Oh So Colorful Animal Wigs

I feel like I've hit a wall.  Do you ever feel that way? 

So, here's my life in a nutshell....Work has been an absolute gongshow for me the past couple weeks so instead of coming home, going to gym and making dinner, I've been a lump on the sofa, trying to de-stress my brain and eyes.  I'm trying to work out as much as I can because the time has come to get healthy and fit.  I'm been working with Alicia at The Cutest Blog on the Block as she's creating a new background and banner for my blog.  (Super stoked about it.)  If you've never seen their site, you definitely must!  So, instead of a normal blog post, here are some awesome pictures to help you get through your Tuesday....

This cat could sooooo be on the cover of Vogue with this fantastic blue bob

Red pigtails definitely suit this grey feline...

She's just tossing her platinum locks around....

This is pretty much my favorite picture.  Another sleek bob, yellow in color, but still worthy of the Cosmo cover, particularly with her head tossed back and mouth open like this.

Ha, funny animals.  They make my day.  Thanks for letting me vent about my crazy weeks and I promise I'll post something extra special tomorrow 

XO

Phenomenal Palette Giveaway Winner Announced...

I am so excited to reveal the winner of this giveaway.  (Also, I had over 152 entries this time around so a HUGE thanks to everyone who entered.)  She is the author of a really cute beauty blog and is always praising my "DIY Beauty Fridays", even on her own blog.  So, without further adieu, the winner is......

Congratulations Mandy...I am super stoked for you to have won these goodies!!!  Ladies, check out Mandy's blog HERE.  You`ll love it!!

XO

DIY Beauty Fridays: Pink Grapefruit Face Wash

Yay for Friday!!  I, honestly, can't say this enough.  Though we had Monday off here in Canada for Victoria Day it still seemed like the longest work week imaginable.  And it's overrrrr........yes!

So, last night, after a great workout with Allan and my good friend, Bronwen and an impromptu sushi dinner, we went to the best fresh veggie/fruit market near our condo.  I love going here because everything is so crisp, the colors are so vibrant and it's very inexpensive.  I was perusing the rows, looking for inspiration for this DIY post, and smelled the most amazing scent.  So, I followed my nose (ha) and it took me directly to the most fragrant bunch of pink grapefruits I'd ever smelled.  Needless to say, I knew exactly what I was going to create...

Pink Grapefruit Face Wash

One half of a pink grapefruit, peel included

1 Tbsp. milk (I use skim milk myself)

1 Tsp. sugar (add more for a thicker consistency)

Grind the grapefruit (including the peel) in a blender and add the milk and sugar.  Once blended completely, place mixture in a microwave until just warm.  (About 15 seconds).  Spread mixture on your face, gently rubbing the sugar in your skin until it dissolves.  Remove with warm water.

Why this works?  Grapefruits are packed with Vitamin C (in fact, in one half grapefruit there is 78.1% of the daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C.....wow).  Vitamin C is fantastic for your skin because it promotes the production of collagen which gives skin elasticity AND it helps reduce damage to the skin from free radicals.  All in all, Vitamin C does wonders for your skin and it will keep you looking younger, longer!

This face wash is perfect for summer!  Not only does it smell great but your skin will feel extremely refreshed too.  And another thing, since sugar is a natural exfoliant, your skin will be glowing when you've rinsed this concoction off.

PS - Remember, my palette giveaway ends tonight at 11:59 PST time.  So if you haven't entered yet, click HERE.

XO

The Fabulous Zooey Deschanel

So, I'm sitting here writing this post at 8:28 pm and I can't stop thinking about how crappy my day was today.  So, instead of writing a normal beauty post, I thought I'd share with you one of my style icons: Zooey Deschanel.  She, honestly, ranks very high on my list of favorite celebrities (right along side of Natalie Portman and Audrey Hepburn).  I like her because she's talented (she's an actress, singer and a songwriter), down-to-earth, gorgeous without even trying AND is married to the lead singer of, perhaps, one of my favorite bands, Death Cab for Cutie.  

