Sparkled Beauty

Shoppers: Sat & Sun: Free $10 Tim card with $50 purchase
*** Sun & Mon: Nivea skin care: 30% off (rest of the week: 25% off)
*** All week:
- Olay, Etival skin care: 25% off
- No7 skin care: 20% off
- Marcelle Gene Youth skin care: 15% off
- Revlon Custom Eyes mascara, ColorBurst/ ColorStay lip, Grow Luscious liner/ mascara: 25% off
- Maybelline: 15% off
- Cover Girl Advanced Radiance luminator, True Blend whipped foundation, Nature Luxe foundation: 2 for CAD25 or CAD14.99 each
- Rimmel (selected types): CAD6.99
- Cover Fx: free Mint Glaze (3ml) with purchase of Skin Tint Fx (30ml), x15 Optimum points
- Quo false lashes: 15% off
- Duo eyelash adhesive: 15% off
- Revlon nail polish: CAD4.99, Brilliant Strength nail polish: CAD6.99, implements: 30% off
- Sally Hansen crackle, Diamond Strength, Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD5.99, magnetic nail polish: CAD8.99
- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish: CAD5.99.

Lawtons:
- La Roche-Posay body care: 25% off
- Vichy ProEven, Avene D-Pigment skin care: 15% off
- Dermaglow cleanser, toner, mask: 20% off
- Neostrata skin care kits: 15% off
- Vitabath: 30% off
- Happy Hippo bath: 25% off
- Crabtree & Evelyn pomegranate/ avocado, citron collection: 25% off
- Maybelline Fit Me, Dream Fresh BB cream: 25% off
- Revlon foundation, powder, concealer, primer, blush: 25% off
- Vasanti: 20% off
- Revlon nail polish: 10% off
- Red Carpet LED gel manicure: 15% off.

Walmart:
- Maybelline Colossale Volume Express Cat Eyes mascara (new): CAD6.96
- L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes mascara: CAD7.94 (reg. $9.96)
- Revlon ColorStay mascara: CAD7.96 with bonus ColorStay pen
- Olay Regenerist Premium moisturizer: CAD28.44 (reg. $33.47 - $34.97)
- Nivea Creme/ Soft (200ml): CAD8.97 with bonus 100ml jar
- Physicians Formula 3-pc skin care kit: CAD27.77.

Superstore: Tax free this weekend in NS.

Words from Marcelle: For the month of October, the Hydra-C Cleansing + Exfoliating cloths (25's) with vitamins C and E are on BOGO at participating stores (reg. $12.50 a pack).

Keep an eyes out for the duo packs on the shelf, stores might put them out near the end of the month or early next month.

Illamasqua is offering free international shipping with £45 orders this weekend with code "FREEINTSEP".

Models Own has 50% sale with £25 orders until October 2 with code "SUMMERSALE". Note that the discount cannot be combined with special offers on the site - reduced box sets, 5 for £18 nail polish, Mirrorball and Wonderland collection, etc. Out of stock items won't be restocked before the sale ends, so keep that in mind to avoid disappointment.

Please refer to my NOTD: Models Own Purple Blue post for information about prices and international shipping costs.

Old Navy is promoting their Rockstar jeans with prices from $19 - $30 online (with better colour selections and sizes) or all $19 in stores (fewer selections). There is a coupon, ends today, for 15% off (or 20% off if you spend $75 or more), good for everything online but excludes Rockstar in stores. It might be because there is a Super Cash offer, in stores only, from now till October 24, redeemable November 1 - 7.

Forever 21 is at it again with extra 50% off clearance, now till Sunday. Shipping is free with $60 or more. Note that all clearance items are final sale, no exchange nor price adjustments.

The Bay: Spend $75 or more (in store and online) until Sunday and get a $25 saving card, redeemable with $100 in-store purchase (excluding cosmetics and fragrances) until October 11. Pair this with some current deals: 25% off women's shoes and fashion boots by Material Girl, JS by Jessica, Fergalicious and G by Guess; or 30% off women's outerwear.

Or, when you donate your Hbc Rewards points from any $50 cosmetics or fragrances purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in store until October 14, get a $10 Beauty saving card, redeemable on your next cosmetics/ fragrance purchase of $75 or more until October 21.

Zellers: Fall clearance blowout continues with extra 50% off yellow-ticketed fashion apparel, footwear, beth & bath, furniture, plus a $5 off $20 clearance coupon.

And until Sunday, save extra 15% on bedding, bath, home decor and furniture using Hbc credit card/ MasterCard. Check in store for exclusions.

It's a shame I waited so long to wear China Glaze Some Like It Haute from the Eye Candy holiday collection last year. It is glam, it is beautiful and it is glittery but it is dark, that might be why.

I started out with a blue/ teal colour on my nails (see below) but didn't feel like it was what I wanted. Not feeling crackles anymore, so a glitter top coat it was. Saw Some Like It Haute and thought it might be cool to see it over a coloured base.

And here we are, Some Like It Haute over blue :)

I was so glad that the idea worked out well. Some Like It Haute was sheer enough to allow the base colour to show through - Finger Paints Add & Abstract.

The dark base in Some Like It Haute changed the brighter blue in Add & Abstract into a dusty dark blue, which I really liked underneath different colours of glitters.

If they make a nail polish like this combo (if no one has done that already), I would buy it for the convenience. I'm bad at relating colours for dupes and stuff, all I know is this combination rocks.

Check out the glittery glow in this shot. The shade looks like it has multi coloured glitters in the bottle. On the nails, it looks mostly silver in the charcoal base. The random shine on the chunkier glitters, depending on the lighting source, makes it a really interesting colour.

