notd: oh, canada!

Canada Day is almost here, and I take great pride in the fact that I remembered to do my nails! I'll admit that I always think about doing festive/themed nails and then promptly forget only to remember the day after.... Yeah. I knew I wanted to get at least one use of Julep O Canada, which came out last July. Unfortunately Julep didn't account for the fact that Canada Day is July 1st so it didn't arrive on time so it's been sitting all alone, unloved. Time to remedy that. Read on!

maybelline instant age rewind foundation, treatment concealer and powder

Hello Blog Fans!

I hope everyone is having an amazing Friday! I, however am so completely uncomfortable... I must have slept with my side curved because today it's stiff, tender and totally uncomfortable. Ugh. Nothing an ibuprofen shouldn't cure though. I'm a trooper. That won't stop me from delivering the beauty news you need. Nay, you deserve! Dramatics over, but I do have the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind lineup of foundation, concealer and powder.

swatched: china glaze it's a trap-eze!

I cleaned out my closet a few weeks ago- it was not fun. At all. But, I did find a box. I kind of thought it had beauty type stuff in it, so I just tossed it aside for a rainy day. Today was far from rainy, but I did take a moment to see just what was in that box. Nail polish! A few other things too, but mostly nail polish. One of which happened to be China Glaze It's a Trap-eze! which was- until now- unloved and unswatched.

MAC Tropical Taboo- Adored Mineralize Skinfinish

Another day, another MAC collection. I haven't been all that into MAC lately, not that there haven't been a few items I wouldn't have minded getting, it's just that it seems to a sport in itself to be fast enough to snap anything before it sells out. I can't help but wondering why they don't just, oh, you know... make a bit more? Clearly there are people willing to buy it. You know?

Anyway, I happened to spot the new Tropical Taboo collection while items were still avilable, so clearly I had to take a look at my beloved MSFs. Of the five in the collection, Adored really called to me. I've already reviewed Soft& Gentle (here) which is being re-promoted with this collection (it's also one of the few permanent MSFs). I was tempted to pick up a Creamsheen Glass from the collection too- they're my favourite MAC lip gloss, until I realized I already have the shade I was drawn to: Narcissus. Go figure. Review here if you're interested.

Okay, onto the MSF!

Avon Extra Lasting Makeup- Lip Gloss, Lipstick and Concealer

See? I told you no more nail posts *coughs*for now*coughs*. I do have a few items from Avon's newest offering in the form of their Extra Lasting Makeup. I have a few of the lip glosses, a lipstick and a concealer. Read on!

Kiss Everlasting Gel Polish and Pro LED Lamp

Are you sick of nail posts yet? I think this is the last of them for now... it's just that I was on a roll, so might as well go with it, right?

I've had this system in my 'to blog' pile for a while, but every time I decided to give it a go, I'd break a nail. Not just a little break, but a full on snapped off, ugly looking incident. Since the Kiss Everlasting Gel Polish makes claims to last for two weeks, I thought it would be best to apply on my usual length.

Last week I applied my first ever gel manicure and after a few ups and downs, am ready to report. Read on!

Zoya Pixie Dust Summer 2013- Stevie and Solange

I really like Zoya's Pixie Dust nail polishes. Initially, I didn't think that I would, but once I tried Nyx, I was hooked. The sugary looking matte finish is just so pretty!

When promo pictures of the Summer 2013 shades started appearing on blogs, I instantly decided I'd be forced to pick up the sampler (which contains all shades.) But, by the time I got round to that the Fall 2013 promos were out, and I decided I liked those even more. I decided it might be a bit much to buy them all, so I opted for two Summer shades- Stevie and Solange. That way when the Fall shades are available I won't feel so guilty when I haul them all.

China Glaze Sunsational Collection- Sun of a Peach, Highlight of my Summer, and Too Yacht to Handle

It's been a while since I've really had an interest in the bulk of a nail polish collection, but the cream half of the China Glaze Sunsational Collection really seemed too good to pass up. The collection consists of six cream shades and six jellies.

I was trying to pick up all of the creams, but shades kept selling out, particularly Sun of a Peach, which I really wanted, so I took what I could get- Sun of a Peach, Highlight of My Summer, and Too Yacht

Nicole by OPI Gumdrops- I Lilac Gumdrops and My Cherry Amour

Yesterday I had the worst grocery shopping expedition ever... well, maybe not ever, but it was not fun. Screaming children, smashed blueberries everywhere and a by the time I left the store it had gotten crazy hot. Blegh. The upside of my day was a box upon my doorstep when I got home. A box of nail polish! That's the easiest way to turn a crap day around, if you ask me.

What did the box contain you ask? No, you didn't ask, because you clearly already know, but I'm going to tell you anyway- Nicole by OPI Gumdrops in I Lilac Gumdrops and My Cherry Amour. Read on for swatches and a little comparison.

mark. Glossworks SPF 15 Lip Gloss

We all know we should protect our skin from the sun, but how often do we remember our lips? They're easily forgotten, so it's nice when SPF is added into products we're bound to use anyway- like lip gloss- which is exactly what mark. has done with their newest Glossworks Lip Gloss.

They're available in eight shades, of which, I was sent three to try out. Want to know more? Of course you do! Read on...

Demeter Summer Scents- Swimming Pool, Daisy and Sex on the Beach

I have a few fragrances in rotation, and some are definitely suited to certain seasons. It's pretty much common knowledge that you're not going to want to wear a heavy scent in warmer weather. You just don't. You do however wear a fresh, light scent, like something from Demeter. See what I did there?

