Hi there, my darlings!So...Mother's Day is right around the corner and, while my own beloved mothership is miles away, I bet a lot of you are still searching for the perfect Mother's Day gift! If you're in Canada, why not support a local Canadian brand AND contribute to a good cause, while you're at it! A few months back, I featured the designers behind NOGU, a jewellery design studio that gives back to various charities with every sale. Today, I'd like to share another piece from the house of NOGU which might just fulfill your gifting needs.


MERMAID GLASS MACRAME BEAD BRACELET IN SAPPHIRE AND SILVER ($74 CAD)
  • Charity: 5% of sales donated to the Take 3
  • Base: Stainless Steel
  • Finish: Silver
  • Bead Size: 6mm
  • Cord: Adjustable Nylon
The Sapphire Mermaid Glass Macrame Bead Bracelets are hand-crafted from 6mm beads and are hand-strung on an adjustable woven nylon macrame cord. The Mermaid Glass bracelets are available in a selection of hypnotic hues and a silver finished centerpiece. Each bracelet includes a matching silver plated stainless steel logo plate. With their adjustable nylon cord, these bracelets are one size fits all.

* Take 3's mission is to clean up the world's oceans and reduce plastic pollution through education and participation. Their message is simple, take 3 pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach, waterway or…anywhere!





While my own mothership is a traditional ethnic gold lover, these trendy bracelets would appeal to many new moms I know. Personally, I'll be gifting this to a close friend, who likes unique pieces like this. She chose the Sapphire version from the Mermaid Glass collection but you're not just limited to blue! The collection features similar bracelets in colors such as Aquamarine, Emerald and Violet. All the hand-crafted beads are iridescent and glow beautifully from within, when the light hits them, evoking the mermaid vibe the collection is aptly named after. Stacked or worn as a single piece, I bet this would be a magical gift for any mom who has a bit of mermaid magic in her soul! Need a gift for a treasured Water sign? Well, look no further! I, for one, can't wait to see my friend's reaction! 



So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up this beauty or any of the others in the Mermaid Glass collection on NOGU's website HERE--shipping is available all throughout the US, Canada and internationally. Shipping is free with a $75 CAD purchase throughout Canada.


For more about the brand and their story, don't forget to follow NOGU through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter



Have you found the perfect Mother's Day gift yet? If not, would your mom love this piece? 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! Spring has been interesting so far in Canada--there are some gorgeous days, nippy but pleasant, while others have been downright cold. I'm still trying to figure out if Canada even really has a Spring! While I'm trying to figure out Spring, it seems lots of people are already counting down the days to Summer. Are you one of them? If so, April 2019's BoxyCharm should get you right in the mood! Take a look!


ARTIST COUTURE Diamond Glow Powder in Summer Haze ($27.00 USD)

Inspired by free-spirited summer fun, this shade has a light champagne pink base with shimmering multicolored pearls. It is an all natural, finely milled loose powder safe to use on the face, eyes, lips and body.


Let me just begin by saying that I am seriously miffed with the packaging. A new tub of this has a little plastic that tightly covers the sprinkler head, which, by the way, is nearly impossible to get off. In an attempt to remove it, I tried to take off the whole cover, which then didn't just come off...you guessed it! It POPPED off, spraying loose highlighter powder EVERYWHERE. I mean, everywhere...I'm still finding remnants around my room. Hmmph. That being said, the product itself is quite pretty--a flattering gold that isn't too ostentatious and can be use in a multitude of way, e.g, highlighter, eyeshadow, mixed with blush etc. Just that packaging...oof.




LUXIE Summer Daze 3 pc Brush Set ($28.00 USD)

Introducing our Summer Daze Collection this festival season! This fun 3 piece set is all you need to unleash your makeup creativity. Apply your favorite glitter and shadows with our Luxie 245 and Luxie 209. Finish that up with applying your favorite blush and bronzer with the Luxie 512.

Brushes include:


  • Luxie 209 Large Shader
  • Luxie 245 Small Shader
  • Luxie 512 Small Contouring

If you're more successful with the loose powder above and need a few brushes to apply it with, look no further than this soft, handy little set from Luxie. Perfect for all your highlighting needs, the bright handles just scream "Summer, here we come!".




