Last Minute Stocking Stuffers! + Giveaway

There are five days until Christmas. And, if you are reading this post then you are either the type or person who has finished her Christmas shopping weeks ago, or, hey, you haven't really started yet. The good news is you have five days. The bad news is you have five days. So with that in mind, I am here today to suggest a few last minute stocking stuffer ideas. Keep reading for some easy to find suggestions.

Lock In Your Love for Sick Kids | Vaughan Mills

On Monday night I had the opportunity to attend the media launch of "Lock In Your Love for Sick Kids" at Vaughan Mills. Located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, Vaughan Mills is a premium outlet mall with so many stores that I actually can't shop the whole mall in one sitting. Keep reading to hear a bit about my shopping experience, and to learn about their very worthy cause!

DAVID'S TEA | Holiday 2016 Collection

One of the things that that I love, but don't really talk about on my blog is tea. I actually really dislike the smell of coffee, so tea is how I get my warmed up caffeine in. I am pretty open minded when it comes to tea, though my favourite is a nice straight green tea. The other thing about tea that I am obsessed with is mugs! I love mugs. I use ~fancy~ tea mugs to hold my makeup brushes, and have such a huge stash in my kitchen its not even funny. One of my favourite places to get my tea is at David's Tea! Not only do they have more flavours than you can imagine, but their teawear is so so cute. Today I am sharing with you some pieces from their Holiday 2016 collection! Enjoy!

MARC JACOBS New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick | Understudy & Eat Cake

Marc Jacobs some how makes me lust over their purses, fragrances, and makeup! I am a long time fan of Marc Jacob Daisy perfume and recently have expanded my collection from the brand into makeup. I first got a Marc Jacobs lipstick in a Sephora birthday gift, and since then have fallen in love! I find that their lipsticks have a fantastic wear time, feel comfortable on the lips and somehow make my lips appear larger and more plump-- without any tingling!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY | The Queen, So Marilyn, Very Victoria

This time last year I had never even heard of Charlotte Tilbury, and fast forward a year and I am just simply obsessed. Ob-sessed. I was first introduced to her products at a PR event last winter/spring (you can read about it here) and since then I have yet to try a product of hers that I have not loved. Some of my favourite products she makes are her lipsticks. Today I am here with some new-to-me Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks that have made their way into my collection. Keep reading for swatches and a review!

TOO FACED | Christmas 2016 Stocking Stuffers

Okay so if you read my blog or watch me on YouTube you will know that my love for Too Faced is real. And while their selection of holiday palettes always gets a healthy amount of attention, I also wanted to share with you some of their smaller goodies-- perfect for Secret Santas with friends, or to pop in somebody's stocking this Christmas! Keep reading for some mini reviews, and some photos that I am really proud of :)

REVLON Kiss Balms | Fresh Strawberry, Berry Burst, Tropical Coconut

Last month some time I had the opportunity to preview Revlon's Winter/Spring 2017 Collection. And while there are quite a number of things I am looking forward to sharing with you, I think I am actually the most excited about their new Kiss Balms. Today I am here with lip and arm swatches of three of their flavours.

Urban Decay Square One Grand Opening

A few days ago I had the amazing opportunity to check out the Urban Decay Square One (Mississauga, Ontario) location before it opened to the general public. I had so much fun at their Influencer Cocktail getting to know some other Canadian beauty creators and learning more about a brand that I have been using for years. Keep reading for some info about the store, and lots of pictures from the event!

Too Faced Christmas In New York Giveaway!

Hello everybody! To find out everything you need to know about this giveaway just click here to watch my holiday collection overview and to find out about what one lucky winner will be winning!

