Good Morning Gorgeous! | Get Ready with Me and My Morning Routine with Viviscal Canada | Gorgeous Growth Range Review

Good Morning Gorgeous!

Would you consider yourself a morning person or a night person? If you asked me a few years ago I would have chosen night without a second thought. These days I don't know if I'm one or the other. 

I love to stay up (even after my hubby is fast asleep) and catch up on youtube videos or a new book but over the last few months I have found myself falling asleep earlier and earlier. 

I have come to discover how wonderful mornings can be and whether my alarm goes off bright and early or I spend a little extra time in bed, I love to savour the quiet peace of the morning. 

I find so much joy from taking time in the morning to focus on myself, drink a cup of coffee and get ready for the day ahead. So today I'm inviting you to get ready with me and discover my morning routine from styling my hair to choosing an outfit! 

But First Coffee... 

Let's be real that's where every morning routine starts, with a nice big cup of hot coffee. I love to start my day with a cup while I browse through Instagram and plan out my morning. Once I have an idea of what my day will entail I grab my favourite silk robe and complete my skincare routine (which is coming soon!) before I get started on my hair. 

I have really fallen in love with haircare over the past few months and it's honestly not something I ever thought would happen. I've tried so many products over the years and only a fair few have made a big enough difference to stick with me for more than a few weeks. Fast forward to today and I have stuck with the same set of products for almost 4 months - unheard of. 

Get Gorgeous

My haircare routine used to consist of pretty basic products and a whole lot of dry shampoo. It was my last priority and it reflected in the health of my hair but about a month before my wedding I decided it was time to change things up and actually pamper my signature locks. 

I wanted to transform my thin, dried out, brittle hair into healthy, happy, soft and luscious looking locks. Lucky for me, Viviscal Canada reached out and wanted to challenge me to test out their NEW Gorgeous Growth Densifying Range and little did I know but it was exactly what my hair needed. 

Viviscal is definitely not a new brand to me, I have quite a few friends that swear by their original daily nutritional supplement system to help them grow their locks but I wasn't so much concerned with adding length than I was with adding thickness and volume. So their new Gorgeous Growth range is the perfect pairing to bring the brand full circle and help you achieve healthy hair growth from the inside and out. 

The Gorgeous Growth Densifying Range is a new 3 step system that is designed to rebalance your scalp, battle dryness and create the ideal environment for healthy hair growth leading to fuller, thicker looking locks.

The range features -

- a Densifying Shampoo ($19.99 CAD/$9.99 USD) to gently cleanse, remove buildup and refresh

- a Densifying Conditioner ($19.99 CAD/$9.99 USD) to nourish, hydrate and smooth hair follicles 

- a Densifying Elixir ($29.99 CAD/$19.99 USD) to weightlessly boost roots and add shine

The trio is formulated with an exclusive Ana Tel Complex (that includes clinically tested natural ingredients such as pea sprouts and grape seeds) mixed with Biotin, Keratin and Zinc. This combination protects against daily stress factors, locks in colour and helps prevent damage due to heat exposure all while promoting thicker, more voluminous hair.

 It works from the follicle and the scalp down to the strands themselves, nourishing at the root, repairing damage, encouraging growth and overhauling texture. 

Gorgeous Results

So for the past few months I have used the Gorgeous Growth Range not only every single time I wash my hair but also every time I style my hair. The shampoo and conditioner are wonderful with a silky texture that coats the hair with ease and then rinses out in a snap. They really leave your hair feeling nourished and strong. 

The elixir has become one of my new favourite things, I love that you can use it wet or dry so I use it as a base before using any sort of heat on my hair and I even use when I am simply letting my hair dry naturally. It is the perfect leave-in treatment that feels absolutely weightless and actually creates body instead of weighting my hair down. It is a luxurious oil that soaks in immediately, eliminating frizz and smoothing down fly aways but it doesn't feel or look greasy at all. 

The Gorgeous Growth trio is an absolute triple threat that has transformed my hair into voluminous, bouncy, thicker looking hair that feels stronger and softer to the touch. The range works with Viviscal’s clinically-proven hair growth supplements as a unique dual-action system, so you can achieve healthy hair growth from the inside, and thicker looking hair on the outside!

Finishing Touches

So once my hair is sorted it's time to play with makeup! This part of my routine changes every single day because I am constantly using different products and coming up with new ideas so just keep your eyes peeled for new posts to see what I'm loving. 

The last step in my routine is to pick out my outfit for my day. This could be a super cozy sweater and a pair of leggings or a gorgeous layered look with a dress, a jacket and some thigh high booties. I always just pick whatever makes me feel my best! 

One last cup of coffee and I'm all set for the day!

My mornings have become so precious to me lately and having a routine that makes me feel confident and beautiful is such a blessing. 

If you feel like your hair is in need of an overhaul or you have struggle with hair loss then give Viviscal a try! They have an option for every need and it's truly worth the investment in yourself! 

I want to say a massive thank you to Viviscal for helping me find healthy, happy hair and I just know that you can find it too! 

