This Is Madness!

Photo 1.  Nova Scotia candy from Meagan K.

My good buddy, Justin, and I had an entertaining dialogue today about scheduling madness...I was telling him about my good ol' block week course that will kick off my lovely Fall semester in the Social Work program. Instead of me blabbing about it, here's our dialogue:

* Justin: 13 week course condensed into in 1 week?

* Me: Essentially.

* Justin: Who came up with that idea?

* Me: The people upstairs.

* Justin: That means you need to take at least 2 quizzes a day, the reading-week will essentially become reading hour, midterm after the 3rd day, and final exam on the 7th day, and margarita party on the 8th day?

* Justin: Geesh, and I thought New Yorkers live a fast life.

* Me: Welcome to my life.

Here's a snapshot of my "big" schedule for these coming months.

Photo 2. Sept. to Oct. planner

Photo 3. Oct. to Nov.

Photo 4. Nov. to Dec.

Aside from my complaints, I have exciting news for you guys! Oooooh, I'm so happy to announce that my friend, Laura C., and I will be partnering up with Matchstick for their Revolutionary Reds Challenge by Loreal Professionnel. It is a hair transformation program, and we have a chance to be featured in Elle Canada Magazine! This is to celebrate the launch of new INOA red shades. Get ready for The Revolutionary Reds Challenge!

 Photo 5. Thanks Sumaya from Matchstick for sending me the swatches of INOA red shades

  Photo 6. Under poor lighting; I wasn't able to capture the dynamic red shades =(

Thank You Maybelline, Matchstick, and My Friends

Photo 1. My Maybelline EyeStudio kit from Maybelline and Matchstick

Photo 2. Alternative angle of Maybelline EyeStudio products

Photo 3. Close-up of the gel eyeliners

♔ Thank You! ♔

Thank you Maybelline, Matchstick, and you (my readers) for your support during the Daretoinspire.ca contest. This is a very exciting time as we wait with great anticipation for the announcement of the winner. :)

Over these past these past few weeks I have thoroughly enjoyed Maybelline New York EyeStudio products; I love writing mini tutorials and reviews, using the make-up as well as giving them away. Even though the contest has ended I have been inspired to continue to spread the word about their wonderful make-up products.  Please visit my blog in the future for more reviews and mini-tutorials.

★ Summary of Reviews ★

I.) Color Plush Eye Shadow collection

I have fallen head over heals for the the Plush collection. There is a variety of colors in the collection; I promise that you won't be disappointed with the vast color selections. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, and the formula have a soft velvety texture. Maybelline's EyeStudio eyeshadows (i.e the Plush palettes and Color Pearls) are ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers, and each palette weighs 2.5g or 0.09OZ.

II.) Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadows

The shimmery iridescent hues are perfect to wear for any occasion. These black palettes are sleek, and portable.

III.) Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliners & XXL Pro Mascaras

The eyeliners and mascaras are long-lasting; activity, heat, and humidity resistant. The gel eyeliners glide on my lids, and the brush allows for accurate application of the formulas. The mascaras require a two step application. The first formula coats the lashes with a base. The brush grabs every single lash, yes even the baby lashes. The second formula curls, lengthens, volumizes, and bolds the lashes.

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❤ Sky Blue Reign is a fun night look I created for a night out at the clubs. ❤

Photo 4. The products used; Sapphire Siren (#20) palette, 24HRS Bold mascara, Blackest black gel eyeliner

Photo 5. Close-up of the Sapphire Siren (#20) palette

Photo 6. Swatches of Sapphire Siren

Photo 7. The completed look.

 A.) Eyeshadows: Sapphire Siren (#20)

1.) Highlight and Brighten –  apply the lightest shade on the brow bones, inner corner of eyes, and lower lash line to make the eyes pop. 

2.) Accentuate – glide the second shade across the entire eye lid and lower lashes but do not hide the highlight hue. Then feather this blue color upwards towards the brow bone. 

3.) Intensify– add the third hue around the ball of the eye; emphasizing on the hollow of the eyes and the outer corner. Lastly, blend this dark color with the light blue and sweep outwards.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In  Blackest  Black (#950)

1.)  Define and contour – line the entire top and bottom waterline.

