Multi-Tasking With Bio-Oil! A Giveaway!

I don't know about you guys, but when I used to hear Bio-Oil, I always thought of pregnancy and stretch marks.

It was one of the first oils readily available, and it kind of got pigeon holed as the "scar" oil.

There are so many more ways to use this wonderful product, and An Occasional Redhead wants you to find them all out for yourselves with a Prize Pack worth $65.00 from Bio-Oil!

Win with Bio-Oil

Oils are on trend. In a recent survey, more than half of Canadian women said they use or intend to use a beauty oil in the next 12 months (Toluna Analytics, 2014). As oils continue to grow in popularity, Bio-Oil remains of the best-selling and most recommended oils in the world.

Why are oils becoming so popular? “When oil meets skin an amazing thing happens," says Dr. Paul Cohen, Dermatologist. "Oils can hydrate, protect, purify and help balance the skin. Oils can also deliver concentrated ingredients, so a little goes a long way to help keep skin in top condition. Bio-Oil is a cosmetically elegant ‘dry oil’ that won’t clog pores and is safe for sensitive skin.”

Bio-Oil’s unique formula is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. But did you know that Bio-Oil’s moisturizing properties and ability to lock in moisture make it an effective all-over skin moisturizer for face and body? Bio-Oil can also be used to provide anti-aging skincare support, gently remove makeup, condition nails and cuticles, soften dry heels and elbows, relieve itchiness, soothe skin after shaving, and as a moisturizing bath oil.

The Bio-Oil prize pack consists of three bottles of Oil in different sizes.  There's a 60ml, 125ml, and 200ml.  One for travel, one for the bathroom, and one for your bedside!  (Perfect for a bedtime hand massage!)  Over the next while, I'll be talking a bit more about how I'm using my Bio-Oil.  You can bet this is coming with me on vacay!

All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment letting me know what you're going to do with your Bio -Oil.  You can also use Social Media to gain more entries!

I do need to mention that this contest is only open to Canadian Residents!  (Sorry non-canadian folk)

Good Luck!

Donna Xoxo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Cheeks With Maybelline New York

To me, the perfect summer cheek is dewy and softly sculpted.  Since I don't get too tanned, I always like to have a bit of bronzer and blush to give me a healthy glow.
Usually I reach for a powder bronzer, but with my skin being all wonky lately I found myself in dire need of a cream version.
I happened to be in Shoppers for, razors or something like that, when the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Glaze Blush and Bronzer Sticks caught my eye.  I had been talking to someone about them and she said they were worth a look, so I grabbed one.
I'm really glad I did!

I fell in love with the Dream Bouncy Blush last year, and let me tell you, these two little beauties make for an outstanding duo!
The Master Glaze is a sheer, buildable cream in stick form.  The texture is comfortable due to the inclusion of shea butter, and the finish is a pretty pearlescence.  The application is easy-peasy too!  Swipe and blend, that's it!
The shade I picked up is called Subtle Bronze.  It's a limited edition shade from the Bleached Neons Collection, but there is a permanent shade in the collection that's close.  I love the way it blends under the cheekbone and around the jawline for a soft contour.  It's also very pretty worn on the cheek alone!
The Dream Bouncy Blushes are the most irresistible pans of colour!  The texture is airy and frothy feeling with a wonderful satiny finish on the skin.  Again, the colour is quite sheer, but it builds well.  The cheek is left with a lovely luminescence for some dimension rather than shimmer particles or glitter.
Candy Coral is a fun, bright orangey coral that wears well on most skin tones.  It's just the most ideal summer shade!  I can't wait to get my paws on a few more going into fall!

Both of these beauties can be applied with fingers, or a sponge, but, I find the best thing to use is a brush.  Either a flat blending brush, or a duo-fibre brush works beautifully.  I'm in love with the brushes from Sonia Kashuk, which I discuss here.  The quality of these brushes are phenomenal, especially for the price!
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of writing a post for Elaine of Toronto Beauty Reviews on my Summer Essentials, and Man Alive, was it hard to narrow it down!  I am absolutely going to add this blush/bronzer combo to the list!
What do summer cheeks mean to you?

Donna Xoxo

Travel Musts: Kimonos and Sky Blue Nails!

Happy Canada Day Week and July Fourth Week everybody!
I hope everyone is rested and fed and patriotic.
Usually around this time of year, travelling is on everyone's mind.
Summer's here, school's out, and when the temperature rises we all itch to get away.
Even me!  And, I just might do it!
My family is from Scotland, and I have a lot of relatives still over there.  Up until I was 21, I went over every year with my Mom.  After that, she got too sick to travel, and I haven't been back since.
If you haven't been to Scotland, what are you waiting for?  The scenery is breathtaking, and the people are amazing!  You'll never laugh harder during a taxi ride than one you take in Glasgow.  "Glesga Folk" are witty and down-to-earth, and genuine, and robust.  It's a great combo!
In a few weeks, I just may be there!  So exciting!
Earlier in the week, my In Flight Essentials for Fresh Skin were featured on Fashion Translated, so we know what will be on my face during the flight, and here I'll talk about a few things that need to come along in the suitcase!
The first thing that everyone needs, no matter where you're going, is a kimono!  This is a huge trend this year.

