Spring 2019 Beauty Faves

The weather is finally turning (this week it's supposed to go as high as 17 °C!) and Spring is officially around the corner. What better time to review some of my current beauty faves, especially since they're all products that will be taking me into the new season?

My absolute superstar #1 fave that I used all Winter long is the StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light™ Retinol Night Oil. I first shared this back in October as part of my #LDBeauty recap and have been using it ever since. In short, it is AMAZING and I don't think I'll ever be able to live without it going forward. It's the only retinol that has made a significant difference in my skin texture, especially on my forehead and chin which are areas I've been trying to deal with for quite some time now. The oil feels super luxe and absorbs quickly.

To help my StriVectin retinol oil and other serums sink in, I've been using my Herbivore Rose Quartz Facial Roller. I was first introduced to the concept of facial rolling at Glow Dermal Therapy (I started getting professional facials in the lead-up to my wedding and continue going every so often for "maintenance" purposes), and I've noticed facial rolling seems to be all the rage right now. No surprise why... I just can't get enough of that cooling sensation!

I always apply sunscreen under my makeup but I've always struggled with the concept of re-applying throughout the day. Do I remove my makeup and do it all over again or do I put sunscreen on top of my makeup? Both options aren't great so I was super excited when I discovered this Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with SPF 50. You can spritz it over your makeup to refresh your UV protection and it doesn't mess up anything. I take this on all my trips and it was so useful on my recent trip to Kauai.

To maintain my post-Hawaii glow, I've been spritzing on St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist. The naturally derived DHA tans your face in a very subtle way and the tropical scent is incredibly refreshing.

Keeping on that tropical note, I've also thrown out all my other deodorants and am exclusively using Kopari Coconut Oil Deodorant. It's aluminum-free, vegan, and paraben-free, and it smells soooo good. I love everything coconut so this is right up my alley.

Last but not least, Slip Silk Scrunchies (I prefer the skinny version since I don't have a ton of hair) Made from pure silk, they've been saving my hair from breakage and creasing. I often wear a high ponytail for the gym and they actually keep it up instead of slipping too, which I thought was  kind of surprising since they are made of silk which is a slippery fabric.

Revlonissimo Color Sublime: Ammonia-Free Hair Colour in Three Stimulating Scents

My hair had been in dire need of a touch-up so it was most fortuitous that I was offered an appointment to try the new Revlonissimo Color Sublime a few weeks ago. A salon-exclusive treatment, this line of Revlon Professional hair colour is ammonia-free and offers something never-before-seen (or smelled): customizable fragrance!

Getting my hair done is always a bit of a treat... the head massage, the blowdry... it's an experience that you really want to indulge in. With Color Sublime, you can choose from three different fragrances, depending on how you're feeling. Sunset Mood is a tropical affair with notes of orange, mandarin, peach, apricot, rose, and musk. Sweet Gourmet is reminiscent of baked goods with notes of lily, jasmine, chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla, and musk. Finally, Zen Moment transports you to the spa with notes of orange, lemon, rosemary, clove, tangerine, lily, freesia, wood, and musk.

For my colour session, I chose Sweet Gourmet because I felt like something homey and comforting. Plus, I might have been a bit hungry since it smelled exactly like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Yum!! It was nice to breathe it in and not have to worry about huffing damaging fumes. Since Color Sublime is ammonia-free, you're also getting a treatment that is more gentle on your hair but still rich and vibrant. The line is available in 51 shades and can lighten up to 3 levels.

I personally have been going darker these days (especially after my time as a blonde) and was super happy with how rich my colour turned out. My hair also felt incredibly soft and it was fun to have that added bonus of a special fragrance chosen by me (note: the fragrance is present during the treatment but not really once it's washed and conditioned for obvious reasons).

Thank you to Revlon Professional and Pink Lime Salon & Spa in Yaletown for this fun experience!

