Dave Lackie and Shiseido's #ShareBeauty Event

This past Wednesday I was fortunate enough to attend one of Dave Lackies coveted VIP follower dinners.  This event was hosted by Elaine Shigeishi,  general manager of Shiseido Canada in honour of their new #ShareBeauty campaign.  We were the very the first in the world to learn about this new campaign and honestly I was blown away.  But before I get into it let me walk you through my experience!

The event was held at the stunning Thompson hotel located in downtown Toronto.  I was greeted by Dave Lackie in the lobby and was escorted up to a gorgeous rooftop bar.  The view was amazing!

I was a bit late (downtown traffic - sigh) so I set out to find some familiar (and not so familiar faces). There was an open bar and no shortage of excited conversation.  Elaine Shigeishi was greeting and chatting with us all.  She is such an amazing woman - down to earth,  friendly and genuinely sweet. After the guests arrived we took the elevator down to the screening room where the magic happened!


Walking into the screening room I was amazed at how beautiful the room looked.  It was a small theatre and at each seat was a placemat,  mini box of popcorn (too cute!) and a small flower arrangement.

After saving my seat I set out to explore the two stations at the front of the room. One was skincare and the other makeup.

At the makeup station we received a one-on-one consultation and foundation match.
I've been in the market for a new foundation so I was over the moon when I was told we would all be receiving one. Amazing!  At the skincare table we were introduced to some new products from the IBUKI line - a beauty sleeping mask and quick fix mist.  I've become a little obsessed with sleeping masks lately so this was beyond exciting!  I'm new to the world of facial sprays so this was a wonderful chance to learn more.  There was also a self serve wine table (hello!) and cans of pop for us to drink.  Dave and Shiseido sure know how to throw an event ;)

We were then invited to help ourselves to a picnic (buffet) style dinner.  The food was amazing and unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the amazing spread. After filling my plate I went to my seat and patiently awaited the presentation.

Elaine asked us a simple question - what does beauty mean to you?  We responded with words like confidence, strength and individuality.  Not a single person mentioned a physical trait.  This was a beautiful segway to the campaign.  Beauty isn't only about makeup or fashion.  It's a feeling,  it's memories and it's about paying it forward. I remember getting ready with my mom as a kid.  I couldn't tell you what we did to our hair or what we were wearing but I can tell you that I felt loved, important and above all special!  I remember bonding.  This is what share beauty is all about!

We watched clips of real people telling their stories.  Let me tell you tears were shed!  There was a wonderful story of how an aunt stepped in to take care of her niece when her sister passed away.  To our surprise,  they were both there with us as special guests!

After the presentation we were given an envelope with a post card that simply said 'You Are Beautiful To Me Because..' which we were then encouraged to think of someone special and tell them why they're beautiful to us.  I of course chose my mom and got to writing.  After leaving my message I put the card into the envelope alongside a sample of Shiseido's Ultimune,  wrote her address on the front and sealed the package.  We were then told to place our envelopes in the most adorable mailbox to be delivered courtesy of Shiseido :)

Last but certainly not least we were presented with a parting gift!  We received a beautiful eco-friendly,  reusable bad with an IBUKI Sleeping Mask,  an IBUKI Quick Fix Mist and a bottle of the new Synchro Skin foundation!  We also received another #ShareBeauty envelope to send off to someone special.  I will be posting in depth about these wonderful gifts soon!

I had an amazing time,  with amazing people and I am forever grateful to Dave Lackie,  Elaine Shigeishi and the whole Shiseido team.


Once this campaign launches you can go to the Shiseido counter at Hudsons Bay and send a personalized postcard to a loved one telling them why they're beautiful to you. Shiseido will mail it for you with a sample of Ultimune.  It's completely free, no purchase necessary.  A wonderful way to #ShareBeauty :)

Derma e Hydrating Day Crème

I was recently given a sample of this to try from Social Nature and although I do like it I didn't get a large enough sample to thoroughly test it's long term benefits.  I can say that the texture was nice,  not too light yet not too heavy.  It absorbed quickly into my skin and left my face hydrated for the day.  I have combo skin and I did find that by the end of the day my T Zone was a bit shiny.  Personally I think this cream would be too much for the spring and summer but perfect for the dryer winter months .  I appreciate the fact that it's paraban, sulfate, mineral oil and lanolin free.  All in all I liked it but didn't find it to stand out from the crowd.

*Product sent to me free from Social Nature

It's been a while since I've posted regularly and I'm writing this to let you all know that I have full intentions of kicking this blog up a notch or two!

I would like to see this blog blossom into something great but it will take some time. So I've decided to take the slow and steady approach.  I will be posting weekly,  starting now! My goal is to post at least three times a week but for now I will be posting every Friday evening. 

I'm also pondering a giveaway in the near future to reward you all for sticking with me and helping me to grow.  

Happy Friday everyone ;)

LiveFresh Natural Oil Absorbing Sheets

Nothing ruins a perfectly put together look

than unwanted shine.  I have combination skin and I tend to get a bit oily in my T-Zone.  I take care to powder my foundation but sometimes it's not enough.  Instead of continuously powdering my face and risking the dreaded 'cake face' look I reach for oil absorbing sheets.  I recently was given the opportunity to review LiveFresh Naturals Oil Absorbing Sheets and I'm very happy with them.  They're infused with green tea,  odourless and powder free. They claim to be irritant free and that they won't smudge your makeup.  I used them while wearing makeup and the only thing they removed was excess oil and shine.  These little sheets are quite durable too.  No ripping,  tearing or disintegrating.  One sheet was enough for me to do my forehead, nose and chin.  I probably could've done more of my face if I had of needed to.  They come in a cute pack of 100 and they're just a bit larger than a card which makes them easy to fit into the smallest of purses.  To learn more and purchase a pack click here

*Product sent to me for free.  All opinions are my own.