Maybe next time, I'll try a purple or plum base with Some Like It Haute. I like a good glitter top coat, and dark base is just season appropriate. I'm trying to transition into Fall, still break out and try a bright one here and there, but I'm trying :)

On a personal note, I'm going through one of those roller coasters of emotions. Had a really bad night on Sunday, cried it out on twitter, felt like giving up. It was better yesterday, I lightened up a little, then was treated a crazy lobster dinner with all the jazz. Maybe I just need a good red lipstick then all is good in the world :)

Don't you always wish there is an easier way to get beauty products that aren't from where you live at more reasonable prices?

It was a sad day when I realized Bourjois is a drugstore brand in the UK (where the Healthy Mix Serum foundation is £11 - roughly CAD17, with 3 for 2 promotion often) while in Canada, it is a prestige brand (the same foundation is CAD27, hardly any promotions). Enough said.

When I heard about echemist and their prices (on top of free international shipping), I gasped. Their £10 off £50 promotion at the time was icing on the cake, an order is in order, is it not? :) It took less than 2 weeks to arrive, everything was in good condition. Let me show you what I got.

First is my beloved Vichy Dermablend Corrective foundation, the best full coverage foundation I have ever tried. I got backups of my shade #35 Sand, and #25 Nude for my sis. Regular price on the site was around $23 with VAT. After promotion and VAT deduction, I paid $15 a bottle, half of Canadian retail price.

Then I got Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, reg. around $14 on the site, paid $9. I'd assume that this is the earlier version of the Healthy Mix serum foundation, correct me if I'm wrong. Shade selection was limited, I got #53 Light Beige, not my exact match, but I can make it work.

The last thing was Max Factor Panstik in #14 Cool Copper. Since we don't have this brand here, and I heard good thing about this product, I didn't pass up a chance to try it. Reg. $11, I paid around $8 for it.

So if you are looking for a reasonable source of products, I hope this post is helpful. Their customer service was great to answer all my questions about shade availability and VAT. I would definitely order from them again. And I'm not sponsored/ affiliated, paid for everything myself.

Shoppers: Sat to Tue: Spend $75 and get a surprise point card for 18,500 points ($25 saving), 38,000 points ($60 saving) or 50,000 points ($85 saving)
*** Sat & Sun: Cover Girl: 35% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
*** All week:
- L'Oreal Wear Infinite eyeshadow quad, Line Intense liner, Voluminous mascara, Colour Riche lip: CAD6.99
- Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick, Define-a-Lash, XXL mascara, SuperStay lip, Dream makeup: CAD6.99
- Maybelline Dream Air foam foundation, Master Drama/ gel liner: 20% off
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream: CAD8.99
- Cover Girl Clean/ Professional makeup: CAD7.99
- Revlon ColorStay whipped makeup, gel liner, mascara: 15% off
- Revlon PhotoReady primer, Custom Eyes eyeshadow: 20% off
- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain: CAD8.99
- Almay Amazing Lasting pencil, liquid liner, One Coat mascara, makeup remover: 15% off, Wake Up eyeshadow: 20% off
- Rimmel: 25% off
- Annabelle eye: CAD3.99, Zebra bronzer, Skin True makeup: CAD7.99
- Marcelle BB cream, New Age makeup: 15% off
- Gosh BB cream, Xceptional makeup, Velvet Touch primer: 10% off
- Quo foundation, eyeliner, mascara, lip: 10% off
- Vichy Pro Even BB cream: CAD35
- L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise, Aveeno Positively Ageless moisturizer: CAD19.99
- Dermaglow anti-aging skin care: 30% off
- Bioderma skin care: 25% off
- Avene Cleanance acne care: 20% off
- No7, Etival skin care: 15% off
- Olay Quench body lotion (350ml), facial cleanser: CAD5.99
- Clearasil acne, Balea/ Life skin care: 20% off
- Sally Hansen nail art pen, Insta-Dri nail polish: 2 for CAD8.99, Salon Effects strips, magnetic nail polish: CAD8.99
- Revlon Brilliant Strength/ ColorStay nail polish: CAD6.99
- Quo by Orly nail polish, treatment, gel polish: CAD8.99
- Essie nail polish: CAD9.99.

Lawtons: Sat only: x10 Airmiles with $45 purchase
- L'Oreal Studio line hair care: BOGO
- Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days lotion (250ml): CAD4.49
- Marcelle skin care: 25% off
- Vichy skin care: 25% off
- La Roche-Posay, Neostrata, Avene, Dermaglow, Bioderma skin care: 15% off
- Fruits & Passion Eau de Fruits, Toilette fragrances: 25% off
- Upper Canada Fruit Frappe bath, Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender, Yardley bath: 25% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick: 25% off
- Maybelline mascara: 25% off
- Annabelle I-Transformer, BB makeup: 20% off
- NYX: 25% off
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 25% off
- Milani foundation, eyeshadow, liner: 20% off
- Vasanti: Free single eyeshadow (choice of colours) with $30 Vasanti purchase
- Red Carpet LED gel manicure: 15% off
- OPI: 10% off.

Walmart:
- Aussie shampoo, conditioner, styling product: 2 for CAD5
- L'Oreal True Match Lumi foundation: CAD12.96 (reg. $14.98)
- Revlon Color Stay Whipped foundation: CAD16.96
- Rimmel Clean Finish matte foundation, Stay Matte pressed powder: CAD4.94
- Olay Age Defying base moisturizer: CAD10.77.

Sears: Estee Lauder GWP of 36.50 or more, 4 choices, valued $105. If you spend $80 or more, get an extra full sized Gentle eye makeup remover. Sears Days are on too, up to 50% selected items.

The Bay: Clinique GWP of $28.50 or more, valued $75. The gifts this time include a mini Chubby Stick (2 colour choices), I don't think that happened before.

Also, until Sunday, with a Clinique purchase of $75 or more using Hbc credit card or MasterCard, you will get a $25 Saving card, redeemable on a future purchase of $100 or more (excludes cosmetics and fragrances) until October 7.

Zellers: Fri - Sun: Spend $50 with your Hbc credit card or MasterCard and get $10 Saving card, redeemable on your next purchase of $50 or more between October 1 and October 4.