Noughty To The Rescue Haircare

If you're battling dry and frizzy hair, a new British brand is coming to your rescue with a vegetarian and vegan-friendly formula that's free of silicones, sulphates, petrochemicals, and parabens. And it just so happens to be a little bit "noughty"... ;)

Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated with sweet almond oil and sunflower seed extracts to feed thirsty hair and repair split ends.  For some extra TLC, there's also the Intensive Care Leave-In Conditioner, which contains shea butter and argan oil. All three products have a nice natural fragrance that are sure to leave your hair feeling fresh and clean. As a bonus, the packaging is really sleek with its easy-to-squeeze tubes that will look great in your summer (I'm sure I'm not the only one who cares about cute products being visible).

I personally don't have dry hair so this isn't the right set for me but the brand has a range of different lines to address other haircare woes, such as Wave Hello for curly hair and Rise & Shine for everyday shine. Plus, each bottle is only $12.99 CAD at London Drugs, which is a steal for such high quality haircare that's 97% natural to boot!

The Perfect Texturized Ponytail with MoroccanOil and Hair Slinky by La Vita Glam

Since my hair is so fine and straight (seeing it in its natural state is a rare occurrence), if I want to wear my hair up (another rare occurrence), creating a ton of texture is key. Without it, all I've got is a very sad looking ponytail. It was thus rather fortuitous that I was sent some products from MoroccanOil a few months back, which allowed me to come up with this routine for the perfect texturized ponytail.

After showering, I dispense a golf ball sized amount of the MoroccanOil Beach Wave Mousse, concentrating from mid-length down to the ends. You can let your hair air dry if you've got the time but to speed things up, I blow dry with my diffuser attachment on. Since my hair is so slippery, this mousse adds a good amount of texture without feeling gritty (though you can definitely feel that there's some sort of product in it).

To create a bit more volume, I like to add some random curls with my ghd 1" styler. Next, I use the MoroccanOil Dry Texture Spray, lifting my hair at the roots and spritzing. I like this spray because it definitely adds texture but doesn't seem to leave a lot of product buildup like the mousse.

Finally, for a more piecey look, I rub a little bit of MoroccanOil Texture Clay on my hair ends. I think this clay is probably intended for shorter hair styles as it's considered a unisex product but it works for this purpose as well.

To secure my hair up these days I have been using the Hair Slinky by La Vita Glam. These probably look familiar to you as I'm pretty sure I've seen key chains that look like this. However, you can also use them for your hair! The company claims they're creaseless and won't cause breakage when you pull them out. Plus, the bigger ones can double as bracelets which is kind of fun.

I like the idea of the Hair Slinky but don't love how visible they can look when they're in your hair -- just my personal preference. As such, I've been opting for the smaller sized ones since they're not as noticeable when worn (I'm wearing the small brown one in the picture below). Another pro tip: if your Hair Slinky stretches out, which is inevitable, you can drop it in a cup of hot water and it will shrink back down. Apparently blow drying works the same too.

Klorane Tinted Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

Now that I'm a brunette again, I've had to revamp my typical haircare routine (my guide for blonde hair sadly no longer applies). That's why the new Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Natural Shade could not have come out at a better time!

I have used Klorane's original Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk in the past but it was a major fail for me. Since it was white, like most traditional dry shampoos, I found it made my hair look dull and there would be flakey residue around my scalp after brushing that looked absolutely terrible. This was disappointing because I know many people love Klorane... not to mention the fact that it's also lauded as "the original dry shampoo" since founder Pierre Fabre first introduced the product to the market 40 years ago.

Klorane's dry shampoo features a unique plant-based formula that is aimed at guaranteeing the maximum absorbing power. The new Natural Shade is specifically targeted for light to dark brown hair. The powder is tinted a light brown (or as Klorane describes it, a "nude") and although it doesn't have any colouring action, it is able to blend better into darker hair without the white cast.

Overall, I'm glad to finally have a version of Klorane that works for my hair. It does the job of absorbing oil pretty well and is a good basic dry shampoo for non-hair wash days, but it doesn't give me the volume I get from my HG (Batiste XXL Volume). I also found that it created a lot of product buildup in my hair that I was only able to get out with a clarifying shampoo. This is often the case when I'm using a lot of styling products anyway so I'm not sure if the buildup is necessarily unique to Klorane; however, it is definitely something to keep in mind if you've got hair like mine.

