Hi there, my darlings! So...Toronto is in the midst of ANOTHER storm--this time, we've already gotten somewhere around 6 inches or something. It never ends, I tell you! I never knew never-ending Winter until I moved here...and I've lived in Chicago! OK, no, the Midwest is just as bad (sorry Chi-town!). Anyways, I feel like all my posts have been geared towards cheering myself up and pick-me-ups to get me through this first, bitter Winter season in Canada...and today is no different! Today, I'll be sharing my thoughts on a beautiful, holographic trio from Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment that sure to bring a little sparkle and shine to your life!


The Winter Holos collection consists of 3 diamond holographic polishes.  Across the board, I found the formula of these scattered holos to be just lovely to work with--they apply so smoothly and evenly.  Unless specifically mentioned, all the swatches below show just 3 thin coats of each polish by itself on the index and ring fingers and 3 coats plus 1 thin coat of topcoat on the middle and pinkie fingers--now, I feel that none of Zoya's cremes really need a topcoat, being shiny enough on their own, but I like the finished look with topcoat when it comes to these holos. They are by no means rough or not shiny enough but the topcoat adds that extra bit of polish and finesse to each polish. Oh, and I tend to paint in thinner coats but if you tend to paint in thicker ones, you could definitely get away with 2 coats of each, especially with Everly.


Brighton (previously released) is described as "a full coverage, diamond holographic soft nude". A really flattering nude for my skin tone and I don't often find that!





With flash!



Cadence (new!) is described as "a full coverage, diamond holographic classic pink". I love that this pink has enough pigmentation to look really good with my skin tone! So pretty!





With flash!



Everly (new!) is described as "a full coverage, diamond holographic fuchsia red". My favorite of the three, I absolutely love this shade! Sure to chase away any Winter blues!





With flash!



So there you have it, my darlings! The Zoya Winter Holos collection is available now on Zoya's website HERE for the price of $10 for a full-size, 0.5 oz bottle.


Don't forget to follow Zoya through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Blog




What do you think of this collection? Do you like these pretty holos? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!














***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***


Hi there, my darlings! So...I've been working with BoxyCharm fr several months now and every single box has been a hit, for me personally. I've loved the selection of products, the brands included and most importantly, the full-size palettes that inevitably came each month! Well, there's a blip in every love story and I think this month, we have hit that. This month's box for me was just ok, nothing as exciting as past months. Yes, great brands are included and I even liked most of the products but there was a certain cohesiveness missing and definitely missing the wow factor. Anyways, I daresay that it's still a pretty solid box and totally worth the price. Take a peek!


SOL DE JANEIRO Coco Cabana Cream ($20.00 USD for 75 mL)

Moisture Magnet Oil-in-Water Body Cream

Our MOST moisturizing body cream – 72 hours of moisture.

In Brazil, we give our bodies the same love and attention as face – if not more. Like a deep Brazilian pool of absolute body love, this oil-in-water gel cream hydrates deeply with our moisture-attracting CocoSugar Blend of luscious coconut and sugar, and scents deliciously with our mouthwatering Cheirosa ’39 fragrance and notes of toasted coconut, creamy caramel, and buttery praline. This coco-amazing cream instantly transforms dry, dehydrated, irritated skin into its softest, bounciest, most luscious version of itself. And benefits only get better and better with continued pampering and body love.



I'm so torn about this product! I've tried the Bum Bum Cream from Sol de Janeiro and fell instantly in love with it. With this one, while I like the texture and the feel as well as the overall concept, I'm currently in winter mode and my skin needs MORE...if you know what I mean. I'm usually a huge fan of gel formulas and prefer it to thicker lotions but Canadian winters are no joke and you gotta bust out the big guns. This tropically-scented, incredibly-heavy-on-the-coconut-notes gel cream is more of a summer essential, at least for me. I'm going to stash it away until the weather gets better!




What it is:
A light, silky primer that blurs the look of pores and wrinkles, while enhancing the wear of makeup.

Solutions for:

Pores
Uneven skin tone
Fine lines and wrinkles

If you want to know more…
No Poreblem Primer provides seamless coverage for concealing pores and uneven skin tone, while creating an invisible layer that acts as a barrier to outside elements. It leaves skin velvety, smooth, and fresh—and completely prepped for flawless makeup application.


