When brands actually take the time to reach out to you to get their message out to the world, it has such a huge impact on me. So many companies try and inundate the industry with their "try this, try that messaging", but why? We want to know how they use their products, what they use and all the deets!
While Indie Lee was visiting Toronto, I had the chance to sit down with her and chat all things wellness, clean beauty and even her favourite spots in Singapore.
If you don't know her story, you NEED to drop everything and become familiar with it now. The brand is about empowerment, education and healthy living. After being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, Indie made it her mission to change what we put in and on our bodies, what we clean with, and what we eat. She's fighting disease, pollutants, toxins one day at a time, and wants to educate us on how we can do the same.
I love Indie Lee products. They are grounded in education, nature and holistic living. One sniff and I instantly feel at ease and my shoulders lower. It's like my tension is released, and I am calm. Like I can breathe again, and see straight again.
I've already chatted about the squalane oil here, but I think I found my newest obsession. The Daily Vitamin Infusion. It's a new oil/serum and it contains my beloved squalane, but also rosehip seed, vit e, rosemary leaf, and avo oil. Basically, MAX nourishing, plumed, and hydrated. I am hooked! Just a few days with this stuff and my skin is already looking so refreshed!!
Next, do you ever suffer from achy muscles, inflammation, or body pain? ME TOO! Post gym soreness? Tense shoulders? Tech neck? I have it all... Enter in the I-Recover Mind & Body Gel. It contains arnica, black pepper, lavender, and mint. All you do is rub over your muscles/joints and it soothes and releases pain and tension. Indie told me she uses it whenever she has a flare from her arthritis. Now that is power by nature! It goes on light, absorbs quickly and the smell is just so sensual.
Some of my other favourites? The Brightening Cleanser, it's light, smells like strawberries, and none of the products are formulated with sulfates, phthalates, petrolatum, parabens, aluminum, and dyes. Hello, beautiful!
And, while I still have your attention, I URGE you to check out the Radiance Renewal Peel pads. Man, on man, you know I LOVE peel pads. It's like an instant skin fix. Leaves you with baby soft skin as it exfoliates, and skin is brighter and more even toned. I love that these contain vit c (!!), so good for hyperpigmentation. Just make sure to lather up with sunscreen afterward, as your skin will be more sensitive after the exfoliation! And guys-- don't let these go to waste, use the remainder on the back of your hands and on your chest. You know what I said
Have you dived into the green world of beauty? Now I don't want you to become overwhelmed and throw everything away and feel like you need to be 100% green and clean. Just start with small changes! Are you out of a product? Why not, when you go to restock try out a different one, that is better for you, the environment and ultimately the world!
This post is sponsored by Centrum, however, all thoughts and opinions are
my own.
You all know that I am serious about my beauty routine. It's something I don't compromise on. Now that the wedding is officially one (!!!) month away I'm doing all the things I can to stay on top of it. But it can get a little hard. There are all the outings, the celebrations, and the indulgences that definitely take a toll on my skin, and in turn, are affecting my time management skills. With all the things on my mind, like finalizing the officiant, collecting RSVPs, getting guest favors in order, I need max efficiency when it comes to beauty. Especially since stress can affect you on many levels. No thank you!! There are a few things I've been doing to keep in check that require minimal thought and effort. Like so minimal I don't even need to think about it. Which is amazing for lowering those stress levels! And I'm about to spill...
Here are the latest three beauty hacks I've been incorporating into my wedding routine:
Beauty foods Water dense foodshave really been helping to improve my hydration levels and keep me looking plump and dewy. If you look in my fridge there is usually a wide assortment of fresh fruits and veggies. I love snacking on them, taking them to work, or having them cut and prep for when I am ravenous and need something to tide me over before dinner is ready. I recently read that celery is great for hydration, carrots can provide nutrients for my eyesight, and veggies like spinach can help build on my fiber intake. You can really never have enough greens, right? Just drizzle with some olive oil and lemon and you're all set!