Fall clearance blowout - extra 50% off all previously reduced fashion apparel and footwear. There is a $5 off $25 clearance coupon to pair with that sale too.

Forever 21 is having extra 50% off clearance, in stores and online (with the code "EXTRAFIFTY") until Sunday.

Old Navy offers their famous Rockstar jeans for $19 (reg. $44.50) until October 3, plus you can use either the 15% off code (for online) or coupon (for in stores) - good till Sunday or the $15 off $75 coupon (in stores only) - good until next Wed, September 26.

For my local readers, L'Occitane store at Halifax Shopping centre is now open, followed Victoria's Secret, Little Burgundy, Lush and the Apple store. And I had no idea we now have a Fossil store there too. It might get dangerous in that mall :)

Though I am a Lost fan, this post is not about Oceanic Airlines and its famous flight 815. But on a similar note, I was "vacationing" by seaside with Lush over the last few weeks :) By using their oceanic inspired products, that is lol.

It was great to be taken to a beautiful place with ocean view and great smelling treats. Not very often that shower time has become enjoyable, let me tell you.

I normally choose bath products with fruity or calming scents, but trying an invigorating scent once and I'm kinda hooked.

For the face, I tried the Breath of Fresh Air toner water. This is a soothing seawater spray, ocean breeze in a bottle, to simply put.

I prefer using this as a refreshing spray than a toner, as I found the effect was more intense that way. The Pacific sea water is supposed to gently cleanse, seaweed softens and provides essential vitamins and minerals, rose and aloe vera sooth. So there's a little extra than just water on your face.

It is also suggested to be used after being in the sun, on the airplane or air-conditioned offices, which is exactly what I did. It did not disturb my makeup, the mild scent disappeared quite quickly too. And In the summer, leave it in the fridge for a bit and you can have a cool splash of fresh air :)

Ingredients: Spring water, Fresh Sea water, Aloe Vera gel (Aloe barbadensis), perfume, Carrageenan extract (Chondrus crispus), Rose absolute (Rosa centifolia), Patchouli oil (Pogostemon cablin), Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis), Seaweed absolute (Fucus vesiculosus), Limonene, Linalool, Methylparaben

This toner water is good for all skin types, retails $8.95 (3.3oz/ 100ml) or $19.95 (8.4oz/ 250ml).

Now we start the shower routine with the Seanik shampoo bar, a mineral-rich voluminizing shampoo.

I never tried solid shampoo before and found it is pretty cool to use. Less messy (easy to travel with when need to), more concentrated scent, and it washed the hair just as well.

Seanik has seaweed and sea salt to nourish and soften hair and pump up the volume, plus lemon oil for extra shine.

I follow the instruction to glide the wet bar down the length of my wet hair about three times, work into a lather and rinse. Thought the shampoo did not lather as well as my regular one, my hair felt really clean and soft, even without a conditioner afterward. And the scent woke me up real quick, I am not exaggerating! Can't say I know how to describe the scent but it was awesome, not overwhelming nor herbally nor sweet.

Ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irish Moss gel (Chondrus crispus), perfume, Nori seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus), Sea salt (Sodium Chloride), Lemon oil (Citrus limonum), Mimosa absolute (Mimosa tenuiflora), Orange Blossom absolute (Citrus dulcis), Jasmine absolute (Jasminum officinale), Cocamide DEA, Limonene, FD&C Blue No. 1

The shampoo bar is $10.9 for 1.9oz. The tin ($3.95) is awesome in keep the solid shampoo dry between uses.

For the body, I used the Dirty Springwash shower gel with Gorilla perfume.

It was described as a dip in a mountain spring kinda feeling and I agreed. With spearmint and menthol, it gives the skin a cool feeling in the hot shower, and again, soft.

I chose to skip the bath oil after shower, for testing purpose. My skin feels incredibly clean and soft, way into the next morning. Just one thing to note: the scent did remind me of toothpaste, which, to be honest, is not my favorite. But it was subtle and did not linger.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerine, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Propylene Glycol, Fine Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride), perfume, Spearmint oil (Mentha viridis), Menthol crystals, Hydroxcitronellal, Methyl Ionone, Limonene, Linalool, FD&C Blue No. 1, Methylparaben

The shower gel is $9.95 (3.3oz/ 100ml), $17.95 (8.8oz/ 250ml) or $27.95 (16.9oz/ 500ml).

And to finish up, Ocean Salt face and body scrub comes in to play.

What got me excited about this scrub is the avocado and coconut (hydrate the skin) and the salt (coarse and fine, exfoliate). There is also lime and vodka (!!!) that have antibacterial effects, great for blocked pores, blackheads and blemishes. Me want!

I normally use a teaspoon to scoop out a small amount. You don't need much for the whole face. Make sure to get both the salt on top and the cream-like lotion underneath. And the bonus is it smelt like a cocktail, a light swift of scent across your nose, not to overwhelm you. The coarse salt is, well..., coarse, so those with sensitive skin might need to take note. Also note that the salt might irritate any open-faced blemishes, so avoid using the scrub in that situation.

A cotton pad test after washing my face using just this scrub surprisingly showed almost no trace of makeup, I didn't expect that at all. Yay for saving time before bed.

Ingredients: Fine Sea salt (Sodium Chloride), Fresh Grapefruit infusion (Citrus grandis), Coarse Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride), Stearic acid, Fresh Lime extracted in Vodka (Citrus aurantifolia), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycol Cetearate, Triethanolamine, Fresh Avocado butter (Persea gratissima), Coconut fat (Cocos nucifera), Lime oil (Citrus aurantifolia), Seaweed absolute (Fucus vesiculosus), Violet Leaf absolute (Viola odorata), Glycerine, Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, perfume, FD&C Blue No. 1, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

This scrub is $10.95 (4.2oz/ 120g) or you can get the larger size for $34.95 (8.8oz/ 250g).

