I am obsessed with playing with my makeup and having fun with it. The thing I am not obsessed with: the cost. So often, you’ll find brand name products at Sephora or Nordstrom that will end up costing you anywhere from $20-80. That ain’t cute.
Although many people have talked about purchasing makeup at the dollar store, one place I kept hearing about on makeup social media was MINISO. If you’re not familiar with the brand, the best way to describe it is the Japanese version of the dollar store, but with Uniqlo’s store aesthetic and MUJI’s product catalogue. Kind of the best, right?
In downtown Toronto, there are two big stores: one on Queen Street West and one at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, so I decided to schedule a trip to check out their skin and makeup section immediately. As soon as I got through the doors, I was captivated by the huge selection of brushes, tweezers, and other makeup/skin accessories.
The makeup selection itself was half-way decent and is front and centre upon entering the store.
You’ll find foundation, powders, lipsticks, highlighters, blushes, eyeshadows, nail polish – and well pretty much everything, really! While there wasn’t as much selection as places like Sephora, the prices were on point (nothing over $10) and everything had cute packaging. As I went through the aisles, I wanted to see if it was possible to in possible to create a whole face from start to finish for under $50, and sure enough — it was.
I grabbed a basket and decided to pick-up a few essential items that would help me to create my finished look for my Miniso makeup review.
- Tone Correcting Pressed Powder, $2.95
- Hydro Light Foundation, $2.95
- Flawless Baked Blusher in Sweet Peach, $2.95
- Flawless Ombre Highlighter in Topaz, $5.95
- The Pink Panther Eyeshadow Palette in Bronze Chic, $7.95
- Moist Lip & Eye Colour in Golden, $2.95
- Colour Stay Lipstick in Coral, $2.95
- Deep-cleansing make-up facial removal cream, $7.95
- Micellar facial wipes, $2.95
Once I got home, I decided to try everything out for my MINISO beauty review.
What I noticed with the hydro light foundation was that it was more of a light to medium coverage which felt very lightweight on the face. It did blend out very nicely on my face, but I did find I had to use a bit more than I liked to build up.
Once I applied the tone correcting pressed powder, it set my face perfectly. One thing I did notice, is there are not a lot of options for skin tones. I was lucky since I’m quite pale with a yellow undertone, so I was able to find a quick and easy match. But others might not be so lucky.
Next up, I decided to give their highlighters and blushes a try to see just how pigmented they were.
I found that the topaz colour I chose (similar to gold) was beautiful but needed to build upon before it could be seen. The blush, I was the most disappointed in. Since the packaging is sealed before you buy it and there is nothing to protect the package, when I opened it, the blush was completely broken. I tried to get as much as I could onto my brush, and the colour seemed like a beautiful shimmery orange. What I got on my face, I really loved. It ended up being super subtle.
So far, my face was turning out pretty well. I enjoyed the look of everything so I was excited to see how my new eyeshadow palette would work.
This Pink Panther eyeshadow set came in Bronze Chic, with three eyeshadows and blush. The pigmentation on the eyeshadows was good and the colours were nice to create a natural look with. Since I wanted to add a bit of pop to them, I added the golden sparkle brush on for a bit more shine. This was a bit wetter than I liked, and the eyeshadows had a bit more fall out. But nothing that couldn’t be course-corrected with tissues and Q-Tips.
For the final touches, I used the Colour-Stay lipstick in Coral which comes in pencil format. It was bright, and super pigmented, which I loved. But the best part? I have only had to re-apply it once since 10 a.m. and that’s after having two full meals. Not too shabby for a $2.95 lipstick. I have spent much more on lipsticks of this quality.
Final thoughts?
Going into my MINISO beauty review, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m actually pretty impressed with the quality but, to be honest, I wish they had more selection. However, if you’re on a budget and want to swap out some of your items, I’d recommend checking MINISO out. You might be surprised at what you’ll find.
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Bulky jackets, shorter days, and colder winds — these are all signs that winter is coming. On top of the obvious, our body offers signals, too. Some of the cons that come along with the coldest months of the year are itchy skin, chapped lips, and perhaps the most dreaded of all — a dry scalp.
It’s safe to say that a combination of poor air flow from winter hats and super low moisture levels make winter a nightmare for our tresses and their home; bringing on dryness, itching, and the dreaded “D” word…dandruff.
For some, like myself, an itchy scalp is inevitable once the frigid air hits, but I recently found a product that has become my go-to dry scalp solution — and it’s just $12.
Marc Anthony’s Nourishing Hemp Oil Instant Cooling Scalp Treatment has become a staple in my shower and my dry scalp solution.
