November 29, 2009

beauty for my ears {a little Sunday listening pleasure}

I'm off to bed at 8pm...must rise early tomorrow at 4:30am! For those that have recently started reading my blog {thank you, merci, obrigada, gracias, grazie} aside from blogging I'm a flight attendant. Something has to pay for this beauty addiction:) For the next few months I've taken on a temporary position within the airline, I'm coaching flight attendants on a new program at work. But I won't bore you with work related office duties...only of course travel related beauty finds. Anyhow, as I'm here ironing my clothes for tomorrow I'm listening to a few of my favourite music tracks so I thought I'd share. I've posted the above pic before and I absolutely love that photo by SheHitPauseStudios, must put it on the Holiday wishlist! Enjoy & happy Sunday night!


(image: SheHitPauseStudios-Girl with toy plane)
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November 28, 2009

revisiting a few oldies {November faves}

November faves
Hello all! This November I've been using a few products I already own. There's no reason why I shouldn't include a few "oldies" in my monthly favourites posts because quite frankly I don't always buy beauty products every month when my vanity is fully stocked. And I have lots of favourites already in my stash! Perhaps I will have to take a few pics of my stash, makeup porn anyone? Let me know if you'd like for me to snap a few pics of my makeup collection and I'll post them in the future.
Onto the list:
Rosebud Perfume Co. Salve
Avon Brillant Shine Lipgloss in gleaming mauve (gorgeous shade with a hint of blue shimmer, also lightly mint scent)
Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream (read my review here, perfect for the drier weather)
Scott Barnes Chic Palette in Samba (love! Scott Barnes blush palettes I also own Honey. I wish he would continue his makeup line.)
MAC eyeshadow in Satin Taupe (this shade should be in everyone's makeup kit)
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal eye liner in 040 purple passion
MAC blush in Sunbasque (one of my staples)

What are your favourite beauty products from November?
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November 27, 2009

a quickie {beautyparler poll}


A quick poll! Just want to know what kind of posts my readers like best:
(a) hauls
(b) reviews
(c) travel/beauty related
(d) beauty/fashion events
(e) makeup swatches
(f) would you like to FOTD (photos of the day)
Or add any other posts you'd like to see! Respond in the comment section by using the corresponding letter. Any other comments also appreciated. Thank you & have a good weekend & to my friends south of the border have a good Thanksgiving weekend!

(image: avon.com, flickr.com)
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November 25, 2009

a colourful time at IMATS Toronto

This past weekend was a colourful weekend at the IMATS in Toronto. Although the show was not as big as I expected, it also made for a more "intimate" affair! Much easier to find fellow bloggers and YouTube guru's. It also allowed us bloggers to get to know eachother and makeup reps a little bit better as there were not huge crowds at the displays. Playtime was also fun! Yes, that's what I call playing with makeup:) And as you can see from my previous post I also came home with just a few things...I guess this mean no buying makeup for a little while. Anyhow, I don't think I need to go into too much detail about the event. Basically, a makeup trade show is to play with makeup, learn a few new tricks, network, meet new friends, and leave with your wallet a bit lighter. I believe my pictures tell a better story so shall we have a look at the colourful event!
Norma Hill-Patton (make-up dept. head for The Twilight Saga: New Moon) & a makeup-artist competing in a Sc-Fci competition (she came in 2nd place)
CoverFx with Derick & Wanda (super sweet) You must get their primer (I did a review awhile back, click here!) Eve Pearl Cosmetics (was one of the brands I really wanted to try because not widely available. I didn't get everything on my list though! They were sold out of the Salmon Concealers in the singles)FACE atelier (wow! lovely items & why didn't I buy the foundation? Duh, damn budget) I also have to thank Debbie (President & CEO of FACE atelier) for giving me the push to join twitter:) Follow me!

the rainbow shot! (top: Ben Nye, bottom left: Naked, bottom right: OCC)

