I won! I won!

So yesterday I got an Email from Beautylish that I won a gift pack. I can't wait to try out my new gifts!

Check out the full deal here!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15

Purchase: Aprox $55 @ Sephora
Oil Control: 9 out of 10
Makeup control: 8 out of 10

This stuff is fantastic--except for the price. This primer is mineral-based with SPF 15 so you can't get any better than that. It is suppose to create a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. It is also suppose to minimize the appearance of pores and soften skins imperfections and fine lines. It is formulated without Parabens (cancer causing ingredients), synthetic fragrances and dyes. Also, it is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical sun-blocking agents! So for all of you Natural Products Only people, this stuff is for you! Furthermore, it is oil free so those of you with acne-prone skin are in the clear!

This stuff helped my make up last ALL day long and it also prevented my face from getting slick and oily after an 8 1/2 hour shift running around at work! So far, this is THE best mattifying primer I have been able to find.

The only flaws are the fact that it dried out my under-eye area so I would not suggest using this for concealer application there and the price. Unfortunately, it only comes in a 1 oz size ( like most of my other primers) and it is very costly so I'm not sure if I will ever have the money to actually purchase this, but it might make the perfect Bday gift!

Urban Decay Complexion Primer- Pore Perfecting

Purchase: Aprox $34 @ Sephora
Priming Power: 7 out of 10
Consistency: 4 out of 10
Mattifying effect: 7 out of 10

This primer states that it minimizes the look of pores and fine lines to deliver a soft-matte, airbrushed complexion without the heavy, greasy feel.

I have to say that this is a complete and total lie. So far, this is the thickest primer I have used on my face and I didn't like the feel of it at all. My face was instantly mattified but the effect did not last long, unfortunately, I am still searching for that perfect mattifying primer. This product's price is comparable to most other primers but I would suggest getting a tester of it before purchasing. Once again, that is why I LOVE Sephora! Always ask for a tester before investing your hard-earned cashola!

Happy testing! And don't forget to enter our December Contest!

Happy Boxing Day Shopping Everyone!

I sure hope everyone's holiday was filled with family, friends and lots of fun! In the next couple of days I am going to do a quick video blog of the amazing haul of makeup I received this Xmas! Such a lucky girl I am!

Today I have two things for you, a product review and a dupe warning!

The Dupes:

MAC's Zangy vs. MACs Electric Eel
They are both a bright blue colour and are almost exactly the same! Zany is SLIGHTLY lighter than Electric Eel but you won't need both so make sure not to go overboard on Boxing day!

Product Review:

Price: Aprox $20 @ Sephora

Removing Power: 9.5 out of 10

Product application: 7 out of 10

Product removal: 3 out of 10

Packaging: 5 out of 10

I know that it says 'rinse-off' on the very front of the bottle but I am not the only one who could not read the light white writing on the clear packaging! This formula works GREAT! In fact, it works even better than my Lancome eye-makeup remover... HOWEVER, you have to RINSE this off which can be very inconvenient if someone else is in the bathroom and you have all your makeup supplies/vanity in another room. Also, if you forget, it tends to burn your eyes! A friend of mine and I were discussing yesterday how it burned and then I went to Sephora and a woman working their told us we had to rinse if off.... way to read the bottle ladies. So, if you purchase this, make sure to rinse it off or it might cause all the area around your eye to burn. I especially noticed this when I put on my eye moisturizer...  There is also a Clinique no-rinse formula in a purple bottle that might be a better choice than this but I have yet to try it out. 

And don't forget to enter our December Contest for a chance to win a FULL SIZED ROC 3 in 1 toner/eyemakup remover/cleanser! The entire package is worth up to $50 in samples and full sized products!

Happy Shopping Ladies and Gents! 

xox

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Purchase: $22-190 @ Sephora
Rating: 7 out of 10

What it is formulated to do:
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is Kate's top-selling product, and the next best thing to seeing Kate in the Clinic! Treat yourself to this at-home facial for fantastic, instant results. This signature formula works both physically and enzymatically to deliver safe, dramatic results in one application. It effectively combats acne and blackheads, reduces discoloration, and polishes skin for a smooth complexion. Welcome to healthy skin, a healthy glow, and a healthy you!

What else you need to know:
This expert formula harnesses the power of fruit enzymes to clarify skin by removing dead cells and eliminating bacteria. It is ideal for all skin types, except sensitive skin.