I discovered the product, along with its sister shampoo and conditioner, when the collection launched in August and I haven’t looked back since.
With hemp seed oil at its base, the Marc Anthony Nourishing Hemp Oil Instant Cooling Scalp Treatment is free from Sulfates, SLS Parabens, and Phthalates — all things that can affect your scalp. Paired with tea tree oil, the formula is rich in omega fatty acids which helps promote longer, thicker hair and is silicone free, which means there’s no heavy build up.
The scalp treatment is super easy to use and only adds a few extra minutes to my shower routine.
It can be used two ways: as a pre-wash treatment while your hair is wet, or on problem areas when your hair is dry. Its compactness makes it easy to back in your purse and takes up little space on your shelf, and its rollerballs make it easy to target problem areas.
Once it’s applied, the Marc Anthony Nourishing Hemp Oil Instant Cooling Scalp Treatment does exactly what it says — it cools down itchy areas and offers a tingly, fresh feeling.
Since using it, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. It’s lifted a weight off my flake-free-shoulders, offering much needed hydration and time in between washes. If you experience the same, itchy feeling, I’d suggest you give this product a go.
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For my birthday this year, I knew I wanted to treat myself. I had recently hit the three month mark at my new job, which meant benefits had kicked in, and of course the first thing that came to mind was a massage! When I was looking for spas to go to, I stumbled upon a list of places to check out for free goodies on your birthday. Did you know Elmwood Spa offers a free three-course lunch in its Terrace restaurant when you spend over $119 during your birthday month? When I found out, I was sold!
Here’s what it was like spending the whole day at Toronto’s Elmwood Spa!
First Impressions:
Instagram/@complexions.vaughan
I walked into Elmwood Spa with little expectations. I have only ever been to Hungarian baths and massage therapists who practice out of my local gym, so I wasn’t sure what to expect at an upscale spa. I booked everything over the phone, which made checking in a breeze. Once I signed a waiver for my massage and my facial, I was then free to go upstairs to get changed!
I brought a towel, shampoo/conditioner, and body wash with me, but I didn’t need any of it.
I was offered a robe as soon as I arrived, and there were plenty of towels to go around. When I showered there was a variety of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and more all at my disposal.
Instagram/@s_saamm
After changing, I was able to lock everything in my locker, free of charge and there was even an adorable box for jewellery. I noticed some people who took their phones with them, but I left mine in the locker for a fully relaxing experience.
Before heading onto the water therapies, I was able to soak in a hot tub inside the changerooms. Since the pools are co-ed, the changeroom is a good place to soak if you’d like a bit more privacy.
The Water Therapies:
Instagram/@elmwoodspa
The water therapies are free with services over $100, but you can also buy a day pass to hang out in the pools for $25 if you’re spending less than $100, or $50 if you’re not receiving a service.
The water therapies area has a fairly large pool, a hot tub, a steam room, and a licensed lounge to hang out in. It’s best to do this BEFORE your services, so I got there about an hour early to check it all out. It’s a great space to bring a book, listen to a podcast, or some music if you want to relax by the pool.
The Massage:
Instagram/@elmwoodspa
Since I often get massages at the gym that target specific parts of my body, I figured I’d go with something a bit more “relaxing” so decided on a full body 55-minute massage. Elmwood Spa offers an Aromatherapy option, and I decided to give it a try!
I had the opportunity to choose from a variety of scents, but I went with my fave, eucalyptus.
While I waited for my massage, I was offered herbal tea, hot or cold, or water. I enjoyed sipping on my drink and flipped through a magazine until it was my turn.
The massage itself was extremely relaxing, but I do wish I had asked for a bit more pressure in certain spots.
I definitely plan on coming back with my partner, as they also offer side-by-side massages for couples.
The Facial:
Instagram/@elmwoodspa
This was my very first facial, so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I dipped my toes in with the least expensive facial on the menu, but I definitely still felt pampered.
The service not only included education around what was going on, but also on some of the products that would work for my skin that I could purchase in the gift shop.
I was also surprised by a foot massage and hot towels on my feet as well that were changed throughout the 40-minute service. I will definitely be back for a facial in the future!
My skin was glowing immediately after the facial, and for days after as well.
The Lunch:
As much as I loved my time in the water, the massage, and the facial, I would be lying if I said the lunch wasn’t a highlight of the day.
You get to choose an appetizer, a main, and a dessert from the prix-fixe menu, and I was honestly stuffed!
I tried the vegan butternut squash soup, the braised short rib, and the cheesecake and I was completely satisfied!
