Empties & Update!

Hey guys!

Judging by my blogging absence, I've been slacking-BIG time!

I could give you a list of everything I do and complain about how busy I am..but who wants to hear excuses? Bottom line is, I love my blog and will stay committed to posting.

Okay, this is starting to sound like couples therapy. Without further adieu, my empties...

Body Shop Sweet Lemon Lip Butter: Won't repurchase, I found it tasted very sweet and didn't do anything out of the ordinary to moisturize my lips. That being said I don't regret using it.

Bumble&Bumble Seaweed Conditioner: Hefty price tag! The formulation and smell was lovely but I will most likely go for something cheaper next time. If you want to try something out from Bumble and Bumble, this might be a nice place to start.

Clinique Moisture Surge: I've raved about this before, and will always go back to it.

Mitchum Deodorant: HATED it! My friend concurs!

Crabree & Evelyn Jojoba Oil: I mostly used this during the summer. It was great for after sun. I would buy it again.

Pond's Facial Wipes: The best I've ever used. I couldn't find them last time I was at Shoppers and ended up getting the Nivea facial wipes but they pale in comparison.

Lush Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask: Yucky, I much preferred Brazened Honey. The smell of this product throws me off. If you don't mind garlic + tea tree + grapes + eggs you are a warrior and should give it a go. I won't repurchase.

Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner: I love this! I repurchased it about 2 weeks ago (I think?). Let me know if you want a separate review/demonstration.

Di Palomo Fig & Grape Shower Gel: This was heavenly and was included in my last favourites post.

I love how Empties Posts make me aware of everything I use. Sorry the photo didn't give a proper look at the packaging. 

Be Be Your Love - Rachael Yamagata

Dice - Finley Quaye

If Only - Fink

These are the songs I have on repeat! Please take a listen and let me know in the comments your favourite songs right now :) Or if you did an October Empties post leave me your links!

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Read My Palm

This is my most complimented nail polish colour! And it's one of my favourites (not just because of all the babes I land when wearing it) but because it looks pretty unique! I mean, as much as we love buying, wearing and collecting nail polish...there are dupes for almost every colour. Often times I can't tell the difference between certain shades that other bloggers claim are totally unique.

What are some nail polishes that you think are special? :)

****My sister has gone away on holiday and took my camera with her, so I am doing some queued posts for now. When she returns I will have a BUNCH of new posts which I am really excited about!

July Favourites!

1. Sephora Makeup Bag: I've been doing a lot of traveling back and forth from city to cottage this month. This makeup bag is the perfect size! It holds everything I need for a couple nights use and it looks cute too. ^.^
2. Urban Decay De-Slick: With all this hot and humid weather I've needed to use a little extra "umph" to get my makeup to stay in place. This works wonderfully. Just don't get it in your mouth, I had a bit left over on my lips and it did not taste good. I've done a full review of this product, if you want to read it click here. 
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen: This is everything you want in a sunscreen-lightweight, great protection, no scent, not oily, absorbs quickly! I've been using it almost everyday since May. I even carry it in my purse incase I need to re-apply. One of the best features is the fact that it can be used either underneath or over makeup!
4. Makeup Forever HD Foundation: Not quite sure why, but I've been sticking to liquid foundation almost all year. I dip into a bunch of different foundations but I've been using this one consistently. I think since I travelled a lot in July it was easy for me to pack a no-fuss foundation that doesn't require sponges, brushes, setting powder or primer. Sure, you could use all those products to create better coverage, but personally I prefer to just use my fingers!
5. Nars Blush in Luster: This product warms up my face :) It has a bit of shimmer and creates a lightly bronzed effect. This blush also has the standard Nars packaging, you can never go wrong there. I did a review not too long ago... click here to read it!
6. Philosophy Full Thickening Mousse: I don't want to ramble too much so click here for a review. I will say that as someone who doesn't like to do much hair maintenance, this product effortlessly helps me get more volume and gives my hair more body!
7. OPI Red My Fortune Cookie: This colour has been on my toes for most of the summer. It is very bright and the formula gives an opaque and shiny finish.
8. Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Mask: I included this in a skin care haul and never updated you on it. Sorry >.< I've been using the mask about 1-2 times per week and LOVE it. It makes my skin feel reenergized while pulling out all grime left over from cleansing. I have never used of or even heard of this brand before. So if you have any experience with it, or want to recommend more products to me, please let me know in the comments.
9. Boscia Oil Free Daily Hydration: This has been part of my daily skincare routine since October, I don't know why I haven't featured it on the blog yet and if you are interested I can do a more extensive review:) This is a very no-frills product. Packaging, scent, texture, function...there are no gimmicks or false claims. This moisturizer does one thing well and that is hydrating oily skin. Sometimes people with oily skin think they don't need to moisturize. But they NEED to even more because their cells are producing more oil, by adding it yourself tells your skin "Okay, thanks for this excessive amount of moisture but you can ease up now" I wouldn't recommend this to people with dry skin but it has certainly worked beautifully for my combination skin. 

