Showing posts with label the body shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the body shop. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2014

HAUL | The Body Shop


As you all know, I'm super obsessed with The Body Shop and still grieving the day I had to leave them. NOOOO D: It was a great experience and I loved working with all the products and people. I can only hope the one near my house calls me if they have a spot available.

Anyways, just before Christmas and just when I was hired, I decided to do a little shopping. They have a new Colour Crush collection out and I really wanted to give them a shot. How can I say no to lipstick? I can't. I had never seen the collection in person so I had to choose out the colours based on what they looked like online. I decided on Berry Me (matte) and Coral Blush (matte). Originally the lipsticks go for $12.50 each but I got them for $6.50 each. I was attracted to the colours and Coral Blush is a perfect light summertime lipstick and Berry Me was perfect for the fall/winter. Plus they are 2 colours I don't have in my growing collection.

Next I picked out an eyeshadow because why not? This colour is called Mon Cherry and it runs for $10 but I got it for $5. Because my eyes are greenish/brown, purple is the ideal colour for them as it compliments both shades. I opted for this shade because it's very gentle and girly and I'm a sucker for a bit of sparkle/sheen in an eyeshadow. I've just now read on the Body Shop website that you can wear these eyeshadows wet for a more intense colour and I've never tried that before, but I'm so on it!

Also, please ignore the eyeliner in the first picture, I forgot I had already posted about it.

Ada xx

Thursday, January 2, 2014

HOME | The Body Shop


Happy New Year! I thought I'd start off the new year with a post - Holiday-related of course. I'm obviously very obsessed with candles but I find they're gone so quickly (maybe I should stop burning them 24/7), so I opted for an oil burner for a change. Just when I got hired at The Body Shop they had a sale online so I caved and got the Holiday oil burner with the 3 Holiday scents.

The oil burner is originally $16 and I paid $12 for it. I love how it looks, the shape, the little stars and the colours! I believe it's made of ceramic, so you don't have to worry about it exploding or cracking on you.

The 3 Holiday scents are Cranberry Joy, Vanilla Bliss and Ginger Sparkle. They're $5 each and I got them for $3.75. I absolutely love the scents! I'm currently loving Cranberry, it's so fresh and seasonal. The vanilla is beautiful and warm and the ginger is sharp and smells like Coca-Cola.

I've used this burner quite a bit and I can tell you that it really makes your room smell a lot (in a good way, of course). You need to fill the little groove at the top with water (about 2 cm from the top) and then put around 5 drops of oil then light a tealight inside the burner. If you're sensitive to smells I do not suggest this burner, or I would say use 1-2 drops. I love strong scents so I put a lot.

The thing I don't like about oil burners is that you need to supervise them. Using one is like cooking, in a way. The fire burns and evaporates the water and sometimes the burner will start smoking a little and maybe bubble very lightly. Once most the water evaporates the oil will start burning and smelling. It's not a huge problem but you just have to make sure to keep an eye on it.

The Body Shop also has other non-Holiday oils and burners, so if you're finished with Christmas but still want a burner, don't worry, they've got you covered. They also have candles and diffusers if that's something you're into as well. I'm definitely planning on picking up some more oils.

What's your experience with oil burners?

Ada xx

Friday, October 25, 2013

HAUL | The Body Shop


This post has been a long time coming, I swear. About.... a month ago I visited The Body Shop after a Sunday morning shift (when I still worked, of course). I remember this day clearly because there was a Ukranian festival going on and the entire street was blocked off for like... 6 blocks or more. I wanted to go read in a cafe after work so I had to fight through the crowd. I ended up reading for only 45 minutes because there was a crying baby behind me in the cafe and a loud band right outside so I just chose the worst day possible. As I fought my way back through the crowd, I stopped into TBS and had to use an immense amount of willpower not to buy everything.

I was lucky that day because I managed to get a few items for really great prices. The little container is their BB Cream in the newest pale colour 00. I had tried 01 and it was way too dark for me, so I was definitely excited to try their new colour. I can honestly say I like the Vitamin E BB cream so much more. The one cool thing about this new one is that it changes colour when rubbed into your skin (I'm not that pale). This one is very oily and the colour is still a tiny touch too tan for me, so it'd be good for my someone with dry skin that just came from vacation.

The other 3 items were bought in a bundle. They were all in the sale section and they were having some deal that you need to buy 3 items and you'll get one price for them. They were $3 each of something along the lines, an amazing deal for products that range from $8-$18. I bought the little flower brush for my makeup bag. I use this Physician's Formula pressed powder and it comes with one of those half-moon brushes (you know... the ones that come in all the Benefit blushes) and it really packs on the powder when I really want a soft look, so I decided to buy a separate brush instead.