Beauty Supplements
This is something I introduced into my routine this year and I'm hooked. Taking Centrum Multigummies Multi+Beauty requires no effort or thought on my part, which I love. I can work on my beauty routine without even thinking about it. I have the bottle out on the counter with my beauty items, and the flavours are cherry, berry, and orange! Best part? They really work to support your beauty from within. It's not just a cosmetic fix! The gummies are a multivitamin that is formulated to maintain eyesight, bone health, and metabolism. They also contain essential vitamins (including biotin) to promote thicker hair, healthy skin and stronger nails. Efficient, effective, just what I need right now! Plus-- my hairdresser actually told me my hair looked so great on my last appointment!
Gua Sha
I can't get enough of this little tool. It's a self-care, beauty technique that is said to help with circulation, help reduce puffiness, lift and firm the skin as well as smooth fine lines and wrinkles. If you are familiar with a jade roller, it's similar to that. You glide the tool over the face in an upward motion to move the liquid and build up out of your face. It's amazing for contouring and really de-bloats the face. Here's a quick video to get you started on how to do it. I just slather on some face oil or serum and glide away. The stone has a grounding/calming effect so the ritual is very therapeutic to me. Try it out next time your reading, watching tv or lying in bed.
Do you have any other beauty tips to spill? I can't wait to keep you posted on the wedding journey! Time is just flying by!
*This post is sponsored by Centrum.
Have you tried Centrum Multigummies Multi + Beauty supplement? For
more information, visit www.centrum.ca.
MultiVitamin/Mineral Supplement. Always read and follow the label.
Guys-- it's here. The Sephora sale. It's time to stock up on your favourites because these discounts don't come often. It's definitely the perfect time to make your big-ticket purchases (aka La Mer, or the Clarisonic), but for me, I'm going to be stocking up on some essentials. Here's what you need to know:
VIB Rouge members get 20% off with code: HEYROUGE (April 26-May 6)
VIB Members get 15% off with code: HEYVIB (May 2-6)
Beauty Insiders get 10% off with code: HEYINSIDER (May 2-6)
The point system is very generous. You rack up points for discounts, so if you're not signed up as an Insider you can do so anytime! Plus, who doesn't love a free birthday gift!
I share so much of what I love on Instagram (especially in my stories), but today I'm putting it all out there, my tried and true favourites. I use these all religiously and if you're contemplating cashing out your cart here's what I think you NEED. Have any specific questions about anything on my list? DM me on Insta so I can get back right away (or email)!
SKIN
*my miracle worker eye cream
*peel pads that will give you the softest skin imaginable
*overnight mask I use at least twice a week for max hydration and baby soft skin
*cream cleanser that is affordable and works amazingly to clean
*balm cleanser for the toughest of makeup days that is actually worth the investment
*vitamin c serum that brightens, reduces wrinkles and leaves you glowing
*beauty spray to end all beauty sprays
*gua sha stone to massage your face (I leave mine by my bedside with a bottle of face oil to do nightly)
*lip mask I use nightly and use as a balm, smells divine and give you the softest lips
*mini set to have all bases covered when it comes to serum (day and night)
*sunless tanner you need to try
*go to perfume
MAKEUP
*my go-to bronzer
*my 1 stop shop when it comes to eyebrow pencils
*lip balm on the go; tastes like mint and plumps
*highlighter that is constantly sold out it's so good
HAIR
*lightest hair oil I've tried that does not make my hair oily and I have thin hair
I thought my skin was hydrated. It must be... I put on cream, I drink water, I do all the things. Or do I? After being told by my facialist that my skin was dehydrated I was determined to change this! The skin needs moisture to keep it looking fresh, plump and to fight off fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness (aka peeling, redness, etc.).
But how do you know if you have dehydrated skin? Especially when it can feel oily AND dry at the same time, can experience breakouts AND can be flaky, itchy, sensitive, tight or dull. When your skin is dehydrated it starts producing more oil, therefore causing you to think it's overly oily! But it's really telling you it's lacking moisture. Oh, the struggle.
But to keep investing in products is not always the answer. Some of the root causes are from within the body and not on the surface level, so today I am divulging into the other ways you can hydrate your skin without all the products! Save your money and go back to the basics with these four tips.