This is my favorite look.  It's that modern I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look and it suits her perfectly.

She looks so awesome in this picture.  I am really liking the top.

How cute?  She's singing with her hubby Ben Gibbard!!

In case you didn't know, Zooey fronts the band She & Him (along with M. Ward).  If you haven't done so already, go to Google and search for her band.  They are extremely talented and have a very laid-back vibe.  Trust me, you'll love them!!

OH...I almost forgot, Zooey is also a Rimmel London ambassador.  In fact, she is the spokesperson for one of my favorite drug store mascaras: Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara.  See, how awesome she is!!!

XO

The Perfect Non-Red Complexion: What Works?

As much as I love being fair-skinned, I sometimes curse it too.  Not only do I have an awful time trying to find powders and foundations that actually MATCH my skin tone but every single facial flaw is always visible. 

See, my issue is that when I break out, I'm always left with a slight red scar, even when there are no bumps or irritation left over.  I know that most people have this issue, in some form or another, but because I am soooooo abnormally pale (ladies, I mean PALE.....even the lightest foundations are too dark for me) every single imperfection shows very vividly.  So, last weekend I decided I was sick of it.  I purchased two products, one expensive and one not-so, to see if these "redness relief" products really work.

Smashbox Photo Finishing Color Correcting Primer VS. e.l.f. Studio Complexion Perfection

I lucked out with the primer; instead of paying the standard $45 CAN, I snatched it up at a Duty-Free shop for only $32.  (A much better price.)  As you can see, the primer is green-toned which is designed to reduce redness.  (If you didn't know this, the color wheel shows that red and green are across from each other.  This means that their colors "cancel each other out".)

The primer is a very nice product.  Like most primers, this one goes on silky-smooth and makeup adheres very nice to it.  Plus, it's oil-free which is a really nice benefit.  However, in terms of redness relief, it does nothing.  I wanted to love this product, I really did, but in terms of red coverage, I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever.  So, on that note, it's a thumbs down from me.

I ordered the e.l.f Studio Complexion Perfection on a whim.  I mean, how can you go wrong when it's only $3????  This product is really cool because it combines four different shades that do four different things: the blue neutralizes orange, the green covers red, pink neutralizes grey and the yellow brightens and covers red.  

This powder is amazing.  I apply mine after foundation/concealer, almost like a setting powder and it gives my skin a fantastic flawless finish.  Not only does it cover any stubborn redness BUT it also absorbs excess oil, making my skin look perfect.  The only down side is that the product itself can be a bit "flakey".  (When you've swirled your brush in the compact, you'll notice that excess product is always sitting on top of the powder.  I always feel like I'm going through it too quickly.)  But, it's only $3....I have just placed another order (3 more coming) just to have backup. 

So, sometimes, the less expensive option will come out on top.  Ladies, if you have the same issue as I do, try out the e.l.f Studio Complexion Perfection, you won't be disappointed.

PS - I know this post is long but wanted to throw this out there.  If you do suffer from redness and scaring, try out Avon's Banishing Cream.  I am in love with this product!  I use it every night before bed and have to say that it's really done wonders with my redness.  I mean, it's not completely gone but it's definitely not as noticeable as it was before.  Plus, on sale, this cream will only set you back about $4.99

Last Chance: My Palette Giveway

So, in three days my phenomenal palette giveaway will be coming to a close.  If you haven't done so already ENTER your name for your chance to win a collection of four different palettes from Sephora, Mark by Avon, ELF Cosmetics and Marcelle.

Good luck ladies!

XO

Victoria's Secret (Limited Edition) Makeup Haul

Usually I don't get drawn in to liking makeup lines that emerge, almost as an afterthought, in some of my favorite stores.  However, about a month ago, I saw the cutest gold zebra-printed tubes of lipstick and, despite being launched by Victoria's Secret, knew I had to have them.

