Softlips LUXE (& GIVEAWAY!) {CLOSED}

Last year, I introduced you to the Softlips CUBE and this year, I'm excited to share an exciting new product from Mentholatum... the Softlips LUXE Lip Moisturizers.

Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut

Playing off the CUBE's packaging, the LUXE Lip Moisturizers are housed in a sleek glass-like tube (it's actually plastic though). The product twists up and features a precision applicator similar to a lipstick.

The formula is similar to the CUBE as well, with Softlips 5 in 1 Lip Perfecting Technology that hydrates, replenishes, smoothes, protects & adds shine. The scents for Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut are rather subtle, which makes them perfect for use alone as a lip balm or as a base before applying lipstick.

WANT TO WIN A SOFTLIPS LUXE PRIZE PACK?

The kind folks at Mentholatum Canada are offering a great prize pack valued at $50 to one of my lucky readers. It includes: a Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Creamy Coconut, a Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Silky Shea, a Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Fresh Mint, a Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer in Peach Mango, a purse mirror, and a cosmetic bag.

Giveaway is open to Canadians only and closes December 10. Enter below for multiple chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Win a Festival Survival Kit! {CLOSED}

This post was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Inc.

Here in BC, festival season is well underway, what with the Pemberton Music Festival that just passed and the Squamish Valley Music Festival happening next week. Since camping and being outdoors is all part of fun, it's important to be fully prepared so you can spend your time enjoying the entertainment rather than worrying unnecessarily. That's where this Festival Survival Kit comes in!

If you're attending an outdoor event or music festival, you probably already bring along items like AVEENO® sunscreen and waterproof bandages from BAND-AID® Brand. However, there are lots of other products that can enhance your experience by keeping you clean, refreshed, and protected throughout the day(s). For example, LISTERINE® Pocket Paks when you want to prolong your enjoyment of the music instead of trying to find somewhere to brush your teeth, or BENADRYL® Itch Stick for relief from mosquito bites.

Thanks to Johnson & Johnson Inc., I'm excited to be able to offer one Festival Survival Kit (worth over $200) to a lucky reader. The winner will receive:

• AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
• AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion Sheer Hydration
• AVEENO® Sun Protect & Hydrate 30 SPF
• AVEENO® Positively Radiant Face Wash (Cleanser)
• AVEENO® Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector
• AVEENO® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
• AVEENO® Positively Nourishing Shampoo
• AVEENO® Positively Nourishing Conditioner
• BAND-AID® Brand Waterproof Tough-Strips
• BENADRYL® Bug Bite Relief Itch Stick
• CLEAN & CLEAR® Oil Absorbing Sheets
• CLEAN & CLEAR® Night Relaxing All-in-One Cleansing Wipes
• LISTERINE® Pocket Paks
• LISTERINE® Total Care Whitening Easy Sliding Floss
• POLYSPORIN® Complete
• POLYSPORIN® Assorted Blister Pads
• POLYSPORIN® Cracked Heel Cream
• POLYSPORIN® Poly To Go
• POLYSPORIN® Pain and Itch Relief

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Contest is open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be required to provide their contact information, sign a release, answer 3 questions related to Johnson & Johnson Inc. products, and answer a mathematical skill-testing question in order to receive their prize.

Like A Cat

I've been doing quite a bit of experimentation with sunglasses recently, from different styles to materials, and it's been especially easy thanks to e-tailers like Polette Eyewear. Last Fall, you may remember I tried out some of their round frames and this summer I've been wearing the Duffin Sunglasses. Admittedly, these are more unconventional than I'm used to, given their cat-like shape, but that's all part of the fun. Plus, they are lightweight and the gold complements summer tanned skin perfectly.

P.S. The lovely people at Polette are offering one of my readers a pair of sunglasses of their choice. Scroll down for all the details on how to enter the giveaway!

Crop Top: Wilfred Free (Aritzia) (in different colours) / Skirt: Topshop (similar)
Sandals: Gravitypope / Bag: Chanel / Sunglasses: Polette (c/o)

... Want to win a pair of Polette sunglasses for yourself? 