What have your favourites been this month?

If you have done a July Favourites post, please leave the URL in the comments below-I would love to check it out! :)

June Empties!

Clinique Moisture Surge: Extremely hydrating, doesn't clog pores or irritate my skin. Works well under makeup in the morning, at night or as a 5 minute moisture mask. Downside is the packaging, jars are unsanitary. Repurchase? Yes, or I will wait to get more deluxe sample sizes that come in the more hygienic tube.


Lancome Creme Radiance Cleanser: Lasted 6 months! A little goes a long way with this product. Smells good, formula really cleans skin. Downside is the price (over $40) yikes! Repurchase? Not right now as I have been loving my Cetaphil cleanser.


Sephora by OPI Nail Polish Remover: Gentle but powerful! Removes the glittery-ist of nail polishes. Not much else I can say besides I like the sleek look of the bottle. Repurchase? Again, no because of price. The drugstore nail polish remover is just as good.


Neutrogena Sport Face Spf 70+: Loved this product. Seriously protected my skin and didn't smell like your traditional sunscreen. Despite being a think cream it was absorbed relatively quickly. Repurchase? I bought this in America and haven't found it yet in Canada..


I know I don't have very many to share, and truth be told, I don't go through many products :P
Let me know what you think and maybe I'll keep doing "empties" posts! Hope you're having a good weekend, is anyone celebrating Canada Day??


xx Veronica

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Three Way Mirror

Hey everyone! I thought a NOTD post was overdue...

When I first saw this shade I thought it looked really dull, another boring shade of pink. It didn't particularly stand out or look pretty in the bottle. In fact, I don't even remember why I purchased it because I never wore it. It took months before I tried it out but when I did-I loved it!

Firstly, brownie points must be awarded to Sephora because the brush is perfect! It's long and narrow, getting into all the nooks and crannies of your nail. Very easy to use! :)

The colour is very muted, which is unusual. It doesn't shock you when you look down at your hand, there's no cringing or gasping at it's beauty. Instead the colour just looks plain and pretty. Every so often I am in the mood of a colour like this. I also need to mention that this shade is very complimentary on my pale skin.  I don't think it's part of the permanent line-but correct me if I'm wrong. Wouldn't be surprising if I was. :P

Have you bought any nail polishes that pleasantly surprised you? 
Actually, include the unpleasant ones too (those are always good stories)!  >:)

Nars Blush in Luster

This product is so beautiful, the photos don't even do it justice. I've been swooning over it for months but eventually plucked up the courage (and cash) and went to Sephora.

It is described as being a "sheer golden apricot" Completely accurate, I would also add that it has some shimmer too. Perfect for the summer! I have a very fair complexion and thought it would border on looking too dark. This isn't a problem at all, the colour suits my skin and has an almost bronze affect, warming up my cheeks :)

I have been applying it with my Sephora blush brush and the result is a tad 'spotty'. I still think the blush itself is great but the brush seems to be creating a streaky affect. However, nothing a little blending doesn't fix!

What are some other blushes I should try?
Hope you had a fantastic week, I know I'm happy exams are done :)

Shiny Dancer

Happy Birthday Beautiful

After last years Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift I had low expectations for this year. However, I am happy to say that they did a very good job!

They have a shower gel/bubblebath/shampoo this year made by philosophy. The consistency is thick and smooth and it smells like vanilla birthday cake-yum! :)

to give you a general idea size-wise!

What are your favorite shower gels?

xx Veronica

Boscia: Pore Purifying Black Strips

Here's to the weekend and good skincare!

I bought these at Sephora back in August. After using the Biore strips I was curious about whether or not these were any different. Truth is, no. You pay about double the price but they truthfully do the same thing. 

Boscia's claim is that they use charcoal powder to draw out the skin's impurities. I assume that is the 'key' difference that make this product stand out. To be fair, they do a great job. My pores are noticeably clearer. However, if you want to save a few bucks go for the Biore strips.

And what would Friday be without my favorite meal of the week!? 

Sushi is good any day, I have been especially loving it lately though!

Hope you had a great week.

xx Veronica