Bye Bye Blondie

So, as you can probably tell from these pictures, I did something kind of drastic... I dyed my hair. My blonde journey started a few years ago and was fun while it lasted but I had been itching for a change. Finally, I just decided to go for it! Dark hair has taken a lot of getting used to (I was in colour shock for a good week or so after), especially since this is the darkest my hair has been in like 10 years. Even pre-blonde, my hair was more of a lighter brown (here's a fun throwback). But the good thing about hair is that it grows out and can be changed easily so I'm totally just going to embrace this new look -- as weird as it feels to be brunette again.

Top: Club Monaco (here) / Leather Jacket: Mackage (similar)

Jeans: Frame (different wash) / Booties: Vince

Orofluido Asia - The Zen Beauty Ritual

Since it's apparently hair care week on the blog, I thought I'd share some thoughts on a higher end alternative to Monday's drugstore finds: Orofluido, a completely new-to-me brand -- in large part due to the fact that it's a salon-exclusive (and clearly not been carried in any of the salons I've ever frequented). However, being a professional brand under the Revlon company's umbrella, it does carry a certain sense of familiarity.

Orofluido Asia is a new line of 4 products (Zen Control Shampoo, Zen Control Conditioner, Zen Control Elixir, and Zen Control Mask) making up the Zen Beauty Ritual, a system designed to combat frizz-prone hair. It's based around three key ingredients sourced directly from Asia: tsubaki (camellia) oil for frizz control, bamboo extract to improve elasticity, and rice oil to nourish and smooth.

When I first opened my Zen Beauty Ritual Kit, I admit I was a little underwhelmed. I can't decide if I like the packaging (the flowers are kind of pretty) or find it tacky (the font used for "Asia" is as stereotypical as you can get). Save for the Elixir, which comes in a nice glass bottle, everything else is a very lightweight and kind of cheap feeling plastic.

Packaging issues aside, what about the actual product? Well, firstly, I don't think I am the target demographic for this line. Although it can be used for all hair types, it is specially formulated for women with dry, coarse, and brittle hair. This is not me. My hair is super fine, stick straight with no frizz, and prone to greasiness. Nonetheless, I put the Zen Beauty Ritual to the test anyway to see how it would work.

Immediately after use, I will say I was very impressed. The products smell amazing (a combination of camellia and subtle fruity notes), and my hair felt even smoother than normal. I can see how this system would be great for those with really dry and damaged hair. Unfortunately, the initial smoothing effects did not carry over into the next day for me, as I woke up with my hair feeling extra heavy and my roots getting greasier as the day wore on.

The thing with hair care, as with any beauty regime, is that it must be tailored to suit your individual needs. Orofluido Asia is definitely not the right fit for my hair type but it would probably be great for its intended market -- "women with dry, coarse, brittle hair who suffer from frizz particularly in humid conditions."

Garnier Whole Blends

Earlier this year, I noticed my local Shoppers Drug Mart had set up a giant display for the Garnier Whole Blends line of haircare and, of course, I couldn't help but wander over to take a look. After all, whose interest wouldn't be piqued by combinations like Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk, Green Apple & Green Tea, or Avocado Oil & Shea Butter? Lucky for me, I was sent a few of the blends to try for myself!

The concept behind this new (and very affordable -- MSRP is $5.99) line is a selection of natural blends targeted to different haircare concerns that are paraben-free and with "gentle & effective sulfates". Now, I'm aware that some people don't like to use sulfates, especially because they tend to strip colour from dyed hair. This is always a concern for me since mine is bleached but since I have been alternating my Whole Blends products with purple shampoo and conditioner, I personally haven't seen any negative effects.

The Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter blend will appeal to any coconut lovers (that would be me!). Infused with South Pacific Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter sourced from West Africa, this blend smoothes hair and controls frizz. I have also been loving Honey Treasures, which combines nourishing Honey, revitalizing Royal Jelly, and protecting Propolis to strengthen and heal damaged hair. This is a good one if your hair is prone to breakage and it also smells delicious.