Viviscal is available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada or Ulta in the States but it is also available online! 

*product provided for consideration but opinions are all my own*

On My Radar | Sephora VIB/VIB Rouge Winter Sale Wish List | Tips & Tricks | Recommendations

Hey Beauties! 

It's that time of the year again and I could not be more excited! The happiest store on earth is gearing up to host their bi-annual VIB/VIB Rouge Sale! 

The VIB Sale is the only time of the year when you can get a coveted discount on your favourite high-end makeup and there are absolutely no restrictions. The sale usually lands around the first week of November (it began on the 4th last year) and it usually lasts for about a week. 

The sale has a staggered discount system depending on your VIB status. BI and VIB receive 15% off and VIB Rouge receive 20% off their entire purchase and there is no limit on how many items you can buy or orders you can place. 

I have already starting planning what I want to pick up during the sale and I thought you guys might like to see what is currently sitting in my cart! 

Beauty Bits

1. Tarte LE Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette - $57 CAD ($180 value)

- A delicious, double-sided palette with ten deluxe blush and highlight shades to make every skin tone glow. 

2. Nudestix Nude(art)ist Box Creator's Palette - $65 CAD ($168 value) 

- A limited-edition set containing six custom created Magnetic Matte Lip shades by leading beauty and lifestyle social media gurus. 

3. NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer - $37 CAD 

- A full-coverage concealer in an oil-free, ultra-lightweight cream formula that blurs imperfections as it conceals, smoothing the look of skin with a soft-matte, natural-looking finish. 

4. Tarte LE Artful Accessories Brush Set - $57 CAD ($187 value)

- A vibrant set of five vegan, cruelty-free brushes in a #tooglamtogiveadamn brush holder. Contains a cheek brush, a complexion brush, a highlighter brush, an eye shading brush and an eye blending brush.

5. Hourglass Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette - $75 CAD

-A limited-edition palette of Ambient® Metallic Strobe Lighting Powders that provides the brightest highlight to the skin. 

6. Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray - $40 CAD

- A weightless, three-in-one coconut water-infused mist that primes, sets, and refreshes makeup while it helps keep skin hydrated. 

7. Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book The Art of Sculpting & Defining Volume 11 - $78 CAD

- Contour, sculpt, and highlight all your facial features with this pro palette. Cream and powder versions of Kevyn Aucoin’s legendary formulas come together in this convenient travel size palette.

8. Benefit Cosmetics The Complexionista Face Palette - $42 CAD ($72 value) 

- A limited-edition face palette with everything you need to achieve the perfect complexion. Contains 2 shades of Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer, Hoola Bronzing Powder, Hoola Lite Bronzing Powder, Watts Up & Dandelion Twinkle Highlighting Powders. 

9. NARS x Man Ray Noire Et Blanche Audacious Lipstick Coffret - $70 CAD

- A limited-edition collection of four mini lipsticks in a keepsake magnifying container inspired by the electrifying art of Man Ray.

10. Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette in Pink Sands - $59 CAD

- A highlighter palette with two different textures: a pearlescent creamy shade and three light-catching pressed pearl hues. 

Skincare Steals

1. Herbivore Coco Rose Luxe Hydration Trio - $50 CAD

- A luxurious set of rose and coconut products to nourish and hydrate skin including, the Coco Rose Body Polish, the Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, and the Coco Rose Lip Conditioner. 

2. Drunk Elephant Volume 1: Hot Date - $120 CAD ($167 value)

- A nighttime system of bestsellers for smoother, refined, hydrated, and glowing skin. Includes the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Beste Jelly Cleanser, LaLa Retro Whipped Cream, and the Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil. 

3. Tata Harper Glow For It Kit - $83 CAD

- A three-piece kit that exfoliates and hydrates skin for visibly radiant skin. Includes the Resurfacing Mask, the Regenerating Cleanser and the Repairative Moisturizer. 

4. Peter Thomas Roth Mask-A-Holic Kit - $92 CAD ($299 value)

- A portable kit with a mask for every task, whether you’re new to the art of masking or an experienced multi-masker.

5. Origins Superstars Set - $58 CAD

- A set featuring some of their bestselling, energizing products that’ll leave skin hydrated, radiant, and smooth.

6. Pharmacy Honey Harvest Kit - $58 CAD ($77 value)

- A trio of skincare treatments that promote hydrated skin and a youthful, healthy glow, featuring a lightweight moisturizer, warming antioxidant mask, and renewing night treatment. 

7. Laneige Good Night Kit - $13 CAD

-A collection of LANEIGE's sleeping beauty essentials to wake up with nourished skin and lips. 

8. Sephora Favourites Skin Wonderland Set - $69 CAD ($205 value)

- This collection features must-have products for face, eyes, and body from highly-sought after brands. From a waterproof facial cleansing device to radiance-boosting moisturizers and exfoliating treatments to a whipped body butter, this 11-piece set has everything you need for hydrated, smooth, healthy-looking skin. 

