I’m not here to bash brands or be negative about the products that I am about to tell you about, I’m just here to share some products that didn’t work for me personally and I will tell you why each one didn’t. Keep in mind, what may not work for me might work for you and vice versa so if you love any of these products that’s totally fine!! If you’re interested to know which products I haven’t been loving, keep reading.

1. Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Foundation Stick (around $45) – The website says this is a velvety-matte medium to full coverage foundation that leaves you looking fabulous from all angles. I loved the idea of this foundation and as a long time lover of their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation (I’ve bought it too many times over the years to count) I figured I would love this foundation too. However, I found that it never really set on my skin no matter what primer or setting powder I used, it just slid around all over the place. I also purchased it in a shade that is too light for me so that didn’t help matters either. I honestly don’t know what skin type this foundation would even be best for…it accentuates pores and blemishes and looks cakey no matter how much is applied; for me it was definitely a miss.

2. Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer (under $10) – This concealer is said to be creamy and long wearing, sweat-proof, and promises instant flawless coverage that lasts all day. I am always on the hunt for great drugstore makeup and skincare to take the place of higher-end (more expensive) products. I purchased this concealer to use on my under-eye area and found it to be extremely drying…like to the point that it felt like it was going to crack right off. I do not have overly dry skin so I wasn’t expecting it to be so drying but yeah, it wasn’t a good scene. My favourite drugstore concealer ever is the Maybelline Age Rewind so I will be sticking to that when it comes to affordable concealer!

3. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($33) – Sooo this might be a bit of a controversial one as it’s raved about all over the place. According to Sephora, this is an overnight moisture-recharging gel mask that sinks in to leave the skin feeling deeply hydrated in the morning. Ummm…deeply hydrated? That may be a bit of an overstatement. I have tried this mask multiple times and each time am left wondering why people love it so much…it literally does nothing for me. Laneige also makes my favourite (another cult favourite in the beauty world) Lip Sleeping Mask so I know that they do have some great products, this mask just isn’t anything special to me.

4. Milk Makeup Blur Stick ($48) – This is a silicone-free, oil-free, matte primer stick that claims to blur pores and fine lines. I only have a deluxe-sized sample of this product (glad I didn’t spend the money on the full priced one) and although I don’t think it’s a “bad” product by any means, it just really doesn’t seem to do much for me. I still use it from time to time just to give it another chance and use up the product but I really notice no difference if I use it or not. There are definitely many other pore-minimizing primers that I would pay full price for but this unfortunately is not one of them.

5. Tarte Cosmetics Quench Lip Rescue Balm in the shade Nude ($26) – This is said to be a moisturizing lip balm in an array of different shades (there are quite a few to choose from). It wasn’t the colour that I didn’t love about this product, it was the formula. I found that rather than moisturizing my lips it actually made them feel drier and less hydrated than when I applied it. It has a minty cooling sensation that I did like but other than that there just wasn’t much I enjoyed about this product and I ended up passing it along to one of my friends.

6. dpHUE Cool Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner (around $33/bottle) – The website says that this formula uses specially formulated violet pigments to neutralize brassy yellow tones and stretch out the time between salon visits. I have heard rave reviews about this duo over the years and as a life-long blondie I am always on the hunt for the best of the best when it comes to purple shampoo and conditioner. I actually found this set at Winners and bought them on a whim expecting to be wowed after reading so many positive reviews but – you guessed it – I didn’t love them. The shampoo is suuuuper drying and the scent is EXTREMELY overpowering; the conditioner was just kind of meh…not the best I’ve ever used but not the worst either. I definitely have other products that I prefer when it comes to keeping my blonde hair brass-free so I guess I will just stick to those!

7. RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up ($48) – RMS Beauty is a clean beauty brand and this product is said to be a skin-perfecting concealer and foundation for the under-eye area and face. I was super excited to try this out as it was when I first started looking into the ingredients in my beauty products and I was searching for a great foundation replacement. I got it in one of the lighter shades and found that it was way too yellow-based for my skin tone and the product itself just did not sit nice on my skin. Again, it didn’t really ever set and moved around and transferred like crazy. Unfortunately, this was another product that was sent back to Sephora for a refund!

8. Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Brow Pomade in Blonde (under $15) – This is said to be a long-lasting formula that helps you achieve the look of full, sculpted brows. Well first things first, the colour was way too dark for me (I know…I really need to work on my colour-matching skills) but it was the lightest shade and I figured I could make it work. However, the colour of this is nowhere near blonde…it’s more like a dark brunette…so strange. The formula does seem to be alright so if you can find a shade that works for you it may be worth trying out!

9. No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Cleansing Balm (under $10 on sale) – The website says this is a nourishing cleansing balm (duh) that dissolves away dirt and oil using a blend of oils. I was super excited when I discovered a drugstore cleansing balm that was under $10 and thought there was no way I couldn’t give it a try. After using this a handful of times I found that it did not leave my skin free of dryness as it promised, but instead it did the opposite and left my skin red, dry, and tight. This one can maybe be chalked up to my ultra-sensitive skin, it may work for you if you’re skin is less spastic than mine (which is probably the majority of you)!!

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Well that rounds out the list of products that didn’t work out for me, I’m not sure how everyone will feel about this type of post but hopefully it’ll be helpful in some way! As I said before, I don’t want to be bashing brands by any means but it is only natural that some products aren’t going to work for everyone and I think it’s okay to share those reviews too as long as they’re done respectfully.

Thanks for reading along, catch ya next time!

Britt✨

I have talked a lot about my favourite skincare products and what I have in my own collection but I thought I’d put up a post that will hopefully help you create your own basic skincare routine. The products I will show you here will create a simple, easy skincare routine and allow you to add in other specialty products at your own pace. If you are interested in reading about my collection and/or some more detailed skincare options, go ahead and check out my Current Skincare Routine. or My Current Skincare Favourites. I also have a post detailing all about why I decided to start my clean beauty journey, so you can check out this post Clean.

Makeup Remover.

First things first, you gotta get that makeup off. Many people think that you can just use your cleanser and expect it to remove makeup and properly cleanse the skin – this is not true. In order for your cleanser to do it’s very best job you need to first remove the layer(s) of makeup from your skin. Two of my favourite makeup removers are –

Garnier All-in-1 Micellar Water – I hate to sound like a broken record here but a micellar water is a must when it comes to skin care. The tiny micellar molecules go deep into your pores to remove all traces of makeup and leave your skin feeling clean but not stripped. Many brands have a micellar cleanser option this is just the one I’ve repurchased over and over. I get mine from Shoppers Drug Mart and it’s typically on sale for under $10.

Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil – Cleansing oils are a great option for removing makeup while hydrating the skin. I used this cleansing oil all winter when my skin was super dry and flaky and it did an amazing job at removing my makeup. This is around $15 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Cleanser.

After you’ve removed your makeup you can go in with your cleanser. There are so many options when it comes to cleansers and you should definitely get one that is targeted to your specific skincare needs. I have sensitive, sometimes acne-prone skin so I do not switch up my cleanser very often.

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser – This is honest to God the only cleanser I have used for over a year now. It contains tea tree oil and cucumber to balance and cool the skin and I love the way my skin feels after using it. You can purchase this from Fusion Shop + Salon for around $48.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser – This cleanser is a cult-favourite in the beauty world because it gently cleanses the skin without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry. It is non-comedogenic making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. You can find this at Shoppers Drug Mart for around $15.

Toner.

Toner is actually a very important step in your skincare routine as it balances the pH of your skin after removing makeup and cleansing. I have tried many different toners over the years but I’ll show you the two I’ve been loving the most lately below.