This routine is great anytime, especially when you feel a little sluggish or like you are coming down with something (speak from experience, of course). Though if you have troubles sleeping, oceanic scents might keep you awake more than you need. Make sure you scent test before buying.

I am super late in trying this colour out, considering my Europe haul was from last year lol.

This is Kiko Rosso Glitter Sparkle Touch #237. I don't know if this colour is discontinued, as it is not on Kiko website anymore. Their nail polish is on special sometimes for €2,50, great time to buy if you live where the brand is available.

I like Kiko from what I have tried so far, it just sucks that we don't have access to it here in Canada.

I know this is more of a summer colour, but I needed to talk about something bright and warmth today. We had a frost warning last night, and it was 8 degrees (about 46F) when I left the house this morning. Sure it is warming up but I'm not ready for this type of weather just yet. I still have a number of dresses to wear without being bundled up.

Anyway, this is 3-4 thin coats of 237, in natural light. It is sheer but buildable, work best as a glitter top coat if you aren't into putting on so many layers of it.

I personally don't mind that, as I found painting my nails are relaxing and comforting. It is actually a way to slow down my breath (like yoga). I try to keep the brush off the cuticles at all times, so if that fails, I know that I was impatient. Very therapeutic huh?

The gold and pink shimmers/ flecks are subtle but more visible with flash in this last pic. These, and the reddish pink base make it a very cheerful nail polish.

I hope I cheered some of you up. I needed it too. It's just Tuesday and I'm ready for the weekend already.

This is more like "Last week finds", but we'll just go with the general theme for simplicity.

The most epic find would be the lipsticks from Shoppers' 3-hour BOGO event last Wednesday. I cracked my brain trying to think if I need anything, but as soon as I went in the store and saw these, I was sold.

THESE, are the L'Oreal Caresse lipsticks that quietly arrived on the regular shelf without me knowing. I thought there would be a huge display of some sort.

There were no testers, so I grabbed a few and check online swatches later.

First row, from L-R: Cardinal Plume, Blushing Sequin, Fiery Veil, Velvety Fuchsia and Violet Chiffon.
Second row: Rose Taffeta, Cotton Pink and Pink Cashmere.

These retail $12.99 regularly, a bit high for drugstore lipsticks, so a BOGO sale was perfect.

Another lemming killed - Annabelle TwistUps. I have been waiting for a sale to get them. Regular retail price is $10.49.

From top to bottom: Mai Tai, Fizz, Kinky Pink and Royale. Sorry the colours didn't show up well in the pic.

Rimmel lipsticks happened to be on sale that week for $5 (before BOGO), and there were testers.

From L-R: In Vogue (Lasting Finish line), #10, #12 and #90 (Lasting Finish by Kate line). I went for bright reds and corals, not really fall yet :)

Let's just say I am good in the lipstick department for the whole year lol.

Superstore offers a $3 off $12 coupon for Joe Fresh makeup this week, so I got a matte lipstick in Brick and a lip tint in Ruby, $6 each before discount. Both are darker than what I normally wear, now these are great for Fall.

Also found the one and only teal/ forest green bubble necklace, $14. Just in time to cure my crave after seeing these all over fashion blogs.

Words from Joe Fresh were that they came out with 2 colours for now (turquoise and raspberry) - can't say mine is turquoise though. There are 2 more coming in December (black and cobalt).

I know there are tons of these on ebay, but I love supporting our own Canadian brand. Plus, the necklace is of great quality, and I got all these on tax free day, my favorite time to shop!

From H&M's 25% off Metro Day last Thursday, I found some fabulous items.

I went in, planning to get a pair of pants and of course walked out without them lol, because of the sparkly cute awesomeness.

Got myself an opalescent necklace ($24.95 before discount) and a pair of flats with a cat face at the front for Squirt ($11.95), with ears and bows and everything. We were both excited. Wish these flats came in my size too, I can wear size 4 Girls. Yeah, I'm young in spirit :)

And lastly, a newly found love from Dynamite, I found this cheetah print dress on sale, couldn't get a good pic to show you how pretty it is, so I use stock pic this time.

Now I had a dress just like this from Topshop a while ago, paid quite an amount for it, but still couldn't leave this dress alone. I might try to be good and bring it back, but I don't know.

Reg. $44.90, now $25, wouldn't you grab it already? Note that Dynamite does not offer a refund on sale items but an exchange is possible. So you do have to find new things to buy if you bring something back. Think twice before pulling out your credit card. I'm trying to give you all information you need here :)

There is always a survey invitation on the receipt from Dynamite for 15% off your next purchase. It is very dangerous, speaking from experience!

Hope to hear what you got last weekend. And if you have favorite Caresse shades, do share so I can decide the must-haves. Have a great day!

Shoppers: The contest card with $10 purchase is still available until September 23. Sat & Sun: Free surprise gift card (can be worth $10, $25 or $50) with $50 purchase.
- Cover Girl: 20% off
- L'Oreal Color Riche lipstick, Infallible eyeshadow, Voluminous Power 24hr mascara, Magic BB cream: 15% off
- Revlon lip: CAD7.99, Just Bitten Kissable lip balm stain: CAD8.99, ColorStay creme gel eyeliner, mascara, Smoky shadow stick: 15% off
- Maybelline Baby Lips, Fit Me: 20% off, Volume Express mascara: CAD8.99, Master Drama Precise eyeliner/ Eye Studio eyeshadow duo: CAD9.99
- Annabelle Big Show Lip shine/ mascara, Smoothie eyeshadow pencil: CAD6.99
- Rimmel Glam Eyes eyeshadow, Extra Wow/ Super Lash mascara, Last Finish lipstick: CAD5, makeup: 15% off, bronzer: CAD8.99
- Almay Smart Shade/ Wake Up: 25% off, Clear Complexion: 15% off
- Bonne Belle: 20% off
- Quo Celebration brush set: 15% off
- Essie nail polish, treatment: CAD7.99
- Sally Hansen nail treatment, polish: CAD5.99, Magnetic nail polish: CAD8.99
- Revlon Top Speed, classic, scented nail polish: CAD3.99, pedi implements: 30% off
- SensatioNail by Nailene gel polish starter kit, Color gel polish: 20% off
- Olay Age Defy skin care: 20% off, Regenerist/ Pro X skin care: 15% off, Total Effects: 15% off
- L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise/ Aveeno facial cleanser: CAD7.99, Triple Power LZR serum, eye cream, day night cream: CAD29.99
- Vichy Normaderm skin care: 25%
- Neostrata, RoC Complete Lift skin care: 20% off
- St. Ives skin care: CAD3.99
- Vaseline lotion, St. Ives/ Noxzema facial cleanser: CAD6.99
- CoverFx: Free Mint glaze (3ml) with purchase of Skin tint (30ml).