All you have to do is follow Polette on Instagram and Twitter, and like them on Facebook. Then leave a comment here with a link to the sunglasses you'd pick from the Polette website if you win. Winner will be drawn randomly. Giveaway ends July 23.

{GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED}

Revlon Jet Set to Shanghai (& GIVEAWAY!!)

This Fall, Revlon has curated a number of fun city-themed beauty looks based around their popular ColorStay line. With New York, Paris, and Stockholm among the available options, I was very curious to find out which look would be arriving in the mail for me... I'm sure you can imagine my delight, therefore, at receiving the opportunity "jet set" off to Shanghai (via makeup, of course). I visited the city a few years ago and absolutely loved it!

This "Shake It Up In Shanghai" FOTD features a deep green smoky eye, which is a departure from the basic cat-eye liner I've been sporting lately but nonetheless an incredibly wearable alternative. I started by using Revlon ColorStay Shadowlinks in Moss (inner corner to centre of the eye) and Khaki (outer corner). Next, I applied Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Jade, using the smudger end to blend out the liner and finished with Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black.

To complete the look, Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle adds the perfect shiny red lip.

For an easy but fun mani, I used alternating shades of Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy in Checkmate and Blackjack topped with Diamond Top Coat. If you haven't tried these polishes before, they dry super shiny and lasted an entire week without chipping. This colour combo, though neutral, is also sure to attract attention. I was actually surprised at how many compliments I received, from friends to random strangers in coffee shops.

WANT TO WIN A REVLON JET SET TO SHANGHAI PACKAGE FOR YOURSELF?

All you have to do is follow me on Instagram and "like" this picture. Winner will be randomly selected from my followers/likers (Canada-only, must be 18 years or older). Giveaway ends October 15. Good luck!!

Softlips CUBE (& GIVEAWAY!) {CLOSED}

These Softlips CUBE lip moisturizers have been popping up at drugstores everywhere lately so I was super excited when Mentholatum sent me some to try out. Even better, they're offering a prize package for one of my readers too (read on for more details).

Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss

Softlips is known for its "skinny tube" packaging so this new cube design is quite a departure from the norm. About 1 inch wide, they actually aren't that all that big but still might be uncomfortable if you're the type who likes to stash lip balm in your pockets. The product inside is spherical (just like eos lip balms), which I like since I find this shape easy to apply. Plus, I personally think the roundness is adorable.

The CUBE lip moisturizers also feature 5-in-1 lip perfecting technology to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect, and add shine. My lips feel moisturized immediately upon use and I don't have to continuously reapply. Both Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss are pleasant scents/flavours, although my favourite of the two is Berry Bliss for its delicious fruity notes. At only $4.99 CAD, these are a great purchase for lip product lovers!

WANT TO WIN A SOFTLIPS CUBE PRIZE PACK?

Now for that giveaway I mentioned earlier... Mentholatum is kindly offering a giveaway prize worth $50 which includes 1 Softlips CUBE in Berry Bliss, 1 Softlips CUBE in Vanilla Bean, 1 clutch purse with a zipper chain wristlet, and 1 purse mirror.

To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me why you're excited to try the new Softlips CUBE and don't forget to leave an e-mail address so I can contact you.

For a bonus entry, follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: "I just entered to win a Softlips CUBE prize package from @alison_elle and you should too! - http://bit.ly/1wjWnnt"

Giveaway ends September 25 and is only open to Canadian readers (sorry!). Winner will be randomly selected.

GIVEAWAY: Obiqo Skincare {CLOSED}

Since I'm away on vacation right now, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to host a giveaway! And what's better than some super luxe skincare to pamper your body in the summer heat?

Obiqo Skincare is a range of sea-inspired products coming all the way from New Zealand, which features ingredients such as nutrient-rich sea kelp and anti-ageing marine extracts. Since my skin has been feeling a little weather-worn these days from too much sun, I've been actively using the Silky Body Butter and Refreshing Body Wash, which I was sent by the company to try out.

Both products are made with marine extracts and sea lavender sourced directly from New Zealand. The body butter is super creamy and rich but still absorbs well into the skin. The body wash is great as well; my favourite part is the scent which I can best describe as being somewhat spicy. It's the same scent as the body butter but stronger and really awakens the senses on sleepy mornings.