A kimono looks just as great with jean shorts as it does with a maxi dress, along with everything in between!  They can be found everywhere this year, but one of the best places to get one is Forever 21.  The selection is fantastic!  Since I'm petite, I need one that is on the shorter side so I don't look like I'm drowning in it, but taller ladies are looked after too with longer options available.  I love a rich print, which will carry me right into fall.

A vacation in the summer absolutely calls for bright nails!  Essie's Strut Your Stuff fills that bill in spades!  Its a bright cerulean blue that looks wonderful with summer skin of all shades.  It applies quite nicely in two coats for the most part, and the finish is rich and true.  I'm desperately in love with this polish.  I had it on my nails within minutes of walking in my door!  It's that good!  Check out Essie here.

These are just two of my travel musts, I could go on for days with this!  A good bronzer, a big cozy scarf, and fits-like-a-glove jeans are all on the list too!

What do you not vacay without?

 

Donna Xoxo

 

PS - For the month of July, I will be keeping a Lipstick Diary.  Each day, I'll have a different lipstick, gloss, or balm on Instagram here, and Twitter here.  Follow me at #JulyLippyLove!  

Pelle Beauty Bloom Facial Mist. My Newest Love Affair

A few weeks ago I was introduced to Pelle Beauty, and it's founder Marnie.
The story of how Pelle came to be is pretty cool! 
While Marnie worked as a makeup artist, she would bring her own concoctions of essential oils with her to prep clients skin.  They loved her oils, and not too long after, Marnie branched out and created Pelle Beauty. 
Pelle Beauty is vegan, and comprised of plant based oils and aromatherapy. 
The face oils smell spectacular, and feel comfortable on the skin immediately.  There is an oil blend for every condition, along with cleansers and an eyebalm, which you can check out on the Pelle Beauty website.
Today we are going to discuss their new Bloom Face Mist.

The Bloom line is a new cleanser and mist collection.  These have been formulated for a dehydrated skin, or really anyone looking for a boost of hydration.  I have been using the mist for a few weeks and I have one word.
MAGNIFICENT!!!
The mist contains rose and neroli hydrosols which soothe and hydrate, aloe for an extra dose of comfort, licorice root and calendula to revitalize and brighten.
The second this luxurious mist hits your face, the senses go bananas!
The neroli is fragrant and rich, and the spray feels immediately soothing. 
Two or three sprays directly on the face after cleansing should be enough.  Granted, I would do 12 sprays if I could.  It just feels like heaven!
Follow up with some oil or the rest of your regime for plump, refreshed skin!
This mist is also great to set makeup, or just for a quick freshen-up.
I'm desperately in love with this mist, and Pelle Beauty in general!

 

Pelle Beauty is available online, but also at the wonderful BlushPretty Studios at 777 Richmond W. Toronto.

And can we talk about how pretty Marnie is?  She is the sweetest ever!  It was such a pleasure meeting her and learning about these amazing products!

Have you tried Pelle Beauty?  Are you going to?

 

Donna Xoxo

Easy Hair To Beat The Heat For Us Short Haired Ladies!

The higher temperatures are wonderful, aren't they?
Morning coffee on the patio while Annie plays with the squirrels, and an outdoor beer in the evening make me feel like the world is right where it should be!
I do, however, hate when my hair is in my face in the heat.  My hair may be short, but I still like to have it back and comfortably away from my face.
Thank goodness for the hair accessories trend!
Everywhere you look there are ingenious ways to keep hair back!  Headbands, hair wraps, scarves! 
Forever 21 is a goldmine for them this season.
And, NO!  They are not only for long hair ladies!
One short hair stunnah that can rock a head scarf like nobodies business is Casie Stewart.  If you aren't familiar with Casie, you need to be, and you can learn about her here.  Her hair game is bang on!  So much inspo it's crazy!

 

 

What I go for when I'm doing a look like this, is a kind of retro feel.  I love pin-up hair, so this has a pin-up influence to it. 

To keep this flirty, make sure that there's a bit of a pouf in the front, and make sure the back isn't too smooth.  Tousled  and sexy is the goal here!

 

 

 

Here's how!

Blowdry your hair, making sure the front has some volume.  Add a small amount of texturizing wax or pomade to tousle the hair, and smooth the sides back.  I like to leave some "sideburns" down, to soften the look.  Then take a square scarf and fold it in half.  Then fold the scarf until it's a straight line, wrap it around your head, and tie it in a knot!  I like the knot off to the side.  You can tuck the ends in, or leave them out and keep it fun.  Add oversize sunnies and you'll be cool as a cucumber!

I'll be rocking this a lot as the heat skyrockets!  Between this and a hat (I got a really cute one at Old Navy in the kids section, since I have a freakshow small head.) I should be all set this summer.