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November 22, 2009

Its officially time for a "no-buy" policy {mini-recap of IMATS haul}

IMATS purchases
That's it, no more beauty product purchases until I start making a dent in a few of these products! For someone like myself who isn't a makeup artist I have way too much makeup. I guess that's why I have a beauty blog, addictions can be a bad thing on the wallet! Perhaps its time for a beauty blog sale? But just so you all know, writing a beauty blog is my hobby thus I don't reap the benefits of a paycheque, nor am I paid for my reviews, and although I do get products sent my way periodically I purchase the majority of my items. And now I know that IMATS can be bad, very bad on my finances. But very good because I got to meet lots of beauty bloggers and product reps. (A post will follow with a recap of the event) Here are all the items I purchased and most were discounted:). At a later date I will post reviews & individual pictures. If there are any items in particular your interested in me reviewing let me know:
Crown Brushes-a few
Eve Pearl; the Eye Pallet (Pretty 'n Pink), Blush Trio (Sassy Cheeks), Kisses of Pearl lipgloss (Baby Doll/Honey Bunny), freebie~Kohl lip liner & Brush Combo (Cosmo)
Face atelier-lipgloss (Prim rose)
Embryolisse Laboratories 24 Hour Miracle Cream
Kryolan High Gloss (Crystal Rose)
CoverFX Mint Glaze~freebie
Evalyn Herbal Maskin Cleanser (a trial size pack)
For further info on any of the above click on the image & polyvore.com will link you to their respective sites.
Anyone else at IMATS that I didn't get to meet? What did everyone get?
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November 19, 2009

Goodbye dry skin...{a few face moisturizers worth a try}

face moisturizeres
A friend emailed me today asking for recommendations on face moisturizers as she was having a dry spell. So I thought I'd share with you a few products that I recommended to her. I haven't listed serums, facial sprays, primers, etc. only products that are basically easy to use and one-step. Not everyone wants to use more than one product and/or has the time therefore I thought I'd keep it simple. Also, sometimes there's no need to use alot of steps to achieve the desired outcome, in this case banishing dry facial skin. Aside from drinking water and keeping your insides hydrated (as we all know), a humidifier is a great tool to have in your bedroom, and of course topically applied moisturizers. For reference I have combination skin that tends to get dehydrated (due to my job) and drier in the Winter. Keeping that in mind the above products have worked for me in the past. I'm currently using the Arbonne FC5 Moisturizing Night Cream and Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 with SPF as my daytime moisturizer. If I'm extremely dry I'll use an oil dabbed onto drier areas. Oils I like are Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil (which is better for oilier skintypes), and Camelia Seed Oil (which I purchased in Japan but am sure you can find this and the above oils at health food stores in the skincare/hair section). On a side note, the Nivea in the blue tin has to be the formula made in Germany (yes there's a difference in ingredients & is said to mimic Creme de la Mer I can't confirm or deny this). It can be difficult to find the German made version in North America. I do know a place that sells the German version in Toronto, if you'd like to know leave a response in my comment section & I'll write back:)
Items listed:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Arbonne FC5 Moisturizing Night Creme
Olay Total Effect 7-in-1 Cream
Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer
LUSH Celestial Moisturizer
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Moisturizer
Nivea Creme

Any other face moisturizers you'll like to recommend? Let me know. Have any of used the above? Leave your mini-reviews in the comment section.
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November 17, 2009

For the love of Makeup {IMATS Toronto}

You know your a beauty junkie when you attend the International Makeup-Artist Trade Show and your not even a professional makeup-artist. Well you don't have to be! Also know as the IMATS, everyone is welcome! If your lucky enough to live in or near one of the five IMATS locations; Toronto, Sydney, London, Vancouver and Los Angeles, set a date with your friends and make a day out of it. IMATS features some of the best makeup brands in the World, you'll get to meet some of the top players in the industry, product demonstrations, swatch products, and best of all most vendors offer discounts on products.

