Maureen Wood

Top Box Beauty Samples

April 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Top Box is a beauty sample box that is delivered every month for about $13.56 with taxes. It is one of the few Canadian only programs out there. In each box there is usually about four samples, sometimes full size and sometimes just a taste to whet your appetite (or not). At the moment you have to sign up via email to be on a waiting list. I was on for about three to four months before I received an email inviting me to officially join. I was so excited. I filled out their survey which is supposed to help them choose the right products to send to me.

A quick view of my first Top Box

As it stands I have received two Top Box parcels, February and March. The first box contained a full size Shu Uemura lip gloss (not a fan of lip gloss), full size Cuccio Color Nail Lacquer (never tried this brand and I loved it), a sample B. Kamins Nutrient Replacement Cream Kx (hate, leaves my face feeling greasy in morning, very expensive at $135 per 45g), full size Estee Lauder Double Ended Kajal Pencil in blackened black and blackened cocoa (it’s almost like they didn’t read my profile–way too dark for me). Overall I thought it was pretty lackluster for a first box to send out. But for $12 I didn’t feel jipped.

Within minutes I was trying the Cuccio top coat on my new mani.

I wouldn’t say box two was any better, just “Meh.” It contained a sample size Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (I was disappointed by the size but loved this stuff and may even consider the $72 for 35ml full size when I am done. I don’t wake up greasy and I noticed a definitely change to fine lines and skintone. Directions say to apply moisturizer afterwards but I haven’t yet), two packets of Belvada Blackhead Facial Mask (this 30 minute peel off mud mask is super sticky, takes too long, and removed a lot of peach fuzz facial hair with it — ouch!), Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (when I saw the dark color, I thought again “Didn’t they read my profile?” but it’s not bad and generally I like Clinique lipsticks), a full size tube of Epic Blend hemp lip balm (gave it to my husband as he is the lip balm user, haven’t heard back). Again, I don’t feel jipped by the $12 I paid for this box and it was fun to try the new beauty products. Here’s quick video I posted of the box on Instagram:

I realize I am not raving about this beauty box (which is actually a tube) but I am looking forward to this month’s to see what I get. I would love to try an eye cream, another brand of polish, a mascara perhaps… but I’ll have to wait and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.

Have you tried any beauty boxes?

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Topic Links
* Sign up for your Top Box beauty samples

Filed Under: Beauty Products, News Tagged With: ,

Choo Choo

March 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Jimmy Choo that is and yes, they ship to Canada. They have a Delivery Duty Paid site which means you pay for everything before it hits your doorstep. I find it amazing that anyone would actually have to pay for shipping considering the price of the product. You’d think it’d be included even in Canada but it is an additional $20. But if you can afford a pair a Choo’s I don’t imagine $20 for shipping is much of a hindrance. There is no denying that they have beautiful shoes but I think I’d rather display them than wear them on my feet. Here are my favorites.

8 pairs of my favorite Jimmy Choos.

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Topic Links
* Get your Jimmy Choo shoes from Jimmy Choo

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With:

Time for a New Swimsuit

March 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Is your old swimsuit a little stretched out of shape, pilled, broken stitching? Then you are way overdo for a new swimsuit. One of my favorite online shops for many years is Always for Me — a strictly plus size swimwear line that has their own brand as well as carrying other popular brands. They have every conceivable style from swimdress, tankinis, to separates (especially helpful if your top and bottom tend toward different sizes). Here are eight of my favorites from their new arrivals.

Eight new plus size swimsuits from Always for Me.

From left to right:

  • Longitude 6 Tiered Mesh One-Piece, $89 (comes in eggplant (shown) and black)
  • Always For Me Chic Eyelet Tankini, $89 (comes in turquoise (shown) and black (row underneath)
  • Fit 4 U Nomad Tie Bandeau Top, $74
  • Simply Sole Bermuda Paisley Tankini Top, $50
  • Always For Me Chic Eyelet Tankini, $89 (comes in black (shown) and turquoise (row above)
  • Always For Me Chic Daphne Mini, $89 (comes in royal (shown) and black)
  • Always for Me Zadar Ruffle Tankini with brief, $45
  • Christina Checkmates Tankini top, $68

