets. But after washing it off in the morning, it did not stain the white top I wore that day :) I have heard mentions of a 'golden glow' with this product and I definitely agree with it, it is not orange on me at all. Friends did notice I got tanned after I used this 2-3 times, but it was not quite noticeable after the first application.

Lasting Power, Exfoliating:

The colour is definitely long lasting and lives up to it's 4-7 day claim. Edit: The colour lasts me about 4 days before looking noticeably faded in certain spots. You might be able to get away with applying this once a week with the proper care, but I'd say every 4-5 days. I didn't feel like major exfoliating was a must, regardless I still had certain areas that attracted more or less product than I wanted it to. So I'd just say to focus exfoliation on the areas you see building up or attracting less colour, and lightly exfoliate the rest of the body. Like the creases in my forearms, the colour was a bit patchy there and just didn't want to stick. But like with a real tan, there are certain areas that don't necessarily see as much sun, like the insides of your arms, neck, etc. Also upon application, there were certain areas that looked like the colour clung to more, but after showering it all ended up being quite even enough.

If you want a very natural looking tan, I'd suggest applying it slightly heavier on areas of the skin that the sun would likely hit the most, such as your outer arms, shoulders.. and apply it more liberally on places that wouldn't see as much sun and wouldn't tan as easily.

For the Face? 

I'd prefer to use a different tanning product on the face that is actually meant for the face, due to my sensitive skin. But this definitely could work for use on the face. Just make sure to try and mix it in with your moisturizer and apply it a lot lighter than you would on the body, just so you do not have a super dark face. You can always darken with bronzer, but it will be impossible to give the illusion of a lighter face. Vita Liberata actually has a few tanners that are specifically made for the face as well.

Pros:

Natural colour, 'golden glow, no orange!

Colour is buildable, but not too drastic or dark

No streaking, or patchiness (after washed off)

Lasting colour, lives up to it's 4-7 day claim but best to apply twice a week

Cons:

Not a 1-3 hour tan! Didn't develop as quick as it claimed

No 'zero smell' or pleasant scent, scent is standard self tanner smell :)

Included mitt is a mini mitt, not full sized!

Dries too fast, need to blend very quickly
Application is not as easy as I would like

Expensive for the small bottle of product, seems to be running out very quickly :(

Overall,  I am liking this tanner after getting the hang of it from my first attempt fail. I know now to leave it for longer than suggested, and I end up with great results. I would definitely consider repurchasing after I have tried some other self-tanners out on the market, as this one is very expensive for the amount of product ($52 CAD for 100ml/3.38oz). Edit: I would likely not repurchasing, I am more than halfway done with the bottle already, and there are many cheaper alternatives out there that may have easier application. I am happy I gave it a try, however. You can find the Rapid 4-7 Day Tan Mousse and other Vita Liberata products at Sephora or on their online store here.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Foam Conditioner Review

Upon discovering this Fekkai foam conditioner, I was overly excited just because I have never heard of a foam conditioner before. It seemed like just what I needed. Full blown volume! I love trying any hair products that contain the word 'volume' as it's something I've always lacked because of my thin and fine hair. This foam conditioner is actually targeted towards those with fine hair, and contains citrus extract and ginseng. It is silicone free but does contain propane and butane to convert the product from liquid to foam before dispensing out, which is commonly used in all aerosol can hair products and generally recognized as safe. 

Ingredients: 

Water/EAU, Propane, Butane, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Isobutane, Fragrance/Parfum, PVP, Quaternium-80, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol.

My first thoughts were that this conditioner smells great. It has a very summery citrus scent, although the scent typically goes away after the hair is rinsed and dried. The product dispenses as a super light foam, and I actually found quite fun to use in the shower (heh). After rinsing it didn't leave my hair with a soft buttery feeling like most conditioners do (I'm guessing because it doesn't contain silicones), but when it dried my hair felt like it normally would. I did notice more volume with this conditioner because it was not being weighed down by heavy silicones in most conditioners, and minimal product is used because it is dispensed as a foam rather than a heavy liquid. I would likely purchase this again sometime in the future after having tried some other foam conditioners from other brands. It is definitely worth purchasing if you typically have thin and flat hair, and want to condition and soften the hair while still creating volume.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Foam Conditioner retails for roughly $20 USD which I think is reasonable for a luxury branded conditioner. I will have to update on whether I still think it's worth it, depending on how many uses the container will actually last me.

Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on my blog are 100% my own.

Festival Beauty: Turn It Up With Covergirl, Olay, Herbal Essences + Giveaway

Brandy Melville Cardigan, Guess Top (Old), Love Culture Shorts

With summer finally here, we are all able to enjoy our favourite outdoor activities. Whether it be hiking, biking, swimming...there are endless activities we can take part in enjoying for the next few months while we have warm weather... this includes you music lovers! Summer screams festivals and outdoor music events. But what is necessarily appropriate to wear... and what kind of makeup will stay on throughout the hot and sweaty day? And what about hair, how will you do yours to be festival ready?

Covergirl, Olay Fresh Effects, and Herbal Essences have teamed up with MuchMusic to share with you all their DIY, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle tips at turn-it-up.ca! Myself, and some of the other Beauty United bloggers were given the opportunity to create our ideal summer festival beauty looks with a few of their products!

My ideal festival style look would be something overall comfy and easy to move in, with some trendy beaded accessories and sandals for the hot weather. If the festival takes place into the evening when it gets a little cooler, I'd throw on a thin oversized sweater, or sunnies if it will be taking place during the hot afternoon.

For my hair, I'd typically just do something simple that I am comfortable will last throughout the day. I love to create natural looking waves using a straightener, and gave them a beachy look using Herbal Essences Naked Flexible Hold Spritzer, which will also keep the waves in place all day. I used a teeny bit of Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo to freshen up my roots, and Herbal Essences Naked Sheer Shine Mist to freshen up the scent and give my hair a bit of it's shine back.

For my beauty look, I started off with Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream to moisturize my skin and give it a bit of protection from the sun. It has little to no coverage so I applied my regular foundation over it very lightly so it doesn't look too cakey at the end of the day. I applied Covergirl truMagic The Sunkisser Bronzer in 110 with my fingers to my temples, outer forehead, cheekbones. It was pretty foolproof and easy to apply, blend, and didn't dry fast. I used Covergirl's ink it! Eye Pencil in Aquamarine Ink and a black liner to line the lids of my eyes. The colour is very cute for summer, but this liner did hurt my sensitive eyes while applying. I finished off the face with a few Covergirl eyeshadows and Bombshell Volume Mascara.

I almost forgot... the lips! I gave my lips a subtle but sparkly pink tint with Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Blush Twist. I have been loving how light the tint is on this balm but also appreciate that is is buildable with a few more coats.

At the end of the day, you can't forget to take your makeup off no matter how tired and drained you are from your earlier activities! I used Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Make-Up Removal Cloths to remove my foundation and bronzer before a good night's sleep.

Now it's time to see your festival beauty look! P&G has given me the chance to give away a box of some of the goodies I used for my ideal festival beauty look. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below! The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and prize will consist of the P&G beauty goodies mentioned and pictured in the photos above! Must be a follower of at least one: Bloglovin, Twitter, or Instagram :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on my blog are 100% my own.

Empties #5: May 2014

The Face Shop Masks: These masks were a disappointment. They didn't fit my face well at all and didn't really do anything to my skin besides making it feel moisturized. I'd rather just buy a moisturizer..

Purchase: No ✕

Balea Detoxifying Face Mask with French Clay: I love clay masks, and this detoxifying mask definitely seemed to work. My skin felt cleansed afterwards.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Masque Bar Anti-Blemish Prone Mud Mask: I've been liking this anti-blemish mud mask so far, although I really wish it came in a tub. I was able to use all the product in this pouch for 3 different mask sessions!

Purchase: Yes ✓

The Kit Warming Mask with Sauna Clay: I was super disappointed with this mask. I didn't find the ingredients to be good for your skin at all, and it smelt like melted plastic and felt irritating on my skin.

Purchase: No ✕

Montagne Jeunesse Masks: Love these masks! I've been buying them over and over again. I only bought the Glacial Clay because I couldn't find the Dead Sea Mud version, but frankly they both seem t work the same!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Maybelline Define-A-Brow Liner in Dark Blonde: One of my favourite brow products I've discovered at the drugstore :) the shade may be a bit too light for me, but I love it for filling in the inner parts of my brows.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Pure + Simple Calming Cucumber Mask: I never felt right about this mask every time I used it, so I wasn't sure if it was breaking me out or not. It did smell great, and I know there are some good reviews on it, maybe it just wasn't for me.

