Smashbox + Casey Holmes Spotlight Palette (Pearl) Review & Swatches

Hey everyone! I want to start off by saying that I purchased the Smashbox Spotlight Palette myself and I am giving you my honest thoughts. If you don't agree with anything that I say, that is completely fine because we are all entitled to our own opinions. This is my blog and my feelings on the highlighter palette that I am choosing to share with my readers. Now on with the review!

I love Casey Holmes and have been watching her for many years. When I found out that she was collaborating with Smashbox, I had to support her and purchase the Pearl Palette! You are getting 3 shades for $40 CAD with a total net weight of .30 oz or 8.61 g total. I purchased mine from the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique but you can also purchase it on the Sephora web site or on the Smashbox web site too! There is also the Spotlight Palette is Gold which looks gorgeous on deeper skin tones!

I like that it comes with a mirror, there is a very protective exterior to house the 3 shades and it is great for travel. You can also take it with you in a clutch on a night out and you can touch-up wherever you are! She also included some tips to get her signature highlighted looks in a little pamphlet inside. I really do like that she included the names of all the shades on the back of the compact!

These are meant to be toppers which means that they are to be applied onto another product to achieve the desired look. She also made these so that you won't be able to notice texture underneath your healthy glow as she has roscea herself and she kept that in mind when helping to design this palette. Also, my swatches were taken in natural light and I have not adjusted the saturation of the photos. I wanted to give you realistic swatches and that is why I did not pack on the highlighter to show you.

Turn It On: Is definitely 'ultra-blendable' like the description suggests and it reminds me of the same consistency of a ColourPop eyeshadow or highlighter. It had the best pigmentation and felt like butter when I did a finger swatch! This is a soft champagne shade that is perfect to wear during the daytime. 

Crank It Up: This is a peach shade that is quite frosty. This shade is quite nice but isn't as quite as pigmented or as soft to the touch as Turn It On.  

Blow A Fuse: This one went on very chalky, powdery, dry, it had way too much glitter and I did not like how it looked on the face. This shade is definitely the worst in the palette and is a warm copper shade with an abundance of glitter.

My problem is that all 3 of these shades look extremely similar when swatched on my hand. The swatches in the photos on the Sephora web site were HEAVILY swatched and a lot of product was used for those swatches. To get the same intensity, you will need to use a lot of product which means that you may hit pan pretty quickly. I like an intense highlighter and for my brush to barely hit the high points of my face to achieve a glowing look. Perhaps this is the wrong palette for me but just know that you will need to dip into your pan multiple times to get a super highlighted look!

This palette would be great for someone who is just getting into highlighters and for someone who doesn't love a blinding glow! That is not me at all and I love to have a strong glow on my face at all times! I also have a lot of other highlights that I much prefer over this one and the Spotlight Palette would be great for someone who doesn't already have an arsenal of highlighters in their makeup collection!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. I purchased this item myself online. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals Review & Swatches

Hey everyone! I have been on the lookout for this highlighter for at least 6 months without exaggeration. I feel like I am the last person to buy it, but I still wanted to share this beautiful product with you and give you some swatches to look at!

The Shades & Formula
Precious Petals is a pale champagne rose gold coloured highlighter that has a beautiful leaf design embossed into the actual pan itself which makes it almost too pretty to use! There isn't a lot of fallout, it is soft and silky to the touch and it does not emphasize texture on the skin. It feels almost like butter when you finger swatch it and the formula is exceptional! It isn't too soft to the point where the pan is cracking but the powder does feel luxurious! There is another deeper shade which is called Crown of my Canopy which I finally managed to get my hands on! It is more peachy in colour and would be gorgeous on deeper skin tones!

(Precious Petals is pictured above)

(Crown of my Canopy is on the left and Precious Petals is on the right)

Price & Where To Buy
I managed to snag mine from Rexall for $7.29 CAD. Their Wet N Wild section is a lot smaller than what it used to be and I wasn't able to find this product at Wal-Mart at all. These were limited edition but they have now made them permanent due to the demand! When I was in the USA, I picked up Crown of my Canopy for only $3.99 USD on sale at Rite-Aid!

