Beauty Archives - Page 3 of 12 - The Pretty Secrets

Easy Every Day Makeup Look with Urban Decay’s Beached Palette

by Sandy Joe | Sep 10, 2018 | Beauty, Blog, Watch

Easy Every Day Makeup Look with Urban Decay’s Beached Palette

Beach, please! Join me while I create an easy every day makeup look with Urban Decay’s Beached palette. I promise you that this is such an easy tutorial, you don’t even need me to talk you through it, and I don’t! Enjoy the sounds of the ocean while I apply my makeup. I do, however, give my opinion on the new mascara from NARS called… wait for it…. Climax. If you’re hip to the beauty jive, I’m sure this isn’t the first you’ve heard of this scandalously named recent launch. In addition to that, there is also a cameo of a peach scented blush from the L’Oreal Paris Paradise Enchanted Collection. The entire collection is peach scented! Keep scrolling for the full product details. 🙂

Want more beauty posts? Check out my Urban Decay Moondust post. Or NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers review video.

PRODUCTS

HOURGLASS Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
HYNT BEAUTY Day Prep c/o Detox Market
URBAN DECAY Beached Palette
NARS Climax Mascara
L’OREAL Paradise Enchanted Blush in Bashful
NARS Orgasm Illuminating Loose Powder
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm
JINSOON Aero Nail Polish

Thanks so much for watching! If you enjoyed it, subscribe to my channel and be updated on all my latest videos 🙂

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GET READY WITH ME – New in Beauty – My June Favourites

by Sandy Joe | Jul 1, 2018 | Beauty, Blog, Watch

GET READY WITH ME – New in Beauty – My June Favourites

The moment when you realize one of the palettes you just opened for the first time and fell in love with is DISCONTINUED!?! Yeah, that’s what happened when I was linking products and found out Urban Decay’s Naked Smoky palette is not longer with us…. much like Geoffrey the giraffe from Toy’R’Us (RIP x 2). With that said, get ready with me while I do my every day make up using new-in products and one discontinued favourite (RIP Urban Decay Smoky palette). So here it is: GET READY WITH ME – New in Beauty – My June Favourites. Won’t you join me?

THE PRODUCTS

GLOSSIER Super Bounce Serum
SMASHBOX Photo Finish Primer
HOURGLASS Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
COVERGIRL Vitalist Healthy Glow Highlighter
MAYBELLINE Total Temptation Eyeshadow + Highlighter Palette
URBAN DECAY Naked Smoky (RIP discontinued)
DHC Virgin Olive Oil Swabs
IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ Medium
DIORSHOW On Stage Liquid Eyeliner in Black Vinyl
TOM FORD Ultimate Bronzer
URBAN DECAY Afterglow Blush in Score
DERMABLEND Glow Creator Liquid Highlighter
IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Pores Pressed
NARS Highlighting Cheek Palette
BAREMINERALS Lashtopia Mascara
BUXOM Va-Va-PLUMP Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Heat Wave
JIN SOON Aero Polish
MOROCCANOIL Dry Shampoo

Be sure to check out My Morning Skincare Routine to see what I do before applying buttloads of make up! JK my make up is very conservative. If you enjoy my videos, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. K thx bye 🙂

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My Morning Skincare Routine

by Sandy Joe | Jun 15, 2018 | Beauty, Blog, Watch

My Morning Skincare Routine

“You’re not wearing foundation?! What do you use on your skin?” are questions I find myself answering quite often. While I usually deflect the compliment and say it’s because of genetics. And while genetics definitely plays a large role in it (thanks mom) a consistent skincare routine has most definitely served me well over the years. Seeing as how some people in this world are interested in my daily habits, I thought I would share My Morning Skincare Routine a la YouTube video. Keep scrolling for more product details. 🙂

CLEANSERS

I’m a firm believer in the double cleanse. It’s a way of life I have committed to this year after realizing the magic of exfoliating followed by an additional cleanse. It’s truly a dreamy experience. Here are the cleansers I am currently using and loving:

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser
This is the first exfoliant I’ve ever used that I can use daily. The exfoliant is very mild and works well with my sensitive skin!

ORIGINS Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder
I love using this as a face mask! But prior to receiving the Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, I was using this powder 3-4 times per week as my main exfoliant.

INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser
This is a face wash that works overtime while smelling so dang good. I’ve sung its praise before on my Night Moves Natural Skincare Routine post. It smells like strawberries! It doubles as a mask when it’s worn for 10 minutes. And it leaves my skin feeling clean, not stripped.

