Makeup Love | The Wet n Wild #PhotoFocus Foundation - Natural looking foundation for combination skin!

Instagram made me do it! This is the foundation that Instagram beauty influencers told me to buy! Truthfully, I am glad I did!

Through my makeup counter experience, I have been lucky to have had an opportunity to test out a number of makeup from low end to high end brands. What I have learned is that, High end doesn't always mean it's the best for you or that you will even like wearing it.

I always stress that you have to figure out what works for you and what makes you feel your best.

There are 4 things you check off when you look for a foundation:

1. Coverage and how long it lasts
2. Texture of Product
3. The appearance of it on your skin (Skin Tone match and Finish)
4. Price 

For me, Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Foundation checks off as follows:

1. Medium Coverage and wears through the day well
2. Liquid and light weight
3. Looks like skin and melts into my skintone (Dark Skin Friendly)
4. Under 10 Bucks (Yep, it's $7.00 from Walmart.ca)

Seriously, you can't get a better foundation at this price! Especially when it checks off in the other categories as well. The foundation is awesome on coverage, finish and price!

I have been using this foundation for a few months now and it's definitely the one I reach for the most. (I have 3 Foundations - For light weight use, Medium coverage and 1 that is party friendly ie. Long wear).

For those who are just looking to have the 1 foundation to use, because they want a simple and easy routine, this a great option as well.

Why it's great:

• It wears well and you don't need a lot
• Blends into your skin tone and literally disappears 
• Comes in a number of different undertones (Warm, Cool and Neutral)
• A good range of shades for your skin
• Applies well with Sponge, Brush or Fingers (Clean fingers please)

I picked mine up from Walmart and the shade I got is called 'Desert Beige'. I did my research on a number of Instagram beauty influencers and then opted to buy it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Things to Remember:

• Always use a little to start and blend
• Not everyone has to wear their makeup the same way it's shown on Instagram
• Find the technique or application style that works for you

If you have tried the Wet n Wild #Photofocus foundation, or have picked it up, please leave me your thoughts below! In an upcoming post, I will share a #Makeup look with me wearing this foundation :)

Beauty Look | Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette - Cool Mauve #Makeup Look - #ModernRenaissance Eyeshadow Palette

In the past, for me to be able to achieve a cool toned eyeshadow look, on my skin tone was challenging. The reason it would be difficult is that either the shadows weren't pigmented enough or I had to layer a lot of primer/concealer to get the shadows to look right.

Even though at first glance, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette looks like a warmer palette, there are a few colours in the palette, that allowed me to create this cool mauve look.

Check it out below!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette & Makeup Used

• Lid: Tempera
• Crease: Warm Taupe & Buon Fresco
• Mid Lid: Buon Fresco
• Outer Corner: Cyprus Umber
• Inner to Mid Lid: Vermeer (Mixed with Fluid Sheer #8)
• Lashline: Buon Fresco & Warm Taupe
• Outer Corner Lashline: Cyprus Umber
• Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
• Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense & MAC Cosmetics Feline Eye Pencil
• Foundation: Maybelline FitMe Foundation Shade 315
• Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
• Blush: Fluid Sheer #8
• Highlight: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak
• Lips: Maybelline 665 Lust For Blush Matte Lipstick with Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb

Really like how this look came together! I loved how I could use the duo ended brush that comes with this palette to do all of the eyeshadow application. More looks to come!

Beauty | Goodies from NYX Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics Canada made a game changing decision for Makeup lovers when they opened their shop at Square One Mississauga.Typically, you could find NYX at select Rexall locations, but a standalone shop was exactly what Toronto/GTA Beauty lovers needed. All my fave goodies in one place and affordable!

I got these goodies a while back but they are SOOO worth this post. I have listed the items I got, their price point and my overall feedback. Take a look below:


1. Highlight & Contour Pro Palette | Cost: $27.00

• 8 Shades
• Highlight Shades: Ice Queen, Soft Light, Cream & Nectar
• Contour Shades: Tan, Toffee, Sculpt & Hollow
• Customizable shades that you can choose from their Pro singles

I like this palette because it gives you so much versatility in shade choices (especially as a Makeup Artist). These shades can work on all skin tones! I prefer the powder formula, because it really gives a diffused finish on the skin

2. Face & Body Glitter in Bronze | Cost: $6.00

• 12 Shades
• High sparkle pigment
• Can be used on eyes and body

I'm all about glitter and sparkle!! I love that a tiny amount can be used all-over the lid or as a liner. The glitter is fine and reflects beautifully on the eyes! Be sure to use a liquid product to help control your application. I tend to use liquid highlighters by picking up a bit on my brush and then picking up the pigment from the lid.