Since Vancouver doesn't have a Victoria's Secret AND Allan was taking me away this long weekend for a mini-vacation to Seattle, I made it my priority to search high and low for the products I wanted.  (Oh, there was another thing that was a priority this weekend, but that will come in tomorrow's post.)

On my list were three of the five Love Me Wild Limited Edition lipsticks in Instinct, Heartbeat, Heated, the Love Me Wild Limited Edition Radiant Face Trio in Mate and the Sexy To Go Makeup Kit.  Here's what I actually got:

(Left to right) Girl's Night Sheer Fragrance Mist, Girl's Night Nourishing Body Cream, Island Escape Sheer Fragrance Mist, VS Love Me Wild Lipstick in Heartbeat, Beauty Rush Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Kiwiberry and VS Love Me Wild Lipstick in Instinct.  (As it turns out, everyone decided to buy this line at the exact same time as I did so they were sold out of Heated and Mate.....boooooo)

Because I can't wear fragrance to work, due to our no-scent policy, I ALWAYS use a body spray instead.  I've really come to love the Island Escape because it ties together coconut and pineapple which is the perfect thing to wear when it's raining outside.  I smelled the Girl's Night and really liked it too.  This one is not beachy at all but more floral-y and very feminine.  It combines pink peony and waterlily and it just smells really fresh.  The best part about these scents are their price: 3 for $15.....amazing.

This picture does not do these two lipsticks justice whatsoever.  Heartbeat (left) is a gorgeous coral color that goes on very smooth.  The color last for quite a while and doesn't overdry your lips which is an absolute must for me.  The other color, Instinct (right), is a beautiful cool nude tone.  It's not too pink and not too matte which makes it a good color for me.  The lipsticks are being sold for $14 a piece.

I also found the Sexy To Go Makeup Kit and it was an absolute steal at only $22.  This palette comes with 12 eye shadows, 6 lip glosses, 2 blushes, one eye liner, one lip balm, a bronzer, a highlighter and three brushes.

I'll be honest, I've yet to try this palette out but will let you know as soon as I do.  For $22 I'm not expecting it to be amazing but I could always be pleasantly surprised....

Have any of you guys tried this VS Makeup Line?  What are your thoughts?

XO

DIY Beauty Fridays: The Miracle of Aloe Vera

Man, does my skin ever have a fantastic relationship with aloe vera.  Because I'm so paste-y pale, all I ever do in the sun is burn.  Now don't get me wrong, I always always always wear a sunscreen to prevent this but sometimes, after swimming or being on a boat all day, you forget to reapply.  (At least I always do).  This means Allan has to bolt to a drugstore and lather me, from head to toe, in green aloe vera goo.

I don't know about you but once your skin is thoroughly covered in the gel it feels much cooler, of course, but also extremely moisturized.  Which brings me to today's topic, the skin care uses of Aloe Vera.

1. Aloe vera is an excellent eye gel and wrinkle smoother.  Apply in the morning, under your eyes, and watch your skin firm up.

2. For my girls with oily skin, alternate aloe vera gel with your moisturizer.  You'll notice that over time your skin will be less oily.  (A major perk of aloe vera)

3. For my girls with dry skin, mix aloe vera gel with your moisturizer and you'll notice a big difference in your skin's texture.

4. Use after moisturizer as a natural primer.  Honestly, I've been doing this for the past few days and it works wonders.  My skin is exceptionally smooth and noticeably softer when I have this product on.

5. Have any pimple redness or swelling?  Rub some aloe vera gel on clean skin and you'll notice that the swelling and redness will almost disappear.

Why this works?  Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes for many years because of it's healing abilities.  Aloe vera contains vitamin C and E, plus zinc, all of which contribute to healing.  Aloe vera is also an adaptogen which makes it very effective for all skin types.  Quick tip: Ensure you're using pure aloe vera gel or at least as close to 100% pure as possible.  (I'm using one that's 99.7% pure.)  The last thing we need is an aloe gel on our skin that's jam packed with preservatives and additives.