(A swatch of Precious Petals)

Swatches & Pan Size
You are getting 0.19 oz of product or 5.4 g of products. The pan is larger in size than I expected but it isn't too big to put into your purse. When you first look at the product, it can look very glittery and that may frighten some people. Do not be afraid because you will not be looking like a disco ball when it is applied onto your face! It blends out effortlessly giving your skin a healthy glow! You have the option of building it up or sheering it out.

How To Use
You can either use this strictly as a highlighter or even as a highlighter topper, a blush topper, in the inner corners of your eyes, under your brow bone, on your eyelids as an overall wash of colour or you can even build it up to create more intensity on the eyes. I always use my ColourPop Super Shock Cheek Highlighter under my powder and after I set my face, I will then add this onto the desired areas of my face.

Overall
I am so glad to have finally got my hands on this product and it may be one of my all-time favourite highlighters from the drugstore! It is easy to travel with this compact, the leaf design is gorgeous and you can't beat the price point! This has to be one of my favourite products that Wet N Wild has ever come out with and another favourite is their Photo Focus Foundation which I have an entire review on!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. I purchased this item myself at the drugstore. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

Project 10 Pan - Round 6 | 2017

Hey everyone! It's that time again where I share with you 10 products that I have used up! If you haven't already checked out my Project 10 Pan Round 5 post, I have linked it for you.

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - In Anticipation - I am so glad that I am finally done with this lip pencil! I featured this in Part 1 of my Disappointing Makeup Products video series, and I mentioned how it dried out my lips as well as how it was a strange formula. The actual colour itself, didn’t stay put either and wiggled around. When I sharpened it, there was a small gap or hole in the actual crayon despite that I was using a MAC sharpener on a MAC lip pencil. It didn’t make sense and neither did this pencil. 

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm - This is a non-tinted beeswax based lip balm that contains vitamin e and peppermint inside. You can definitely smell the peppermint inside and this is a great every day lip balm. It is small enough to put inside your pocket or the side pocket of your clutch. It did the job and I have no complaints other than when the actual lip balm got low, it had a tendency to fall out out of the tube which was rather annoying.

ELF Translucent Mattifying Powder - This was a decent translucent powder that is very affordable. I actually featured it in a past Haul on my YouTube channel. I am extremely oily and this only worked for me when I was using other oil-control products in-conjunction with this one. I finished it rather quickly and I know that it is only $3 on the ELF web site, but my other powders seem to last me a long longer than this one. I received this free with my order when I used a promotional code online, therefore, I really can’t complain! If you want a powder that will last you a long time, this is definitely not for you but this is a great powder to keep in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day.

Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzer in Tahiti (2 g or 0.07 oz) - I have been using this little bronzer for quite some time now, and I shocked at how long it has lasted me! I featured this in my Samples Challenge video that I created. I was using this bronzer every single day and even though it has some shimmer to it, it is not too much for every day use! This is overall a great bronzer and I love the scent as it smells slightly tropical! I originally redeemed this on the Sephora web site for the 500 point perk that came with a few other items from Buxom! 

Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer in #20 Light - This is a great full coverage concealer that I was using every single time that I did my makeup. I did post an entire dedicated review for the Master Conceal in the shade Fair. I liked the formula as well as the colour very much. I don’y have anything negative to say about this product and the best part is that it is from the drugstore thus making it very affordable!

Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Pencil in Deep Brown - I’m not a fan of this pencil at all. I only purchased it because it was on sale at the time and I was in need of a new brow pencil. I know that this is a micro pencil but it did not last me long at all and the pencil actually kept breaking off on me. That was quite annoying and the NYX Micro Brow Pencil didn’t do that to me and it actually lasted me a lot longer. I would not consider re-purchasing this product ever again even if it was on sale or if I was desperate, I still wouldn’t buy it again.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in #01 Extreme Black - I actually received this in my Sephora Mystery Bag and I found this to be an excellent mascara for the lower lashes! It is very easy to use, doesn’t transfer and I like the brush! It is not a plastic wand and it gets the job done! I looked forward to using this product each time I would apply mascara! To see what I received in my Mystery Bag, check out my video!