And now for a somewhat random thought: I do find the packaging on these kind of funny; almost retro in shape and design like they're from the 1970s. Of course, I have no idea what shampoo and conditioner bottles actually looked like in the '70s but tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this! Or, maybe I'm just biased because of the colour combination of brown and yellow from the two blends I have been testing out...

The Knot Dr. PhD Hybrid Styler

Some of you may recall my "battle of the hairbrushes" post from back in the summer where The Wet Brush emerged victorious. Well, there's a new (to me) hair brush in town... The PhD Hybrid Styler from The Knot Dr. and I really like it!

Designed by a professional stylist, The Knot Dr. brushes are made for both salon and personal use and can be used on wet or dry hair. The bristle tips are smooth and rounded so they massage your scalp without poking, and all the components are heat-resistant if you're using your brush with some sort of styling tool.

The company kindly set over The PhD Hybrid Styler for me to try out and the first thing that stood out was the cool and thoughtful packaging --  it comes in a slide-out box that's colour-coordinated with the brush inside. I'm a sucker for packaging and if you're like me, then this is almost enough to warrant a purchase. But, of course, what about the actual quality of the hairbrush?

Well, after testing it out on some incredibly knotted hair (both wet and dry), I can say that it really does work to detangle without pulling. The brush itself is super light and feels really nice to hold (the handles are ergonomically designed). I also like the slim profile a lot since it takes up less space if you want to throw it in your handbag.

And for those of you who like a little oomph in your basic brush, there are a few stylish colour combinations available. Mine is the Ebony Sharkskin which features a rubberized matte black body and teal brush base/tips.

Grey Hair + New MAKE UP FOR EVER Releases (Ultra HD Foundation & Pro Bronze Fusion)

First things first -- surprise, I have grey hair! I have been trying to achieve this silver/grey look for a while now (you may recall my most recent attempt), and I'm so happy my stylist and I were finally able to reach my "goal" hair. Unfortunately, silver/grey hair is incredibly difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to maintain (you need to tone it every couple weeks, be careful about over-washing, etc.) so this will sadly be a short-lived look for me. 

Secondly, MAKE UP FOR EVER has been killing it with their releases this year so I wanted to put together an entire look featuring their products, including some exciting new ones. 

In particular, the new Ultra HD Foundation is the company's latest innovation and an update to their iconic HD Foundation. The formula is meant to be so seamless it can't be detected by cameras, many of which are starting to feature new 4K technology for extreme detail and clarity. The foundation comes in a staggering 40 shades but even if you're a bit off in picking the right shade for your skin tone, they  do blend really well. I find the consistency much more watery than I am used to and the coverage is sheer to medium with a finish that is neither dewy not matte. If you like lightweight foundations, this is a great option but I don't think this will be an everyday foundation for me as I have oily skin and prefer a heavier matte look. If your skin tends to get oily, this also doesn't have any mattifying properties (although it is oil-free). I personally like to wear MUFE's Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer underneath, which is currently my go-to primer.

To add some colour to this makeup look, I applied a blend of Pro Bronze Fusion, MUFE's new bronzer line, in Sand (20M) and Cinnamon (25I). This bronzer has a unique gel-powder formulation and a wavy surface pattern specially designed for optimal powder pick-up. I typically use a MAC 187 Duo Fibre brush to apply my blush and bronzer but that won't work for this product since it's not a dry powder. Instead, a dense kabuki brush like the 136 Pro Bronze Kabuki Brush is perfect for picking up and depositing colour precisely.

I wanted to add a bit of drama to my eyes so I opted for a layered cat eye featuring the Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadows in Diamond Light Turquoise (D-21) and Matte Black (M-11). The sharp points make it easy to get a precise line and I love that there is a built-in sharpener in the bottom of the pencil. These shadows are incredibly pigmented and don't budge at all. They were actually a bit difficult to remove but thankfully nothing a little cleansing oil can't help with.