I've been using my aloe for the past four nights, before bed, and when I wake up my skin is so supple and soft, it's amazing.  The best part is that my HUGE bottle of aloe only cost me $6.99.  (I got mine at Rite-Aid).  I love cheap skin care!!

Have any of you ladies tried this before?  What do you think of this tip?

PS - Happy weekend to everyone and a big happy LONG weekend to all the gals from Canada....woohoo.  Allan is taking me away for the whole weekend so I'll be back posting for Tuesday....xo

Red Lip Gloss is Finally On Facebook!!!!

The time has come for me (aka Red Lip Gloss) to join the 21st century and sign up for facebook.....

Drum Roll PLEASE

I did it!!!  Following my pal from Pretty in the Desert, who also just recently signed up, I've decided that I have to stop bombarding my personal facebook page with blog posts and create a page that's exclusively for my blog.

Check out the page HERE and click that cute little small button at the top that says LIKE.

You guys are awesome and thanks again for following me

XO

A Blog Award....For Me?????

Oh, Amanda, you're awesome!  Thanks so much for the tag, lady.  Amanda, for those who don't know, is the author of the blog What A Bind.  She is an extremely talented writer and I always find myself very eager to read her posts.  Thanks again lady!

So, here are ten facts about me that you may or may not know:

1. I am completely and utterly afraid of the dark.  This is supposed to be the part where I tell you some sob story about why but, to be honest, I have no idea.  However, I have two nightlights in my condo and whenever Allan is away on a business trip, I sleep with my bedside lamp on.

2. As a kid, I was beyond obsessed with rocks and minerals.  Honestly, I would go on little scavenger hunts trying to find as many neat looking rocks as I could.  Oh, I also used to collect stamps.  Hahaha, I sound so dorky.

3. I write short stories in my spare time.  (If I ever have any spare time).  I've been writing for many years and have written anonymously for a writing website.

4. I can't live without my flat iron.  I've tired, once or twice, and my hair, though short, became ever so puffy.  Never ever ever again.

5. I have never camped before.  I get a lot of slack about this from my friends AND they're always trying to get me and Allan to go camping, but so far I've yet to take the plunge.

6. I love classical music.  I know this comes from my ballet training when I was younger, but I still really like to listen to it.  Some of my faves are Tchaikovsky (obviously), Pachelbel and Vivaldi

7. I am never late.  Ever.  In fact, punctuality is one of my biggest strengths.  My friends will say that I am always early BUT it's better to early than late.

8.  I never answer my cell phone.  I sometimes wonder why I have one but then I think about all the times I use it for Facebook and such but for some reason, I just never reach into my bag to actually answer it when it rings.  (Sorry everyone...you now know the truth.)

9. I dislike exercise.  I'm not too sure if I said this the last time I received a blog award BUT I have no problem saying it again.  I really dislike exercise.  In fact, I would much rather take a very large pill in the morning OR drink a gross tasting shake if it provided the same results as exercise.

10. I HATE bugs.  I have a major issue with creepy crawly things and weird flying creatures.  Nature and I are not one.

Whew.  You guys know me so well now, ha.  Alright, so I'm tagging...

Tara at Haute Lunch

The Make up Fairy

Miss A at Beauty Boudoir

Pretty in the Desert

My pal at Loodie Loodie Loodie

Lilit at Makeup and Macaroons

My Dior Sister at PopBlush

Kenzie at Bumblebee Tuna

Beautifully Glossy

Makeup On Time

Have fun ladies!  XO

I Wish.....

For many things, of course, like any person does but here are the top 5 items I really really really want for the month of May!

1. The guts to pull off Pink's awesome hair cut and color

Now, you all know that I have short red hair now however, my style is longer on one side so I still have that comfort of hair covering my ears.  I'm sure with enough coaxing I will totally get this fabulous cropped do, hair color and all.