3. Matte Liquid Liner | Cost: $10.00

• Matte Finish - Similar to a gel liner look
• Think and flexible brush
• Get classic or bold looks

I was not used to using Gel liners but I loved their finish. That's why I love this liner because the matte formula gives me the gel liner look but with the control of a brush. Long lasting, doesn't fade/move and is great for Summer makeup looks!

4. Collection Noir Liquid Liner | Cost: $8.00

• Fine Tip Brush
• Precision and control
• Long lasting

This liquid liner for me is exactly like the traditional liquid liners that I have grown up using. So my comfort level is high! I love the finer brush and how easy it is to create thin to thicker lines.

5. Soft Matte Lip Cream | Cost: $9.00

• Creamy Application
• Matte Finish
• Transfer proof
• Shades: London (Nude/Brown), Tokyo (Light Pink), Copenhagen (Burgundy) & Monte Carlo (Red)

These lip creams feel incredible! A little product gives a beautifully painted lip! What I love is that it leaves a super matte finish that doesn't transfer or bleed! Great with gloss or alone.

If you are a makeup lover, like me and want to try the new makeup trends, NYX offers great quality products for an affordable price point! Be sure to check out the NYX stores in Toronto/GTA!

Happy Shopping!

Celebration | Happy Birthday/5 Year Anniversary to #BlogbySand!

I am beyond thrilled to celebrate the Blog's birthday/anniversary! Happy 5 Years!!!

I intentionally started the blog in January so that it always tied to the start of the new year! My first post was dated January 2nd, 2011. I started this blog 5 years ago, yet the idea to start the blog was with me for many years prior to the actual start date. In that time frame, I was trying to gain the courage to start and share my words/images/opinions and ideas. With anything new, you fear the unknown and you want to ensure you are giving it your all! Once I was confident and ready, I started the blog, and I haven't looked back.

In the last 5 Years, I have shared countless Makeup Hauls, Product Reviews, Makeup Looks as well as my love of Books and Cooking. I started this blog as a way to connect with people who shared the same interests as me and a way to share my own personal thoughts. There have been a few personal posts which I also debated sharing but found a lot of support and love when I did.

So without further ado, in the name of walking down memory lane, I wanted to share some of my fave images/posts from the last 5 years, so here goes:

1. Favourite Makeup Look: Holiday Nights

2. Favourite Product: Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Cream Pencil

3. Favourite Photo: Posted on Instagram

4. Favourite Book: Gone Girl (So Far)

5. Favourite Recipe: Green Soup with Chicken and Veggies 

Announcement Time!
I am happy to announce and share that in 2016, I will be reviving the start of my YouTube channel!! I started it awhile back but am glad to say that am looking to launch my first (third) video this month! You will get the same vibe that I have set for the blog, but in video format. I appreciate all the love and support I have received over the years and want to continue to share content that is relevant to you and that I enjoy sharing! I also appreciate any content suggestions for the channel as well and am excited for this next chapter!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy 2016!!

Product Deal | Affordable Life Brand #Skincare Masks!

I am a sucker for a great deal, especially when the products work! I went to Shoppers Drug Mart to pick up a few items (which we all know NEVER happens! Lol). I came across a unit that housed a number of Life Brand skin masks.

The fact that they were a $1.99 sweetened the deal, so I picked up the following three:

1. Purifying Face Mask
2. Pore Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask
3. Brightening Mud Face Mask

I have used the two so far and loved them! A great buy and would make a great stocking stuffer for any beauty enthusiast! Life Brand has about 17 unique masks for both skin and hair available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Why I like them:

• Great for a weekly treatment or pick me up for the skin
• Ideal for travelling - The Mask Sheet might be a little scary but great for hydration
• Great for an add on for gifts this season or for Bdays
• Paraben Free

TIP: AMAZING after a night out or lack of sleep or stressful week. Brightens and boosts the skin!

Check out these babies when you get a chance! Approximate time for each mask is 15mins. therefore I typically use them when I'm watching my fave tv show like Empire.  I will be trying them all and sharing with you soon!

Beauty Tip Thursdays | How to buy the right foundation with no regrets!

Being a Makeup Junkie and in the industry for some time now, I knew all the places I need to go to as well as the people I needed to speak to when it came to makeup. I easily navigated through the isles and the numerous number of displays and through my own trial and error, figured out what worked for me.

