The Ten Spot ~ review

The Ten Spot ~ Charlottetown

A few weekends ago, my parents were in town and it was the prime time to book a pedicure with my mom. I'd been eyeing a new spot that was under construction with plans to open mid Spring. Prior to stepping into "The Ten Spot", I looked them up online to see what was available. They are considered a "beauty bar" and offer a plathora of services. What really caught my eye was that their studio spaces looked so bright and inviting while being minimalistic. 

I booked us in for an afternoon appointment as mom and I spent the day shopping for flowers and planting them, so it was the perfect time to rest. We set out to enjoy the late afternoon, while leaving 'the boys' home to make dinner.

43 Queen Street, Charlottetown

We were warmly greeted upon arrival and offered a beverage. Both of our aestheticians were prepping their work stations, leaving us a few minutes to explore the lovely nail polishes and skin products available for purchase.

Over the next hour we made friendly talk with our aestheticians as they soaked, buffed, shaped, scrubbed, massaged and polished our toes. I went for Essie's ~ Bachlorette Bash (a warm fuchsia pink) while my mom went for OPI's ~ Got Myself into a Jam-balaya (creamy peach), which just so happened to give her an instant tan. 

The girls did a wonderful job checking in with us to see if we needed drink refills and if everything felt okay. The service was exactly what we were looking for, convenient, friendly, peaceful and relaxing.  Sierra and Alyson had great customer service and left me needing an excuse to come back ... so I booked an eye brow appointment with Alyson for the following afternoon. I received the same quality service the next day and Alyson even offered to completely fix my big toe that had a tiny smudge on it. 

I really appreciate a service where everyone takes the time to help you out. From the girls who greeted us, to Sierra and Alyson, everyone was on board to making the service exceptional for their customers. The prices were on point for the quality of work, and I've been doing my best to recommend this new hot spot to friends and co-workers. 

I highly recommend this little gem to anyone visiting/living in the Charlottetown area. They have walk-in appointments available and "quickie" services for those who need touch ups or don't have a lot of time to spare. I can't wait to go back... next time I think I'll go for a manicure and facial. The Ten Spot is a Canadian born company, this being their thirteenth location.

Let me know if you've experienced this beauty bar and your thoughts. There are 12 other locations around Canada, so I hope you take the time to pamper yourself and "feel like a 10". 

~ Erin 

Friday Favs ~ March 4th

Friday ... it's a wonderful thing. I enjoy my weeks but come Thursday evening I'm always like ...

Over the past couple of weeks I've been fond of a few products and wanted to share. 

Maybelline "the skinny"

The "master precise skinny" gel pencil by Maybelline is a newer purchase. I bought it two weeks back as I was looking for a pencil liner that wouldn't smudge or transfer. I've been wearing it on my bottom lash line as well as tight lining my top lashes. I have it in the colour "defining black" and I'm happy with it's lasting power. The fine point glides on smoothly and doesn't flake. I'm not one to touch up my makeup so this is exactly what I was looking for. It retails for approx $9-12 depending on where you buy it. 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Baci

I've had my eye on the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks for a while now and thought I'd use my Shoppers Optimum points to buy one, once I picked out a colour. Sadly, my Shoppers didn't have "Baci" and that was the one I was lusting over. While in NB I stopped in Sephora and was lucky enough to snatch up the last one. The formulation dries down quickly to a matte texture that rests of the lips all day ... no joke! Baci is a nude/pinky/mauve colour that even has a grey tint to it. While looking at all the colours, Baci was something different that can be worn during any season and if I'm forking over $31 for a lipstick, I want to be able to wear it whenever I want! A little product goes a long way so it's reassuring to know I'll have this for quite some time. 

Lip and Cheek Stain in Pink Hibiscus

I received this Lip and Cheek Stain by The Body Shop from my friend Karen for my birthday and I've been loving it for both options! I have fun using it in the middle of my lips for an easy ombre, natural look. I have the colour, pink hibiscus which is a bright red/pink, however the pigmentation is not as vibrant when applied. The product doesn't last long on the lips but has great lasting power on the cheeks. 