Here are four ways to hydrate your dehydrated skin without buying new products:
Pixi Beauty just released major newness for spring and here is everything you need to know about the Vitamin C, Hydrating Milky, and Collagen collections.
As you guys know, I've been a die-hard Pixi Beauty lover for years. I am just obsessed with the whole brand. They create skin-loving products that are cruelty-free, free of harsh chemicals and are packed with botanicals to enhance your natural radiant skin! The whole aesthetic is so on brand for me. Glow, radiance, natural beauty...could it be any more Pastels & Pastries perfect? Also, just look at the packaging. They are being so innovative right now and releasing SO many products that I don't know where to start. They've launched face masks, eye pads, body peels, and smoothing oils. UGH, I KNOW! Don't you want it all?
Last week I sat down with global make-up artist, Amanda Bell, to discuss all the Pixi Beauty launches. She was fresh off a plane from London where she covered The Brit Awards and then in Milan for Fashion Week. I got the inside scoop and I can't wait to share which Pixi launches I am most excited about.
There are three collections I want to focus on... the new Vitamin C line, the Hydrating Milky line, and the Collagen-infused line. You're probably thinking they all sound amazing, but which one will work best for me? I got you, girl!
Vitamin C collection:
Are you in need of brightening? Do you have hyperpigmentation, discoloration or sunspots? Does your skin look dull or just blah? The vitamin C products are here to help! Formulated with powerful antioxidants and acids (hello ferulic acid aka my fave!), the products will bring out your true radiance promoting a brighter and youthful complexion. Love it already. Some of my favourites from this line are the Vitamin-C Caviar Balm. I lather it on before bed as an overnight mask, and wake up with the bright, and plump skin. Not to mention silky soft! Also, the Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser is packed with the same antioxidants but its purpose is to cleanse your skin. You can apply with a cotton pad and there is no need to rinse off. Perfect for those late, lazy nights! Like the one I had this weekend... Here's looking at you, vodka-soda.
Hydrating Milky collection:
Is the harsh winter getting the best of you? Is your skin dry, red or lacking in hydration? I FEEL YOU. Go away winter! But in all seriousness, if your skin is dry, blotchy and in need of soothing you will want to go for Pixi's Hydrating Milky products. Try the Hydrating Milky Tonic as your toner to really sooth and balance the skin. It has oat extract so you know it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Bonus-- it's alcohol-free!
**Okay if we are talking red, inflamed skin I need to shout out the new pHenomenal Gel. It's a moisture gel that instantly calms redness and evens out your skin tone. I am obsessed with this right now and have been using it after my serum, just before moisturizer. It has aloe vera, which is so calming on the skin!
Collagen collection:
Are you noticing wrinkles, fine lines and need to inject some plumpness back into your skin? Then these products are your jam. You don't need to have "aging" skin to use these, but they are youth preserving. What to use specifically? The Collagen & Retinol Serum might be your go-to (use on cleansed skin before moisturizer). It's packed with collagen and retinol so you'll be sure to get some bright, plump skin going on. If you didn't know-- you ALWAYS want to use SPF when you are using a product with retinol. Retinol will help scrub away dead skin cells so you'll want to protect all the new skin cells. That's what makes this serum a knock-out. It's double duty!
One more product I am super excited about?! It's not from either of these lines, but it's a new one... the On-The-Glow Stick! I just know it's going to be the perfect travel companion. It looks like a deodorant stick, but is multi-purpose and can be used on face, lips and the body. Swipe it onto the skin for moisture and a serious glow-up! Amanda's pro tip: apply on your cheekbones for an instant highlight effect. This weekend I applied it on my collarbones for a little sultry glow! The light reflects on it so beautifully without any sparkle.
I hope this was a great breakdown of Pixi Beauty's new launches, and it really helps you decipher the best line for your skin concerns. If you have specific questions, let me know! I am here to help!
And you can find most Pixi Beauty products at Shopper's Drug Mart!