Purchase: No ✕

Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed: I thought this product was fun and I love that it only contains natural organic ingredients. Although, I received it over a year ago and I think I've had it for too long. Not sure if I'd repurchase it in the future; possibly for review purposes!

Purchase: Unsure

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory: I loved this concealer but I can no longer find it anywhere, so I assume it was discontinued. It covered well and didn't break me out.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Maybelline Rocket Volum Waterproof Mascara: I've been obsessed with this mascara lately, I think this is my 3rd tube? I don't even know!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Sponge Applicator: I purchased this at Winners for about $6, but it doesn't perform nearly as well as my Beauty Blender or Real Techniques Sponge does.
Purchase: No ✕

Bare Minerals Kabuki Brush: This brush was rough from the start, and just got rougher as time went on and I continued washing it. Was time to go.
Purchase: No ✕

Styli-Style Liquid Metals Chrome Liner: An old chrome/silver liner that I bought because I thought it was cool back then.. time for the trash!

Purchase: No ✕

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Black Liner: This is a pricey liner that is smooth and gentle, but I have a more affordable holy grail.

Purchase: No ✕

Rimmel Eye Twist Duo Liner & Shadow: A super old product I never use and decided to throw away. Shadow side was smooth but the liner side was difficult to apply.

Purchase: No ✕

Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc - Concentrate, Brightening Cream, & Boost: These packets were so small I wasn't sure what to think of the actual product unfortunately.

Purchase: No, too small of a sample ✕

Nuxe 24hr Soothing & Moisturizing Concentrate: This was a nice cream during the night, but it is too thick for daytime use. Again, I wish I had a bigger sample.

Purchase: No, too small of a sample ✕

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye: I have a larger version of this eye cream and it feels so hydrating and moisturizing on my skin. I would definitely consider repurchasing once I finish it up.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Indeed Labs Hydaluron Moisture Booster: I like the idea around my skin being able to absorb my moisturizer better, but I'm not so sure if it really works! But I did like using this product and I purchased a full-size for further testing!

Purchase: Yes ✓

Gud Body Lotion Pearanormal Activity: Love the scent of this body lotion and it absorbed quickly into my skin. I would think about repurchasing once I run out of all my moisturizers!

Purchase: Unsure

Kiehl's Rosa Artica Eye Youth Regenerating Eye Balm: This eye cream felt hydrating under my eyes, was thick and great for the night time. I'm not sure if they discontinued it but I would definitely repurchase in the future.

Purchase: In the future, if it is still sold! ✓

Sampar Ultra Hydrating Fluid: This didn't come across to me as anything special but I wouldn't know where to find it to repurchase it..

Purchase: No, too small of a sample ✕

Vichy Aqualia Thermal 48hr Hydration Light Moisturizer: I did initially like this moisturizer but it was not hydrating enough for me during the colder months and didn't work the best underneath my makeup.

Purchase: I did! But probably not again. ✕

The Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream: I heard so many great things about this moisturizer but my skin was going through a bad time when I bought this. It has natural ingredients and no preservatives and has been sitting so long so I think it was time for the trash.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Lise Watier 3D Hydration Gel-Creme: I got this in a Topbox so long ago and I did like it because it was alcohol and paraben free, however I wish it was unscented. It was basically finished so I decided to toss it!

Purchase: No ✕

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes: Another package of these wipes are done. I said I would re-purchase previously, but this time, I think I'd like to try shopping for wipes from other brands.
Purchase: No ✕

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution Mini: I've grown to love this makeup remover. Doesn't break me out and is gentle enough, if you use the right cotton pads!
Purchase: Yes ✓

St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash: This body wash was hydrating, had a light and pleasant scent, and the bottle was huge for $3 or 4 bucks.
Purchase: Yes ✓

Naturally Upper Canada Hydrating Shower Gel: I was so in love with the scent of this shower gel (Cranberry Moro Orange), but it was wayy too watery and hard to use and lather in the shower. I do appreciate the all natural ingredients but it was pricey for such a small product.
Purchase: No ✕

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub: This smelt so strong and weird.. it took me so long to finish! I would definitely not repurchase just because it seems bad for the drain (the scrub and pumice was so thick), but it was very exfoliating.