STARLOOKS Ultra-Gem Longwear Eye Pencil in Cosmic ($19.00 USD)

Luxurious pigmentation that lasts all day and provides the most glam looks you can possibly accomplish!


This is such a pretty eyeliner! A silvery-lilac that would look absolutely lovely in the waterline. I also really love the feel and texture of this--really soft and glides on super easily without breaking into pieces. Important considerations when you're aiming for the sensitive waterline. It IS a little on the pricier side so I probably wouldn't pick it up if it wasn't included in this month's box but since it is, I'm really happy to give it a whirl!




BUTTER LONDON Power Up mascara ($20.00 USD)

Level up your eyelash game for all day lashes! butter LONDON Power Up All Day Wear Mascara instantly delivers length, dramatic curl and definition to individual lashes with long-lasting, flexible 8-hour wear. The creamy, oil-free water-resistant formula is infused with hydrating Jojoba Extract, so eyelashes appear thicker and more volumized without clumping, smudging or flaking.

The multi-functional, lash-catching, curved brush features micro-combs to reach even the smallest lashes while soft-flex bristles create a 360 degree panoramic effect… it’s naturally eye catching.


  • Longwear (8+ hours of wear)
  • Oil Free – 100% safe for lash extensions
  • Creamy, water-resistant formula with comfortable flexible wear
  • Unique nourishing wax blend delivers instant length, dramatic curl & definition
  • Infused with Jojoba Extract to soften & hydrate eyelashes, so they appear thicker and more volumized over time
  • Specialized Polymer reduces smudging and flaking
  • Dual-Purpose curved mascara brush has micro-combs for precise application and soft-flex bristles stretch & lengthen the look of eyelashes
  • Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Always Cruelty Free

When I think of Butter London, I think nail polish. I knew they had come out with lipsticks but mascara? That's news to me! Good news, too! My lashes love the thick, comb-like wand which gives me all the volume I want! Plus, since I have been considering treating myself to lash extensions, I am really happy that I would be able to use this with them!




PUR COSMETICS Festival palette ($36.00 USD)

Putting together a one-of-a-kind festival makeup look is easy with this limited-edition, 12-piece pressed pigment palette with blue light defense. Complete with a bold, imaginative mix of highly pigmented shimmer, matte and glitter pigments that effortlessly build and blend onto the skin, this palette has everything you need to achieve the show-stopping looks you crave. From boho-inspired, wearable metallics to eye-catching glitters that add a gorgeous pop of sparkle, each cruelty-free pigment is infused with skin-loving ingredients. Bask in the antioxidant-rich benefits of Energy Complex, that’s made from a signature blend of Green Tea, Ginseng and Vitamin B, to deliver much-needed nutrients to help achieve a healthier-looking complexion. Plus, this limited-edition palette is uniquely formulated to help protect against signs of aging caused by high energy visible blue light, so you can go about your day confidently. Stand out from the crowd and easily elevate your daily looks—from brunch to girl’s night—and every event in-between.


If you've been with me for awhile, you probably don't need me to say it but I'm going to! I LOVE THIS PALETTE! Bright, bold colors paired with 3 types of finish (metallic glitter creams, shimmers and mattes), this palette is a party waiting to happen! Formula-wise, very impressed! I was even happy with how the glitter creams applied--they didn't make a huge mess and I could get enough product on just by dabbing without having to waste a bunch of it. If you're a fan of bold colors, you're gonna love this palette! Thank you, Boxycharm!




Oh and just as I was finishing up swatching, this sachet popped out of the palette's box. Presumably for the glitter creams, this is going to be handy when I do decide to rock those glitters!




So there you have it, my darlings! You can sign up for your very own Boxycharm subscription on their site HERE. At just $21 a month, it, if you do the math, is a STEAL! 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, I've just completed a rather taxing contractual position, one that completely flipped my night owl routine upside down, and I'm in some serious need of a little TLC. Now, when it comes to pampering myself, I tend to reach for the tried and true. But every so often, a brand goes and surprises me by introducing me to new products that I had no idea even were on the market. I recently had just such an experience with  Nivea! Apparently, Nivea has quite the extensive line of skincare now and isn't at all just about their iconic, little tubs of hand cream. Who knew?! I sure didn't. Keep reading to find out what I've discovered!