I really, really like this primer and to think, I almost wouldn't have even given it a second look. To be very honest, I keep my face makeup to a bare minimum so inevitably skip primer. I can't handles layers and layers on my face so usually just stick to a BB cream or cushion foundation, plus some concealer on my good days. That being said, I like this because it's so light, so easily blended and it really does blur your pores amazingly. After this picture, I rubbed the product into my hand and was literally astonished at the effect--I had to shine a flashlight on my skin to get a better look! It smooths out imperfections so well that it really is worth the extra step to your makeup routine!





An über long wearing eye shadow pencil that highlights, provides intense luminous color, precise lining and primes lids for all day wear.

This longwearing, waterproof, neutral eye shadow pencil delivers and highlights the face’s highpoints; like cheekbones, tear ducts and brow arch. This 4-in-1 application is easy to use, but still gives intense color, precise lining, and primes lids for all day wear. Ideal for oily lids, these fun and sassy touch n’go makeup stix are soft and super gliding, easy to blend, with even payoff that will provide a quick and easy ‘nude look, but better’ for all faces in all places.


Available in 12 shades, Copper Foil is shown below.


I've been wanting to try Nudestix for awhile so I was really excited that this product was included in the box. Even after just one swatch, I'm hooked and can totally see why there's such hype surrounding this brand. This pencil is velvety-smooth and incredibly pigmented. The tip is soft enough for delicate waterlines but can hold its own when directly applying to the skin. It dries to a waterproof finish that indeed is quite hard to budge. Very happy with this baby!





A mascara so amazing, it’s Better Than Sex! This formula thickens, lengthens, and curls after just one coat for the most luscious, dramatic, and volumized lashes possible. The #1-selling prestige mascara in America, Better Than Sex, gives you mind-blowing lashes, every time

DETAILS:

  • The #1-selling prestige mascara in America
  • FILM-FORMING POLYMER-Locks curl into place
  • ACACIA SENEGAL TREE EXTRACT-Sets volume
  • UNIQUE PEPTIDES-Condition lashes



I had high hopes for this mascara, based on the name alone. But, alas! While I like it, it's a well-performing mascara, I have to say that I don't LOVE it. I look for more volume, more oomph, more body for my lashes when it comes to mascaras and while this gives my lashes some of that, it wasn't earth-shattering or life-changing. In short, it didn't really live up to the name. LOL!





Shimmering Swan powder highlighter is a highly pigmented, long-wearing shimmer highlighter formula that is specially designed with photochromic technology to provide a radiant glow from any angle. This formula contains microspheres that help create a velvety smooth feel and a flawless finish. It is also infused with light-reflecting and pearlescent pigments that will leave your skin with a shimmery finish and ultra-reflective shine.

Available in 4 shades, Sparkling Sass is shown below.



Unfortunately, this beauty came shattered to bits in my box so I may not be as ecstatic over it as I normally would be. It's quite pigmented so as you can imagine, there was glitter and shimmer EVERYWHERE. I spent a bit of time pressing the product back into the gorgeous packaging because I do like the shade and the packaging is super pretty. The shade shown below is Sparkling Sass, a beautiful light shimmering gold that works really well with my skin tone. I'm going to use it, that's for sure, mess notwithstanding!




So there you have it, my darlings! You can sign up for your very own Boxycharm subscription on their site HERE--it's just $21 a month! Shipping is free within the US and an additional $5 throughout Canada!


For sneak peeks and all the latest, don't forget to follow Boxycharm through the social media outlets below:

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube




Have you signed up for Boxycharm yet? What do you think of this month's box? Tell me in the comments section below!









***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***







Hi there, my darlings! So Winter doesn't seem to end in Canada...eh? LOL! Add all the recent stress of life to the perpetually gloomy weather and I'm left searching for pick-me-ups anywhere I can find them! If there's one thing I love, that's a good, hot shower at the end of the day and luxurious, fragrant bath and body products. I'm talking about a lush body wash to melt stress away, followed by a decadent lotion to soothe achy muscles and smooth tortured winter skin. Sounds divine, right? I think so too, which is why I'm delighted to introduce a new bath and body brand that has recently launched in Canada--Laline has everything you could desire in a luxury brand but at prices that won't break the bank! Take a look at some of what I sampled recently!


ABOUT LALINE
  • Take a Laline moment.
  • Don’t believe in perfection. Believe in perfect moments.
  • Little pleasures create great moments.
  • Happiness is not a goal, it is a state of mind.
  • Your body is the temple of your spirit.
  • Be yourself. It’s the perfect way to be unique.
  • The best way to cheer yourself up, is to cheer someone else.
  • The greatest pleasures are the ones you create for yourself.

