Friday 26 December 2014

Short Break

Today is the day that some of you may be braving the malls, while those who are smarter are braving the online stores in your pajamas. God speed and may the deals be ever in your favor.

Just a quick note that the blog is taking a short break and will be back in a couple of days. 

- Jenn

Thursday 25 December 2014

The Christmas Tag (w/ David!)


In this video:
- You meet David.
- We talk about Christmas.

Questions:

What is your favorite Christmas film?
Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Where do you usually spend your holidays
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
Can you name all of santa’s reindeers?
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to the most?
Is your tree real or fake?
What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?
Be honest: do you like giving or receiving gifts?
What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably?
Most memorable holiday moment.
What made you realize the truth about Santa?
Any new years resolutions?
What makes the holidays special for you?

But more importantly, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I hope you're spending it with your loved ones and not watching this video.

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Body Shop Purchases

*Press Sample

Although I recieved a nice package from The Body Shop, I couldn't help myself and made a couple of purchase from their holiday line. The majority of them are at my mom's but I did bring the Glazed Apple Butter*, Frosted Cranberry Bath Jelly and Glazed Apple Shower Gel to enjoy at David's

Monday 22 December 2014

Asia Haul


In this video:
- I tell you more than one funny story about my mom.
- My mom buys me an inappropriate object.
- I talk about all the new things I got from Asia without actually going there. 

Sunday 21 December 2014

Briefly On Hair

Before
Last tuesday I finally set my world rightside up again after a visit to Chura in Vancouver. As each day passed since my last hairdressing, my patience for my growing locks dwindled and I increasingly became disgusted with the shag of shapeless near-black head grass developing on the top of my scalp.

Saturday 20 December 2014

Eats: Donburiya


There is no shortage of places to eat in Vancouver and the West End is an easy place to get lost in when it comes to food options. I always pass by Donburiya (1329 Robson Street) whenever I walk from David's to meet someone downtown. I finally popped in with Terri after much curiosity.

Friday 19 December 2014

In the Moment #20: Visiting Dermalogica in Vancouver


I was serendipitously invited to visit the Vancouver location of The International Dermal Institute, creators of Dermalogica, for a treatment last Tuesday. I'm already a huge fan of Dermalogica's aesthetic and ethic and this was a treat for sure.

Thursday 18 December 2014

Empties #5


In this video:
- I finally recycle.
- I mention the following:
The Body Shop Coconut Cream Body Scrub
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
Bliss Fabulously Foaming Face Wash
Philosophy's Purity Face Wash
Glysomed Hand Cream
Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blosso Super Hydrating Hand Cream
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
NARS Smudgeproof Eye-shadow Base
Prevage Anti-Aging Neck and Decolte Firm and Repair Cream
Artifact Glacial Coast Detox Mask
Blistex Lip Medix
Fresh Lip Treatment
and
I briefly mention that I finished 4 packs of facewipes, 10 face masks, and some Nivea In-Shower Body Milk satchets

Phew!

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Blind Recommendations: Bite High Pigment Pencils

bite high pigment pencil set pomegranate rhubarb sable winterberry swatch review

Revealing that you blog about beauty can sometimes means you're suddenly endowed with knowledge about the exact specific beauty question your audience has. Sorry, doesn't work that way and I often don't know the answer but I will help you shop it out. A quick walk 'round Sephora with a work colleague looking for some good lip options offered the Bite High Pigment Pencil lip set ($30, 4x1.48g) as a suggestion.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Buying on Price: Benefit Blushes

Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O'Blushes review swatch

There are some things that I buy purely on price. I don't care how it works (as long as it works reasonably well), just that I have it. These things include socks, toothbrushes, hairdryers, shampoo, soap and condiments. Sometimes yogurt. Never coats or jackets. And I'm always more than pleased with a deal.

This mentality can extend to makeup purchases and spending $43CDN for the entire Benefit blush line and my favorite highlighter (Watt's Up!) made perfect monetary sense to me. One individual boxed blush is $36. I just got 6+highligher for $6.14 each. I'm not going to lie but that was the sole reason for this purchase.