NIVEA CREME

The original Creme in its classic tin.

NIVEA® Creme is a skin care classic that provides protective care and deep nourishment for dry skin. First introduced in 1911, NIVEA® Creme continues to win the hearts of Canadians and moms worldwide. It's the world’s no. 1 skin care cream with over 100 million jars sold each year.


  • Mild formula suitable for the whole family, including kids
  • All-purpose cream for all skin types, even sensitive skin
  • Reduces the look and feel of rough, dry skin
  • Great for body, face, hands and dry spots like elbows, knees
  • Does not clog pores


OK, it may be comforting for some of you, as it was to me, that Nivea still does make their signature tins of hand cream and if you have ever used it, I'm happy to report that the formula remains pretty much unchanged. It's a thick, no, very thick cream that's ideally suited for very dry skin. Normally, I have combination skin but certain areas, like my cuticles, elbows and ankles, took a beating this first Canadian winter and are all but crying out for extra moisture. This does the trick! Just don't use it on your feet at night, if you tend to get overheated quickly, like I do!




SMOOTH IN-SHOWER BODY LOTION

Get smooth skin with no sticky feel.

Can’t stand the sticky feeling of body lotions or find the time to moisturize? Now there’s something new! NIVEA® Smooth Replenishing In-Shower Body Lotion for dry skin. Find it in the body lotion aisle.

  • Conveniently moisturize your skin in the shower: Apply after washing and rinse off
  • The lotion, with Shea Butter, is formulated to be quickly and effectively absorbed by wet skin
  • Moisturize instantly with no sticky feel - No need to wait for the lotion to absorb into your skin
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized for 24hr+
  • Dermatologically tested


I think I was the most excited about this product. An in-shower moisturizer from Nivea?! Sounded like the ultimate lazy-girl dream product. I find putting on lotion and massaging it in such a chore that a lotion that you could smooth on and rinse off while in the shower sounded too good to be true. And it kinda is. The lotion keeps your skin hydrated for a very short period of time and the super slippery bathtub/shower that inevitably results, which you then have to clean out, makes it really not worth it at all. Maybe it would work better in the Summer, when you only need something really light.




2-IN-1 MOSITURIZING PRIMER

This versatile, lightweight 2-in-1 moisturizer and primer is the perfect non-greasy base for every look.

2-in-1 Moisturizing Primer Normal Skin. If you’re on the lookout for stunning, even-looking skin that leaves your skin feeling moisturized and ready for the next steps in your beauty routine, this long-lasting formula is just what you’re looking for.

  • Quick absorption feels light and refreshing
  • Innovative gel-cream texture
  • Enriched with vitamin E and natural lotus extract
  • Dermatologically tested




Multi-tasking skincare products are my favorite! I love that this is a moisturizer AND a primer in one, so I can skip a step. Plus, I love the gel texture which absorbs quickly and easily into my skin. This is going to be perfect under my foundation, particularly during the Summer months! Good job on this one, Nivea!




PEARLY SHINE LIP BALM ($5.00 USD/$7.00 CAD)

Pamper your lips and make them glow with a luminous pearly pink shine for silky smooth and velvety soft lips!

NIVEA Pearl & Shine lip balm provides long-lasting moisture to soften and condition lips, leaving your lips more beautiful than ever. The unique formula enriched with pearl and silk extracts, shea butter and natural avocado and jojoba oils instantly melts into your lips and keeps them moisturized for 24 hours*. Enjoy beautiful shimmery and pleasantly soft lips! *clinically tested

  • Leaves your lips irresistibly smooth
  • Protects lips against dryness
  • Brings out the natural beauty of lips with a pearly shimmer
  • Contains Pearl and Silk Extracts
  • Dermatologically tested

Unfortunately, this just didn't do it for me. I find it hard enough to find a pink that flatters my skin tone but a icy, pale baby pink with pearl frostiness? That just does NOT work for my skin tone. I would be interested to try some of their other lip balms, though!




3-IN-1 CLEANSING WIPES ($5.00 USD/$7.00 CAD)

Enriched with NIVEA lotion and Vitamin E, these wipes thoroughly cleanse and effectively remove make-up and waterproof mascara, leaving your skin feeling refreshed.