Welcome to the world of Laline. A world which we created in 1999 and like the real world continues to develop, rejuvenate and expand. From a small and charming store in central Tel Aviv, we have become Israel's leading chain for cosmetics and lifestyle products for your body and soul, with over 100 stores across the country as well as international locations. 

Read more HERE.



EXFOLIATING SOAP in VANILLA PINK PEPPER ($19.00 CAD)

Stimulate your shower experience. A rich soap with delicate Apricot granules. Free of SLS/SLES.

Available in 9 scents, I tried Vanilla Pink Pepper




Vanilla...pink pepper?! I have to admit, I say this tube some serious side eye when this package first arrived. But, let me tell you, this one caught me by surprise! Usually, I don't like anything remotely scented with vanilla, finding the gourmand sweetness incredibly cloying. That's where the pink pepper really steps up to the plate. The subtle hint of spiciness beautifully balances the vanilla for a scent that is sweet but not overwhelmingly so.

As for the exfoliating part, I'm a big fan! Now, you would think that you should save all your exfoliation for the summer, right? Not so! Winters dry out your skin and unfortunately, lots of your skin cells die in this weather. Best just to gently slough them off in the shower and leave behind healthy, fresh skin. So, I'm all for the teeny, tiny exfoliating granules! Just don't forget to moisturize...and, for that, Laline comes to the rescue too!




SCENTED BODY SOUFFLE in VANILLA PINK PEPPER ($23.95 CAD)

A rich cream for happy skin. Enriched with Jojoba, Calendula and Borage oils, combined with beeswax and Aloe Vera extract.

Available in 4 scents, I tried the matching Vanilla Pink Pepper scent to the body soap above.




This body lotion is rich, decadent...yet surprisingly light. Yes, it will richly and deeply moisturize your skin but what I like most that it absorbs fairly quickly and doesn't leave you uncomfortable. For a girl that overheats at the drop of a hat, that is the most important. Now I'm dying to try the other scents, particularly Cherry Blossom and Frozen Pear!




HAND CREAM in MUSK ($15.95 CAD)

Two hands ? Twice the efficiency! Enriched with Glycerine, Vegetable oil and Vitamin E. 

Available in 10 scents, I tried the Musk scent.



As much as I love the other two products, I might have to say that this one is my favorite! Simply because my hands get dry the fastest in the winter, probably because I have a hand-washing problem combined with a dish-washing obsession (don't ask!). So, hand cream is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for me. I love the how luscious this one feels and yet, much like the body souffle, it absorbs very easily. More importantly though, I really like the scent! A floral and fruity scent lover, I didn't think anything labelled Musk would appeal to me but it's hardly musky, if you know what I mean. It's more of a deeper, richer, slightly earthier floral which I find very appealing.




So there you have it, my darlings! In Canada, Laline is available through their site HERE, with shipping free over $50 CAD. You can also find them at select stand-alone stores across Canada, such as Sherway Gardens in Toronto.

But wait! They're having a fantastic sale right now, where if you purchase a tote for $4.90, you can take 50% anything that would fit inside it. Think luscious hand creams under $10 CAD! Get on this!


For more of the brand, check out Laline through the social media outlets below :

Instagram
Youtube




Do you love bath and body care products? What are your favorite products to relieve stress or as a pick-me-up? Tell me in the comments section below!














***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***



Hi there, my darlings! So, 2018 was a really rough year for in many ways and 2019, unfortunately, is not going much better, to be honest. Needless to say, I've been dealing with a whole lot of stress, which manifests for me in one of two ways--I don't get much sleep and I break out horribly. It's been years since I last had to deal with these but lately, I've been afflicted by these painful, little whiteheads, particularly on my cheeks and around my hairline. I mean, I used to have a few blackheads on my nose and an occasional pimple around that time of the month but this is a whole different ballgame. Ugh. I knew I had to do something quick and thankfully, a very timely package arrived for me from derma e. Inside, a couple of products which are helping me battle these annoying breakouts. Let's take a look, shall we?


ACNE DEEP PORE CLEANSING WASH ($15.50 USD)

A daily cleanser that removes built-up oil and debris to help unclog pores, promote clear skin and prevent breakouts.

Gently remove built-up oil and debris, help unclog pores and clarify skin while reducing redness and irritation with this daily cleanser. With an Anti-Blemish Complex of natural ingredients Tea Tree, Willow Bark, Rosewood, Lavender and Chamomile shown to be very effective on blemish-prone skin, this formula delivers natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties leaving skin purer, clearer and healthier. Regular use will help balance your complexion and your skin's own oil producing capabilities to help reduce the occurrence of breakouts. Will not leave a residue or irritate the skin. 