Cocokind Rosewater Toner – This toner is perfect for sensitive or dry skin and is a more hydrating option. I use this as a toner, refresher, and a makeup setting mist. This is around $22 at Shoppers Drug Mart but you can often find it on sale for less.

Cocokind Raspberry Vinegar Toner – This toner is more targeted to oily or acne-prone skin and although my skin is sensitive it still really loves this product. Again, you can find this for around $22 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Moisturizer.

Next up, you can add a moisturizer. No matter if your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone, you should be using a moisturizer in your routine every day. Here’s a couple of options for you –

Eminence Organics Rosehip Whip Moisturizer – I have raved about this moisturizer numerous times now and it is definitely my go-to. It is hydrating, soothing, and balancing and my skin absolutely loves it. This is around $59 at Fusion Shop + Salon.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double-Repair Moisturizer – This moisturizer helps to nourish and protect the skin barrier and also helps to prevent irritation. La Roche-Posay is a dermatologist developed skincare brand and their products are loved all around the world due to the fact that they are high quality but still affordable. They have many options for different skin types so I urge you to check them out! You can find La Roche-Posay at Shoppers Drug Mart and this moisturizer is around $20.

Eyes.

I’m not going to lie to you, I only recently started exploring eye creams and treatments; I have never struggled all that much in that area but do think it’s important to start early before you see signs of aging because it’s easier to prevent than it is to reverse. I am only going to recommend one product in this category as it is hands-down my favourite and if you’re just starting out it’s the perfect option.

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick – No joke guys, this product is your skincare bff; I am obsessed with this stick and have prompted many people in my life to join in on the obsession. If you’re looking to add some moisture to your delicate under-eye area (or anywhere else for that matter) look no further than this jumbo lip balm style stick. You can grab this from Shoppers Drug Mart for around $12.

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So there you have it, choose one product from each category and you’ve got yourself the perfect little skincare routine. Of course there are many more products you can add in (masks, serums, treatments…the list goes on) but if you are just starting out it’s best to stick to the basics and build on from there.

Thanks for reading, catch ya next time!

Britt✨

Summer is right around the corner that means that some big special occasions are too. Whether it’s high school graduation, prom, a wedding, or even a date night these looks are my top picks right now when it comes to makeup trends; play them up and add your own unique spin or tone them down – makeup is all about having fun and feeling beautiful in your own skin!

Bold Lips & Defined Lashes💋

I am absolutely loving this look right now and it’s SO easy to achieve on your own. I’m going to break this look down step by step so if you’re interested in learning how to do it, keep reading!

1) Moisturize – the base of any great makeup look is your skin; make sure you are taking good care of it and moisturizing before applying any makeup.

2) Prime – Apply a primer to the skin to prep the face for makeup. Tip – if you’re looking to have that ‘lit from within’ glow try out an illuminating primer or mix a bit of liquid highlight into your primer!

3) Foundation – Next up it’s time for foundation; I think that this look works best when you aren’t completely covering up the skin but just accentuating it, so I personally would go for a more light to medium coverage foundation.

4) Concealer – Get a concealer that is at least 1 shade lighter than your foundation, that way the concealer has a highlighting & brightening affect when applied. I apply concealer like this👇🏻

You can do the dots or just swipe the concealer on in those places, either method is fine, then blend out with a damp beauty blender or makeup sponge.

5) Powder – It is important to set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder to save it from creasing or moving around on the face, just don’t get too heavy handed on the powder as it will cover up your glow!

6) Bronze & Highlight – I have never been super into contouring my face, I lightly bronze and highlight and like that more natural look much better. I apply bronzer in a “3” motion on each side of the face (top of the forehead, under the cheek bone, along the jaw line) and then apply a bit of highlight to the tip of my nose, cupid’s bow of my lips, and tops of my cheekbones. You can add a pop of blush as well, just make sure it doesn’t clash with or over power your bold lippie!

7) Eyebrows – Everyone has their own style of grooming or filling in their eyebrows; I fill mine in every single day because they are super blonde and invisible and I like them to be more defined. Brows are super important to creating the overall shape and definition of your face so don’t forget about them in your makeup routine.

8) Lashes – For this look, defined & fluttery lashes are a must. You can definitely achieve that using mascara, false lashes, OR you can use my promo at Hush Lash (Fabutan) here in Swift Current to get yourself some eyelash extensions; just mention my blog when booking to receive $30 off your full set! If your curious about extensions or want to know more about my experience, check out this post Bare.Beauty.Blog x Fabutan & Hush Lash Studio.

9) Lipstick – Obviously the star of the show here; I’ve showed you the three shades that I am loving as far as bold lips this season above. A blue-toned red (makes your teeth look whiter), an orangey-coral, or nearly-neon pink. I think that all three of these shades would be flattering on a wide variety of skin tones so the choice is up to you! I personally love MAC lipsticks and for drugstore Revlon and Maybelline have some great ones as well.

10) Setting Spray – You just put all that work into your makeup, make sure you set it to hold it in place! Setting spray also helps to blend everything together on the face (your foundation, powder, etc) giving you a more natural, seamless finish.

A Little Sparkle✨

My girl Kaitlyn Bristowe has been rocking this look lately and I am obsessed (photos are from her Instagram). To achieve this look all you really have to do is follow the same steps listed above, with a couple of things added in a long the way!

1) Blush – The only thing I’d do differently on the face for this look is add a pop of blush; you can stick to a more neutral colour or go for a more punchy pink or coral tone – up to you!

2) Glitter – Before applying mascara, prime your eyelids (either with eyeshadow primer or concealer) and add a skin coloured shadow all over the lid & up towards the brow bone. I would then take a crease brush and blend any matte medium brown shade into the crease from the outer corner of the eye to just before the inner corner just to give some contrast to the eye. The easiest way to get this super glittery eye look is to use a product like the Stila Glitter & Glow, the NYX Glitter Goals, or the Essence Metal Shock liquid glitter eyeshadow (less than $6 at Shoppers Drug Mart🙀). You can also spray an eyeshadow brush with setting spray and dip it into a glittery eyeshadow, it will make it apply much more intensely and last longer. You can also see in the second photo that Kaitlyn has some white eyeliner in her bottom water line, this helps to make the eyes look bigger & more awake!

3) Eyeliner & Mascara – After you’ve got your glitter all situated, you can apply eyeliner if you’d like (I’d use liquid for this look) and then mascara (or get those extensions😉).

4) Lips – You can do a more neutral, glossy lip here or go bolder; I personally love the look of the glitter on the eyes with the bubblegum pink lip!💁🏼‍♀️

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I hope you enjoyed this post guys! I think both of these looks are super fun and really are easy to achieve, even if you’re new to makeup. If you need any product recommendations or advice on either look I’m always open to chat!

Thanks for reading along beauties,

Britt✨

Hi guys! I’m here today to share with you my current skincare routine; the products I use to remove makeup, cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, mask, and anything beyond! I have had a few requests to share what I use so here goes. This post may get a little lengthy so do yourself a favour now and grab your fave beverage and a snack!

Seriously though…people have asked….

Removing Makeup.

Okay first up on the docket let’s discuss removing makeup – a vital part in any skincare routine. Unless you don’t wear makeup at all, this is not a step you want to skip. It is also the first of two steps in a double-cleansing routine. What this does is ~obviously~ remove your makeup before you go in with your cleanser. Why do you need to remove makeup first? If you want your cleanser to truly be doing the job it’s intended to do, you need to give it a good base to work with (meaning a makeupless surface). If you are using only your cleanser, it is likely just removing the makeup from your face and not actually fully cleansing your skin. Does that make sense? I usually have three different types of makeup removers in my skincare arsenal – micellar water, cleansing oil, and cleansing balm. I will tell you a little bit about each of them below!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – I’ve used this exact product for years now, basically since it first came out. It works great to remove makeup and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or tight or like there is still a film there – it gets everything off. It inexpensive (around $7) and you can find it every where therefore I highly recommend it!

Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil – I have purchased multiples of this product as well and really enjoy using it in the cooler months when my skin is dry. It is made from completely clean, organic ingredients and the company is owned and operated by some really empowering lady bosses. This oil does a great job of removing makeup while balancing and hydrating the skin and it’s also affordable. In Canada, you can get Cocokind products at Shoppers Drug Mart and this retails for about $15.

Physician’s Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm – I have been searching for a drugstore cleansing balm forever so I was pumped when I came across this one while browsing the isles of Shoppers Drug Mart (as I tend to do a little too frequently). This was around $10 and has lasted me about 2ish months, I am just getting to the end of it now. Balm cleansers are my absolute favourite way to remove makeup; they are creamy and hydrating without being too heavy and I just love the way the balm melts into your skin and removes makeup.

Cleansing.

Now, onto actually cleansing the skin. Your makeup has been removed leaving a relatively clean, blank canvas for your cleanser to go onto and do it’s job. I have used many different cleansers over the years (before I really knew what I was doing) and have found some great options and some not-so-great ones along the way. Currently I only have one cleanser in my routine, and it’s this one –

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser – I got a mini size of this cleanser in a starter kit that I purchased awhile back and it’s lasted me forever. I am just now, after months of using it, getting to the end of the tube and needing to purchase the larger size. Eminence products are highly concentrated and therefore they last forever, so they may seem expensive off the bat but when they last as long as they do and you are replacing them less frequently it really is worth it. If you follow me on instagram you know that I am obsessed with Eminence skincare – it’s honestly just the best. This cleanser contains cucumber and tea tree and leaves the skin feeling cool, soothed, and clean. It is for oily and blemish-prone skin but even when my skin is drier in the winter months this cleanser still does a great job and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped – it’s the perfect cleanser in my opinion. This retails for about $48 and you can purchase Eminence products locally at Fusion Shop + Salon (if you aren’t local you will have to google to see which salons in your area carry Eminence).

Toning.

Toning is such an important part of a skincare routine that often gets overlooked. I myself didn’t even start using toner regularly until a couple of years ago and I can’t believe the difference it makes in my skin. A good toner will remove any oil, dirt, or debris left behind by your cleanser and more importantly it will soothe, nourish, and balance the skin. I use toner as part of my nighttime skincare routine and I also use it in the morning to cleanse my skin rather than actually washing my face; I find for my sensitive, reactive skin it works best to refresh and gently cleanse before I apply my daytime skincare and makeup.

Cocokind Rosewater Toner – I used this toner all winter and absolutely loved it. It’s gentle, has a light scent, and is very soothing and hydrating. I used this to tone my skin, cleanse my skin in the morning, refresh my skin throughout the day, and to set makeup. It really is a multi use product and I highly recommend it! This retails for around $20 and you can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Cocokind Raspberry Vinegar Toner – I just purchased this toner a few weeks ago and have become completely obsessed with it. This toner is targeted to oilier, blemish prone skin and it does an amazing job at toning, balancing, and calming the redness in my skin. I also find that the vinegar in this helps to diminish my breakouts when I have them which is a definite bonus from a toner! It has a more potent smell than the Rosewater Toner and it smells like – you guessed it – vinegar, but it also smells sweet like raspberries and I personally like the smell. Again, this is around $20 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Eyes.

I’ll be honest with you, I have just started to recently incorporate eye cream/treatment into my skincare routine. I have no idea why but I just never really felt that it was necessary however, seeing as I just turned 30 (omg) I decided it was time to jump on board and get myself some products targeted for the eyes.

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick – This little stick is magic, I’m not kidding. It can be used under the eyes to ward off puffiness and dark circles, to add moisture to dry spots on the face, and as a lip balm. The matcha in this stick acts as a powerful antioxidant to nourish and protect the skin – seriously it’s a must have. You can grab this little guy at Shoppers Drug Mart for around $12.

Dr. Roebuck’s Down Under Collagen Boosting Eye Treatment – I was recently gifted this eye cream from my local Shoppers Drug Mart and couldn’t be more excited to add it to my routine after eyeing it up forever now. This treatment is a richly luxurious eye cream with plant-based hyaluronic acid and collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and firm the delicate eye area. It also contains caffeine and arnica to calm, soothe, and brighten. How could this not be on your wish list?! I have only been using it for a few days but am loving the way it feels on my skin and have found that my concealer lays really nicely on top of it as well. I am looking forward to further seeing the benefits of this eye treatment after longer use. This is around $48 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Treatments & Extras.

You guys know I’m pretty extra when it comes to skincare so it should be no surprise that I would include this category💁🏼‍♀️

Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate – I have raved about this multiple times on my blog and Instagram so I won’t go into too much detail here. This product gently resurfaces and minimizes pores leaving your skin smoother and more refined. I am on my second bottle of this (my first one lasted almost exactly a year) and I don’t think I could go without it. I use this every single night after I’ve cleansed and toned and before I moisturize. This is around $48 and you can find it locally at Fusion Shop + Salon.

Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid – This was a recent addition to my routine and I am loving it so far. It combines strengthening bamboo with hydrating coconut to create the perfect age corrective fluid. I first apply the Mangosteen Concentrate and then add this over top and together they act as a natural retinol alternative. Retinol stimulates the production of new skin cells and also fades dark spots and acne scars granting it holy grail status in the skincare world, but retinol can also be quite harsh on the skin so this combination is a great and effective alternative. This product is around $64 and again, can be purchased locally from Fusion Shop + Salon.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum – I have purchased this serum multiple times in a mini duo and really enjoy using it. I apply this serum in the morning after I’ve toned my skin and before I moisturize. Vitamin C is an amazing ingredient that everyone should have in their routine, I go into detail about it here Vitamin C – Why You Need it in Your Life🍊 – go check that post out for more info! The duo that I purchase this product in is around $29 from Sephora and the full size is around $80.

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum – You guys, this product is a must have. This serum is repairing and hydrating and helps the skin bounce back from anything. I purchased this in the winter when my skin was extremely dry, flaky, and red and this serum helped tremendously. It is light enough to apply under moisturizer in the daytime and still wear makeup overtop without pilling. And did I mention it smells absolutely incredible? I have recommended this product so many times and will continue to do so. This retails for around $52 and you know the drill by now, you can find it locally at Fusion Shop + Salon.

Cocokind Tumeric Spot Treatment – Another winner from Cocokind, this product contains tea tree, tumeric, and ginger to help sooth inflammation and brighten your complexion. I love using this as a spot treatment on my blemishes and feel like it really does help to tone them down. This product does not stain the skin but will stain your linens so if you want to sleep with it on make sure you put a towel over your pillow case! You can get this for around $12 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Exfoliating.

There are a couple of different ways that you can exfoliate your skin – physically and chemically. I, of course, use both within my skincare routine and enjoy the results both options bring. Physical exfoliants remove dead skin & debris by physically sloughing it off and chemical exfoliants work below the skin’s surface to remove dead skin; both options are great and help to stimulate cell-turnover in the skin.

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant – This exfoliant is my absolute favourite when it comes to physical exfoliation; it does a great job at gently buffing the skin to reveal a smooth and bright complexion. This is around $48 and you know where to find it!

Dermaplaning – I have a post and video (in my highlights) on Instagram detailing all about this process so go check those out if you are interested! Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique that is used to remove peach fuzz, dead skin, and surface debris from the skin’s surface. It helps any product applied afterward to sink in deeper and absorb further, it also makes your makeup lay so much nicer on the skin as it creates a smoother, more even surface. You can grab set of three of these little tools for $8 at Shoppers Drug Mart and can also find them on Amazon or at Sally Beauty Supply.