Too Faced The Chocolate Shop | Holiday 2016

A few days ago I went to my first Christmas Party of the season-- and I am so excited that we have a whole month before the big day to get together with friends, family, and loved ones. That also means a whole month of CHRISTMAS COVERAGE! Holiday sets, gift guides, stocking stuffers, you name it. Too Faced was kind enough to send me a whole bunch of their Christmas in New York collection to share with you. Now, I will be doing a big overview video over on my channel soon (complete with a giveaway, so go and subscribe now!), but I wanted to go into more detail on some of the palettes with swatches and all of that good stuff. Today I am here with the The Chocolate Shop. 

Burt's Bees Lipstick | Tulip Tide, Iced Iris, Magenta Rush

Yesterday I posted about the Burt's Bees Lip Crayons, and today I am here with a review on their lipsticks! Originally I was planning on doing them as one big review, but I figured it was better to split them up into two seperate posts so I could go into a bit more detail about the formulas. Keep reading for lip swatches and my thoughts on the formula!

Burt's Bees Lip Crayons | Redwood Forest, Hawaiian Smoulder & Napa Vineyard

Recently I was sent some lip products from Burt's Bees. I love they offer affordable, drugstore products that are nourishing and pigmented. As I kid I knew them for their standard lip balms, but recently they have expanded their offerings to include an array of coloured lip products. Today I am here with some of their bolder lip crayons!

BENEFIT | Dolly Darlings & Girl-A-Rama Review & Holiday 2016 Overview

Benefit always has some fun goodies up their sleeve for Christmas, and this year is no exception! They have six beautiful holiday sets, and today I am here with two of them. Keep reading to find out what comes in these two boxes, and for some info about their other offerings this holiday season!

MAC Strobe Cream | Silverlight

About 10 years ago I was at a Me to We event and we left with a swag bag (probably the first big, fancy event swag bag I had ever received) containing a whole bunch of stuff, including a MAC strobe cream, a MAC eyeshadow duo and a MAC lipgloss in this really unflattering pale pink. I was so in love with everything, my first big MAC haul! When an email about the new MAC in the Spotlight collection landed in my inbox, I couldn't help but think back to that swag bag. Today I am here with a review of their new strobe cream in "Silverlight"

Introduction to Chorus Skin Care | Treat, Mask, Purify

One of my favourite things about being a beauty blogger is getting the chance to tryout new products and brands. I always get so excited when I see a new brand has reached out to me offering a chance to try them out. This opportunity was all the more exciting because the brand-- Chorus Supernatural-- is Canadian! They are based in beautiful BC. So, let's get into the review!

Bulgarian Rose Oil Products | Beauty Haven

One of the coolest things about being a beauty blogger is the opportunity to try out new products and different brands. Recently I was approached by Beauty Haven to try out some of their new Bulgarian Rose products, and after using them for about a month I am here with my review!

FALL FASHION | And an intro to Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill

Late last month I had the opportunity to head up to Richmond Hill and check out the recently revamped Hillcrest Mall. Hillcrest sent a car to pick me up and even let me bring a friend along for the fun! Today I am going to share some of the neat blogger experiences I had while I was there, and of course what I ended up buying!

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick | BAWSE

I am a sucker for the perfect, matte red.  Always in search of it, I want something classic, bold, and comfortable on my lips.  Well, I think I found it.

Master Palette by Mario | Anastasia Beverly Hills

"Oh, I don't need that...no, no those colours are too dark... I don't really reach for jewel tones... Alanna you don't need another limited edition palette...you don't even know who Mario IS" I told myself. Until I ended up at my local Sephora armed with a $30 gift card... yup. I swatched this palette, fell in love and paid up. Keep reading for swatches, my full review, and a look I put together.

After Party Skin Care | Halloween Edition

This weekend I caked more makeup on my face than I have in a while in my pursuit of looking just like my latest obsession: The Snapchat Deer Filter. My costume was so good that the next morning my boyfriend's best friend texted me "I thought your snapchat deer was just a Snapchat filter until I saw your Insta story". Only downside? Layers of foundation, powder and face paint left my skin asking for some TLC the next morning.  Today I am sharing with you some of my favourite products for your post-party face (plus a little giveaway to help you along!).