However, not all women who shop for makeup feel as confident or as comfortable. This post covers all the DO's and DON'Ts when you shop for foundation for the first time!

If you say YES to any of the following points, then you may continue reading:

• You are not a makeup junkie
• You haven't enjoyed any shopping trips Sephora or Shoppers because makeup was not your thing.
• You have never worn foundation
• You are looking for a simple way to feel confident without looking heavy or overly done
• You feel intimidated by the Makeup Associates

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

DONT's

1. Judging by the bottle as being the right shade: The eyes can play tricks on us. What we see in the bottle may not always be the right colour. Therefore without trying it on, there is no way to be sure.
   
   
2. Colour Matching on the hand only: Our skin on the hands or inner wrists are always lighter than our face. Think about it, our face is exposed to the sun the most and therefore can be a totally different shade than our hands. The wrist will give you the wrong shade since it's undertone and overall tone can be different.
   
   
3. Not trying it on: This will waste time for you and will result in the wrong purchase. Most counters and brands will allow you to try the foundation from a tester before buying and also allow you to get a sample BEFORE you buy. So please be sure to ask vs. buying without trying.
   
   
4. Buying the same colour or product because a friend has it: Again this goes back to point 1, our eyes can play tricks. We may seem to be all the same shade but your undertones can vary from Beige, Yellow or Pink. Therefore don't buy the same shade unless you have tried it on.

DO's

1. Request a Colour Match: Always ask to be matched first and be honest with the Makeup Associate, let them know if this is a first time experience for you and you are not sure, this way it can be a positive experience for you.
   
   
2. Request a Sample: As mentioned above, most counters offer a Sampling Program, where they provide a sample or make one for you based on the colour matching consultation that you have had.
   
   
3. Checking lighting and time of day: The best time to test out a foundation for a proper colour match is during the day to early afternoon. Get your colour matched and walk around the mall with the foundation on, so you can see it in different lighting and feel 100% comfortable prior to purchasing.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HAND 

You may be asked a number of questions regarding makeup, some common ones are below:

1. What is your Skin type (Oily, Dry or Normal/Combination) 

You should know this before going in. If you are oily, you know you are from the start. This will help the associate recommend the TYPE of foundation for you.

2. Finish you are looking for (Matte, Semi Matte or Glowing) 

This will help you in the long run. Countless women will buy matte, but then find it wasn't the finish they wanted on their skin and wanted a glowing look. A glowy foundation doesn't mean oily, it means it will light reflect to give a radiant healthy skin finish.

3. Allergy concern

Most products go through various allergy testing but if you know you have a particular allergy or concern, please share with your makeup associate.

4. Why you are buying it (Night Out, Natural Look, Everyday Makeup or Vacation) 

Since the technology has improved with the development of Foundation, it has also brought to the counter various types of foundation. You can now get various coverages, SPF protection and skincare benefits all from your bottle of foundation! The best way I have seen this described is with Giorgio Armani, who has designed foundations to be a "WARDROBE FOR FACE". The idea that you have a variety of clothes for different occasions reflect in your foundation choices and options.

FINAL POINTS

• Colour Matching is a MUST. Let the experts try it on you, and see it on you before you buy.
• Buying on the spot: 110 % you should love it and if you are smiling, go for it!
• Did you know: You can be at least 3 different shades in 1 year from Winter to Summer.

I really hope that this post can help guide any of you who feel intimated or have never worn makeup before and are afraid to ask! Ask questions, do some research and it's makeup, so don't let it stress you but make it a fun experience!

Beauty Look | #FOTD/#MOTD Sexy Navy using the ItsJudyTime Palette!

I had so much fun creating this look! I used the ItsJudyTime palette which I must say I was in my happy place when I first bought this palette. I love the options and versatility I have with this to truly create a million looks! I love Navy tones on brown eyes and wanted to create a sexy navy look. The look breakdown is below along with the pics!

PRODUCTS USED:

Eyes

ItsJudyTime Palette

Navy Blue - All Over Lid 

Bronze - Middle of the Lid

Gold - Inner Corner
Warm Matte Brown - Transition/Crease

Matte Vanilla - Brow Bone

Brows

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro in Wedgewood

Face

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #4 (Yellow Gold) mixed with Luminous Silk #6.5

Giorgio Armani Bronzer #100

Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Himalayas

Lips

MAC Cosmetics Angel Lipstick

MAC Cosmetics Lipglass in Posh It Up
MAC Lip Pencil in Spice

Navy is a gorgeous option for a smokey eye and pairs perfectly with bronzey/gold tones! Have fun trying this instead of black or brown and you will be in LOVE! This is a PERFECT night out look!