Buxom Hold The Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Call Me - I have two of these and I have finally finished up one. It is a decent eyeliner as it is a jet black, but it isn’t one of my favourites as I much prefer the one by Marc Jacobs. It does glide on smoothly but it transferred outside of my waterline almost every single time that I wore it. 

Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist - I really did like this product because I found it to be a great multi-purpose product. You can see how I used it 3 different ways in my Samples Challenge Video that I created. What I didn’t like about it is how fast I went through it. I know it is a sample size but I was using it at night also after I applied all my skin care so imagine how fast I will go through a full sized bottle? It retails for $30 CAD for 2.5 oz/75 ml of product which is something to keep in mind. Another thing that I didn’t like is when I was almost done the product inside the bottle, it wasn’t spraying out clear on my face and was spraying out white specks on my face. It was annoyed after I had done my entire face of makeup and had to grab my beauty blender to tap out these white spots on my face. I do think it’s a great product, I enjoyed using it and I really liked the packaging as it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, I just feel like those few things are preventing my from purchasing a larger bottle of the Marine Boosting Mist from Tarte.


ELF Makeup Mist & Set - If you have been following me for awhile, you already know that this is my holy grail facial mist. I use it to both prime and set my face in-conjunction with a few other products. I have a few back-ups of this product and I am already on my new bottle! I actually started spraying this onto my face at night after I applied all my lotions, creams and serums to lock everything in-place as well as to add another of moisture to my face! If you want to see how this compared when compared to 2 others, check out my post on the Battle of Setting Sprays!

In case you are wondering, after I share these 10 items with you, I don't throw them away, I actually recycle them at Origins. They have a great Recycling Program that you can check out!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

The Benefits & Uses of Orange Blossom Water

Hey everyone! If you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you may remember the post that I wrote on The Benefits of Rose Water. I recently finished my second bottle of it and I shared it with you in my February Empties. When I went to the grocery store to purchase another bottle, I realized that they didn't have any rose water in-stock. I took that opportunity to try-out Orange Blossom Water and I wanted to share with you the benefits as well as uses of it. It is widely popular in France and The Middle East!

Uses:
- As a toner
- To set your makeup (finishing spray)
- As a body spray (it is already used in many perfumes so why not make your own?)
- As an ingredient in your DIY body scrub
- A pillow mist (just put some product into a sprayable bottle)
- Add a few drops into the water of your iron for a lovely fresh scent
- When baking (crepes & macarons)
- Adding it into your coffee, tea or water
- In your homemade salad dressing
- Neroli Oil is used in aromatherapy (Orange Blossom Water is distilled from the Neroli Blossom from the orange bitter tree.)

Benefits:
- Soothes & relaxes nerves (great for using before bed)
- Known for its calm & comforting properties (good for those with anxiety)
- Helps to make the skin smooth & soft
- Reduces redness
- Orange is great for both oily & sensitive skinned people
- It increases collagen production
- When used in a hair conditioner, it can strengthen and make the hair shiny!
- It has lots of antispasmodic properties which can help relax muscles

If you are wondering, I purchased mine at the store for about $3 which is cheaper than the product that I linked. This is 100% pure Orange Blossom Water and it is from Lebanon. You are getting 250 ml which lasts me about a year and it does have an expiration date (just like rose water does,) so be mindful about that! This is definitely an underrated product that is very versatile and great for your health!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. I purchased this product myself and some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

Why You Should Apply Sunscreen On Your Face

Hey everyone! I'll be honest with you: I wasn't wearing sunscreen on my face regularly in the past and I definitely wasn't aware of the risks that come with not wearing a good sunscreen. I had no idea what the importance of wearing it daily was and I thought that having a face cream with an SPF of 15 was good enough. Even some makeup products have a low SPF such as BB Creams and CC Creams that I thought were sufficient. I want to let you some important information that I wish I had known about years ago!