Fighting Cold Sores with Quantum Health & Giveaway!

I was just starting to enjoy Fall... and then I found out that there are 10 cm of snow at my cottage and that I could see my breath in the cold air this morning. And so with winter creeping up around the corner, cold sore season is also approaching! Today I am here with some products to help fight cold sores, and a little giveaway!

Kérastase | Brand Introduction

Usually I pick up my favourite drugstore shampoo and conditioner when they are on sale at Shoppers, toss them in my basket and move on with my life. However I was in for a special surprise when Kérastase sent me their Nutritive line to help my hair transition into the fall. From start to finish using this collection is a treat, and has made me rethink my current shampoo routine. After a few weeks of using this stuff, I am in love. Once my current drug store supply is finished up I don't know if I can resist purchasing this shampoo...

HOLIDAY 2016 PREVIEW | MAC Nutcracker Sweet Collection

I have something to share with you... yesterday on my way home from work I was listening to Christmas music on my phone. Once Thanksgiving in Canada hits I am ready for the the holiday shopping, the gift buying, the music, you name it! Today I am here with my first holiday post, featuring MAC's 2016 Holiday Collection: The Nutcracker Sweet Collection. I have a few pieces to share with you and then some info about the rest of the collection.

3rd Blogiversary Reflections & 3 Winner Giveaway!

In October 2013 I was a student at U of T, very involved in my industry, and working towards all of my goals. I was also a bit burnt out. I felt like I was always doing something for future Alanna -- getting my papers done so future Alanna could get her degree, volunteering so future Alanna could have a job one day. I didn't feel like I was doing anything for 2013 Alanna. I ended up starting a blog. I didn't have any grand ideas (though getting a PR sample one day would be pretty cool!), I just wanted a space here 2013 Alanna could talk about her totally non serious hobby (makeup), take some nice pictures, and relax. Maybe learn some stuff about website management, mostly just write about makeup that I liked.

HOLIDAY PREVIEW 2016 | Stila

Stila was my first liquid lipstick love, and they always put together a beautiful holiday collection. This year's collection is no exception, with some of their popular liquid lipstick minis, and a stunning new highlight palette. Today I am here with their Naturally Nude lipstick trio, and the Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette.

BURBERRY | Cat Lashes Mascara & Holiday Mini Set

There are some brands that just exude luxury, and Burberry without a doubt is one of them. I own a few of their lipsticks (hello Military Red!) and have always been impressed with their quality! That is why I was so delighted to find Burberry's newest mascara in my gift bag at a David Lackie event! Keep reading for my first impressions, review, and pictures!

BECCA | Rose Quartz Shimmering Skin Perfector

2016 really has been the year of the highlighter, and I can't wait to see what next year has in store. A few weeks ago I was going through my highlight collection and while I noticed lots of soft golden hues I couldn't find a pink one in sight. Actually that's a bit of a lie. I have one pink highlighter. It came broken to bits in my Anastasia Beverly Glow Kit (review here). I don't have a functional pink highlight. A few days later this rose coloured beauty arrived on Sephora's website and some how magically arrived at my door a few days later with a spend $25 GWP, 3 free samples, and 4x the points.  Weird :)

TOO FACED MELTED MATTE | Lady Balls, Queen B, Feelin' Myself

It seems that every company is releasing their own liquid lipsticks this year! And while these babies aren't a new release, they are new to me! As we move from summer to fall I switch my lipsticks to mattes-- I just feel like they are more seasonal, you know? Today I am happy to be here with Lady Balls, Queen B and Feelin' Myself. Keep reading for a full review and swatches!

Road Trip Tips & FRAM Air Filters

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FRAMFresh #CollectiveBias

I live in Toronto, and don’t often have need for a car. My boyfriend lives a few hours out of the city and does have a car. One of our favourite ways to spend time together is taking a road trip. While usually we are just driving to his parent’s place in the country, we have driven to Boston & Cape Cod, Muskoka, Niagara, Buffalo and Ottawa together (some places more than once!). Today I will be sharing with you my top 5 tips for a great road trip, and a tutorial on how to chance out your cabin air filter.