Monday 15 December 2014

Gifts Sephora Under $25*

*Press Sample


The truth of life is that sometimes you will be in a gift giving situation where you don't particularly want to spend a lot and you don't particularly want to think about it too much. Come Xmas time there is that awkward Xmas moment where picking up something good but inexpensive will be necessary be it for a daughter of a friend, or an office exchange. If these goods need to be beauty related, then Sephora has more than a few under $25 items options.


Sunday 14 December 2014

Current Favorite Pairing: YSL Glossy Stain 109 and WetnWild Pearlescent Pink


I'm pretty scattered and inconsistent with my makeup use. More likely than now I will use different color products every day, rather than the certain items repeatedly. But sometimes a pairing will make me pause and go "Oh yea...we need to do this again." The last time I was this enamoured with a lip/blush pairing was about a year ago when I discovered the perfect berry pair but now I have found a great peach-pink-goldy option.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Free Associating with Demeter Holiday 2014 Collector's Edition*

*Press Sample
Demeter Holiday 2014 Collector's Edition christmas tree fireplace log cabin review

Demeter somehow capsules single scents in the most authentic way. Pick up Christmas Tree, wham, pine needles and presents. Pick up, Log Cabin, boom, suddenly you're back at Summer Camp. Pick up Fireplace, kapow, sooty, smokey firesides. A+ to their Chemists, A+.

Friday 12 December 2014

Annabelle Limited Edition Metallic Twistup Lip Crayons*

*Press sample

annabelle metallic twistup crayons swatch review

I think we've all safely noticed the resurgence of the 90's lip. The metallic lip options that are coming out might be nod and modernization to the frosted 90's look and though I still haven't gotten jiggy with it (points if you're old enough to understand that reference), I am down for some metallic. Annabelle has made it easy this season with their Twistups now in holiday-party-ready metallics.

Thursday 11 December 2014

Miracle10 Skincare and My First Facial Peel

miracle10 skincare and peel review cleanser I toner aha cream light serum spf 30 face lotion ingredients

During the Miracle10 event I attended in November, we were asked to take their 10 Day Challenge. After a facial peel (yea...read about that... lol) and use of their skincare line, Miracle10 promises noticeable smoothness and clarity in 10 hours, improved discoloration and dullness in 10 days, and diminished wrinkles and pore size in 10 weeks.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Jenn does Jen's Face


In the first part of the Jenn and Jen collab, we made you play "Jenn or Jen?" In this second portion, we though it would be fun to do our makeup on the other's face. So Jen's going to look like me, and on her blog, I'm going to look like Jen. It also gave me a chance to put makeup on someone else for the first time which is surprisingly harder than you think.

If you want to see Jen put her makeup on me, click on over!

In this video:
- You see us without makeup.
- I skip over the 5 mins it took to do Jen's eyebrows.
- I laugh a lot at my own ineptitude and may have insulted Jen at least three times.
- You learn how I do my make up.

Answers to "Jenn or Jen Round One" (highlight to reveal)
Bag Contents: Jen M, Jenn F
Eyeshadow: Jenn F, Jen M

Tuesday 9 December 2014

Let's Play, Jenn or Jen Round One?


Ivory Avenue's "Sisters" post gave me a cute collab idea. I liked the idea of trying to guess whose stuff was whose and what's more confusing than pairing up with another Jen in order to do it. SO!!! Let's play a game!

Monday 8 December 2014

Worth Reblogging: Annabelle Stay Sharp Waterproof Crayons*

*Press Sample

Annabelle Stay Sharp Waterproof liners java go black cappucino glam red review swatch

I've already introduced the Annabelle Stay Sharp products but these are really worth another mention. For whatever reason, the Annabelle Stay Sharp liners have worked their way into my daily routine. I've been using the black and brown liner everyday and the lip liners have near converted me to being a lip liner girl. I half suspect the same laziness that keeps me from collecting my laundry from the dryer and from washing my brushes is contributing to my enthusiasm.