Not only does sunscreen protect your face from getting burned and from getting wrinkles, it also lowers your risk from getting skin cancer. It helps block out those harmful UV rays and helps protect your face. There is a common misconception that sunscreen can clog your pores, leave white residue behind and break you out. I have even had some people tell me that they hate the smell of it. That can be true when using some sunscreens, but you need to find a sunscreen that works best for you. There are different claims and ingredients on the different bottles. I suggest your start researching and doing your homework to find one that oil-free as well as water-based.

I recently visited my Dermatologist's office and she told me that I need to start using an actual sunscreen with at least an SPF of 60 on my face from now on. I did listen to her and I purchased Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 60. I have heard this is going to be discontinued or that it already is, but I'm not sure. All I know is that I really enjoy using it and I mix it in with my moisturizer in the morning before I apply any makeup to my face. It absorbs quickly, it doesn't leave a white residue, doesn't have that typical sunscreen smell that people dislike, it feels lightweight on the skin and it is affordable.

Also keep in mind that you can still tan even though it is cloudy outside because after all, the sun peaks through the clouds and the winter time is no exception to skip using your sunscreen! Make sure to protect your face regularly and pick-up a sunscreen today if you aren't already using one!

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. I purchased this product myself and some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

Why You Should Declutter Your Makeup Collection

Hey everyone! Every now and again, we can lose track of exactly how much makeup that we actually own. I am guilty of this as well and the best way to go about this is to put some time aside, pull out ALL (I mean every single item, even makeup in your purse as well as in your car.) You will then want to put it in-front of you and start creating different piles. Makeup that you are going to: keep, donate, recycle or give away to friends and family. I suggest you break it up into different categories based on the type of product so that you don't overwhelm yourself. 

Makeup does go bad and I have an entire post explaining Makeup Expiration Dates as well as how to find the open jar symbol on your products. I follow it to a certain extent but I only keep mascara for up to 3 months before I recycle them using the Origins Recycling Program because I do not want any bacteria near my eyes nor do I want an eye infection! Keeping expired makeup in your collection doesn't do you any favours and it just clutters your collection. 

It is definitely nice to have a makeup collection but you need to be realistic and there are times when your collection can get out of hand. There is no sense having 100 different lipsticks that were all accumulated around the same time because chances are, you won't be able to use them all up! You can either pass them along or if they are untouched, find a local women's shelter and let them have some fun with those lipsticks!

When you begin to declutter, it can seem like an impossible task at first, and I get it. I suggest that you start small and get rid of 5-10 items to start. You can set small goals and then make larger goals for yourself once you become more comfortable with the process. As long as you start somewhere, that's all that really matters. To give you some encouragement, don't think of how much money each products cost or how much money you are 'throwing away.' After all, the money has already been spent and if you no longer have the receipt to return it, what use is the makeup just sitting in your collection not being used?

I hope you find some encouragement in my post. I also would urge you to declutter other areas of your life such as: your wardrobe, the pantry, your living room, the car, etc. It is such a great feeling of letting go and to pass on to others who will enjoy your unused or gently used items. Spring cleaning is right around the corner and what better time to start clearing out your makeup collection than now?

Also, in the ziploc bag in my photo, I have obviously combined my empty makeup containers with products that I am decluttering. 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

7 Most Loved Products from The Body Shop

Hey everyone! I have been shopping at The Body Shop since I've been in high school and needless to say, I have tried many of their products! Some of them have worked out well for me and others haven't. I have complied a list for you of my 7 favourite items that I have repurchased several times and/or ones that I would buy again!

