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I’ve been getting into affordable eyeshadow palettes this year so when I saw the Elf Rose Gold Sunset palette while browsing and doing a little online shopping on Orabel Inc I knew I had to pick it up. While I wear a variety of shades of eye shadow, I do have a soft spot for warm tones. I’ve been wearing this palette and travelling with it so I’m ready to share my thoughts on this very easy to use and afforable palette.
The first thing that drew me to the Elf Rose Gold Sunset Palette, aside from the $15 CAD price tag, was the colour selection. While it does lean warm, there is a nice variety of shades included which makes it fairly versatile. I’ve created both soft and neutral looks with it, as well as some warmer and bolder looks. You really don’t need any supplemental palettes which makes it great for travel.
The eyeshadows are quite soft, however I think that makes them super easy to use. The mattes blend out effortlessly and can easily be built up if you’re looking to add more drama. It also makes it a very fuss-free palette for rushed mornings and travel. While the shimmers look fairly light swatched, they pack on more pigment when applied with a flat brush (I use the MAC 242).
The first look I’m sharing is a rather quick and neutral “every day” look. The eyeshadows are unfortunately not named (eyeshadow palette pet peeve!) but I used the third and forth shades in the crease and under my eye. On the lid I have the first two shades with the forth in the outer-v area.
The second look is a bit spicier – I used the forth shade and the last shade in the crease and under my eye. On the lid I have the sixth and seventh shades with the last shade in the outer-v to add some depth.
Overall, I really enjoy the Elf Rose Gold Sunset Palette. It leans on the softer side but I think that makes it very user friendly and great to effortlessly slap on the eyes when you’re in a rush. It’s definitely become my go-to for rushed work mornings. Better yet, it costs a whole $15 CAD so it is very afforable. I picked mine up at Orabel Inc, who I notice also carries a cooler toned version (the original Rose Gold Palette) which I’m tempted to pick up next!
xoxo,
Robyn
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Introduction:
an inevitable part of life for many, are often surrounded by misconceptions. In this article, we delve deep into the world of Stretch Marks, providing insights, solutions, and a holistic understanding of this common skin concern.
The Unwanted Imprints on the Canvas of Skin
Understanding the and exploring the layers of the skin and the intricate factors that contribute to their formation. We delve into the physiology of stretch marks, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your skin health.
Causes: Beyond Pregnancy While commonly associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can affect anyone. Explore the diverse triggers, including rapid growth, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes. Understanding the root causes is the first step towards effective prevention and treatment.
Strategies for Prevention and Treatment
A Proactive Approach Embark on a journey of prevention, discovering lifestyle changes and skincare practices that can mitigate the risk of developing stretch marks. Practical tips and expert advice empower you to take charge of your skin’s well-being.
Effective Treatments those already grappling with stretch marks, fear not. Uncover the most effective treatments, from topical creams to advanced procedures. Our in-depth exploration equips you with the knowledge to choose the right solution for your unique skin needs.
Natural Remedies: Harnessing the Power of Nature Nature has its solutions. Explore natural remedies that can fade stretch marks, harnessing the potency of ingredients readily available in your kitchen. Discover the magic of Mother Nature in revitalizing your skin.
FAQs Your Burning Questions Answered
Are They Permanent? may seem permanent, but there’s hope. Learn about effective treatments that can significantly reduce their visibility, giving you the confidence to flaunt your skin.
Can Stretch Marks be Prevented during Pregnancy? Expecting mothers, rejoice! Find practical tips to prevent and minimize the marks during pregnancy, ensuring a smoother journey to motherhood.
Do Creams Actually Work? Separate fact from fiction. We dissect the efficacy of creams, providing insights into ingredients that genuinely make a difference.
Is Laser Therapy Safe? Explore the safety and effectiveness of laser therapy in bid adieu to the marks. Our detailed analysis helps you make an informed decision about this advanced treatment.
Are They Genetic? Genetics plays a role, but it’s not the sole determinant. Uncover the intricate interplay between genetics and lifestyle factors.