Now for the fun part... Want to win your own Refreshing Body Wash and Silky Body Butter? Just enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway open to Canadian residents only (sorry!) and ends August 18. Good luck!

Reader Reviews: Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel

Last month, I shared my thoughts on the new Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel and offered some of my readers the chance to test out the product for themselves. They've been sending me their reviews over the past few weeks and it's pretty clear that this new shave gel is a big hit! Here's what they had to say:

I have used [the Mandarin Burst Shave Gel) a few times since receiving it and I really like it. Just a little bit of the gel foams up into a thick, rich lather that is easy to apply. My legs were left feeling soft and smooth with no irritation at all. I also love the smell of the Shave Gel. It has a lot of citrusy fragrance which I love. I would definitely purchase this in the future.
- Brenda

The Skintimate moisturizing shaving gel product was a pleasure to review! Luscious and refreshing! Skintimate moisturizing shave gel gave me a perfect divine shave. A great smooth and silky texture with a fresh spring scent. Only a very small amount turned into a terrific foam! What a cost saver. It left my skin feeling very well moisturized and soft and it had an unbeatable razor protection. The gel was very soothing and the Mandarin Burst scent was a luxurious scent that lasted for a while. As a first time user of this brand, I am now hooked!
- Amy

I have been complaining for what seems like forever about this winter. It has been harsh and drying on every part of my body. Lately, I saw some hopeful glimpses of Spring and my heart went all aflutter - until I realized... My legs are not the least bit ready!

To say I've been neglecting them since before the snow fell, would be a complete understatement. Shaving only when I absolutely had to, moisturizing on the rare occasion and exfoliating when I could bring myself to. My legs retaliated by becoming dry and prickly and are now begging for some moisturizing attention S.T.A.T!

I am equipped with a pair of handy dandy exfoliating gloves, a brand new blade in my razor and Skintimates Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel - I think I am adequately prepared! My husband thought his suggestion of the possible need for some hedging shears was pretty witty - I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration... :)

After a little exfoliation TLC I'm ready to put Skintimate's shave gel to the ultimate test. Mandarin Burst is the newest scent in Skintimates Signature Scents collection and it is a wonderful mixture of fresh mandarin, lemon, limes & maybe a touch of something a little floral. The blend of citrus is sure to be a great start to your morning shower routine it is bright and refreshing. Just a little shave gel turns into a foamy, rich lather that I can immediately feel the 6 moisturizers (including antioxidant Vitamin E and Olive Butter) soaking into my parched skin. One of the reasons I like to use a shaving gel is so I can make little paths with each swipe of the razor. This way I know exactly where I've shaved, it also helps protect from those little nicks and cuts that inevitably happen especially near that pesky ankle area! My legs feel soft and smooth and my heart is aflutter once again.

I finish the whole process by rubbing in an extra layer of cream on and then tada! my legs are almost shorts worthy. I might need to apply a little self tanner on though, if only not to blind my neighbors when the sun reflects off my pale, albeit smooth, hydrated, moisturized legs. ;)

I love the scent of the new Skintimate shave gel - it smells absolutely delicious! I also found that it was very hydrating and left my skin very soft. I will be purchasing some again. :)
- Donna

I received a Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst shave gel in the mail today and was so excited to try it. Shaving is part of my daily routine so having a gel that was tailored for women is always appreciated. I am all about the scent of products, and this scent was gentle and refreshing. A scent that will give me that energizing boost I need in the morning. I liked the nice pink colour, as well as the creamy lather the gel had. I find my skin can be very dry and itchy, and this gel has the moisturizing content I need to help with both these issues. The Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst gets five stars from me, I will definitely continue to use this product.
- Lori

The Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel has a clean citrusy scent that's very fresh and invigorating. The gel formula is incredibly easy to apply in an even layer - a lot easier than any other shaving gels I've tried! It doesn't get lumpy at all. While it coats my legs evenly, it's not too thick to be easily removed with one swipe of the razor. Result: no messy shaving! The scent of the shaving gel lingered on my skin after shaving, and it left my legs incredibly smooth. I always have razor bumps after shaving my legs, but I'm happy to say my legs were bump free after using this gel!
- Annick

It has been a few years since I have last used a shaving gel so I was excited to try it. I didn’t stop because I didn’t like them it was more that I didn’t have time to use it anymore – showering time is at a premium with 2 kids now.