Also, some good news: I have an interview at The Body Shop Sunday morning for a part-time seasonal position! Because we're moving I just need something temporary for the next two months so I can still make some money.

Ada xx

Thursday, September 26, 2013

TAG | The One and Only


So a while ago Maya, from Spider Leg Lashes, had posted a tag and then tagged anyone who wanted to do it. Of course, I took the opportunity to do the tag!

The Only Question: If you could only have one ____ what would it be? And, why?
 
 
Primer - It would be a sin not to say Urban Decay Primer Potion. This has been my beauty must-have and I'll forever continue buying it!

Base product - I went for The Body Shop Vitamin E Cool BB Cream just because it's the one I'm currently using and I really like it.

Blusher (cream or powder) - Definitely Sleek MakeUP blush in Pomegranate. This colour is gorgeous and looks amaaazing.

Highlighter - I'm going to opt for an eyeshadow that I like to use both as an eye and face highlight, which is Sephora Peach Beige. The colour is a perfect champagne and always looks amazing!
Eyebrow product - I love Quo brow gel! It does not leave my brows stiff and holds them in-place at all hours.
Mascara - My favourite tends to change a lot, but at the moment it's definitely Benefit BadGal Waterproof. This mascara has gotten a lot of hate but I just love it!
Concealer - I don't actually use a concealer as concealer, I use a foundation which is MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW20.
Powder - I've been opting for Marcelle Translucent Powder lately and I just love the finish it gives to my skin!
Bronzer - It seems that I use product that are meant for one thing as something else, and here's another one. I actually really love how The Body Shop eyeshadow in the colour 10 looks as a bronzer.
Make Up Brush (single) -This was definitely a tough one. I was going to choose ELF Eyeshadow brush, but I went for MAC 217 only because it's a multi-purpose brush.

Eyeshadow - I loooooooove eyeshadow, and I have a whole ton, but this was my easiest pick. Quo eyeshadow in Dusk. I've never seen such a beautiful, unique colour before and I cherish this eyeshadow!

Eyeliner - I went for Rimmel Soft Kohl in the colour Sable Brown because it looks great on the waterlines and smudged around the eye. It was either that or MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack.

Lip Liner (or lip colour) -This category kinda irks me cause there's no lip colour category, but a lip liner one? I'm changing it... My choice is Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, this colour is gooorgeous and perfect for the fall!

Lip Balm - Another easy choice. Hands down EOS in Summer Fruit. This is the only EOS balm I've tried and I absolutely love it! It's the perfect texture and wear.

Nail Polish  - This was definitely a difficult choice because I have so many nail polishes, but I opted for Gosh Limited Edition in Galaxy. The colour is so unique and gorgeous!


I Tag...
 
Anyone who wants to!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

HAUL | The Body Shop



It's been that time of every few months where my skincare products were running low and I was in deep need to replenish them. I'm obsessed with The Body Shop and whenever I go in there, I always want to sniff and play with everything. But with a little bit of self-control and press for time before work, I managed to go in and out in record time. Also, I called ahead for them to put some stuff away for me. Plus, they were having 50% skincare!

I wanted to try some new stuff and see how it worked with my skin. My skin is pretty sensitive and picky when it comes to products and I think I'm allergic to sunscreen because whenever I wear a product with SPF in it, it irritates my cheeks and brings out my dry spots. Luckily my skin remained calm and didn't throw a tantrum.

The first item I picked out is the Vitamin E Moisture Cream. I was originally planning on using it as a general everyday moisturizer but I've decided to only use it as a night cream because if I wore it with a BB cream, it's be too much for my skin. Obviously I should have bought the Night cream but they're all the same in my opinion. The cream costs $16.50, I paid $8.25 with the sale.

The next item I got is the Vitamin E Face Mist. On the website, it says this mist should be used as a makeup setting spray or a 'pick me up' throughout the day, but I've bought it to use it as a toner. They do have a Vitamin E toner itself, but I find that I like the spray better because it wastes less product (if I were to use a toner with a cotton ball), and because it's a makeup setting spray, it helps work as a sort of primer. It costs $16.00, I paid $8.00.

The third item I picked up is the Vitamin E Cool BB Cream. I personally love this BB cream and find that it works so well on the skin! What I love most about it is that it rubs nicely into the skin and it comes in 1 shade. I know some people would be annoyed, but luckily this shade works really well with my skin and blends in. On the website it says this cream: hydrates to protect, evens tone, and give fresh looking skin. So far I have no complaints and plan on buying it again and again! It costs $18.00, I paid $9.00.