Face
Vitamin E Cream (Travel Size) - I was in-store wanting to purchase their Vitamin E Cream but I was told that they have discontinued the travel size. I was so heartbroken because that is my go-to for when I get a tattoo or when I have scars that I want to apply this onto. The associate recommended that I go online because they are still selling whatever they have left there. She was nice enough to give me a sample of Vitamin E cream though because I actually needed to use it right away and couldn't wait to order one online. I will just have to purchase the larger size in-store from now on when they are completely out of the smaller jar everywhere else. In the photo above, the clear container on top is the sample I was given and underneath it, is the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream.

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Balm - I really can't say enough good things about this and I do have an entire video where I compare this to a more high end cleansing balm. This retails online for $16 CAD but I was able to purchase my tin for 50% off because they were having a promotion around the holiday time. This really does an excellent job at removing my makeup and leaves my skin feeling petal soft. You are getting 90 ml of product which should last you a little while and it is great to travel with because it is not in liquid form and it will not spill everywhere. Keep in mind that if you are traveling to a warmer climate, this can melt in your suitcase so just a heads up!

Luxury Flannel Facial Washcloth - This is honestly amazing and I can't believe that I have been without it for so many years! It is very soft, easy to clean with a bar of Dove soap and it does the work for you! I use this in conjunction with my Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Balm and it makes taking off my full face of makeup at the end of the day, something that I actually look forward to! It hardens when it dried and you just re-wet it for it to start working its magic again! It retails for $8 CAD online, but I did get 50% off of this washcloth but I would pay full price for it because it is that good! I plan on purchasing more of these in the future.

Body
Passion Fruit Shower Gel - I should have stocked up on this product because I absolutely can't get enough of the scent! When I searched 'Passion Fruit' on The Body Shop's web site, there were no results! I have no idea what happened and I really want this product to come back because once my bottle is done, that's it!

Atlas Mountain Rose Eau de Toilette - I actually featured this in My Top 5 Current Favourite Fragrances video and this is one of my favourite scents! It smells like fresh roses like if you were in a garden of roses! This scent is very nostalgic to me and the bottle is beautiful! This is going to be a great Spring and Summer fragrance!

Hair
Banana Conditioner - This is a Best Seller and it honestly smells amazing! The conditioner is thick and very creamy. It leaves your hair feeling soft and shiny. They do use real banana puree in the formula which is definitely an added bonus. I used this many years ago and I am so glad that I rediscovered this product!

Grapeseed Glossing Serum - I featured this in my Boxing Day Haul video and when I used it for the first time, I was very impressed! It leaves your hair looking healthy, shiny and glossy! You have to be careful not to use too much or else your hair will end up looking greasy! It is an Online Exclusive and  it definitely helps with dull, frizzy hair!

Other Products:
In my honest opinion, their Body Butters smell great but they are way too greasy to apply on my hands or all over my body. I have used countless ones over many years such as the Mango Body Butter and the Smoked Poppy scent. I just prefer to find my favourite scents in other forms and in other types of products that they carry. I have a Lip Balm from them that I don't really care for but I have heard great things about their Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick! I did use their Lip Scuff a long time ago which reminds me of the one from ELF which is basically a lip scrub in tube form. It helps exfoliate your lips and it was decent but not one of my favourites. I also used their Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz which is a best seller on their site. I did enjoy using it but my ELF Makeup Mist & Set is a holy grail for me and it is hard for anything else to compare to that. 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!

February Empties | 2017

Hey everyone! I'm back with another Empties post today and wanted to share with you all of the products that I have used up for the month of February! Let's dive in!

Hair

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Bodybuilding Volume Shampoo & Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Bodybuilding Volume Conditioner (40 ml each) - I got this on Black Friday on the Sephora web site and I really do like the smell. I thoroughly enjoyed trying this out but my hair is getting longer and therefore I need to use more product. I noticed that the duo did make my hair more soft! One bottle has quite a steep price tag of $40 CAD for 8.5 oz or 250 ml. I don't think that I would commit to the full size but I did like the travel friendly tubes!

