Sleep Well: 5 Different Things to Try!

In today's post I'll be going over different items to try out to help aid in you having a better nights rest!



Dr Teals: Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution
Soothe & Sleep
Having a relaxing bath before bed is always nice and this epsom salt & essential oils has great benefits!
- Helps soothe for deeper sleep
- Pure espsom salt: helps to relax & find relief
- Lavender: to soothe your mind and body
Check it out here: https://www.drteals.com/

Sonorest SleepTones
This product helps create a tranquil, soothing, environment to relax & fall asleep.
- Designed to help create a restful environment for people with ringing in the ears.
- 3 distinct sound spectrum (white, pink & brown soothing/relaxing tones)
What I love about this machine is the variety it offers. Within each of the sounds you can adjust the volume & tone to what you like. You can also put it on for 30, 60 or 90 mins. It's very soothing!
Check it out here: https://www.amazon.ca/Sonorest-Sleep-Tones-makers-Lipo-Flavonoid/dp/B01N5UMDKO

Aromatherapy: Pillow Mist (Love: Rose + Vanilla)
With natural essential oils
Rose Oil: Inspires connection & self confidence
Vanilla Absolute: Calming
I love using this before bedtime & I spray a few mists on my pillow and it's such a calming scent of fresh cozy sheets. Bath & Body Works has different scents available depending on your needs. Others I'd recommend is: Sleep(Lavender Vanilla), Sleep(Lavender Cedarwood) & Sleep (Black Chamomile)
Check it out here: https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/s?q=pillow+mist&lang=en_US

Hyland's Calms Forte
These tablets relieve symptoms of stress to help you sleep
- Helps with occasional sleeplessness and restless sleep, nervous irritability

Check it out here: https://www.hylands.ca/products/hylands-calms-fort%C3%A9%C2%AE






My last suggestion is using an eye mask & black out curtains. Sleeping in a dark room is important and here's why:
Pitch black darkness is essential for the body to fall asleep. In absence of light, the brain sends a signal to the body indicating that it is time to rest. When there is a light source present at the wrong time, the body’s circadian rhythm, a biological mechanism that regulates sleep-wake cycles, can be adversely affected, thereby disrupting both the quantity and quality of sleep.
Using both has been very helpful for me to block out the light and help me to sleep better!

Overall I think these are great items to try out! 

Wishing you sweet dreams, 

xo

Disclaimer: PR samples provided, not sponsored. Opinons are my own
Sleep article source: http://www.springair.com/pitch-black-darkness-essential-sleep/

Charlotte Tilbury Make-up on Dark Skin

In my newest YouTube video I test out Charlotte Tilbury Make-up and see if it's WOC (Dark skin) friendly plus I try out other brands to see how they work out for me.

Check out the video by clicking here!

Review: Her Given Hair Curly Extensions (3b-3c)

Curly hair is fun and versatile! However when leaving my hair down it shrinks up a lot and I like that curly extensions can give me added volume and length without damaging it. I have tried out curly clip ins from Her Given Hair and I wanted to share with you my thoughts about this hair! :)

Here's how the hair looks straight out of the package:

This hair feels soft and has a nice texture. The curls are defined and have a medium lustre. I find this curl pattern to be more on the 3c side because it's a tighter curl. In relation to my hair my curls are loose and tight, so it blends best with my tighter curls.

Co-washing:

Before wearing the hair it's recommended to detangle and condition wash the hair. When doing that I experienced moderate shedding (as shown on the left.)

After the initial detangle I experienced very minimal shedding. For styling I added some leave in conditioner and let it air dry.

Here are the results after letting the hair dry. Hair 1 is there for comparison, this is how the hair  came. Hair 2 is the cowashed hair without any product added. As you can see it has more volume but is still defined and very soft. Hair 3 was cowashed and I added a styler for a very defined look. Hair 2 & 3 are both slightly elongated compared to Hair 1, so I would say after washing the hair, it will loosen up very slightly.