Tiber River You Glow Girl Mask – This mask uses fruit extracts to exfoliate the skin at a cellular level stimulating new cell turnover and leaving you with baby smooth, glowing skin. I have very sensitive skin and this mask does leave me quite red but once that calms down my skin is visibly brighter and smoother which I love! I leave this on only for about 3 minutes, it is quite intense but definitely worth it! Here in Canada we aren’t able to get the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial (I was lucky enough to have a friend grab it for me in the US) and this is a great alternative to that product as they do very similar things. This is around $32 and you can purchase through the website or from my lovely friend Anna Hadden who is a consultant.

Masks.

Whew, we’re getting close to the finish line here folks…congrats if you’ve made it this far!! Masking is a part of my self-care routine that I always look forward to, I usually do it on a weekly basis depending what my skin needs at the time. I’ll tell you about a few of my favourite masks below!

Cocokind Chlorophyll Mask – This mask is rich in antioxidants and it purifies the skin, helps relieve breakouts, and brings out the skin’s natural glow. This mask is in powder form which can be a little messy due to its dark green colour, but you can mix it with anything to create your own personalized mask. I just mix mine with water and apply it all over my face (sometimes I add the turmeric spot treatment underneath where needed) and let it sit for around 20 minutes. It hardens the way a clay mask would but does not leave the skin feeling dry or tight. If my skin is freaking out due to hormonal or stress related breakouts, as it tends to do, this is one of the first things I reach for. This mask is around $25 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Tiber River WOWder Powder Mask – Again, this mask comes in a powder form and can be mixed with anything to create your own personalized mask. It contains nutrient rich ingredients such as blueberry, watermelon, and mangosteen that are full of vitamins A & C to boost collagen production and plump the skin. This mask hardens as well and when rinsed off the skin feels refreshed and renewed, I really enjoy this mask! You can get this for around $33 from their website or a consultant.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – There is a reason this mask became an overnight sensation in the skincare world – it truly works! It is rich in ceramides, antioxidants, and vitamins and does an amazing job at deeply hydrating puffy, tired, overworked skin. I used this mask quite a bit in the winter when my skin needed some extra hydration and loved to leave it on overnight as a moisturizer rather than washing it off. This mask retails for around $59 at Sephora and I believe you can also buy a mini version now which is great to try it out without committing to the full size!

Moisturizers.

Okay, this is it…this is the last category!! I don’t think I need to go into too much detail as to why you should be moisturizing your skin daily, it’s pretty common sense. Check out my favourites below!

Eminence Rosehip Whip Moisturizer – I just recently repurchased this for the second time because it has become a staple in my routine. This moisturizer is perfect for soothing and toning normal to combination and over-reactive skin. It has a light scent, is hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy, and I love the way my skin feels when I use it. I use this moisturizer in the morning after toning and applying any treatments and before applying makeup. It retails for around $59 and you can get it locally at Fusion Shop + Salon.

Cocokind Chia Facial Oil – This regenerative facial oil helps to provide moisture while soothing and de-puffing the skin. I love using facial oils as moisturizers, especially in the colder months when my skin is dry and needs some extra TLC. I grabbed this oil this past winter after returning from my vacation and my skin absolutely freaked out and was so dry and flaky. Overnight, this oil repaired much of the damage that was going on on my face and I was so happy to have found something that worked so quickly. This oil is also full of omega-3 which is SO good for the skin. You can get this for around $20 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil – This oil is made to balance and hydrate oily, blemish prone skin. It soothes dry skin while ridding the skin of redness and inflammation thanks to it’s all-star ingredient – blue tansy. I have had this oil for quite some time and whenever I am dealing with an unruly breakout this is what I reach for; it is hydrating and does the best job at soothing the redness and inflammation that come along with a breakout. This has saved my skin more than once and I am so glad to have it in my skincare collection. This oil is on the pricer side, around $90 at Sephora, but in my opinion it’s 100% worth it.

Eminence Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment – This was another recent addition to my skincare collection after having it used on me during my Eminence Facial at Fusion Shop + Salon (highly recommend booking one for yourself). Infused with lotus, nutrient-rich micro greens, and jojoba beads this gel-cream moisturizer feels like a cool drink of water for the skin. This treatment is perfect for dehydrated skin that needs some extra hydration to perk it up! I use this every single night as my nighttime moisturizer and will even sometimes use it in the daytime underneath my makeup if I’m needing a moisture boost. And it smells…beyond amazing (as all of Eminence’s products do). This is around $78.

The End.

Okay beauties, that’s it that’s all! I know that was a long one and you are probably thinking to yourself a) does this chick actually use all of these products regularly (yes) and b) is this chick broke because she spends every last penny she has on skincare (yes and no…I definitely like to invest in my skin😁). I hope that you found this post useful and that it will help steer you in the right direction to build your own skincare routine. You can create a routine that’s as simple or as complex as you want, it’s all up to you. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to how many products you should use, it’s all up to what your skin needs and can handle. As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me either here in the comments, on my contact page, or on Instagram…I absolutely love answering questions about skincare!!

Thanks for reading along today, see ya next time!

Britt✨

1. Want a more intense colour/pigment from your eyeliner? Try heating your liner up a little bit before application to create a smoother, more intense line. You can do this using a lighter, blasting it under your blow dryer, or what I usually do is just hold it near my flat iron and that seems to do the trick! This works great if your eyeliner is on the drier side and has a bit of a rough application, once heated the eyeliner will glide much more smoothly.

2. Need a way to make your eyeshadow colours “pop” on your lids? Before applying any eyeshadow, apply white eyeliner all over the lid! The eyeshadow looks way more vibrant and intense when applied over top. Any cream product when applied under your shadow will help to hold the shadow in place!

3. Here’s a quick way to curl your lashes quicker & have better results – Give your eyelash curler a quick blast from your blow dryer to heat it up slightly before curling your lashes, it gives a better curl and makes it last longer.

4. Do you struggle applying glue to your false lashes? Does anyone not?? I always do!! I have a little trick for you…apply the glue to the lash band using a bobby pin! It makes for a way more precise application.

5. Are you living on dry shampoo (like me)? Here’s a way to get the most out of whatever dry shampoo you’re using – put it in your hair at night before bed! This allows the product to further absorb any oils and fully work it’s way into your hair (also gives great volume and texture to the hair).

6. Do you find that after taking your damp hair down from your towel it’s frizzy and/or knotted? This trick changed my hair routine! Instead of using a regular towel to dry your hair after washing, use a t-shirt! You can buy a pack of 3 (I use men’s) t-shirts for super cheap, get them in a bigger size if you have long hair! Trust me, it works.

7. Need a little help making your eyes look more awake? Apply a peach or white eyeliner to your bottom water line to make the whites of your eyes pop! This makes the eyes appear bigger and more awake by accentuating the whites of your eyes.

8. Do you want to add a little extra glow to your face? Try adding a couple of drops of any beauty or facial oil to your foundation; mix them together and apply to the face. It’ll give you that subtle glowy, dewy complication that everyone is always after.

9. On the hunt for an all-natural makeup remover? Look no further than your kitchen cupboard; coconut oil works amazingly for SO many things and removing makeup is one of it’s many talents.

10. Do you have pesky peach fuzz and/or dry flaky skin on your face? I have a video as well as a whole post dedicated to how to get rid of this and it’s called dermaplaning. Basically, you “shave” your face using a single-blade razor. If you are interested in learning more about this process don’t be afraid to message me!

Well that rounds up my list of 10 must-know makeup hacks…quick and easy for this post! Have you tried any of these hacks before? I use many of them on a regular basis so they are tried and true in my routine! Do you know any good makeup hacks that I missed? Go ahead and share them in the comments!

