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
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
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!
Makeup, skin care, hair care, oh my! Here are the best beauty gift sets to buy this Holiday season.
I love gifting beauty sets for the Holidays. First of all, you can't go wrong with gifting a set as they are a more affordable way to try out a variety of best-loved products. Brands usually pack up their fan favourites and combine them for you at a fraction of the price, and a melody of top shelf goods is something I can never pass up. I have a few different categories lined up below to ensure you know the top picks for each. We're talking general beauty kits, lip sets, the best in natural skin care, hair care and even some luxury picks. Let me know what is on your wish list!
MULTI KITS
1. Benefit Cosmetics
Benefit always combines a selection of full-size products which I love and they have a set for every budget. A ornament inspired Hoola bronzer to top your Christmas tree, decadent cake tins packed with goodies and more. I love the Gimme Some Sugar since it has all my favourites-- (full size) mascara, bronzer, highlighter, and a (mini) primer. All for $59 ($147 value) at Shoppers Drug Mart! Plus, the adorable packaging cannot be beat! No wrapping required! The Goodie Good Gorgeous is also a great value. It costs $39 and has a value of $86 value. It includes a full-size bronzer, mascara, and mini primer. Probably my favourite one and done sets for the Holidays!
2. Pixi Beauty
I'm a sucker for their skincare sets. They always do the best combinations. The Glow Skintreat Bestie is my favourite as it contains the Glow Tonicand Glow Mud Cleanser. They also do a rose version of the Skintreat Bestie. As for makeup, the Ultimate Beauty Kit 5th Editionhas every shade you will ever need. Look no further.
3. Mary Kay
This palette is kind of a game changer. The Chromafusion literally allows you to make your own face kit. If you're looking to gift the most customizable set this Holiday, this one if the way to go! Get the Pro Palette and the pick your eyeshadow, blush, highlight, and contour shades. Best idea ever!
LIP KITS
4. Bare Minerals
I love their celestial vibes this Holiday season. Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lips are some of my favourite lippies, so the fact that they packaged them up into a trio this year is divine! The Lunar Lip trio is a score at $28 US (a $57 value)!
5. Buxom Cosmetics
The theme is "after dark", perfect kits to take you straight into celebrating the near year! I'm a huge fan of the Big O (plumping balm) so the Party Girl Poutis the perfect set for someone who wants lip moisture. But if you're looking to go bold or go home, the Doll in Disguise is perfect.
NATURAL SKINCARE
6. Indie Lee
Skincare grounded in nature... Ah, have you ever heard a more beautiful sentence? The Discovery Kit is the perfect gift for anyone. Seriously. First of all, it's a clean beauty brand I am obsessed with, and these products are perfect for ANY skin type. It comes with a cleanser, toner and (a holy grail of facial oils), the Squalane Facial Oil. Coming in at $36, it's the perfect kris kringle gift for someone who needs to step up their skincare regime.
7. Cocokind
Cocokind just proves you do not need to spend a fortune for quality skincare. If you asked me one product I never leave the home without, it would be my Cocokind Matcha Stick. It's your do-it-all moisture stick, perfect for under the eyes, lips, cuticles, or anywhere else! The ingredients found in Cocokind are the purest I have ever seen. Nothing added. Absolutely nothing. This holiday skincare set would be my ideal gift, 100%. This perfect travel set contains their whole skincare lineup, which is just an amazing way to try out the brand.
7. Pai
The In Your Element gift sets by Pai literally will have you starry-eyed. They are based on the four elements (earth, wind, water, fire) so you can choose your favourite. The best part is that they all include my most favourite, the Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil.
8. Drunk Elephant
If there is one skincare brand I am dying to try, it's Drunk Elephant. I've heard amazing things about their serums. The Rise + Glow Duo includes the B-Hydra and C-Firma for your dose of vit B and C. Hydration and brigtening at it's finest. However, if you're feeling extra (like I always am), I would spring for The Littles Kit. It's 8 of their best products wrapped into 1!