On my lips, I'm wearing the Aquarouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color in Cool Candy Pink (21). I usually don't like long-wearing stain/balm combos but this product is definitely an exception. The pink colour is applied with a doe-foot applicator and it didn't feel tight as it dried like a lot of other similar products I've tried. The best part, however, is the clear gloss that goes on top. It's super shiny and not sticky at all, making for a really comfortable wear. I wore this lip all day and it held up really well so I was very impressed.

John Frieda Beach Blonde

Apparently it's throwback week here on the blog (what up, Hard Candy) because today's post is all about the relaunch of the John Frieda Beach Blonde Collection. Some of you may remember Ocean Waves, a cult classic salt spray that was discontinued years ago. After it was discontinued, bottles were selling on eBay for upwards of $100 and many fans petitioned the brand to bring the spray back. Well, John Frieda listened and they've brought back a newly reformulated version of the spray, plus 3 additional products to keep your hair looking beachy all year long.

Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo ($10.99 CAD) is a lightweight shampoo infused with mint and seaweed extracts. The mint helps to clarify hair by removing dirt and excess products while the seaweed formula adds a bit of texture, prepping your hair for a tousled look. I love the smell and don't find this shampoo harsh on my bleached hair. However, I don't use it everyday as you know I alternate with purple shampoo/conditioner.

Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner ($10.99 CAD) is the companion conditioner to the Cool Dip Shampoo. It has the same minty fresh scent and is infused with omega-rich Kukui Oil to nourish hair and refresh the scalp.

Beach Blonde Kelp Help Deep Conditioning Masque ($10.99 CAD) has been my savior deep conditioning treatment, especially as my hair has taken quite a beating due to many rounds of bleach. It's formulated with a blend of Sea Kelp and Monoi Oil which are supposed to quench damaged hair fibres from root to tip for silky-suppleness and healthy-looking shine. I use it on the ends of my hair a few times a week in place of the Smooth Seas Conditioner.

And last but not least, the product return that everyone has been looking forward to: Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray ($10.99 CAD). It has a bit of a different name now but the essence of the spray is the same... especially the iconic coconut scent which never fails to remind me of summer. I have tried a lot of salt sprays (just a few examples here, here, and here) and I do really like this one. It adds some nice texture and doesn't leave hair feeling matted plus I am obsessed with this fragrance. I could seriously just bathe myself in it...

P.S. Don't let the name confuse you --  you definitely don't need to be a blonde to use these products!

The Wet Brush vs. Tangle Teezer

It may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you but up until quite recently, I didn't own a hair brush. That doesn't mean I let my hair run wild & free, of course. But since it's naturally fine and straight, I could get by easily with a wide-toothed comb and nothing else. After many rounds of bleach, however, my hair is now more prone to tangling and knots so when Nail Polish Canada asked me to compare two brush lines that they sell (for those not familiar with NPC, they sell a lot more than nail polish!), their request could not have come at a better time.

The Wet Brush versus the Tangle Teezer... which one came out victorious in this battle of hair brushes?

For me, the answer is hands-down, The Wet Brush!

The Wet Brush looks like a standard hair brush with a long handle, round brush head, and a padded base. What differs from a standard hair brush are its IntelliFlex Bristles which are thin and flexible so when you run the brush through your hair they don't pull or get stuck. They also feature rounded ultra soft poly tips, what the company calls SofTips, that don't poke against the scalp. The Wet Brush can be used on both wet and dry hair without causing any damage, and I have been using it when I get out of the shower as well as after styling to brush out my curls and create softer waves.

As for the Tangle Teezer, I had heard about it ages ago and have always wanted one. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The small plastic brush is designed to ergonomically fit into the palm of your hand, which it does perfectly. The bristles are staggered between long and short for "dual action" but they do not have tips. Instead they are very pointy and kind of sharp which does not feel so great against the scalp, especially in comparison to The Wet Brush. Despite this fact, the Tangle Teezer does do what it says -- it detangles without getting stuck and I do really like the unique design.

I think if I had not tried The Wet Brush, I would have thought the Tangle Teezer was fine but there is definitely a marked difference in the way the two brushes feel. Nonetheless, the Tangle Teezer is a great travel companion (I keep mine in my purse for on-the-go brushing) whereas The Wet Brush has now become an at-home staple.