The Look

Shea Eau de Toilette

I picked this up over Christmas as I've always been a fan of "nutty" scents and when I saw the Shea fragrance I thought it would be worth a try. It has a clean nutty smell that is light and a little sweet. It's not overpowering and lingers more like a mist than a perfume. I really enjoy it for the everyday and hope to try their other scents when I'm done this bottle. *Currently on sale online for $7.50 Cdn. 

Sephora sheet mask

I may have mentioned this before but I love these sheet masks! I woke up early the other morning just so I could apply one of these for 30 minutes before getting ready for work. They are unbelievably refreshing and moisturizing!!! Adam always comments that my face looks so much brighter after I use one of these and I couldn't agree more. I usually get 2-3 uses out of one sheet but I've been applying them for a longer period and using up all the serum in one shoot. My skin feels and looks so fresh after using these masks that I which I had a plethora of extras to use daily! They are a must try .. do it ... now!

I'd love to hear if you've tried these products and if they work for you or not. Have a great Friday and a large weekend!

Cheers.

Valentines Day Ombre Nails

I love simple fun holiday nail looks and thought this one was pretty easy to recreate for Valentines Day, so I've attached some pictures to show you how I made this ombre nail look. 

I decided to stick with mostly pinks and arrange them from lightest to darkest.

You could easily adjust this to create a "red" ombre look for something a bit more dramatic.

I wanted the lightest colour on my pinky and the darkest on my thumbs. I enjoy this look best with short nails, so I filed them to my preferred length. 

I sorted out a number of polishes, arranged them in different orders until I was happy with these:

1st I started with "Hubby for Dessert"

2nd was "Sweet Hook"

3rd I used an older Sephora polish in
"No need for a bikini"

4th was "Miami Nice" by Essie

And lastly I used "Cherry Pie" which is more red than pink

The final look 

I'll be rocking these nails the week leading up to Valentines Day. It's fun to have bright girly coloured nails this time of year, gives you hope that Spring is near!

Tag me on Instagram if you attempt something like this. I'd love to see your Valentines Day nails!

Xo, Erin 

Here and there ...

It's been awhile...

and I promise to do better,

so please forgive me :)

 I hope the holidays treated you well and that you were ready to face 2016 with fresh visions and feelings.

I'm continuing to work on me and have been practicing some fun little habits/hobbies. I took up knitting... and I freaking love it. I told myself no matter what, have fun and try... and after 3 classes I've made three dish cloths, one cup cozy and a scarf. It's taking up my reading time but that's okay.

I've also been following these simple steps:

I think the best part of this "5 step" regime is that I don't look at my phone first thing when I wake up. I focus a little time on me, my day and my past. It's a refreshing start to my day and adds to my clarity. Give it a try for a week and report back to me !!!

Over the holidays we had a nice time back home and enjoyed seeing family and friends. 

Oliver sitting pretty for anyone with treats... work it boy!

We came back with a loaded car filled with great gifts. My brother Conner has started a little venture with his friend and is making furniture from repurposed wood. Here is a table he made us and gave it a distressed look by adding a coat of grey paint. 

Fits PERFECTLY with our up cycled chair !!!

I've heard lots of great things about the Vasanti cosmetics line and the first thing I picked up from them is this beautifully pigmented eyeshadow in the colour Tokyo. I've been wearing it for weeks now and really appreciate that it does not crease on my eyelids. Because it is a pink/mauve/purple shade I find it suits my hazel eyes but think you pair it with any colour. 

Exciting tip: you can wear it as a blush too !

So there is a brief snidbit on where I've been and what I've been up to as of late. I've filmed some YouTube videos, so in the next week or so they will be coming up. 

I also have an easy Valentines manicure blog going up on Thursday, so stay tuned.

Oh and the boy cut his hair!!!

Looking fresh in 2016!

Christmas Wish List

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone.

Santa is starting to make his rounds and I'm sure you are all on his list. Natalie and I have had a lot of fun coming up with ideas and posts to share in the month of December and hope you have had fun reading them. Today, I wish you all lots of love and light going into the final days of 2015. For some, this may be a hard time of year and for others it might be the most exciting. Wherever you are, I hope you are all surrounded by those you love and laugh with.