Installation:

       

The curl pattern and volume matched my hair very nicely and I really like the results. I used one bundle of clip in extensions and it is 20". To achieve this look I left my hair down and equally clipped the extensions all over.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   This hair is very easy to maintain and I experience minimal tangles and shedding. This hair is versatile and could be styled in many different ways. My favourite way to wear it was down or in a wrap around bun (left picture). Since I wore this hair occasionally for more volume and length I could see this hair lasting me a good amount of time. This hair is great quality and I highly recommend it.                              For more information on these clip in extensions visit: http://www.hergivenhair.com/curly-textured-wefted-hair-p-5/

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

xo

Don't forget to check out Her Given Hair on social media:

Instagram  |  Website  |  Facebook

FTC: I received this hair complimentary from HerGivenHair for testing and review purposes. This is a sponsored post however, all thoughts are my own.

Review: BASIC Hair Care Line

This line is full of great products for any hair type but they are especially great for dry, damaged, natural or coloured hair.

Conditioning Shampoo: My hair felt very soft & healthy after using this.

Celerity Moisturizing Conditioner: This product helped to add extra moisture back to my hair & the scent is very refreshing! This product contains Vitamin E for scalp health & Panthenol: natural conditioner produced by skin.

Both products have these key ingredients:
Coconut Oil for moisture retention & Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein to enhance shine and gloss and protect hair from damage.

Boost Sulfate Free Shampoo: This product is great for colour treated & natural hair because it won't strip your hair.

Boost Rapid Restoration Conditioner: This product is very moisturizing & gives great slip when detangling.

Both products have these key ingredients:
Quinoa Extract- containing essential amino acids for hair strength and extend colour treated hair & Coconut Oil

Leave in Conditioner: This product is great to spray in your hair right after you have washed it. You can use this as a styler if you have straight hair & depending on your curls/hair thickness.
Key ingredients: Meadofoamate Oil to help retain moisture and detangle hair & Orange extract for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Boost Conditioning Treatment Key Ingredients: Quinoa Extract & Hydrolyzed Silk Protein for improved manageability.

These products worked great for me & both have a nice scent!

Carbon Tea Tree Shampoo: This product contains activated charcoal which detoxes & has other benefits. Other essential oils include: tea tree, lemon grass, peppermint & pink grapefruit. This product is also sulfate, paraben & drug FREE! :)

Tea Tree Deep Conditioner: Has moisturizing ingredients such as: mango butter, shea butter & olive oil.

Unfortunately these products didn't work well for me because I found the tea tree oil sensation to be too strong. However I will continue using these products in my hair extensions.

Carbon Tea Tree Pomade: This product is great for styling your hair & adding a light hold. It's creamy and very moisturising (perfect for those Winter months or when your hair is dry)

Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal Baobab oil, tea tree oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil & coconut oil

TIP: If you are sensitive to the sensation of tea tree oil, I'd suggest rubbing this in your palms and distributing this to the ends of your hair. If that sensation doesn't bother you then you can evenly distribute a small amount of this pomade in your hair for some added moisture or for styling.

How BASIC worked for my hair:

My hair was in need of some moisture and it was time to take my flat ironed hair back to it's natural state! Here is what my hair looked like before & then after using the Boost Sulfate Free Shampoo & Boost Rapid Restoration Conditioner: 

For more information about BASIC Hair care products click here 

Have a great day,

xo

Luxe Box: Chalet Chic Winter Edition

Interested to see what's inside my Luxe Box?

Click here to find out! :)

Have a lovely day,

xo

The Body Shop Haul: Wild Argan Oil line & more!

Check out my channel to hear about my latest products from The Body Shop

Click Here to view the video! :)

Have a great day, 

xo

DIY: Halloween Costumes & Nails

Here are four very easy and inexpensive DIY costume ideas! Most of the items I found in my closet or around the house, plus some items can be found at the dollar store.

Butterfly/Fairy:

Hippie/60's:

 Cowgirl:

Fisher-woman:

Nail Art: 

Lastly if you aren't allowed to dress up at work here's a cute & festive idea. You can do all of your nails with this press-on mani or you can do a statement nail and paint the rest of your nails in a solid corresponding colour. Impress manicure nails are extremely easy to use and are sturdy. You can find these nails at Walmart for around $10.99

I hope these last minute DIY ideas were helpful and inspired you to be creative, all the best!!

xo

Unboxing & Giveaway: Fall 2014 Luxe Box

These are the goodies I received in the Fall 2014 Luxe Box 

Phyto- Hair treatment

Vasanti- Face Scrub

So Susan- Blush

LVX- Nail polish "Graphite"