Lawtons:
- Revlon Super Lustrous, Color Burst lip, ColorStay lip liner: 50% off
- Maybelline: 30% off
- L'Oreal True Match, Studio Secrets primer: 25% off
- Annabelle, Physician's Formula, Style-Style: 20% off
- Almay foundation, powder, concealer, blush, primer, makeup remover: 25% off
- Revlon nail polish, tools: 20% off
- Essie nail polish, treatment: 25% off
- EcoTools: 25% off
- Vichy Liftactiv/ ProEven skin care/ Purette Thermale eye makeup remover: 25% off
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane: 25% off, Mela-D: 20% off
- Avene skin care: 20% off
- Fruits & Passion fruity collection: 20% off
- Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill collection, Upper Canada: 30% off.
EDIT to add: All Layla nail polish is now $9.99.

Walmart:
- Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Baby Lips: CAD3.88, Dream makeup: CAD9.88, BB cream: CAD7.98
- Cover Girl Clean, LashBlast, Smoky shadow: CAD5.98
- Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick, TopSpeed/ classic nail polish: CAD3.88
- Rimmel mascara, pencil, quads: CAD3.88
- Olay Total Effects moisturizer: CAD18.98, cleanser, facial cleanser: CAD5.98
- Pond's 2-pack: CAD5.98.

Superstore: The makeup coupons that showed up in PEI flyer last week are here this week, good until Thursday. Check your flyer to see if these are offered.
EDIT to add: Tax free on Saturday (NS), Friday & Saturday (ON)
- Maybelline: save $3 when you spend $10 or more
- Revlon/ Almay: save $4 when you buy any 2
- L'Oreal: save $3 when you buy any 2
- Cover Girl: save $4 when you spend $15 or more
- Rimmel: save $3 when you spend $10 or more
- Joe Fresh: save $3 when you spend $12 or more
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: $2 off
- Sally Hansen nail polish: Save $2 when you spend $8 or more
Other deals:
- Nivea body lotion, skin care: CAD5.49 (at least $3 off)
- Lubriderm, Aveeno body lotion: CAD4.99 (at least $3.50 off).

A quick review today. I have been using this product the whole summer since the day I got it. It is elf Studio SPF45 Sunscreen, UVA/ UVB protection, which I found when browsing the site for my last elf order.

Since trying out La Roche-Posay Dark spot correcting serum, I always wear their Anthelios sunscreen SPF60 before makeup. So I'm good, protection wise but I love the idea of powder sunscreen for touch-ups during the day, doubling up as blotting powder.

The powder does have a sheer pigmentation which is invisible on my skin tone but might show up on your skin, if you are too light or too dark. I know some of you use mineral powder foundation or pressed powder, but SPF45 is not easy to come by. This alone gets an A+ from me.

As pictured on the packaging, the container is square, with lid that screws open. Inside is a puff (which I don't normally use but is helpful in a pinch) and the loose powder underneath the sifter. The sticker on top of the shifter was to avoid spillage, and I only peeled it off half way, allowing enough powder to shift through but not too much, especially during travel.

The powder is said to be infused with Aloe Vera and Grape Seed extract, and Vitamins A, C and E to help nourish and sooth the skin. Sure, extra benefits are all welcome.

Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 23.3% and Zinc Oxide 18.7%. The jar is 0.35oz/ 10g, retails $6.

So, in short, it is a great sunscreen in powder form, great price point (especially if you order during a 50% off sale). Since we are supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, rain or shine, I think this product is essential any time and season.

The camera was finally charged, so I could take some pics for this post. Stay tuned till the end for an exciting promotion.

In the weekend, I went to a Shoppers with a Beauty Boutique for their Spent Your Point event.

Finally getting this Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow brightening makeup (long name huh? lol), 1oz/ 30ml, CAD42. My shade is "I'm so money" Honey, a good match right now but might be a little dark in the winter.

Based on good reviews on blogs, I have wanted to try it but didn't like price tag very much. The GWP offer certainly helped.

The gift - "Right Now... Wow!" kit - has the minis of BADgal Lash mascara (0.14oz/ 4g vs full size 0.3oz/ 8.5g), POREfessional (0.25oz/ 7.5ml vs 0.75oz/ 22.5ml) and ChachaTint (0.08oz/ 2.5ml vs. 0.42oz/ 12.5ml).

Other products that I was waiting for a sale for:
- Quo Leopard kabuki brush from the summer collection, reg. $22, 50% off
- Revlon ColorStay Whipped foundation in True Beige, $18.99 and x10 Optimum points. There was only 1 tester on the display for Nude, so this was a wild guess of shade. Hate that!
-  Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Natural highlighter in Gold Luster, reg. around CAD11, also on clearance for 50% off. The whole line was, actually. I would assume Shoppers is clearing it out
- Marcelle eyeshadow quads in Midnight Seas and Ultraviolets, reg. $14.95, on sale for $11.99, with $2 coupons I found on the display previously. If you plan to get these, I'd suggest grabbing the coupons when you see them, as the quads are/ will be moved to the regular shelf, and the coupon stacks will be gone.