Just saying the name literally just transports me into a blush coloured rose garden. This skincare brand is one of my essentials for their botanically based ingredients, radiance inducing effect. The Award Winners Set contains two of my most used products-- the cleanser, and the rescue mask. It is an amazing value. Read more on the amazing cleanserhere.
The ever so popular Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. I have been waiting for the perfect time to splurge on this product and I think with the release of the Good Genes Holiday Kit I may have too. You are literally getting a free product. It is an insane value!
HAIRCARE
11. Ouai
Oh my. The new Dyson paired with Ouai. This is most definitely a splurge, but I mean the Blow-a-Ouai kit is a hair lovers dream. The Rose Hair and Body Oilis included, which is one of my favourites!
12. DesignMe
I am loving the PowerDry.Me! It blow dries in half the time and gives you frizz control. This set also comes with the Fab.Me which is great for breakage and heat protection. The Ultimate Hair Care Kit is the way to go! And if you're wondering I did the test... using the Dry.Me my hair dried in under three minutes!
13. A mix bag
If you're looking for a hair care sample kit to add some volume and texture this holiday season, try out Sephora's Party Hair Kit for a one-stop shop. This may just have every brand you are looking to try!
Oh baby is it ever getting hot out! I love the heat, I love the sun, I am a summer child, through and through! But have you seen me?! I am not a fan of UV rays and sunburns, people. Don't get me wrong, I can get colour in the summer, but having fair skin means I am totally susceptible to burns, skin care issues, and all the woes. I am all about protecting my skin. We can't just make more of it, and damage is usually irreversible. To combat the rays and to protect against UV damage there are a few products I rely on in these months. Let's break it down:
Facial Care
NATURAL
When it comes to my face, I like to go natural. Laspa Naturals makes a great mineral moisturizer for sensitive skin with SPF 30. A little goes a seriously long way, so apply sparingly! I love it because it's 100% natural-- made only from plant-based ingredients, minerals, and essential oils. No chemicals at all! And it's hypoallergenic, and water/sweat resistant. I've done the run test in this one, and it withstands!
P.S. you can get LaSpa products at beautysense.ca and save 10% using code: GABPAC
ANTI-SHINE
Another game changer. The Vichy Ideal Soleil Dry Touch is extremely light which makes it perfect for the face. It even mattifies! So you do not look oily whatsoever. When an Olympian champion swimmer uses it on the reg, you know something is working. I love that it is SPF 60 and can be suitable for all skin types.
DOUBLE DUTY
Looking to up your daily moisturizer. Olay Luminous Whips is the perfect light and airy moisturizer that has SPF 25 to make sure you're covered.
Pro tip-- add a drop of Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Pigments to create a tinted cream! I love doing this when I'm short on time or don't want to wear heavy foundation.
Body
NATURAL
Laspa also makes another natural body sunscreen I have been loving. It's SPF 20 and moisturizes the body as well. It's mineral based so the zinc oxide works immediately to absorb into the skin (no waiting 20 minutes before sun exposure), and no chemicals!
ALL OVER
My on-the-go go-to? Pixi Sun Mist. I literally leave this in my purse. It's so compact and I mist myself all day with it. Especially when I'm driving with the windows down! Or before a walk on my lunch break. All you do is shake and spray. It's great for when you don't want to get your hands all covered in product. I spray on my face as well. The bamboo and chamomile extracts are so soothing and not irritating.
FAKE IT
I may be an advocate for UV protection but that doesn't mean I can't still indulge in a little bronzing! I have been relying on St. Tropez self-tanning Face Mistand Bronzing Water Mooseto get the job done, and loving it! I can't be the only one who just feels fabulous when that have a little bronzer glow going on! I love how St.Tropez has the mist that makes it so easy to apply! Yes, I am still sure I go light on the elbows, knees, and ankles, just in case!