Burt's Bees- Lip gloss

Jelly Pong Pong- Mascara

Loose Button- Contour Brush

For more details about each product, click here to watch my YouTube video

Giveaway Rules:

1. You must have a valid Canadian Mailing address

2. You must be 18+ or have parental consent

3. You must follow Luxe Box & me on Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/luxe_box

http://www.instagram.com/liveloveglam_

4. You must be subscribed to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/liveloveglam

5. In the comment section of my YouTube video, leave a video request & the Instagram name you are following us on 

& You're finished! :)

This contest closes Friday September 5th, 2014 11:59 EST

*Only one entry per person & I will check if the rules were followed*

For a discount on any of the Luxe Box memberships, click this link: https://loosebutton.com/vip/liveloveglam

Connect with me:

♥ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/liveloveglam_

♥ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/liveloveglam_

Have a great day!!

How to: do the Snake Braid

Click Here for the Tutorial

Have a great day,

xo

Caya Coco, Cuba

a beautiful beach in Cuba!

Toiletry Bag Must Haves: for Travelling

Summer is just around the corner and it's a great season to travel, bask in the Sun, and get some R&R time. When going on vacation I always try to pack light and sensible. I also always create a little list of what to bring, so here are some essentials you don't want to forget:

1. Hair Products & Brushes: If you are a curly girl and a product junkie like me this might be a little tricky. You want your hair to look awesome for all those vacation pictures but you cannot bring your entire hair care drawer. I suggest taking a quick visit to the dollar store and pick up some travel sized containers that you can put your must have hair products into.

2. Body Wash & Lotion: These are another essential and you can also put them into mini bottles that will fit into your bag nicely. If you have dry skin or if you're travelling to a cold/dry location you may want to take a normal sized lotion that is very moisturising.

3. Feminine Products: If you're planning on going to the pool or visiting the beach, make sure to have these products. Sometimes your monthly friend can come a few days early or a few days late, but don't let this stop you. There is the misconception that if you're on your period you can't go into a pool, this is false... you can use a tampon and still be able to join in on the fun!

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampon has:

OdorSheild technology designed to neutralize odors and it gives 360° protection.

For more info on Playtex products visit: http://www.playtexplayon.com/

Tips if you get your period while on vacation:

* Drink lots of water and let your body relax

* Do stretches or massage your muscles if they hurt, lay down for a little to rest

* Take painkillers if your cramps are really unbearable

4. Make-up & Brushes: Make sure to pack your essentials as well as make-up remover and a wash cloth.

5. Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Floss: If you want to pack as lightly as possible, check the dollar store for travel size toothpaste 

6. Deodorant & Body Spray: If you don’t want to bring your full size body spray, like I mentioned before if you purchase some travel bottles, sometimes in the pack it will come with a mini spray. This will be perfect for bringing on vacation and it's convenient for on the go.

7. Personal Items: A razor, sanitizer, nail file & clippers

Thanks for visiting my blog! Happy travels and be safe :)

XO

FTC: This is a sponsored post, however all opinions/thoughts are my own.

Spring & Summer Nail Polish Picks

Spring Picks:                              Summer Picks:

OPI: My Very First Knockwurst

NYC: Prospect Park Bloom

L'OREAL: Orange you jealous?

Ardene: Flower Girl

ELF: Bubble gum pink

NYC: C402 

NYC: Brownstone (right)

 Essie: Chinchilly (left)

 OPI: Thanks a Windmillion

Revlon: Minted

 Have a great day!

xo

Upcoming Review: Shea Moisture Products

Shea Moisture is a staple for lots of naturals/curly girls out there, and I'm thrilled to get to try these out :)

Stay tuned to my youtube channel liveloveGlam for a review on these lovely products!

Have a great week,

xo

Sally Hansen #CSMTKO

When it was Valentines day, I wanted to be festive and I knew exactly what colour I wanted to paint my nails. The colour I decided to wear was "Red My Lips" and it was the perfect shade for this day!

What I love most is that this colour is very brilliant and it lasted very nicely. It barely chipped, my nails just grew out so it was time for me to re-paint them after 7 days. I was very pleased with the durability of this polish because I am always using my hands(for work, around the house, doing the dishes.. etc) and it withstood very nicely! For the first picture, I painted my nails on February 13th and took the picture on the 14th. As you can see by the 22nd, it was time for me to re-do my nails, but they are still in great condition. My nails have naturally grown out, but the polish itself has lasted!

