Start Your Year with Amazing Skincare

The truth is that your skincare doesn’t have to come from the mall or the drugstore, and some of the best finds are the ones that totally surprise us.  And with that, I want to introduce you to Sahajan skin care products; inspired by Ayurvedic formulas, this skincare line is entirely organic and smells absolutely amazing.  All the products have the same woodsy, smoky, and herby.  It’s a scent I’ve never encountered before, and I have to admit that I can’t get enough of it.  In fact, I loved it so much that I gifted the body oil to my mom for her birthday because I knew that she’d love it as much as I did!

The Sahajan product line includes products for your face (eye cream, moisturizer, serum) and for your body (body oil), as well as a hair oil.

The body and hair oil products were my favourite because they were light enough to be absorbed quickly, while the face products were too moisturizing for my normally oily skin.

Interestingly, all the products were formulated by a mom who wanted something that was safe to use on her kids as well as herself.  As any mom knows, kids are touchy feely, and anyone that’s had a wet kiss from a wee one knows that almost everything can end up in their mouths, so I totally understand the desire for making something that feels… safer to use, especially on the body’s largest organ.

Sahajan Ritual Body OilSo Sahajan products are based in Ayurveda because the product’s creator believes that Ayurvedic remedies are based on science that’s thousands of years old.  The Ritual Body Oil ($55) is made with natural oils to inspired massage but be used in place of regular moisturizer. It’s hydrating but easily absorbed into the skin – unlike most conventional oils on the market.  It’s more moisturizing than a dry oil but not at all greasy!  It doesn’t make skin cold like a moisturizer and isn’t heavy like a body butter.  It just works.

Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil

The Nurture hair oil ($50) is also very light.  It makes hair so shiny and I use it on dry hair because it’s that light.  It absorbs into dry ends and makes them look healthier, while taming fly-aways and frizz.  Like most hair oils, it’s best to use this sparingly and only on the bottom half of hair.  You can also massage this into your scalp to help strengthen the roots of your hair and invigorate your scalp.  This oil contains Amla oil, coconut oil, and almond oils – all of which are known in Indian culture to improve the condition of hair.

Buy Sahajan because it smells amazing but feel good about it because it’s organic and well made!  It goes without saying that Sahajan products are made without pthalates, sulfates, parabens, petroleums, artificial colors, etc.  The product line is among the nicest I’ve ever encountered.

You can purchase Sahajan products on their website.

 

 

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Nars x Steven Klein FANTAscene Collection

So I had this prepared before the holidays but in my packing craziness before going away, I didn’t notice that it missed going live.

Nars Steven KleinTo be honest, I’m not a fan of Steven Klein’s images – the violence suggested in them is not my taste, but I can see that he’s established a certain style for himself since it evokes high glamour and high fashion which is definitely in line with the Nars brand, and I can respect that collaboration.  Of course, according to Nars, Klein and Francois Nars have been friends for many years, and admire each others’ work, so this is really a true collaboration.

The images on the packaging don’t really speak to me but the products inside are amazing.  There are new formulas and great colours in the collection and so many of them are easy to wear and integrate into your existing makeup look.

Nars steven Klein Stud EyeshadowThe Stud Single Eyeshadow is a standout product and really spoke to me.  It’s intense taupe glitter that can be gently patted on for a subtle daytime look, or applied on top of an eyeshadow base for a more intense look.  It looks best paired with black eyeliner and some major lipstick.  The staying power even when it’s used on its own is amazing, and the shadow is velvety smooth.

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Also, the Killer Shine lipsticks – wow, do they pack a shine but without sacrificing color.  Besame Mucho is the perfect nude lipstick – pinkish brown so that your lips look like they still have some life in them.

Nars Steven Klein Besame Mucho

You can still check out the entire collection on the Nars website, and it was still on display at my local Sephora.

 

 

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Dior Spring 2016 Glowing Gardens Collection

Dior’s spring collection makes a case for the big trends of this season: major highlight, light pink and light blue nail polish, pink eyeshadow, and a glowing lip.