Futuristic FOTD: Estée Lauder x Courrèges

I'm back in Vancouver after a super fun week in California and I can't wait to share some pictures from my trip. If you follow me on Instagram, you will have gotten a sneak peek at some highlights... and you may have also seen that I now have silver hair! Sort of, anyway (it's just toner). Before it washes out, I thought it would be perfect to put together a kind of space-inspired FOTD based on the Estée Lauder x Courrèges Collection. Design legend André Courrèges is, after all, know for his futuristic designs and the products really pay homage to this legacy.

The main part of this look is obviously the eyes. I used MAC Pro Longwear Paintpot in Layin' Low as a base before layering on Estée Lauder Eye Amplifier in Black Silver. This eyeshadow comes in fun white bubbly packaging and is super shimmery (but not glittery, if that makes sense). Next, I blended MAC Eyeshadow in Bouffant from the MAC is Beauty Collection into the crease and onto my brow bone for a highlight. The pièce de résistance was, of course, the Estée Lauder Ultra White Eyeliner. This liner is super opaque but also a little difficult to work with. However, there's no denying that it does look very cool. I actually thought it made me look like an anime character! To complete the eyes I then layered on two mascaras: AVON AeroVolume with my HG Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost.

On my face, I started with MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer. This new line of ten primers allows you to combine primers targeted towards your skin's texture and tone to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. I used Redness Corrector + Mattifying which is the perfect combination for me. Next, I used Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup and set it with Estée Lauder Perfecting Loose Powder (this stuff is super lightweight and gives a really flawless effect). To highlight, I applied MAC Cream Colour Base in Summer Wind from the MAC x Mia Moretti Collection onto my cheekbones. I don't have the highlighter from the Courrèges Collection but this one seems like a pretty good dupe. For hint of light pink cheeks, I topped them off with a sweep of colour from Marcelle Quad Blush in Ultimate Pinks.

Keeping with the 60's mod Space Age theme, I didn't want to go with too bold of a lip. Instead, I used MAC Creme Cup (not pictured above because I forgot it... apparently that's what happens when you're using so many products!)

Even Blonder thanks to Hype Hair Studio

In my last hair update, I mentioned that I wanted to go even blonder on my next salon visit so I couldn't believe my luck when the kind people at Hype Hair Studio offered to help me make this "dream" a reality. A sunny Saturday later, off I headed to their salon, conveniently located in my neighbourhood of Kitsilano (and also a block away from one of my favourite brunch places, The Oakwood Canadian Bistro... yum).

When I arrived, I met JP who was my stylist for the day. She made me feel immediately at ease and we got to work discussing the plan for my hair. I had a very specific idea in mind of what I wanted to do: bring the blonde up  higher since my hair has been growing out and get the tips as white as possible. JP understood what I was looking for and did what she could to achieve this. In the end, my tips were exactly the white blonde I wanted. However, because we had to bleach my natural hair colour closer to the roots, it turned out more golden at the top since dark hair carries red/orange undertones. While this adds dimension since there's a colour gradation I know another session will be necessary to fix the brassiness and get it to the more ashy tone I prefer (side note: I have actually been debating going back to brunette so whether or not this happens remains to be seen).

Since embarking on my blonde journey I've gotten used to how long the entire process takes (about 3 hours) because it requires bleach and toner, plus the cut and style. Thankfully JP was easy to talk to and I was also provided with magazines and drinks while I waited for the colour to set.

For the cut, I didn't want to lose too much hair so I just got a simple trim into a long bob. I'm finding my hair looks better curled than straight right now (unfortunately this is not so good for late mornings when I don't have time to style my hair) but JP was kind enough to give me some styling tips, even letting me practise with her flat iron.

Hype Hair Studio recently won Gold in Westender's Best of the City readers choice survey for the third year in a row, which doesn't surprise me one bit. The salon space is very warm and inviting with lots of windows and natural light, and all the stylists seemed highly skilled (while I was there, I witnessed a whole range of services going on around me from colour, cuts, and styling to even a perm). It's definitely a good place to check out if you're looking to get your hair done in Vancouver!