Final Thoughts:
Instagram/@elmwoodspa
As someone who hasn’t spend a lot of time in spas, this was an amazing first experience.
I felt extremely pampered, and the customer service was top notch. Everyone wished me a happy birthday, and were always there to lend a hand with anything I needed. I’m SO excited to head back to Elmwood Spa down the road!
Featured Image: Instagram/@spaincmag
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Over the summer, cult beauty brand Glossier expanded their boundaries by making Canada their first international shipping country. Needless to say, Canadian beauty addicts went nuts; buying every product online now that they rightly could. I was one of them — to a certain extent.
I wouldn’t say I went crazy, but I did purchase a few products that I had been eyeing for awhile. Some of the products I completely fell in love with, while others I could have lived without and saved the cash. But what I really wanted to find out was if Glossier was really worth all the hype. Was it? Read on to find out!
Coconut Balm Dotcom
Coconut Balm Dotcom
Every girl loves a good balm and this all-purpose one is great for chapped anything! My lips get so chapped that no drugstore options seem to be able to save them. Recently, I’ve been using Bite Beauty’s Agave Lip Mask but I like Glossier’s Balm Dotcom more. It’s not as thick and dense, but it still lasts on my lips for hours. I have the coconut flavor which offers the slightest hint of tropical scent without being overpowering. The balm also comes in Birthday, Rose, Cherry, Mint and Original flavours. It’s a little pricey at $15 for a tube of lip chap, but if your lips get super dry and you can’t seem to find an alternative with enough moisture, Balm Dotcom is worth the splurge.
Haloscope
Haloscope
When it comes to highlighter, I’ve been using a matte powder one from Smashbox for years, but this product has changed that. Previously, I’ve found that shimmery powder-based highlighters just don’t really show up on my skin, regardless of how much I coat on. I don’t need my face to look like I tripped and fell into a pile of 24K gold flakes, but a slight glow to it would be appreciated. And Glossier’s Haloscope face highlighter does just that for me. The highlighter stick comes in three different shades (Moonstone, Quartz and Topaz,) and provides a bonus hit of vitamin-rich moisture from its core. I roll it directly on my cheekbones when I want a full dewy face and lightly dab it when I just need a little glimmer. Either way, Haloscope gives my face a freshly glazed, Krispy Kreme donut kind of look that I like, so I think this product is definitely worth every cent.
Super Pure
Super Pure Serum
For a while now I’ve really wanted to start using a serum, but I was struggling to find an affordable one that actually worked. When Glossier arrived in Toronto for a week-long pop-up shop, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to purchase the Super Pure face serum for a mere $28. Other serums I had looked at were hitting around the $100 mark and although having good skin is important to me, having enough money to pay rent and live in the city is slightly more important.
So I bought Super Pure and gave it a go. It feels great, absorbs very quickly for a serum and doesn’t have any sort of sticky finish. I honestly didn’t notice that much of a difference in my overall complexion, but I have noticed that the pores on my nose and my chin seem to be clearing up and reducing in size. Is it worth it? Meh. I like the addition of a serum to my skincare routine, but it’s not something I actually needed, and I could have easily lived without.
Boy Brow
Boy Brow & Stretch Concealer
The Boy Brow formula is a bit thicker compared to similar products, but having an eyebrow gel that also contains pigmented colour to fill and thicken is a welcomed time saver. As someone who has been using a coloured eyebrow pencil and a separate clear gel for years, I think this product is definitely worth it. It’s great for those who want to achieve a natural, fuller-looking brow without having to do to much work. The beeswax and Carnauba wax definitely keep your brow hairs in order without appearing too stiff, while its tiny, tapered brush helps to shape brows just right. Plus a little goes a long way here, so although the small tube comes in at $20, it will last you awhile.
Stretch Concealer
I was in the market for a new concealer and decided to try out Glossier’s Stretch Concealer after visiting their Toronto pop-up shop. The concealer comes in five different shades (Light, Medium, Dark, Deep and Rich,) and is made with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, avocado and jojoba oil. The concealer is also made with “elastic micro waxes” to provide a natural, dewy finish without looking caked on.
I like that I can apply as much of the Stretch Concealer as I want without it looking thick, but with that in mind, it doesn’t provide much in the way of camouflage. For those who only want or need a little bit of coverage, this one’s for you. But if you’re trying to hide the dark bags under your eyes like me, I’d consider a stronger concealer under a different brand.
What are you favourite Glossier products? Share them in the comment section!
All images by Brooklyn Neustaeter
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