Can Men Have? are not exclusive to women. Men can also experience these skin imprints. Understand the causes and solutions tailored to the male perspective.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding is key to addressing them effectively. Armed with knowledge about prevention, treatments, and self-acceptance, you can navigate the journey towards healthier, more resilient skin.
I just came back from a quick trip to upstate New York with my husband and we had the best time. I wanted to share a full review of the trip and if I’d recommend it (spoiler: I totally would).
Planning
It took awhile for us to decide that this is the trip we wanted to do. When I was researching I looked long and hard for really any and all options. I knew I wanted to do a fairly close trip (i.e didn’t want to go overseas) but otherwise I was totally open to going really anywhere. My overall vibes I was thinking was like coastal relaxing beach house. I had the hardest time trying to find a place. I looked at resorts, hotels, airbnbs and vrbos. I was flexible between the US and Canada (originally was looking for the east coast of Canada but couldn’t find anywhere that would really match what I was looking for/ was available).
I ended up tightening my search to somewhere we could drive to so we could save a bit of money on flights (why is flying in Canada so expensive!?). After back and forth on a couple of options (near Ottawa? Muskoka? Collingwood?), we landed on Aurora, NY and specifically the Inns of Aurora.
I’ll mention here, in terms of price this not a cheap accommodation. My rationale was that we’d be saving by not taking a flight and only staying 2 nights.
Accommodation
The little town of Aurora New York is mostly made up of the Inns of Aurora with some locals/ residences on the lake. It is in the region of the Finger Lakes (yes, of The Office fame haha) specifically on Cayuga Lake. The Finger Lakes were created by the movement of glaciers which gives the lakes that unique look.
The Inns of Aurora is made up of a few different ‘houses’ you can stay at. I booked decently last minute and the only one available at this time was the Zabriskie House. We were extremely pleased with the house and honestly would stay at this exact house again, We liked that it was a bit set back from the main st/ inn which I feel added a tad more seclusion. This to say the town is EXTREMELY quiet so I don’t think there would be much of an issue with noise, but in terms of parking and just foot traffic, Zabriskie is set back just slightly (literally a 2 minute walk from the restaurants and main building).
The inside of the house is grand without being too stuffy. It definitely fits the bill for my ‘coastal vibes’ request. The main areas have lots of sitting room with tables and a full bathroom. Zabriskie has an elevator but since this is set up as an inn, the stairs were very accessible and what we used most of our stay.
Honestly the accommodations were exactly what I was expecting and wanted. It was extremely quiet and had a relaxing aura all over. The Inns of Aurora is adults only and I did appreciate that all guests were probably looking for the same thing. Due to the price point and overall vibes this definitely attracted an older crowd (we did see a few people that were in our age range though).
The room itself was quaint, clean, and definitely had enough space for our needs. The majority of the rooms in all houses are only two person rooms with very few having the ability for three. Zabriskie was renovated in 2019 and it really doesn’t show much wear at all. The bathroom was very spacious with heated floors which was a nice touch. The only very minor item that we noticed was the bed wasn’t to our taste and had a bit of a creak. This to say it was not nearly been the worst bed I’ve been on in a hotel, but something both my husband and I mentioned to each other!
Activities
One key thing I was looking for was a place with resort-style activities and the Inns of Aurora delivered. The main draw is the spa. As much as I love the spas, there were so many other things we wanted to do and it was a bit pricey. I didn’t want to risk insurance not paying for it (since in the states), so we decided to skip.
Otherwise we made use out of the free kayak rentals that are available right at the lakefront. It’s first come first serve, they include life jackets and they also have canoes and stand up paddle boards for rent. This was definitely a highlight and we did this early in the morning as the weather was supposed to be bad in the afternoon.
The activities calendar had lots to do, but something that wasn’t mentioned much in my research was the free craft kits. They had a watercolour kit which I happily checked out and spent an afternoon with!
