Beauty Feature: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...my vanity that is!

What does your vanity mean to you? And I'm not talking about your outer appearance. I'm talking about your space, your quiet place, your escape where you can lay out all your pretty things and slather on your most favourite beauty products. That's what my vanity means to me. There's something to be said for everything having its place. 

For a long time, I used large computer desks as a vanity. Why? Because it was not only functional and cost effective, but because it was big enough to lay out all my makeup. It was neither pretty or full of character, but it worked. 

This here is my dream vanity. A little much? Maybe, but I think it's beautiful! It's so classic, feminine, and in my favourite Parisian style. One day, but for now my current vanity isn't so bad.

My vanity is one of my favourite spaces in the house. I love sitting here in the mornings getting ready for the day and staring out the big window. I like to gather my thoughts here and write out my to-do list (which I haven't been doing lately!). Instead of going with something big and clunky, I chose a smaller, traditional size vanity table. I hate sets so I opted just to get the table (which I hopefully plan to give it that cracked old shabby chic look). I was going to go with a chair, but because I don't have much drawer space, I chose to go with a ottoman stool that can be used for storage. I have a few beauty items that I reach for everyday in the drawers.

It's very roomy and fits my large makeup bag, a medium sized one and a small makeup bag plus two of my sunglasses in their case. These are the products I use on my self on a daily or when I'm going out somewhere. If I want to use more products I just pull from my Zuca and my clear storage drawers which are in the walk-in. This way, my desk stays clean and clutter free. I chose a metallic bronze shade. I think it compliments the desk pretty nicely.

Your vanity is a great way to express your individual style and to showcase all the pretty things you love. One of my favourite gifts was this Parisian-inspired mannequin jewelry holder. I love layering my favourite necklaces there. It's a great statement piece. I found our old wooden hand sculpture packed away that we use to display on our bookshelf. This was perfect for displaying some of my rings (I clearly need more!). I love the look of books on display. Here I have Ines de la Fressange's style guide to Paris, Parisian Chic and two Chanel press books from the Fall and Spring 2012 collection. They are so pretty and full of product shots and beautiful photos from the collection's inspiration. I love my little friendship jewelry box which was a bridesmaid's gift. I hold little trinkets and jewelry items in there. I bought a silver tray to display all my favourite perfumes. Perfume bottles come in all lovely packaging and make for beautiful eye candy. I also laid out two lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco shine from the Spring collection (review to come!) and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre with my name engraved on it.

And there you have it. I'm still thinking of displaying my makeup brushes in a cute holder (maybe the one from Topbox?) and getting a table mirror. I will have to re-arrange things to make space. I love having a space that's all mine with my own stuff. Having two kids, your space can be taken over with toys and books, so my vanity is my little get away from all the kid clutter!

What does your vanity look like? I'd love to see! I always love getting ideas and seeing how other makeup junkie's display their favourite beauty items. Email me some photos and I will feature yours on my blog!

What I'm Wearing: Fall Fragrances To Love Right Into Winter

When your pregnant, perfumes can do all sorts of bad like make your head spin to the point of up-chucking. Yup, not a pretty picture. So, my favourite perfumes sat on the shelf being ignored and unloved. Now that baby is here, I can spritz without feeling nauseous! Hooray! 

Fragrance is such a personal thing. The scent of a woman can reveal a lot about her sense of style and who she is. My signature scent is something that is exotic and sultry. My body chemistry just compliments muskier scents better. Anything too floral or fresh smelling gives me a headache.

These 3 perfumes have been on rotation and all will take you right into winter. Every time I spray them, I get a feeling of warmth and coziness!

Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise Cologne ($55 USD, 30 ml): If I'm going to do a floral, it has to have some spice to it. This is one of my favourite scents. It works beautifully in the day and for a night out. Jo Malone scents are also long-lasting. It wouldn't be hard to go overboard with this perfume so spritz lightly. At first spray, it can smell strong but once it settles smells just divine. Jo Malone is a luxury brand so if you feel like splurging this is one to get! A full bottle goes for $100 USD.

Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise

Heart Notes: Oleander, Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid

Base Notes: Clove, Tonka, White Amber, Creamy Musks, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Vetiver Haiti

Marc Jacobs Lola ($22 - 88 USD): This one is an oldie but a goodie. Another floral yet musky scent. You'll notice a lot of the scents I adore have vanilla, creamy musk, and amber undertones. I love Marc Jacobs and my love affair with his scents began with original perfume titled after the genius himself. Lola is more playful and flirty and I absolutely love the design of the bottle. Some have said they find the plastic-rubbery top kind of cheap, but I think it's very hip and cool. It's a scent that again works for day and night. 

Top Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Ruby Red Grapefruit

Mid Notes: Rose, Fuchsia Peony, Geranium

Base Notes: Vanilla, Warm Tonka Bean, Creamy Musk

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose ($58 - 94 CAD): My love for Lancome perfumes have surprised me. I first fell in love with Tresor in Love - reminded me of a scent only to be worn in a getaway to Paris...ahh to dream. Midnight Rose is like the older sister who is a little naughty and mysterious. I also love the purple rose detail with the black leaves. It's really a pretty bottle. Even as a floral, it has a more exotic scent thanks to sweet smell of Black Currant. Some of you may prefer this only at night, but I love it during the day. I only spritz my wrists so it's not overwhelming.

Top Notes: Raspberry and Black Currant

Middle Notes: Rose Absolute, Jasmine, Peony

Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Cedar

What's your signature scent? Have you tried any of these lovely perfumes?

On a side note, wrapping up my Fall favourites and will be featuring my holiday gift guide soon! Stay tuned!

Lancome and Jo Malone perfumes sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Fall Beauty Review 2011: Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria Is Pure Seduction...

Looking to snag that sweet someone? Sure, you need some killer confidence but a memorable scent will make you utterly irresistible. Calvin Klein's newest star, Forbidden Euphoria, is truly intoxicating but not in the headache-y kind of way. It's a fresher, younger, sexier version of the original. The only thing forbidden is not wearing this!

Notes:
Sparkling Mandarin, Peach Blossom, Iced Raspberry, Pink Peony, Tiger Orchid, Jasmine, Cashmere Woods, Patchouli Absolute, Skin Musk.

I usually gravitate to deep, musky fruity, vanilla, or flowery scents because it just works with my body chemistry. As soon as I opened it, my husband took one whiff and wanted me to spritz it all over! I would wear a scent like this during the day, but if you usually don't wear muskier scents save it for a night cap. If you're in the market for a scent for fall that you can wear into the winter this is definitely one to add to the list. 

If you want to try it for yourself enter the "Forbidden Euphoria Giveaway" contest on the Scent Society Facebook Fanpage! Between now and November 21st, Scent Society is giving away TWO daily Forbidden Euphoria rollerballs. They are giving away 30 rollerballs twice a day!

Contest is open to all Canadian residents. To enter, click on the link below and register once a day.
https://www.facebook.com/ScentSociety?sk=app_236495976405641

What's your signature scent? Have you tried Forbidden Euphoria? 

Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria retails for $45-80 USD.

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it.

Spring Beauty Review: Love Is In The Air For Reese Witherspoon!

As spring graces us with its presence, love is in the air! Maybe that’s what Reese Witherspoon was

thinking when she recently launched her new fragrance “Love to the Fullest”, exclusively for Avon.

“Love to the Fullest” has a very fresh scent, with black cherry, sandstone, and evening primrose notes.

It’s a very versatile perfume as it isn’t too strong or musty. Throughout the day, I noticed it every now

and then, but it definitely wasn’t overpowering.

With a seafoam green colour theme, the bottle and packaging are relatively plain, and not as eye

catching as many other fragrance bottles are these days.

This eau de toilette spray is exclusively available through Avon retailing at $25 USD for 1.7 fl. oz. It’s just one

of three in Witherspoon’s Expressions Collection. The other two fragrances are called “Live Without

Regrets” and “Laugh Often” which are set to launch separately later this year.

Have you tried this fragrance? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

http://avon.com/

by Brooke
 
Product was sent for editorial consideration.

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...LAVANILA Deluxe Mini Roller Set!

Fragrances for me can be a little iffy. If a scent doesn't sit well on me, I immediately get a headache. So when I find one that smells divine and doesn't make my head spin, I hang on to it! I've always wanted to try Lavanila products so I was excited to receive this mini holiday set. I think this would be a great set for anyone since Vanilla is a pretty likeable scent. I've always been a vanilla lover - it's warm, cozy, inviting, and yummy!