I have used it twice this week and my favorite part is the scent. It was so refreshing.

Pros: The smell. It left my skin feeling smooth and soft. I like that it comes out as gel and foams up. A little goes a long way. The SMELL!

Cons: The metal can – I wish the bottom wasn’t metal because it tends to rust when left in the shower. I found that once it foamed it seems to run off my leg fairly quickly so I had to shave fast.

Overall, I would recommend the product.
- Angie

The Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst shave gel comes in a very colourful can that is eye-catching. It would catch my attention on a shelf with other shave gels. The product dispenses easily and evenly. I enjoyed the citrus smell of this shave gel. It's subtle and not too over-powering. The shave gel lathers up into a nice, rich lather. While shaving, my razor just glided over my skin giving me a close shave. I usually just use soap when I'm shaving and I realized how much better this shave gel was. There was no tugging or pulling of my skin like I sometimes get with soap and the areas I shaved felt soft and moisturized. Overall, I was very impressed with this shave gel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others!
- Amy

The first thing that jumps out at me is the scent! It's so delicious and absolutely perfect for spring/summer. It's sweet but also fruity, citrusy and refreshing. The pump helps to dispense the gel and the gel foams very nicely without much effort. This shave gel helps me to get a closer shave so I am not left with a stranded hair! Overall it made my shaving experience easier, more fun, and more luxurious.
- Angela

I have used Skintimate shave gels before and I would purchase them again so it was nice to try this new scent. The mandarin scent is definitely nice. I like how it smells refreshing. This shave gel produces a nice lather and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
- Tina

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Huge thank you to these ladies for participating in this rate & review campaign! After inputting your names into a random number generator, I'm also pleased to offer a $100 VISA gift card to one of you...

Congratulations to Angie!!

GIVEAWAY: Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel {CLOSED}

Launching this month is the Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel, a brand new scent in the Skintimate® Signature Scents® line. I typically use body wash to shave but when I was sent this new shave gel in the mail, I decided it couldn't hurt to give it a try.

Featuring the citrusy fragrance of mandarin oranges, lemons and limes, this shave gel smells great and rather refreshing. It's definitely a great pick-me-up for tired mornings. The product foams into a rich lather, and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. This is probably due in large part to the moisturizers, vitamins, and olive butter in the ingredients. Perfect for smoothing out that rough Winter skin!

Want to try this product out for yourself? Well, I've got an amazing giveaway for you all! 10 readers will win their own cannister of Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel to test out for themselves. Then, send me your review of the product and I'll randomly pick 1 of the 10 winners' reviews to win a $100 VISA gift card!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. You must follow my blog on Bloglovin'.
2. Leave a comment below with your name and e-mail address so I can contact you.

Open to Canadian residents only (sorry!). Giveaway ends March 18.

GIVEAWAY: Win a $50 gift certificate to Park Royal! {CLOSED}

Those of you who have passed through West Vancouver recently have probably noticed some significant changes being made to its iconic shopping centre, Park Royal. Instead of running around the city, savvy shoppers can now escape to Park Royal’s new 150,000 square-foot outdoor expansion, which includes Anthropologie, J. Crew, LOFT, LUSH, Sephora, and Zara, as well as an expanded parkade and two Squamish Nation public art pieces. Other notable retailers will also be opening in early 2014, including Artizia’s new flagship location, Bath & Body Works, Browns, Town Shoes and Urban Outfitters. Be sure to check out Park Royal's Twitter and Facebook for more info.

To celebrate the expansion, I'm also excited to be able to offer one lucky reader a $50 gift certificate to Park Royal so they can check out the changes for themselves, plus a bottle of Rose Gold perfume from Zara!

HOW TO ENTER:

♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: "Enter to win a $50 gift certificate from @shopParkRoyal and @alison_elle - http://bit.ly/1cufXSh #EscapetoParkRoyal"

Giveaway ends December 19 at 12 p.m. Pacific Time. Open only to Vancouver-area residents as you must be able to visit Park Royal Shopping Centre - sorry!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER - DINAH QUAN!