Dior Nude Air illuminating Powder

If you’re into highlighter, you’re going to love the Dior Nude Air Illuminating Powder ($58).  Available in 001 and 002, the first is a pale pink while the second is more of a golden glow.  Both provide lots of shimmery with just a gentle touch, but come with a kabuki brush so that you can apply more if you’d like.  They will likely be what attracts you to the collection, but if you already have highlighters you love, then you may well skip over these. They are certainly generously packaged and provide lots of product for what you’re going to be using them for.  The pattern on them is unreal and so pretty.Dior glowing gardens vernis

If anything, spring for the nail polish!  Lilac is a pretty pink, while Bleuette is a light blue.  Lilac is a lovely cream that is very pigmented and gives full coverage in two coats.  It’s spring-y and wearable and is my new neutral.  Dior always hits if out of the park with their nail polishes and it seems that I’m always surprised by how quickly they can out-do themselves.

There’s always the eyeshadow quints.  These haven’t caught my eye for a while – the colours tend to be a bit much for my tastes and I have no use for 5 colours – I wear one or two at a time at the most.

There is Rose Garden and Blue Garden this time in keeping with the theme.

Dior glowing Gardens shadows

And another exciting product in this season’s collection is the Dior Glow lipliner pen.  It promises the same self-changing color as the other Lip Glow products but it offers precise application since wearing lip liner all over your lips is now a more mainstream trend.  I took a picture of the Lip Glow Liner – yes, I’m wearing Lilac in the picture on my nails!

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So there you have it!  Hits from the collection!  What will you be picking up, if anything?

 

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OPI Starlight Collection

This was definitely one of my favourite collections from the holiday season, and although I’m sad to be writing about it after the vacation, it’s still available at salons (and at full price!) so take a look at the colours before you encounter it for yourself.

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Here’s a closer look:

Starlight Collection part 1

 

Left to right: No More Mr. Night Sky; Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Meteorite; Press * for Silver; Ce-Less-Tial is More; Let Your Love Shine; Infrared-y to Glow.

Of the above, the first (#6) is kind of sheer even with two coats.  #5 and #1 are pretty, and #3 is my all time favourite.  It is a heavy glitter and those really only last on my nails for a couple of days before they begin to chip off.  I used OPI’s glitter base coat and just peeled it off after the first day.  Either the polish has to look perfect…. or it shouldn’t be on at all.

Starlight 2

 

Left to Right: Center of the You-Niverse; Super Star Status; I Drive a Supernova; By The Light of the Moon; Comet Closer; Is this Star Taken.

#7 is a winner.  Textured Black?  Yes, so on point.

Starlight 3

Left to Right: Give me Space; Cosmo with a Twist; I’m in the Moon for Love; Ro-Man-Ce on the Moon; Love is In My Cards.  My favourites are #5 and #3.  Both super dark colours that work well in cold weather and the pigmentation was amazing.  Lasting power was great too!

Have you already checked out this collection?  What color manicures are you guys into right now?

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Currently Using: eos Lipbalm in Honeysuckle Honeydew

…possibly my favorite flavour of eos lipbalm yet, mainly because it reminds me of that tasty watermelon flavoured lip balm I used in junior high and this is the closest I’ve ever come to it.

eos honeysuckle honeydew lip balmAnd Happy New Year to all my readers!  It’s been a busy winter for me – so busy that I didn’t get around to blogging about many of my favourite products this holiday season, but that’s going to change now for sure.  Life is a little bit slower-paced after the holidays and it’s time to get back on track.  I’ve ordered a bunch of new goodies so when they come in, I’ll be writing about those for sure – they include a new scent and something by Charlotte Tilbury!

Obviously, this little lip balm is getting me out of my rut and eos always does!

The quick take: it’s very moisturizing with a definite waxy feel, but paraben free and almost all natural.  This flavour is nice and fresh and I love that.

$3.29 online.

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Too Faced Gift of Great Mascara

I love the little makeup ornaments that are coming out now because they give you a chance to gift some cult favourite products at really affordable prices.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara OrnamentIf you’ve always wanted to try the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, you might be interested in picking up a Deluxe size of it for $18 as a Christmas ornament!

The mascara layers really well and makes for thick lush lashes.  One stroke deposits tons of luscious mascara – it’s a thick formula that really makes lashes look amazing.