C.) Mascara: XXL Pro  24HR Bold Mascara

1.) Lengthen  – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for bold and beautiful lashes.

Your Feedback is Needed 

Photo 8: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Maybelline are interested in your feedback and opinions! If you haven't completed this survey, please do so. You can voice your thoughts by completing a short two minute survey: 

http://s-owpcc-294253.sgizmo.com/i/61848e14596632p77242

For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2.00 donation to The Redwood. The Redwood is a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

Thanks for reading!

TGIF: Swept Away & Your Valuable Feedback Is Needed (Entry #3)

Swept Away is a romantic beach-y look that is perfect for summer nights out. This look will give eyes a youthful lift, and make eyes standout beautifully in photographs.

Photo 1. The finished look. The mascara and eyeliner dramatically defines my eye: notice how my eye appears larger. (Sorry for the half face photo; I was in a sporting accident and my concealer couldn't hide the bruise.)

Photo 2. Close up of my left eye without mascara and eyeliner

Photo 3. Another close up of my left eye without mascara and eyeliner.

I.) Create this Fun Chic Look:

Photo 4 . Maybelline EyeStudio Ingredients: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90), Gel eyeliner in Charcoal (#954), XXL Pro Extensions Washable Mascara

Photo 5. Close up of the ultra plush and smooth eye shadows: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90)

 A.) Eyeshadows: Sapphire Siren (#20) and Irresistibly Ivy (#90)

1.) Highlight – Sapphire Siren palette: apply the lightest shade on the brow bones, and lower lash line to make the eyes standout. 

2.) Brighten – switch to the Irresistibly Ivy palette and apply the lightest shade on the entire eye lid and inner corner of eyes.

3.) Accentuate – still using the Irresistibly Ivy palette glide the second shade across the eye lid.  Start in the inner corner of the eyes and stop in the middle.  Then layer this color on lower lash line over the highlight hue but do not mask the highlight color.

4.) Enhance – switch to the Sapphire Siren palette and add the second hue on the outer corner of the eyes and bring the color inwards to the middle of the lid. This step will give the eyes more depth.

5.)  Deepen –  still using the Sapphire Siren palette, apply the third color to the hollow area of the outer eye and then sweep outwards.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In Charcoal (#954)

1.)  Define  – using a steady hand line the entire top and bottom waterline, which will also give the appearance of thicker and fuller lashes. Extending the line 1cm beyond the outer corner of the eyes will give the illusion of bigger eyes.


C.) Mascara: XXL Pro Extensions Washable Mascara

1.) Lengthen  – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for long and beautiful lashes.

Now you're done! Good luck. :)  And thanks for reading!

Your Feedback is Needed 

Photo 6: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Maybelline are interested in your feedback and opinions! You can voice your thoughts by completing a short two minute survey: 

http://s-owpcc-294253.sgizmo.com/i/61848e14596632p77242

For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2.00 donation to The Redwood. The Redwood is a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

P.S. If you found this entry helpful please vote for me here. Also you can win your very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting or commenting in the contest section, like I mentioned in my previous posts.  ^____^

The Insomniac's Dream: Golden Sunny Eyes (Entry #2)

Golden Sunny Eyes is a soft day look that will brighten tired and dull eyes.

Photo 1. Yes, I'm smiling with my eyes closed.

Photo 2. Close up of the the finished look.

Photo 3. Close up of my left eye.

I.) Create this Classy Chic Look:

Photo 4 . Maybelline EyeStudio Ingredients: Give Me Gold (#05), Gel eyeliner in Blackest  Black (#950), XXL Pro Volume Washable Mascara

A.) Eyeshadow: Give  Me Gold (#05)

1.) Highlight – apply the lightest shade on the brow bones (i.e. under the eyebrow), inner corner of eyes, and lower lash line to make the eyes pop.

2.) Accentuate  – sweep the second shade across the entire eye lid and dab a bit of the formula over the lower lash line to brighten the eyes.

3.) Emphasize – add the third hue on the outer corner of the eyes to give the eyes more depth.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In  Blackest  Black (#950)

1.)  Define and contour – line the entire top and bottom waterline, and extend the line slightly beyond the corner of the eyes. This will also give the appearance of thicker lashes and bigger eyes.