Their swimwear is available in plus sizes 16 to 26 — not all styles come in all sizes depending on how quickly they sell out of a size.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size swimsuit from Always for Me

Filed Under: Swimwear Tagged With: ,

Winterized Docs

March 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment

My husband always gives me a hard time because I wear my regular Docs all year round. I seldom complain of cold feet when I wear them but he gives me a hard time nonetheless. If you have tried your Docs in the winter but just can’t seem to make them work they do have a winterized version. One of my favorites is the Cherry Red classic Serena with its faux Fur lining. While I’m not sure it will keep your feet any warmer it will definitely look like a winter boot. At the very least it should keep drafts to a minimum.

If you like a little fluff in your boots Dr Martens has Winterized Docs with faux fur.

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Topic Links
* Get your winterized boots from Dr Martens

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: ,

The Jade Gown

March 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a gown you can really sparkle in? Igigi has the amazing Thalia gown. It doesn’t have any glitter or sequins but still manages to sparkle. I love the black lace overlay on jade lining. It also has a sweetheart neckline and piping that accentuates the waist for an elegant look. So pretty. And the possibility for so many occasions: bridesmaid, wedding guest, prom, formal dinner, dinner theatre… I’m sure you can think of more.

The plus size Thalia gown from Igigi is a beautiful black overlay on jade.

This floor length gown is available in sizes 12 to 32 for $225. If floor length is not your cup of tea they have many cocktail style dresses to choose from. Or if you actually need a wedding dress they have a few of those too.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size gown from Igigi

Filed Under: Dresses Tagged With: , , ,

Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser

February 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

A little over a week ago, I received a mystery brand vox box from Influenster and L’Oreal with three small faceless bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and hair serum to use blindly for a week with the understanding that they would unveil what the product was this week.

A huge box arrived yesterday from Garnier — I guess the cat is out of the bag! I opened up the box to find a lot of bright orange looking back at me:

Based on my shampoo and conditioning experience with the samples, I was expecting to find an higher end brand of salon formula but found Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser. The shampoo and conditioner sell for about $3.77 a bottle at Walmart. The serum is about $4.27 and a new addition I didn’t receive in the initial sampling was hair butter deep conditioner which is also $4.27.

Initially I used the samples for four shampoos and noticed a difference quite quickly. My hair felt softer, it holds its style longer, and the ends don’t look dry. I noticed I have to use a little less serum on my hair or else it looks heavy. I really like that it has a light scent as we have a migraine sufferer in the house who is affected by strong scents (no candles for us) so lighter scents make all the difference.

I am looking forward to using the full size bottles that came this week especially since I seem to be growing out my hair.

Have you tried Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser yet?

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Topic Links
* Learn more about Influenster

“I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.”

Filed Under: Beauty Products Tagged With: , ,

Listen to Me

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

"Let me listen to me and not to them." - Gertrude Stein

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: ,

Black and White Jacket

January 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Black and white is coming on strong for the remainder of winter and into spring as shown by this amazing jacket from Addition-Elle. It’s faux leather and a bit pricey at $129. I remember the days when you could get a leather jacket from them for $249. But it is adorable isn’t it? It’s a nice tailored jacket, I don’t imagine this one will hang around for long.

Two tone black and white faux leather jacket is from Addition-Elle.

Faux leather has come a long way since the pleather days I remember. This plus size jacket comes in sizes X to 4x. If you don’t have an Addition-Elle near you the shipping rates are pretty reasonable.

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Topic Links
* Get your black and white plus size jacket from Addition-Elle

Filed Under: Career, Outerwear Tagged With: , ,

Sally Hansen Vox Box

January 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Influenster sent me a Sally Hansen Vox Box in early January featuring three polishes from their Complete Salon Manicure (CSM) line. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you know for the past year I’ve been kind of obsessed with nail polish and painting my nails. I even started a blog about it. So when the box of nail polish showed up on my door I was quite excited (although I was surprised to find it ill-packaged — one of the bottle caps had come undone and leaked).

My Sally Hansen Vox Box from Influenster.

The main tagline for this promotion is “7 benefits. 1 bottle. 0 Competition. The benefits? Base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color, top coat, chip resistant, and gel shine finish.