Talk to you beauties next time and as always thanks for reading along,

Britt✨

Hello! Sorry I have been MIA on the blog this last couple of weeks – May has been super busy for me! This past Friday (the 17th) I turned 30 and my wonderful fiancé, friends, and family threw me an amazing surprise party. I was treated with so many special things all day and night and felt so spoiled and loved, it was the best!! Does any body else feel like as soon as the weather gets nicer you seem to be way busier?! That’s how I’ve felt all month.

Anyway, I’m back with a blog post all about my recent empties that I’ve used up and you know the drill, I’ll let ya know what I liked, didn’t like, and if I would repurchase. I always love seeing what everyone else has used up so hopefully you guys enjoy this post! Let’s dive in…

Cocokind Organic Rosewater Facial Toner – Our must-have, single ingredient, organic rosewater toner helps clean, soothe, and hydrate your skin. suitable for use along every step of your skincare routine, our toner also helps ph balance skin and prep it for the moisturizing step. you can use as much as you like – and even throughout the day for a refresh! I have talked about this toner a few times in different posts and my thoughts are simply that I love it. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and has a few different uses (I used it to tone, to refresh, and to set makeup) and does exactly what it claims to do. I will definitely repurchase this toner but in the meantime I have picked up Cocokind’s other toner, the Raspberry Vinegar Facial Toner – I’ll keep you posted if I like it as much as the Rosewater Toner! ($22.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart – often on sale for less!!)

Kevin Murphy Young.Hands Anti-Aging Hand Creme – Regain youthful hands with this weightless and fast absorbing, anti-ageing hand creme. Infused with Immortelle, natures own powerful and eternal anti-ageing Essential Oil. I have no idea if this product is even still available as I’ve had it for about 3 years now, but I have been dreading the day that I finally used up the last of it because let me tell you, it’s wonderful. I don’t know how but Kevin Murphy seems to create the most magical products and this one is no exception. It’s super moisturizing without being heavy or greasy (my biggest pet peeve about any lotion) and smells – you guessed it – amazing. If you ever happen to come across this hand cream I definitely recommend picking it up and also maybe let me know where you found it?! (Unsure of price as it was kindly gifted to me by a friend)

Kevin Murphy Un.Tangled Leave-In Conditioner Detangler – No need to tearfully tear those tangles away – allow UN.TANGLED to do all the hard work for you. Our leave-in conditioner is formulated with a complex blend of nourishing Australian Fruit Extracts that help detangle, strengthen and restore hair to sleek perfection. Added heat protection also helps guard against styling damage. This is one of two Kevin Murphy products I seriously cannot live without (the other is the Young.Again treatment oil) and together they brought my hair back to life after years of heat and chemical damage/breakage. For YEARS my hair would not get any longer because it just constantly broke off; enter this leave-in & the oil and they completely revitalized my hair and gave it the strength it needed to grow longer and become so much healthier. I have repurchased both products about 3 times now over a 5 year period, they last forever! (I believe it’s around $40 and is exclusively sold in KM Salons, you can grab it locally at Urban Roots)

Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo – Bring out the shimmering highlights in your hair with Clairol Shimmer Lights Original Conditioning Shampoo. This shampoo is a protein-enriched color enhancing shampoo that tones down brassiness on blonde / gray hair while shampooing away yellow. Refreshes faded highlighted hair. This stuff is the real deal – if you love being ashy/cool toned you need this in your life. I HATE the smell (it smells like grandma florals to me) and it can be drying on the hair, but I have never come across any other product that tones my blonde hair as well as this shampoo (and trust me I’ve tried SO many). There is also a conditioner you can get and together they are a brass-busting dream team. I realize it’s probably filled with all kinds of terrible ingredients…but it does such a good job toning that I hesitantly have to turn a blind eye. It’s also one of the cheaper options out there for purple shampoo so you really can’t beat it. (This is around $20 depending where you purchase it; locally you can grab it from Ember’s Hair Salon)

Bath & Body Works Candle in the Scent Comfort (Vanilla + Patchouli) – Made with Vanilla Absolute and Patchouli Essential Oils. I have to be very careful with Bath & Body works scents as so many of them seem to have this weird undertone that gives me crazy headaches but for whatever reason this scent didn’t have that undertone. I loved the smell of this candle in the store and actually bought numerous other products in the same scent – it was a bit of an overkill situation. I wouldn’t repurchase this specific scent but do still wander into the store to check out their other candles from time to time. (Regular price is around $25 but I believe I got it on sale for around $13)

Voluspa Goji Toracco Orange Candle – Note of Goji Berry, Ripe Mango, and Tarocco Orange. I got this candle with a Sephora order around Christmas time and pretty much used it up within a month or so (which is super fast for me). It was just a mini one but the scent was soooo good that I just wanted to burn it 24/7. Voluspa candles are a little on the pricey end so I’m not sure if I will be purchasing another one any time soon but I do think they would make a great gift! (Range from around $13-$40 & can be purchased from Sephora)

Kevin Murphy Plumping.Rinse – Treat fine, thin or ageing hair to a lavish level of conditioning goodness with PLUMPING.RINSE. Our luxurious RINSE delivers essential nourishment to help restore thickness, and boost volume, while imparting sublime shine and silky-soft texture. Does anyone else seem to run out of conditioner WAY quicker than shampoo?? I always do. I have raved about this line a few times now and will continue to do so. It honest-to-god does plump your hair and makes it seem like your hair is way thicker than it is – without drying it out or leaving it feeling corse like some other volumizing products. I haven’t repurchased this yet but I 100% know that I will be in the future. (Around $40 and it sold exclusively in KM Salons, grab it locally at Urban Roots)

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion – This lightweight lotion helps skin adapt to the ever-changing aggressors of modern life. Not only does it provide up to 24-hours of hydration — it actually adjusts hydration levels throughout the day for a smooth look and feel and radiant glow. I received this little sample size awhile ago and stuck it in a drawer and kind of forgot about it (whoops) and then about a month or so ago I discovered it again and thought I should give it a try. It is honestly a really great moisturizer; it has a light scent and does a great job at moisturizing without feeling too heavy. I really liked it and could see myself purchasing the full size at some point in the future. ($60 and can be purchased from the Beautycounter website directly or through a consultant – if you are local I recommend Justine Taylor!😊)

Beautycounter Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream – This advanced blend of hyaluronic acid, plum oil, and tara gum creates a protective layer to help replenish hydration and revitalize skin while you sleep—so skin looks youthfully smoother, softer, and more radiant in the morning. Again, I received this sample-size and stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it. Once I pulled it back out and started using it I really did enjoy the product as a whole. It felt very moisturizing on the skin and really helped heal some of the dry flaky skin I had going on in the center of my face. I haven’t purchased the full size at this point but would likely do so in the future! (Runs for $69 and can be purchased from the Beautycounter website directly or through a consultant – if you are local I recommend Justine Taylor!😊)

Eminence Organics Mangosteen Resurfacing Concentrate – Gently resurface and refine pores to refresh the skin’s natural appearance. The mangosteen in this leave-on concentrate promotes radiance while the Lactic Acid Complex removes and prevents buildup. You guys know that I have raved about this product more than a few times already because it’s just that good. I have already repurchased another one and am now using it underneath the Bamboo Firming Fluid which together acts as a natural retinol alternative. This product smells so good and fresh and even better it feels amazingly silky and smooth on the skin. In my opinion it is is must-have in your skincare routine! ($64 and can be purchased locally at Fusion Shop + Salon; if you aren’t local you can google to see where to purchase nearest to you)