C.) Mascara: XXL  Pro Volume Washable

1.) Volumize and sculpt – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for thick and full lashes. 

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II.) Mini Reviews and Confessions:

 Photo 5. Close up of the plush eye shadow in Give Me Gold (#05)

A.) Color  Plush Eye Shadow: Give Me Gold

I am highly impressed with Maybelline's smooth and creamy, long lasting, and super pigmented shades. The hues in Give Me Gold goes on sheer and glittery but can be layered for a more dramatic look. It is perfect for ladies who like neutral colors or for colorphobic individuals.

B.) Lasting  Drama Gel Eyeliner

I have switched from using pencil eyeliners to Maybelline's gel eyeliners permanently. There's no sharpening required, grittiness, and tugging on my eyelids. I am absolutely crazy in love with Maybelline's gel eyeliner. The colors are intensely rich and the products are ultra smooth, which allows me to effortlessly glide the eyeliners on. Next, the eyeliner is long-lasting, water-proof and smudge-proof. I didn't end up with raccoon eyes after my daily run. :) I approve Maybelline's gel eyeliners and highly recommend it.

 C.) XXL  Pro Mascara

The XXL Pro mascara dramatically lengthens my short (and non-existent lashes) all day without smudging or flaking. I didn't have raccoon eyes after exercising. :) The mascara and the eyeliner can be easily removed with warm water, soap, and a cotton towel.

In summary, I am extremely happy with the quality of  Maybelline's EyeStudio collection. My eye make-up lasts over 16 hours without fading and smudging. Make the switch to Maybelline and make touch-ups history.

Thanks for reading. :)

P.S. If you found this entry useful please vote for me here. Also you can win your very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting or commenting in the contest section, like I mentioned in my previous posts.

Maybelline EyeStudio: Wide-Eye Doll Look (Entry #1)

A Wide-Eye Doll Look that is super easy to create. ^_^

*Click to the image to check out the color placements*

Maybelline EyeStudio Ingredients:

1.) Tantalizing Teal (#50)

2.) Carbon Frost (#05)

3.) Gel eyeliner in Blackest Black

4.) XXL Pro 24HR Bold Mascara

Directions:

1.)  Marbleized Tantalizing Teal (#50)

       a.) Apply the (right) lighter eyeshadow all over your eyelids; stop at the crease.

       b.) Using the same color line the bottom of your eye.

       c.) Then apply the (left) darker shade on the outer corner of your eyes.

2.) Carbon Frost (#05)

       a.) Apply the lighter eyeshadow on top of 1c. This will add depth and dimension to the eyes.

       b.) Take the darker color and line your top lashes.

3.) Gel eyeliner Blackest Black

       a.) With a steady hand apply the eyeliner on top of 2b and your lower waterline.

4.) XXL Pro 24HR Bold Mascara

       a.) Curl your lashes.

       b.) Apply formula #1 followed by #2 for thick and full lashes.

Thanks for reading! I had lots of fun creating this look and I hope you enjoyed reading my mini makeup tutorial. If you have any questions or comments leave it in the comment section below.

To my blog readers: if you found this entry useful please vote for me here. Also you can win your own very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting or commenting in the contest section, like I mentioned in my previous post.   Four participants will receive the same kit as the one photographed below. Good luck. :)

Win Your Own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit!

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*Click to enlarge the images*

Photo 1. My Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit from Maybelline & Matchstick

Photo 2. A close-up of the Color Plush Eye Shadow collection

Extra Notes: 12 Color Plush Ready-to-Wear Palettes

Photo 3. A close-up of the Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner collection

Extra Notes: Products in order from left to right - brown (#952), grey/charcoal (#954), plum/eggplant (#956), and black/blackest black (#950)

Photo 4. A close-up of the Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadow collection

Photo 5.  A close-up of the 4 XXL Pro Mascara collection

Extra Notes: From top to bottom - Extensions Washable, 24 HR Bold, Volume Washable, and Curl Washable

A big thanks to Matchstick and Maybelline for sending me a beautiful Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit!