Today I going to share my Christmas wish list. It a mix of a few things that I would like, not need.  As I get older I gain more insight on what is important in life, and obviously material things aren't one of them. I've done some "thinking" over the past number of weeks as 2015 comes to a close and I'm happy with where I've been and where I'm going and where I intend to be is not marked by the number of beauty products I own or the number of followers I have. Everyday I want to spend more time enjoying and reflecting on experiences and worry less about the things I own. I'm seeking out more simple pleasures these days in hopes to live a life filled with fond memories of wonderful happenings.

Just a quick note on why I would like these items:

1. I have a few pieces from Tori XO and loved the look of these peek-a-boo pearl studs ever since they came out. Tori's designs are stunning and intricate. I'm a big fan of the simplicity and sweetness.

2. Greenery. I'm in major need of some plants in my home. It's not something I've ever been particular good at, keeping plants alive, but I really want to make an effort. I'd love to add some life to our space with the simple touch of greenery.

3. We are in need of a new salt and pepper shaker and thought these ones where cool. Spotted them on Etsy.

4. ADELE on vinyl, enough said!!!

5. I'm a big fan of TOMS, why? ... Because they style my size 12 feet and give back to those in need! I'm in need a a casual boot that I can wear inside and these booties caught my eye.

6. King sheets. We have a king bed and could always use new sheets.

7. Without saying I'd love to have EVERYTHING from Rifle Paper Co, I narrowed it down to this cute notepad. GOSH, I'm in love with all their stationary. Check them out!!!

8. New cell phone case. I'd prefer one from Rifle Paper Co (oh course) but liked the natural yet geometric look of this one.

9. Bite Beauty mix and mingle lipstick in Pomegranate/Palomino. These shades look extra wonderful, especially for this time of year. 

10. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf. This story caught my eye as it reads about finding love again, later in life. 

Let me know what you are wishing for this Holiday Season and thanks for stopping by during #BLOGMAS. 

Also, let Natalie and I know if you like these collaborations and if you have any suggestions for us in 2016.

Cheers,

Erin 

Winter Nails

I use to have my nails professionally done every three weeks and for a few years I loved changing them up, adding creative designs etc, but for the past year or so I've been painting my own. There is something therapudic about painting my nails... but it wasn't always that way. I could do a steller job on my left hand and then the right looked like a mangled mess. With lots of cotton pads and nail polish remover used, I've slowly become decent at painting my nails and now enjoy painting them 2-3 times a week. Rarely do they chip before I decide to change them up. The therapeutic aspect comes into play as I usually allot a time in my day to paint my nails, usually in the evenings after the hustle and bustle. I grab a big glass of H2O, put on a face mask, listen to a record and spend some time on me.

You can get really creative this time of year...ruby reds, black knights (play on words) and loads of glitter but I'm more of a simple person that likes looks that will carry me from Thanksgiving into the New Year. 

I've put together a few colours that are brilliant this time of year, both intriguing yet simple. All looks are budget friendly and can be spiced up by adding a lighter/darker shade to one nail or applying glitter.

1. Smith & Cult - Bitter Buddhist  2. Essie - Vested Interest
3. Essie - Parka Perfect  4. Sally Girl - TTFN

I've been on the hunt for some fun grey shades and over the past two weeks I've discovered plenty. Grey undertone nail polish is the perfect colour for this time of year. Blue/green and purple shades are the ones I flock too and love that they are neutral and can be easily worn. Some see grey as a dreary colour but I find it quite chic and effortlessly cool. Grey hues perfectly suit the cooler months dramatic moods. An ombre look with a few of these shades would look superb.

1. Smith & Cult - Tenderoni  2. OPI - Miami Beet
3. Essie - Bahama Mama  4. Smith & Cult - Lovers Creep Berry colours are my jam. I much prefer these shades to bright reds. There is something about the berry hues and the way they complement my wardrobe this time of year, plus they scream "autumnal". These darker vampy tones are a great classic twist to the traditional red.