This mini roller set includes: 

• Vanilla Lavender
• Pure Vanilla
• Vanilla Coconut
• Vanilla Grapefruit

These scents will not only make you smell good but they're actually good for you too! These lovely scents contain all natural, skin-friendly ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfate, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and petro-chemicals. The fragrances are infused with pure essential oils which makes for a long-lasting scent. At the end of the day, I can still smell it the vanilla all over me. The roller ball and deluxe size make it easy for applying on-the-go and for carrying around in your purse. I especially love roller balls for precise application like behind the ears.

My favourite two that I always reach for are Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Coconut. Every time I wear either scents, my lil' guy can't help but sniff me. He immediately thinks of cake or cookies. I sometimes layer the two for an extra vanilla scent. The Vanilla Lavender is more floral with a hint of vanilla. It's a calming scent but I like it better when I layer the Pure Vanilla over top. The Vanilla Grapefruit is surprisingly not too sweet which I like. I reach for this when I'm in a more fruity mood. 

LAVANILA Mini Roller Ball Set retails for $40 CAD and is available online at The Shopping Channel. 

www.theshoppingchannel.com

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Sophisticated Elegance

I'm a sucker for packaging especially around the holiday season when beauty brands go all out in the most exquisite packaging. These scented lovelies are for the friend, mother, co-worker, who enjoy sophisticated elegance.

1. Tocca Florence Bagno Da Viaggio Bath & Body Gift Set ($48 USD): A perfect gift for the woman who loves to travel. Included in this cream coloured box set inspired by old Italian candy boxes are travel-sized Florence shower gel, body lotion, and candelina. The luxurious lotion is very moisturizing and will help sooth dry, sensitive skin. The shower gel gently cleanses the skin while leaving the skin soft and smooth. The popular Tocca Candelinas will fill your room with a beautiful aroma. She'll be able to enjoy the fragrance of the orris rose scent of Florence wherever she goes. The boxed set makes gift giving easy especially for those last minute gifts!

2. Jo Malone Tasting Kit ($110 USD): Want to introduce a fragrance junkie to Jo Malone colognes? The Tasting Kit is a fabulous introduction set for the Art of Fragrance Combining. Jo Malone designed her scents to be layered with one another or worn individually. This kit comes with Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30 ml), and a tasting of three of its notes: Raspberry (9 ml), Casablanca Lily (9 ml), and Guaiacwood (9 ml). Pomegranate Noir is a sophisticated sensual scent that is spicy, woodsy, yet fruity. I usually love a combination of spicy fruity scents, but I'm on the fence with this one. It's a rather strong scent (the husband is not a fan) that sometimes makes me sneeze, but I'm still giving it a chance. The upside is that you have the option of mixing with the other 3 fragrances. Raspberry is just lovely on its own and my fave out of the set. Fragrance lovers will love creating their own signature scent. The leather boxed case alone makes a fantastic gift!

3. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Radiant Powder Spray in Vanilla Noir ($12.25 USD sale price): Vanilla lovers will love spritzing this on before an evening out. The Radiant Powder Spray will give your skin a kiss of golden shimmer and a sweet hint of Madagascar vanilla. It also leaves your skin velvety soft. My favourite part is the glamourous vintage bottle! How luxe would this look on your vanity?? Love!

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Winner!

Congratulations to:

Deanna!!

Her secret obsession:

"My secret obsession would have to be perfume. I just love it! I even take those little perfume samples out of my magazines and save them, I have like hundreds!"

Thank you for sharing and we hope you enjoy Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein, the coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask! Enjoy!

Thank you to everyone that left a comment, but don't worry - there are still many prizes to be won by filling out our surveys!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Scent!

Scent is such a powerful thing. Certain smells can draw you in and others can make you want to run the opposite way. Calvin Klein's new sultry and sexy fragrance, Secret Obsession ($38 - 55 USD), will leave you wanting more! I always thought the original Obsessions fragrance was a little strong for me, but I absolutely adore the exotic oriental scent of Secret Obession. The mix of sweet florals and deep woodsy notes will intoxicate you in only the best way possible. Perfect for spicing up the cold winter months. Some may find it too heavy for day but one spritz is all you need. I find deeper, more sultry scents last longer on the skin and this definitely does. Every time I wear it, the husband notices which means it makes the cut!