At the end of a long and busy day, it can sometimes be hard to find time to look after your skin properly. Face wipes are a convenient way to cleanse your face without taking up too much of your time. No spills and no mess also make wet facial cleansing wipes the perfect choice when you’re on the go — in your purse or your gym bag. 3-in-1 Refreshing Cleansing Wipes for normal skin, Enriched with Vitamin E.

  • Deeply cleanse and purify your face, neck and eyes
  • Maintains your skin's natural moisture balance
  • Effectively remove make-up and waterproof mascara
  • Leave skin looking healthy and beautiful
  • Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested

These, I absolutely love! I'm a huge fan of wipes as it is but I find these to be just lovely. The wipes themselves are really soft and gentle on the skin while still doing a pretty good job of removing those stubborn traces of makeup that your micellar water or liquid remover leaves behind. Also, I love the classic Nivea scent to these!




So there you have it, my darlings! Nivea products are available at fine retailers and mass merchandisers nationwide, such as your local CVS, Target and Ulta, across the US.

For us Canadians, Nivea products are found in a wide range of store stores, such as your local Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart.


To discover other great products, you can follow Nivea Canada through the social media outlets below:

Facebook
Instagram
Youtube


Which of these new skincare products would you be interested in trying? 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! I have been SO busy lately that I just could not get a post up last week...despite my best intentions! I apologize, my faithful readers, and promise to be more consistent as soon as life settles down a bit. In the meantime, I finally found some time to get THIS week's posts up and the first one s a good one! It's April...and Aries season! Now, I ADORE fire signs! My BFF is a fire sign and despite all their bluster and boldness, they're just warm balls of affection, over-protectiveness and loyalty inside. All traits I value immensely. So, it gives me great pleasure to share a gorgeous collection dedicated to my beloved fire signs, as part of Wet n Wild's Limited Edition Zodiac collection series! Today, then, it's all about Fire, the Element personified by Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.


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.



We've talked about my love of the loose highlighting powder and while, yes, I still love it, I want to share a one quick word of caution: store this carefully! Do not just toss in a drawer like I did! As pretty as this is, it is not nearly as pretty scattered ALL OVER THE PLACE. And, I promise you, it will get everywhere...you will be picking glitter out of your hair and toes, if you're not careful!




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.


This palette embodies fire signs to a T! All warm, fiery reds and golds and oranges, with tons of shimmer to boot, this was made for fire signs. I also love how smoothly these shades applied and how richly pigmented they were. If you like warm shades, pick this one up. You won't regret it!




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 uniquely you.


I like this highlighter. I like it quite a lot. But do I love it? Maybe I wouldn't go that far, simply because I was expecting a richer, warmer, bolder, more intense gold for the fire signs' highlighter. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful shade and very flattering on my darker skin tone. But it's also quite subtle on my skin, despite layering it on. A beautiful shade...but it left me wanting more.




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.



Let's get one thing out of the way: I really, really, REALLY wish these were the Liquid Catsuit mattes! I adore these shades but glosses always leave me wanting. I just don't wear them!


That being said, Aries' gloss is my favorite--a rich, wine shade that was surprisingly pigmented, especially for a gloss. My BFF may or may not wear this shade but I know I certainly will!

As for Leo's gloss...meh. This one didn't really do it for me. Too sheer and much too subtle to match for a Leo's bold personality, I really couldn't feel the connection with this one. Even the (slight) shimmer couldn't redeem this one for me.

Sagittarius' gloss is the most intriguing, which is pretty standard for the people of the sun sign themselves, if you really think about it. Sagittarians never fail to surprise you! The shimmer in this is a stunning blue that sparks when the light hits it at the right angle. Just gorgeous!




ZODIAC WATER Bundle ($20.95 USD)

Awaken your lively and feisty personality with our fire element inspired set from our Zodiac collection.

Bundle Contains:
  • 669A - Color Icon Eyeshadow - Fire
  • 687 - MegaGlo Highlighting Bar - Fire
  • 671A - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Aries
  • 675B - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Leo
  • 679 - Color Icon Lip Gloss - Sagittarius

Starting with the Loose Highlighting Powder as the sunrise, here are my swatches of the entire Water 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 do you think of this collection? Do you think the Fire Signs in your life would like it? 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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