Coming Soon!

Hello everyone! This is just a little memo with a list of topics and products that will be featured in upcoming posts. Please let me know if you have any requests!

-Best Facial Cleanser Series: Clinique Acne Solutions Facial Cleanser
-Primers
-Do-It-Yourself Hair Masks
-Hand Cream Reviews
-Daily/Nightly Face Routine
-Best Moisturizer Series

Stay tuned!!!

Fave Products: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero (black)

This Fave Products category will revolve around some of my all-time favourite products.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero (black)

 Photo from www.makeupandbeautyblog.com

Once again, I am presenting you with one of my favourite products. I use this eyeliner every single day and it is the best I have ever tried! It's super easy to apply cause it goes on smoothly. It stays "smudgeable" for about 30 seconds so you can smudge the line with a Q-Tip for a smokey look. Once it's set, it will not budge for the rest of the day. The colours are absolutely gorgeous. Although a lot of them are shimmery, this black colour is not. I also like Bourbon, which is a shimmery brown with a hint of copper.

From Sephora's website:

Glide on color that stays put for the duration of your non-stop, on-the-go day! These cushiony, creamy eye pencils deliver powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries to a long-lasting finish that won't budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect. Truly inspired, these pencils go all day and all night. Created with 50 percent moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, this brilliant collection of eye essentials offers long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied.

Another fave eyeliner of mine is Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes. This one is a touch dryer and thus, doesn't go on as smoothly but is a pretty good comparable.
 
Last time I checked, this brand of eyeliners is not available at Sephora in Canada. You can order it through the website though. I usually stock up when I go to the U.S., where they are available at Sephora for $17. The Make Up For Ever eyeliner is available at Sephora in Canada.

Cute Nail Polish Shades!

Here a some shades of nail polish I've been using over the past few months. Hope it gives you some ideas on what colours to use. I know I'm always looking for new ideas! This summer, I've really been into light, pastel, creamy colours like pale pinks and lilacs.

The first one I really like is by Essie and it's called "Fiji". It's described on their website as an opaque creamy pale pink.

For a gorgeous coral, I like "Haute as Hello" by Essie. "A racy, scorching coral".

Another one from Essie is "Lilacism". It's described on their website as a satiny smooth lilac.

O.P.I. offers a similar colour in "Rumples Wiggin".

Now, for some less expensive nail polish shades!

For a bright splash of pink, I really like NYC's "Greenwich Village" (236B). I have it on right now, actually!

Also, I like "Madison Avenue" (226B) by NYC. It's a basic red colour. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a picture of it. Sorry!

If you're not sure which nail polishes will look best on you, head over to http://www.opi.com/ where you can test out different shades and mix and match them with your skin tone and nail length.

Also, don't forget to use a base coat, especially if you're applying dark colours, and a top coat to prevent chipping.

What are YOUR favourite nail polishes?

Fave Products: Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation

This Fave Products category will revolve around some of my all-time favourite products.

Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation

 

From the Sephora website:

"An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life.This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting."

After experimenting with a few different options, I came across this one on Kim Kardashian's blog. She was doing a makeup tutorial and her makeup artist applied this brand on her. I was using MAC Studio Tech but found that a few weeks after purchase, the foundation didn't go on as smoothly. I wanted to make the switch from cream to liquid and decided to try this brand. I went to Sephora and they tried a few shades so I would know which one was perfect for me.

After using it for a almost a year, I definitely love this foundation! It provides very good coverage if you have blemishes or an uneven skin tone. It is easy to apply as it goes on really smoothly. I apply it with a foundation brush. You can also use a sponge if you wish. Little tip: mix it with some moisturizer to make it go on even better.

If you want something that will look a little more matte, try Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet foundation.

This foundation is available exclusively at Sephora for $40.

Do-It-Yourself Manicure

I love getting manicures! What's not to love, right? Sitting there, chatting with your friends while getting pampered! Just because you can't afford to get them done by a professional doesn't mean you can't have pretty nails! Giving yourself an at-home manicure can be fast and cheap. You'll even feel pampered because you'll be having "me" time. Gather your girlfriends, some cute polishes and get ready for some pampering!

