Influenster Canada: Maple VoxBox Review

Disclosure: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Well I know the craze for beauty boxes has been alive and kickin for a while now...and although I do not subscribe to any of those I always thought it'd be fun to get one. So when Influenster sent me their first Canadian Vox Box, I was pretty excited since it's a box full of surprises! ^.^ I was impressed, full sized products. Below are my thoughts on the products that were inside Influenster's "Maple VoxBox."

Natural Deodorant: Tom's of Maine "Long Lasting" Fresh Apricot Review

I don't wear deodorant everyday, seriously. I usually only wear it if...
1) I'm going to an event
2) It's scorchin hot outside 
3) I will be running around

China Glaze: Happy Holi-Glaze Collection (Winter 2013) - 3 pc Dash of Dazzle Set Swatches

DISCLAIMER: I received these products for my editorial consideration and I decided to review them, based on my own experience and opinions. 

I love wearing sparkly nails during the Winter Holidays, so I was stoked when I received the "Dash of Dazzle" set by China Glaze from NailPolishCanada. China Glaze has a special Holi-Glaze Collection for Winter 2013, in which there are a total of 12 colours. 

"Dash of Dazzle" contains three of the twelve Holi-Glaze colours: So Blue Without You (Blue), Mingle With Kringle (Gold) and Bells Will Be Blinging (Basecoat with blue and silver sparkles). Each bottle of laquer retails for $6.95, and the set of three is currently on sale for $15 on NailPolishCanada. You can check out the rest of the Holi-Glaze Collection here.

Lush Cosmetics: Hello Gorgeous Gift Set Review

I won this Hello Gorgeous Gift Set (retails for $39.95) from Lush Cosmetics at an event I attended a couple months ago and finally had some time to try it all out during the last few weeks. 

This was my first time trying Lush products, so I was pretty stoked. I had heard good things about Lush, they care about the environment, are against animal testing and use fresh ingredients amongst other things.

LOGONA Naturkosmetic: Lipgloss Swatches and Review

LOGONA Naturakosmetik was founded in Germany in the 1970's and is a leading supplier of natural personal care products around the world. LOGONA guarantees quality in its products: 

1. Free from synthetic colours, fragrances ans preservatives.

2. Free from paraffin oil or any other raw materials from petroleum chemistry

3. Made with plant oils and extracts from organic cultivation

4. Developed and produced without animal testing

5. Dermatological tests confirm good skin compatibility and effectiveness

6. Predominantly vegan products

7. Meets strict criteria for controlled natural cosmetics (BDIH and NaTrue= reliable proof of natural and organic quality)

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cause Marketing, Pinkwashing and What Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Buying Pink Ribbon Products.

I always notice the "Pink Ribbon" products throughout the year, but during the month of October I see a surge in "Pink Ribbon" products EVERYWHERE! I'm pretty sure just about EVERY company has a "Pink Ribbon" product out during October, the Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

What does PERFUME or FRAGRANCE actually mean? And what are the alternatives to it?

Ever look at the ingredient list of one of your beauty products and wonder what Perfume or Fragrance really means? This may surprise some, but Perfume or Fragrance is NOT just one ingredient, "it can easily hide 100 ingredients that don't have to be listed on the label." Crazy right?? 

Some of these unwanted chemicals, include several hormone disruptors, carcinogens and allergy- and asthma- triggering ingredients.

So what are some alternatives to Perfume or Fragrance? The first option you have is to go with Fragrance-Free products. Too make sure that the product is actually unscented, take a sniff because many creams and body care products have a light fragrance, even when it says Fragrance-Free.

The second alternative to Perfume or Fragrance is to go for products that derive their aroma from natural sources. You can also shop for products that have "Phthalate-Free" labelled. I personally like using high-quality, certified organic essential oils.

ANNABELLE Paraben-Fragrance Free TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayon

I figured it'd be a good idea to do a review on a ANNABELLE's Paraben Free TwistUp Retractable Lipstick Crayon since I talked about Parabens aka "estrogen mimickers" a couple of days ago. 