GIVEAWAY: IT by Alexa Chung {CLOSED}

Media-proclaimed "it" girl Alexa Chung released her aptly named first book, IT, last month giving fashion fans some long-awaited insight into her private life.

Equal parts style guide, memoir, and scrapbook, IT chronicles Alexa's sources of inspiration and outlines her route to self-discovery through both fashion and music. Told through a series of short written excerpts, this pretty pink hardcover book combines her personal anecdotes, drawings, and photographs in an incredibly accessible, effortless voice. Basically, the book is every bit as cool as Alexa herself.

IT has been a fantastic addition to my coffee table book collection and thanks to Penguin, I have one to give away to a reader!

HOW TO ENTER (mandatory entry):
♥ Follow my blog on Bloglovin and leave a comment below saying you've done so with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRY:
♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet "I just entered to win a copy of IT by Alexa Chung from @alison_elle - http://bit.ly/17SMyzH" and leave a comment below saying you've done so.

Giveaway ends November 30. Open to US and Canada only - sorry!

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Congratulations to the winner - Erika of Pink and Green Mom!

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" Nail Art Tutorial

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is coming out next Friday and I could not be more excited (I love Jennifer Lawrence). I hear there are going to be some really cool outfits in the movie, and because beauty and aesthetics are such a huge part of life in The Capitol, I also thought it would be fun to put together this flaming nail art tutorial inspired by The Hunger Games.

To recreate this look, there are just 4 simple steps:

1. First, paint on a shimmery coal nail polish as your base colour. I used MAC Cosmetics Military from their Holiday 2013 Divine Night Collection.

2. Next, paint on a gold polish (I used mark. Trend Mini Nail Lacquer in Gleam Scene) partway down the nail, creating flicks to look like flames.

3. Add a red polish (I used mark. Trend Mini Nail Lacquer in Snowberry) on top of the gold flames, being careful to leave some peeking through.

4. Last, I decided to top my nails with Essie As Gold As It Gets, which is a gold top coat. This step is optional but adds a bit of dimension and sparkle.

In honour of the movie's upcoming release, I also have a super exciting giveaway for any Hunger Games fans in the Vancouver-area. One lucky reader will win:

• Two advanced screening tickets to "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" on November 20, 2013 playing at 7 p.m. in the Scotiabank Theatre 
• A Hunger Games Prize Pack (including the book trilogy, DVD, and lots of other swag)

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER, KATHERINE!

Shopstyle Contest: Rate a Product and Win $1000!

I was recently asked to test out the new reviewing feature on Shopstyle as part of my work with the POPSUGAR Beauty Select and let me tell you, it's kind of addicting! As a beauty blogger, I obviously love writing reviews but the 5-star system makes it easier than ever to do.

As an extra incentive to get you sharing your own thoughts on the site, Shopstyle is also giving away $1000... all you have to do is sign-in, rate some products already in your closet, and each review will earn you an entry into the contest. That cash could make for one serious shopping spree!

All details on how to enter are here. Contest is open to anyone in the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) until September 26.

END OF SUMMER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate the beginning of Fall, I thought now would be the perfect time to host an END OF SUMMER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY! Might as well start the season with a whole host of new beauty products, am I right?

One lucky reader will win the following:

2Chic by Giovanni Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Hair & Body Super Potion
AVON Big Color Eye Pencils in Aquamarine and Lavender Mist
AVON Big Color Dual Ended Eye Pencil in Silver Smoke
AVON Eye Cream Swirls in Swirled Clouds and Swirled Gold
LUSH Cream Eyeshadow in Intuitive
Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments in Never Fade Jade
Maybelline Master Smoky in Black Smoke
NYX Glam Liner in Glam Black
L'Occitane En Provence Lipgloss in Cherry Blossom
AVON Color Precise Lipsticks in Fuschia Finish and Infallible Mauve
mark. glossworks Lipglosses in Roseland and Tempest
Maybelline Color Show Holographic Nail Polish in Blue Blaze
Seche Nail Lacquer in Rose II
Viva La Nails Flower Water Decals
NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam
Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Anti-Aging Night Creme
STELLA by Stella McCartney Gentle Body Cleanser
+ some extra surprises

How to Enter (mandatory entry): 
♥ Follow my blog on Bloglovin and leave a comment below with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries (leave a comment for each one):
♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet "I just entered to win @alison_elle's END OF SUMMER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY! - http://bit.ly/1agGneV" (+1 entry)
♥ Like my Facebook page and share the contest post (+1 entry)

Since I will be shipping this out myself, this giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway closes SEPTEMBER 15 and a winner will be chosen by a random number generator. Good luck!