I've been wearing three fresh, Summery scents in the form of Swimming Pool, Daisy, and Sex on the Beach. Read on for my thoughts...

Montagne Jeunesse Acai Body Smoothie

I think it's pretty safe to say that at one point or another, we've all used a Montange Jeunesse face mask. They're cheap, they're effective, and if you get one of the peeling ones, they're downright fun! I get way too much enjoyment out of the peel off ones...

Anyway, it's time for the face masks to shove over. They've got company! Montange Jeunesse has recently released a line of of body butters and scrubs. I've been using one of the butters smoothies and have to say the scent alone will make you a fan.

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream

I think most of us change out our heavier, fuller coverage foundations in exchange for something a little lighter during the warmer months. It's just not that cute to have foundation melting off of your face.

I've already started to abandon foundations and have been giving my BB cream collection it's time in the limelight. One that I've been using quite a bit lately is Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream. It's one of the first that was available in North America- from Sephora, specifically... crazy to think that not all that long ago there weren't many options.

Anyhow, I've had this quite a while and never blogged it.... So, let's get to it!

Avon Fiji Paradise Summer 2013 Colour Collection

Hello again, Blogfans!

Yesterday, I stupidly ventured to Wal-Mart... Ugh. It was crazy busy. It seems that the tourists have invaded already, which means it must be Summer. If you live anywhere near water and outside of the city, you likely know what I mean. Yesterday was a particularly amazing day though- sunny and just warm enough with a nice breeze. The perfect day if you're not a fan of crazy heat.

Anyhow, since it seems Summer is here, it seems like the perfect time to take a peek at a new collection- yup, another one, Avon seems to really love Summer this year- in the form of Avon Fiji Paradise Summer 2013 Colour Collection.

Swatched: China Glaze Angel Wings

Gold. G-O-L-D.

I've had an iffy (at best) relationship with gold. Gold as in the yellow toned variety, or the colour. I love white gold, but yellow... I just don't know. Well, I just didn't know. In the past few months I've really warmed up to yellow gold- pun not intended, happy accident. It could be that gold is the last shade of nail polish I can buy with abandon, as I have so few, but there is just something about gold that has made me quite happy. With all that rambley-ness aside, when I spotted China Glaze Angel Wings as a points reward on Nail Polish Canada a few weeks ago, I gladly traded a few in for this golden sparkler.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream 54 Pearly Mauve

If you were to ask me what brand does waterproof best, I'd automatically answer Make Up For Ever. Upon taking quick stock of my waterproof items, a vast majority are by the brand. They just do waterproof so well and the quality is unbeatable. Wait... is that a word? Whatever. It is now.

Today, I've got one of the new, limited edition Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in the shade 54 Pearly Mauve.

Yves Rocher Retropical Fragrance and Makeup Collection

It's a Summery day! That's exciting, as it's been kind of rainy and dull and, and to be honest cold here the past few days. While I don't love super hot weather, it's nice to not need quite so many layers.

Of course, with the sun and warmth come the new Summer collections, and lately, I've had quite a few to discover. One of such being the Yves Rocher Retropical Eau de Toilette and Makeup Collection, which brings a little bit of tropical flare with a retro twist to your routine. Featuring a fragrance, eyes, lips and nails there is sure to be something for everyone. Ready?

Perfectly Pomegranate with NOW Solutions Green Tea and Pomegrante Purifying Toner and Kiss My Face Pomegranate Acai Moisturizer

I'll admit that when it comes to skincare, and beauty items in general, I don't always seek out 'natural' products. That said, I do appreciate them when I find them- or when they find me. Two products with good for you ingredients that I've been enjoying as of late both happen to be of pomegranate origin- NOW Solutions Green Tea & Pomegranate Purifying Toner and Kiss My Face Pomegranate Acai Moisturizer -so clearly they deserve to buddy up and share a post.

Mary Kay Limited Editon Beauty That Counts Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Greetings Blogfans! After a mini hiatus (spent completely ODing on the Sims... seriously, I have a problem) I am back. From time to time I get so that I loose my 'flow'. I sit at my computer with a title and photos, but I just can't seem organize the rest. Moments like that make me wish I was a youtuber...

I'll likely spend the weekend furiously blogging, in some form of attempt to catch up. So let's get to this, yes? First up two very fine lip products in the form of Mary Kay Limited Edition Beauty That Counts Cream Lipstick in One Woman Can and NouriShine Plus Lip gloss in Celebrate. And, they're swirly! I'm a fan of swirly.

Avon Celestial Summer Colour Collection- Cosmic Nail Enamel

In the last installment of the Celestial Summer Colour Collection, we have the Cosmic Nail Enamel. I have to say, these are my favourites of the collection as you can't really go wrong with a few holo polishes.

There are ten shades in the Cosmic Nail Enamel lineup, and I have five to tempt you with. Ready?

Avon Celestial Summer Colour Collection- Cosmic Eyeshadows

Continuing on with with Celestial Summer Colour Collection are the Cosmic Eyeshadow. I have to say that I got quite excited when I saw these baked shadows- just look the marble-y goodness!

There are ten shades in this collection, and I have four to show you. Let's take a look!

Avon Celestial Summer Colour Collection- Glimmersticks Cosmic Eyeliner

Avon is busy cranking out some really fun collections for the Summer, and today I've got part one of their Celestial Summer Colour Collection. It's made up of eyeliners, eyeshadows and my personal favourite, holo nail polish. Yes, holos!

Instead of having one massive post, I've broken the collection into three posts. First up, the eyeliners.