What are Parabens? And why should I care if they are in my products?

Hmmm...What are parabens? I found myself asking this particular question when I finally started reading the labels on cosmetics and realized that there are different types of parabens and that they come in just about every comestic product...seriously! Oh, and you can even find butylPARABEN in your Buckley's cough syrup, ewh!!

Parabens are a kind of chemical that are most commonly used as a preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Why should you care about parabens? Well parabens are known as "estrogen mimickers" and have been found in breast cancer tissues and may also interfere with male reproductive functions. By all means AVOID the paraben family, especially propyl-and butylparabens!! The rest of the world should be like Denmark and BAN the most heineous of parabens!!

So, what are you waiting for to go PARABEN FREE??? Next time you are thinking about purchasing a new lispstick, shampoo, body wash, body cream,foundation...ANYTHING, choose PARABEN FREE. 

And if your favorite brand doesn't carry Paraben free..TWEET them and get your online community involved in the conversation so the brand can hear you and take note. 

Do you own any Paraben Free product? If so, what is it?

Lise Watier: Fall 2013 Collection TARTANTASTIQUE Swatches and REVIEW

Fall 2013 Collection:

"Tartantastique is a reinterpretation of the tartan trend, both rebellious and sophisticated with rich textures and brilliant effects. This season's look is about elegance, confidence, and simplicity. Eyes are emphasized, the skin appears naural, and the lips are distinctly rosy." -Lise Watier 

Mineral Fusion: Eye Shadow Trio, 3-in-1 Colour Stick, and Beauty Balm Review

I was introduced to Mineral Fusion a couple months ago while attending a beauty event hosted by London Drugs. I've been a fan ever since because most of their products are paraben anf fragrance free. You can read more about these "Minerals on Mission" and my review on their Lengthening Mascara  here. 

Today, I will be reviewing Mineral Fusion's Eye Shadow Trio, 3-in-1 Colour Stick and Beauty Balm!

Escents Aromatherapy Handmade Soap Review

Escents Aromatherapy is a Vancouver based brand that is all about making you (body and mind) feel good naturally. At Escents you can find a variety of products ranging from bath & shower to body care, natural sleep aids to stress relief and a whole bunch more, just check out their website or store. All Escents products contain 100% pure essential oils and are NOT tested on animals. 

Nexxus Hydra-Light Product Line (Shampoo, Conditioner, Root Lift Mist and Leave-In Conditioning Foam) Review

Hydra-Light "Wightless Moisture" by Nexxus is "an advanced hair care system full of moisture, free of heaviness. Infused with lightweight, deep-sea minerals, Hydra-Light gives hair advanced hydration without weighing it down." I've been using Hydra-Light product line for about a month and a half and have to say I am pleased with the results. Below is my review on the Hydra-Light Shampoo, Conditioner, Root Lift Mist and Leave-In Conditioning Foam.

Red Carpet Manicure Experience

The first and last time I had gone to get my gel nails at a salon was in 2007! Yup, it's been a long time...I guess I'm just not that into it..or maybe I'm cheap? Hahaha. Anyways, I've been hearing a lot about Red Carpet Manicure (RCM) at home LED gel manicure systems. Basically, you get a professional salon gel manicure in the comfort of your home!

Mineral Fusion: Lengthening Mascara Review

I recently discovered Mineral Fusion at a beauty event I attended several weeks ago. As a girl that's on a mission to find healthier, Earth- Friendly beauty products I was genuinely intrigued by their slogan "minerals on a mission." And after a great conversation with Meaghan I learned that Mineral Fusion makes products free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and phthalates.

I also learned that Mineral Fusion is "dedicated to creating naturally effective, healthy and safe personal care products while contributing to the wellbeing of [their] community." Mineral Fusion is also a partner of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, supporting women in need. Not only does Mineral Fusion care about protecting and naturally enhancing your skin, helping women in need, they are also committed to sustainability, they "utilize wind power, soy inks, packaging from recycled materials and packaging that is recyclable."