Purchase: No ✕

Osis+ Refresh Dust Bodyfying Dry Shampoo Mini: Not the best dry shampoo but it worked decently.. I would not rely on it to completely save greasy hair, however.

Purchase: No ✕

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo: I love this dry shampoo and have continuously bought it since discovering it. Just please, use it sparingly!

 Purchase: Yes ✓

Yves Rocher Express Cleaner for Sensitive Eyes: My HG eye makeup remover! It is oil based but takes off waterproof mascara quickly, and eyeshadow instantly.

Purchase: Yes ✓

Yves Rocher Cotton Pads: These pads came with my makeup remover as a special... I personally don't like them and they are rough, but they do the job.

Purchase: No ✕

See my previous empties posts, here :)

imPress Press-On Manicure Review

imPress Press-On Manicure's in Disney Villian 'Evil Queen', & Rock It

imPress Press-On Manicure is a new press-on nail application by Broadway Nails, designed for girls to achieve a flawless manicure in seconds. The press-on nails come with adhesive on them and there is no need for glue. They come in a huge variety of colours and designs, and are said to last up to a week. Prices range from $9-11 CAD and they are available at most Walmart, Target, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Katz, Loblaws, and many more.

At first I wasn't sure any of the nails were going to fit, but the box does state that there are 24 nails in 12 different sizes so I was sure something would fit me! I did find pretty close matches for the 5 sizes of my nails. I used the 'prep pad' included in the package (which I am assuming was just an alcohol wipe), and wiped my nails free of oils right before applying the press-ons. The application process was easy and super quick, and I made sure to not wash my hands afterwards for over a half an hour, like the package suggested. One thing I did notice was that they made my nails feel a bit uncomfortable..

First Impressions: I definitely think the imPress press-ons are the perfect universal length. They weren't too long or too short, even though I did have to clip my nails first so that they wouldn't be sticking out underneath the press-ons. They were easy to manage and do every day tasks with.. well tasks that didn't involve my nails! Because of the thick adhesive, the press-ons did stick up above my natural nail more than I'd like, and every time I ran my fingers through my hair my nails would get caught in it. I also just didn't like the feeling it gave me when I tried to use my nails for something while wearing these, and I felt weird even scratching myself... but seriously, I think that false nails just aren't for me, I haven't been to a nail salon in over 5 years :p

Ooh, something else that bugged me about these nails was a white tab that stuck up under the tip of the nail! I couldn't understand why this was there but it was a huge pet peeve.. I just wanted to clip it off! I can only imagine that it is there solely to help with the manufacturing process.

I showed my nails to my aunt and she wasn't able to tell that they were fake, but of course, she was viewing them from a bit of a distance, so I assume anyone viewing your nails closer than 30cm would be able to tell, but likely not if they were farther away.

Removal Process: I decided to remove the imPress press-ons after about 2 1/2 days. They were a bit uncomfortable for me and I'm not sure why but I can only guess that it's due to the shape of the nails. I was surprised that they stayed on without coming loose or falling off, considering I saw a bunch of reviews that said they had fallen off within hours. The instructions says to either peel off the press-ons from the side, or use nail polish remover to soften the glue. The nails were on so well that I definitely wasn't going to be able to rip them off without damaging my nail, so I tried dipping my fingers in nail polish remover...

This might hurt those of you that are impatient, like me, as I only had the patience to keep each nail in the nail polish remover for about 15 seconds. It did loosen up the glue and I was able to pull the nail off from the sides, although I did damage and pull of a bit of the top layer of my nails in the process. It hurt a bit because the middle of the press-on nail was so sticky, but I'm sure if you have the patience to dunk your nail for a little bit longer it would be painless. But I definitely do not recommend taking these off without some sort of nail polish remover or something oil-based to remove the glue.

Overall, I think these nails are great alternatives to expensive nail salons, and fun and ideal for the youth, or adults who don't have the time to apply nail polish or want an alternative to nail polish. They can also be great for a special occasion or night out, providing that you test them out on your nails first so you know they are a good fit and will stay on throughout the night. I love that they come with adhesive already, and to be honest, I think the adhesive stuck better than any stick on nails I used as a kid. There is such a huge variety of designs that I'm sure you will have no trouble finding a style that you like. I personally wouldn't buy these again because I just don't need or like to wear false nails, and they were quite uncomfortable for me.