  

1. My nails painted in Sally Girl - Chillax, also shown in bottom right
2. Sally Hansen - Fish Tail Braid  3. OPI - Teal the Cows Come Home

It's not because I have goals of becoming a mermaid, but teal is one fffine shade. It's the pop of colour that will always get you compliments and fits the mood of the cooler months perfectly. A teal manicure is a wee bit daring yet fashionable, allowing any skin tone to pull it off. With most teal colours they are highly pigmented so I recommend you apply a base coat first. Also, try accenting one nail to get a funkier, bolder look.

These are my suggestions for nail colours as we tradition into the colder months. I would love to hear if you have any go to polishes you recommend that I try.


Happy painting. 

Mini Sephora Haul

While traveling through New Brunswick I made a 15 minute pit stop to pick up some birthday presents (not shown) and to grab a few bits and bobs for myself (shown). 

I'd been in need of a new super nourishing lip balm and wanted to pick up one of the Sephora sleeping masks as it sounded intriguing. I'm a big fan of Sephora's face masks so snagged another one in the "moisturizing & brightening" range. 

While Adam browsed HMV, I rushed around Sephora looking at all the fancy makeup. I came prepared and had a list. A few things weren't on the list which was okay as I found a couple extra pieces and have since tested. 

The first was the Sephora Luster Matte Lip Color in Rose Luster. I've worn this a number of times, and although the product claims to be matte, I'm pleased that it really doesn't dry matte. What I mean is that the product is a little glossy on first application, and as it dries it sinks into your lips but you can still feel the product as your rub your lips together. I love that it is non drying because this time of your my lips don't need to look cracked as I wear bolder lip colours. I'd like more time to check out the other colours as they have a really pretty range. I was happy with the results and impressed that a little bit of product goes a long way!

The second impulse purchase was the "day to night" hair clip by Sephora. They came out with a few cute clips/barrettes and I thought this one was the most versatile ... hence the name. I've been using it quite a bit and have my eyes on the "feelin' fancy" one too. I'm pretty slack when it comes dolling up, but think these clips add just the right amount of "I put some effort in" without actually having to do much.

The Sephora VIB sale is happening now. I've added a few things to my shopping bag and will hold off using them until my birthday or even Christmas. I'd love to hear what is on your wish list at Sephora. I was tempted to purchase a $80 face moisturizer but held off ... it is said to be wonderful with fantastic results but I held off and stuck with Origins. 

October Trash Talk

 I can't believe how fast I'm going through products! I swear I took pictures of this "now" trash (mostly recycling, don't fret) and 2 days later I was adding things to the bin again! I love it. 

 1. Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash was a little delight I enjoyed in the shower. It was extremely soft on my skin and the subtle sweet aroma made me gravitate towards it. I only used it as a wash, knowing that if I washed my hair with it the product would disappear faster. I purchased this on sale when Target closed and would repurchase again if the price was right. It was gentle and lathered nicely. 

2. Another exfoliating brush used and abused. I which I knew about these sooner. I love using mine and miss it what I forget it places (back in NB for example). When I repurchased after leaving it behind, I made sure to grab an extra. They are approximately $2.50 and my favourite so far are the ones from Sally Beauty Supply as they have softer bristles. The size is perfect, allowing you to get around your eyes and the bristles don't tug at your skin. Can't recommend this enough. 

3. Sample of Marc Jacobs Mod Noir was a great little scent that worked in the warmer summer months. With notes of gardenia the scent is lightly floral. I was happy with the fragrance, but the staying power wasn't the best. It comes with a hefty price tag ranging from $34 - $110 and although it was a nice sample it's not worth the money for me. 

4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet  was a decent moisturizer for the Spring/Summer.  It was light weight and felt really fresh on my skin. It had a pleasent smell of shea butter and had a interesting cooling effect once on the skin. Very fresh feeling. My only gripe is that if I didn't let it sit long enough (20 minutes) before applying my SPF then little white balls would form. Not sure what that was all about but other than that I will probably repurchase next Spring. 

5. Quo Nail Polish Remover worked as I needed it to. It was probably on sale and I tend to buy bottles like this so that I can refill the bottle that has a pump top. 