The three colors I received were: “Pat on the Black” #510 (purple/black), “Jaded” #540 (robin’s egg blue), and “Red My Lips” #470 (true red). And I tried them in that order. My first instinct was to go for the red but I had recently worn red and fought the urge.

I find two coats are necessary with a possibility of a third depending on how well the first coats go on. In this case POTB needed two coats to get a complete opaque look while Jaded needed three and RML was pretty whether it was a sheer one or an opaque two coats. Let’s have a look at my nail polish swatches!

Pat on the Black

With Pat on the Black I had a very tiny chip the next day but I dabbed on some fresh polish, let it dry, then applied another thin coat and I couldn’t tell it was chipped. The mani was pretty good for four days (around day 3 I gave it a top coat of glitter) and by day five, because of my habits I took it off. I honestly don’t think I can leave the same polish on for ten days to test this out. I get too antsy with the color and want to change it. Even though there is a base coat in the CSM I applied one anyway because I am paranoid about color transference with dark colors but I didn’t apply a top coat.

Sally Hansen's Pat on the Black nail polish from their Complete Salon Manicure collection.

Jaded

This color is up my alley. It is impossible to have too many blues in one’s nail polish cache as far as I am concerned. This polish looks like it would be opaque in the bottle but it is actually a sheer psuedo-jelly. I found it needed at least three coats to get a suitable color but the third coat did not apply as good as the first two. This polish was on for four days before I noticed some nail wear along the nail edge but no chipping. Like the Pat on the Black I used my own base coat but no top coat.

My nails with three coats of Jaded nail polish.

Red My Lips

Oh, I was so itching to try this red. It went on amazing. It has a similar jelly-like quality that jaded has but didn’t require as many coats. The nail edge was transparent with one coat but it still looked amazing. Love, love, the color. I decided to live on the edge and not use a base coat and did not notice any staining when I removed it (bare in mind that I am a regular user of nail conditioner so my nails are not dry). Like the other two polishes I did not use a top coat at least for the first few days until I started noticing red marks on things and realized it was the red nail polish whenever my nails scuffed something like the inside of my new fridge when I was cleaning it. I put on a top coat and it quickly solved the problem.

My nails with Sally Hansen's bright red Red My Lips nail polish.

Overall Impressions

I have a few bottles of Complete Salon Manicure in my collection already and I would call it one of my favorites. My favorite feature besides the colors, is the large brush. I can almost paint my whole nail with one stroke. I also like how the polish does not get tacky as I am brushing them on but still manage to dry quickly once I am finished my manicure. I like the large bottle sizes and a past favorite of mine was the rubber neck on the cap but they have since replaced it with just plastic which is unfortunately because the rubber was really great for gripping if the lid was stuck but this new plastic band is not.

Overall I can get about four days of great color before I start noticing wear along the nail edge but on the bright side this was super easy to touch up with a thin coat, unlike an actual chip which tends to leave a bumpy edge. Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure is still one of my favorites.

Update: This weekend I decided to play with all three colors with a nail art that has become my favorite go to:

I did a quick and easy nail art with all three colors.

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Topic Links
* Check out Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure colors
* Learn more about Influenster

“I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.”

Filed Under: Beauty Products Tagged With: ,

Wrinkle Free & Eco-Friendly

December 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a little eco-friendliness in your clothing? Allistyle is a Canadian shop offering clothing from bamboo and organic cotton. They boast that they wash well and never wrinkle. You can shop for their line in person in Toronto at Gussied Up (Bathurst) or shop at their official website. At the moment there is not a large selection, about three bottoms, twelve tops, and fifteen dresses; each having two to five color options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

The Cowl Neck Top ($125): I love the color blocking and the bright block of blue with a subtle cowl neck.

Allistyle short sleeve tunic.

The Full Cowl Neck Tunic ($165): I like the longer length both in the sleeves and the body. The diagonal ties are an interesting visual feature.

Allistyle tunic with a longer sleeve.

The Short Vest ($85): I love vests and this is a simple piece that can be put over camis, tanks, tees, blouses, dresses, etc.

Allistyle short vest for women.

The Wrap ($118): Love the color, love the style. Looks great with tops or dresses.

Allistyle wrap cardigan.

