Clarisonic's Newest Member The OPAL Sonic Infusion System

I'm a HUGE fan of Clarisonic's signature system (I own 2!) and when I heard they came out with a system dedicated to the eye area I was curious and very excited to see what it was all about.

The Opal Sonic Infusion System is a palm sized gadget that's specially designed to help build skin's resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes. The kit includes the Opal Sonic Infuser, a small bottle Anti-Aging Sea Serum, 2 extra applicator tips (3 in total), Universal charger & Stylish Limited-edition travel bag.

How to use the Opal:

Charge with ultra cool charger, cleanse face, apply a tiny amount of included anti-aging serum on applicator tip, apply to under eye area, press on/off button and move Opal in slow circular motion. Once the 30sec interval is over switch sides and repeat. 

Its super easy and with 125 sonic movements per second there is no way this can even compare to the traditional finger dab under the eye!

Why the Opal rocks... with use this tiny gadget helps firm the under eye areas, keep it ultra  hydrated, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles which is exactly what this mommy needs! The only downside I see is that they suggest changing the applicators every 3 months (with daily use im assuming) while it comes with 3 applicators thats only 9 months worth. Replacement applicators aren't expensive though Sephora.com sells 4 for $15 which isnt bad for a years worth.

I love the way the Opal feels and although I haven't been using it long I feel refreshed and that my under eye area is getting a little extra and much needed TLC.... Thank you Clarisonic for creating such a cool device that targets an area SO many of us suffer with.

Retails for $215 CDN and is available at Clarisonic.ca

Sun Protection For Baby & Me With Hawaiian Tropic & Banana Boat!

The days are finally here where baby and I can enjoy the outdoors! We go for weekly walks with our stroller walking mama's group and late afternoon walks around our neighbourhood and Ive been so worried about her skin because she is so fair that she is likely to burn.

I kept her out of the sun or indoors if I could before she turned 6 months because everything I've read says it isn't safe to use sunscreen on them any younger. The minute that child turned 6 months though we began using Banana Boats Natural Reflect on her head to toe. It is a bit thicker and you do have to work it in but I wouldn't expect anything less for a baby sunscreen! I love feeling secure that she is protected well.

For myself I'm in love with the Silk Hydration™ Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($10.99) the texture is silky smooth and unlike the Banana Boat Babies it actually melts onto the skin and rubs in with ease. In a rush this is a great feature! Its light weight, non-greasy, has hydrating ribbons that includes shea butter, is waterproof and has a great coconut scent.

The Silk Hydration™ After Sun Moisturizer ($9.99) feels amazing after a day in the sun. It includes ribbons of aloe which has a nice cooling effect. These 2 make the perfect duo and a great must have for any beach day!

These fab products are currently available at grocery, drug and mass retail outlets across Canada. 

DOVE Casting Call for REAL Women Suffering with Eczema or Psoriasis

The team at Milo Casting Inc. is currently seeking women who suffer from eczema or psoriasis to be featured in Dove’s new skin care campaign.  Staying true to their “Real Beauty” motto, Dove does not hire professional actors or models for any of their campaigns. 

Who they are looking for:
-Women of 23 to 48 years of age of all ethnic backgrounds.
-Looking for women with extremely dry skin caused by eczema or psoriasis.
-Looking for submissions from individual women or female duos with the following relationships: Mothers and Daughters, Sisters, Cousins, other family connections, or Good Friends who both suffer from eczema or psoriasis.

If this sounds like you or someone you know check out their Facebook event for more info!

Tweezerman - The ONLY Way To Go For Brow Grooming!

Being a blogger and makeup artist does have its perks and one of them has been being chosen to be a Tweezerman Ambassador!

I was sent an exclusive ambassador kit of amazing brow grooming essentials that have no doubt made my job and working on clients a lot easier!

What was included?

• Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – For more than 30 years, our award-winning Slant has been the choice of make-up artists, models, celebrities and those who demand the very best.
• Satin Etched Zebra Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – Top eyebrow artists always recommend the original, award-winning Slant for expert brow shaping, now in this luxe etched print.
• Point Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – Famous for its precision, the Point features perfectly aligned hand-finished, ultra-sharp pointed tips that grab the smallest and finest hairs with ease.
• Pointed Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – This uniquely designed tweezer with perfectly aligned hand-finished tips combines the easy handling of our Slant with the precision of our Point.
• Mini Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel with Enamel Color Finish) – This smaller version of our award-winning Slant Tweezer is the ideal size for make-up bag and travel. 
• Eyenhance Pencil and Sharpener - The dual-ended pencil features both a universal brow color Brow Pencil and Highlighter that work together to create perfectly shaped luminous brows.
• Browmousse - Ideal for getting a beautifully shaped brow line to stay put all day… or for taming “disobedient” unruly brows.
• ProCurl Lash Curler - Designed with unique control, this next-generation, professional-quality eyelash curler’s sleek body-shape with large opening is crafted to exceed the standards and performance of any other curler on the market today.
• Folding ILashcomb - The perfectly spaced, gold plated metal teeth glide through lashes to remove excess mascara, leaving your lashes looking long, lovely and clump-free.
• Brow Shaping Scissors & Brush - Outfitted with sharp, ultra-thin precision blades so you can isolate each hair with optimum accuracy and control. Use included mini brush to help shape and define brows as you trim.

My favs have got to be the Satin Etched Zebra Slant Tweezer because not only does the zebra print make it super chic but these tweezers literally get even the tiniest hairs and work really well for shaping the brows. I also really like the ProCurl Lash Curler as it gets close to the lash bed and creates a curl right from the root. 

As a makeup artist I like and use the Folding ILashcomb to comb through lashes once mascara has been applied if I see any clumping. Since this product is metal it can be sprayed with alcohol and sanitized quickly and it works so much better than disposable mascara wands for this.

Tweezerman is known for their amazing quality and on the (really) off chance your Tweezerman tools should get dull they will sharpen them for free! This is how you know a company stands by their tools!
If you are in the market for quality brow grooming tools that will last your forever there is no other choice!

Bloggers/Vloggers if you would like a chance to be a Tweezerman Ambassador head on over to their site and sign up!

Review/Giveaway: Rowenta's Inifini Pro Auto Sensor Dryer

Blow drying my hair these days is a luxury that I consider ME time. It doesnt happen often but when it does I need tools that are going to make my life easier and get the job done fast.

Enter Rowenta's Infini Pro Auto Sensor Dryer voted best hairdryer in the Globe and Mail Style Awards!

Rowenta is the official sponsor hair tools sponsor of World MasterCard Fashion Week here in Toronto and I can see why with its innovative tools!

 

This baby has most certainly replaced my old clunky hair dryer that would kill my arms by the end of blow drying my long hair because it was so heavy. Gone are the days when I fumble around trying not to get the brush tangled in my mane while attempting to turn on and off the blow dryer between each section.

This hairdryer features an auto sensor switch that when in the on position allows the dryer to automatically stop when placed on any flat surface. Genius I know!

It comes with all the necessary attachments to keep any mane looking sleek and styled. A diffuser and a concentrated nozzle (my personal fav) that twist on easily and STAY on unlike my "other" dryer where the nozzle pops off every 5 minutes!

I am over the moon that this hair tool came into my life and I'm even more excited to announce that I am able to give away TWO amazing Rowenta tools!

Canadian's WIN your very own Rowenta Infini Pro Auto Sensor Hair Dryer PLUS the Rowenta Beauty Versa

Total value of $450.00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway open to Canadian Residents only

*Ends April 2 2013

Because Who Wouldn't Want To Smell Like Cookies?! Cookie Recipe

Its still freezing outside so you know what that means? We bake!

Cookies are always a favourite in my house and Demeter Fragrances has come out with a delicious recipe for all cookie lovers to try inspired by their new yummy fragrances that launched this March.

Demeter’s Secret Recipe... Vanilla Cookie Dough, with Dark Chocolate

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter or margarine (softened) 1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp. agave, honey or maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of oat flour or (1/2 cup ground oats) 1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined. Add egg, syrup and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Add the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking soda and salt and stir until combined; add chocolate chips and stir until blended.
Drop spoonfuls of dough on a sprayed cookie sheet and push down slightly on each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 20-24 cookies.
Enjoy!

This scent smells so much like the cookies I baked but is calorie free! The scent goes on strong but within a few minutes settles down to a sweet scent that lingers for hours.

Demeter Fragrances are available for purchase on their website and at select Loblaws/ Real Canadian Superstores ($15 CDN - 30ml Spray)

Oh YES, Caryl Baker Visage Offers Facials and Im a Fan!