My Christmas List 2016

In the coming weeks I will be sharing my gift buying guides with you including my top picks for stocking stuffers, and gifts for friends and family. In the process of curating these lists I have, of course, come up with a list of things I want for myself. I always keep a list on hand to share with grandparents, aunts and uncles. This list will probably grow between now and Christmas, but as it stands here is my wish list!

Essie Fall 2016 | Tokyo

Essie is always coming up with on trend collections of nail polish. With their affordable price point (~$10 CAD) its hard not to want entire collections! Fall 2016's collection some how includes every colour that comes to mind when I think of Fall polish: burnt orange, rich purples, cozy greys, stormy blues...keep reading for swatches and my full review!

I Love Fall Tag!

Unlike Danielle (who tagged me in this!), I am not a huge fall person.  My favourite month is June: the sun is shining, its warm but not too too hot and it still feels like spring with flowers in bloom. The best thing about fall is that it ends and then its Christmas. I love Christmas and I live for finding the perfect gift, wrapping the perfect present and curating the perfect stocking.

KORRES | Wild Rose Skincare

Skin care is such a personal thing, and if we are being honest, I really don't like switching up my routine.  However, when I was offered the chance to give these guys a try I couldn't say no... I mean, roses.  Come on. Today I am going to be sharing my experiences with these two products with you!

Zoella Beauty Giveaway!

Exciting news! Zoella's beauty line has recently launched in Canada. Today I am here with the details, and a pretty sweet giveaway!

Estée Edit | A little bit of everything

Do you ever see a brand that really doesn't interest you, and then you get to try a product from them and suddenly your wish list is a mile long? Yeah? Well that was my experience with the Estée Edit. The Estée Edit is Estée Lauder's latest launch which brings her high quality products to a younger audience. This line is innovative, fun, and very much on trend. The premise is that the brand will, at different times, have different guest editors who will contribute to the brand with ideas and direction, while helping bring it to new audiences. Today I am here with four of their products!

Give Me Some Lip | Sephora Favourites

One of my favourite things to buy at Sephora is their Give Me Some Lip collections.  I purchased one earlier this year, and another one last year.  These sets always offer amazing value, and a great mix of full size and deluxe mini products.  Thankfully one of my wishes came true the other day when they launched their Give Me Some Bold Lip box (which I just ordered so stay tuned!).  Keep reading to see what came in this amazing little box.

Essence BB Beauty Balm Lip gloss | GIVEAWAY

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Essence Fall/Winter 2016 Launch. At the event they launched a whole bunch of new products and new shades, at a beautiful venue that gave me a plant shopping list a mile long.  Keep reading for a review on one of my favourite new products: The BB Beauty Balm Lipgloss.

Generation Beauty Tips!

Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to attend Generation Beauty Toronto with two of my favourite ladies.  I was invited as a member of ipsyOS, and so we decided to make a girls weekend out of it.  Fast forward to two weeks ago, when ipsyOS invited me to attend Generation Beauty New York. I immediately texted my friend S, and within a few hours our plane tickets were booked and plans were made  Now that we have already attended Generation Beauty we have a plan in place, and I wanted to take some time to share our tips with you.

Bite Beauty The Multistick | Blondie, Cashew, Ceries, Cocoa, Gelato, Macaroon*

Recently Bite Beauty sent me six of their new Multisticks to review for you guys. I decided to take a bit of a risk and review them on my brand new YouTube channel. (Shameless self promotion: subscribe because at 500 subs I am having my biggest giveaway yet-- and I am already most of the way there!).  I also have reviewed them for you here on my blog, so keep reading for my thoughts on Bite's first baby step into something not entirely for lips!