For more info & tickets:
November 21 & 22, 2009
Heritage Court (inside the Direct Energy-the CNE)
100 Princes’ Blvd. in Toronto
SATURDAY 8:30am-5pm
SUNDAY 10am-5pm
Ticket prices at the door
$40 CAD for one day
$70 CAD for two day
Or in advance
$35 CAD for one day
The show is open to the public.
No make-up artist credentials are required to get you in the door.
I've begun my plan of attack, I mean checklist:
Of course the more popular brands Make Up Forever, Cover FX, Face atelier, etc...But I can't wait to play with Kryolan, Ben Nye, Eve Pearl, Crown Brushes (very popular), Joe Blasco (used to be sold at Pir Cosmetics here in Toronto, not sure where its sold currently), and much more! I'm also planning on meeting up with a few Toronto beauty bloggers so fun is on the top of the list!
Have any of you been to IMATS in the past? Share some tips or comments! Or are any of you planning on attending the IMATS Toronto? Let me know!
(pics from the LA show courtesy of Imatsshow.com/PierceMattie)
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Winner of The Body Shop Giveaway

Winner of The Body Shop giveaway is......

Nelia, her answer:

I'm loving these contests!!! :)I like their body butters!


Congratulations!
email me your snail mail!

{winner selected using random.org}
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Winner of the Marcelle Essentials Eye Cream


Winner of the Marcelle Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Contour Cream!
Her answer:
1)Heather, 29 (so close!)
2)I've been living off of random sephora samples :D.
3)I am subscribed by email!
Congratulations!
email me your snail mail:)
{winner selected by random.org}
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November 15, 2009

Ombra Gift Basket Giveaway


Hope your having a great weekend! To finish off your weekend right it's time for a giveaway!! Ombra products are offering my readers a gift basket (worth $125) of fabulous smelling aromatic herbal baths & body washes. So save your moola for your Holiday gifts and allow yourself to indulge in a spa like experience with Ombra products, only one lucky winner so enter by November 30th midnight. Sorry only for residents of Canada (I know International readers I'll have something for you very soon). Goodluck!
P.S-My favourite Ombra scent is the Aromatic Body Wash in Hops & Bergamot scent!
Onto the rules:
(1) Must be a follower or subscriber to my blog.
(2) What's your ultimate at home Spa like experience?
Have a great Weekend!
Winner will be randomly selected using random.org
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November 13, 2009

CG TrueBlend MicroMinerals {reviews}


Quite a few gals that I know wear mineral foundations I'm not one of them. I've tried liquid mineral foundation, eyeshadows, and blushes. Reason I don't use mineral powders and loose powders is I find them messy. However, when I was sent Cover Girl's Tru Blend Microminerals I gave them a try. I received the finishing veil, blush, and bronzer. Unlike other mineral makeup packaging Cover Girl has put these in a clear tall sieve-like tube (I've read bad reviews on this packaging on MUA but I find it easy to use), like all drugstore makeup I own I didn't use the brushes that came with the product. That's the key with most drugstore makeup products! Throw away the applicators and use your own makeup brushes, makes a huge difference! My favourite of the three products is the Cover Girl TruBlend Microminerals finishing veil, leaves a gorgeous sheen. Apply it after all your makeup is done! Next up is the blush in Natural Rose #485, I would've never picked up this shade because I would've thought that it was too deep pink for me (I'm more of a peachy/pink gal) but this actually worked really well with my skintone (yellow-based), gives a nice flush look to cheeks without the clown effect:) Lastly, the bronzer in Natural Bronze #500, sadly this shade didn't work for me. Although its a really nice peachy/brown shade in the container on my skin it washed me out and turned orangey, would probably suit those with fair pinky toned skin. Overall, I thought that the Cover Girl TruBlend Microminerals were a good choice for those that want to explore mineral makeup without breaking the bank. Shades are sheer so no need to worry about going overboard. {yup, that's me wearing the TruBlend blush & finishing veil}