Secret Obsession is a definite must for those hot holiday parties or intimate, cozy nights by the fire. Don't be surprised if your secret obsession is being obsessed with this fragrance!

Wait there's more! Makeup Junkie is doing a special give away for Calvin Klein Secret Obsession!

Contest details:

Prize Give Away: One lucky winner will receive a full size bottle of Calvin Klein Secret Obsessions, a coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask!
To Win: All you have to do is tell Makeup Junkie what your secret obsession is or what your significant other's secret obsession is! Just leave a comment after the post with your email address. The winner will be randomly chosen.
Contest Date: November 21 - 24. Winner will be announced on November 24th at 12 pm!

My secret obsession? Trying on new lip products and taking close-up photos of my lips! Sexy right?? lol Have fun and good luck to everyone!

Beauty Review: Sarah Jessica Parker Is Lovely

No matter how many roles Sarah Jessica Parker plays I will always think of her as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Who didn't have a little bit of Carrie in them? Well, now you can take a little piece of Sarah Jessica Parker with you by spritzing on her utterly feminine, ultra chic fragrance, Lovely ($32.50 - $67 USD). And like her character as Carrie, this scent is classic and timeless. Inspired by her love of layering scents the fragrance is a blend of Fresh Mandarin, Bergamot, Rosewood, Lavender, Apple Martini, Patchouli, Paper Whites, Orchid, Cedar, White Amber, Musk Woods. At first spritz, I found the fragrance a little strong but let it settle on the skin and it really is lovely. Every time I wear it, I feel sophisticated. The scent doesn't fade away like other fragrances.

What makes it even more lovely is that for a limited time and while quantities last you will receive the Blockbuster hit movie and collector's item, Sex and the City with your purchase of Lovely at your nearest Sears location! Canadian residents only - sorry! Hurry and purchase Lovely and receive the DVD before it runs out!

www.sears.ca

Beauty Review: Benefit Wants To Know Where's Your B-Spot?

Benefit Cosmetics always comes up with the most cheeky names and fun packaging. Where's your b-spot? Your inner wrist, behind the knee, neck-colletè, bend of the elbow? Benefit's newest fragrance, B-Spot ($42 CAD), comes with a sexy "body map" to find your b-spot pulse points. This light, fruity-floral scent is seductively girly and flirty. It's a beautiful mix of lush mango, freesia, peony, sandalwood, and amber.

I'm usually sensitive to fragrances but I really like B-Spot. It's the perfect scent for day wear or a warm sunny day. I've received many compliments which means it doesn't make others gag when I walk by or come close to them! The worst thing ever is being stuck in a confined space with someone drowning in perfume or cologne. I find the scent lasts for a few hours then fades on the skin but I do smell it on my clothes and hair at the end of the day.

My b-spot is the inner wrist, neck, and hair. I like to spray a mist in the air and walk my head into it. Sounds weird but it lasts longer! Spritz on B-Spot and let someone else find your b-spot! ;)

Have you tried Benefit B-Spot fragrance? Love it? Hate it?

www.benefitcosmetics.com

Beauty Review: Tom Ford – White Patchouli Fragrance for Autumn

As the days are getting darker, and leaves are starting to turn, there are certain smells in the air that can catch you in a memory. I know that the feeling of the warm sun on my face and a cool breeze through my hair can stop me in the middle of the hustle and bustle of being a true Makeup Junkie.

In the spirit of the true autumn season, I spritzed on Tom Ford’s White Patchouli eau de parfum. Although it is a parfum, this one comes in a spray, which I find is nice.
The notes are strong. Wood scented and spicy, this scent danced across my nose in a very intimate way. I am a woman who enjoys the sweeter scents, and although Tom Ford’s fragrance was bold, it was ultimately romantic.

Notes include Coriander, White Peony, and Blonde Woods, but don’t be mistaken - this bottle will be sure to change and adapt to anyone’s body chemicals.

Tom Ford can be found at Holt Renfrew for $165 (CDN) FOR A 50Ml bottle.
Take a little bit of the fall with you, wherever you go.

www.tomford.com

Ahh, the Sweet Smell of Fall!