When you think of Caryl Baker Visage you may think of eye brow waxing, makeup applications, quality products and maybe even skincare but did you know that that offer a whole line of facials too?!

Oh yes they do! I got the chance to visit the location at the Pickering Town Centre where I met with Jacqulyn (who happened to be the owner) for their Ultimate Facial now called their Pure Oxygen Facial experience. She was full of interesting facts & knowledge which immediately made me super comfortable. 

After she explained the steps of the facial and got me comfortable behind the privacy screen (great feature!) she took the time to examine my skin under a magnifying mirror -yikes, applied eye covers so that the light & products wouldn't get near my eyes and began the facial.

She started by cleansing & toning my skin with their organic line called Organics which I had no idea they even had but loved immediately. The cleanser really felt like it gave me a deep clean and smelled really nice. 

The facial was a 60 minute treatment that combines the use of hydrating collagen and pure oxygen. Some of the benefits include:
Breathing life back into your skin cells
Stimulates collagen and elastin growth
Lightens and brightens appearance of skin
Fades pigmentation naturally
Improves rosacea, acne, all forms of dermatitis such as eczema and psoriasis
Maintains moisture and nutrient levels resulting in a supple youthful appearance

The collagen mask which is a sheet that looks like a face that is placed over your entire face and left to sit for 10 minutes or so to work its magic. The mask is super cold and refreshing when applied and felt moist against my skin. Lying back with this baby on my skin I almost fell asleep thank god it was cold because if it was warm I would have been out like a light!

Overall I really enjoyed my entire experience at Caryl Baker Visage. From the customer service to the knowledgable staff to the quality products I wouldn't hesitate to recommend heading in the next time you are in need of a facial!

Over the next few days I noticed my skin looking a lot more radiant, refined and just better overall. I couldn't be happier with the product and plan on going back to get it done again.

The Pure Oxygen Facial is regularly $105 or for Beauty Club Members $89. Well worth every penny!

Dear Vasanti Cosmetics You Get Better With Age! -New Product Love-

 Every time Vasanti Cosmetics comes out with new products I fall more and more in love with the line.

Their newest products are better than ever!

The addition of 4 Cream Blushes  (Shades: Summit, Pinnacle, Glacier & The Peak), a new Black Kajol Eyeliner Pencil and Monoi Magic Treatment Oil introduces its loyal fans a batch of completely new products and as those just discovering the line something unique and fun to want to try.

I have been wearing the cream blushes (Summit & Pinnacle) and Kajol liner every time I leave the house (which is a treat these days!) and have gotten comments such as "you look so fresh", "Wow, your skin looks amazing", "you don't look like you have a newborn at all, you look refreshed".

The cream blushes ($20) are creamy enough to blend with ease and perfection when I apply them using my fingers and blend to a dry finish so there is no greasy residue left behind to make you look oily. A little goes a long way with these bold shades but the colours are soft enough to work on the lips as well if you wish.. Bonus!

The Kajol liner ($18) has got to be one of my favourites! Its super creamy which means it glides right on with out any effort, pulling or stretching of the eye lid. It comes equipped with a smudger on one end and a sharpener on the other. Gone are the days of packing these added features separately in our makeup bags! Once this liner goes on and dries it stays put, no more raccoon eyes after a night out or a long day at work (or motherhood in my case).
It is my recommendation that everyone go out and buy this liner right away! ;)

The Monoi Magic Treatment Oil ($15) intrigued me and I was surprised to find it in solid form when I opened the box. After reading the instructions I realized it worked much like coconut oil. Its solid but a few seconds on the warmth of your skin or under warm water it liquefies.

This product is so multi-purpose as it can be used as a facial oil treatment, on the body and even in hair. While I do find it difficult to squeeze this product out as it comes after a few seconds under warm water and it comes out with ease. There is little to no scent and after applying this to my face last night I can say with confidence that it didn't make me feel oily/greasy and actually felt really nourishing on. I can see this being worked into my pamper my face session once a week!

I continue to be impressed with the Vasanti Cosmetics team who are constantly working to bring the highest quality products to its customers. I use multiple items from this line daily and that's saying A LOT!

If you haven't checked out the line yet, well get out from under your rock and head on over to VasantiCosmetics.com to find out where you can pick it up.