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Congratulations to the winner - T. of Initialed!

GIVEAWAY: Aquaphor #PerfectlyPolished Spring Challenge {CLOSED}

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a gentle skin protectant that provides effective care to chapped and irritated skin. What you might not know, however, is that it's one of the most valuable products in my nail kit. Why? Because Aquaphor can also be used to prevent your nail polish from smudging!

1. Use a Q-Tip to apply the ointment on the skin around the nails being careful not to get it on the actual nail.
2. Apply nail polish.
3. While nail polish is still wet, wipe off the smudges with an orange stick.
4. Once your nails are dry, rub the excess into your cuticles to keep them nice and moisturized.

As part of the Aquaphor #PerfectlyPolished Spring Challenge, I have also been following a 5-step program to keep my nails in tip-top condition:

• Apply Aquaphor to cuticles before going to bed to help replenish and condition the skin
• Trim and prep nails to get manicure-ready
• Apply Aquaphor to keep polish from smudging
• Create a nail art design that reflects your personal style
• Share a pic of the manicure showcasing the inspiration

My latest manicure was actually inspired by my silk polka dot blouse (previously seen in this post):

Essie A Crewed Interest and Madison Ave-Hue

And now thanks to Aquaphor one of you will get to take part in the #PerfectlyPolished Spring Challenge with me! The winner will receive two bottles of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, a variety of Essie and Pueen goodies to set you up for the perfect manicure, and a $25 Visa Gift Card to be spent on anything your heart desires.

This is a Facebook-exclusive giveaway so to enter you must "Like" alison*elle on Facebook and leave a comment on the giveaway photo post answering the following question: What would your inspiration be for a manicure design?

For an extra entry, follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: I want to get #PerfectlyPolished with @AquaphorUS and @alison_elle (+ goodies from Essie and a $25 VISA giftcard) - http://bit.ly/ZxpS9M

Open to US residents only.

Giveaway closes April 19. Winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck!

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Congratulations to the winner - Lullatoned of Sumeoseo!

GIVEAWAY: My 3rd Blogging Anniversary {CLOSED}

While I haven't really "celebrated" this occasion in the past, Sunday actually marked the 3rd anniversary of my blog. When I started this blog I didn't realize how important it would become to me and I am so grateful to all of you for your continued support.

It's also been a while since my last giveaway so I thought now would be a fitting time to put together a little prize package to say "thank you." One reader will receive the following:

EXPRESS "Love Express" Shimmer Body Powder Brush

EXPRESS Lip Glosses in Iced Sugar, Currant Tonic, and Peppermint Mist

Smashbox High Shine Lip Gloss Mini in Buff

Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Crayon in Licoriche

Annabelle Smudge Liner Eyeliner in Ohmygoth!

Illamasqua Medium Pencil in Sophie

Everyday Minerals Loose Eyeshadows in Bedtime Story and Bundled Up

Marcelle Eye Dust in Lux

OPI Nail Polish in Moonraker (Skyfall Collection)

China Glaze Nail Polish in Foxy (Vintage Vixen Collection)

Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Light Pink

Weleda Iris Night Cream

LUSH Cosmetics "Feeling Younger" Skin Tint

Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki Brush

Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush

The Powder Room Makeup Sponges

The Body Shop Powder Puff

Mandatory Entry:
♥ You must be a follower of my blog (GFC or Bloglovin) and leave a comment below with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries (leave a comment for each one):
♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet "I just entered @alison_elle's 3rd anniversary beauty giveaway feat. Smashbox, Illamasqua, OPI and more! - http://bit.ly/Zx50ZE" (+1 entry)
♥ Like my Facebook page and share the contest post (+1 entry)


Since I will be shipping this out myself, this giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway closes MARCH 31 and a winner will be chosen by a random number generator. Good luck!