Hair Picks from COLAB, LUSH, and Phyto Paris

Although my everyday hair care routine has remained fairly regimented since I lightened it (see my guide to caring for blonde hair), a number of other hair products have been sent my way these past few months that I've also been experimenting with. Here are my thoughts on a few of them...

With my colour treated hair, I've been trying not to wash it too frequently in order to avoid fading and brassiness. That's where dry shampoo comes in! As you may already know, I typically use Batiste but lately have been testing out British brand COLAB from model and beauty blogger Ruth Crilly.

In Canada, we now have access to two high fashion-inspired fragrances from the COLAB collection, available online and in select retailers (including London Drugs). London is a mix of bergamot, musk, and magnolia but smells overly perfume-y to me. I personally prefer Rio, which is fruity and tropical (think Escada's popular summer fragrances). The Sheer Invisible line features a fine transparent formula to work for all hair colours. My fellow brunettes know that there's nothing worse than looking like you've rubbed your roots with white powder, am I right? The product is nice for keeping greasy hair at bay though if you're looking for volume I would not recommend it. COLAB does, however, also have an Extreme Volume line, which is likely better for that added oomph.

For the eco-conscious among us, LUSH Cosmetics recently launched six new shampoo bars: packaging-free solid shampoo that you just add water to use. I have used Seanik before but I found it drying so it wasn't a good fit for my hair type. Thankfully I decided to give these another go because it turns out I love Honey I Washed My Hair. Featuring the super popular honey-toffee scent from the Honey I Washed The Kids soap, this shampoo bar is such a treat. I have been alternating it with my purple shampoo days so I bet this one little puck will last me ages as it can be used up to 80 times.

To add moisture back to my dry ends, I have been using the Phyto Paris Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray. The spray contains botanical keratin and hyaluronic acid to repair, while a heat-activated extract of yun zhi provides protection for heat styling. It's a bit like a leave-in conditioner and leaves my hair feeling really nice.

Another Phyto Paris product I like is the Botanical Scalp Treatment. It's a pre-shampoo treatment that you apply and leave on for 20 minutes before washing your hair and helps balance the scalp. I find that I especially need something like this during the colder months and the blend of essential oils (cajeput, lemon, rosemary, sage, and cypress) is very refreshing.

Velvet Kimono (& New Blonder Hair)

I debuted my new hair on Instagram a few weeks ago and it's finally making its appearance on the blog (I had a backlog of pictures to post first). I am loving the lighter and more ashy balayage and will hopefully make it to white blonde on my next salon visit! Also super obsessed with this long velvet kimono. Long time readers know what a huge fan of I am of kimonos and wraps (see just a few examples here, here, and  here) so this one kind of had to come home with me.

Velvet Kimono: Zara (here) / Silk Tank: Club Monaco (here)

Pants: Babaton (Aritzia) / Booties: Topshop (similar)

Purse: Proenza Schouler (here)

Warm Vests:Leather Tunic Parka 

Holiday Rose Gold FOTD

It's been ages since I've done a FOTD, so I figured now was as good a time as any since we're right in the middle of holiday party season. I adore rose gold (see my review of Urban Decay's Naked3 Palette, a perennial rose gold favourite) so I decided to use this lovely shade as inspiration for this look.

I first started off with Marcelle Ideal Skin Perfector, which is supposed to be used prior to moisturizer (the company touts it as being to skin care what BB cream is to makeup). Next, I applied MAC Prep + Prime in Natural Radiance for an overall glow.

On my face, I am wearing L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation in Natural Buff, a new long-wearing oil-resistant foundation. For some subtle shimmer, I used the YSL Touche Éclat in Rose Gold (which you might remember seeing on my Instagram a few months ago) topped off with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose as a blush.