In my opinion this stuff is way too expensive! It had a lot of very fine grains in it and I think it was a bit too harsh for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. One thing you have to worry about is over-exfoliating which I think would be easy to do if you used this stuff more than once a week. However, I did really like the way my skin felt after and would be interested to see how my skin looked/felt after multiple uses. 

Revlon Skinlights Illuminator and The Body Shop Lipgloss Review

 

50% off at The Body Shop this weekend only! Check out the Video for more details!

Amazing Deals!!

Hey everyone,
Releve that holiday stress by getting a massage, body wrap or facial with Ashlee Kazenbroot at Sanctum! Also, if you refer a friend, you will receive $20 off your next treatment! Pretty amazing, eh? So remember, if you check it out let her know I've refereed you and then refer a friend yourself for $20 off!

Hey Everyone!

So I'm trying to make it easier for you to stay in touch with my blog so I have added a few more 'follow me' widgets to the right hand side of the page. Currently, they are looking a little empty but luckily I have 94 Fans on Facebook right now! Therefore....

Introducing....

New Contest addition for the December Contest:
In order to get an extra entry in to the December Contest, sign up to follow this blog on the right hand side!
And remember, you are able to submit multiple entries (limit once per week) by 'sharing' the fan page on your facebook and sending out invites to friends! Just let me know everytime you enter so that I can add your name in the draw!

Wonderful Winter Skin!

Is your skin looking pastier then usual? Is it becoming dull and dry? Well here are a few tips:

1. Use a body scrub in the shower, I love using St. Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic acid. This scrub has big chunky gains of apricot that help scrub all the dead skin off, and as an added bonus, the Salicylic acid helps with any acne you may be having or with those little red bumps you can get on the back of your arms. It also smells pretty good!
2. Either before or after you get in the shower, rub your body with a body loofa like the one to the left here. I bought this one for around $30 at Burnstein and Gold in Vic and then I found an exact replica for $5 at Walmart! How frustrating! I'll be honest, I felt really pressured by the sales person to buy this to help with ingrown hairs and a friend had the same experience! When using this, always brush towards your heart to help get the circulation going. It is great to use all over your body and helps give life back to dull skin, shed off dead skin, and helps with ingrown hairs! Fantastic!
3. As soon as you get out of the shower MOISTURIZE your WHOLE body! You want to keep the moisture in after a shower so that is why it's the best time. I also suggest doing it before bed time so that you have all night to soak up all the product and I often find I don't have any time to do it in the morning anyways!
4. Don't forget to keep your lips moisturized! I love having tons of lipgloss colours but it is so important to have lip chap to help prevent chapped lips if you are walking around outside.
5. Drink lots of water! I now this is good for all year round but in order to keep your skin moisturized you have to be well hydrated. Often, chapped lips are a sign of dehydration and as soon as you feel thirsty it already means you are hydrated so make sure to carry a water bottle with you as often as you can! I mean why else do we have such large purses??

Well, I hope these tips help! Let me know what you think or if you have any other suggestions...

And don't forget to enter our December Contest! I can't believe I'm GIVING AWAY a full sized product that I absolutely love! The full product itself retails for between $20-30!

Makeup shoot #1

So I am trying to create a composite card for my MAC Pro card and I just finished my first shoot today! I'm still waiting for my boyfriend to photoshop them for me but here are the raw photos. Let me know what you think. There are also more available on the Fan Page so check them out and vote for your favourite!

Face: 

Clinique 02 Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation

Clinique all about eyes concealer

Mac Prime + Prep on the T-Zone and under eye

Eyes:

Inner corner: Sephora Aspin Summer N23

Lid: Dior shimmery gray in the Extanse Pinks Pallet

Outer V: Rimmel Black Eyeshadow with NYX Morocco over top

Under eye: Too Faced Purple eyeliner with NYX Morocco over top

Upper Lid: MAC Brule eyeshadow (for blending as well)

I also have some exciting news! I just found where I can buy NYX! I see it on all the blogs these days and they are cheap and affordable with very pigmented colours but I couldn't find it in Canada until I realized they sell it at Pharmasave! Currently the one on Hillside has them for 20% off so I scored BIG! I suggest you check out the colours, they have a great selection and remind me a lot of the MAC products.  However, the sales ladies weren't so great there. One lady just stood and watched as Amanda and I searched through everything and didn't ask if we needed help, I assumed she thought we might steal them or something. Not very polite if you ask me!