If there is one serum you need to add to your skincare regime, it's Vitamin C. No word of a lie--I am OBSESSED! I often get asked "why" and "which one", so I'm finally getting into it. I often chat about my serums on Instagram stories, but rarely they make it over to the blog. Sometimes, I forget that not everyone knows just what they do. And let me tell you... the benefits are endless. And now you're wondering why vitamin C and which one to use, right? I know.. it can be confusing!
So let's talk ingredients? Vitamin C is an antioxidant. You need antioxidants for your face. Why? :
*fight free radicals like environmental stressors and pollution
*prevent skin cancer since they act as a barrier to the suns rays
*literally make your skin glow
*reduces wrinkles, fine lines and prevents aging
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic contains 15% pure vitamin c. That is highly concentrated, so you know it's worth the price. I have been using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic as my vitamin C serum for about 3 years now. When I go without it, I seriously notice a difference in my skin! It's dull, pale, not as plump and looks shallow. The C E Ferulic contains such powerful antioxidants to fight so many of life's stressors that is is a number on in my beauty aerosol. It can last on your skin for over 24 hours so you only need to apply it in the morning (which I only do). Bonus-- you get more out of the product since it lasts long! The bottle is also dark for a reason. Light can deoxidize the ingredients so you want to keep it out of the light. And if you are worried that your skin isn't familiar with antioxidants/serums, or is super sensitive, don't worry! I thought the same thing since I had previously battled with rosacea, however, the serum is great for all skin types, and I have never felt any discomfort or had any reaction to the product (aside from glowing skin)!
Ready to try out SkinCeuticals?
I recently visited 1Clinic in Toronto, where Dr. Linda (who is just as gorgeous as she is brilliant), offers a multidisciplinary approach to medical care. She does it all-- takes walk-in appointments and offers advanced clinical spa treatments. When I saw 1Clinic only carries SkinCeuticals products I knew I had to get in for her GLOwUP facial! It was divine. I left with zero redness. It's a facial you can do before a night out and look amazing! The focus for the facial is to exfoliate your skin, regenerate your skin cells and hydrate, which ultimately leads to just glowing, radiant skin. You can still catch a peek into the facial on my skincare highlights on Instagram stories! Check it out and book one for yourself.
*Hot tip: Apply your serum after your cleanser and before moisturizer. And ALWAYS apply sunscreen!
**I was invited by 1Clinic to have the facial, however, all my opinions on SkinCeuticals and the treatment are 100% true. It's a brand I've known and loved for years!
S H O P T H E P O S T
BeautySense is also one of the very FEW online Canadian retailers of SkinCeuticals! They have an amazing reward program to check out too. You can find an amazing selection of the line on their website, plus free shipping over $29! Here's the C E Ferulic.
Affordable skin care products that perform just as well as the luxe favorites? Yes, they exist.
If you are looking to find those killer dupes that rival in performance, will improve skin tone and texture and really amp up the glow, I got you covered. Lately, I've been receiving questions on what are some affordable and accessible products that are available at the drugstore. Investing in your skincare can get quite costly and it isn't always an option. Or you may just be looking to try something new and want to dabble into drugstore goods before you make the plunge into some luxe ones. There is so much out there and sometimes we stick to what we know. If you're looking to break out of your routine and try out these products that legit match their higher priced counterparts, keep reading!
Yes, it's true. The Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow will illuminate your skin from within. It's smooth, the texture is so light and it glides on the face like a dream. It also colour corrects and primes the skin, and often I mix it with a drop of foundation to act as all-in-one CC cream. I do really love it. However, at a fraction of a price Pixi Beauty Glowtion Day Dew does all the same! It leaves your skin so dewy and radiant and I find it does provide the same kind of luminosity. It is also extremely weightless and glides on perfectly. I will also mix it with some foundation to add some bronzey glow. This dupe is seriously one of my faves! You get an amazing bang for your buck and it's definitely worth the $30 you'll pay at Shoppers. 2. COLOUR CORRECTING QUO Complexion Correcting Primer ($25) vs Stila One Step Correct ($47)
I've tried both and can honestly say they both work basically identically. The Stila version is a bit heavier, while the QUO definitely feels a bit more watered down, however they both go on smoothly. I find the Stila to blur fine lines a bit more, however, the QUO feels a bit softer to the touch. I love these three-in-one correctors because they tackle all issues-- the green combats redness (which I have tons of in winter), the purple brightens the complexion and the peach evens discoloration and primes. To be honest, if you're looking for a colour corrector this winter, I'd go with QUO and save the extra $20! Since I only use correctors in the winter, I'll save and pick up the QUO next time.