2.  Urban Decay Naked Palette

This palette makes my heart flutter.  It's one of the best products I've seen come out of Urban Decay's door AND it's also been given a huge amount of media attention.  However, since Allan has officially forbade me from purchasing any more palettes for a while, it looks like this product is officially staying a wish.  Unless, there is an Urban Decay Fairy.....hmmmmm

3.  The Barnes & Noble Color NOOK

I am actually going to be picking mine up here verrrryyyy soon.  This little bad boy is not only a color eReader BUT you can also get all your favorite magazines sent monthly to the NOOK for about 0.99 a month.  (Such a bargain.)  Oh, it also has tons of cute little apps to play, you can listen to your own music AND even watch you tube videos.  Sigh, I'm counting down the days....

4.  Stitched Logo Leather Alexandra Tote Bag from Coach 

Gorgeous right?  I love anything metallic and this bag is definitely silver awesome-ness.  I love it because it's big enough to hold everything (aka the NOOK) and is extremely fashion forward.  I have to say that here, in Vancouver, I hardly ever see anyone carry anything metallic so I love having things that make me different.  This bag is perfect for me.

5.  Eyelash Extensions

So, a few months back I blogged my progress on the RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum and actually had great success with it.  However, there comes a time when you need to try something new and different.  Since we're getting close to summer and mascara is not a good beach product, I thought I'd give this a whirl.  There are some amazing lash bars here in town so as soon as I give it a try, you'll all be the first to know!

What's on your May wishlist?  Anything extra special?  XO

Do You Actually Know the Ingredients In Your Favorite Cosmetics?

I like to think I know absolutely everything about the cosmetics I purchase.  Now, do I actually read the ingredients list prior to making a purchase?  No, but come on, who does right?

Well, thanks to a news article my amazing friend, Bronwen, sent me, I know I'm going to be taking a much closer look.

To summarize, the article explains that many of the beauty products we use today contain a number of toxic heavy metals.  This list of toxins include lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and nickel.  Of course not all of the brands tested contained huge amounts of these terrible toxins but many of them exceed Health Canada's recommended limits.  The article itself does not "out" too many product companies but it does say that of the 49 items tested all "contained nickel, 96 per cent contained lead, and 90 per cent contained beryllium".  However, there was, unfortunately, one cosmetic company that was pointed at: Benefit Cosmetics.  According to the Health Canada study,

 "Benefit Benetint lip gloss Red Tint contained the highest level of lead, at 110 ppm, which is over 10 times  higher than the limit set out in the Health Canada Draft Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics. The lip gloss also contained 70 ppm of arsenic, which is over 20 times higher than Health Canada's recommended limit of 3ppm".

Now don't get me wrong ladies, we all know that these doses won't kill us but, given the choice, do we want to risk it?  I know I'm going to be thinking about this a lot more when I'm doing my cosmetic shopping. Also, check out EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.  This amazing site has rated thousands and thousands of our favorite products on a handy number system (0-10) where 0 is a low hazard and 10 is the highest hazard.  This site, plus the news article above, really put things into perspective for me.  Going forward, I'm really going to try and buy items that are within the 5 and under range.

Happy shopping ladies!

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Foot Soak

I swear, I do realize that today isn't Friday but due to the "blogger issue" that occurred last week I'm posting it today instead. 

First I would like to say that I don't pamper my feet as much as I should.  Don't get my wrong, I am not one of those people that works on their feet all day (I, in fact, sit at a desk all day which is much worse on other areas of my body...ha) BUT I wear high heels to work every day and, because of this, my feet really should be given a lot more attention than I currently give them.  Actually, I went for a pedicure about two weeks ago with my friend and while sitting in an amazing massage chair with my feet in a lavender bath, I realized it'd been over 6 months since my last pedicure.  COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

So, if you're as lazy as I obviously am, make your own foot soak at home to pamper your tootsies.

Silky Smooth Foot Soak

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (if you don't have a lemon to squeeze, bottled lemon juice is fine)

1/4 tsp Cinammon

Warm water (use as much as you want to fill a bucket)

So this recipe is very easy ladies, as you can see.  Use a plastic container (I, personally, use a wide bucket but you can use anything that your feet will fit into comfortably) and mix all ingredients together.  Add warm water to fill the container.  Place container on floor and soak your feet away.  **If you have an essential oil sitting at home, you can always add a couple drops.  (I always have lavender oil around the house as it smells amazing and relaxes your body.)