(photos:covergirl.ca)
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November 12, 2009

on board the Beauty Board {BlushPretty presents...}

Beauty junkies + beauty amateurs + beauty products + sangria= the perfect formula for a girls night out! That's exactly what to expect at the Beauty Board hosted by the lovely and talented makeup artist Stephanie from Blush Pretty. If you missed it than no worries there will be another one in April so mark your calendars, and don't say I didn't advise you about this past event here! The Beauty Board events are a perfect way to spend the evening with other gals who also share your love for beauty products but you don't have to be a beauty expert. You get a chance to test out skincare and makeup products without the pressure to purchase. You also are given a feedback sheet to fill-out about the products that are being presented that evening. Sort of like a focus group but without the advertising executives hidden behind the one-way mirror. Your honesty here is appreciated! At the end of the night you were also given a goody bag with lots of skincare treats from Dermaglow, Olay, Cover Girl, and a coupon for the Sewing Studio (hope I didn't leave anything out). Here are a few pics from the event:


the goody bags, a few Olay products to play with


Dermaglow products on hand & their reps were there too with lots of info to share


Canadian DaLish cosmetics and skincare, OMG! I love the smell of the Strawberry Body Butter and really nice lipglosses. Didn't try the foundation on my face but interesting concept check it out here.
Thanks to Stephanie for the invite hope I can go to the next one! Anyone go to this event? Would you be interested in attending? Let me know in the comment section.

(BlushPretty button property of blushpretty.com)
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a few favourite hand creams {a short review}

hand creams
hand creams by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

I use alot of hand creams, mostly when I'm at work due to constantly washing my hands. Here are a few picks of my favourites that I've used over the years and can always fall back on. I'm sure I've left a few out I just cannot remember them. But these 5 are the stand outs:
Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy (or the lavender version. Wish it was a flip top, I've lost the little screw top so many times & had to chase it down)
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (love the smell of this, same comments as above about the little screw top)
LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Cream (not great for travelling but great for do-it-yourself manicures)
AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream (love the smell & its a lotion with alot of moisturizing properties. I'm currently using this hand lotion! I just wish it had a flip top.)
Nivea SOS Hand Cream (excellent hand cream for the price and yay it has a flip top)
What are your favourite hand creams? Do tell, no need to keep it a secret:)
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November 11, 2009

back to regular schedule

Lots to post about so little time...and when your feeling a little under the weather it doesn't help. All thanks to this guy....

Long story short, last Thursday I got to shake hands with a real Prince. My boyfriend's in the Canadian Army Reserves therefore I received an invitation to an event here in Toronto. Of course these last few days the weather has been sunny and mild for this time of year but not last Thursday...no....I froze my butt. For 3.5 hours I sat on the bleachers of Varsity Stadium, first there was sun (so that was ok), after snow pellets (thank goodness for the umbrella & Tim Hortons' tea) and lastly clouds & cold. Brrr! But it was worth watching my boyfriend parade in his uniform:) After sleeping all day today I think I finally beat this bug! Hopefully tomorrow I can resume with regular posting and playing catch-up with past due posts.

Lets Remember! (poppy pic bing.com)

(pics are not to be reproduced without my permission)
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Thank you for the Lovely Blog Award


I was given my first blog award from the lovely blogger Ashwini from ClearlyBeautiful! Thank you! I had seen these blog awards around & always wondered about how they got started. I'm assuming by other bloggers, which is a great way to get bloggers to post about others.
I have to pass this award onto 15 newly discovered blogs (ok I like alot of blogs so this was difficult & not all are newly discovered & not in any order):

styleblog

the GlossGoss

Cocamia

bittenbefore

Sparkled Beauty

Brigadeiro

MadeByGirl

{this is Glamorous}

GlamourThis

Saidos da Concha

Creature Comforts

dressed up like a lady

a Cup of Jo

the Glamourai

I'm a Beauty Geek

Pass on the love!
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November 07, 2009

Who doesn't like a contest? {Heiko Gift Basket Contest}

Just wanted to point you all to a contest that Heiko is having! Heiko is giving away 10 gift baskets consisting of the Heiko Cleansing Lotion, Exfoliant, Moisturizer & Lip Therapy with a value of $122.00.
Contest runs until November 30th! This is a great chance to try out Heiko, they're products made with organic ingredients.
Enter here!
Goodluck!