Tips & Tricks

- start with a plan

- make a list

- have products saved ahead of time online

- stock up on essentials

- treat yourself

- start on christmas gifts

When it comes time for the VIB sale, every Sephora shopper is on their toes and ready to sprint. This sale only comes around twice a year and it's the only time when you can receive a discount on your favourite products. It can turn into a chaotic mess if you don't plan ahead so the best advice I can give you is to plan ahead! 

Figure out if you will be shopping in-store or online and then make a game plan. Make a list of all the products you want and order them from must have to might want. If you are shopping online, add items to your cart ahead of time so you can check out in just a few seconds while others are surfing the site. 

Use this opportunity to stock up on your essentials like foundation/concealer/powder or build up your kit with a new set of brushes. Best of all, use the discount to treat yourself with a luxury product or two! 

This is also the perfect time to get a head start on your christmas shopping list with all of the new holiday kits coming out ready for you to snap up. 

I hope this gives you a little bit of inspiration for how to attack the Sephora VIB Sale this year! I will update this post once they release the dates! 

How do you shop the VIB sale? Do you have a game plan?

The Skincare Diaries | New Skincare Additions From Kiehls, Pixi Beauty, Institut Esthederm & More! | First Impressions & Favourites

Hey Beauties!

I've always had a pretty deep love for skincare, I can even remember stealing my mom's peel off face masks way back when, and over the years I feel like it's become a true passion and maybe a slight obsession. 

My bathroom vanity is positively packed full of different oils, serums, cleansers and masks and while I have my staple items, I love to shake it up and introduce new products on a pretty regular basis. 

Did you know?

Your skin is much like your metabolism in that it gets used to your routine and it can plateau after too much repetition. It's important to change up at least one aspect of your routine every few months to prevent that plateau. Try switching out your moisturizer for a new formula or add in a new product that you've never tried before like an acid. Another great way to keep your skin guessing is to ensure you are using a mask at least once a week!

I feel so passionate about establishing healthy skincare habits that I wanted to share some of the newest products that have made it into my vanity over the last couple of months and I will also be sharing my full skincare routine soon so stay tuned!

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser ($58 CAD) - this has been my go-to cleanser for the last couple of months but I have also had a few samples in the past. It is a balancing, deep clean cleanser powered by French green clay and Moroccan rhassoul clay. The clay purifies by removing pore clogging oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Neroli Oil balances, calms and soothes while Vitamin C brightens darkness. This cleanser makes my skin feel ultra clean but not dry or tight, I really enjoy it but I think I want to move to a move gentle cleanser. 

Institut Esthederm L'Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser ($39 CAD)* - this cleanser is from the dermatological brand behind Bioderma and it has quickly become a new favourite. It is a gentle yet highly effective cream that cleanses the skin and eliminates impurities deep within pores. You apply it to dry skin and massage in circular motions until it thickens and turns white in colour. When you rinse it off your skin feels renewed and refreshed. 

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($112) - My second sample of this beauty - an AHA/BHA blend night serum that reveals a smoother more radiant complexion. A mix of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acids and raspberry extract work together to resurface skin, remove any dead skin cells and brighten skin tone with out any dryness or sensitivity. A must have!

Institut Esthederm Cellular Concentrate Fundamental Serum ($89 CAD)* - has made a massive difference in my skin in a short period of time. It is a universal cell re-programming serum that works deep within your skin cells to control and rebalance basic functions. This stuff is a fresh start for your skin and it will help undo any bad choices or harsh treatments. It also has active ingredients that help correct dryness, shine, sensitivity and reactivity. 

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 % ($8 CAD) - my first foray into the world of The Ordinary, this gel cream is described as a multifunctional brightening formula. Azelaic Acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin. It brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. I use this as a final step in my routine to fight any breakouts. 

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($61 CAD 30ml)* - a cult classic that has been on my must-try list for years! It's an intensive replenishing elixir made of pure essential oils and distilled botanicals. Designed to be used at night, this lightweight oil visibily restores the appearance, texture and tone of your skin by morning and gives you a healthy glow. 

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($39 CAD)* - an ultra moisturizing eye cream made from avocado oil to deeply penetrate and nourish. It has a thicker, super creamy texture that your under-eyes soak up immediately, meaning it stays where you put it and doesn't migrate into your tear ducts. 

Pixi Beauty Glow Mist ($15 CAD) - the newest addition to my collection of priming and setting sprays. It is a nourishing and hydrating mist that gives you a glowing, luminous complexion. It is enriched with 13 naturals oils (you can even see the separation) plus propolis, aloe vera and fruit extracts to treat your skin, making it more than just your average spray. I love to use it before and after my skincare routine but it can also be used to set your makeup. 

Pixi Beauty Overnight Glow Serum ($24 CAD) - a new favourite - this ultra concentrated exfoliating gel that works while you sleep to reveal a more even and radiant skin tone. It is formulated with 10% glycolic acid and arginine to address texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and fade dark spots. It also includes cucumber and aloe vera to soothe skin as well as Vitamins A, C, and E to nourish. 

What sort of products have you introduced into your routine lately?

* press sample but opinions are all my own*