And lastly, I picked up the Warming Mineral Mask. This product is so interesting and I was definitely intrigued enough to pick it up. You're supposed to dampen your skin and then rub this mask into it, and it warms your face right up. It's a great product for the winter months! I'm not entirely sure how it works, whether it's activated by the water or rubbing motion (I'd assume both). It's a bit tricky though because the warmth only lasts a few seconds, so you kinda have to wet your face and then squeeze onto one hand and quickly rub it in. It's made with: ginger, cinnamon oil and kaolin clay, all excellent ingredients for skin. It costs $17.00, I paid $8.50.

Do you own any of these products? What do you think?

Ada xx

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

HAUL | LouLou Swag Bag





Hello everyone! I'm sorry about my disappearance, I recently spilled OJ on my old Macbook! I then spent a few days weighing my options before giving in and buying a new Macbook Pro. NO MORE LIQUIDS AROUND IT! Promise.

With that said and done, I have a haul I've been saving for a little bit to post. My Aunt went to a LouLou Magazine party and emerged with a swag bag. She's not one for those sorts of things, so when I came home after work, I got a nice surprise.

The bag was mostly samples, but hey, never complaining. So what was inside, you ask? Let me tell you.
  • A copy of the April 2013 issue (ok... maybe this bag is a little older than I thought)
  • Montagne Jeunesse Peel Off Mask sample
  • John Frieda Frizz Ease serum sample x2
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream samples x3
  • Beyonce Pulse perfume sample (lovelovelove)
  • Burt's Bees Nourishing Body Lotion samples x2 (smell is meh)
  • Palmer's Cocoa Butter Oil sample
  • Unnamed body wash sample 
  • Dove deep conditioner
  • China Glaze full-size nail polish in Bahamian Escape (love)
  • A pack of cards
  • A LouLou notebook
  • A beautiful rose gold watch (lovelovelove)
 I am just so pleased with this bag and really hope my aunt has more parties to attend and more swag bags to not want. c;

Ada xx

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

FOTD | Smoked Out



Experimenting with eyeshadows is probably my favourite part of doing my makeup. I always enjoy thinking up different looks and different ways of using my shadows along with different colour combinations. I've never done a look like this, but I have to say it's one of my most favourite.

That day we were going to have a wedding at my work, so I decided to dress up a little for the occasion. I pinned back my hair, added a pair of beautiful layered shell earrings and smoked out the eyes. I only wish I had the time to take better pictures, in order to see the look in its fullness. Unfortunately, I was running late so only had a chance to snap a few pictures by the window in my kitchen.

I knew I wanted my skin to look as luminous as possible, so I went for a rather shimmery bronzer, a bright pink blush and very luminizing highlighter. Because the eyeshadows I used were completely matte, I knew I wouldn't be a walking disco ball. Plus, any glitter in my face products was so sparse and thin that it didn't look overdone. For my eyes, I created a V on the outer corner with a medium-dark brown shadow and blended out. I then lined my top lashline and outer lower lashline with a dark sapphire blue shadow and smoked it out. I highlighted my inner corner but left the browbone alone. I didn't want my brows very strong, so I only lightly filled them in. I only finished the look off with a lipbalm because I knew I wouldn't have time to reapply a lipstick or gloss throughout the night.

Face:
  • Quo BB Cream in Light/Medium
  • MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW20
  • Sleek MakeUP Luminous Pressed Powder in 01
  • Madison Street Beauty in Rose Bronze (bronzer)
  • The Body Shop blush in 03
  • Mai Couture Highlighter Paper in St. Barts(?)
Eyes:
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original
  • Sleek MakeUP i-Divine palette in Oh So Special (2nd row, 3rd shadow all over lid)
  • Madison Street Beauty eyeshadow in Espresso (outer-v, blend into crease)
  • Madison Street Beauty eyeshadow in Smoky Sapphire (liner)
  • Madison Street Beauty eyeshadow in Rose Gold (inner corner)
  • Rimmel Extreme Definition duo eyeliner (grey - waterline)
  • Shu Uemura eyelash curler
  • Badgal Waterproof mascara (upper)
  • Benefit They're Real! mascara (lower)
  • NYX The Runway Collection palette in Silk & Caviar (dark brown and black)
  • Quo eyebrow gel

Ada xx

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

FOTD | Christmas in Spring?