I also redeemed for a Fossil Stella black resin watch with rhinestones (ES2157). I always wanted the rose gold (ES3003) but this location didn't have it. Since I was using my points, I didn't mind it too much.

Note that the free GWP of $75 purchase on cosmetics and fragrance is still on until Friday. It did not apply with point redemption, so they didn't give it to me lol.

I had some Bonus Bucks at Claire's to use ($10 off $20). Squirt found a set of Hello Kitty Bizus on clearance, so I grabbed some nail polish with it.

The first two were from the 2 for $6 sale: Lime-tastic and Galaxy, reg. CAD5.75 a piece. Lime-tastic is a neon lime green with multi-sized silver and green glitters, looks like an indie polish. Galaxy is a black with fine silver shimmers.

The two on the right are from the Starstruck collection with square bottles - Moon Dust and Cosmic, CAD7.25 each, BOGO1/2. This collection was created by Color Club, parallel with their own Take Wing collection, except the fact that Starstruck has Cosmic (purple) and Take Wing has Daisy Does It (yellow).

Just for reference, if you are eyeing the Starstruck shades:
- Claire's Moon Dust = Color Club Sky High (blue)
- Claire's Drops of Jupiter = Color Club Metamorphosis (teal)
- Claire's Little Dipper = Color Club Sparkle and Soar (orange)
- Claire's Blast Off = Color Club Fly With Me (green), and
- Claire's Flying Saucer = Color Club Wing Fling (pink).

A quick note for locals who want to get Layla Hologram Effects (first release) and MagEffects - EDIT: and Mirror Effects, Lawtons had reduced the price from $15.99 to $9.99, a little easier on the wallet. No sign of the newer/ better Hologram Effects (second release).

Other awesome score in the weekend was the one-day $20 dress sale at Jones New York factory store. These dresses (Nine West, Evan Picone or their own JNY brand) were between $150 to $200 originally and on clearance for around $40 - $50 previously. I was able to find my size in a few style, even some Petites, really exciting.

We also did the Super Cash redemption at Old Navy. Found some cute long sleeved shirt for Squirt, a denim jacket (on sale) and pencil skirts, etc. for me. And if you haven't heard, Old Navy now has jewelry and hair accessories in stores (I haven't seen them online yet).

And while we are talking about hauls, Shoppers will be doing another 3-hour BOGO promo with coupon tomorrow for lipsticks and lip glosses. Lip balms, lip liners and prestige brands are excluded. I had fun participating in previous BOGO nail polish promo. Hope you will too.

EDIT to add: Metro has a full page ad today about "Metro Day at H&M". You show the copy of September 13 Metro (or your Metro News app) at H&M on that day to get 25% off one item.

This, ladies (and gentlemen), is Maybelline Color Show in Twilight Rays.

There was only one bottle left of this shade when I noticed it, so of course I had to get it.

I know the colour is not really summer/ fall appropriate, but I don't base my nail colours on seasons :)

This nail polish line impresses me with all the shades I tried, and that means a lot. Besides my beloved Denim Dash, Twilight Rays is gotta be another must have of mine. And should be yours too, if you are into vampy dark shades with beautiful shimmers.

This is with indirect flash, it looks almost black, but the gold shimmers peek through all that darkness, don't they?

Under natural (week) light, you still can see the shimmers. It just depends on how the light hits the nails, I guess. I hope I didn't do too bad of a job in showing them, either way.

This was 2 coats, if I remember correctly. First coat was sheer, so don't stop there to judge the colour just yet :)

Opacity is good, no application issue and it wore well. I haven't come across a shade from Color Show line that I don't like. Good job, Maybelline and keep at it!

The good news is we'll be getting more Color Show shades with the LE Scene on the Runway (Fashion Week) collection. We'll get them a little later but at least they aren't US exclusives.

Here I was catching the last sun rays on the way home. Absolutely love it!

I read on blogs that Twilight Rays is a close dupe of NARS Night Clubbing (a LE shade). I don't have the NARS shade to compare, but thought I should mention it, just in case it is your long time lemming or something :)

Close up, if you feel like looking at the "dark" lol. After wearing Twilight Rays for 2 days, I switched to a hot pink, back to the cheerful summer mood.

How was everyone's weekend? I did some point redemption at Shoppers, but didn't get around to take pics yet. Hopefully soon.

It is raining cats and dogs today, I had my red wedge jellies on so "yay" for a rainy Monday. We have 2 big cruise ship in the harbour, poor those tourists having to put up with Halifax rain :)

Shoppers: It is the start of Shoppers' 50th Anniversary celebration. I can only highlight most relevant deals, please refer to your flyer and posters in store for more details.

1. Contest: Spend $10 or more now until September 23 and get a contest card with PIN code to enter online for one of 150 prizes, like cars, vacation trips, shopping sprees, etc. And Optimum members get double the entries.

2. In store specials: Please follow the link for all offers. Below are beauty related ones :)
- 15,000 points with purchase of any 2 Lancome Anti-aging products
- 8,000 points with $70 of participating Lise Watier products
- 8,000 points with purchase of any participating Bourjois mascara
- 8,000 points with purchase of any participating Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer
- 8,000 points with $70 of participating Lacoste fragrance
- 3,000 points with purchase of  Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10
- 2,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference skincare products
- 1,500 points with purchase of 3 participating Dove products
- 1,000 points with purchase of Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color eyeshadow products
- 1,000 points with purchase of 2 participating Treseme products
- 1,000 points with purchase of Lady Gaga fragrance (50ml - $59)
- x20 points with $20 of participating No7 products
- x20 points with $10 of participating Gosh products
- x20 points with  $25 of participating Etival products
- x20 points with $15 of participating Soap & Glory products
- x10 points with Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme makeup or Colorstay Eye products
- x10 points with $30 of L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick, Voluminous mascara, Studio Secret primer or Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream products
- x10 points with $50 of participating Avene Eau Thermale products
- x5 points with purchase of participating Juicy Couture, Ed Hardy, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura or Red Door Classic fragrance.