Glamsense Club~TRESemme Beauty-Full Volume Line

 I recently received my very first glamsense box! I was selected to test and review the TRESemme box.  As you all know I love to test new products so this was very exciting.  What made this experience unique was the fact that I had absolutely no idea what products were in this box until it arrived.  To my surprise the box contained a full size shampoo,  conditioner and styling treatment from the brand new Beauty-Full Volume line.  As someone who has thin,  fine hair this box was perfect!

Speaking of unique, this isn't your typical shampoo and conditioner combo.  With this line you condition first,  then shampoo.  I have never heard of this before and it really intrigued me.  The idea is that conditioner can weigh hair down,  contributing to a loss of volume. This totally makes sense and I have often felt like my conditioner really weighed my hair down.  Having said that I was worried that my hair would end up looking and feeling like I skipped conditioner.  Luckily for me my assumption was wrong!

The conditioner feels like your average conditioner.  It's not too thick,  spreads well and left my hair feeling soft.  After leaving it in for a few minutes I proceeded to step 2,  shampooing.  The shampoo lathers up well and left my hair feeling clean.  My hair felt conditioned although slightly less than it does after traditional washing and conditioning.

Now on to the third step hair maximizer.  Out of the three products I tried from this line the hair maximizer was my least favourite. I have tried using a little of the product, a lot of it and somewhere in between and I didn't get the results I had hoped for. I blow dried my hair upside down and then used a large round brush to try and build volume. I was able to achieve some volume on my lengths but very little at my roots. The volume I did get lasted a few hours before it started to fall flat. In all fairness my hair is quite fine so that could have something to do with it. I did like the way it held my style in place without feeling hard. My hair felt soft and I was able to run my fingers through it.

All in all the concept is neat and the shampoo and conditioner worked as well as I expected them to.  I would purchase them in the future however I won't be purchasing the hair maximizer.

Have you tried this line?  If so what did you think?

Huggies Little Movers | Review

I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Huggies voxbox from Influenster and I'd love to share my thoughts on these great diapers!

My first daughter was a Pampers baby and so was my second (until now!) I tried Huggies with my first but wasn't overly impressed so I stuck to what I knew worked the second time around.  If it wasn't for Influenster I likely wouldn't have purchased them or even thought to try them again.  Honestly,  it's not like I had a bad experience per say,  rather I didn't find them to be any better than Pampers and they were pricier.

So I have to say that these diapers fit good,  really good.  My LO seems quite comfortable and she's able to move freely.  She's very active and learning to walk so fit and flexibility are extremely important right now.

As for leaks,  we haven't experienced one yet. Not even overnight. Awesome!

From a price point of view they are competively priced and I see that the economy size box has the exact same amount of diapers as Pampers for roughly the same price.  Not sure when that happened.  They used to cost more,  but apparently that has changed!

Thanks,  Influenster!  Now #IChooseHuggies

Have you used Huggies before?  Let me know your thoughts below!

*Product was sent to me free for reviewing/testing purposes.  As always my review is 100% genuine

December's topbox (benefit cosmetics) | Review

Last month (late post I know!) I received the benefit privé box from topbox and I couldn't be happier!  The box included deluxe size samples of gimmie brow in medium deep,  roller lash mascara, they're Real! mascara, they're Real! remover and the NEW they're Real! mink-brown tinted lash primer.  Great set right!?

First up,  gimmie brow.  I received the medium deep shade which I thought would be too dark, however it works as long as I'm light handed.  As I've been trying to grow in my brows (with little success) this was great to receive.  It darkens and adds some volume which I so desperately need.  I'm used to using traditional pencils and powder so this took a few tries to get right.  Although this shade does work I think I would go a shade lighter if I were to purchase the full size.

On to the mascara.  I have always loved they're Real! The lift,  length and separation is amazing.  I've rarely experienced any clumping and even after applying multiple coats there's no flaking.  Is it pricey?  Yes a bit, but it truly is a great mascara.  I found roller lash to be pretty similar however there was a bit more curl to my lashes.  Truthfully you can't go wrong with either one.

Now what I'm sure you've all been waiting to hear about.  The brand-spanking-new they're Real! mink-tinted lash primer!  This stuff rocks!  Seriously tho,  it is awesome.  It can be used alone or under mascara to boost its abilities.  It's tinted mink brown so you can wear it alone for a natural (but better!) look.  You get natural colour,  definition,  length and separation all while having soft, feathery lashes.  The fact that it leaves your lashes soft is a major selling feature for me.  If I decide later on in the day I'd like to wear mascara I can layer it on top and I'm good to go!  I was using Estee Lauders Little Black Primer but after trying the new benefit one I will definitely be switching!

Finally,  they're Real! remover.  Honestly,  I wasn't too impressed.  Does it work?  Yes it does but not any better than the drugstore brands.  I still have to soak my lashes with it,  wipe,  soak again and then wash my face.  I likely won't be buying this anytime soon.

This was my first privé box from topbox and it was a really good one!  I can't stress enough how awesome topbox is.  If you don't have a subscription believe me when I say you're missing out!  Click here to learn more about topbox,  purchase a limited edition box or sign up for the waitlist.  If you would rather not wait,  contact me to skip the waitlist ;)