There were also a few nice amenities the inn offered, one of them being s’mores kits! Each evening, each inn has a fire pit which the staff light each night. Inside your house they set out a little s’mores kit and marshmallow roasting sticks. We made use of them the first night. The bugs were biting so we didn’t stay out long, but just something really cute and fun to do.
Food
Speaking of food, I thought I’d do a quick overview of this! This is not an all inclusive so the food was not included. They did provide homemade granola bars that could be picked up in the morning which was a nice touch. It was more of a ‘baked’ bar style which was nice to have in the morning.
Otherwise on property there were two restaurants, Fargo which is more of a bar style with casual eats and 1833 which was much more formal. We did dinner both nights we were there at Fargo and we did brunch at 1833.
Both were quite good. I enjoyed the variety of the food at both locations. With the town being small, these are really the only places to eat. If you were staying for more than a couple of days I could see you wanting some variety, but Ithaca is only a 30 min drive away.
Things to Do
We definitely didn’t just stay at the inns, and also went on a few hikes. The day we drove in, we did Watkins Glen State Park. Honestly this was a huge highlight. The park was spectacular. The rock cut outs and all the waterfalls were just a sight to behold.
We also went to Buttermilk Falls State park this. Was honestly one of the most challenging hikes we had done. There was a significant portion at a steep incline for a long portion of the trail. The scenery wasn’t as overtly spectacular as Watkins Glen, but still so nice to walk through (and got a very good workout haha).
In Conclusion
All in all we had a really wonderful time. It’s been awhile since we did a roadtrip to stay over night, so this was a great change of pace. We had an excellent time at the Inns of Aurora. I’d definitely look into it again for the fall when all the leaves would be changing!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
*Purchased
Bubble masks are not new. They have been around in the K Beauty scene for years. However, 7th Heaven has the first cruelty free bubble masks I have seen. There are two to pick from Pink Oxygen and Charcoal. In Canada, you can pick up the 7th Heaven Pink Oxygen Bubble Mask from Farleyco, and some drug stores for around $5.
Like other sheet masks, this bubble mask is very easy to use. You do need to rub the package to active the bubbles before opening. This mask will start bubbling soon after to opening the package. The mask will bubble for the whole 10 minutes. The mask does have a scent, like citrus.
I would be careful if you have very sensitive skin as this mask has a blend of grapefruit, raspberry and lemon. These ingredients are antioxidants, but they can be irritating to the skin.
Overall, the 7th Haven Pink Oxygen Bubble Mask is a fun sheet mask. It is relaxing to use and worth it for the selfies. I wouldn’t over do this mask due to the grapefruit, raspberry and lemon.
Is there such a thing as too much, forced or even “toxic” positivity?
I’d reckon that many would automatically answer that positivity is always a good thing, but I would beg to differ.
We’re in a world where we’re trying to be more mindful of others (if you’re not, you might be part of the problem, just sayin’). Of course, having a sunny outlook on life is deemed an endearing personality trait, but what if that very thing makes you dismissive of others struggles?
Is too much positivity a bad thing?
I came across the term “toxic positivity” the other day, and it really resonated with me. I’ve always considered myself a “realist” – which some who are impossibly positive might refer to as being negative.
I’ve always found those who are positive just for the sake of not being negative hard to relate to; It can seem not only phoney but actually really invalidate genuine concerns.
Now, I’m not one to automatically toss out the term “toxic’ on things because I find it incredibly overused. But I do believe there is dismissive positivity, and toxic traits can lead to it.
I’ve done a little breakdown of dismissive positivity, as well as ways to respond to someone who might come at you with it. Keep reading, and let me know how you’ve found dealing with people who are unobtainable optimistic.
According to Psychology Today, “the phrase “toxic positivity” refers to the concept that keeping positive, and keeping positive only, is the right way to live your life. It means only focusing on positive things and rejecting anything that may trigger negative emotions.”
HOW CAN I TELL IF ITS TOXIC POSITIVITY?