Mineral Fusion's lengthening mascara  defines and conditions lashes. It has no artificial colours, is gluten and paraben free, and is hypo-allergenic. The lengthening mascara comes in two colours: graphite (black) and rock (brown). 

I was gifted that graphite lengthening mascara and found that it applied smoothly and defined (lengthened and darkened) my lashes. There are several brands of mascara that cause my eyes to itch, but Mineral Fusion is NOT one of them. I found that the lengthening mascara did not flake. The size of the brush is perfect for me, very easy to apply to top bottom and corner lashes. I'm REALLY happy with this mascara! 

If you are looking to pick up a new mascara, I HIGHLY recommend Mineral Fusion's lengthening mascara, you won't be disappointed. 

Have you tried any Mineral Fusion products before? 

What are your thoughts on Earth-Friendly cosmetics?

DEVITA: Solar Body Moisturizer REVIEW

I'm currently transitioning into a green beauty lifestyle, which basically means I'm introducing organic and/or "more natural", paraben free beauty products into my daily routine.

When I couldn't find any sunscreen in our home, I knew it was the perfect time to pick up a bottle of something natural. DeVita Solar Body Moisturizer SPF30+ is paraben free, 100% vegan, has no nano technology or  GMO's. It also offers full/broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. I LOVE that DeVita Solar Body Moisturizer SPF30+ is a 2-in-1 moisturizer and natural sunscreen!

I was expecting the Solar Body Moisturizer SPF30+ to be oily/greasy and a pain in the butt to blend. But, it was the exact opposite, phew! To my surprise it was light, easy to blend, non-greasy and didn't leave me feeling sticky. It left my skin soft and moisturized. 

If you are on the market for a new sunscreen, I highly recommend DeVita Solar Body Moisturizer SPF30+!

Do you have any organic/natural beauty products?

Disclaimer: I purchased this product and decided to review it, based on my own experience and opinions.

Pureology: The Precious Oil System

The Precious Oil System by Pureology "helps rough, dull, brittle colour-treated hair retain its natural shininess and fullness while also protecting your colour." It's 100% VEGAN, the key ingredients are sunflower, coconut, olive and jojoba oils. It has ZERO SULFATE and ZERO SILICONE.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle of Precious Oil Shamp'Oil was the smell, absolutely delicious. It transported me to a beach with its subtle scent of coconut. The formula looked and felt just like an oil. It was so smooth and pleasant to glide through my hair. The Precious Oil Shamp'Oil is highly concentrated, so you don't have to use much to get a good wash, I used an amount about the size of a quarter (sometimes twice, depending on how dirty my hair was feeling). And girl, it lathers really well! After rinsing the Precious Oil Shamp'Oil out, not only was my hair soft, but my hands too! BONUS!

After rinsing out the Shamp'Oil, I used a hair masque for the first time. The Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque is an "intense deep-penetrating treatment that nourishes and fortifies the hair cuticle." I would generally leave it in for a bout 3-4 minutes and then rinse it out. I have noticed a difference in my hair cuticles, they feel a lot softer.

The Precious Oil Softening Condition also smelt nice and is an oil infused concentrated conditioner which was very hydrating, restoring softness. Precious Oil Softening Condition felt a lot lighter compared to other conditioners, which I very much enjoyed. It  allowed me to easily run my fingers all the way through my hair, top to bottom without any knots. A great detangler for sure!

After using the Precious Oil System by Pureology for a couple of months I noticed that my hair had gotten shinier, softer and the colour was looking vibrant and great. Not only does my hair look healthier, it feels it too!

Have you tried Pureology's Precious Oil System? or any other Pureology products?

DISCLAIMER: I received these products for my editorial consideration and I decided to review them, based on my own experience and opinions. 

