Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Tonic

Purchase: Aprox $34 @ Sephora

Formulated with plant and citrus extracts, this facial tonic is meant to make your skill feel immediately awakened. It is a non-drying yet gentle astringent which can be used as a quick, one step, cleaner.

I have to say, this stuff stinks! I really did not like the smell of it at all and would never purchase it again just because of the odour. Also, I don't agree that this is a 'one step' cleanser because when I used it I had to put on a lot in order for it to really work in to skin and remove any excess makeup.

Also, the price is just not right if you ask me and it isn't even organic or all natural even though it is made from plant extracts!

Here is what I learned: Make sure to smell all products before you purchase as some have a surprising odour to them! Just like hair products, always sample the smell, or even better, sample the product, before purchasing.

Korres Abyssinia oil mascara volumizing/strengthening

Purchase: Aprox $23 @ Sephora
Separating: 10 out of 10
Volumizing: 8 out of 10

This stuff really grew on me. I received it as a sample size and have been using it for longer than the recommended 3 months (not every day, of course) and like it promotes on the label, it still hasn't gotten clumpy! Imagine that! If you are looking for volume and separation, this is definitely for you. It comes in a range of colours as well so you have your pick! I have been using it in dark brown and I really like the way my lashes look. However, I don't think this is the best volumizing mascara so if you have thin, weak lashes, I would look for something else.  Also, it is really pricey so I wouldn't really recommend purchasing it unless you have tried out out before and really like it OR you have that kind of money to spend!

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!

Badgal Lash a Bad Lash Enhancer?

Benefit BADgal Lash

Purchase: Sephora

Price: $9-19

Volumizing effect: 7 out of 10

Separating effect: 9 out of 10


At first try I really liked this stuff. It separated my lashes and made them look fairly thick. The brush is very big and so it is hard to miss a lash with this thing. However, the volumizing effect was lost quickly and after the 5-8th time I used it I only noticed a lot of separation. Also, I didn't feel like very much product was going on (which is a good thing for those of you who are SICK of clumply lashes). I suggest trying the trial sized one (the $9 one that I have) and seeing if you like the effect before spending the big bucks.

Sephora Collection Double Ended Smokey Eye Brush

Purchase: $22 @ Sephora
Product Rating: 6.5 out of 10

There is nothing special about this brush. It is a good value brush because it has two different brushes on each end. However, the rounded end of the brush is quite stiff and I find that it turns my lid pink and makes it sore the next day. I don't have overly sensitive lids but this one definitely makes it sensitive. The rounded brush isn't really that necessary for blending. You can find much softer and better brushes, for instance, the M.A.C. 217 brush or the Lise Watier rounded brush (Review to come). If you are looking to save money then this might be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for quality there are other options out there. I suggest using a Q-Tip to smudge your eyeshadow to make a smokey eye, or even your finger, instead of this stiff, bristly brush.

SEPHORA IS HERE!

Hi everyone!
Sorry it's been so long since my last review but I have something exciting to tell you all... Sephora is at Mayfair Mall! So make sure to join their insider club and you will get E-mails telling you about new, exciting products AND free gifts! It's awesome!

Today's review:

Vichy Dermablend Skin Concealer

Concealing power: 7 out of 10
Price: $25 @ London Drugs

This is a liquid concealer and works great under the eye area. I use #01 and it has a bit of a yellowish tone to it which makes it perfect to counter-act the blue/purple that comes out under the eye area. However, it is hard to use over blemishes because it brings out the flakiness that may occur from using acne-fighting cleansers and products. Also, this stuff is expensive so I'm sure there is something, just as good, out there for undereye correction for cheaper but I do suggest giving it a try out if you haven't already. The other negative is that LD seems to always be out of the #01 (the lightest colour) so if you are fair like me, it might be difficult to colour match.