For me, personally, I rely the most on cleansers and scrubs when it comes to skincare and handling breakouts. I don't have the patience for multi-step skincare routines and I honestly feel that maintaining squeaky clean skin is the most essential step to clear skin. As such, I've been looking for a deep cleansing face wash for my nightly showers that would help me take off all the grime, pollution, makeup and yes, (some) stress of the day. So far, I really like this one. Scented naturally with the minty goodness of tea tree oil, this face wash leaves my skin feeling truly clean. Yes, it is a bit drying, especially in the harsh Canadian winter and the necessary stifling indoor heating, so I always try to moisturize before I go to bed. My skin hasn't cleared up completely but then again, I've only been using this for a few days but it has started to feel better and clear up to a certain extent. I'm going to keep using this and report back--follow me on Instagram for that update!




ACNE BLEMISH CONTROL TREATMENT SERUM ($16.99 USD)

This acne blemish treatment serum helps to fight against blackheads, breakouts and cystic acne.

Formulated with Salicylic Acid plus a unique Anti-Blemish complex comprised of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Extract, calming Lavender and Chamomile, this acne-fighting serum helps to unclog pores providing clearer and healthier-looking skin.

Enriched with:
  • Salicylic Acid: a beta hydroxyl acid that helps skin cells shed more easily.
  • Anti-Blemish Complex: comprised of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Extract, calming Lavender and Chamomile helps to unclog pores and reduce redness


I have often found myself avoiding serums in the past for one simple reason--I tend to get hot really quickly during the night so anything that aggravates that, I avoid like the plague. This serum, though, is surprisingly light, quite easily absorbed into the skin and I can apply it directly to problem areas for a more targeted approach. Again, it smells not at all some chemically-enhanced products I've tried and actually is quite pleasant with the combination of tea tree oil and lavender--if you're sensitive to fragrances, this line should suit you quite well with their natural aromas.




So there you have it, my darlings! In the US, derma e is available through their website HERE (with free shipping over $25) or at select retailers.

In Canada, derma e is available through Well.ca (shipping is free over $35 or free pick-up at Rexall locations) or through certain retailers such as London Drugs.


For all the latest launches, don't forget to follow derma e through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube




Do you suffer from acne? Or sensitive skin? What are your fave skincare products? Tell me in the comments section below!














***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***


Hi there, my darlings! Goodness...the Canadian winter is never-ending...and so dreary! Being a nocturnal creature, I never really understood the effect on mood from lack of sunlight or seasonal affective disorder until I moved here. I may not need as much sun as the next person but all this gloominess and just piles of stuff falling from the sky on a daily basis really begins to tell on a person's mood. So, I'm trying anything I can to cheer myself up and bring myself out of the doldrums. Today's post is one such attempt. When the skies are gray and your mood is grayer, it may be time to call upon your inner goddess. What better way to do that than with a little cosmetic help! And I might have found the perfect. rainy day saviors in the Almay Goddess Glosses. Take a peek!


GODDESS GLOSS ($9.99 USD/$13.31 CAD)

A spectrum of prismatic lip glosses with holographic effects. Designed to be worn solo, mixed or layered.

  • Gives lips a holographic, iridescent glow 
  • Lips feel moisturized and smooth, never sticky 
  • Made with pomegranate, grape and raspberry oils 
  • As always, hypoallergenic & fragrance free 

Pro Tips!
  • Rock it solo for an iridescent glow on lips 
  • Mix & match shades to create infinite ombré looks 
  • Layer over lipstick for a transformative holographic effect


Available in 12 sheer, easy to wear, high-shine shades :

  • Angelic
  • Cosmic
  • Dreamy
  • Enchanted
  • Ethereal
  • Fairy
  • Flame
  • Gilded
  • Halo
  • Magic
  • Mystic
  • Rainbow





Now, time and again, I've mentioned to you all how I'm NOT a fan of glosses. I never like the feel or the pigmentation. That being said, I LOVE these!  Not only are a couple of them beautifully pigmented (check out Magic and Rainbow, in particular) but quite a few have a shimmer and/or iridescence that I haven't seen outside of the indie nail polish world! Mesmerizing, to say the least!

As for formula, well, they are glosses so there is a bit of the tackiness associated with a gloss. But, I have used one (Dreamy) over a super matte liquid lipstick and not only did it keep my lips hydrated on a super chilly day but the stickiness wasn't bothersome. Now, that's saying something! So, if you're like me and do not do glosses, try these over a particularly drying matte--you'll get the wow factor of the iridescence in these while still having the pigmentation and coverage of a matte. I know I'll be reaching for a few of these during these frigid Winter days!


