{Beauty} Batiste Dry Shampoo Review...

I'm a total dry shampoo devotee and have religiously used the stuff for about three years now. My obsession started with the Cake variety, and although it did the trick oil absorption-wise, it left my roots powdery and, well, about five shades too light even though it was meant for dark hair. So when Nail Polish Canada offered to send me a Batiste Dry Shampoo to try out on my tired tresses, I jumped at the chance to review the variety for dark brown hair... I figured I had nothing to lose, plus the white film left behind by my current TRESemme version didn't make switching all that difficult.

The verdict? Take it from me, my brunette buds, this stuff is legit. It blended into my dark hair effortlessly, absorbed oil like a pro and smelled subtly fresh... Plus I wasn't left with that super powdery feeling I had grown accustomed to. I don't make it a habit of positively reviewing items I don't care for, so believe me when I tell you that I'll be getting this product again, only next time with my own money. xx

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Wardrobe Wednesday...

How cute is this ring? The lovely Georgia of Social Experiment was nice enough to send it my way, and I've been wearing it non-stop ever since... It's just so simple and pretty, and it reminds me of home on the west coast (which is what inspires this Vancouver-based designer's handmade creations). All in all, I'm head over heels... Thanks, Georgia!

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Meaningful Beauty: A Review

When the nice people at Guthy|Renker offered to send me some Meaningful Beauty products to review, I couldn't believe my luck - I've honestly wanted to try out the line ever since watching Cindy Crawford's infomercial about the products over a year ago! Not to sound like a Shopping Channel devotee or anything (I'm so not), but have you seen Cindy lately?! That woman has barely aged a day since the 90s! Now I don't know if this is entirely linked to the MB brand or not, but if even a portion of her fountain-of-youth complexion can be attributed one of those glistening white bottles, I so want at in!

Anyway, when my package arrived a couple days later, I expected to find an array of sample-sized packets, as per usual in the beauty industry. So you can imagine my delight, however, when I opened that Fedex box to find full-sized bottles of the entire product range instead! We're talking everything from face wash and exfoliants, to SPF 20 day cream, a deep cleansing mask, eyes cream, and literally everything in between... I couldn't believe my luck, and basically bee-lined to the bathroom to try them all out!

I've been using the products religiously for over a month now, and I'm very happy to report that my skin has never looked better. I get compliments on how clear and dewy my complexion looks all the time, even though I went through a little "rough patch" since moving back to Edmonton and it's oh-so-dry climate. But really, if someone can look past a peeling, disgusting nose long enough to comment on the overall condition of my skin, that's saying something in my books!

So if you're a total skin-care sucker like me, I would honestly recommend trying out Meaningful Beauty... And although some of their products are a little advanced for younger skin (think decollete firming creams and wrinkle smoothing capsules), they really do have something for everyone. I for one am hooked on their anti-aging night cream, and definitely plan on going back for more. I probably won't op for their skin-softening cleanser in the future, but that's only because I'm all about foaming cleansers... Hey, to each their own, right?

A BIG thank you goes out to Guthy|Renker for generously sending me the entire Meaningful Beauty line! You guys are amazing, and I'm so appreciative to have been able to try out these products first-hand...

What kind of skin care do you guys use? I wanna know! xx

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The Wand...

Hi everyone! Remember when I reviewed the Hana Professional flat iron a while back? Well the ever-so-generous people at Misikko were good enough to send me the Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron to review as well... Yay! I love beauty products (major understatement), so I was thrilled to receive another styling goodie from the haircare giant- thanks Misikko!

True to form, my package came beautifully wrapped and brimming with little extras, from a hand written note and rose petals all the way to styling products and eyeshadow! Can you believe that?! I can't tell you enough how nice and thoughtful the Misikko crew are... *sigh*

Anyway, on to the Wand. When I (eagerly) opened the box I noticed that it was completely different from any curling iron I had ever used- it had no clamp! Because this was a completely foreign concept to me (and I assume to many of you!), I decided to make the above video without trying out the product first... I figured that way first timers to the Wand could benefit from my mistakes (like burning my neck!), and gauge how quickly/easily a newbie can pick up using the product. As clumsy as my first attempts were (again, smarty over here burnt herself), I figured out how to use it about a third of the way in, which isn't too bad as far as learning curves go... And hey, if I can do it, anyone can!

I'm really pleased with the product, and since making this awkward little video, I've successfully used it several times... and always seem to get compliments on my hair when I do! If you're in the market for a curling iron I would definitely recommend this one, however, Misikko has quite the array of curling irons, so I'm sure you can't go wrong either way. The only other product of theirs I've yet to try is their hair dryer, so if any of you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts! xx

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I heart Misikko...

I was super excited when the lovely people of Misikko, beauty supplier extraordinaire, contacted me to see if I would try out one of their top-rated flat irons... Hmm let me think about this-- YES, yes I would!

Before I knew it, a beautifully package parcel arrived on my doorstep, complete with a pink edition Hana Professional flat iron, a bottle of Biosilk's Silk Therapy (so good!), and a few other thoughtful goodies... I was so blown away with their attention to detail and amazing customer service that I knew right then and there that I would love their product... and I was right!

The Hana is light-weight and has 1" plates, making it super comfortable and easy to use. It heated up in no time (a welcome change from my tired old flat iron) and straightened my hair effortlessly--I usually have to go over it a few times before I can get it straight! Pluuuus you can use the Hana on damp hair, which is a total bonus....

All in all, I'm completely in love with this product, and what's more, I'm in love with the company! It's not often that you come across a business that treats their customers so well, and that goes a long way with me... If you ever find yourself in need of a ceramic flat iron, tourmaline hair dryer, or anything really, I honestly recommend you turn to Misikko... I know I will!

Thanks again to Misikko for sending me a Hana-- I absolutely love it! xx

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