6. Finesse shampoo was quite the throw back for me. While walking the isles of Walmart I stumbled upon this shampoo and decided to give it a go for under $3.00. It didn't add anything significant to my hair, or take away for that matter. It lathered nicely and if you can stand the smell (I can in doses) it works and is worth the price. I haven't found a holy grail shampoo product yet. Please let me know if you have suggestions on a volumizing/moisturizing shampoo.

7. LAVANILA healthy deodorant. GOOD LORD, if "huffing" was acceptable, this would be my huff drug of choice. I freaking love the smell of this deodorant! As an aluminum free deodorant, that is 100% natural and safe this deodorant is totally worth the $17 price tag at Sephora ... if you are an inactive human. For me, this just didn't work the way I needed it to. I'm relativity active in my day to day activities and sadly this deodorant just didn't have the lasting power I needed. I sweat and workout and need something that is going to keep me covered and not reeking of rotten onions half way through my day. So sadly, I won't be repurchasing because wearing $17 deodorant to bed isn't in my budget.  I'm sorry LAVANILA, I really am!!!

Damn You LAVANILA, everytime!

8.  Yes To Cucumber Wipes were on sale and I decided to give the wipes a go as I've heard decent things about this brand. I was not a fan of this product at all. Sadly, they hardly did anything to get rid of the little makeup I do wear, and the product burned my eyes. I'm never sensitive to products, but after using them to clean my face a handful of times, I gave up as my eyes would water and sting. Will not repurchase, and quite frankly, I'm turned off trying anything else from the brand. 

9. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment was a sample size birthday gift I received from Sephora a few years ago. This one is in the tint "rose" and has a faint blend of "rosiness" that shows on your lips. As a balm it is prefect as it enhances the colour of your lips with a pink/red tone. I was literally scooping out the remainder of the product before I tossed it in the bin. I really enjoy these lip treatments, and have been giving them as birthday gifts to friends and family. I have a few shades and find they are a great alternative to use when you don't want to wear lipstick but need a moisturizer with a slight colour. Highly recommend!

10. Secret Deodorant is a necessity in my everyday routine. I'm a fan of all their scents and have a plethora of these deodorants around my house (mostly in bags but the occasional one is found in a drawer). 

11. Another Montagne Jeunesse mask in the bin. I pick these up at Lawtons for $1.00 and while looking them up online I see that they have changed their name to "7th Heaven" because people have a hard time pronouncing Montagne Jeunesse. Funny, but true. 

This particular one, was a peel off and I throughly enjoyed it as it dried quickly and peeled off nicely. I try and use a mask twice a week and enjoy switching it up, so these are fun to try and play around with. I always moisturize really well afterwards and I've never had an sensitivity to this brand.

So there you have it, another "Trash Talk" in the bin on the blog. 

Let me know if you have had any luck with LAVANILA ... if you have, I'm jealous. Not going to lie I really want to retrieve the used product just to smell the lingering bits that might be left. WEIRD, I know... okay, bye!

Jewelry Favourites

Jewelry is such a great way to accessorize. For as long as I can remember I've always worn jewelry. When I was just two, a friend of my parents was watching me and took me out to get my ears pierced without my parents consent... back 30 years ago you could do such a thing. My parents were shocked and probably grateful in hind sight. I don't remember that day but I do remember being 4 years old, playing tee ball and telling my coach to be careful putting my helmet on/off because I had pretty earrings on... sometimes boys just don't understand!

Growing up I admired my mother's jewelry collection. I loved opening up her jewelry box and delighting in all her jewels. The stories she would tell about heirlooms caught my attention and further intrigued my interests. I'd stare at my baby bracket and open the wee box that held my "chewed" baby ring. 

On special occasions I've receive meaningful pieces to add to my very own collection from my parents and grandparents. Over the years Adam has also caught on that I love simple, special pieces and he also treats me to some wonderful gifts that hopefully someday will be passed along to our daughter.

Before my grandfather married my nanny, his previous girlfriend gifted him this watch. My nanny only let him wear it for so long before he had to put it away for safe keeping. It's over 60 years old and still works. I've had it for about 7 years and love wearing it with modern straps. The hands are made of paper and are slowly disintegrating, which gives it tremendous character. Every time I wind it up, it reminds me of my Grampy and my love for him. 