3. Flyer deals:
*** Sat & Sun: Spend Your Points event: 25,000 points = $50 (extra $16), 50,000 points = $110 (extra $25) or 95,000 points = $220 (extra $50). This is better than the regular bonus redemption rates.

*** Free gift (a box filled with 26 beauty and fragrance samples) with purchase of $75 or more on cosmetics, skin care or fragrance

*** Sun & Mon: John Frieda hair care: CAD5.99 (limit 4, after limit and rest of the week: CAD6.99)

*** All week:
- Maybelline Volume Express mascara, Eye Studio eyeshadow/ gel liner: 50% off
- Quo brushes: 40% off
- Quo Celebration brush set: CAD42.99
- Garnier skin care: 25% off
- Neutrogena facial cleanser, moisturizer: CAD9.99
- Nivea body lotion, Visage facial care: CAD6.99
- L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise, Aveeno facial moisturizer: CAD18.99
- Vichy Normaderm skin care: 25% off
- L'Oreal Telescopic mascara, Magic Lumi, Visible Lift, True Match concealer, HIP duo eyeshadow, Colour Riche balm/ lipstick: CAD9.99
- Revlon makeup (selected types): 20% off
- Revlon ColorStay eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara: 15% off
- Revlon ColorStay whipped makeup: CAD18.99
- Maybelline Fit Me makeup, SuperStay lip: 20% off
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream: CAD9.99
- Gosh BB cream: CAD19.99, eyeliner (selected types): 2 for CAD25
- Rimmel (selected types): CAD4.99
- Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara, Glam Eyes eyeshadow, Lasting Finish lipstick: CAD5
- Marcelle eyeshadow quad: CAD11.99
- Annabelle eye, lip liner: CAD3.99
- Almay Intense i-Color eyeshadow, liner, mascara: CAD7.99 (and 1,000 bonus points)
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Rimmel Lasting Finish nail polish: CAD3.99
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, Complete Salon, Nail Growth nail polish, treatment: CAD5.99
- Revlon Brilliant Strength, ColorStay nail polish: 15% off
- Quo by Orly glitter nail polish: CAD10, Instant Artist nail polish: CAD2.99
- I Love... bath products: B2G1F
- EOS lip balm: CAD3.99
- Biotherm GWP of $30 or more until September 23. Plus, with a purchase of $65 or more, you'll get a deluxe sample (15ml) of Biotherm Blue Therapy serum (reg. $65 for 30ml)
- Benefit: GWP of $40 or more - Right Now.. Wow gift set (deluxe minis of BADgal Lash mascara, POREfressional and ChachaTint)
- Nuxe: With purchase of 2 products (one Rose Petals cleansing care and a face care), receive a Nuxe cosmetic pouch with Gentle Toning lotion (35ml) and Clarifying cream mask (15ml).

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Lawtons:
- Clean & Clear: 40% off
- OXY: BOGO
- Ombrelle sun care: 50% off
- Vichy skin care: 25% off
- Garnier Skin Renew: 25% off, Intensive 7 Days body lotion (400ml): CAD4.99
- L'Oreal Skin Expertise RevitaLift: 25% off
- Simple skin care: 20% off
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar: 20% off, sun care: 25% off
- Avene Essentials cleanser, toner: 20% off
- Dermaglow Prevention skin care: 25% off
- Bioderma skin/ body care: 30% off
- Vichy skin/ body care: 25% off
- NYX, Milani, Almay: 15% off
- LA Colors/ LA Girl: 20% off
- Annabelle: 15% off
- Marcelle colour cosmetics: 20% off
- L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: 25% off
- Maybelline Dream/ Fit Me: 25% off
- Cover Girl & Olay, LashBlast 24hr mascara, eyeshadow trio/ quad: 30% off
- Revlon foundation, powder, primer, concealer, blush: 25% off
- Revlon nail polish, beauty tools: 25% off
- Nicole by OPI nail polish: CAD5.99
- $10 worth of Goody products = 10 bonus Airmiles
- $25 worth of Cover Girl, Revlon, L'Oreal or Maybelline products = 20 bonus Airmiles.

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Walmart:
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish: CAD3.93 (reg. $4.97)
- L'Oreal Voluminous Power 24h mascara, Infallible lacquer liner, Color Riche balm: CAD7.96
- L'Oreal Youth Code BB cream: CAD17.97
- L'Oreal RevitaLift LZR skin care: CAD27.96

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Sally: Highlights of September deals
- Free Finger Paints nail polish with purchase of 2 Beyond the Zone full sized hair care products
- Free Ardell lashes (selected types) with purchase of 2 China Glaze nail polishes
- Free Seche clear base coat with purchase of Seche Vite top coat
- Save $1 with purchase of 2 Nina Ultra Pro nail polishes
- Orly nail polish: 2 for CAD12 (excluding Flash Glam Fx), save $1 on Orly nail treatments
- Beauty Secrets nail treatments (18.5ml): CAD3.49.

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The Bay: Shiseido GWP of $43 or more, now till September 16.

If you spend $75 or more on Shiseido, you'll also get a deluxe sample of Shiseido White Lucent Brightening softener (75ml, valued $32) and (if you use a Hbc credit card or MasterCard by Sunday) a $25 saving card, redeemable on your next purchase of $100 or more until September 23.

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Not beauty related (and not affiliated/ sponsored), just thought some of you might be interested to know that Solestruck's extra 40% off sale on clearance shoes has been extended for one more day (today). You just need to sign in via FB to grab the deals. I have so far placed 2 orders for Jeffrey Campbell shoes between $75 - $90 a pair, my first. So excited! Oh did I mention they ship to US and Canada for free, no minimum?

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And lastly, don't forget the Make Up For Ever event at Halifax Sephora this Saturday and, if you haven't already, enter the HD Complexion Start kit giveaway.