As soon as we say farewell to August and hello to September the distinct scent of Fall is in the air. I think a lot of it has to do with the memories of going back to school, finding the perfect outfit, the perfect way to do your hair/makeup and of course the perfect fragrance. This Fall, some introductions to the world of fragrance are:

Burberry The Beat

Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Mandarin, Iris, Bluebell, Ceylon Tea, White Musk, Vetiver, Cedarwood.

This is a light and fresh fragrance, both sensual and feminine – lovely for those of you who like the smell of perfume without it being too overpowering. The packaging is clean, with a subtle Burberry print definitely not in your face but stylish at the same time.

Gucci by Gucci

Notes: Guava, Pear, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Musk, Honey, Patchouli.

This is more on the musky, woody side. This fragrance is for someone who likes strong, rich scents. I love the packaging, Gucci has done a solid square bottle for many of their perfumes but this one looks so classy in chocolate brown with gold trimmings and it comes with an adorable little charm. So cute!

elle by Yves Saint Laurent

Notes: Cedrat, Peony, Lychee, Pink Berries, Freesia, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Ambrette.

This fragrance is a mix between floral and fruity, so lovely! It's very light but lasts all day. And the pinkish-purple bottle with gold monogram is hot! Perfect for you fashionistas!

Alright ladies let me know if you've tried these and what you think. If you have any fave perfumes (or fave bottles that you bought just to add to your fragrance wardrobe), do share!

Beauty Review: Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner and thoughts of digital cameras, watches, plasma tv's, and golf clubs are milling about in your head. As a kid, I never used to panic about what to get my father because he was always happy with a cute drawing and lots of hugs. Now that I'm a wife of a husband that is a father, I'm thinking an amateur drawing of us and lots of hugs would be a nice thought but wouldn't cut it lol. If high-tech gadgets are a little out of your budget, cologne and men's skin care is always the next best gift! Here are some gift ideas that will keep him smelling good and his skin looking great!

Tommy Bahama Set Sail South Seas Cologne ($52.50): It's a light, refreshing scent perfect for summer. With a fusion of watery nuances, violets, rum, and citrus blends it's crisp and woodsy scent is fresh but masculine. The scent and the packaging remind me of a beautiful island escape. Every time I smell it on my husband I'm whisked away!


YSL L'Homme Limited Edition Design by Jean Nouvel ($79.50): For the modern man that appreciates style and architecture. The bottle, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, was inspired from the shape of a test tube or rather a symbol of a man's virility. A fresh, woody fragrance that is both sparkling and sensual!

HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm: If your father is an eco-friendly/organic kind of guy, then load him up with HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm! Every man has to shave so why not give him something that is nutritious for his skin and environmentally friendly? My husband appreciated the clear shave gel because you can see exactly where you're shaving which means no ugly razor nicks! He also didn't mind the sweet almond scent. The after-shave balm was soothing and didn't leave any residue on the skin. Sounds like a winner!


Lancome Men Energizer Total Gift Set ($65): Most guys tend to neglect their skin and figure that those dark circles and wrinkles will disappear on its own. The problem is men just don't know what to buy so why not make it easier and buy the gift of energized, revitalized and supple skin! This gift set includes 1 Energizer Total, 1 Ultimate Cleansing Gel, 1 Trial Size of of High Definition Shave Foam all packaged in a sleek black pouch.

Happy shopping! Wishing all the father's a Happy Father's Day!

Beauty Review: Scents That Will Make You Swoon!

It's been a while since I've reviewed a new scent because the last one I received, Pink Sugar (love!), was last year. I'm happy to have in my possession 3 new perfume oils from Sharon Bolton Scents! When I first ripped open (hey, I was excited!) the package I saw 3 little boxes each wrapped perfectly with ribbon, but was a little surprised at how small they are. Each bottle is 1/8 oz, but a little goes a long way. Because it is an oil, it is very concentrated and lasts all day. The bottle is actually a roll-on which is one of the reasons I fell in love with it. It's so portable and small you can throw it in your purse or carry it in your pocket. The roll-on ball is perfect for touch-ups making applications a breeze. The inspiration behind the names of each scent Luv, Soul and Truth are Sharon's "essential scents of life".

Luv - "An intoxicating, ultimately feminine scent of rare pink gardenia, lush Hawaiian white flowers, and a hint of creamy vanilla with a delicate whisper of white musk."