TONING

Toning the skin is such an important step, especially if you’re like me and can’t seem to completely wash off all the cleanser. I buy my cotton rounds at Costco. I have yet to find a more sustainable option for these disposable cotton pads. The alternatives such as cloth pads I find absorb a lot of product so I end up using three times as much. I would love to hear if anyone else has discovered something better?

INDIE LEE CoQ-10 Toner
The first thing to celebrate is that it’s alcohol-free (bless). It’s antioxidant rich and includes super hero ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, sage, and rejuvenating enzymes from papaya. Sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it?

SERUM & MOISTURIZER

My morning skincare routine would not be complete without a powerful serum and moisturizer combination. As I discussed in the video, this new line I’ve been trying out is a game changer. Universkin is a base serum with added active ingredients. The active ingredients are picked specifically for each individuals skin by a dermatologist or facial specialist. I received my consultation at Lucere Dermatology in Edmonton.

UNIVERSKIN Day Serum
My “prescription” includes SOD, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3. I cannot stress enough how important Vitamin C is for the skin! If you haven’t watched the video, check there to find out why!

NEXULTRA #3 Moisturizer
This is a light weight moisturizer that I use both day and night. It works in conjunction with the Universkin serum and is from the same product line 🙂

Des Yeux

Lest we forget the most delicate part of the visage! The eyes of course. Moisturizing those peepers both day and night is a MUST! Especially if maintaining the integrity of the skin is a priority.

IT COSMETICS Confidence In An Eye Cream
These last couple of years have been real hard on my eyes. This is one of the few eye products I’ve used and actually noticed a visible difference in the plumpness around my eyes. Those dark circles appeared lightened and I was elated. I love piling this cream on at nighttime as well.

TATA HARPER Illuminating Eye Cream
The magic ingredient of the hour is hyaluronic Acid and this cream’s got it! It provides an abundance of moisture to the area all while brightening effects with the gold shimmer in it. It’s light, it smells good, and it does what it says it’s going to do: ILLUMINATE!

Protect Your Neck!

We must remember our beloved epidermis south of our chin. It wants attention, it needs love, it should never be left out! Keep that moisture coming!

IT COSMETICS Secret Sauce
Besides the name being hilarious and accurate, this cream is a true dream. It’s a fantastic moisturizer without being overwhelmingly thick. Spoiler alert: this also contains my favourites hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C!

INDIE LEE Squalane Oil
If you’re unfamiliar with squalane, it’s an oil derived from the olive. And it’s a real bad ass when it comes to moisturizing. Be sure to add some of it to your top shelf asap!

SPF It Up!

All of those other steps are wonderful but will only have noticeable effects if the skin is being protected by the sun DAILY. It’s easy to assume that if it’s an overcast day that SPF is unneeded. WRONG! About 80% of those UV rays are able to pass through clouds and are secretly burning us. That’s why SPF is a non-negotiable in My Morning Skincare Routine!

SKINCEUTICALS Physical Fusion SPF 50
This weightless and tinted SPF option is one of my favourites. Since it’s so lightweight, it’s excellent to use on a day when I wear make-up. Not to mention, a little goes a long way!

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
Another lightweight option that soaks in fast but does not have a tint. I love using this one when I’m out and about without make-up. Or when I’m engaging in physical activities outside since it’s waterproof.

And that concludes My Morning Skincare Routine! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂 I would love to hear what your favourite products are in your morning routine so please leave a comment below!

Photographs – Sandy Joe Karpetz

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WATCH | GRWM NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers Collection

by Sandy Joe | May 10, 2018 | Beauty, Blog, Watch

NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers Collection

The NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers collection has just landed (in Canada) and all 13 pieces are something to write home about. Not only is the packaging stunning (hello Miss Havisham meets Grey Gardens floral magic) but the product is TOP NOTCH. Of course NARS knows their formulas – the eyeshadows were pigmented and long wearing. I can say this for a fact as I went to a Moksha yoga class after filming this video and the eyeshadows STAYED ON despite the buckets of sweat pouring from my face. Side note, I do not advise going to a hot yoga class after filming a make-up tutorial. Without further adieu…. keep scrolling to watch my quickie GRWM NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers Collection review!