The ring on the left was a gift from Adam. I admired this ring by Jonathan Corey of Masterworks Jewellery for a number of months. Something about the two tone (gold/silver) and the pearl, really caught my eye. I love the added detail with the gold drops on the pearl and the thickness of the band really appealed to me. This ring is called "Heaven and Earth 2" and I now have my eye on this one !!!

Chocolate pearl ... yes please!

The ring on the right I had made. As a baby I had an initial ring but as I stated, I chewed it, oops! So while in St. Andrews, NB, I stopped at a little antique/trinket shop and found this stirling silver ring for $10. It was my size and I knew a written "E" would jazz it up perfectly. I wear it on my ring finger and I adore it's simplicity!

Both sets of earring are by the artist Tori XO. The ones on the left were a gift from Adam for our 1st wedding anniversary and on the right were a birthday gift from a friend. The pieces are handmade with stirling silver and embellished with vintage French lace. I really appreciate the uniqueness of these earrings and enjoy that the artist lives in Nova Scotia. Support local.

I'm someone who feels naked if I don't wear earrings or a watch daily. So a big portion of my collection is earrings. My parents gave me the hoops for Christmas one year from W. Smith and Co and what's really neat is that they are white/gold so you can change them around depending on your mood. They are also great for travelling, because it's like having two pairs of earrings in one.

The other two pairs my mom gifted me and they both came from a second hand jewelry store. Mom and I love visiting this shop because there are some really unique pieces. The first pair she bought are stirling silver studs with pearls inside. They are great because they are a classic design and can go with anything. And the other pair are vintage etched stirling silver are great for everyday wear as well.

My last favourite is a necklace that is a legacy piece. My great grandmother gave my mom the round jewel which holds a mustard seed in it. The seed is to be one of the smallest in the world but can survive in many climates. If a mustard tree is cut down to the truck, it can still grow back again. The seed represents that even in the hardest times, you can still bloom. 

The silver dollar was my grandmothers which she had it gold plated and the purple amethyst was my mothers. Amethysts are known to bring balance, peace and patience and although unconventional I love wearing all three pieces together. 

There you have some of my favourite jewelry bits. I'm often found with out makeup and its these simple, timeless pieces that make me feel feminine and beautiful.

Don't forget to check out Natalie's blog, and continue to read as we have a special surprise coming up.

Erin. 

  

Trash Talk ~ Summer Edition

These are some of my favourite posts/videos to read/watch. I love seeing what others use, rave about or claim to be busts! (It's like looking into someones house as you pass by! Don't tell me you don't do this, I know you do and you love it like the rest of us!!!) No sneak peek shaming here!

I've been working my way through a number of products this year and I'm taking note and rating them according to their effectiveness, price and value. As much as I love skincare and beauty it can become overwhelming as new products are being launched daily and deals are always popping up in my email. I'm known to hoard my products and I'm looking to cut down on what I own so I've been posting what I've used so I can look back and decided whether or not it is worth the repurchase. 

Read along for mini reviews.

1. Pomelo Granite shower gel by Fruits and Passions was left behind in my shower from my mom visiting. I used the remainder of it up and it had a really nice mint/citrus scent to it. It gave a good lather and was quite gentle on my skin. I'm not going to rush out and look for another as Fruits and Passions can be quite pricey and there are lots of products out there that do the same job for a cheaper price tag.  Rating: 4/5

2. Wild Argan Oil shower gel by The Body Shop was a great product and I'd repurchase again depending if the price was right. This left my skin really soft, smooth and richly moisturized. I'd actually like to try some other products in the line as the smell is a gentle nutty scent and lingers lightly on the skin throughout the day. Rating: 5/5

3. French Lavender and Honey triple body moisturizer by Bath and Body works was a nice simple floral cream. I got this on sale and was happy with the results. Even though it was a thick cream I didn't find it sticky and worked it's way into the skin after 10 minutes or so. The scent didn't linger for too long so if you are looking for a cream to add fragrance this might not be the one for you. Rating: 3.5/5