Soul - "Sweet tropical notes that will evoke a memory for your soul. Juicy papaya, luscious pineapple, and creamy coconut with undertones of clean musk. It’s enough to sweep you away to the islands."

Truth - "A refreshing, clean citrus... think tangy lemon-lime... softened by an exotic floral and an airy, sheer musk... fresh like a warm sea breeze!"

My fave of the 3 is Soul. It reminds me of the beach and I love anything coconut or vanilla based. I've already received compliments (husband loves it!). Each perfume oil is $42 (USD) and is worth every penny! Sharon Bolton Scents also carries body lotions, shower creams, soy-based candles, jewelry, and sarongs! For scents that will make you swoon check out the site on how to order and for store locations. Happy shopping!

Beauty News: Elle's "It" List and Top 5 Self-tanners For June 2007 On Stands Now!

Check out Elle's June 2007 issue which is on stand now! Featured are Elle's "It" list for all the must-have beauty products and the top 5 self-tanners for the summer! I'm lovin' Clarins new Summer Fever lip gloss palette featuring high shine sunset coloured glosses. I shall have to check those out! In the top 5 list for self-tanners Dove's Energy Glow Daily Beauty Body Lotion takes a spot. I think I'll have to check this out too - I love body lotions that bronze your skin at the same time. I've been using Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer but the smell makes me gag. To see the hottest in beauty products for the summer don't forget to check the June 2007 issue of Elle on stands now! Happy shopping!

Beauty Review: Perk Me Up, Pick Me Up With Smashbox's O-Glow!

I'm finally back to blogging after being away sick for a week. I couldn't manage to drag myself out of bed or off the couch until today! Thank you to those who sent well wishes! I'm still sick but feel a lot better.

Due to my chest cold, I had been feeling icky and my skin has been blotchy. I was tired of looking at my pasty, blotchy skin when I finally decided to pluck my overgrown brows and put on some much needed makeup! If you're ever sick and need some good perk-me-up tips here are some things I did.

1. Take a shower! There's nothing like a good hot shower to make you feel brand new again. I pampered myself by lathering my skin with Philosophy's Mimosa 3 in 1 Body Wash. The scent is so yummy and it reminds me of the summertime.

2. I find when I get sick my skin gets so dehydrated even after drinking a gallon of fluids. To get my skin feeling baby soft again, I moisturized with Lubriderm's Skin Nourishing with Shea and Cocoa Butter . I like it because it has a nice subtle smell and is non-greasy.

3. Before applying my make-up, I wanted my skin to be fresh and smooth. Since my skin was already blotchy, I stayed away from the facial scrubs and decided to do a mask instead. St. Ives has a great one called Blue Clay Firming Mask. The clay lifts away the dead skin cells and firms without drying or dulling the skin.

4. The best tip to bring some life to your face is to choose a great blush. After I concealed and powdered my t-zone, I decided to try Smashbox's O-Glow that everyone had been ranting and raving about. This product is the perfect and easiest blush to apply. You can't go wrong with the colour because the gel based formula (Goji Berry C-Complex) reacts with your skin's chemistry to produce the colour you normally do when you blush or exercise. When you first apply it to the skin, it goes on clear but within seconds it turns into a beautiful rosy shade! Don't be afraid of the bright fuchsia colour when it first hits the skin. Once it's blended into your cheek, it'll look more natural. It stayed put all day and rejuvenated my skin and spirit! I just added some mascara and gloss and voila I was back to life! If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding the right blush try this one and I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.

5. Put on a great outfit, spritz on your favourite scent (I love the sweet cotton candy smell of Aquolina's Pink Sugar), and listen to some upbeat music (at the moment I'm really enjoying Canadian hip hop artist K-OS' "Sunday Morning" song). I didn't actually go anywhere today. I just got all dressed up and danced around the house with my baby boy. I know cheesy - but at least I looked good! haha

Beauty News: Body Shop and MTV Join Together in the Fight Against AIDS

Body Shop and MTV have come together and created a new fragrance that will help save lives. The wonderful fruity scent called Rougeberry MTV Eau de Toilette is in stores now and proceeds from the sale will go towards raising awareness and stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS. I love feel good beauty products because you don't have to feel guilty about buying them! Go out and purchase this scent for yourself or as a gift and know that you'll be saving many lives around the world. I know I'll be picking one up! For more information visit The Body Shop.