I received these products through Influenster and imPress Press-On Manicure for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by any affiliates.

Joules Posh Premium Welly Review

I hadn't owned a pair of rain boots since before I can remember, but I knew it was time to get some. When I was presented the offer to test out this Premium Welly from Joules, I just couldn't say no! Joules is a popular clothing company in Great Britain that is very welly (hehe) known for their Wellies. They have over 70 store locations in the United Kingdom and deliver to many countries throughout the world. Fortunately, they do deliver to Canada and the United States. Shipping is $9.95 USD for the United States, and quite pricey at $30 CAD for Canadians. 

The Premium Welly is 'designed to be more fitted and built to last season after season'.

Features:

• New tread pattern for enhanced grip
• Hardwearing rubber sole
• Exceptional cold weather resistance

When I opened the box, I was immediately in love, but they looked huge! They were heavier than the typical pleather boots I was used to wearing throughout the winter, although this seems to be a pretty common feature that comes with rubber rain boots! The design and look of these boots, with the floral lining, vertical stripe on the back, and the signature 'Joules' plaque on the front gave the boot a more classy look. I actually adore the coloured stripe going down the back of the boot, as it gave it differentiation from other brands of rain boots. 

The wellies were quite comfortable and a bit roomy as they didn't have a half size, so I ordered up to a UK 6 (US 8) just to careful. I'd rather have them too large so there is room for thicker socks, and insoles. The boots claim to have exceptional cold weather resistance and I did find them to be warm enough to wear during a Canadian winter.

Now did they serve their main purpose and prevent my feet from getting soaked in the rain?! Well, I don't often take long walks in the rain.. but my feet did stay dry from the wet ground and puddles. I also put these to the ultimate test and soaked them in a sink filled with water for a minute, and the interior stayed dry.

The main issue I had with these boots were that they were too large for my calves. I initially had chosen this style, the Joules (PoshWelly) Premium Welly, because the more affordable (FieldWelly) was sold out in the size and colour I was interested in. Also, these looked as if they could be adjusted to a smaller circumference with the strap at the top of the boot. It turns out that it is just for looks, as the strap had no adjustable holes in it, and I couldn't see this working well with rubber boots anyway. Because these boots were a little too large on the tops of my calves, they were a bit difficult to walk in.

Tips for boots that are a bit too large for you:

•  If the boot is too large lengthwise, add a sole insert, it will also add more comfort to your step :)
• If the boot is too large on your calves, adding welly socks is a must, and looks cuter too! Also wearing jeans (instead of thinner leggings) gives the illusion and feel of a better fit.

Overall, I think these boots are an excellent choice if you are looking for stylish wellies that are made to withstand puddles and mud, and can also keep you warm during the colder months. The look of this welly is probably one of my favourites (I'm obsessed with black and gold), and it's definitely something you want to have in your closet, unless you live where it never rains! I do wish these had fit my calves better, but I'm pretty petite and all boots are typically quite large on me.

I have gotten compliments from friends and even my family on these wellies. I even had a male friend tell me they were stylish and he was instantly obsessed with them!

So far the wellies have been holding up fine as we are just beginning to have a ton of rain here in Toronto and I haven't been able to wear them as often as I'd like, but I will definitely update the post as I go on wearing them. The Posh Premium Welly is $148 USD on Joules.com in either black or green, available in US women's sizes 5-10.

I received these wellies for consideration :) All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Covergirl Clean Glow Bronzer in Spices

Worn over foundation, no blush

Covergirl's Clean Glow Bronzer in Spices is a matte bronzer, that claims lightweight, blendable colour. The compact consists of 3 colours that can be used alone (which might be a bit hard) or blended into one using a bronzing or contouring brush. I prefer to swirl the colours of the compact into one as it is too difficult and time consuming to use them individually.

So the first thing I noticed about this bronzer is that it was not as pigmented as I expected. The colour payoff was very faint, but this actually seemed to work for my shade of skin. I am quite pale at the moment, and the fact that this bronzer required more building than I am used to allowed me to apply it without overdoing it. It gives a natural glow, and will show up more heavily using a dense brush. I like to use Make Up For Ever's 150 Precision Blush Brush to contour my cheekbones, and then I use Real Techniques Multi-tasking Brush to apply the colour all over my face, temples, etc, but again with focus on the cheekbones. 