The Sweater Dress ($205): I love cardigans that are dress length. They are fabulous with leggings or left open for layer. They have a wonderful movement about them. I love the ripple effect on this one.

Allistyle long sweater / dress.

The Little Black Dress ($110): I am a fan of pleats so this is a winner. I love the wide neck with matching banded sleeves and hem. It is a bit short so I’d probably wear it more like a long tunic than a dress.

Allistyle short black dress or long tunic.

Here is a look at the fashions in motion:

They offer their clothing in sizes XS to 3X. Prices are above average but some of the pieces are pretty reasonable considering they are made in Canada.

Their website is a bit finicky to shop at so be patient with it. For some reason they don’t show all the colors for each item. The images look blurry at first but when you click on them the extra large view is sharp and gives a good view. They ship throughout North America using Purolator so you know the shipping won’t be cheap. [FYI: The lovely blonde/brunette in images 1, 3, 4, and 5 is America’s Last Top Model Whitney Thompson by the way.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size eco-friendly clothing from Allistyle

Filed Under: Tops Tagged With: ,

Two Handbags for Me

December 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

On Black Friday I bought two handbags online at Naturalizer. I have purchased shoes and handbags from them before and am happy with them. These new bags were a huge deal, 50% off the handbags plus there was an online coupon for an additional 20% off plus it was also free shipping. So basically I got each handbag for about $30 without facing the crowds.

The first bag which I have put all my stuff into for the winter is the Elaine. It is a black textured bag with some nice detailing. I haven’t had a black handbag in some time so I was really looking forward to this one arriving. Here is what the bag looks empty — somewhat sturdy shape.

The bag sits empty for the moment but not for long!

I love the extra long handles for slipping over my shoulder and the braiding on the side is pretty.

The braided accents on the side of handbag.

There is a fringe tassle that can be left in place or used for keys. I usually just leave them in place as is.

The keychain tassle.

There is lots of space inside with two main compartments and a zipped center pocket that is quite large. There is the traditional zipped pocket on the backside and a few smaller pockets on the opposite side for phone etc. The inner fabric was not pretty which was disappointing. A little on the rough side too.

The empty compartments in the handbag.

There is lots of room and it fit all my stuff.

The inside full of my stuff.

And my bag is now all full and ready to go.

The bag full of my stuff.

The second bag was the Shapely in taupe and black. I thought it looked a bit dressier than an average day bag with the color blocking and I liked it was still neutral.

My color block taupe and black handbag from Naturalizer.

In terms of workmanship I am perfectly happy with the outside of both bags. But the inside lining was disappointing especially in the Shapely bag.

The inside of my shapely handbag.

In my opinion the lining should be thick enough that you can’t see the purse parts and so crumbs or whatnot cannot work their way between the lining and material of handbag. If I had paid the $85 price tag for this bag I would have been incredibly disappointed. If costs are at a premium then I can definitely do without things like fringe keychains to get a better lining.

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Topic Links
* Get your next handbag from Naturalizer

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: ,

A Tale of Three BB Creams

December 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

BB Cream is short for “Beauty Balm” Cream. It was perfected in the Asian market as the be all and end all in women’s beauty products that has become the catch word phrase for women’s make-up in Canada and the US. Everything is coming up BB or CC (color correcting) or even DD (dynamic do-all). For the last eight months I have been playing with three BB creams by three different brands: L’Oreal, Garnier, and Maybelline.

L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Features and Opinion

I was really taken in by the commercials for L’Oreal’s Magic Skin Beautifier which according to their packaging primes, perfects, hydrates, corrects. I picked up a tube in fair — it was the first BB cream I purchased and I immediately hated it.

Right from the beginning I was not impressed with this one. It came out of the tube whitish grey looking and needed to be worked before it went on my face. I found if I did it on my face it absorbed really quickly, too quickly to really blend in properly. Their lightest color was really too dark for me and I don’t know if it was a reaction to the product but after an hour it turns orangey on my skin. I paid full price for this one from Walmart which was about $16 for a 30 ml tube.

A Few Images of the L’Oreal BB Cream

I like the control of the tube tip which is narrow and pointed. It really has a no mess spout. This cream has little specks of color in the cream when it comes from the tube.
A dab of L'Oreal's BB Cream on my hand.