Sunday 7 December 2014

Westcoast Winter Memories ft. Demeter's Fraser Fir*

*Press Sample

Winter time in the Westcoast is the time to hit the slopes and to hit them hard. Nothing quite like zooming down Whistler/Blackcomb while strapped on to some metal, with the crazy pigtails on your toque (yes...I did wear these, in all black) flapping in the wind,  zipping past neon-ed tourists and scouting out all the Australian ski instructors...as rain pours down on you.

Saturday 6 December 2014

In the Moment #19: Unilever 2015 Preview

Unilever 2015 Preview

Usually shiny new color products get me more excited than the stuff I need and use everyday. Shampoo, body lotion....toothpaste, that's just so pedestrian. But Unilever is capitalizing on the fact with their new "People are Beautiful" focus for their brands. The mundane, the everyday, the every one, is unique, interesting and beautiful.

Friday 5 December 2014

Maybelline The Nudes Palette Review

Maybelline The Nudes Palette Review

Maybelline has come up with their drugstore answer to an everyday nude palettes with The Nudes Palette. I bought this for $15 at Rexall just out of pure curiosity to see how well Maybelline succeeded in creating an affordable, multifunctional eyeshadow palette.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Annabelle Giveaway!


This year has been an amazing journey where for the first time, companies have reached out to me and my blog. Having been able to attend an Annabelle event and rediscoving Annabelle has made Canadian drugstore options that much more appealing, to share some love and appreciation, here's a chance to win a prize pack of Annabelle items!

There are a bunch of eyeliners in various formulas, a blue mascara (!) and a couple of Twist Ups as well.

This is opened internationally and will run until December 18th, 2014

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Estee Lauder Daywear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream SPF35*

*Press Sample
Estee Lauder Daywear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream SPF35 review

The Estee Lauder Daywear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream SPF35 ($40, 30ml, longest name ever) is supposed to protect, perfect, tint and moisturize the skin. It's formulated to help control excess surface oil and to offer hydration while providing anti-oxidant protection.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Sephora Brush Sets*

*Press Sample

sephora touch and gold travel brush set all a glow brush set gold star skinny brush set review

Again, if you're on the lookout for some brush sets, you always know that Sephora is going to have a couple of options. Specialized brush sets like the All a Glow set are great for those looking to fill in brush gaps while focusing on specific tasks and tiny traveller sets like the Touch and Gold set might be good for minimalistic jetsetters. And of course, a generalized set like the Gold Star Skinny set is great for beginners looking to build up their collection.

Monday 1 December 2014

Clarins HydraQuench Cream*

*Press Sample

clarins hydraquench cream review

Has the winter really descended on us already? Are we in a Polar Vortex yet? Lay aside fairytale visions of glistening snow in romantic windswept wintery scenes and clue into the realities of awful commute times, masking as a jeong (gluttinous rice dumpling) with your parka and tackling your drying skin. I've been saving the Clarins HydraQuench Cream specifically for this weather.

Sunday 30 November 2014

Necessary Blogging Tools

*Press Sample


You may or may not realize but beauty blogging comes with its own set of necessary tools. One solid day of swatch and product photos can't be done without some makeup removers on hand. For removing face makeup, I rely heavily on makeup wipes but for repeated arm swatching, the Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution* has been a boon.

Saturday 29 November 2014

Friday 28 November 2014

Guest Post: Megan's Avon Stardust Nail Enamel

First off I am so excited to be guest posting on A Beautiful Zen! Jenn is one of my favourite bloggers, she has great posts that always make me laugh. Her sense of humour is amazing, though if you are reading her blog right now it means you probably already know that :) Thanks for having me Jenn! This months theme is Silver and Blue in honour of the winter snowflakes that start to fall this time of year. When I found out the theme I knew exactly what to do! I have been dying to try out this new Avon Stardust Nail Enamel in Jewel Blue. And wouldn't you know it - it just so happens to be both silver and blue!
  Avon Stardust Nail Enamel-1

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Wet N Wild Giveaway!