COVERGIRL LIP PERFECTION Lipstick Swatches and Review

I am currently obsessed with COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick! Watch the video above for swatches of my favorite colours. 

According to COVERGIRL, the Lip Perfection Lipstick is enriched with Silk Moisturizing Complex, which helps sustain levels of moisture and helps create soft, smoother, beautiful lips in just 7 days. 

I personally love how COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick colours are rich and vibrant, as you can see in the video I got an array of colours including: nudes/coral/red and brown. I am thinking of getting a lilac/mauve or burgandy colour next! 

I found that COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick did not cause my lips to dry. While wearing the Lip Perfection Lipstick my lips felt soft, smooth and conditioned. I was pleasantly surprise when I realized that the Lip Perfection Lipsticks don't smell or taste bad. I also found that the colours did not bleed and were long lasting.

My favorite COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipstick is Spellbound, #325. Do you own any Lip Perfection Lipsticks?

Henna Art by Nena Soulfly at ArtForm Studio

While we were in Los Angeles last month, my friend Ana of Cha Cha Covers took us to an event at ArtForm Studio in the Arts District. First of all, ArtForm Studio is all sorts of CrazySexyCool (I love TLC), it's a record shop and hair salon! I think you can also get your nails done there too.

Anyways, I learned that ArtForm Studio hold monthly events where they have a DJ spinning great tunes and have several independent artists selling their handmade goods. The event we went to was a great experience, we hadn't been to something like it before. The guest DJ was RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and delicious cupcakes for sale by Noreen of Little Sweeties Cupcakes, women's jewelry and accessories by Nena Soulfly.

So besides designing dope women's jewelry and accessories with beautiful ethnic prints, she also does mehndi henna art! I was fortunate enough to squeeze in and get Nena SoulFly to express her creative fluidity thru henna on my hand!

This was my first time getting henna done and I absolutely loved it! I look forward to getting my henna done by Nena again next time we are in Los Angeles! ^.^ If you are in the LA area and want to get your henna done, make sure to visit Nena SoulFly at ArtForm Studio #201-701 E 3rd Street.

Milani Cosmetics Giveaway

SPREADING SOME CHEER BY GIVING AWAY APPROX. $50 WORTH OF MILANI COSMETICS! ^.^ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Sorteo Internacional

Ends May 25, 2013 midnight PST. 1 WINNER. Announced NOTM Facebook.

1. Milani Shadow Eyez (#03 Champagne)

2. Milani Illuminating Face Powder

3. Milani Liquif'Eye (#06 Green)

4. Milani Nail Laquer High Speed Fast Dry (#08 Hot Pink Frenzy)

5. Milani Powder Eyeshadow Palette (#01)

6. Milani Baked Eyeshadow (#602 I Heart You)

7. Milani Powder Eyeshadow (#12 Just Perfect)

Requisitos Mandatorios:

1. Follow Nina on the Moon via GFC (public profile)

2. Subscribe to Nina on the Moon YouTube 

3. Like Nina on the Moon Facebook

Extras:

4. Like egolies Facebook

5.Follow Nina on the Moon Twitter

6. Follow Nina on the Moon Pinterest

Feel free to copy+paste and fill in with your information:

1. I'm following NOTM on GFC as: (your name/profile)

2. I subscribed to NOTM YouTube as: 

3. I liked NOTM Facebook as:

4. I liked egolies Facebook: Yes/No (Liked as: )

5. I follow NOTM Twitter: Yes/No (Followed as: )

6. I follow NOTM Pinterest: Yes/No (Followed as: )

Copia+Pega esta Plantilla>>

1. Mi nick de seguidora al blog es:
2. Mi nick de seguidora de NOTM YouTube:
3. Mi nick de seguidora de NOTM  Facebook:

4. Soy seguidora de egolies Facebook: Si/No (Nick de seguidora)5. Soy seguidora en Twitter Si/No (Nick de seguidora)

6. Soy seguidora en Pinterest Si/No (Nick de seguidora)