Don't forget to enter our DECEMBER CONTEST for an amazing full sized product plus a lot of samples!

Smashbox Halo Yellow Color Correcting Powder Review

Colour Correcting Effect: 5 out of 10
Finishing Powder: 7 out of 10

I am so excited to introduce to you my very first video review! Please check out my channel and subscribe, you know you want to!
Also, check out my welcoming video to new youtube viewers:

New Contact Information!

Good afternoon everyone,
I have just made a special E-mail address for this blog, as well as, a twitter account! Check them out!
E-mail: producthoarder@gmail.com
Twitter Account: @Producthoarder

Have a fantastic day lovelies!

Are you a Sephora Insider?

Well you should be! Why? I have five great reasons:
#1. Because you would have received a $15-$20 off your next purchase gift card! Pretty amazing eh? Well, the only catch was I had to spend $40 to get $20 off but still, half price is pretty amazing! What did I buy? Well, you will have to wait and see during my FIRST EVER YOUTUBE BLOG REVIEW sometime during this week!

#2. They let you know about a million great deals and now that there is a store located right here in Victoria you can get tons of free stuff! I can't even count how many times they would send me a UPC for a free gift when we didn't have one here! I would always have to try to get someone in Vancouver to pick it up for me. It has taken the Victoria store awhile to get up to speed since they have just opened but by next year they should have all the free products in stock so first come first serve.

#3: Another great reason to join is so that you can get a FREE BIRTHDAY GIFT! That's right! Two years ago I received 3 free deluxe trial sized Sephora lip glosses! And last year I received a silver eyeshadow, mascara and mini silver eyeliner!

Great reason # 4: You get points that go towards amazing products! You receive 1 point for every dollar you spend so when you spend $100 you can pick a deluxed sized sample! And if you save up and reach 500, then you get a deluxe sampler package. Last time I got a smashbox lipgloss, mascara, facial primer and eye primer all in one cute package. Awesome deal!

#5: If you spend over $350 in one fiscal year you become a VIB for the rest of that year and the next year! What is VIB status? Very Important Beauty Status! First of all, you are given a 10% off your next purchase coupon, then around Xmas time you are given a 20% off coupon for one week to use however many times you want, then instead of getting a $15 Gift card you get a $20 one! And finally, you get tons of free deluxe samples and an even better birthday gift, invitations to special events, early access to products that have not-yet been released, exclusive gifts throughout the year and more!

So DO IT! And don't forget to enter our December Contest!

Ahhhh-Mazing!

Looking for something amazing to get your loved one for Xmas? Need a reward for all your hard work this year? Look no further!
I just came back from the most tranquil spa experience I have ever had!

Ashlee Kazenbroot at Sanctum Holistics Clinic & Education Centre helped me find my centre after a very hectic year. 

The appointment started with a few general questions about my skin, health, and what kind of treatment I wanted. I opted for a Swedish Massage complete with a Facial treatment. Throughout the interview, Ashlee's voice was so calming that I could immediately feel my muscles relaxing.

If you know me well, then you know how uptight I am and it is next to impossible to get me to relax for more than three minutes. However, every time I have a treatment with Ashlee I am quiet and calm within five minute and don't make a peep the entire time (FYI the treatment was approximately 2 hours). 

Ashlee was very professional throughout the entire treatment and spent lots of time on each part of my body--from my head, to my neck, back, legs, fingers, and toes. While candles flickered during my treatment, I could hear the wind blowing outside and I felt so peaceful and safe in her soothing treatment room. 

The Facial was remarkable. Ashlee started off by cleansing my face and applying a warm cloth on top in order to open my pores. During this time, she gave me a incredible arm and hand massages. After that, she applied a facial scrub, and again, as she let it set in, she bequeathed on me an amazing pressure-point upper-chest massage. To end it, she finished with a facial mask made specifically for my skin type and bestowed on me an invigorating yet gentle neck massage.

At no time did a squirm from discomfort--Ashlee has truly angelic hands. 

If this sounds like something you are interested in or know someone else who might be, check out Ashlee's Facebook group or visit the Sanctum website. Ashlee is happy to give out Gift Cards for those that may be interested. 

Her prices range from $45-$110. She specializes in Aromatherapy Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Thai Massage,  Swedish Massage, Hot & Cold Stone Massage (My Personal Favourite), Reflexology, Facials and Wraps & Exfoliation. 