This is a great line that will give you long lasting wear, definitely give it a try.. it's a complete knock out!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

xo

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Review: Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser

I have been using these products from the Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser line and my hair is looking great. With curly & colour treated hair my hair can get really dry, so when I received these products I was very excited to try them out. When I first received the "L'Oreal Mystery Products" from looking at the card in the box that is how I made my guess. Since it had the classic fresh green colour in the front font I knew it had to be Garnier.. and I was right! I was not surprised when the brand was revealed, my only surprise is that we received a product that we didn't get a sample of.. I'm very thankful for that!

I was hoping that the shampoo was sulfate-free because I need to retain as much moisture & natural oils as possible. To my surprise even though it wasn't.. my hair didn't feel extremely stripped & after using the conditioner my hair felt very soft & moisturised.

I love that the Strength Reconstructing Butter is so thick & moisturising. Winter weather can be harsh on your hair, so this came at the perfect time! It's a great match for my hair because it left my hair feeling soft & healthy(plus it smells amazing!!)

I have been using the Split End Bandage in my hair, but I have been focusing using it more on my bangs. This area of my hair I use a straightener and I’ll occasionally see split ends. I now make sure to only use 300°F or lower, plus I always make sure to use a heat protectant. I cannot say that I have noticed a difference using this product yet... but it would be amazing if it really does help to prevent split ends!

TIP: for you curlies out there who layer products, if you have this serum make sure it mixes well first with your leave in conditioner. I used the serum & then applied my leave in conditioner and ended up having chunky residue in my hair. So I suggest if you layer products to test it out first in your hand and continue to apply it to your hair if it mixes well but if it doesn't... apply your styling products first and then the next day when everything is dry/settled in your hair, apply the serum by itself (or vice-versa.)

This curly girl is enjoying using this line a lot :)

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely day!

xo

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster in the #damageraser #fructis VoxBox

Mystery Brand First Impressions

My curls are popping & my hair smells amazing! So far I am loving these products from L'Oreal that I received in the #MysteryBrand voxbox from Influenster. To watch my YouTube video: click here 

Shampoo: Smells amazing! I was hoping it was sulfate-free.. but from the way it lathered I'm guessing it wasn't. However, after using it my hair did not my feel stripped at all which was a major plus. 

Conditioner: It made my hair feel soft and moisturized.

Spit-end Serum: I liked that it was very light weight and not sticky. 

After going to a skincare launch for this brand a few months ago.. I'm 99.9% sure I know what the brand is..

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Xo

 FTC: I received these products complementary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Sally Hansen Total Knock Out Review #CSMTKO

When I received my Sally Hansen Total Knock Out VoxBox I was very excited! 

All the colours were shades that I would personally wear & I was eager to test them out.

"Jaded": This is such a pretty shade, perfect for Spring or Summer. However, be aware this colour is translucent. 
When looking at the bottle I thought one or two coats would be fine... but if you want a brilliant, opaque look you will 
need a few coats. That was my only disappointment.

"Pat on the Black": This is the ideal Fall or Winter shade. It's vampy & would look beautiful on all skin tones.

"Red My Lips": This is the perfect primary red. It's very vibrant and is the perfect pop of colour to any outfit!

I have been wearing "Pat on the Black" lately and this is an awesome polish. The application was amazing because the brush is slightly wider/bigger then your average brush. So it covered more of my nails while applying which made the process easy. Also what I really liked is that the consistency & formula was very smooth, not too runny and not too thick... it was just right :)

All the benefits:

1. Base Coat     2. Strengthening Treatment     3. Nail Growth Treatment     4. Nail Polish

5. Shiny Top Coat     6. Chip-Resistant Treatment     7. High Gloss Gel Shine 

I would definitely recommend these polishes; just make sure to really look at the bottle before purchasing it because if you can’t see through the nail polish it will most likely be opaque. However if it looks like the light is softly going through it and the consistency doesn't look too vibrant it may be translucent. It all depends on the look you are going for.. but just keep that in mind.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Xo

FTC: I received these products complementary from Influenster for testing purposes.