Have any of you heard of Heiko? Or do any of you use products with organic ingredients? If yes I would love to read about it, so list products in my comment section.
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November 04, 2009

Yorkdale is...Nelia {vote}

Back in September I wrote a post about a contest that Yorkdale Mall here in Toronto is having. Well my good friend and fellow blogger Nelia from styleblog has made it to the voting rounds and I would like your help in voting for her, please & thank you! She's a really sweet girl and very fashionable too! Check out her voting page, click here! Right now she's in the lead, yay. I'm rooting for you Nelia, all the best & Goodluck! xoxoxo

*cough* If you win Nelia, Yorkdale Gift Certificates make great stocking stuffers! *cough* OK a coffee will do:)

(image property of yorkdale.com)

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November 03, 2009

They're Back...{The Body Shop brings back the Originals + giveaway time}

When I think of The Body Shop I think of my highschool years. That my friends feels like ages ago! The Body Shop was the birthday/holiday/break-up gift store to go to. I remember buying and receiving so many gift baskets from the Body Shop that I admit I'd have to re-gift because I'd have duplicate of everything. My highschool memories also include the scent of Dewberry, Fuzzy Peach, Strawberry, and my fave Juba perfume oils (which I thankfully own again because it was re-released a few years ago but its gone again). Well no need to fret because The Body Shop is celebrating the 80's by temporarily bringing back a few of the classics! However, only for a limited time, vote for your original favourites and have them remain. By voting you'll also be entered to win a year supply of such product (ends January 31st 2010). I voted for; Banana Shampoo, Banana Conditioner, Banana Conditioner, Fuzzy Peach Bath & Shower Gel, and Dewberry Body Lotion.

One lucky BeautyParler reader will win a giveaway package on behalf of The Body Shop with the following:
Banana Shampoo
Banana Conditioner
Green Apple Shower Gel
Dewberry Body Lotion
Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel
(estimated value $45)
I'll be popping into The Body Shop tomorrow to get a few goodies while they're here. Memory lane here I come. I'll make sure to leave my old highschool uniform kilt at home though;)

Some rules:
(1) Sorry International readers but this giveaway is for Canadian residents only (I swear I have a few goodies to giveaway internationally in the near future)
(2) I won't force any of you to follow my blog but I'll love the support!
(3) Which are your favourite classics from The Body Shop?
Contest ends November 16!
Goodluck!
(image: thebodyshop.com)
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Is that Vintage or just Old? {The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping}


Have you ever gone vintage shopping only to discover that you don't know what to look for? I have. In The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping, vintage clothing dealer Melody Fortier helps you thru the process of buying vintage. Fortier has created a cute little handbook that is easy to read, lovely to look at, and easy to carry. I own very few vintage pieces because quite frankly I know very little about labels and value of items. Of the few pieces I own; Gucci purses and a few silk YSL scarves, were the only items that I was able to distinguish quality and price. To this day I can spot an authentic vintage Gucci purse from a mile away, and although I only own three I plan on adding more to my collection. I'm also a fan of bakelite jewellery! Aside from that I've always been sceptical of buying other items because I wasn't sure what to look for. OK so I'm not exactly clueless but this handbook surely helped. My favourite is Chapter 6 Labels & Pricing; labels because they're like a garment's birth certificate and price because basically you don't want to get ripped off $. If vintage shopping is one of your pasttimes check out The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping, you might learn a few things.
To learn more about the author Melody Fortier check out her vintage store, Tangerine Boutique and her blog! You can order The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping from her site here or Quirk Books.