I have recently.... accumulated a lot of makeup products, so I've been doing a lot of different looks everyday, trying out these new products. I later realized that the look was more Christmasey than I had expected, but considering the cold weather we were getting at the time, I suppose it was in-season. But now that the sun's out and the birds are singing, I'll be doing more Spring-related looks!

The products I used were:
-Quo BB Cream in Light/Medium
-Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! Foundation in Honey (sample) Only used under the eyes, around the nose and on spots around the face
-Marcelle Translucent Loose Powder
-NYX The Runway Collection in Silk & Caviar (dark brown and a bit of black for brows)
-Quo Eyebrow Gel
-MAC Surf, Baby! Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder in Lush-Light Bronze
-The Body Shop Brush On Radiance Highlighter
-Urban Decay Primer Potion
-Sleek MakeUP Eye Dust in In The Nude (lid and inner corner)
-Madison Street Beauty eyeshadow in Taupe Luster (outer corner)
-Sleek MakeUP Waterproof Mascara
-Sleek MakeUP True Colour Lipstick in Cherry

I decided on not using a blush because my mom would always tell me to never wear a blush with a red lipstick, but because times have changed now, I considered wearing a blush, but decided the look didn't need it.

Ada xx

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

HAUL | Marc Anthony, The Body Shop, LaCoupe






Why yes, I do have a bit of an obsession with hauls. So, I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not very good at recognizing cruelty-free hair brands as of right now, but it's definitely something I'm working on. And once again, not all of these products were purchased at one time.

I love deep conditioners, they're wonderful for dry, coarse hair and I use them about twice a week. Because I've nearly grown out my highlights, my hair has become the healthiest I remember it being and deep conditioners really help with that. I never, ever, ever put the conditioner in my roots though, because it makes my hair so oily. The one I purchased is new to me and is the Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco with Argan Oil (purchased for around $7, priced at around $14). I have yet to try the product because I'm trying to finish up some older conditioners, but what drew me to it was that it's Sulfate-free, has Keratin and Argan Oil, which are really nourishing products. I'm seeing now that Marc Anthony does not animal test, so I'm really happy because I love their products and would love to continue using them!

As you all know, The Body Shop is my #1 favourite store and when I had purchased all of those inexpensive blushes, I still needed one more product for the half-off offer. I originally reached for a makeup remover, but then saw their hidden haircare section and remembered that I'm in need of a shampoo! Because my old shampoo really dried my scalp and caused a bit of flaking, the sales associate recommended the Ginger Scalp Care ($5 each). I really love this shampoo, especially the fact that it lathers really well and you don't need a lot (like my old one). Because they were out of the big bottle, she brought me 2 for $5 and I think they were both free with the deal.

The next products were bought a very long time ago. I was going to use them right after my flaky, non-foaming shampoo, but I had a lot more conditioner left than shampoo, so I had to buy The Body Shop shampoo to use with the old conditioner. I'm not sure the brand of the shampoo and conditioner, but I believe it's 365 Everyday Value ($7 each). I was in Whole Foods with my mom doing some grocery shopping and we went browsing and I spotted those two in the beauty section. They are all-natural, but I'm not sure whether they're organic or not. I got them in the smell Citrus Grapefruit, anything citrus-y being my favourite flavour and smell!

And finally, the last product I got was not something I needed, exactly, but I figured I would in the future. I was browsing the sale section at Shopper's and spotted the LaCoupe Frizz-Control Creme ($4, originally $8). At the moment, I use a lot of styling products in my hair, and I'm really trying to reduce the amount so that I don't wear too many chemicals. I have this creme just sitting around my beauty cupboard, waiting for the day I'll be ready to use it.

Ada xx

Monday, April 15, 2013

HAUL | The Body Shop, Sephora, MAC













Hello lovelies! It's been a very, very long time since my last blog post/video but I am indeed back and really excited to be making new videos and posts for you guys! I'm gonna start off with a haul because I love them so much. And don't worry, not all of the products were purchased at one time.

Because I had used up all of my non-cruelty free waterproof mascaras, I was in desperate need of a new one. Finding the right mascara was quite the adventure, I'll admit. I first purchased the Revlon Photoready 3D Volume waterproof mascara. I really loved the effect it gave my lashes, but they quickly dropped - not all the way, but enough for me to return it. Next I went with Bourjois Liner Effect waterproof mascara, which turned out to be even worse! My lashes dropped within seconds and it was my mistake for not trying it out on a day off because I had to wear straight lashes to work. I have wanted to try the Bad Gal Lash waterproof mascara ($26) for forever, but for some reason I never did. Perhaps it was the price, perhaps it was the bad reviews, but after my bad luck, I figured it couldn't get much worse, so I caved and got it. I'll admit, I didn't love it at first application, but I have to admit, it really grew on me. It does drop my lashes a bit, but only enough for them to look more relaxed and less curly. I'm really, really happy I tried it.