It took me forever to take this photo but I'm finally putting up my Wet n Wild giveaway. Many commented in previous Wet n Wild posts that they would love to try the products. Since the last contest was for Canada only and this brand is hard to find in some countries, I've pulled together some products and will be giving away two prize packs with a random selection of Wet N Wild products.

This is opened internationally until Dec 10th, 2014. There will be two winners.

Last Day to Vote for Made in Blog Awards

Hey guys,
I hope you don't mind but this is my last push to get some votes in for the Made in Blog Awards! Its the last day, and I'd appreciate the support :)



- Jenn

Tuesday 25 November 2014

In the Moment #17: IMATS Toronto 2014 and Haul

Alright, Its annual IMATS time. See my "Game Plan" post here for tips and general hilarity.


This last weekend was IMATS. Click on the above link for explanations etc. This year, I though I would take it easy. There wasn't much I wanted and I thought I would cruise in around 10am with my press pass and just skip the whole MUFE, MAC madness. I was wrong.


Monday 24 November 2014

Surviving Spark Sessions ft. Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer



Spark Sessions, a room full of fashion and beauty bloggers,  room full of curated tastes and aesthetic analyzers. Show me a fashion/beauty conference, and I'll show you true fear.

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer reviews

I knew that when I step through that entrance, lock-on-target, cross-haired, fashion blogger's eyes would hone in on my outfit with fashion police beacons at the ready. I may be a lowly beauty blogger but damn it, I was going to rise to the challenge. I was going to wow the frickin' crowd. I was going to be the Queen of the Parade while acting cool as a cucumber ("I woke up like this") and with flippin' grace that's...if my face would stay on.

Sunday 23 November 2014

Multi-Masking


I am my own spa specialist, at home mask apothecarist and do-it-yourself skin fixer-upper. Since I can't spend my non-existent $$$s on pros to skin map my face every week, I will try and solve my skin issues solo by mapping out my facial in a process of multiple maskings. I bespoke skincare, people. I am the McGyver of at home facials.

Saturday 22 November 2014

My "I Have Too Many Things" Post


Find any beauty blogger and I will find you her/his "I have too many things" post (its almost as mandatory as the "why I blog" post). This, formally, will be mine.

Friday 21 November 2014

Hello Kitty An Apple a Day Trio Balm Set*

*Press Sample

Hello Kitty An Apple a Day Trio Balm Set review swatch

Fine. I will admit that these are cute.  My hardened basic-bitch heart has thawed slightly for these plastic apple shaped, stamped on, Hello-Kitty-faced lip balms. The An Apple a Day Trio Balm Set almost wins my heart over.

Thursday 20 November 2014

Hello Kitty's Kind of Party ft. the Hello Kitty Pop-Up Party Eyeshadow Palette*

*Press Sample

Hello Kitty Pop-Up Party Eyeshadow Palette* swatches and review

 The Hello Kitty Pop-Up Party Eyeshadow Palette* prompted me to consider the type of party Hello Kitty would have. At the very least, those attending would be party ready with these shades where nothing is too dark and nothing too smokey. Hello Kitty is a young impressionable youth and we can't have the usual b*tches, h*es, and foam jets at her shindig, so leave those back-room snogging eyes for next week at the club, ladies.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Would you accessorize with Hello Kitty (Milk Money Makeup Bag and Ruby Compact Mirror)*?

*Press Sample

Sephora Hello Kitty Milk Money Makeup Bag and Ruby Compact MIrror review

I have a friend, who would have loved these accessories. I can image her using them and loving their aesthetic and just cherishing the youthful cute-ness that are embodied in this Milk Money Makeup Bag and Ruby Compact Mirror. However, this is not exactly my aesthetic, so I can't say I relate. 


Sunday 16 November 2014

On Hello Kitty


Currently, as the world is filled with amazing amounts of trivial pieces of knowledge, there are probably two things you need to know about Hello Kitty. 1) She is not a cat. She is a girl (I am still not convinced). 2) She is not really a girl (but not actually a cat) since she is 40 years old (but apparently ageless, and perpetually in third grade).