Ren Clearcalm 3 Replenishing Gel Cream – A soothing gel-cream formulated to leave blemish and breakout-prone skin comfortable and calm while helping to combat the appearance of blemishes. I bought this moisturizer in a set along with the Clay Cleanser and while I did not love the cleanser I really did enjoy the moisturizer. It has a light almost essential oil-like scent and really did a great job of hydrating my skin without clogging my pores or causing breakouts. I used this mainly in the morning as it’s a little bit light to be a night-time moisturizer. All-in-all I really liked this and think that it is a great clean option for blemish prone skin. ($43 from Sephora)

Tiber River Cinnamon Clove Essential Oil – Spicy and sweet and warm, and aroma that we love coming home to! I’ve shared before that I love using and diffusing essential oils and cinnamon is one of my favourites! I actually love to mix this with peppermint in my diffuser – it smells fresh and delicious at the same time, trust me it’s a great combo! I haven’t yet repurchased this oil but will be doing so soon! ($22 and you can purchase directly from the Tiber River website or through a consultant – if you are local I recommend my bestie Anna Hadden😁)

Fresh Sugar Caramel Hydrating Lip Balm – A cushiony, caramel-flavored lip balm that delivers nonstop 24-hour moisture and a smooth natural shine. This was a deluxe sample from Sephora and I really enjoyed it! It smells so yummy and did a great job at hydrating my lips. I doubt I will be purchasing the full size of this as I have many more affordable lip balms that I enjoy just as much if not more though. ($18 from Sephora)

Milani Easybrow Automatic Pencil in the shade 03 Natural Taupe – For full and even brows, add the Easybrow Automatic Pencil to your beauty routine. The smooth-glide, water-resistant formula fills even the smallest gaps with natural-looking volume. A spoolie brush on the opposite end blends and grooms for professional results. Choose from two wearable shades or mix to find your perfect match. I grabbed this on a whim when I saw a new Milani section at my local Shoppers Drug Mart. Although I didn’t mind the product itself, the colour was not a great match for me as it is a little too warm-toned. It’s not the best brow pencil I’ve ever used but not the worst either…it was just kind of meh. I doubt I’ll be repurchasing this unless they happen to come out with a cooler-toned blonde option. ($5.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart)

NYX Cosmetics Precision Brow Pencil in the shade Blond (Ashy Blonde) – Let’s get those brows in formation! Totally slay the sculpted look with our all-new Precision Brow Pencil. Available in eight natural-looking shades, this dual-ended pencil has a flat tip for outlining your arches and filling them in with detailed, hair-like strokes. I am always on the hunt for the best brow products as it is one part of my makeup routine I don’t think I could do without (let’s not talk about the days before I discovered what filling in your eyebrows does for your face🙌🏻). Anyway, this one is another meh product for me. It does have great reviews but again I found that the colour match was off and I just wasn’t wowed by it. I can’t see myself picking this one up again any time soon! ($12 at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Essence Lash Brow Gel Mascara – Wave goodbye to unruly eyebrows! The lash & brow gel mascara cares not only for eyebrows but for eyelashes too and gives both the perfect finish and shape. I have repurchased this SO many times over the years and recommended it just as many times since I first discovered this brand. It does a great job at holding my brows in place and it’s beyond affordable – at $2.99 how can you say no?! Essence has so many great, affordable makeup products and it seems like they are always expanding which is great to see. I will definitely continue to repurchase this one! ($2.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart)

The Balm Cosmetics Take Home the Bronze Anti-Orange Bronzer –  Our collection of bronzers deserves a s-TAN-ding ovation! Sweep this bronzer across cheeks and forehead for a natural, sun-kissed look or add drama by using it as a contouring powder. Formulated to avoid orange undertones, however you brush on this bronzer, you’ll always be golden. I got this mini-size bronzer in an Ipsy Glam Bag and as I tend to do, I stuffed it away in a drawer and completely forgot about it. When I started making some clean swaps in my makeup routine I read about this bronzer and how it was a great cleaner option so I pulled it back out and started using it everyday. It was the perfect shade for my fair skin tone (it comes in 2 other shades) and definitely stood true to it’s claim of being “anti-orange”. I haven’t purchased the full size of this bronzer yet but I could see myself doing so at some point, I’d recommend it for sure! (Sephora Canada no longer carries The Balm but you can find it on The Balm website for $17.50)

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara – Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara features a formula that lengthens and defines lashes. I was sent this mascara as part of an Influenster campaign and while I can’t say I gave it the greatest chance, I just could tell off the bat that it wasn’t for me. The brush was a bit too large and I found the formula a little too wet which caused it to clump on the brush and my lashes. There are many drugstore mascaras that I love and while I did appreciate the cleaner ingredients in this one I can’t say I’ll be purchasing it for myself. ($14.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Each time I go to do an empties post it makes me realize how many products I actually use and use up over time and it seems a little bit crazy! These ones here were over about a two month period so I guess that’s not so bad. I hope you enjoyed this post, I’ll catch ya next time beauties!

Thanks for reading along,

Britt✨

Hi beauties, I wanted to share with you all about another exciting local collaboration that I am doing! You may have guessed it from the title, but the collab is with Fabutan & Hush Lash Studio here in Swift Current!

Amanda (the owner of our local Fabutan) contacted me a couple of weeks ago and was so sweet! She first told me how much she has been enjoying my page and blog and then asked if I would be interested in collaborating with Fabutan, I was so flattered that she even thought to ask me. We discussed the multiple treatments and services that Fabutan provides and I decided that the two that would best suit me and my ‘blog vibe’ were lash extensions and red light therapy. If you are like me and have no clue what red light therapy is, keep reading and I’ll tell you all about both services!

Before we dive into the services, I just want to get real with you guys for a second. I want you to know that I would never try to sell you on something that I personally don’t use, enjoy, or that I wouldn’t purchase myself so I am not here to try and ‘make a sale’. Since starting my blog a little over a month ago I have been lucky enough to have been offered a few different opportunities that allow me to provide my followers with awesome savings on beauty services locally and for that I am so grateful. The support that I have received not only from my family and friends since starting my blog, but from local businesses and complete strangers just blows my mind I am beyond grateful for each opportunity and connection that is made. Long story short…thank you🙏🏻

Lash Extensions

I have had lash extensions done twice in the past by two different people here in town. The first time I ever had them done was not the best experience overall (I’m not going to name any names, I’m not out here to bash anyone) for multiple reasons; the first issue I had was that it took nearly four hours to have them applied…yes you read that right. The second issue and the most frustrating part was that by the next day I had lost so many lashes that it looked like it had been weeks since I had them done. I didn’t have them in water in the first 24 hours (as advised) and was careful not to rub my eyes at all, yet still they were falling out left and right so needless to say I was not pleased with that experience considering lash extensions aren’t cheap. The second experience was significantly better; the initial application took just over an hour and fills took maybe 20 minutes. The lash retention was much better too and I could go up to 3 weeks between fills and the lashes still looked good. The only reason I stopped getting them at that time was because my seasonal allergies were acting up quite bad and my eyes were running, itchy, and a mess and the extensions were just getting ruined from me constantly rubbing and wiping my eyes.

So what exactly are lash extensions? They are used to enhance the length, fullness, thickness, and curliness of the natural lashes. Lash extensions can be made from three types of materials (mink, synthetic, and silk) and they also come in different lengths. Once your lash artist consults with you to decide what look you want to achieve they will begin the application using a non-irritating semi-permanent glue (there are also different glue types based on individual sensitivities). I am a blondie with nearly invisible lashes and I love lash extensions not just for the time they save when it comes to applying makeup but because they make my eyes pop and give me a little confidence boost. If you do decide you want to try out lash extensions I highly recommend researching reputable lash artists in your area; you want someone who is trained and has experience applying lashes, not just anyone is good at it. For me personally, before I allowed anyone to be glueing things to my eyes I wanted to know that they knew what they were doing. When I went to Fabutan to get my lash extensions, my lash artist was Tiffany and she did a great job at explaining everything and getting a good feel for what I wanted out of the appointment; she put me at ease and made the whole appointment very comfortable and relaxing – exactly what you want from a lash artist! The initial application took around an hour and 20 minutes I’d say and I’ll have to keep you posted on how long a fill takes!