Available on TooFaced.com.

 

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Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo and Conditioner

If you can’t tell from just the main page on this blog, I’m a little obsessed hair color right now.  I think not having as much time as I used to have for upkeep means that I really care about preserving the quality of color on my hair and making sure that I keep fading to a minimal.

I’ve become obsessed with using something blue-based on a regular basis to preserve the ashy tones in my hair, but I’m also using a color-specific shampoo and conditioner to really make my hair look and feel healthier and shinier.

Matrix Color ObsessedI’m loving Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo and Conditioner because they are so gentle on my hair and have been leaving it so soft!  The shampoo is nice and creamy but gives me a deep clean when I’m not using my cleansing conditioner.   The conditioner is super rich but not too thick so it’s not weighing down my hair too much.

If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner that’s gentle on your hair and very conditioner, this is a great one to try out without breaking the bank.

Availabls at salons for $12.50 for the shampoo and $13.50 for the conditioner.

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Pureology Hydrate Cleansing Conditioner

My hair is super dry – especially in the winter – and so cleansing conditioners are totally my jam.  I use them when my hair’s not super oily and just needs a light cleansing after a workout.  I’m really just trying to get out the salt and sweat at my roots but don’t want to dry out the rest of my hair.

Pureology Cleansing conditionerPureology’s Hydrate Cleansing Conditioner is what I’m reaching for these days.  It feels just like a conditioner, not a shampoo, but it definitely makes your hair cleaner and shinier – as if you’d just shampooed it.

Pureology has three kinds of cleansing conditioners: Hydrating, Strengthening, and Smoothing.  It goes without saying that they’re all super gentle on your hair and because they are so gentle, you can’t really go wrong with either one.

If you’ve never used a cleansing conditioner, know that they’re almost like a cream cleanser that you might use on your face.  They dispense as a cream, and you use a copious amount on your scalp to get rid of any dirt or grime.  They’re not usually volumizing or deep cleansing because they’re heavier than a regular shampoo, and they don’t usually lather a ton although some do lather a bit.  Wen is one of the better known cleansing conditioners and that brand really works for some people who have very dry hair.  They’re a fantastic option for controlling frizz and taming unruly hair without putting too much product in it.

For the record, I usually follow up with a regular conditioner – these days it’s the one that comes with my Perfect 10 hair color and it makes my hair even more shiny.

Pureology is always made for color-treated hair, and is one of the first lines to come out with sulfate-free products.  They are also 100% vegan.  All the formulas have an aromatherapy bent to them and so they smell amazing.

About $37 at salons.

 

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Current Winter Hand Care from Farmhouse Fresh

Farmhouse Fresh is a line of naturally-based products that are most often found at spas or speciality skincare stores.  They smell scrumptious and have lovely old-school packaging.

Farmhouse Fresh All-Purpose BalmThis winter, I’ve been turning to their All-Purpose Shea Butter Balm in the Plum Chiffon and Marshmallow Melt scents.  They smell amazing and give immediate comfort to dry skin.

The Shea Butter Balms have a texture that’s almost like coconut oil: they’re solid at room temperature but melt on contact with your skin and turn into an easy-to-spread oil.  Obviously, these are greasy on the skin, but I really love that they immediately relieve any sort of dryness and keep your hands feeling moist.  I use them every night before bed and find that they’ve cut down on painful hang nails (although my skin is still super dry because I forget to moisturizing during the day).

You can find Farmhouse Fresh at salons and spas near you, or online.

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CND Aurora Collection

This holiday season, I am all about the frosty and glittery nail polishes, and CND’s Aurora collection delivers on both those counts.

CND Aurora Collection Vinylux

These are available in Shellac and Vinylux formulas, and I’m loving all the colours but you have to check out Tundra which is the prettiest frosty mauve.

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Also, Glacial Mist is the prettiest glitter and different from what I would normally wear on my nails at this time of year.

The other colours are Winter Glow which is a pale pink that can be opaque after three coats, and Nordic Lights which is another glitter.

If you’re looking for long-wearing colour this holiday season, Vinylux and Shellac are the way to go – Shellac is available as an in-salon service only, and if your salon is a real Shellac salon then they’ll likely have this collection.

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