I have a friend who only ever responds to hard situations with comments like, “well just be positive!” and “there are people out there struggling so much worse”. She thinks she’s forcing my hand in feeling positive, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In actuality, using language like this is dismissive of someone’s struggles, challenges and emotions. It’s empty and meaningless, dismissive positivity, dare I say.
Similarly, when you don’t pay attention to feelings unless they are purely positive, it gives off the impression that you are unapproachable and unrelatable.
I’ve found this type of dismissive positivity is really strong in the motherhood space; As mothers, we are often expected to justify our feelings for fear of someone thinking we don’t count our blessings.
A new mother might be having a particularly rough go with postpartum depression and hearing something like, “But appreciate what a beautiful baby you have!” after trusting someone with her feelings could be incredibly hurtful and possibly damaging.
“Youth does not equal happiness. We know this about money, success and fame, but why do we expect our youth to automatically be happy/grateful/positive?”
This is also something I find common in the Baby Boomer generation and older, towards young people, as well. The whole, “Young people you should happy how good you have it!” is such an unproductive response. Youth does not equal happiness. We know this about money, success and fame, but why do we expect our youth to automatically be happy/grateful/positive?
“As mothers, we are often expected to justify our feelings for fear of someone thinking we don’t count our blessings”
WHY IS IT CONSIDERED TOXIC POSITIVITY?
Society has led us to believe that the only “right” way to live, is positive.
It’s ok to feel negative about something, and spoiler alert: That doesn’t make you a negative person!
It’s 2020 and that means we can’t just chalk people up to being overly sensitive, negative, dramatic or annoying, purely because they aren’t positive, don’t ya think? Humans are pretty complex creatures and just as we don’t live in black and white, we also don’t feel that way.
There isn’t just good or bad in this world, and there also isn’t just negative and positive.
Only ever looking for the bright side or silver lining may temporarily seem like a positive way to move forward… but what if we switched out “positive” for “validation” or “hope”? Paying attention to the emotions and circumstances of yourself and others in a productive way may actually be the most positive management of feelings going forward for the future.
So the next time someone says they’re having a really hard time in life, or responds to something in a way that expresses a negative emotion: Validate them, and give them hope.
Let me know if you’ve experienced toxic or dismissive positivity in your life, either from someone else or if it’s something you find yourself doing.
Do you find yourself automatically wanting to respond to someone with an empty positive term?
The Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops were an items that I’ve been eyeing for quite some time. But with 9 different colours to choose from, choosing just one proved to be quite the task, specially at $52 a piece. So when Cover Fx released a mini 4-piece set for the holidays, this was the perfect time to try them out.
Custom Enhancer Drops are a liquid highlighter. They can be used on the face as a regular highlighter, mixed in with your foundation to give you entire face a dewy look or applied to the body, either directly or mixed with your favourite lotion. You can also use them on your eyes or lips to add a little sparkle. All you have to do is use your imagination.
Just like their full-size counter parts, these liquid highlighters are housed in a glass bottle with a dropper, making it easier for you to dispense the desired amount.
The liquid formula is amazing, however can be a little tricky if you’re not used to it as it does dry quickly. When used as a highlighter, it’s best applied with a brush, or a damp sponge. You can also use your fingers if you want it to stand out more. Whichever application method you prefer, the effect is buildable.
This mini set includes Celestial, Halo, Moonlight and Rose Gold. While these shades are universally flattering, the lighter shades work great during Winter months, or those of a lighter complexion, meanwhile the darker shades are perfect for Summer.
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| L to R: Celestial, Halo, Moonlight, Rose Gold |
Of the four, I found that Halo seemed to be a little more on the thin/runny side, but not by much.
Celestial is my current favourite. It’s a soft pink that blends nicely with my skin tone.
Halo is best described as a white base with a blue iridescent sheen to it. The website calls is holographic, but not quite.
Moonlight is a medium gold with brown undertones. This worked the least for me, but I blame that on the current lack of a tan.