What heat-proof hair secrets do you have?  I want to hear them all!

 

 

Donna Xoxo



 

 

My Face Of The Day. Once I Can Wear One, That Is.

Guys, I can almost wear makeup again!
It's been a month and a half, but I'm almost there!
I've been planning what to wear for weeks now, so I thought I'd do a little show and tell.
I'm so looking forward to having colour on my face, and the longing looks I've been giving my poor, neglected lippy collection are a little obscene.

My collection has been teasing me!

The first thing that's going on my face, is some funky summer-proof eyeliner!  I discovered Artdeco cosmetics last year, which you can read here, and it is an amazing line!  The Soft Eye Liner Waterproof #72 is a beautiful, rich, metallic, emerald green.  It's creamy, long wearing, and fun!  Perfection!

Have you tried They're Real Mascara from Benefit yet?  If not, it's a fab find, so you should consider bringing this baby home with you!  I've fallen completely in love with this mascara.  It leaves you with long, lush lashes that has remarkable staying power!  It wears like a dream, and won't smudge or flake at all.  Now, it is a son-of-a-biatch to remove.  I found that an oil remover is mandatory, and it usually takes two applications of remover to get all of the residue.  Benefit does have a remover specifically formulated for They're Real coming out soon, so that would be a great investment once it's available.  Believe me, kids, this mascara is worth every bit of the trouble that comes with removal.  It is that good!
The coup-de-gras for my eventual FOTD will be a bright-ass pout!  I'm so very excited to wear an orange shade on my lips!  I actually have butterflies at the thought of wearing this!  The Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in Audacious is a delicious, vivid tangerine shade with a velvety finish and a moist feel.  I've bragged about these before, here, and I love them just as much now as I did then!
Once I can wear these products, you better believe I'll be showing them off! 
Until then, I'll be quietly making googly-eyes at my makeup cases, dreaming of the day I can paint myself up!
What trends are you excited to try?

Donna Xoxo

PS- I do have to admit, that I'm remarkably comfortable without makeup these days!  I don't know if it's age and wisdom, or simply necessity, but I'm much more comfy in my own skin, and that's pretty cool!  I would advocate it to everyone to give it a whirl once in a while!!!

Broadway imPRESS Press-On Manicures. So Much Better Than Lee's Version!

What a month May has been!
It's been a rough one, kids.  Not gonna lie.
You guys may have realized that I have been MIA for a few weeks, and for a while before that, I haven't shown my face. 
Which may be a big relief not to have to see my mug on the regular.  I don't know?
That's because I'm just coming out of a Lupus flare.
My joints have been horrific, and I couldn't keep a thought rolling around in my head!  All that, and my skin lost it's marbles!
The sides of my mouth split, a rash was all over the lower half of my face, my cheeks were dry. 
It buurrrnnneeddd!
I haven't worn makeup in a month, and I'm really worried that I might be allergic to lipstick.
Shoot me now!
There was a rather bright spot during my down time though!
I was lucky enough to be chosen by Influenster to receive a Vox Box with Broadway Impress Press-on Manicures.

 

 

I was sent two sets of nails, which each contain 26 nails of various sizes.  Back in the day, I couldn't get nails to fit me.  My nail beds are narrow and short, so I didn't think there was a chance that anything would fit.

I could not have been more wrong!!!

The sizes were great!  A few may have been a bit narrow, but they were easily filed. 

Which brings us to another point. 

When I put them on initially, I felt like Carmella Soprano with these long-ass square nails on my hands!  Short nail beds, remember? These nails were so easy to trim to the size that I was comfortable with!  Clippers and a glass file were all it took!

Let's discuss the whole application process.

Wipe your natural nails with the alcohol pad that comes in the package, and find the appropriate size.  File down the sides with a glass file gently if needed to fit.  Remove the backing from the sticky side of the nail and place the nail where you want it to sit.  Don't put it too close to the cuticle if you can.  Leave a little space.  It's more comfortable that way.  Press down on the centre first and smooth the sides down.  Trim and file gently if needed.

When you want to remove them, rub some polish remover around the sides, and peel them off gently.  That's it!  Removal is so easy, and doesn't damage the natural nail.

I was sent two sets of nails.  Evil Queen and Holla!

Evil Queen is a beautiful duochrome which goes from a forresty green, to a rich smokey purple.  All this and the most gorgeous shimmer thrown in!  It reminds me of Essie's For The Twill Of It. 

Holla! is a very on-trend pattern of black lace on a rose gold background.  So pretty!

Holla!

 



After you've removed these, clean the back, and re-apply another time with some nail glue, or if you're desperate, put them over some wet nail polish, and hold them down for a few seconds!  Good to go!

I would for sure use these again!  I liked that they were easy and shapeable.  It was a quick process, and removal was a breeze!

These made me feel glamorous at a time where I was decidedly un-glamorous!  How can you not like that!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

*Nails were sent to me for consideration, however thoughts and opinions are all mine!