Have heard quite a lot about sea buckthorn but I'm late getting my hands on the products. It was a great opportunity when SeabuckWonders contacted me for a review.

SeabuckWonders has the only full line of products made with 100% USDA Certified Organic Himalayan sea buckthorn.

Just a quick reference: 100% pure sea buckthorn Berry contains x10 more Vitamin C than oranges, x3 the Vitamin A in carrots, x6 more β-carotene than pumpkins, x5 more SOD (superoxide dismutase) than ginseng and the highest concentration of Vitamin E among fruits.

Sea buckthorn is a powerful antioxidant, packed with over 190 nutrients, especially the rare Omega 7, good for skin health and cell membrane support. SeabuckWonders' products are Kosher certified, gluten free, recommended by Dr. Oz. Impressed?

Let's see how these products work, shall we?

This is my favorite product: Sea Buckthorn Oil Blend - Omega 7 Complete. It is an extract of Sea Buckthorn seed oil and berry oil. Best of both worlds, they say, and I am all about convenience.

Suggested use: a dietary supplement, 2-4 soft gels daily (with or without food). These are supposed to help with skin, gastrotestinal, heart and liver health.

I started out with 2 a day, noticed an improvement in my immune system over the 2-3 weeks I used it. I was close to catching a cold a few times but managed to avoid it. The breakouts on my face took less time to calm down, but this of course was with the support of spot treatments as well. Don't know if it helps any of my internal organs, can't tell within the short period of time.

No adverse/ odd reactions as a result of these, I'm happy to report. I will continue to finish the bottle up and see if I can find the product around here to add it to the supplements I try to take daily.

A bottle of this oil blend has 60 soft gels, 500mg each (4 parts Berry oil and 1 part Seed oil), retails $30.

Now we examine the two oils that are part of the oil blend above.

This Sea Buckthorn Berry oil comes in the liquid form, housed in a glass bottle with a dropper at the top. The oil was extracted from the whole berries and contains high level of Omega 7, recommended for skin care, inflammation, redness and irritation treatment. 

The first suggested use is a dietary supplement, 35-70 drops daily (with or without food). I am personally prefer the soft gel format, so I don't taste or smell the oil when I take it, even when mixed with my juice or food. The oil is deep orange because of the high level of carotenoids, and it smells like seaweed to me.

I used the oil as a mix-in with my moisturizer or body lotion (the white blob in the pic), and only at night before bed, because it does leave a tint on the skin for about 30 minutes, and I am already orange enough lol. Any colour left in the morning, I could easily wash it off.

I enjoy the extra benefit of the oil in my body products. The skin feels properly moisturized and soft. The bottle is 1.76oz/ 52ml, retails $25. Each 35 drops contain 1000mg Berry oil, and I only use about a quarter of that each time.

And then there is Sea Buckthorn Seed oil, extracted from only the seeds of the berries (harder to do). It lacks the rare Omega 7 that is found in the Berry oil.

First shown here are the soft gels, as a dietary supplement, 2-4 soft gels daily on an empty stomach. Again, this format does not leave a smell or taste, easier to take orally. However, I don't see the need to take the Seed oil by itself if I already have the Oil blend - unless you already get enough Omega 7 from other sources. 


You can also extract the oil inside the capsules to apply it externally but I think it is pretty messy to do. Go for the liquid (below) instead. The bottle has 60 soft gels, 500mg each, costs $33.

And here is the Seed oil liquid, 1oz/ 30ml, $33. Also suggested as a dietary supplement, 35-70 drops daily (with or without food). Same idea, not a "go" for me orally but externally.


Notice the lighter colour of the oil here compared to the Berry oil. The tint is hardly noticeable on the skin, which is certainly easier to use. It is a trade-off.

Seed oil, even without Omega 7, still contains high levels of vitamin E, omega 3 and 6, great for the skin and immune system support.

All in all, I recommend the Oil blend as a supplement. For the skin, the Berry oil grabs all the good nutrients, plus Omega 7, and is cheaper than the Seed oil.

SeabuckWonders' products are available at health food/ supplement stores in the US (not yet in Canada) or online from Tao of Herbs. They ship in the US for between $6-9 (or free with purchase of $100), and $10-17 for packages under 3 pounds for Canada.

I did not notice the new Bourjois So Laque! Ultra Shine nail polish line until I was sent a colour to attempt some nail art with. My regular Shoppers is not a Beauty Boutique where the brand is carried, so I hardly know about new releases.

But I fixed that. I have for you today Lime Catwalk from the Paris Show Time summer collection, with a French twist.

The line supposedly has twice as much vinyl and a blend of highly reflecting resins for nails with high shine, holding for up to 7 days. The bottle is 10ml, retails $10.

Above pic was outside, in the shade, and below was with flash which showed the brighter payoff of the colour. IRL, it is leaning more toward green than yellow.

I applied 4 thin coats, since the shade was a little sheer, and hid the VNL with the contrast French tips, using Bourjois Holiday in Hawaii as part of the LE Colour Pop Mini Nail kit.

The trick to the straight lines on the tips was striping tape. I chose the tape colour that was close to the tip colour to partly hide it.

I found the tape was helpful in keeping my tip colour in line but did not wear so well. By the first day, it already lifted up at the edges. Party my fault though, since I didn't have the cuticle scissors to trim it to the right length once it was on the nails. Lesson learned for next time.

Here you can see the mini bottle (3ml) of Holiday in Hawaii. I applied 2 coats here, quite good opacity.

I found this shade pulled a little at the tips, hence the tip wear that you can see here after Day 1. I'm not sure it was my top coat that caused this, but another coat of the colour will fix it.

All in all, I liked Lime Catwalk and would explore the So Lacque! line a little more when I come across them again. And to give Holiday in Hawaii another fair chance, I would wear it by itself next time and see what happens. The colour is pretty for both summer and fall, I'd say.