Rose Gold is a rosey copper. While the colour is gorgeous, I had hopped it would be a little less copper. I think mixed with Celestial, and this colour would be perfect.
If I had to buy one of these full-size, it would be Celestial. I’ve recently noticed Blossom, which looks like it would be an amazing colour as well!
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You’ve double-cleansed, toned, moisturized, and layered on your serums like a skincare scholar. You’ve even gua sha’d at 7 a.m. before a coffee. But if oil cleansing isn’t part of your routine yet—you’re missing a transformative step that could change everything about your skin.
Yes, even if you have oily, acne-prone, or ultra-sensitive skin. Especially then.
What Is Oil Cleansing, Really?
Before you panic at the idea of rubbing oil on your face, let’s break the myth: oil cleansing doesn’t mean clogging your pores with coconut oil and hoping for the best.
The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) uses non-comedogenic botanical oils—like jojoba, squalane, or grapeseed—to dissolve excess sebum, remove SPF and makeup, melt down pollution, and deeply detox pores. It’s chemistry, not magic: oil attracts oil, lifting away the gunk without stripping your skin barrier.
Why It Works for Every Skin Type
Here’s where the skincare gospel shifts. The oils used in oil cleansers are carefully chosen to balance—not suffocate—your skin.
- Oily skin? Oil cleansing can actually reduce oil production by keeping your skin from overcompensating.
- Dry or sensitive skin? Skip the tight, squeaky feeling from foam cleansers. Oil nourishes while it cleanses.
- Acne-prone? Oil removes pore-blocking impurities without disrupting your microbiome. Many who suffer from breakouts report fewer flare-ups and smoother texture with consistent oil cleansing.
🌿 “Oil cleansing is now the cornerstone of my skincare routine,” says beauty editor and facialist Anisa K. “It preps the skin better than anything else, and my clients can see the difference almost immediately.”
Dermatologists agree: your skin barrier is everything, and most conventional cleansers damage it. Oil-based cleansing respects it.
How to Oil Cleanse the Right Way
- Start with dry hands and a dry face.
- Pump or scoop a quarter-sized amount of oil cleanser.
- Massage gently in circular motions for at least 60 seconds (this matters!).
- Emulsify with a bit of warm water if it’s a rinse-off formula.
- Wipe away with a damp, warm cloth or rinse thoroughly.
For a deeper clean, follow with a gentle second cleanser—especially if you’re removing makeup or SPF-heavy products. (Yes, that’s the famous double cleanse.)
The Real Glow-Up? Consistency.
In a world obsessed with 10-step routines, the best-kept skincare secret might be this quiet, effective ritual that protects your moisture barrier, prevents breakouts, and preps your skin to absorb all the good stuff that follows.
Still Not Convinced?
Here’s what you’re risking by skipping this step:
- Chronically dehydrated skin, even if it feels oily
- Incomplete makeup/SPF removal (which accelerates aging)
- Inflammation caused by harsh surfactants or over-cleansing
And here’s what you gain:
- Better texture
- Healthier skin barrier
- That “I just got a facial” kind of glow
Final Word: Skincare Isn’t About More Steps—It’s About the Right Ones.
Oil cleansing isn’t new. But it is underrated. In a beauty culture that sometimes confuses complexity with efficacy, this one simple switch could be your biggest game-changer.
Don’t let the word “oil” scare you. Let it save your skin. Now go ahead. Wash your face with oil—and watch the magic happen.
Editor-Approved Oil Cleansers to Try
Here are a few that deserve a permanent spot on your top shelf:
- Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
K-beauty holy grail, melts like butter, smells like a spa.
Shop here - DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Japanese cult-favorite that cuts through waterproof makeup like a dream.
Shop here - The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Budget-friendly, minimalist, and great for beginners.
Shop here - Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil
Luxurious, lightweight, and packed with Japanese camellia oil.
Shop here - ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Infused with a trio of nourishing plant oils, very luxurious.