4. Pistachio Cream with Magnolia scent body wash by Dove is a rich moisturizing creamy wash that I will always have in my shower. I've never paid more than $3 for this. It retails for close to $7, and even though I highly recommend it, it would be silly to pay that price for a Dove body wash. They have some wonderful smelling scents but this is by far my favourite one. It's creamy, lathers up nicely and it quite moisturizing. I use this to shave my legs as well. Rating 5/5 

5. Dove Oxygen Moisture shampoo was a really good product. I remember years back trying Dove shampoo out for the first time and hating it! It left my hair unbelievably flat so I was sceptical to try this newer line but I picked it up on sale for roughly $3.00 and I really enjoyed it. It left my hair with a nice bounce and although lightweight it did a great job of cleansing and I was happy with the natural looking results after my hair dried. *If you follow the link to Dove Canada they currently have a $4.00 off coupon. Rating: 4.5/5

6. Briogeo Don't Despair Repair hair mask was a sample I received in an Ipsy bag a number of months ago. It hung around my shower for a long while until I made myself use it. It was nothing special and felt more like a conditioner than a deep repair mask. I'd never heard of the brand before and probably won't be picking it up if I come across it anywhere as it did not leave a lasting impression. Rating: 2/5

7. L'Oreal Paris healthy shine conditioner. I hate to admit it but I box dyed my hair back in March. I wanted a light brown and lo and behold it went darker. That's karma from my hair dresser basically saying "screw you Erin!" Anyway, it was nothing major, but the good thing that came of this was this conditioner. It was extremely moisturizing! I really liked using it and it felt like a treat for my hair. I will not be repurchasing because I'm swearing off box dye!!! Rating: 4.5/5

8. Pantene Repair and Protect shampoo and conditioner were samples I received in a Shoppers gift bag. And I liked this product. I buy most of my shampoos at the drug store so this was worth the try as it is readily available. It smelled great and left my hair feeling really healthy. I was also satisfied as it gave my hair some "oomph". Win win. Rating: 4/5

9. Secret deodorant is a staple for me. I've been around the block more than once when it comes to taking care of business in the underarm region! I've tried everything from natural products, sprays, liquids, bars, you name it and I always return to Secret. I'm a fan of all the scents and will continue to repurchase as it does the trick of masking smell and wetness protection. Rating 4.5/5

10. Philosophy Falling In Love is an all time favourite scent of mine!!! It was apart of my Finish 5 products by Summers end video and I had no problem doing just that! It is a light mix of flora, vanilla and berries and I love the way it holds it's scent throughout the day. I will repurchase ... again and again. Rating: 5/5

11. Bite Beauty Agave lip mask came in a small test pot from Sephora with a purchase I made. I haven't heard the best reviews about this lip mask so I didn't actually reach for it for a few months. But once I tried it (in the evenings after brushing my teeth and right before bed) I was quiet happy with the results. The product worked really well over night and in the mornings my lips felt plump and moisturized. It carries a $30 price tag in Canada and although I think that is a steep price, the product works for me. They have a maple lip mask and I think when it comes time that I purchase that will be the one I reach for. Rating: 4.5/5
                                    
12. The Collection - Blue Cedar Fig candle was a wonderful scented candle that had a bit of a masculine fragrance to it. It burned nicely however I purchased on clearance at Target and probably won't get my hands on another as Target is no longer in Canada!!! Boooo Rating: 4/5

13. Tarte's Light, Camera, Lashes mascara was delightful!!! I only had a sample size of this and I seriously loved the volume it gave my lashes. When I'm in the need of a new mascara this will be my purchase. It stayed on the lashes all day while holding the curl. It separated and gave my lashes tons of noticeable volume. Rating: 5/5

14. Covergirl Lashblast Volume waterproof mascara is a great drugstore product. One thing for sure is that Covergirl knows their mascaras!!! I prefer a waterproof formula as I like it staying on my lashes while working out. The black streaks running down my face isn't the best look for me! A notable highlight for me was that it combed through my lashes, giving each lash volume. The formula was really wet when I opened it so it got better with time. Rating: 4/5

15. Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara was a gift with purchase at Sephora. This was also just a sample size and I enjoyed this mascara but I wasn't blown away by it. The brush was quite huge and made it a bit difficult to get into the lash line. The formula was nice and it did a good job of seperating the lashes and providing them some volume. Rating: 3/5