3 "Grooming" Products My Husband Loves!

I wouldn't dare call these items beauty products for fear he may go cave man styles and not care at all about how he smelled, looked or felt SO for the purposes of this post we shall call them male grooming products!

Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser ($12.89) - He uses this daily in the shower and loves the warming feeling.. I'm not so sure he cares how well it works (I do, and it does) but its the texture he really loves. Hey, if it gets him to cleanse his face daily I don't care why he uses it, just that he does!

FENDI Fan Di Pour Homme Cologne 100ml ($88.00) - Since this arrived at our house he's been finding excuses to wear it. Bonus for me here is I like it way more than his previous cologne which I found to be too strong. This one lasts a long time on his skin, isn't over powering but still sexy at the same time ;)

Vaseline Men Fast Absorbing Body and Face Lotion ($11.50) - What's great about this product is that it can be used for face AND body which means its a 1 step process for a man who normally hates any type of lotion. Its fast absorbing so I don't have to hear his complaints about greasy hands and it keeps his handy man hands soft especially as the weather gets dry and cold.

There you have it, products Tried, Tested & Loved by the MR!

Guess what items will be in his stocking this Christmas ;)

Event Recap: The Body Shop Pulse Boutique Grand Opening at the Toronto Eaton Centre

This past Friday I was invited to check out The Body Shop's new Pulse Boutique transformation at the Toronto Eaton Centre. I arrived with my BFF to a media wall and a red carpet entrance where we got our photos taken and were greeted by some of the warmest PR ladies ever!

Here's our mug!

As we entered we were given the "tour" by Stacie, showing off the new Pulse Boutiques.  I immediately noticed the large and in charge makeup up section which looked bolder than before.

We saw the new packaging for their Body Butters as well as their new body oils which I quickly had slathered on my arm. Not greasy at all and they left my skin feeling baby soft... I must get my hands on these!

Then we moved over to a section that really touched me. All the journalists at media Launch were given a tag and asked to share their favourite Body Shop item on it. In the days following the event, each of the items written on those tags were going to be donated to the women and children at Nellie's Shelter!

I added some of my favourites to the wall, the Rose Roll On Gloss & White Musk Body Wash Gel :)

We ended the tour appropriately at the yummy edibles which were almost too pretty to munch on... almost :)

I have always been a huge fan of The Body Shop, their products and their amazing work all over the world so I'm always happy when I see the brand coming up with innovative ways to reinvent themselves. 

The new style Pulse Boutique's are a worldwide redesign of their boutiques in more than 60 countries and are open concept, clean lined and more inviting for the customers to be able to sample & ask questions!

We left with an amazing gift bag full of their top 10 items which I was so excited about because there were items in there that I had been dying to try.... Look at these best sellers!

No need to be envious because Ive got a special treat for my readers coming up tomorrow ;)

HINT: Like what you see above? Well it could ALL be yours so stay tuned........

Fall 2012 Fragrance Launches You Need To Know About!

I don't know about you but I like switching up my scent regularly. There are some scents I prefer to wear during the spring/summer and others I like for fall/winter. Keeps things interesting ;)

This Fall you can look forward to new scents from Calvin Klein as they introduce Eternity Aqua - A scent that is inspired by the essence of femininity in all its ease. Sexy and refreshing, the fragrance is like a clean, crisp ocean breeze.

Available for a limited time only folks (beginning Aug 2012) so head on over the The Bay or Sears to pick up either the 50ml ($72) or the 100ml ($92).

Also new to the CK collection is their ckOne Shock Absorber Travel Spray for her. This has got to be one of my favourites because its simply a pocket sized version of their already popular fragrance. Its got the cutest pink rubberized case around the outside of the bottle which ads a bit of fun texture and colour to its packaging.

This little palm sized fragrance is available for a limited time (beginning July 2012) at select Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix locations for a great price of $18!

Also new for Fall is Vera Wang's Lovestruck Floral Rush which includes top notes such as  sparkling champagne accord, pink pepper, apricot blossom! The fragrance is just as beautiful as the bottle it comes in, similar to Wang's first release of Lovestruck which I wrote about back in February.

Fragrance available beginning Aug 2012.

The 30ml ($52) is a Sephora exclusive however the 50ml ($79) and the 100ml ($105) are  available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix, Murale, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Sephora.