Covergirl's Bronzer in Spices seems to be suitable for all skin types, but it might not show up as strongly on more tanned skin-tones due to the light pigmentation and colour payoff. It is definitely more suitable for pink undertones (I have yellow undertones) although you can still get away with using it in moderation if you have neutral or yellow undertones. Overall, the Clean Glow Bronzer in Spices is an affordable bronzer that will look good on anyone, but is best suited for those who want a sunkissed look and that have pink undertones.

Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on my blog are 100% my own.

Vichy ProEven Line Review

At the beginning of April, I was sent some products from the Vichy ProEven line to test out. Since I've been trying to get rid of some dark spots for quite a while, I was curious to try the line and immediately began using them as my full skincare routine.

A staple ingredient in the ProEven line is LHA, also referred to as capryloyl salicylic acid. This ingredient works to exfoliate and restore more youthful looking skin and it is also categorized as a BHA. Because the ProEven line is hydroquinone-free, the products in the line are less likely to irritate your skin or cause discolouration. 

ProEven Brightening Cleansing Foam:

A cleanser designed to exfoliate, purify, and brighten the skin to achieve a more even looking skin tone. The ProEven Cleansing Foam contains Ceramide Bright + Vitamin C, and LHA, and is suitable for sensitive skin + allergy-tested.

Nowhere does this cleanser promote makeup removing properties, but I have tried it and it does remove my foundation almost completely in one shot. I would recommend using a makeup remover before the cleanser, but you can probably get away with just using the cleanser if you have light foundation/bb cream on. After using it, I am left with a 'squeaky clean' feeling on my face that can feel a bit tight if I don't moisturize right away. I didn't notice any exfoliater in the cleanser, which I didn't mind because it would be harsh to use everyday if it had exfoliating beads. I did enjoy using this cleanser, especially for days when I was feeling especially oily and it did not break me out, which is a huge plus!

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Eperua Falcata Bark Extract, Oxothiazolidinecarboxylic Acid, Dextrin, Fragrance

ProEven Daily Eye Corrector Dark Circles and Spots:

Vichy's Daily Eye Corrector targets dark circles, spots, and uneven skin tone around the eye area and contains Ceramide Bright, Caffeine, and Vitamin B3. It is ophthalmological and dermatologically tested, paraben and fragrance free.

I'm not exactly sure that there was a reduction in my dark circles, but my eye area did feel and look more moisturized. I am generally more concerned with the bags and wrinkles under my eyes so it is hard for me to notice difference in my dark circles. The cream was gentle and safe enough for my sensitive eyes that easily tear up. It did not sting or burn, was very light, and absorbed quickly. It worked well under makeup and I didn't need to use a primer before applying my concealer. I love that it is fragrance free and the only issue is that I've already gone through half the tube!

ProEven Daily Dark Spot Corrector:

A daily moisturizer that can be used twice a day and combined with other moisturizers/sunscreen as well. It is said to combat uneven skin tone and dark spots from aging, sun damage, and acne with Ceramide Bright, LHA and Vitamin C. It contains a micro-pearled formula to instantly deliver a more luminous glow and is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, hydroquinone + paraben free.

As you can see, I'm terrible at remembering to take photos before I start using a product (heh). This is a little over a month's use and I feel like there is so little that's left in the tube! I have really been enjoying this moisturizer however, and it absorbs into my skin super quickly. It works great under my makeup and I didn't find myself needing a primer. My makeup lasts all day long using this moisturizer alone, underneath it. I don't feel like it is strong enough to completely fade a targeted dark spot, but it works amazing as an overall moisturizer. But because it is such a pricey moisturizer, I would recommend using it heavier on spots you want to even out, and maybe mixing it with another moisturizer for the rest of the face. Or, you can use it during the daytime as it works great as a primer, and stick with a heavier moisturizer at night. (Keep reading to see if it worked to lighten my dark spots). 

ProEven Overnight Concentrate:

Your skin is said to regenerate itself intensely from the hours of 11pm to 4am. ProEven Night is a cool gel formula that acts throughout the night while you sleep. It contains Ceramide Bright, LHA and Vitamin C. It can be used as a spot treatment, all over the face, or weekly as an overnight mask. It is tested under dermatological control, suitable for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, and hydroquinone + paraben free.