Face

LaNeige Good Night Kit - Water Sleeping Mask (15 ml) & Multiberry Yogurt Repairing Mask (20 ml) - This was purchased on the Sephora web site for $8 CAD and it is a great way to try-out two products! I loved the smell of the Yogurt mask and it made my skin feel very fresh as well as soft after using it. The Sleeping Mask was honestly really great to use and it absorbed into the skin quickly. It left my face very soft the next morning and I actually featured it in my Most Reached for Face Masks & Sleeping Masks post.

ARZ Rose Water (300 ml) - I love using Rose Water to tone my face at night and this is the second bottle that I have gone through. I managed to use the entire bottle up before the expiration date which was next month and needless to say, that was very successful! I have an entire blog post dedicated to The Benefits of Rose Water and the best part is that you can purchase it at your local grocery store for around $3!

Murad Ultimate Hydration Duo - 2 Target, Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence (5 ml) & 3 Hydrate, Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (7.5 ml) - This was featured in my Sephora Black Friday Haul and it was selling for $20 CAD online with a $28 value. This was nice to use and try-out however, I would not buy the full size. I no longer had acne-prone skin and my skin is not problematic. Murad is a great brand and I have nothing negative to say about them. There are just different moisturizers on the market that I prefer and sometimes I just want to put on a moisturizer in the morning without having to worry about applying the essence as well. The moisturizer was thicker than I originally thought but it worked well for me in the winter time when I applied it in the morning. The duo did make my face noticeably smoother and softer though. I did also appreciate that they included a lot of information inside the box about the products as well as the ingredient list.

Also, I know the Murad Step 3 Face Cream is full in the photo, but I took the photo before I finished it this month.

Tarte FRXXXTION Stick Exfoliating Cleanser (0.22 oz) - This is honestly a great way to exfoliate your face and it does come in a stick form which makes it super convenient as well as not nearly as messy as other products! I like the purple packaging and to be honest with you, I thought that this was going to be a gimmick but I can honestly say that it is not! This is a gel stick and it is fragrance-free in-case you were wondering. If you want to leave it on for a little while longer, there is the option to use this as a mask! This product is amazing and I am so glad that I tried it out! It was part of the Ready, Set, Glow! Skincare Kit from Tarte on the Sephora web site that retails for $21 CAD. I did feature it in my blog post talking about my 3 Favourite Exfoliators for the Face.

Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum (7 ml) - I purchased this at the Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale and I also wrote a blog post sharing with you, which items I purchased. I really did like using this serum at night and it absorbed into my skin very quickly. This is marketed to all skin types and the scent isn’t overpowering at all! I really did look forward to using this product as part of my PM skin routine and the bottle is gorgeous!

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream (7 ml or 0.24 fl oz) - This claims to both moisturize and nourish the skin. I would definitely agree and I absolutely love the scent as it smells like fresh roses! It is a cream-gel that has both rosewater as well as rose flower oil inside. It is marketed to have a lightweight texture but I would disagree and say that it is more on the thicker side. I would only use this cream in the morning during the fall or winter months because it is quite dense. I have more oily skin and this cream is definitely not targeted towards us oily skin ladies! This travel sized cream came in the Skincare Power Players Set from Fresh that was purchased on the Sephora web site for $30 CAD during Black Friday even though this was not a Black Friday special. The full sized version retails for $50 CAD on the Sephora web site and you are receiving 50 ml or 1.6 fl oz of product inside the beautiful jar. 

GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD TINGLEXFOLIATE Treatment (15 ml or .5 oz) - I purchased this for $15 at the Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale. I had tried a sample of it and I really enjoyed using it! This little jar will give you between 3-6 uses which is great for being able to try-out the product without committing to the full size product which retails for $79 CAD on the Sephora site for 50 ml of product. I personally prefer the GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment mask which is a peel off mask that changes colour once it is on your face. This mask can get rather messy because it contains pieces of Green Tea Leaves that fall into the sink when your wash it off. It did make my skin feel very soft after use but I wouldn’t commit to the full size version. It contains other great ingredients like French Sea Clay and Volcanic Pumice Rock. This mask does also help exfoliate your skin as you are supposed to rub it in circular motions when removing it.