Saturday 15 November 2014

The Body Shop Holiday Sets*


In this video:
- I am practically an ad for The Body Shop.
- I wear inappropriately smokey eye make up to discuss skincare.
- I get tongue tied more than once.

Eyeing any of The Body Shop sets?

Friday 14 November 2014

Dermalogica Powerbright Treatment Kit Review*

*Press Sample

Dermalogica Powerbright Treatment Kit Review

My never ending skin crusade is to rid myself of the dark spots, acne scars and weird pigmentation blobs that are on my face. If it hasn't been apparent, I'm always interesting in new skin brightening products. The Dermalogical PowerBright TRx Treatment Kit ($50 CDN, each bottle is 10ml) which features a serum, day cream with SPF and a night cream for evening skintone, and offsetting hyperpigmentation.

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Thoughts While Watching S1. Arrow


Leave it to Netflix to enable binge watching. After successfully making it through an increasingly tiredsome K-drama, I turned my hours towards Arrow. I might have finished the first season in four days.  *three in the morning* "just one..more...episode..." and if you cared at all, here is a small tally of thoughts I had during the show. 

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Another Stuffer Options ft. Sephora Endless Kisses: Lip Pencil Set*

*Press Sample

Sephora Endless Kisses: Lip Pencil Set review and swatches

Following up from my post about Christmas ignorance and to give you another stocking stuffer option, here is the Sephora Endless Kisses Lip Pencil Set ($35CDN). I'm a fan of lip color more than lip glosses and so I was a bit more excited about this set when I got it in the mail.

Monday 10 November 2014

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks*

*Press Sample

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks review daringly nude siren in scarlet

Since I've proven what an exceptionally faulty crystal ball I am, I don't often mention or forecast trends. But even I, clueless of beauty junkies, walker into walls and noobiest of nails, have noted a slight resurgence in the love of matte and now Maybelline has put their hat in the game with their Creamy Matte Lipsticks.

Saturday 8 November 2014

Stocking Stuffer Confusion ft Sephora Endless Kisses: Lip Gloss Set*

*Press Sample

Sephora Endless Kisses: Lip Gloss Set review and swatch

Guys...it's almost Christmas? Is 32 days an appropriate time to say its "almost Christmas?" With Halloween decorations coming out sooner and sooner before Oct 31, I feel like Christmas planning can almost start right on Nov 1st nowadays.

Maybe you can blame it on my immigrant parent/family background but stockings and stocking stuffers weren't adopted by my family around the holidays (I also didn't understand Christmas crackers for a very long time until I bought a box to figure out what those things actually did). When I think stockings, I think old ladies. Or (a complete 360) sexy thigh highs, but that's an aside. I didn't understand the concept of getting 'extras' aside from your christmas present but for those of you who make this a practice, there are a few Sephora sets that make economical stuffing options ie. the Sephora Endless Kisses: Lip Gloss Set* ($35CDN).

Friday 7 November 2014

Rethinking the Wet n Wild Trios* (Spoiled Brat, I'm Getting Sunburned, Silent Treatment)

*Press Samples

Wet n Wild Trios (Spoiled Brat, I'm Getting Sunburned, Silent Treatment) swatches and looks

After feeling sort of meh about Walking on Eggshells, I didn't explored the Wet n Wild trios further. I know they're all pretty good but I already had more than a few shadows in my stash so nothing screamed "Take me home".  But then I cracked open and swatched Silent Treatment and Vanessa can attest that I said "WOAH" outloud. Then it was sdownhill from there and a swatchfest began with the rest of the trios Wet n Wild sent to me last month. I have no resolve!!!

Thursday 6 November 2014

Clown Cheek Brush Options

*Press sample
Argent Makeup Brush no.101 review

A domed dense brush has become my go-to for cream blush application. They dip into the pan easily, pick up color well, and help me achieve an bright but still publicly appropriate clown cheek to whatever degree of public indecisency I want. Nothing quite like frightening the kiddies and yourself with those massive pink rounds...