This was my least favourite product of the line only because it smelt strongly of alcohol. Alcohol Denat is the third ingredient which explains it! This might cause dryness on some people, as it did for me. I believe it is essential in a lot of dark spot correctors to dry out the skin while the other ingredients work in conjunction to stimulate cell renewal. I'd recommend using it as a spot treatment rather than treating it as a moisturizer. 

It was hard for me to post my naked face, please..be nice?

Did ProEven help to fade/lighten my dark spots?
The first photo was taken after using the line for about a week or so, and the second was taken about a month later. My face is slightly more tanned from this new self tanning product I've been testing over the past few days so don't mind that difference, but you can see that certain few dark spots were lightened, like on the forehead, chin, cheek. However the dark spots that were a bit darker seemed to have stayed the same (note: the super dark brown spots are beauty marks :)) and I also have gained a few more spots unfortunately due to new acne popping up. The area where I was most concerned with, my upper lip, didn't seem to fade at all which was a bit of a disappointment but at least it has subtly worked for other parts of my skin. 

I was happy to see some slight results, even if they were only minor. None of the products in this line caused me skin problems or acne, which I was also pleased about. The products in this line are quite pricey, and if I had to choose I'd say my favourites were the daily dark spot corrector and eye corrector and I'd recommend trying them first if you don't want to purchase the whole line because they are a bit pricey! Use them sparingly, especially the daily dark spot corrector, again by applying it in spots rather than on the whole face. 

I received these products for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

I'm a huge Real Techniques fan and have collected pretty much all of their brushes, so when I heard about the release of this 'Beauty Blender' dupe, I was quite curious to see how it compared. I hadn't been able to find it in stores but it thankfully had been sent to me to test out.

The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a soft sponge for the application of foundation and concealer using either the flat edge, sides, or tip. The flat edge can be used for the entire face, and for contouring around the eyes and nose, rounded sides for blending, and precision tip for covering blemishes or imperfections. The sponge can be used dry for a fuller coverage or wet for a more natural look!

Rt Miracle Complexion Sponge: Dry

Rt Miracle Complexion Sponge: Expanded When Wet

First Impressions: At first I was doubting the performance of this sponge, as I have heard nothing compares to the Beauty Blender. I was pretty impressed upon using the sponge that it was soft, and squishy enough to feel gentle on my face. Upon my first application using Rt's Complexion Sponge and my Revlon Colorstay Foundation, I was able to get a full coverage and had an easy time applying the foundation to the sides of my nose, and under my eyes with the flat edge. The texture of the sponge and feeling on my face was quite similar to my Beauty Blender, but it was definitely more stiff. 

Application: I typically have been using the sponge dry, on the flat edge for a full face application, and the sides to smooth and blend out any excess foundation or blotchiness from using the flat edge. Using the flat edge requires a bit more blending, but it allows me to cover a larger portion of my face, faster, and feels much more gentle on the face and under the eyes. The only concern I had with the flat edge design, was that it seemed as if it might begin to wear down with a few more washes (but crossing my fingers that it doesn't!) 

Does it Expand? Oh, and for the final test.... did it expand when wet!? Yes! Not sure if you can really tell in the photos above, but the Real Techniques sponge did expand quite a bit, which is what makes it the closest dupe to the Beauty Blender for me, as I know many other 'dupes' do not absorb water nor expand. But this also means that the sponge does absorb a bit of foundation during application in comparison to a brush. It was a lot easier to use the sponge wet because it was squishier, but it also gives you a less fuller coverage.

I would likely choose the Real Techniques sponge over the Beauty Blender due to the much lower price ($7-10 in comparison to $28), and the benefits of the flat edge. I'd like to see how durable it is and long it will last with weekly washes, and will report back here! Overall, I think this is a great sponge for the price and I will definitely repurchase!

The Real Techniques sponge can be bought online in Canada through FarleyCo, and is also available at select London Drugs, Pharmasave, and Lawton Drugs. You just might be able to find it at Walmart, but I haven't had any luck yet. It can also be found at FtbBeauty and iHerb, which both offering shipping within Canada. Click here to view other international locations where you can potentially find this sponge!

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