Maybelline is hosting a vlog/blog contest and I'm competing. *Excited* I create a variety of creative looks using Maybelline EyeStudio makeup products. These photos will then be posted up here, on my Facebook page, and under Maybelline's Facebook Contest tab.

Win your own very own Maybelline EyeStudio Makeup Kit just by voting here. Four participants will receive the same kit as the one photographed above.

Good luck! :)

Matchstick: Clorox Green Works Review

A Big Thanks!

First I want to thank Matchstick for selecting me to be one of the 50 Influencers in Canada to receive Clorox Green Works exclusive Starter Kit! And congratulations to the other 49 Influencers. :)

 Photo 1: Green Works Starter Kit

I have received the following items:

► 1 x Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent

► 1 x Green Works Natural All Purpose Cleaner

► 1 x Green Works Delicate bag

► 1 x Green Works reusable tote  *given away*

► 30 x Green Works Single Use Natural Laundry Detergent samples to share

► 30 x Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent Full Value coupons to share

Introduction to Green Works

Photo 2: Green Works logo

I think it is safe to say that everyone believes it is vital to preserve nature's beauty for future generations to enjoy. Clorox, an international phenomenon for cutting-edge household cleaning products, have been inspired by nature and developed an innovative line of cleaners called Green Works. Green Works helps us reduce our environmental impact, and brings us closer to our goal of living sustainably.  Despite that these products are made with 95% natural plant ingredients, mainly from coconuts, they are proven in the lab by researchers and at my house (by me) to be as effective as traditional cleaners. Also, these cleaners are not tested on animals, thus they are cruelty-free. 

Clorox Natural All Purpose Cleaner

Photo 3: Clorox Green Works Cleaners

I went on a cleaning spree with the product, and I am genuinely surprised by the results. When Clorox named the product Natural All Purpose Cleaner the company really meant it is an all purpose cleaner. The product is tough on stains and grime, but gentle on your household items and hands. In other words, the cleaner didn’t strip paint from my IKEA desk, yet it was able to remove stains and grime from the stove top, fridge, bathtub, and sinks! Also, it left my mirrors sparkling! Now my home is clean, and smells lightly of a lemon-lime (like 7-Up—the soft drink) scent.

So what is my final verdict? Green Works Natural All Purpose Cleaner is an ‘intelligent’ product and deserves a letter grade of an A.

Clorox Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent and Adventures

Photo 4:  Clorox Green Works Natural Detergents

The package arrived near the end of my tutoring session with a group of four students. All five of us were curious about the large mystery package. After opening the package we were pleasantly surprised to see the starter kit. One of the students asked me, "does it work?" So I gave each of my students the detergent samples and sent them home to try.  They later reported back to me in shock and awe because of the effectiveness and great results of the product. One student told me that Green Works is a "miracle liquid detergent."

I was so excited about Green Works detergent that I ran three loads of laundry right away. My colored clothes and blacks are still its original colors, and my whites are actually white without adding any bleach! My washed clothes are clean, smell lightly of clean linen, and they are super soft.  And best of all the detergent did not irritate my sensitive skin in any manner! Yay!

Then I posted a status update on  MSN and Facebook about giving away 30 Green Works FPC (free-product coupons). In a blink of an eye I received a flurry of messages by intrigued yet skeptical friends, family members, acquaintances, and coworkers. Over the course of three days, I was passing out detergent samples and the FPC to acquaintances in lectures, friends at school, and my aunties and uncles while they were at work. Commonly they asked me, "will this make my clothes clean?" I replied confidently, "absolutely".

Bottom line:  Clorox Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent is gentle on clothes and its color, but effectively eliminates dirt and odors. This product deserves an A.

Your Feedback Needed and Good Deeds

Photo 5: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Clorox are interested in your feedback and opinions! You can voice your thoughts by completing a short survey: 

http://www.feedback.matchstick.ca/se.ashx?s=439B5E1D0F98116D

For every completed survey they receive, Matchstick will be making a $2 donation to The Redwood, a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

Thanks for reading!

Matchstick: CKfree For Men Feedback

Thank you Matchstick for sending me 12 vials of CKfree for Men. They smell sooooooo good. :)

Photo 1.: The outside package of Ckfree For Men.