I can't find the QUO version online, but just head to your Shopper's Drug Mart to pick it up! It looks the same as the Stila container.
3. FACE OIL NIU Glow Luminizing Facial Serum ($30) vs EVE LOM Radiance Face Oil ($104)
I love Eve Lom. I really do. When it comes to face oil there is something so luxurious about it, and it makes me feel so glamorous. The Eve Lom oil smells lovely, a little goes such a long way and it does make your complexion radiant, hydrated and dewy. The NIU serum is a great alternative. It really does boost radiance and leaves you bright and radiant for a steal of a price. You can mix it into your moisturizer if you find it is too heavy or want a lighter finish. It's packed with jojoba oil, camellia oil, and bergamot oil. It leaves you feeling fresh, radiant and without a doubt bright! Are you new to face oils? Try the NIU (plus the company is run by two local girlbosses) first and see how it sits on your skin. You will not be disappointed!
Do you have any amazing dupes? Also, let me know if this is something I should continue doing! S H O P T H E P O S T
One of my 2019 goals is to change up my hairstyles. I know what you're thinking... aren't goals suppose to be more related to personal development? Yes, sure. But why not have smaller, easy to attain actions plans, too? I've just been getting bored with my hairstyle and I feel kind of empowered when I had a new hairdo. Like I'm a spy or something! Just me? Anyways, today I'm sharing three easy ways to spice up your hair without going drastic and pulling a Britney. You could always shave your head, but I'm not there... not yet anyway (lol). I'm just looking for easy tools to fall back on when I'm feeling rather blah in the hair department. By the way, not mentioned here is the wearing of hats as they cover your hair. It's always fun to put on a toque or a wide brim hat, so try that out if you'd like too!
But here are some easy ways to change up your hairstyle without cutting it.
1. Bands, scarves, ribbons
Lately, I've been loving the look of something just at the front of my forehead (seen here). It takes a bit of getting used to in my opinion if you're not too comfortable with wearing something on your hair, but once you play around and find how it works for you, you will not look back. Try wearing the bands of the hairband behind your ears, does that work for you? If not, what about on top of your ears? I've recently become obsessed with velvet and satin hair accessories. Anthro has some insane styles right now. When I saw this mock turban I was sold. The colour is perfectly periwinkle and I love that it's actually attached to a band, so you don't need to play around for 10 minutes tieing it together. There is no way you can mess it up and you instantly feel put together. Legit-- I need this one.
2. Barrettes
Sometimes just adding a simple pin to your front strands is all it takes to elevate an outfit. Try gluing gemstones or pearls to bobby pins (or just pick some up that are already made at stores like Ardens, Anthropologie, etc), and add one or two parallel to one another. It's such a cute way to dress up any outfit and makes you instantly feel and look polished.
3. Do the opposite
On any given day it's pretty much guaranteed that my hair will be done in loose waves. That's why it's so striking when I wear my hair completely straight. Everyone asks if I got a haircut, or acknowledges how great my hair looks because it's something completely out of the norm! Plus, I really feel like a different woman with pin straight hair. Makes me feel mysterious! On New Year's Eve, I wore my hair straight and it was so fun to change it up, and it made me question why I don't do it more often. Sometimes just doing something a little different (like wearing it up if you always wear it down, or try a different ponytail height) can create all the drama in the best way.
How do you spice up your hair when you get bored of styling the same way day in and day out? Will you try out any of these?
S H O P T H E P O S T
Lipsticks are on their own level, am I right? At any given time if you open my purse you are bound to find a minimum of 7 lip products. I just have favourites for everything! I can't help it. There is no way I could incorporate them into my beauty round-up post since I am beyond addicted to skincare, too. 2018 served up a lot of lippies. Silky, shiny, plumping, matte, stick, tubes, pots, wands-- and the list goes on. In fact, I am spilling my purse right now to scour through them all to bring you the most used, the most loved and the most impactful lipsticks I tried. The shells may be cracked, dirty and fading, but that just means they are the best of the best, right?