1. Remove any old nail polish.

2. Soak hands in a warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes.

3. Cut nails to desired length and file them.

4. Buff your nails.

5. Push your cuticles back. You can get this tool at any drugstore, it looks like a tiny wooden stick.

6. Apply a clear base coat. O.P.I. makes a good one:

O.P.I. Natural Nail Base Coat

7. Apply nail polish. Shake the bottle before using. Start by painting a stripe down the middle of your nail and then fill in the sides. After the first coat is dry, apply a second one.

8. Apply a top coat to prevent your polish from chipping and to give your nails a glossy appearance.

O.P.I. Top Coat

9. Apply a drop of cuticle oil on your cuticles.

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

10. Moisturize your hands. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream works wonders on dry hands and can be found at any drugstore.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula

Stay tuned because I will be soon posting some of my favourite nail polish shades!

Fave Products: Lip Stuff

This Fave Products category will revolve around some of my all-time favourite products.

My go-to lip gloss is Nars' Turkish Delight. It is a frosty pink sorbet colour. Words can't describe how much I love this gloss. It pretty much goes with any makeup look you're doing. It's not runny and you don't notice the scent at all. You can get Turkish Delight at Sephora for about $24. The colour lasts longer if you apply a lipstick underneath. I like to use Mac's Angel (available at Mac, $14).
 

Now for a great nude gloss, I like Mac's Tinted LipGlass in C-Thru ($14 at Mac). This colour is described on their website as a soft peached-beige with shimmer, although I didn't notice the shimmer much. Again, a nude gloss can go with pretty much any makeup look you are doing.

A good nude lipstick is Belle de Jour from Sephora, which is described as a sheer nude beige.

Another great shade of lipstick from Mac is Russian Red. It is a great classic red colour.

I have gone through a bunch of different lip balms and the best one I've ever tried is Carmex. That's right! 99 cent Carmex is moisturizing enough yet won't slide off your lips and clog pores. Available at any drugstore.

Also, for a flavoured lip balm, I really like Dylan's Candy Bar's Lip Saver in Coconut ($4).

My favourite drugstore lipstick is Revlon Super Lustrous. They are inexpensive, have a good variety of colours and won't dry out your lips.

  

Finally, a good product to remove lipstick and any residue it may leave on your lips is Maybelline Superaway Lipcolor Remover.

Tips to Make Your Hair Grow

Here are a few tips I have learned with trial and error on how to make your hair grow faster. There is no magic pill but a few simple changes can definitely help.


-Drink lots of water. Aim for at least 64 oz. per day. More if you can. If you think it tastes too boring, add a few wedges of lemon or lime. I wouldn't suggest those water flavouring packets, especially if they are made of aspartame or any artificial sweeteners. Here's another tip: don't use artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Twin, Sweet n Low) at all. I won't go into detail, but they are bad for you for a variety of reasons. Bottom line: drink water! It will work wonders for your hair, nails, skin and overall health.

-Eat at least 6 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals your body needs. Additionally, I would suggest take a daily multi-vitamin. Ask your physician which one is right for you.

-Try to incorporate more eggs into your diet. I think it's because of the vitamin E and the protein. It really helps your hair grow.

-Get regular trims. This is important because trims (as little as a quarter-inch) help get rid of split ends. If your hair grows and keeps breaking, the growth will never show. Get the trim and you'll be thankful in the end.

-Use good hair products. Read ingredients when you buy hair products. Look out for alcohol as it dries your hair. Nioxin has a great line of shampoos and conditioners that encourage hair growth. Their products are pricey but really worth it if you want hair to grow. Also, be sure to massage your scalp when you wash your hair. Use your finger pads to rub your scalp in circular motions as it encourages circulation.

Hope these tips help!
What do YOU do to make your hair grow? Got any tips? Share them in the comments!

Fave Products: Make Up For Ever Concealer Palette

This Fave Products category will revolve around some of my all-time favourite products.



Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette

Price: $36

Available at: Sephora

If you're looking for a concealer and are unsure about which one to choose, I would absolutely suggest this one as it is the most versatile. It has 5 different shades. The green one is great for covering up any redness. The peach colour I use for dark undereye circles. Then, there are three beige colours. Use these to match your skin tone and cover up blemishes. I love this concealer cause it really does provide coverage, it is non-greasy and because it's creamy, it can be easily applied and blended. Also, it's great for sensitive skin.

There are four palettes available, depending on your skin tone. I use the the No. 1 (Light to fair skin).
I usually use my fingers to apply it. Rub the product a little to warm it. up and then apply to areas you wish to cover.

What is YOUR fave concealer?

My Experience with the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola

About two years ago, I was reading Nicole Richie's blog and came across a post explaining what a Brazilian Blowdry was. Nicole wrote that she had this treatment done at the Andy Lecompte salon in LA and couldn't stop raving about it. She said it made her hair straight, smooth and soft, but didn't damage it at all, instead making it healthier. No more frizz either. As a curly-haired girl myself, I just knew that I had to get my hands on this treatment immediately. Right away, I googled "Brazilian Blowdry" and tried to gather as much info as possible on the treatment. Then came the letdown, I couldn't find a salon in my area that offered it. At the time, this treatment was relatively knew and only available in major markets. So I would have to wait till it hit the masses.


Then, a few months later, my mom mentioned that her hair stylist had gone to a hair seminar in New York to learn a new technique. She was offering this new service called "Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola". I called her up and she told me that it was basically the same concept as a Brazilian Blowdry. It made your hair straight for 3 to 5 months, drastically reduced frizz and reversed damage. Sounds like a hair miracle, right? It kinda is.

At the time, my hair was a bit past my shoulders and the hair stylist told me it would be $350. After finding out about the cost, I debated whether I should do it or not. My hair used to take between 60 to 90 minutes to dry depending on the humidity. I was fed up of wasting my time blow drying and flat ironing hair so I decided I would do it.

I had the treatment done in December 2009. The stylist first washed and dried my hair. Then, she applied the product on inch-wide sections of my hair and worked it in. After my entire hair was covered in the treatment, she put a plastic cap over my head and had me sit under a dryer for 20 minutes. Then, the stylist dried my hair again, this time with a brush. Note that the treatment does not get rinsed out. Once all my hair was completely dried straight, she flat ironed my hair with a special extra-hot straightener. She took one-inch sections and passed the iron over them between 7 to 10 times. The whole process lasted a little over 3 hours. I couldn't wash or wet my hair my hair for 3 days. Nor could I tie it, clip it or even tuck it behind my ears. I had to be careful not to get any water on it when washing my face. This part is a little annoying as your hair will have a waxy texture to it and will look really oily by day 3. On the fourth day, I returned to the salon for a haircut, which was included in the price, and to wash out the treatment. This appointment is not necessary as you can always wash it yourself at home. Also included in the price was a bottle of both the Coppola brand shampoo and conditioner. It is absolutely necessary to use the Coppola-brand shampoo and conditioner as any other brand contains harsh ingredients that will reverse the effects provided by the Keratin treatment. Both the shampoo and conditioner cost $30 each. Remember the prices might vary in your area.

Now for the results! It was exactly as I expected. Silky, smooth and straight hair. No more frizz. It now took 15 minutes to dry my hair and without any brushes, just my fingers. I didn't even need to pass the flat iron. And it lasted. I could go outside in humidity and have no problem. I was in love with my hair! Before the Keratin, whenever I stepped out of the house after straightening my hair, it would start frizzing right away. Not anymore. Once it's done, it stays that way!

The results lasted about about 6 months. The good thing about this treatment is that your roots will not grow out curly and frizzy like the Japanese straightening system does. The effects will gradually fade out and your hair will return to its normal state. Washing your hair often will affect how long the treatment lasts. Also, I would say, that after about 3 months, it starts to take a little longer to get it straight but once it's straight, it will stay smooth, frizz free and soft.