THE PRODUCTS

HOURGLASS Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette
NARS x ERDEM Fleur Fatale Eye Palette – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Night Garden Eye Palette – c/o
IT COSMETICS Superhero Mascara – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Loves Me Not Blush – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Loves Me Blush – c/o
CLINIQUE Pretty Easy Eyeliner in black – c/o
NARS x ERDEM White Phox Highlighter – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Poison Rose Lip Powder Palette – c/o
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Lipsticks – c/o
TOM FORD Carnal Red Nail Polish – c/o
NARS x ERDEM Mattifying Blotting Paper – c/o

My top three must-have pieces from this line are the Loves Me Not blush, Blood Flower lipstick, and the Poison Rose Lip Powder Palette. The Fleur Fatale eyeshadow palette comes in at #4 though!

The Strangest Flowers

The NARS x Erdem Strange Flowers Collection is just what I needed this spring. It has mildly subdued eyeshadows with banging bright and moody lipsticks. The Lip Powder Palette is like no other lip product I have ever tried in my life. Unless I count the times when YM magazine used to encourage it’s readers to use lip balm and eyeshadow to create new DIY lip shades. I don’t think that counts. Regardless, I believe it’s the real hero of the collection. It really allows for creativity and experimentation when you can blend with such control. Has anyone else tried any of the pieces from this collection? I would love to hear your thoughts! Alsooo If you enjoyed this video and post, please head on over to The Pretty Secrets YouTube channel for more upcoming posts! Thanks so much for tuning in!

For more posts like this, head on over to my BEAUTY section.

Video + Photographs – Sandy Joe Karpetz

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BEAUTY | Guerlain Abeille Royale x Nude Honey

by Sandy Joe | Nov 10, 2017 | Beauty, Blog

Oh honey!

Honey, are you in for a treat! Have you ever considered your beauty routine might be lacking a vital natural ingredient? Honey. Did you know that Cleopatra was a huge enthusiast of Royal Jelly. HONEY. It all circles back to honey, natures most perfect sweetener. (Next to maple syrup). I would like to take a minute of silence to honour all of the bees that are working hard every day to make this essential ingredient in my life.

In all seriousness though, honey is incredible. Not only is it loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals it also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities too. Basically everything you could possible want when it comes to taking care of your largest organ – your skin! That’s why I’m so excited about this latest collaboration launch: Guerlain Paris’ Abeille Royale Collection in partnership with Nude Bee Honey Co. I tried two of the releases, the Abeille Royal Repairing Honey Gel Mask and the Royal Abeille Youth Watery Oil in addition to the actual raw Nude Wildflower Honey. Spoiler alert: I loved all three. Here’s why:

ABEILLE ROYALE REPAIRING HONEY GEL MASK

This luxurious gel mask is for hydrating and plumping. It’s a low maintenance treatment as you let it sit on your face for ten minutes and then massage the rest in – no post cleansing required! And it only takes using it once or twice a week to see the nourishing results. It’s made in partnership with Nude Honey as well!

Guerlain Abeille Royale Reparing Honey Gel Mask – $185

ABEILLE ROYALE YOUTH WATERY OIL

I think I have made my feelings known about all things “oil” in beauty products. I am a HUGE fan. The Youth Watery Oil absorbs quickly so you never feel “oily” and it leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. Bonus: a little product goes a long way! There are two major ingredients at work in this serum: Ouessant Black Bee Honey and Royal Jelly – exclusive to Guerlain.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil – $185

guerlain-abeille-royale-nude-wildflower-honey-4

NUDE BEE HONEY CO. WILDFLOWER HONEY

Have you ever tasted 100% pure raw honey? There’s nothing like it. The taste is so sweet, I’m happy to consume it on its own. However, I would NEVER say NO to a baked chunk of brie to accompany it. I’m only human! Nude Bee Honey Co. was started in 2010. They are Canadian (yassss!) and dedicated to creating a raw product without articifial flavors or stabalizers. It’s not pasteurized and they never dilute the product with water either. A jar of their honey is JUST HONEY. How sweet?

Nude Bee Honey Co. Wildflower Honey – $9.99

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BEAUTY | Night Moves Natural Skincare Routine

by Sandy Joe | Nov 3, 2017 | Beauty, Blog

NIGHT MOVES – A WINTER SKINCARE NATURAL BEAUTY ROUTINE

As the nighttime continues to get longer and the air a ~~little~~ lot colder, I have needed to adjust many things in my life: vitamin D3 intake and the amount of layers I have to wear, both on my body as well as my face. My main goals are removing any dry skin and keeping my face at maximum moisture level.