I wanted a very soft light pink for my eyes so I started with Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow Pencil in Satin Glam as a base. Next, I applied the pink shade in the Lise Watier Quatuor Féline, which was a limited edition Fall 2014 palette, all over my lids and added the champagne colour under my brows as a highlight. For some extra glam, I am wearing ESQIDO mink lashes in Unforgettable with NYX Two Timer Liner in Jet Black. I have reviewed ESQIDO lashes before and they remain my favourite false lashes as they are super comfortable to wear and look so pretty on.

Since this makeup look is not overtly showy, I think the statement lip really pulls it together. This is Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Confident, a richly pigmented berry fuschia.

Phew -- that was a lot of products! To keep all my hard work intact, I spritzed on the new L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray & Set Makeup Extender, which is the company's first makeup setting spray for the mass market. It's a lot like the Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Sprays except more easily accessible since you can find it at your local drugmart.

And while we're at it, I might as well show my winter nails too... this is an alternating mani featuring Avon Gel Finish Nail Polish in Alaska and Iceberg White. I love the Gel Finish line (the formula applies like a dream and is very glossy), and you can't go wrong with either of these colours. 

P.S. Be sure to check out my post on this week's FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel for more pictures of my holiday hair from this look -- an easy braided headband!

Caring For Dyed Blonde Hair

Since going blonde, maintaining my new hair colour has been a top priority so I thought I'd share some of the products I've been using lately.

I was especially excited to find the UK brand Pro:Voke Touch of Silver at my local London Drugs when I went on the hunt for a purple toning shampoo. The star of the line, Touch of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo, deposits violet colour pigments on the hair to neutralize brassiness (it's basically a temporary hair dye) and really does leave my hair noticeably brighter and blonder. However, because overuse can result in a weird purple tinge, I've been alternating with the Daily Maintenance Shampoo to prevent fading/dullness and the Intensive Treatment Conditioner to help add moisture back into my bleached hair.

Every few weeks, I apply the Fekkai Technician Color Care Luxe Color Masque (also available at London Drugs). As the masque is very rich, I concentrate on the ends of my hair to avoid weighed down/greasy roots and leave the product on for 3 minutes before rinsing.

Styling-wise, I have still been doing my typical waves most days. To add volume, I spray on OSiS+ Volume Up and set my curls with OSiS+ Session Extreme Hold Hairspray. This hairspray is awesome because it doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy and the formula protects against harmful UV rays, which can wreak havoc on colour-treated hair.

When I'm going for a straight look, the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brightening Oil Elixir adds some much-needed shine while also acting as a heat protectant. This product was recommended to me by John Frieda's new Stylist Selections Tool, which I had the opportunity to play with at an event last week. If you're confused about what products you should be using, give the tool a try -- it custom recommends a product combination to take you from shampoo/conditioner all the way to styling.

Blonde Ambitions

If you follow my Instagram, you may have seen that I recently underwent a bit of a hair transformation. Thanks to Celine at Hair Matters for getting me the blonde balayage I was looking for! She's definitely worth a trip to the Sunshine Coast (and yes, I did take a ferry just to get my hair done).

Tank: Club Monaco (here) / Pants: Talula (Aritzia) / Belt: Moschino (here)
Shoes: Prada (here) / Ring: Front & Company / iPhone Case: Lindiess
Nails: MAC Cosmetics in Girl Trouble

OSiS+ Wax Dust

Think about this concept for a second: a hair wax that is actually a powder. Whaaaaatttt? Ever the innovators in all things hair, Schwarzkopf Professional recently launched OSiS+ Wax Dust ($23.50 CAD), a new product that is kind of incredible.

Like the popular Dust It, Wax Dust comes in a small 15 g shaker bottle. However, the powder inside is formulated to transform into a light creamy wax consistency in the palms of your hands. This means you get all the benefits of a wax while maintaining a dry, texturized style that's remouldable and without the heavy buildup.

To use it, I typically sprinkle a small amount of powder directly onto my hair and use my hands to work the product through, twisting strands to create texture as I go. It's important not to use too much product as it can get a little sticky -- particularly at the roots if your hair tends to get greasy. Wax Dust also has no discernible scent and blends in easily despite being white in colour so you don't need to worry if you've got dark hair like me!