Shop here
image: freepik.com
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Face to Curls is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Face to Curls shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
Have you heard? NARS came out with a new full coverage foundation! Available in 34 shades, the Soft Matte Complete Foundation helps balance excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated, thanks to a combination of micro-algae and bio hyaluronic acid. In addition, oil-absorbing powders create a second-skin finish!
(Vous parlez français? Cliquez ici!)
Despite the fact that my skin is quite oily, I usually avoid matte foundations at this time of the year because my skin becomes very dehydrated and sensitive when the temperature drops. I like this foundation though, because it doesn’t accentuate dry patches and doesn’t feel like it sucks the life out of my skin!
I’m not sure if it would be matte enough for those of you who prefer a true matte finish and have very oily skin, as it doesn’t stay matte for a long period of time in comparison to other matte foundations I tried. But overall, I really liked this foundation for my skin type (oily, acne-prone and dehydrated)!
When I set it with a bit of loose powder, the Soft Matte foundation lasts more than 12 hours on me and has a semi-matte finish for about 3 hours.
One thing I would suggest though, is to start with less product than you think you need. I find that this foundation looks best if I apply a thin layer with a damp Beautyblender, which gives me medium coverage.
The coverage can be build up from medium to full, but it was a bit too cakey for my liking when I tried it this way. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky though!
The Soft Matte Foundation doesn’t oxidize on me, but it dries much darker once on the skin. So I would highly recommend to try it in store first, and let the product dry for about 20 minutes to see the true color.
Also, please note that the shades in the Soft Matte Complete Foundation are not equivalent to the ones in the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation.
Swatches on light skin (NC15)
Montblanc is darker than NW20 (but lighter than NW25) and has pink beige undertones.
Yukon is slightly lighter than NW25 and has pink undertones.
Vienna is a bit darker than NC25 and has neutral undertones.
Vallauris is slightly darker than NW35 and has pink undertones.
Stromboli is a bit lighter than NC40 and has golden peach undertones.
Vanuatu is darker than NW35 (but lighter than NW40) and has neutral, slightly pink undertones.
The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation retails for $53 CAD for 45ml and is available at Sephora.
(I received these products in order to evaluate them and give my opinion, but rest assured that my comments are always honest and impartial. This post contains affiliate links.)
Press sample. Affiliate links.
I very rarely discuss mascara on here because even though it is a product I use daily, there are very few that manage to make my little lashes look substantial and today is no different. If anything, this is the first mascara I have tried in a long time that had such a minimal result that I wanted to talk about it! A little backwards when you think about how most beauty reviews work, but I was indeed amazed just in the opposite direction!
The L’Oreal Paradise Big Deal Mascara promises buildable volume and length, lightweight wear and lash by lash separation. This formula is flake and smudge resistant AND interestingly removes easily with soap and water!
The “cross-conic” brush, which I am assuming refers to the conical shape of the brush and the way the bristles criss-cross, allows for even application to volumize each lash with every swipe. What I will agree with is that this formula was indeed very buildable as I applied multiple coats hoping to SEE some difference in my lashes, but was very disappointed!
In both of these photos, I am wearing 3-4 coats of mascara, but the only way you can tell is that my lashes are very defined and separated as well as darker. For a photo of me without mascara, see this post.
I will also give props to the brush as I do like brushes like this that are smaller as I often feel a bit blind if the brushes are so massive that I can’t see my own eyes. I will also give a thumbs up to the easy removability of the mascara even though it was able to stay on my eyes the whole day (with lash primer). If this mascara actually made it look like I had lashes, this mascara would have been a dream!
I have not tried the original Lash Paradise Mascara, but for a comparison of the two, Slashed Beauty, does an intensive side by side review as they both give different lash looks and have very different brushes.
Final verdict: Unfortunately, this was a no for me because of just how my lashes are. I have seen way better success with other ethnicities who have longer lashes so if you have fine, straight, Asian lashes your results will probably be fairly lackluster like mine were.
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