Living in Edmonton poses its own amount of environmental issues for my skin (so so dry, so so cold) I find that even when I lived in Toronto and England, the wintertime always required more effort on the epidermis front. Here is my current night moves winter skincare natural beauty routine, a nighttime ritual that has been saving my skin. I would also like to note that this is completely 100% natural beauty products too which is a bonus!

CLEANSING

It all begins with cleansing. Recently, I have been really digging the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser ($32.00) – it doubles as an exfoliating mask when left on for 5-10 minutes! It is also high in antioxidant ingredients such as lycopene which comes from tomatoes. It has a very subtle smell and a little goes a long way. Confidently, I can say that this will be added to my top shelf repeat products.

EXFOLIATING

Twice a week it’s also necessary to exfoliate with some grit. The dry winds can be harsh on skin and sometimes a cleanser will not remove all that needs to go. 2-3 times a week I will employ the use of Rocky Mountain Soap Co’s Vanilla Coconut Revitalizing Face Polish ($17.50). Adding it to any cleanser is an easy way to incorporate it into a facial routine. I’ve been adding it to the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser. The polish has Moroccan Lava Clay which brings me back to the epic hammam experiences from my Morocco trip last March.

LIGHT EXFOLIATING

For a quick shower face wash when running late, the Saje Konjac Care Green Tea Enriched Cleansing Sponge ($9.95) is perfect. It’s made of 100% natural vegetable fibre and is infused with green tea. I love vegetables and green tea so I naturally gravitated toward this immediately. It exfoliates in a gentle way once it’s saturated with water. It’s also very handy for when you’re traveling since it can be taken carry-on without using up precious liquid quota.

FACE MOISTURIZING

There are a couple creams I oscillate between for maximum moisture. On most nights I will use Pura Botanicals Turmeric Night Cocoon ($62), a rebuilding night cream. It’s whipped texture feels rich and velvety when applying onto my skin. I also love that it’s turmeric based which has a host of benefits, so many that I may need to write a post dedicated to the magic of that spice.

EYE MOISTURIZING

I’ve fallen in love with Pura Botanicals Neroli Eye Ritual ($48). It’s so rich with essential oils and natural ingredients (lavender, rosehip, aloe) it moisturizes my delicate eye area skin without weighing it down. Its roller-ball applicator makes for an easy and gentle application in that sensitive area plus there’s zero waste from this product. Did I mention a little goes a long way? I’ve had this for a couple of months using it daily and less than a quarter of it is gone.

Fun fact: Neroli oil comes from the flowers on the Seville orange tree. It’s the most expensive citrus essential oil and has been used in beauty routines for centuries.

Also… all products by Pura Botanicals are made in Edmonton! I am always so impressed by the quality of work coming out of this city…. especially this skincare line!

NIGHT TREATMENT

Herbivore Botanicals is also another brand I have been impressed with over the years. I recall stalking their simple yet lovely packaging in their Etsy shop when they first began. All of a sudden they were in Vogue and now they’re internationally recognized. It is so nice seeing a natural indie beauty line reach such widespread success!

With that said, one of their newer launches, Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment ($78) is pretty phenomenal as well. It is comprised of fruit enzymes (Papaya, Lemon, Sugar Cane, Orange, Bilberry, Cranberry and Maple) that help exfoliate and resurface your skin; perfect for the wintertime. It also has kokum and shea butters to moisturize as well. The purpley colour comes from the inclusion of indigo root powder. I use this 2-3 times a week. It gives me a good excuse to give myself a facial massage as the product only really works when the cream is massaged into your skin. Looooove it.

MVP OF SKIN

Finally, I would have to say that Tea Tree oil is an all around skin saviour. It doesn’t exactly belong in moisturzing or cleansing categories. It would have to be in its own category for all around greatness. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil is great for minimizing blackheads, reducing redness, clearing up acne, and preventing ingrown hairs. Ultimately, this is a must have in the medicine cabinet and a staple for any beauty routine.

In conclusion, what would a beauty post be without a flatlay of all the products together? If this were on a shelf it would surely be my #topshelfie list of the moment. The only thing missing is my deepest love, Egyptian Magic, a cream my mom randomly bought me at Costco that I fell in love with and was never able to find in Edmonton again. It also falls under the all natural beauty category. Read about my love of Egyptian Magic in my Dried Out post. Are there any beauty products that get you through winter?

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