If you are interested in trying out lash extensions, I have an excellent promo for you! From now until the end of July, if you book a full lash set at Hush Lash Studio here in Swift Current, you will receive $30 off your set! You can book online or over the phone and all you have to do to receive the discount is mention my name/my blog name, easy peasy!

Here are the prices for lash extensions from Hush Lash Studio –

– Full Classic Set – Regular $99 on for $69 with this promo

– Full Volume Set – Regular $149 on for $119 with this promo

Which set you decide on is a personal choice, I went with the volume set as I like a little added ‘va-va-voom’ when it comes to lashes. Classic is a little more on the natural end of things and volume lashes are a little more glam; whichever one you choose the lash artist will still customize your look based on your eye shape, size, and what exactly you want.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, which is also known by the less-catchy names of photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), releases light waves in the red and infrared spectrum. Unlike the UV rays emitted from the sun which damage the DNA of skin cells, light emitted in this spectrum is perfectly safe for the skin. There is no tanning or burning when you are exposed to red light, its effects happen deep inside at a cellular level. Red light therapy has been around for over 50 years but is just recently starting to be more talked about and recommended by health care and beauty professionals.

What does red light therapy do you ask? It has been used to treat or improve the following:

– pain

– inflammation

– healing

– tissue regeneration

– autoimmune diseases

– stretch marks

– stimulates collagen production reducing fine lines & wrinkles

– acne & acne scarring

– pore size

– skin texture

– dry skin

Sounds almost…magical doesn’t it? As I said, I had never really heard that much about red light therapy so when Amanda mentioned that this was one of Fabutan’s services I was intrigued and instantly asked a bunch of questions about it. It is recommended that for the more minor skincare concerns you go 2-3 times per week (each session is 20 minutes long) for the first couple of months and you can then cut down on frequency in order to maintain the effects. If you are looking for treatment for fine lines & wrinkles, stretch marks, etc it is recommended to go 3-4 times per week initially in order to see the best outcome. Unlike tanning, you do not have to wait between treatments and could go every day if you wanted to as it is not damaging to the skin.

So I went in for my first red light treatment yesterday and I will say that it was a pleasant experience. If you have ever been in a tanning bed, that is exactly what this treatment looks like except that the bulbs are red instead of white. There is a special gel-type lotion that you can buy for your face and another one for your body that accelerate the effects of the red light therapy which I have not yet purchased but did try out for my treatment today. I applied the lotion (one to my face and one to my body) as the bed counted down from 3 minutes before the treatment was to begin. After I was all lotioned-up I hopped into the bed, pulled the top down, and laid there in the warm red light for 20 minutes. It was honestly so relaxing…I don’t think I have any noticeable change after one treatment although my fiancé said that my monstrous red zit that I left the house with was significantly smaller when I came home…🤔🤷🏼‍♀️

I wouldn’t say that I deal with acne necessarily but I do get hormonal breakouts that tend to be quite bad and I am hoping that this treatment will help with that as well as my overall skin texture. It is too early to tell what it will do and what my results will be, but I am excited to continue on with this treatment and to share my progress with you guys.

Here’s the deets on pricing for red light therapy –

– $63 per month for unlimited use

– Mention my name/blog name when purchasing 1 month of red light therapy and receive another whole month for FREE!!

I hope that you guys will take advantage of these two amazing deals that Fabutan is offering to my followers; let me know if you have any questions about these services or if there’s anything that you are curious about that I didn’t cover above.

Thanks for reading along, until next time!

Britt✨

Breakouts are the worst! Everyone gets them but not everyone knows how to fight them. I’m going to share with you a few of the most common reasons that we get breakouts, some ways that you can prevent them, and what you can do once you’ve already got one going on.

Above you see an ‘acne face map’ that shows exactly what is causing your breakouts based on what area of the face they’re on and yes, unfortunately many of us get breakouts in more than one area at a time. For me personally, the areas that I most commonly see breakouts are my jawline/chin, hairline, and eyebrow area. My jawline/chin is the number one spot that I get breakouts and as the chart shows, that is due to hormones (thank you pms🙄) so I can pretty much guarantee that I will be dealing with a hormonal breakout situation at least once every month.

Although some breakouts are inevitable, there are definitely some ways that you can try to prevent them from happening in the first place. Some of the ways I have found that work the best are:

1) Drink lots of water – The more hydrated your body is the easier it is for it to flush out any toxins that are floating around and waiting to manifest themselves in the form of a big red oozy pimple on your face.

2) Wash/Cleanse your face twice daily (morning & night) – it’s important to start and end the day with a cleansed face especially before applying skin care and treatments as you want them to be able to penetrate and do their job. If you are still sleeping with your makeup on I cannot stress this enough…STOP DOING THIS NOW. Keep a pack of makeup wipes in your bedside table if you just can’t be bothered to get up and wash your face but please…do not sleep in your makeup. Not only does it turn your face into a breeding ground for bacteria (old makeup mixed + sweat + god knows what else has been absorbed into your pores) it can cause premature aging, lead to breakouts, and is generally not good for your skin.

3) Wash your pillowcases frequently – once a week is a good rule of thumb; keeping your pillowcases clean is a great way to help combat breakouts. Think about it…you spend 6-8 hours a night (if you’re lucky) pressed into the fabric that is your pillowcase; if it’s full of leftover makeup, skincare products, sweat, hair products, pet hair/dander, etc it’s definitely going to be a cause of some angry breakouts on your face.

4) Stop touching your face – this is a tough one for me! It seems like such an easy thing to do but for some reason, just like any other bad habit, it can be hard to break. Your hands are in contact with so much bacteria and so many icky things throughout the day (even unintentionally) so to then bring that all to your face by touching it is just asking for a breakout.

5) Reduce stress – I know, easier said than done. When you are stressed your body releases a hormone called cortisol which in turn stimulates your oil glands to over produce oil and in turn clog your pores. Think about some ways that you can bring down the stress in your life, your skin will thank you for it!

6) Pay attention to the ingredients – this may be tricky when you potentially don’t know what to look for, but the following ingredients are known to clog pores and cause breakouts: mineral oil, silicones, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fragrance or parfum (especially irritating for sensitive skin).

7) Your diet – we all know this…what you put into your body has a huge affect on your overall condition, including the condition of your skin. Eating carb-heavy foods or foods that are high in salt or processed sugar are sure fire ways to cause breakouts; if you are seeing lots of breakouts on your forehead area in particular it may be linked to your diet.

8) Clean your makeup brushes & tools – anything that is touching your face needs to be regularly cleaned and disinfected, it’s as simple as that. Bacteria flourishes in the dark, dense bristles of your makeup brushes and in the damp pores of your favourite beauty sponge so make sure that you are frequently disinfecting these tools.

Now that I’ve shared a few ways to prevent breakouts, I am going to talk about some of my favourite products that I use once I’m already under a facial attack aka a breakout.

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser – I’ve talked about this cleanser a few times in previous blog posts so I’m not going to go into too much detail here but I will say that this is one of the first things I reach for when I’m trying to clear up a breakout that’s already started. It has cooling peppermint and cucumber in it which helps with the inflammation and redness that come along with a breakout and leaves your skin feeling soothed and a little tingly (in a good way!).

Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment – this handy little stick is packed with turmeric, tea tree oil, and ginger which help to ward off breakouts and brighten the skin. I usually apply this to the spots that need it and let it sit on the skin for anywhere between 15-30 minutes. I don’t recommend sleeping with this spot treatment on your face unless you have dark coloured pillowcases or put a towel over top, it does not stain your skin but it definitely stains your linens (I’ve learned this from experience😩). When I apply this to a pimple or a breakout at night, the next morning the size and redness is significantly and noticeably reduced; you need this product in your life!

Tea Tree Oil – tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and is a solvent (can break up oil, dirt, and debris that are clogging the skin). I find that tea tree oil works as a great spot treatment because it dries out the pimple while also keeping the spot clear from incoming bacteria. I have mixed tea tree oil into my oil or moisturizer before when I’ve had a face-wide breakout but that’s not something I would recommend doing often as tea tree oil is very drying and that can do more harm to your face than good. When your skin is too dry it will overproduce oil to compensate which in turn clogs your pores and creates pimples. The Body Shop actually has an entire tea tree oil skin care line that is fantastic, I go back to these products over and over again because they work so well.

I hope that you found this post helpful and that you will try some of these methods and products when it comes to combating your own breakouts! As crummy as it is, unless you are some *highly blessed* human who happens to have perfectly clear skin all of the time, chances are you will need to be prepared with an arsenal of breakout fighting tricks and products.

Let me know what your go-to products are when it comes to breakouts and as always, thanks for reading along! Until next time beauties,

Britt✨

A few years ago I started to hear more and more about essential oils and I’m not going to lie to you, I thought they were the “hokiest” thing out there. If you don’t know what I mean by that, basically I thought they were just one of those things that all the sudden get a surge in popularity and everyone uses them because they’re trendy, but they actually don’t do anything for you.

Since then, I have used a few different brands of essential oils and I am now a firm believer in them (isn’t that the way it always goes?). My first venture into essential oils was when I ordered the Young Living Starter Kit that included many of their top selling oils, a diffuser, some roller bottles, samples of a few other products, and a booklet explaining each oil. After getting my hands on this kit, that’s when I really dove into researching all about each oil and their uses and I started to use them in my everyday life. I have never been to the point that I am applying numerous oils to myself daily (if you do, that’s totally fine and I understand why you do!) but there are certain oils that I now carry with me everywhere I go because they really do come in handy!

My bestie purchased this kit from Saje for me for Christmas this past year and I could not have been more excited; it is the Pocket Pharmacy and includes 5 of their best selling oils. Not only are they beautifully packaged, they come in this handy little kit that I now carry with me in my purse. Each oil has a roller top but also has a dropper on the other end so that you can also diffuse the oils if you wish to; I find the design of these little bottles so perfect.

In the kit you get Peppermint Halo (my absolute favourite), Immune, Eater’s Digest, Stress Release, and Pain Release. Each bottle contains a few different oils blended together to create a power-packed healing blend that can be applied topically to the skin or diffused in the air (or both!). Peppermint Halo is definitely my most used blend; I use this if I have a headache or am feeling any tension/tightness in my neck which, let’s face it, is often because I a) work with children and b) also spend a lot of my day sitting at a desk working on the computer. The cooling sensation from the peppermint feels amaaaaaazing when applied and I am obsessed with how good it smells too. I will roll Peppermint Halo across my forehead and onto my temples or on my neck and shoulders, trust me when I say that if you haven’t experienced the relief this brings…you need to try it ASAP. My second most used blend in this little kit is Stress Release; one of the main ingredients in this blend is lavender which I always thought I hated the smell of but have now grown to love. I will roll this blend onto my wrists or sometimes behind my ears and the smell instantly brings me to a more calm, relaxed state. If I am experiencing any sort of stomach discomfort (which if you know me, is often) I will roll Eater’s Digest on my stomach and it seems to help me; I will say that I don’t love the smell of this one (it’s quite strong and not the best smelling) so I mostly will use it if I’m at home (sorry fiancé & pets that have to smell me😂).

I am not claiming that essential oils are magic because they are not; all I am saying is that when I am facing any kind of bodily ailment whether it’s a headache, anxiety, pain, or stomach issues, I now first reach for an essential oil before grabbing an OTC medication like Advil or Tylenol. I have never been one to take any sort of medication unless I really need it because I just don’t think regularly ingesting OTC medications is good for your body (my personal opinion) but since the introduction of essential oils into my life I have found myself reaching for those medications less and less.

My personal favourite brands of essential oils that I have in my collection are Saje, Tiber River, and Young Living. I have found that their oils are the most pure and therefore effective. I have oils that are blends (a few oils mixed together) and many that are single notes (such as peppermint, lavender, lemon, etc) and I use all of them regularly throughout my everyday life. Not only can essential oils be applied to the skin and diffused in the air, they can also be powerful cleaning tools around the house. I use a mixture of lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, white vinegar, and distilled water as a mattress refresher and it works wonders! I also use lavender on wool dryer balls as a replacement for fabric softening sheets (which contain an insane amount of chemicals) and have been loving that; you can put any oil you want on the dryer balls and can even mix different ones together to create your own personal blend.

Once I discovered how effective essential oils are and how many uses they have, it got me thinking more and more about all of my everyday routines and made me pay more attention to the ingredients in everything that I use. Realizing that essential oils can be used in place of so many products really got me onto the “clean, non-toxic” track and I am very grateful for the swaps I have already made and am excited to continue on discovering more ways I can “clean” up my products.

Do you use essential oils? If so, what are your must-haves?

Thanks for reading along, enjoy your Saturday beauties!

Britt✨

I first started using this Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum (half of the Rise + Glow Duo from Sephora; retails for $29) a couple of years ago when I started to see every beauty guru rave about the effects of vitamin c on your skin. I am a sucker for new skin care products and love to research them before I purchase to see reviews, the best way to use the product, etc which is exactly what I did with this duo. So your first question is probably, “What does Vitamin C do for my skin?” and I will answer that for you right now, so keep reading!

Vitamin C serums are acidic, which means that they slough away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface leaving it brighter and smoother which in turns speeds up cell regeneration. When Vitamin C is applied to the skin, the skin is triggered to “heal” itself by speeding up the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is what makes the skin plump and prevents sagging and elastin helps the skin bounce back.

One of Vitamin C’s biggest promises is that it reduces spots, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is well known as a great brightening agent, so basically what it does is fades away any dark spots without altering your normal skin pigmentation. Vitamin C is anti-aging, damage-repairing, and UV-protecting which makes it a power-house skincare ingredient and gives it Holy Grail status in the beauty world.

So which Vitamin C serum should you get? And how do you incorporate it into your skincare routine? Most dermatologists recommend that you should apply your Vitamin C before your moisturizer for the best results; let it dry for at least a minute before applying your moisturizer and then sunscreen. There are many Vitamin C serums on the market today so you do have lots of options if you are interested in adding it to your routine. I personally have only used the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum so far so that is the only one I can really speak to. There is an Eminence Organics serum that I would love to pick up next, it’s called the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum and Beautycounter also has their No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil which I’ve heard nothing but good things about.

I use the C-Firma Serum together with the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum that comes in the set; I mix two pumps of each in my hand and then press the mixture into my whole face letting it sink in for about one to two minutes before applying my moisturizer overtop. I only apply this mixture to my skin in the mornings; the fact that it’s Vitamin C and smells like oranges makes for a great pick-me-up in the AM! When using this product I do notice huge differences in my skin; it fades any old acne scars and dark spots that I may have on my skin but what I notice even more than so is how bright and healthy my skin looks – it almost seems like magic!

So what do you think, will you be adding a vitamin c serum to your routine any time soon? Or are you already using one? I’d love to know your recommendations since I’ve only used the Drunk Elephant one!🍊

Thanks for reading along, catch ya next time!

Britt✨