Why this works?  We all know how amazing Olive Oil is for moisturizing our body but milk is also known as being a natural moisturizer too.  These two products combined will actually make your skin extremely soft and smooth.  Oh, another thing, if you have any marbles at home add them to your foot soak.  While soaking, roll your feet over the marbles.  It's a really nice and easy way to have a foot massage.

Remember, your feet are one of the most important parts of our body and yet they're the one part we neglect the most.  So, tonight, take a load off and soak your feet.  You'll feel so much better afterwards.

XO

Review: The Maybelline Mascara Battle

I typically don't stray too far from my two beloved mascaras: Rimmel Lash Accelerator and Lancome Definicils. However, while at Shoppers Drug Mart the other day, I stumbled upon the Maybelline display and was instantly drawn to the pretty pink tubes....how can you resist right?

I purchased the Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara in both the straight and curved brush. Though the packaging may look slightly different, they are both the same formula aside from their brushes. (Curved is on the top while straight is on the bottom.)

Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara Curved Brush

This mascara is surprisingly good. It's funny because I totally tend to gravitate towards a straight brush but think that in this case, the curved brush adds something special. You can definitely see that it's lengthened my lashes very well WITHOUT clumping. (I have two coats on my lashes, in case you're wondering.)

Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara Straight Brush

Hmmmm, where do I begin. Now I know that lashes are always better on one side of the face BUT I really expected more from this mascara after seeing it's sister in action. This one really fell flat for me. Yes, it lengthened a bit and may have added a bit of volume, but it's extremely clumpy. I actually had to separate my lashes with my fingers as I was coating them. (Again, this is two coats.)

So, I guess the answer is obvious. I will, without a doubt, be purchasing the curved brush formula again. Oh, and the best part is, it was only $6.50

Have any of you ladies tried this mascaras before? What did you think about them?

Flawless Coverage with Clinique

I know this girl who has, perhaps, the most flawless looking skin I've ever seen.

She's a co-worker friend of mine who's blessed with long, gorgeous dark hair and perfectly porcelain skin.....I know what you're all thinking but you can't hate someone who's as fun as she is.

We were having a conversation about foundation the other day and I casually asked her what she usually wears. She promptly said that she wasn't wearing any foundation or concealer. (We sit across the room from each other so I'm positive she couldn't see my jaw hitting the floor after she said this.) She explained that she was only wearing a tinted moisturizer and a pressed powder and both products were from Clinique. We conversed a bit more about the product and after I received a pic from her displaying the product, I ran out to purchase it.

The two items I picked up were Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15 in Fair and Perfectly Real Compact Makeup in Shade 102. First, the powder is silky smooth and, best of all, the coverage is buildable. So, if you feel like wearing less one day but more the next, you can! I love how easy the powder slides on and covers any scarring or blemishes one may have. (I have a few scars and I hardly had to use any concealer since the powder did the trick.) Another great thing about the powder is that it stays matte all day. This was one of the first pressed powders I've used that does not make me oily during the day! A major bonus...

The Sheer Tint is phenomenal. (Thanks, Rheanna, for mentioning this product to me.) I, honestly, can not stop raving about this moisturizer!! Not only does it blend perfectly into your skin but it provides a fantastic sheer tint that actually covers redness and blemishes. (Honestly, I've yet to encounter any other tinted moisturizer that can do this.) On the days where I only wear some foundation, I'll mix a bit of this with my favorite foundation, apply with a sponge and I'm good to go all day. TRY THIS PRODUCT OUT!!!

You know, Clinique never used to be my favorite line but it's really starting to grow on me. If they continue making products like the Sheer Tint, I'm going to be hooked for sure. Have any of you ladies tried these out before?

Cheers