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Congratulations to the winner - Caitlin of Kitchen Grrrls!

2013 Aveda Born to Style Contest

I'm not sure if anyone noticed since I never mentioned it, but I recently chopped off over 6 inches of my hair (the difference is pretty significant when you compare this post with this post). I'm really loving the new shorter, blunter cut which is all thanks to my lovely stylist at RedBloom Salon, an Aveda-affiliated salon with two locations in Calgary.

When I was asked to share this contest with my readers I agreed because I think it is such a great opportunity for those of you who may be interested in learning how to cut/style/colour and do all sorts of magical things with hair. I tried cutting my boyfriend's hair once and it ended up being way harder than I expected... probably could have used some of those skills!

Four lucky winners will receive a grand prize of full tuition at the Aveda Institute, including their Vancouver hair school. All you need to do is make and upload a video showing why you are BORN TO STYLE. Five aspiring hairstylists in each city will advance to the final "hair showdown" (four chosen by a panel, one chosen by voters). In the Hair Showdown, the finalists will participate in a live head-to-head competition and runway show putting together two complete looks in front of a panel of style experts and hairstyling heavy hitters. Sounds fun, doesn't it?

You have until March 1, 2013 to enter. For full contest details, check out the Born To Style website.

#MKTimeless: Win a Michael Kors Paris Limited Edition Watch

Michael Kors watches have become a classic blogger staple, and for good reason. They are chic, stylish, and come in all sorts of gorgeous colour combinations to suit any outfit. I, for one, wear mine a lot. See here, here, here, and here... and those are only a few examples!

As you can see from those posts, I usually wear my watch alone, but I've noticed many girls rock theirs as part of some seriously amazing arm parties. I can't handle heavy wrists so when I do wear bracelets, it's usually one or two:

Bracelets: Derng / Watch: Michael Kors (here)

On October 15, Michael Kors released a gorgeous new Paris Limited Edition Runway watch rendered in rose gold with an etched Parisian skyline (complete with Eiffel Tower) on the back casing and a 2.5 mm diamond at the number-12 index. Talk about beautiful!

Love your Michael Kors watch? Show us how you wear it! Share your photo on Instagram with the tag #MKTimeless for a chance to win your very own Paris Limited Edition Runway watch.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Michael Kors.

GIVEAWAY: Julep Maven Nail Polish Box of Your Choice {CLOSED}

Some of you have probably heard about the Julep Maven Program; but for those of you that haven't, it's a monthly nail polish box subscription service (like the Birchbox/Glossybox/etc. but for nail polish). For $19.99 a month, you receive over $40 in on-trend nail polish and beauty treatments delivered straight to your door. Perfect for all us nail polish addicts!

I recently had the chance to test out last month's "IT GIRL" box, which came with this cute packaging and some toe separators for easy-to-do pedicures.

Inside were three bright and fun colours:

Lily - sizzling fuchsia creme
Daisy - bright lemon yellow creme
Sasha - fresh, canteloupe melon creme

Out of the three polishes, Sasha was my favourite because it was easy to work with and dried opaque with only two coats. Lily also only needed two coats but dried matte (a glossy top coat can solve this problem if you don't like it). Daisy was a little watery and needed more coats but is a nice colour for summer.

For this mani, I decided to use all three colours and freehand some interlocking tip shapes. Kind of reminds me of the 80s for some reason!

If you haven't tried Julep before, they are offering an amazing promo for first-time Mavens right now where you can get your first box, similar to the one I've reviewed, for only a penny (yes, $0.01!). Just enter the promo code MAVENINTRO on the Julep website.

And now for the extra fun part... one of my readers will win a Julep Maven introductory box of their choice (find out which box is perfect for you by taking this quiz). Simply complete and fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends JULY 16. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY: Schick Hydro Silk Razor - 10 Winners! {CLOSED}

Congratulations to the winners - Maddy, L, Gloria, Cee, Elaine, bebemui, Rites of Beauty, Lori, Maria, and Victoria!