16. LUSH Turkish Delight shower smoothie was a really nice product that moisturized your body like a lotion but was a product meant for the shower. The product was rose scented and lingered on my body for hours. A little goes a long way and I will repurchase but might try a different scent next time. Rating: 4/5

17. LUSH Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask is a holy grail product for me. I'm in love with this mask because of the way it feels and conditions my skin. It has a peppermint smell and although intense it is not abrasive or harsh on the skin. I use it weekly and can't like without. Rating: 5/5

18. Up & Up makeup removing wipes are my favourite. These are so gentle on my skin I stocked up when Target was closing as they are apart of their brand. They are quite moist (hate that word) and have a light fresh scent. In the evenings I tend to use them after my makeup removing balm. I've tried a number of brands and in my opinion these are by far the best bang for your buck. Rating 4.5/5

19. Sephora Ginseng eye mask was a nice little treat. I'm a huge fan of their face masks and thought I'd give the eye mask a try and it was equally as pleasing. What I appreciate from these types of masks is the moisture they provide. They provide your under eye area with radiant freshness and take less than 15 minutes to work. Rating: 4.5/5

20. First Aid Beauty face cleanser was a sample size I picked up at Winners. I really wanted to like this product as it has a great following however, the cleanser was just okay for me. Although it says it is a fragrance free formula I found that it had a "soapy" smell and it left my skin feeling a bit tight. It did a good job of cleaning my face but it just wasn't for me. I have another sample size that I might give to a friend to try, hoping they enjoy it a bit more that I did. Rating: 3/5

21. Face brush. I wash my face at least once a day... somedays I do a better job than others but I always use a face brush for one of the cleanings. For me, a face brush is gentle enough that my skin doesn't tug or get irritated but at the same time it does a great job at deep cleaning as it scrubs old makeup, dirt, sweat and grime off my face. It's not abrasive and I really appreciate that. I highly recommend trying a face brush in replacement of a wash cloth. Rating: 5/5

22. Philosophy Purity Foraming 3 in 1 cleanser is a cult favourite but wasn't the best face cleanser I've ever used. To be honest, the product never seemed to end and I was over the moon when it did! It cleaned my face but for the price of the product it did nothing special and I'm glad to say "good bye" to this one! Rating: 3/5

23. Crest Pro Health mouth wash was a product Adam and I used up together. Every evening we use this before bed and both noticed our teeth were always shiner/whiter when we used this on a regular basis. We will repurchase when the price is right. Rating: 4/5

24. Listerine Total Care Zero. I really liked this because there was a lack of intensity which made me want to use it. I hate when you are trying to swish mouthwash around in your mouth and your eyes are watering because of the burning sensation. The "zero" represents no alcohol and I've picked up another one because of this quality. Rating: 4/5

25. Colgate Total toothpaste. I have a number of these in my linen closet. Adam is not a fan of this toothpaste, he claims it makes his mouth numb so I'm stuck finishing them off. I don't have a problem with it though. It does the trick, although nothing special I got it on sale for a great price. Rating: 3.5/5

26. Bath and Body Works foaming hand soap in Jolly Citrus Wreath was a nice fragrant soap. I'm glad I'm finished it as I'd like to move onto something different. Bath and Body works does a great job at matching the scents to the name and this product did not disappoint. It was a " winter holiday" in a bottle. Rating: 4/5

27. Sephora Super Nourishing Lip balm is a go to product for me. And as soon as I finish I had another on the go. I think this is a great balm that nourishes and moisturizes and only cost $7 Cdn. I'm a fan and have been sharing my love since 2013. Rating: 5/5

28. Fresh Lip treatment was the prefect lip balm that I used under or over lipsticks. I've since picked up a few different shades and love them for all year around. The blends are a mix of oils, wax and real sugar providing your lips with protection and moisturizer. Rating: 5/5

*Since writing this post, I've finished even more products. I'll being doing some shorter "Trash Talk" posts in the future, but in the meantime I'd love to hear what you've finished and what you will be repurchasing.

Enjoy,
Erin