Photo 2.: The inside packaging of CKfree.

Check out the commercial! :)

The samples I gave them out to my friends and family. I choose to post 8 of the 12 comments, and this is what they have to say...

#1 Eric (an economics student) said: "CKfree is a masculine, warm, and classy scent. I like it!"

#2 Shawn (a political sci. student) vocalized: "Mmmmm, this smells good. It's high-end stuff. The tones are very complimentary."

#3 Jeff (a geography student) warmly stated: "This is good for causal everyday wear."

#4 Liam (a chemistry student) replied: "Its pleasant. It fresh and clean-cut."

#5 Dan (an environmental sci. student) said: "Ckfree is subtle yet noticeable...it's not overpowering."

#6 Kevin (a comp. sci. student) gave two big thumbs up, and a huge grin after trying the fragrance. :) Hehe, actions do speak louder than words.

#7 Sam (an open studies student) replied: "I smell amazing! The scent is kinda spicy has a bite to it."

#8 Mark (an urban studies student) said: "It's a very original, classy, and inviting aroma. I love it!"

In summary, my all friends and family were very happy with CK's new fragrance.

Thanks for reading!

Matchstick's Herbal Essences Hydralicious Kit: Final Thoughts

These three weeks, we studied Herbal Essences Hydralicious Line which consists of the following products: Featherweight, Self-Targeting, and Reconditioning shampoos and conditioners. I tried all three products, and I have noticed a significant difference in my hair. It is indeed thicker and stronger, smoother, softer, shiny, and more manageable. All three products have restored balance to my hair's natural oils, revitalized shine from my dull, dry hair and repaired damages caused by harsh styling products, and excessive heat applied to my hair.

There is a product in this line suited for everyone. If you are unsure of which product is right for you, I would first try the Reconditioning products first, because it is for 'injured' hair. I would consider this blend to be the "medium" of the three shampoos and conditioners. To summarize the features of the Hydralicious line; the Featherweight compound is intended for fine hair, the Self-Targeting mixture is for normal hair, and Reconditioning infusion is for dry/damaged hair.

Herbal Essences continues to be a trustworthy brand, and which has left me with a long-lasting, positive impression.

Matchstick's Herbal Essences Hydralicious Kit: Part III of III Review of Re-Conditioning Shampoo and Conditioner

Re-Conditioning Shampoo and Conditioner.

Reconditioning Shampoo, note the swirl "technology".

This is my favourite shampoo and conditioner among in the Herbal Essences Hydralicious line. It is a lavishing shampoo and conditioner with shea. I love the distinctive, calming, flora scent. If you're not sure which shampoo and conditioner to use in this line, I would recommend the reconditioning concoction, since it is for designed specifically for damaged hair. I believe all hair is damaged one way or another, because with the styling products we use, the massive amount of heat we apply with our hair dryer/curler/straightening iron, and environmental elements our hair endure. I only con I found with this product, is that it does not give me enough volume. However, the reconditioning brew gives me more volume than the featherweight shampoo and conditioner. Other than that, this product is hydrating, gives my hair a healthy shine, makes it soft and manageable.

Overall, I give the Reconditioning shampoo and conditioner an A.

Matchstick's Herbal Essences Hydralicious Kit: Part II of III Review of Self-Targeting Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences: Self-Targeting Products.

Self-Targeting Conditioner: uber thick.

Self-Targeting Shampoo: a brilliant pink color, infused with a heavenly scent-vanilla!

Self-Targeting Shampoo and Conditioner texture and consistency are very similar to the Featherweight line. The only differences is the color, scent, and function.

I absolutely love this the Self-Targeting shampoo and conditioner.

Pros:

-It gives me all the same benefits as as the Featherweight product, plus volume!

-I noticed a difference in my hair, it feels thicker.
-Contains soothing aloe

Cons:

-Although, I don't find the Self-Targeting compound to be as moisturizing as the Featherweight blend.

I would give this product an A-.

Overall, I highly recommend this Self-Targeting Shampoo and Conditioner, it is a brew that certainly revitalizes the mind, body and soul after a long day at work and school.