How many of you enjoy vintage shopping? Do you own any vintage pieces? And what are your favourite vintage shops?
{Thank you to Quirk Books for my copy}
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You've got Mail {Swap goodies}

There's nothing better than getting home and finding a package on your entry-way table. Better yet when its a swap package! I used to swap on makeupalley ages ago and stopped (not because of any bad experience because others have been swaplifted) but mainly because of time. A few weeks ago the gorgeous UK blogger Tali from the GlossGoss mentioned she wanted LUSH Pumpkin Soap and I had a couple on hand and decided to send her one. She mentioned lets do a swap, what a great idea! Unfortunately she hasn't received my package yet (she mentioned there's a mail strike in the UK) I received hers. She sent some really nice items:
Barry M lipsticks (yay! as I've been wanted to try this brand) shades in #100 (a bright bubble-gum pastel pink colour) & #62 (a bright Barbie fuchsia pink colour)
Revlon Matte Lipstick in #002 Pink Pout
The Body Shop lipstick #66 (a tangerine sheer colour)
Illamasqua Shimmer Cream in Eternal
Boots #17 Instant Glow Bronzing Pearls in Light
Boots Vanishing Rose Face Cream (loving this!)
samples of Fresh Soy Face cleanser
sample of Korres face cream

Thank you Tali! Can't wait for you to get my package.

Have any of you ever done a swap? Share your experiences in my comment section.

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November 01, 2009

Eye spy Eye cream {Marcelle Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Contour Cream} + {Giveaway}


One beauty item I don't review often are eye creams and its not for lack of use. For the past month I've been using Marcelle Essentials 1st Wrinkle Eye Contour Cream. First, some background of Marcelle for my international readers. Marcelle is a Canadian company that sells hypo-allergenic and perfume-free skincare products. For background info click here!
Onto the review {& giveaway};
Marcelle's claim on Essentials 1st Wrinkle Eye Contour Cream, "Prevent the first signs of aging with this ultra-light and non-sticky cream that penetrates skin instantly; allowing you to apply your make-up immediately. Enriched with high performance ingredients, this unique care will increase micro-circulation, reducing puffiness and dark circles. It deeply moisturizes and protects the delicate eye contour area." (marcelle)

*Moisturizes deeply and long-lastingly
*Reduces puffiness
*Reduces dark circles
*Lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
*Leaves skin soft, supple and revitalized

A few worthy mention ingredients: Indian fig extract, olive oil, caffeine (stimulates lymphatic drainage & reduces puffiness), Gatuline (smoothes the skin & reduces appearance of expression lines & wrinkles), Heliomoduline (slows down cellular aging, stimulates the natural DNA repair & restricts cellular deterioration), Regu-Age (increases microcirculation, reduces puffiness & dark circles) (marcelle)

Why I liked it! Hydrates under-eye area well without feeling greasy. Works great as a base for my concealer (Bobbi Brown concealer), does not irritate my eyes. Although its a cream its not heavy, in fact its an ultra-light lotion/cream. Eye area does feel smooth & refreshed. I have really bad under eye circles (the brownish kind) so although I didn't see a huge difference perhaps with longer usage they would diminish more. Now the wrinkles! I'm in my early 30's and often get mistaken for being 10 years younger so obviously I'm doing something right (ok genetics play an important role too) therefore I don't have deep eye wrinkles but lots of laugh lines that aren't going anywhere. In my opinion as long as you keep your eye area well hydrated with a good eye cream (like this one) you'll see results in the long run, the key is consistency. I give this eye cream a vote YES! Because its fragrance-free, didn't bother my contact lenses, kept eye area moisturized, concealer didn't fade or run with this cream as a base, and has all those good ingredients. Long-term usage is key! Retail price $27.50 CDN

For the giveaway!! Marcelle not only sent me one but two of these goodies so I'm giving one away! Rules (sorry only open to Canadian residents as Marcelle is only available in Canada) deadline November 16!

(1) your name & age (this product is targeted for those in their early 30's but no worries enter if your age is not in that range)

(2) your current favourite eye-area product

(3) Show some love! Its easier to follow my giveaway if you Follow or Subscribe to my blog (as I'm still waiting the response of a winner of another giveaway) but I'll still let you enter if you do neither:) GOODLUCK!!

(image: marcelle.com)

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