Here we go, the best lipsticks of 2018:
Firstly-- A little lip prep:
Boosh Lip Plumping Balm
A perfect peppermint balm, natural and made with organic ingredients! I am hooked on this little stick. The peppermint is so invigorating and I love how hydrating the formula is (thanks to the beeswax). Recently, I've been trying out more lippies from Boosh (Dusty Rose is a serious contender for the best pastel pink!). I also love that Boosh is a local company and the products are produced with local ingredients. Plus, the container is aluminum and not plastic!
Buxom Va-Va Plump Shiny Liquid Lip
My go-to, no matter the shade! I did a whole video on these because I love them so much. The hydrating formula plumps your lips, are long-lasting and they shine so magnificently without getting sticky or smudging. And I don't normally love a shiny lip, but something about these makes you feel like you're ready for the red carpet. Beg for Mauve and Boldly Go are two of my favourite shades. Apply the Buxom Big O for some serious plumping! I can't even count how many of these I used in 2018. A favourite, for sure!
BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Lipstick
This is my Buxom counterpart for matte lips. I especially love the silky smoothness of this formula. Luxe is a dirty pastel pink which is in my purse every single day! I can't get enough of the texture since it goes on like a cream but has a matte finish. They also smell like vanilla cake, which I am obsessed with. Even the red shares are so deep and long-lasting. Gen Nudes are also found in shiny versions, so make sure you're sourcing out the liquid lipsticks for the gorgeous matte finish.
Lipstick Queen Nothing But The Nudes
A more recent discovery for me which I love! And the name says it all... Queen is right! I first fell in love with the "Nothing but the Nudes" collection, which is the creamiest collection of nudes. The colour is rich and pigmented. This can be hard to come by with nudes as they are typically so sheer. I've been wearing "Hanky Panky Pink" all fall! I especially love how they are packed with vitamin E to make them hydrating and smooth.
Spoiler alert: The Rear View Mirror Lip Lacquer collection is launching Spring 2019, and prepare to fall head over hood (they are inspired by the feel of a new car)! I love how easy this application is, the lacquer glides on perfectly. You can line the lips and then fill them in all with the same stick. Lately, I've been loving "Little Nude Coup". These are going to be such a hot release for 2019.
Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip
Oh baby, do I love these, too! They are an amazing price point so you can literally stock your shelf. They recently came out with 5 additional bold shades which I have been loving. I always get asked what I'm wearing when I wear these. That is because the colour is striking, it is extremely matte, ultra pigmented and it does last hours. They contain rosehip and beeswax so they are super duper hydrating and long-lasting. Also you can't beat the angled applicator to really shape the lip.
I think matte was my go-to look this year...
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
No 1- Le Rouge. It is the ultimate, BEST red. The formula for this creamy lipstick is absolutely divine. My lips could be dry and cracking and the minute I apply this, all is healed! The staying power on this lipstick is also revolutionary. Eat, drink, sweat... it does not budge! Plus the gold sparkling case is an added bonus. Luxe, glam and worth the hype!
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! I tested, tried and fell in love with so many beauty, skincare and make up products this year. First of all, get out that champagne and let's toast to all the amazing products of 2018! 2018 was a serious deal in the beauty world and I really feel like I came into my own. I discovered more about my skin type and focused on what truly works for me, and not just on the hype products of the moment. There were so many amazing new brands that came out to really shake things up. We had a rise of plant-powered ingredients, tons of green beauty and I gravitated towards natural beauty and skincare. So, while I haven’t tried it all and there are some products I’m itching to get my hands on in 2019, today I’m capping off the 2018 beauty posts with the best of the best.
Here they are, by category, the best beauty products I tried in 2018.