It's worth mentioning that you must be careful when dealing with chlorine water (from a pool) or salt water. The chemicals and salt reverse the effects so it's important to follow these steps when going swimming. After your swim, rinse your hair with cold water, apply some conditioner and comb it through. You can leave the conditioner in for a while so it's fine if you wanna lay out in the sun. You don't have to shower and dry it right away.

I loved the results so much I got the treatment done again this past July. A few weeks after getting it done, I went on vacation to Florida, which, as you know, is "Humidity Central". I was able to do something I never did in Florida. Blow dry my hair straight and get it to stay that way. It was unbelievable!

This was my experience with the with the Keratin Complex by Coppola. It was a positive and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone with curly hair who struggles to straighten it and keep it frizz-free. To find a salon offering the service in your area, visit http://www.keratincomplex.com/

What do YOU think about the Keratin Complex by Coppola?

Would YOU consider getting it done?

If you have any questions, please post them in the comments!

Best Facial Cleanser Series: Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

This is the third product in my Best Facial Cleanser Series. The first was Purity Made Simple and can be found here. The second was Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pink Grapefruit) and can be found here.

Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Price: $6

Available at: Drugstores, Wal-Mart, Target
Skin Types: Sensitive

This product has a rich and creamy texture. It is ideal for people with sensitive skin. It reduces redness and does not irritate skin at all. A mildly-scented cleanser that does not leave skin feeling tight. It might not be suitable if you have oily skin as it is very moisturizing. Like I said in a previous review, you can always alternate with a more drying cleanser. Its only downfall is the fact that it is very "soapy" and needs to be rinsed off well or else you will feel it on your face afterwards.

Pros: Non-irritating, moisturizing, price, great for sensitive skin
Cons: Might make your face a little oily

Next in the Best Facial Cleanser Series: Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin Cleansing Foam

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Thank you!

Best Facial Cleanser Series: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pink Grapefruit)

This is the second product in my Best Facial Cleanser Series. The first was Purity Made Simple and can be found here.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pink Grapefruit)

Price: $8

Available at: Drugstores, Wal-Mart, Target
Skin Types: Oily
 
This cleanser is great for people with oily skin and who are prone to breakouts. The salicylic acid is especially useful in clearing blemishes. However, it is very drying on the skin so I recommend alternating with a gentler cleanser. If you are going to use the product everyday, be sure to apply an oil-free moisturizer so your skin doesn't feel tight. It does smell good though, just like grapefruit. Unfortunately, it does not remove makeup as you wash your face so you'll need a makeup remover as well.
 
Pros: Price, Scent
Cons: Too harsh on sensitive skin, drying
 
Next in the series: Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

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Best Facial Cleanser Series: Purity Made Simple by Philosophy

This will be the first of many products in my Best Facial Cleanser Series.

Purity Made Simple by Philosophy

Price: $10 for 3 oz. $20 for 8 oz. $32 for 16 oz. $40 for 24 oz. $45.50 for 32 oz.
Available at: Sephora
Skin Types: All

I absolutely love this cleanser! While it is the priciest of the bunch, I believe it is money well spent. It's very gentle and doesn't irritate skin at all. Unlike some harsh products, it will not leave your skin feeling tight, just clean and refreshed. Bonus: it can be used as a makeup remover. If you are unsure about spending this much money, you can buy the smallest size (3 oz.) as it only costs $10. Bigger bottles are available and give you better value for your money. Oh and it has a nice calming scent!

Pros: Can be used on all skin types, gentle.
Cons: Price

Next in the series: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pink Grapefruit)

Introduction

Hello! My name is Jennifer and this is The Beauty Bar. I am a huge fan of makeup and beauty products and am starting this blog to share my knowledge with others. During my last trip to Sephora, I decided it would be fun to start a blog and share tips, tricks, reviews and more. Here goes!


If you have any requests for product reviews or questions, please leave a comment or you can email me at jennifer.thebeautybar@gmail.com

Thanks for reading!
Jennifer

P.S. It's my first blog and I don't know anything about blog templates or HTML so please be patient with me :)