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I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Schick Hydro Silk razor, which launched earlier this month. This new razor retails for $12.99 CAD and has 5 Curve-Sensing Blades with unique Skin Guards to give you a super close shave.

The Hydro Silk is the only women’s razor with water-activated moisturizing serum - meaning that it's supposed to hydrate skin like no other razor can. For best results, Schick recommends that you shave in the shower which makes it easier to activate the moisturizing serum (by placing the head under running water).

Although I usually use a creamy body wash when I'm shaving, the Hydro Silk comes infused with marine extracts and rich shea butter so I decided to try shaving without it. I'll admit I was a little scared to do so, but I didn't cut myself at all! In fact, my skin was left feeling completely smooth, though I would still recommend using shaving cream if you have sensitive skin.

The razor is also super easy to use due to its ergonomically designed rubber handle which allows you to hold it in your hands without fear of dropping.

And now... Schick has kindly offered to send 10 of my readers a sample of the new Hydro Silk razor! In exchange, they'd love it if you could post your own review of the razor on the Schick Hydro Silk Facebook page  (I think it's so great when companies are genuinely interested in hearing our thoughts on their products).


WANT TO WIN? HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow my blog on either Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'.
2. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you're a blog follower and that you'd like to enter this giveaway.

Open to Canadian residents only. 

Giveaway ends MARCH 4. I will then randomly select 10 readers to be sent their very own Schick Hydro Silk razor! Good luck!

GIVEAWAY: $50 VISA Giftcard and Eucerin Skincare Products {CLOSED}

Congratulations to the winner - Gina Maddox of Crave to Save!

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I am super excited to be partnering with Eucerin to host this giveaway because their Original Moisturizing Lotion has been working absolute wonders for my dry skin this Winter. That's why I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to try out some of the company's other products... and thanks to Eucerin, one of my lovely readers can too!

The winner of this giveaway will receive: a $50 Visa Gift Card, Eucerin Calming Daily Moisturizing Crème, Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash, and Skin Calming Itch-Relief.

$50 Visa Gift Card
To be spent on anything your heart desires!

Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Crème (8 oz.)
A gentle, non-greasy formula that combines calming oatmeal and rich emollients to help relieve dry, itchy skin for softer, healthier-looking and more comfortable skin. I've been applying this after my morning showers and it keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day. I like the thicker texture and the fact that this cream doesn't have a harsh scent (I'm often allergic to highly scented products and this, thankfully, does not cause uncontrollable sneezing fits).

Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash (8.4 oz.) 
A unique body wash formulation that combines soap-free cleansing with omega oils and other natural lipids to nourish and soothe. Despite being called a "shower oil", this wash doesn't leave your skin greasy. In fact, it's quite easy to use: just shake the bottle, apply, and the product gently foams. This is great for those with extremely sensitive skin though the smell may be off-putting to some (the bottle says it is "fragrance free" but I wouldn't say this is quite accurate).

Eucerin Skin Calming Itch-Relief (6.8 fl. oz.) 
An external analgesic lotion for itchy skin flare-ups with cooling menthol and natural oatmeal for effective relief that lasts up to 8 hours. When I was younger I had eczema and now that I am older, I still battle occasional flare-ups with certain types of weather and temperatures. I usually use a medicated cream when my skin gets really itchy but find this product to work pretty well in a pinch.


INTERESTED IN WINNING? HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow my blog on either Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'.
2. “Like” the Eucerin Facebook Page.
3. Leave a comment on this post to let me know that you've done both these things and an e-mail address or other way of contacting you.

For an extra entry, tweet the following: "I've entered to win a $50 Visa Giftcard and prize package from @EucerinUS and @alison_elle - http://bit.ly/ykei8w". If you do this, don't forget to leave a separate comment on this post.

Open to US residents only. 

Even if you don't win this giveaway, you can still receive a FREE sample of the Eucerin Skin Calming Crème! After "Liking” the Eucerin Facebook Page, simply follow the instructions on how to take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge.

Giveaway closes on FEBRUARY 26. Winner will be drawn randomly. Good luck!