I will be choosing between these and other amazing scents this Fall, what will you be wearing?

Givenchy Beauty: Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara

Givenchy's new Noir Couture 4 in 1 mascara just hit stores this month and is already a huge hit and I know exactly why!

A four-in-one mascara that creates intense volume, strong curl, infinite length, and complete lash care.

The texture of this mascara is amazing. Smooth and very buildable while the unique tri-spherical brush makes sure you can get to each and every lash!

I've been reaching for this mascara daily for the last few weeks and have to say its quickly becoming one of my favourites. I love that I can coat even the tiniest lashes in the corners of my eyes with this brush without getting mascara on my lids. I normally always wear 2 coats of mascara no matter the brand but I don't really need 2 with this formula as my lashes are dark and bold with just 1 coat.

This is an example of how 1 coat looks on my lashes.

Amazing right?! I cant tell you how much I adore this mascara so if you're in the market for a new mascara that's not only innovative but actually works try Givenchy's Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara. Available exclusively at Sephora ($35), in Black Satin & Brown Satin shades.

I'm also wearing one of Givenchy's new summer products the Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen in #4 Mister Macaroon ($37) under my eyes. I was so curious to see if this product would actually work well with my normal concealer and I'm happy to report it does! It helped erase the shadows and lack of sleep signs under my eyes quite well and brightened up the entire area.

My only minor complaints were that it took about 50-70 "clicks" or turns to finally get the product to come out to the brush and that the wand can get kinda messy as with all pens of this type (see below). Other than that this product blends well, covers well and is buildable.

Givenchy's beauty items have yet to let me down!

Introducing LUSH’s FIRST Color Collection, Emotional Brilliance - Swatches

LUSH has always been a big favourite of mine for its natural bath & body products but they really took a special place in my heart with the launch of their first ever color collection Emotional Brilliance!

This line consists of 13 liquid lip colors ($22.95), 11 liquid eyeliners ($22.95), 6 cream eyeshadows   ($22.95) and 3 Skin products that include 2 primers & 1 powder ($18.95)and is less about wearing makeup that’s in-season or on-trend and more about wearing colors that shape your mood.

I recently got a sneak peek sample of an eyeliner (Motivation), shadow (Focus) and lip colour (Perspective).

Focus (eye shadow), described as a iridescent blue grey comes across to me more grey than blue with a hint of shimmer to it that makes it look really pretty in the light which I really like. It blends well when blended quickly but dries fast so you need to work quick.

Motivation (eyeliner) is described as a two-toned peacock shade. Its such a pretty shade and applies very smooth and consistent. The brush is very soft so there is no pulling of the lid and so fine that it allows you to draw even the thinnest line.

Perspective (lipstick) a natural dusky rose shade is such a gorgeous color. It comes with a doe foot applicator and goes on quite nicely however I did find it a bit dry. Nothing a little gloss cant fix right?! I can totally see myself wearing this lipstick into fall when I'm going for natural, soft & pretty.

Keeping with their reputation LUSH's Color Collection is absolutely worth checking out and is in stores now so will you be checking it out?

Coral Just Never Gets Old! I'm Officially Obsessed!

My name is Farah and I have a Coral obsession!

Yes, I know Fall is around the corner (don't shoot the messenger!) but I cant help myself.

Ive loved anything peachy or coral for as long as I can remember and I cant tell you how happy I am to see it appear in almost every line recently. From gloss to blush to shadows this shade is hotter than ever and I for one am riding the coral wave!

Some coral goodness to check out:

L'Oreal's La Couleur Infalliable Eye Shadow in Pepsy Coral. ($9.99) A bold coral with flecks of gold that applies like a dream and is buildable.

L'Oreal's Colour Riche Lip Colour in Peach Fuzz ($9.99). This light coral shade has a bit of frost to it to make it the perfect shade on the tanned skin the summer has left you with.

Givenchy  Gloss Interdit in Coral Frenzy N° 03 ($30). Sheer enough to add over any lipstick but pretty enough to wear alone. It has a lightweight texture, a whole lot of shine and a plumping effect equals one perfect gloss!

Vasanti Cosmetics  Sun Peached Glow - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25). A talc-free blush that's the perfect shade of peach and leaves your skin with the perfect combination of of colour and glow.

Would you wear coral year round?