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Picks from Mary Kay's Holiday Releases*

*Press samples

Alright, another round of Mary Kay* release for this winter and the upcoming holiday season. Here are my picks for what's worth getting with a few surprises.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Colorred Eyebrows?



I've seen images of fun colored eyebrows before. The look is daring, alternative and NSFW. At the Inglot preview, an artist was coloring in a model's brows in true red and I was struck but how awesome it looked! I wanted to try and so I picked a dark teal to, not-so deftly, try my hands at coloring in my brows using a spoolie. Results as above.

The effect was...completely amateur and after a "uh, let's...get you touched up" remark from one of the SA's, I offered up my brows as tribute and had a proper lesson in how to do it right. Results as below.


Sunday 2 November 2014

5 Things

Sometimes I have a couple things on my mind I want to share but no real place to put it. So here are a few things cluttering up my brain lately.

1) This clever makeup Tutorial inspired by the Jian Ghomeshi story. So brilliant!




Saturday 1 November 2014

Made in Blog Awards

Hey guys,

Just a heads up that voting for the Made in Blog Awards has started and is on till Nov 26th.  

I understand. I understand. There are so many more deserving blogs out there that constantly BRING IT with side splitting humour, on point social commentary,  the promise of unicorns and images of food.  Everyone loves food and I can always lure you with food if you'd like...in fact, I would Oprah food to all of you if I could, but that would require even more Harry Potter magic than I currently possess. I'm not above bribery but I also don't believe in empty promises. 

Even contemplating that I'm the best beauty blog in Canada emits a good "BWAHAHAHAHAH!" (a surprisingly accurate portrayal of how I laugh) from my lips but I had the most amazing show of support last year with something like 5 votes. HUZZAH! That was four more than I expected since I'm also not above voting for myself just to get the ball rolling. 

Let's try and scale some new heights and see how I get on this year. 
If you'd like, you can vote for me, by clicking the button below. I'm not going to lie that I wouldn't appreciate it.

For the Beauty category: 

Hope your weekends are awesome.

Jenn

Friday 31 October 2014

B.Balenciaga Perfume*

*Press Sample

B.Balenciaga perfume review

The B. Balenciaga* tester bottle is joining my little entourage of mini perfume samples. Have I been just crazy about Alexander Wang lately or what (after my recent bag purchase), because I immediately loved this green perfume. You can read this interview he did with Vogue about his work for Balenciaga while I sit here and dab some more on.


Thursday 30 October 2014

Some Other Things from Amie*

*Press Sample

amie skincare morning clear purifying facial wash new bloom gentle facial cleansing wipes review

This is a quick little post on two more Amie products. I've already reviewed some Amie products here.  The Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash* and the New Bloom Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes* are rounding out my skincare experience with Amie.


Tuesday 28 October 2014

Doing Good - On Food Poverty


1 in 8 people do not have enough food to live a healthy life.

If you know me, you'll know that food policy is something I'm interested in. I'm not an expert but the ways in which people access food, the food choices they make and the food choices that are available to them are things I find important.

Monday 27 October 2014

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick Swatches* Pt 2 (Cherry Picking, 24 Carrot God, Spiked with Rum, Think Pink, Don't Blink Pink)

*Press Samples
Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick Swatches Cherry Picking, 24 Carrot God, Spiked with Rum, Think Pink, Don't Blink Pink

Again, just for your purchasing peace of mind, here are five more lip swatches of the Wet N Wild Megalast Lipsticks. In general the pigmentation of these are amazing! You can see part 1 here.

Sunday 26 October 2014

Wet N Wild Lipstick Swatches* Pt 1 (Pink Suga, Stoplight Red, Pinkerbell, Vamp It Up, Wine Room)

*Press Samples
Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick Swatches (Pink Suga, Stoplight Red, Pinkerbell, Vamp It Up, Wine Room)

Purely for your purchasing sound of mind, here are a swatches of some Wet N Wild Megalast lipstick colors with full face photos! I'm starting to think full face lip swatches are the best kind since it puts the color in better context. But the photos take up so much room! THOUGHTS?!