Just got my nails done!

...And they look gorgeous!
The last time I got my nails done I was placed in a halogen lit room with a bunch of other ladies getting their nails done. The woman who was attending to me talked to her friend in the next booth the whole time! They weren't very gentle either and didn't seem to acknowledge my existence. But Alicia was NOTHING like that!
I had so much fun getting pampered by her! Alicia has just begun her new career as a nail artist and specializes in acrylic nails. On Sunday evening she invited me to her home and showed me to her 'office'.  It was so amazing to watch her build each nail out of powder and gel! When I first asked her to do my nails she asked me what colours I liked, and to my surprise, she had done up three personalized samples for me to choose from!
Alicia created every nail with care and attention to details. She was also great company and is a fantastic listener so don't hesitate to dish on your latest dramas! The only downside to the process is that it takes a long time to create acrylic nails so try not to make plans for right after! Her price list is as follows:
$30 - full set acrylics
$5 for extra glitter and nail art
$25 fill
$15 Nail removal
And from now until Jan.1 when you purchase a full set at regular price you receive your first fill 50% off!
To book your appointment call 250-508-3121 or contact her through her Facebook Group: Nails By Alicia.  She also has many photos available of previous work on her page so check it out!

December Contest Announcement!

Hey ladies! This contest is for our Facebook Fans!
Rules:
1. Suggest the Confessions of a Product Hoarder Fan Page to friends that might be interested.
2. Click 'Share' on the Fan Page
3. Post on the Fan Page to let me know you have entered and I will check to see if you have done (1) and (2).
Easy as Pie!
So... what is it that you will be winning? Here are the details:



ROC Hydra 3 in 1 (FULL SIZED 200mL)
ROC Retinol wrinkle filler (3mL)
Lise Watier Lift & Firm trial size 3 pck: Ultra Firming Eye Creme (5mL), Deep Remodeling Night Creme (5mL) and Ultra Firming Rejuvenating Creme (5mL)
Lise Watier Bio Protection Day Creme SPF 20
Neostrata Wrinkle Defense w/ .15% retinol and Vitamins C & E (1.5mL)
Clinique Compactable Travel Hairbrush
The Body Shop Cranberry Shimmer sample
Avene Cleanance Emulsion Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion (5mL)
Clinique Beauty Bag

The winner will be announced on January 1st and MULTIPLE CONTEST ENTRIES ARE ALLOWED up to once per week! So make sure to post on the Fan Page every time you have re-entered the contest by sharing the link on your facebook page! Good luck everyone! I hope to hear from you soon!

CUSP Clothing in Victoria BC...

CUSP
102-561 Johnson Street, 
Victoria, BC
250-381-8614

One of my favourite ways to feel beautiful and confident is to wear something that is uniquely mine, and CUSP is a great place to find that item. Yesterday I visited my friend Alyssa's gorgeous downtown boutique. The store is locally owned and operated by Alyssa and Nicole. The boutique has beautiful handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry and handbags made right here in Victoria! They also sell internationally renowned designers, such as LAMB by Gwen Stephani, Adriano Goldshmeid Jeans & Christopher Kon Handbags. Furthermore, they have an excellent selection of shoes, boots & heels by Dolce Vita, Miss Sixty, Fornarina & Sixty Seven. They have a lovely selection of coats, pants, shoes, tops and dresses but you must act fast and check back often because they only cary one item in a few sizes and then it's gone forever!

As soon as I entered the store I was overcome with the smell of Christmas- cider and cinnamon filled my nostrils and I was ready to shop. The two window displays at CUSP are stunning so check out my pictures below! Also, the artistry on the walls were decadent and the shop was nicely laid out with an upstairs and downstairs area.

The girls at CUSP are always happy to help you find just the right thing so don't be afraid to ask! The store is also conveniently open seven days a week. 


Currently, CUSP is apart of the Johnson Street Holiday Food Drive which continues on until December 29th. When you drop off a non-parashable item, you will be entered in a draw to win the Johnson Street Prize Pack worth over $1,000! So come down and show the love for Xmas!If you are interested in finding out more information, check out the CUSP website. 

Drum Roll Please......

So Today is December 1st and that means it's time to announce a winner!!
The November Contest Winner is......Elena!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered! Later today I will announce the ROC gift pack Contest for December!! So check back later to find out how to enter this amazing gift pack!
Have a wonderful day!