Can you tell by my empty bottle how much I use this? This has become my number one morning foaming cleanser. I use it every single morning to prep my skin for the day. It’s green, clean and all natural so I don’t have any quaff with using it daily or twice daily. It amazes me how light it is yet how well it foams and actually penetrates and lifts dirt. I have yet to find a natural cleanser with the same results (that leaves me feeling refreshed). Definitely going to restock this come 2019.
Total game changer. This is my go-to night cleanser when I need to seriously remove makeup, open up my pores without stripping my skin, and just feel ultra luxe. With ingredients like chamomile, cocoa butter and clove you just feel soothed, calmed and refreshed in the most luxurious way. There’s a reason why it’s been named the best cleanser in the world. It’s gentle, does not dry you out and improves skin texture. It's a staple. Use it as the first step in a double cleanse, or on its own and you will not be disappointed. I'm so glad I discovered this in 2018.
For the second year in a row, Pixi wins my vote for the best toner for noticeably different results. I tried a fair few and seem to always come back to this one. It’s so gentle on the face, balances the skin and preps it perfectly for subsequent skin care products and reduces the size of pores. I’ve been trying to reduce my consumption of disposable makeup wipes in 2018 by using spray toners, but Pixi does it best. I hate how most toners have a tendency to make you feel so dry and stripped of your natural face oils, and this does NONE of that. I just love how you don't raw or overexposed after this toner (it's alcohol-free!).
Okay. I’ve been through my fair share of scary peels, where I’ve been inflamed, red for hours, and felt like my face was going to burn off. These peel pads are the most gentle, non-abrasive pads I’ve tried and there is noooooo recovery time needed. I can’t believe how gently they are on my sensitive skin and how I can go about my day with zero redness or inflammation. All your left with is perfectly buffed, texturized skin since they remove all the dead skin cells and leave visibly smoother skin. No parabens, sulfates or nasties. These will continue to be a necessity as I get older!
Eye Cream Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Again, I've tried so many eye creams this past year and nothing does it like Origins GinZing Eye Cream. I have brought this with me on long-haul flights, across the world, and back again. It seriously reduces under-eye puffiness and smoothes out lines and creases like no other. It also leaves a little bit of illumination which I love. I came back to it all year and will continue to do so in 2019.
All-in-one Moisture Cocokind Matcha Stick
This is another life saver which I became obsessed with in 2018. Under the eyes, on dry patches, on my lips-- basically anywhere. It smoothes and soothes the skin. It's a does-it-all kind of product, and you don't need to worry about where you're applying it since it's 100% natural and organic. The ingredients are just coconut oil, beeswax, and matcha powder! Allow this one to become your BFF in 2019.
Healing Balm Huna Apothecary Nourish Skin Nutrition Balm
Guys... this stuff is a miracle worker. If you remember back in the summer I broke my foot and had to get stitches. Honestly, it was a nightmare! The cut was huge! I started applying this natural balm on the cut and it healed fast and the scar lessened! That's because it's packed with 22 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients like camellia seed oil, pomegranate oil, chia seed oil, and the list goes on! It nourishes, replenishes and protects. I even apply it to dryer skin and on my lips. Brandon has actually stolen this product from me as his skin get's sooo dry in the winter. Looks like I need another already!
Serum SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
I have tried so many serums this year and always seem to come back to this one. It's like I miss it when I forget about it for a few days. It's that good. And you can see the results, instantly. We're talking instant skin glow and radiance, and it prevents existing skin damage and reduces wrinkles and lines. It's packed with pure vitamin C and worth every penny. Trust me.
Day Face Oil Indie Lee Squalane Face Oil
I actually went through a bottle in a few weeks, which is kinda crazy! A little goes a long way but I just love how it feels. It works on all skin types and it's green and clean! I love that it is a lightweight oil and improves texture, tone, reduces wrinkles and lines and leaves you glowing. Squalane oil is great for anti-aging, it calms inflammation and to promotes a healthy glow. Mix it in with some face cream for an even lighter application, or mix it in with some foundation for a dewy look!
Night Face Oil Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
This rosehip oil by Pai has become a nightly addition. I love how nourishing it is and actually seeps into the skin. I lather it on nightly and wake up with radiant, glowy skin. It also makes you look a little bronzy which is an added bonus to me!