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask (20 ml) - This was also part of the same aforementioned Fresh Skincare Set. I liked the scent and there is a tingling sensation when the mask is applied and you only need to wear it for 5-10 minutes on your face. I have taken this directly from the Sephora site, “Black tea ferment, also known as Kombucha, is an advanced antioxidant that helps to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals while softening, smoothing, and enhancing luster. The formula is further enriched with lychee seed extract, known to support natural collagen, firming polysaccharides that help to smooth the skin, and jicima root juice, notable for its hydrating and nourishing properties.” However, when I seen their price tag online on the Sephora web site, I almost choked. For 100 ml of product, this mask retails for $112 CAD! Honestly, I liked the mask but not enough to spend that much money on it. Over a year ago, I did use a sample of their Black Tea Age Delay Cream that I featured in my September Empties and did like it, but once again, it is more on the expensive side as it retails for $115 CAD for 50 ml of product.

Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths: Brightening (10 cloths) - This came as part of the On-the-Glow Essentials set that was purchased during Black Friday. You are getting 10 quilted cloths that have both Vitamin C and Coq10. They feel great on the skin and do a wonderful job at removing my makeup but the larger pack contains 30 cloths for $19 CAD. There is no way that I am going to be spending that kind of money to use a cloth for only a few seconds to help remove my makeup and then throw it in the trash. These are great and my only complaint is the hefty price tag. 

Body

Peter Thomas Roth Strawberry Scrub - Fruit Enzyme Polisher (250 ml) - This was nice to use in the shower and who doesn’t love the smell of strawberries? I felt that I used this up fairly quickly and one bottle retails for $38 USD on the Sephora web site but for whatever reason, they do not sell the individual bottle on the Canadian web site, just the American Sephora. I got this in the Hall of Fame Kit that retails for $44 CAD which is such a great deal because the kit has a value of $120 CAD!

Dove Go Fresh Cool Essentials Antiperspirant Stick (14 g - travel size) - If you have been following my blog for a few months now, you will remember that I featured the aerosol version of this same exact scent in my September Empties. I loved the smell but wasn’t the biggest fan of the aerosol feature and that’s why I only bought the travel sized version in stick form. I also do not have to reapply the product nearly as much as I did with the aerosol can. I only apply it once in the morning and then I reapply if I am extremely sweaty or if I have been super active that day - that’s it. I really do like both the scent as well as the scent and I will be going to the store to purchase the larger version very soon!

Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Fresh Balsam (259 ml) - This is a great scent as it reminds me of a Christmas Tree and green is my favourite colour therefore, I was a little biased when I selected this hand soap in-store. The Gentle Foaming Hand Soap is my favourite formula that Bath & Body Works has in terms of their soaps.

Bath & Body Works Scentportable in Lavender Vanilla (6 ml) - This scent is perfect for fall and smells very clean! It isn’t one of my all-time favourite scents but it does the job and I have nothing negative to say about it.

Teeth

Exact Dental Floss Picks (36 count) - These are mint flavoured and they were extremely cheap at Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS.) They are great quality and can last you over a month if you use one floss pick every day. They work for my teeth and they are quite durable as they do not break or snap when using them. 

Supplements/Drink

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin (80 count) - This has been a long time favourite of mine and I swear by them! I take two a day and I have another post 'All About My Nails' where I talk about them more in-depth that you can check out! I also urge you to take the 30-Day Hair, Skin & Nail Challenge!

David’s Tea Hot Tropic Cowabunga! Fruit Fusion (65 grams) - This honestly wasn’t my favourite tea and it had a weird taste that sugar couldn’t even help. The ingredients inside include: Apple, Mango, Raisins, Cinnamon, Coconut Chips, Star Anise, Vanilla and some others. The packaging is cute but I wouldn’t recommend this tea due to the taste.