Swatched in alphabetical order

So there you have it, my darlings! You can grab these gorgeous glosses in select retailers and drugstores across the US AND Canada, such as Ulta and Walmart.


For all the latest launches, don't forget to follow Almay through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube




Are you a fan of glosses? What do you think of these? Tell me in the comments section below!














***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***


Hi there, my darlings! So...the first week of February is always very special for me. Monday, February 4th marked 6 years of ColorSutraa! Yay, blogiversary! Even more importantly for me personally, Tuesday, February 5th was my late grandfather's birthday-- he may no longer be with us but we never forget to celebrate! Aquarius is indeed special, as you can see! So, it should be no surprise that I have literally been waiting with bated breath to publish this post. Presenting the first of a 4 month series, the Wet n Wild Limited Edition Zodiac collections! First up, if you haven't guessed already is Air, the Element personified by Aquarius, Gemini and Libra (yours truly!). Take a peek!


COLOR ICON EYESHADOW ($4.99 USD)

Dream up a heavenly eye look that’ll put the orb in orbit. From air to earth, fire to wind, each palette has six super-pigmented, metallic shades that are designed to highlight your element with shadows that build from subtle to sultry for an out-of-this-world look.


All 6 shimmers, all gorgeously pigmented and so easy to work with. I absolutely love how well these shimmers blend and the shades really pop on a darker skin tone like mine. Only quibble is the design perhaps--it's maddeningly difficult to keep the shades separate, if that's what you're going for.




MEGAGLO HIGHLIGHTER BAR ($6.99 USD)

Tap into your earthly element for a perfectly ethereal lit-from-within glow. This highlighting bar delivers a strobing effect that’ll look like you've been kissed by the stars. It goes on super-smooth and can be applied both wet and dry for a luminous effect that’s uniquley you.

I have a thing for highlighters, as I may have mentioned a time or ten. But honestly, I thought this one would be much too light for my skin tone. Not so, not so AT ALL! There's just enough gold in it to work well for me! Yay!




COLOR ICON LIP GLOSS ($2.99 USD)

Embrace your star sign with an ultra-pigmented lip gloss hue that’s just for you. Swipe on for a mirror-like shine that embraces the beams of your rising sign. Argan, Macadamia, and Jojoba Oils keep your lips soft and moisturized for a perfectly kissable pout.


Ah, gloss. Glosses and I are NOT friends. And, I know that Air signs are supposed to be all light and ethereal hence the nude shades, but I prefer my lippies bold and pigmented. That being said, Gemini is a gorgeous gold and very pigmented while Libra has a shimmer in it that is to die for so I will be using that one as topper for sure. Aquarius, unfortunately, doesn't do much for me or my skin tone.




But, ok, just a close-up of that shimmer in Libra. Tell me that's not just dreamy?!




MEGAGLO LOOSE HIGHLIGHTING POWDER ($6.99 USD)

Illuminate your inner aurora! Brush on a luminous sheen with high-impact glow for radiant cheekbones and an all-over shimmer thanks to this highlighter’s iridescent pearls. This buildable formula is silky to the touch and blends into the skin for an otherworldly gleam.

Last but not least, the Zodiac collection features a loose highlighting powder that's supposed to ubiquitous to all four Elements. Think of it as the one product that ties it all together. And what a beauty it is! Rose Gold perfection! I will be sharing a swatch of this one along with swatches of all the other three bundles just so you can see for yourself! Trust me on this one though: if you like rose gold and you like multi-tasking shimmer, pick this baby up!




ZODIAC AIR Bundle ($20.95 USD)

No need to analyze, synthesize or probe about this collection! You will surely adore our Zodiac air element inspired set.
Bundle Contains:
  • 667A - Color Icon Eyeshadow - Air
  • 683B - MegaGlo Highlighting Bar - Air
  • 681A - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Aquarius
  • 673A - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Gemini
  • 677 - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Libra

Starting with the Loose Highlighting Powder as that unicorn, here are my swatches of the entire Air bundle:



So there you have it, my darlings! You can grab this bundle or any of the products individually on Wet n Wild's website HERE or in select retailers and drugstores across the US AND Canada. Head to Shoppers, my Canadian beauties, where you can definitely get your Zodiac fix!


For all the latest launches, don't forget to follow Wet n Wild through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube





What's your sign? Are you excited about this collection? Looking forward to this series? Tell me in the comments section below!








***Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***
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