My Demeter Custom Blending Trio*

Recently I was sent a Custom Blending Trio from Demeter through the Canadian Beauty Bloggers Network (I am a part of their network, they are such a generous, funny and engaging group to be a part of.  Go check them out, and join if you are a Canadian Beauty Blogger-- you won't regret it!). I have reviewed other blending sets and fragrances from them in the past, however this set was truly unique because I had the opportunity to select each fragrance included in my kit.  Keep reading to see what custom scent I blended!

Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks | Naked & Tilt

Recently Urban Decay revamped their lipstick collection by launching 100 shades of their new Vice Lipstick line. At $21 CAD these affordable lipsticks come in a variety of finishes ranging from matte to metallic, from satin to shimmer. Today I am here with Naked (cream) and Tilt (comfort matte).

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks & Event Recap

Last month I was invited to attend MakeUp For Ever's (MUFE) Artist Rouge Lipstick launch party in downtown Toronto. I had so much fun, going with one of my best friends, and then also running into so many of my beautiful blogger friends. Keep reading for a quick event recap and then a review of their new lipsticks!

#Goals (2016 Edition)

Where did this year go? How is it already September? Is Christmas really so soon? Something about seeing summer come to an end and the calendar flip to September really motivated me to set out some goals for myself and for my blog for the remainder of the year.  I wanted to set goals that will motivate me to strive for more but that were also something that I can achieve if I put my mind to it-- meaning losing 50 lbs, gaining 1,000,000 YouTube subscribers and also making Chanel, Dior and Burberry's PR list in one go isn't exactly what I had in mind. If you want to see what I am actually working towards, keep reading!

My Custom MAC Palette | July & August

Hi friends! I am here today with my latest update in my "Custom MAC Palette" series with both my July and August shadows. Keep reading to find out why this post is a two in one!

Marc Jacobs Mod Noir*

Have you ever idly waltzed into Sephora, swatching products on your hand and smelling whichever perfumes with pretty bottles, just because, only to find one of those scents just stays in the back of your mind?  Have you ever gone back in to try it on your skin, only to get compliments from everybody you see that day? Well that's what happened to me with this bold scent, and today I am here with a review for you.

Nip + Fab Skin Care Introduction*

Testing skin care is always a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. When it arrives I am always so excited, but when it rolls around time to try I always am a bit worried that it won't go well with my skin.  I've never really had a reaction, but still, it scares me a bit. I've been testing out these products and am happy to be reporting back with good results!

Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20*

Earlier this summer I was sent this foundation for my review and today I am here with my thoughts. This summer in Toronto has been one of the hottest on record.  I arrive t work sweating, and I can't count the number of times I have burned part of my face by simply walking outside. In the summer I crave lighter foundations, and SPF is not up for negotiation, so of course I was thrilled to try this out.

You Deserve A Treat | FREE Quickie Services at THE TEN SPOT*

Have you ever driven by a shop so many times, thought about going, and then always had something get in the way? Well that's basically what THE TEN SPOT has been for me.  I drive by their Leslieville location almost every morning on the way to work, and now I finally have an excuse to stop by.

Youtube Collaboration & Giveaway! (Urban Decay!)

Brand Introduction | Healthy Crunch + Giveaway!*

Recently I had the opportunity to test out some kale chips from a Canadian company, and I figured, hey, why not?  Now I want to preface this whole entire experience (and giveaway!) with the following: I have never had kale chips before.  I did not expect them to taste good. I figured they would be healthy.  Now, I also wanted to add that I am generally pretty open to trying new healthy foods and generally like to try to live a healthy life. When I was in high school I was able to convince myself that I liked green tea, because it was healthy, and now it’s the only tea I drink! So with all of that in mind... let's get started!

Vichy Works For Me | Sun Care*

Recently I was selected by Chick Advisor for a campaign with Vichy.  I was sent a few of their suncare products.  Prior to this opportunity I had only really used Vichy in the form of free samples from Shoppers.  I went into this thinking Vichy was a good brand.  What were my thoughts after testing the products?  Keep reading!