Next I grabbed a new replacement head for my Clarisonic, except this time I got the Sensitive Skin 2-pack head ($50) rather than the regular. Honestly, I really don't notice a softness in the brush. Maybe the hairs are a little bit thinner, but that's it. Not supremely impressed. And finally, I couldn't help but check out their little sale section. Usually it's a big mess with opened products splayed everywhere, but I guess they restocked because it was clean with several new products. The two things that caught my eye were 2 Sephora-brand kohl eyeliners for only $3! I got two colours: a coppery brown (04) and a grape (07). When I tried the testers on my hand at the store, I was really impressed by their smoothness and pay off, so I knew right away that I had to have them in my kit, but when I tried them on my own eyes at home, I found to be quite disappointed. The brown is actually lovely and applies well with a bit of force, but the purple is had to work with and for some reason, there was a bit of my lash line that it just refused to stick to, whether I rubbed from the tube or with a brush. It's a difficult product to work with, unfortunately.

The next products are from my favourite store: The Body Shop. If you're American, I highly suggest you go on ebay and get some of the products because a) they're fair trade, b) they're cruelty-free and c) they're just plain amazing. I'm signed up to receive offers from them daily and I don't think there's a day that they don't have an offer going on. Buy 1, get 1 50% off, buy 2, get 1 free, 50% off everything etcetc. The two lipsticks were purchased separately. The first is a beautiful deep "Russian Red" but not quite as pigmented and in your face. Out of all the reds, it was the one that most appealed to me, and the one I thought would look best with my complexion and hair. It doesn't have a name (unfortunately), but the number is 22 (retails $13, paid $6.50). The next (now that I see them photographed together) is a lighter and pinkier 22. I was doing one of those buy 1, get 1 50% off deals and I was a bit rushed for time, so I was quickly scanning through the lipsticks. The sales associate was lovely and suggested it off the bat, saying it was the one colour she found looked good on everyone. The second she swatched it on her hand, I was sold. It's a really colour that can be worn sheer for a nice, pinky look or built up for a brighter lip. The number for it is 14 (retails $13, paid $6.50).

Next came the blushes, which I got for a steal, really. I believe they all sell for $20 (the first one for sure, the other not unsure), but I got them for a whopping $3 each with a total savings of $51. I almost feel like I robbed the place, but I can't help but be a sucker for amazing deals. The first blush is in the colour Petal (yay, finally a name!) and it can either be combined for a lighter pink, or used as a bright blush with a highlight. I like to use it for the latter because I find they balance each other nicely. The other two blushes are named (from left to right) 03 and 04. 03 is a cool, blue-undertoned blush that I think would look lovely on any skin and 04 is a beautiful peachy blush with specks of gold sparkles that will look gorgeous in the summer under the sun.

My splurging at TBS came to an end with the lovely peacocky-green eyeshadow appropriately named 31 (retails for $12, paid $6). It's extremely pigmented and must be used under caution for the crazy fall out that is bound to happen with too much product. I really love this eyeshadow because it's not super bright, but gives you that pop of colour, but also because it can be worn sheerly for a lovely light eye or built up for a really dramatic, smoky eye.

The next palette is the Revlon CustomEyes in the colour 005 Gold Spun ($1.50). It's a 5 piece set with 2 sheeny shadows and 3 sparkly shadows. I found the palette in Dollarama and couldn't help but grab it, it is Revlon after all. Truly? I am disappointed. The shadows really aren't very pigmented and are a little bit chalky. Unimpressed. The back comes with a little chart describing how they suggest to wear the shadows, but I completely disregarded it and did my own look with it, but I think I might try it after all for a different look. My favourite shadow from the 5 is the white because it has a blue sheen to it that reminds me of my all time favourite eyeshadow Lark About by MAC.

And finally, I decided to order a product that is owned and loved by many. After the failure of my Maybelline gel eyeliner, which is quickly drying out, I decided to ditch it and get the MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack ($18). To be quite frank, from the videos I've seen of girls applying it, I feel like mine's not quite as black and gel-y. Don't get me wrong, I really like the product and definitely use it a lot, I feel like it's not quite living up to it's name. But I still have a lot more in my pot to go, so maybe I need to dig a bit deeper to find the gold.

So comes my conclusion. I'm so happy to finally be back and I can't wait to write more!

Ada xx