The classic Eau Thermale Avène, that we all know and love, has launched a brand-new skin care product! Introducing the new Eau Thermale Avène YsthéAL Intense, a solution designed to improve the quality of your skin and a quick and safer way to get the same results as a chemical-peel, in the comfort of your own home. I was invited to join the conversation and given these samples to try at home, and take part in the experience.
Word of mouth: M.A.C. Select Lip Palette and Nutcracker Sweet Red Lip Gloss Kit
Have you been to MAC Cosmetics lately? They keep releasing gorgeous limited edition collections, and I got my hands on some pretty awesome goods.
I went to MAC a few weeks ago to replenish my boring essentials ( Select Cover-up NW20) and the lovely sales person was telling me all about their new Select rewards program. First, you get a good size sample with every purchase (I got the Prep + Prime Skin), and you all know how much I love freebies.
The MAC Select program comes in 3 levels: Seduced, Devoted and Obsessed. Each category comes with its own perks. After you spend a certain amount of money, you graduate to the next level. I wonder if they will release a “Rehab” level, you know, for folks like me who have spent every paycheque there since high school! Sadly, it does not include past purchases (I asked… haha).
One of the things that I love most about MAC is their “Back to MAC” recycling program. Bring 6 empties and get a free lipstick or eyeshadow. Now with the new Select program, you can bring your empties as you go, and they will record it in your file. No more holding on to garbage.. unless you’re doing an “Empties” vlog of course! I have to thank all my essentials for getting me hooked up in the lipstick department!
MAC Select Lip Palette x6 ($48)
Speaking of lipsticks, MAC sent over a few gorgeous products for me to try out and share the love with you. I received the Select Lip Palette (which is this month’s feature product under the Select program). It’s a perfect combination of 6 popular shades of lipstick in matte finishes:
- Kinda Sexy : Neutral Pinky Rose (Matte)
- All Fired Up : Bright fuschia matte (Retro Matte)
- Lady Danger : Vivid bright coralred (Matte)
- Candy Yum Yum : Neon pink (Matte)
- Ruby Woo : Very matte vivid blue red (Retro Matte)
- Flat Out Fabulous : Bright plum matte (Retro Matte)
I love the bright tones in this palette, and you can tell all the shades were thoughtfully selected. The 6-in-1 palette is perfect to pack away with you for the holidays or a vacation, and helps you pick the right colours, if you have a hard time deciding on what to bring. Because it runs a bit larger and requires a brush to apply, it isn’t something I would carry in my purse.
I always use any lipstick with Prep + Prime Lip, a base coat lip balm that helps keep the lipstick intact, and reduces feathering. I also typically use a lipliner when applying lipstick, but with a brush, I get the same precision.
Holiday Collection- Nutcracker Sweet Red Lip Gloss Mini Kit ($42)
Every year, MAC releases a holiday collection that make perfect gifts. I was given the Lip Gloss Mini Kit, a coordinated candy cane red kit of mini Cremesheen Glass and Dazzleglass in a stylish little box. These holiday kits are always a steal, which is why they don’t last very long (value $88). I love the brush kits that are released too, it’s great way to get your collection started, and at a crazy cheap price!
Think of this as a box of fat-free chocolates you can offer any girly girl as a gift, she will adore it and you! This kit includes a combination of 4 creamsheen glosses. Creamsheen gloss is a lip finish that fuses the creamy texture of a lipstick with the high shine of a gloss. It has a sweet vanilla scent and the classic honey-like texture MAC is known for. I love the combination of sparkle and red/pink tones in this kit.
- Galaxy Rose: Midtone Violet Pink (Cremesheen)
- Gumdrop: Intense cheery red (Cremesheen)
- Courting Chic : Deep berry red w/gold sparkles (Cremesheen)
- Phiff! : Sheer yellow peach (Dazzleglass)
I was playing around with the kit one evening and decided to paint my face with it! I used the Dazzlesheen on my cheeks as a highlighter and the Gumdrop pink/red on my lips.
Product Review: Joico K-Pak Color Therapy and Moisture Co+Wash Whipped Conditioner
The lighter my hair gets, the more I am in love with it. But as any blonde girl knows, lightning your hair can take a toll on your locks, even if you use the most gentle and high quality hair colouring products.
The timing could not have been better when I received some Joico hair care products to review, labelled MOISTURE on both bottles. With the cold weather coming in, I am finding my hair more dry than ever. I received Joico’s Moisture Co+Wash Whipped Cleansing Conditioner and K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock and Instant Shine & Repair Treatment.
JOICO MOISTURE CO+WASH WHIPPED CLEANSING CONDITIONER
This mousse smells terrific and is super moisturizing! Wash your hair with shampoo first, then pump a small amount in your palm. I have way too much in my hand in this pic, you only need half the amount because as you see in the next pic, the mousse gets foamier and expands.
Place foam on your wet hair and leave it in for 5 minutes (i.e. shave one leg), then rinse. Don’t forget to shave the other leg! hahaha
Verdict
This stuff smalls great! I don’t think this product was strong enough for my hair, it needs more moisture! I will have to try it again with a different shampoo because I used my purple shampoo, which dries my hair out even more. I’ll get back to you on this. The bottle recommends this for curly hair, so next time I will curl my hair instead of air drying it.
JOICO K-PAK COLOR THERAPY LUSTER LOCK INSTANT SHINE & REPAIR TREATMENT
Use this treatment like you would any conditioner. Place on clean wet hair, and leave in for 5 minutes. Again, shave your legs in between to pass the time in the shower! Rinse and style as usual. I would keep this stuff away from your roots. It’s very moisturizing and would weigh down your hair.
Verdict
Now this treatment cream was made for me! I could tell right away when my hair was air drying that my hair was softer and more shiny than usual. It also smells like heaven. You don’t need very much either, so this tube will last me for ever! I can’t wait to use it again 🙂