As I begin to blend it turns milky white.

As I begin to rub in cream it turns milky white at first.

Then the color starts to form.

With continued motion the cream begins to take on color.

I would not call this color fair and it is already starting to take on the orangey hue I mentioned — out of all things the color is my biggest complaint. I feel like it sets in before I can properly blend it.

Their cream darkens as it sits on my skin.

Garnier BB Cream Features and Opinion:

Garnier started the BB trend in Asia and so my interest in trying the leader of the concept was high. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream boasts itself as a “tone perfector” and all-in-one product that renews, brightens, evens, and hydrates.

It is my favorite of all three. It smooths on easily and a little goes a long way — a little goes a long way — I can easily layer it over trouble spots if I need too i.e. red cheeks, without it building up too quickly but still providing coverage. It leaves me with a nice glow and even texture. As the day progresses I do find it becomes a bit greasy (I have oily/dry skin to begin with) but it blots really well with a tissue. I bought my tube on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart for $13 which may seem like it is pricey but it is a 75 ml tube and it lasts a long time — a little goes a long way!

A Few Images of the Garnier BB Cream

The Garnier tube has an attached flip cap and is indented so it tends to get gunky and I have to wipe it out often. Out of the tube it looks like a regular foundation.

Garnier's BB is thicker and creamier when it comes out of tube.

But on contact you see how incredibly light it is and that a little goes a long way. I obviously put too much on my hand for this demo.

A little goes a long way.

It blends in like a lotion.

As you can tell by this photo it is easy to over do.

I feel like I can actually spread it all over my face before it sets. It is light feeling on the skin.

It blends in really well.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream Features and Opinion:

After seeing a video review by Sara Bartlett (Bombshell Beauty) I decided I needed to try this Maybelline’s Dream Fresh which falls into the more affordable area of drugstore brands. I have been having a good go with Maybelline products this year for some reason. This brand boasts being an 8 in 1 product which includes: SPF 30, blur imperfections, natural glow, smoother, compliments skin tone, hydrates all day, feels fresh, oil free.

Maybelline cream is runnier than Garnier but has a thicker coverage. It is runnier than L’Oreal but has a thinner cover. It’s light sheer color was still disappointingly darker than what I want but I could get away with it in the summer because I had a natural summer glow. As my winter pale starts to show I am finding it on the darker side of pale. That Maybelline’s comes with sun protection and is oil free is a bonus. I bought on sale for $7 at Shoppers. The tube is 30 ml.

A Few Images of the Maybelline BB Cream

The tube is has outie tip with a separate cap and I find both tend to get goupy and need to be cleaned often because the cream is so runny. Because it is runny I find I can spread it easily.

Maybelline is a little runnier.

As you can see I need to use a little more to get more coverage but it does not soak in super quickly which makes it nice for blending.

A little goes a long way but I don't feel like it needs to be layered.

I find I have to work quick though because once it is absorbed it is hard to move.

Takes a little more to blend.

As you can see from the streak still visible.

Still not perfectly blended but ok coverage.

You can have a closer look at the consistency in my mini review video:

To sum things up. Of the three, Garnier is my favorite for color, consistency and coverage — it doesn’t feel like make-up. Followed by Maybelline which is an affordable tint with darker coverage but still feels like make-up. Followed by L’Oreal which I dislike mostly because of the color and dryness.

What BB creams have you tried?

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Topic Links
* BB Cream from Garnier
* BB Cream from L’Oreal
* BB Cream from Maybelline

Filed Under: Beauty Products Tagged With: , , ,

Peek-a-Boo Swimwear

December 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Going away somewhere warm this winter? Thinking you might be a little brave with your swimwear but not too brave to go the bikini route? Monif C has this beautiful Sweetheart Ruched One Piece with a diamond cut-outs on the abdomen for you to give a peek-a-boo view of your stomach but has full coverage on the back. Besides the black shown here there is the option of sapphire or coral. It is available in sizes 14 to 24.

This black one piece comes with removable strap.

Are you going anywhere warm this winter?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size sweetheart ruched swimsuit from Monif C

Filed Under: Swimwear Tagged With:
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