Masks
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
Worth the hype, 100%. It hydrates your skin in the most loving, rich, penetrating way. I love how it seeps into the skin, totally absorbs and does not leave you feeling greasy. Puffy, inflamed, dull skin be gone! It's packed with vitamin C, E and hyaluronic ingredients which not only evens out the skin but also boost hydration. It's also very luxurious feeling. I apply before bed and wake up with silky, smooth, baby soft skin! I even apply under the eyes anytime I need a little revival.
Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Man, oh man. There is a reason it's called rescue. When your skin is puffy, tired, hungover, dull, or just lacking in life-- let this be your guiding light back to life. This is my morning after mask, when I need a skin reset. It gives you that deep cleanse, does not dry you out and completely resurfaces the skin. We're talking evens out the tone and texture, too. I love that it reduces redness and inflammation too. It's thanks to the Kaolin clay, honey, and almonds. Just love this mask.
Moisturizer Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
While I'm still waiting to try La Mer, Tactcha, and Sunday Reiley, Charlotte Tilbury's magic cream is my miracle worker. It's luxe, rich, yet does not overpower your skin or feels heavy. It's light and airy and transforms the look of your skin, completely. It's collagen boosting, so gives you the ultimate hydration and plumps your skin back to life. Love the way it smoothly glides on the skin. I am obsessed with the new mini size... perfect for travelling!
Tinted Creams L'Oreal Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator
This is the best drugstore illuminator I discovered all year! It gives you serious glow and dew which I am all about! I still wear my It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I wore this one by L'Oreal all summer, brought it on vacation in the Bahamas and still mix it in with some moisturizer in the winter. Since it's an amazing price point, you can't go wrong. You could just apply it to certain areas you want to highlight, but if you're like me and love the radiance, apply all over! You'll never feel more sunkissed.
Bronzer Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
There is not a week that goes by where I don't get asked if I've just come back from vacation, or why I'm so tanned. My sly response "I do the Hoola". Seriously, this is probably my most asked about makeup product. It is by far the most perfect shade to give you a sun-kissed glow. It's matte so there is no shine or shimmer which I love as a base on my cheeks! If you need a bit of shine you can just add some highlight on top (which I do), but as your base, you cannot go wrong with the Hoola. It's great for contouring and adding a pop of colour to your face and body!
Lips Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This one I purchased late into the year, so I wasn't sure if I should include it since I haven't given it the minimum two-month trial. But, YES! I am obsessed. I apply the moisturizing balm before bed, and every time I wake up with supple, plump and completely hydrated lips. It's amazing and completely worth the hype! It's not sticky at all, it contains berry mix complex, which is refreshingly sweet, and it's packed with hyaluronic acid to inject moisture into the lips. I even use it as lipstick primer! It's a lip saver! Also, I love the little applicator it comes with, so you don't have to stick your fingers in the pot.
Niu Body Vanilla Lip Polish
I love this lip product too! I use it as a scrub when my lips feel damaged and are cracking/flaking, and need some exfoliation. So perfect to use in the winter months! I scrub it on my lips and the natural ingredients (shea butter, sugar, hydrating oils) make my lips so moisturized and full of life. Follow with the lip sleeping mask and you are set!
Hair Care Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets
I just had to try these. I was sick of applying some sticky product into my hair to tame the frizz. And, HOLY MOLY, are these a game changer! The make your hair so sleek, without altering your hairstyle and totally tame the pieces that are frizzing out of control. It's a little sheet and you essentially wipe your hair. That's all. And the frizz is gone. I keep them with me in all bags and in my car for all the moments.
And a bonus, because I can never go anywhere without bold brows.
Eyebrow Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil
My brow savior. I find this to be the easiest product to apply to your eyebrows. It's a one swipe does all. I love the creamy texture of the product and the angled shape. It looks so natural on the brow as you can really fill, shape and blend with the built-in spooli which is on the opposite side of the applicator. It comes with me everywhere I go.
What products did you fall in love with in 2018? I can't wait to hear!
P.S.: Stay tuned for my best post where I'll be sharing the best lipsticks I tried this year.