Other/Miscellaneous

Equate Quilted Pads (100 count) - This was actually purchased from Wal-Mart in a 3-pack. These are excellent cotton rounds that do not break when you are using them. I also like the Up & Up brand’s cotton rounds from Target but since we no longer have any Target stores in Canada, these are my go-to!

Samples/Promo

Teeth

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Gel (1) & Desensitizing Gel (2) (3 ml) - I do have an entire blog post dedicated to my experience whitening my teeth to achieving a whiter smile in just 5 days using Smile Brilliant. This system really does work and I recently discovered it again after I was decluttering my space. I forgot how much that I really loved using it! The only thing I do not like is that the label on several of my syringes started peeling off which was annoying when using it because it just got in the way.

Oral B Complete Toothbrush - This was given to me by my Dental Hygienist and it gives my teeth a nice deep clean! Oral B is a great brand and I love the soft, gentle bristles on their brushes! I usually replace my toothbrush every 2-3 months as recommended because I like using a fresh, new toothbrush whenever I can! 

Fragrance

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum (1.2 ml) - This perfume actually reminds me of a German perfume that my Grandma loves and buys every now and again. This is the first perfume by the duo and it comes in 6 different sizes which is amazing because not all perfumes offer that many options. The notes include: Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia and Patchouli. It isn’t overly floral and it has a bit of spice to it which I like. It lingers throughout the day which is something that I look for in every perfume that I potentially plan on purchasing! I remember when Wale came out with the song Lotus Flower Bomb and I immediately thought of the fragrance!

Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette (1.5 ml) - Even though this is a sample, I hate that this doesn’t have a spray feature and that you have to carefully put some perfume onto yourself. Anyway, the notes are: “Geranium, Pink Pepper, Lilac, Peach, Amber, Patchouli.” The scent is described as, “Modern. Electric. Romantic.” I have heard so many different people rave about this perfume as it seems to be a favourite and I wanted to understand what the hype was all about. This would be a great scent to add to any perfume collection and it would be great to display on your vanity as the bottle is gold with the iconic G logo. It is a great sultry, sexy scent that is perfect for a night out on the town!

Alien by Thierry Mugler Eau de Parfum (1.2 ml) - I had never heard of this perfume before, but I had heard of Angel by Mugler in the past. This has a warm floral scent to it and the notes include: “Jasmine Sambac, Cashmeran Wood, Amber Gris.” The full sized version of this bottle is absolutely stunning and the purple with the gold accents really caught my eye! This is rather strong when you first apply it and 2 sprays is more than enough. It does fade down pretty quickly and it lingers throughout the day which I love! This is a warm, sultry and rather bold fragrance in my honest opinion.

Other/Miscellaneous

Royale Signature 3 Ply Kleenex (10 count) - These are great for having in your purse for all kinds of situations, especially for those unexpected emergencies! I always try to have a pack in my purse at all times. I love the 3 ply tissues and I already have a new pack in my purse!

Excel Naturally Sweetened Gum in Spearmint & Peppermint - I really disliked the texture of this gum. It was thick and it got tasteless as well as hard rather quickly. I couldn’t chew it for more than a few minutes. The taste is always consistent with Excel but I would recommend the ones in the packs where you pop out a piece of gum. I was glad to finish these up and wouldn’t even think of purchasing them in the future. My friends also did not like this gum at all. 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Items listed under the Samples/Promo category were items that I did not purchase on my own because they fall in either category. Some links are affiliate. 

Smile Brilliant: Use code beautybyberrz for 5% off your entire order
MagicLinks: I use MagicLinks for all my ready-to-shop product links
Uber: Get your first ride FREE using promo code: amandab9033ue

Hope's: Get 15% off your first purchase
*LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR YOUR AUTOMATIC CODE!

Coastal Scents: Get $5 off your next online purchase
Ebates Canada: Get cash back on your online purchases
Ebates (Everywhere else in the world): Get cash back on your online purchases
Hautelook: A flash sale web site you don't want to miss out on!