Product Love | My Must-haves from Giorgio Armani Beauty

I recently looked at the Giorgio Armani collection and wanted to share the few items that are ideal staples from the line. Since Giorgio Armani is a higher end makeup line, this may help you pick the few items you may want to add to your own personal collection.

Here is the list and the gorgeous product shots below: 

1. #1 Eyes to Kill 4 Colour Eyeshadow Palette
2. #6 Eyes to Kill 4 Colour Eyeshadow Palette
3. #12 Smooth Silk Eye Pencil
4. #11 Smooth Silk Lip Pencil
5. #502 Scarletto Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick
6. Blender Brush

Smokey Eye Must-Have: #1 Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palette: For all of us, we always want the basic smokey eye and this particular palette allows you to do just that. A mix of silver/grey toned shades with the dark grey and black matte colours, you can create a soft to a very intense traditional smokey eye with this palette!

A Neutral Everyday Palette: #6 Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palette: Not everyone is comfortable with a dramatic eye makeup look and we all need an everyday palette. What I love about this one is that these colours look good on all skin tones! Also, you can wear this one everyday and make it more dramatic when you need to! A perfect starter shadow palette for anyone who is new to make up and the mini aspect of this compact make these quads perfect for travelling!

Everyday Liner that is a multi-tasker: #12 Smooth Silk Eye Pencil: A black eye pencil is a good staple to have, but having the chocolate version is also a must for many reasons! It provides a softer, diffused look to all eye colours and it's more comfortable to wear because the colour is not as dramatic as black. The smudger that is included gives you versatility as well. You can also use this pencil as a base for your eye shadow so that the shadow on top is more intense and you can CONTOUR your cheekbones with this pencil too!

A liner that can double as a lipstick: #11 Smooth Lip Pencil: This deep plum toned pencil is my obsession! The pencils are smooth and super pigmented so you can fill in the entire lips and not have to add lipstick. Keep it Matte or add a gloss on top and you are good to go, a great shade for the season!

Hydrating and Full Colour Lipstick: #502 Scarletto Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick: This colour is HOT! It looks great on everyone! This lipstick is a CC Lipstick which is Colour + Care, with Vitamin E and Shea Butter. It gives you smooth lips each time you wear it, a perfect shade to wear for a boost!

The perfect Foundation Brush: Blender Brush: This brush is my perfect tool to use with Luminous Silk Foundation. The rounded shape and the sable bristles leave a blended and smooth finish. I find that I use less product since the brush does most of the work! It really gives you a flawless and airbrushed look.

Be sure to check these must-haves out and add to your own collection!

Summer Must-Haves: Glowing Summer Skin | The Body Shop

I was lucky to have stopped into the Body Shop recently when they were having a 50% off sale! That's right 50% off sale. It was the perfect time since I needed to replenish and pick up my summer items to help protect, nourish and revive the skin!

1. Daytime Summer Skin:  Vitamin C Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 30

Vitamin C - Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 30

I cannot stress how important it is to have SPF, especially for the face. This moisturizer really helps to boost radiance while protecting the skin. I use enough to moisturize the face and ensure its set into the skin before applying makeup.

2. Protective Night Skin:  Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

Vitamin E - Nourishing Night Cream

This stuff is heaven! It is the best treat for the skin at night. When you wake up in the morning, skin is smooth and feels incredible.

3. Body Care - Strawberry Body Puree

Strawberry Body Puree

This moisturizer has the best texture. It's very light and instantly melts into the skin! Your skin is left hydrated with a delicate strawberry scent.  A perfect product to use instead of fragrance/perfume which can be strong and heavy for Summer.

4. Foot Care:  Smoothing Scrub, Intensive Foot Rescue & Reviving Leg Gel

Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub

Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue

Peppermint Reviving Leg Gel

This is a much-needed treat to the feet and legs! The scrub works wonders on the heels and really exfoliates. After the scrub, use the Intensive Foot Rescue and the Reviving Leg Gel which will be the best at-home treatment. Your feet and legs will be summer ready in no time!

Be sure to check out these products at The Body Shop! Whichever you choose, all are great additions to your Summer Skincare routines!

Beauty Trends | Runway inspired beauty trends for Summer!

I was very excited when I was asked to participate in a Beauty Video segment with Anokhi Daily Spotlight TV. The team at Anokhi were wonderful to work with and we had a lot of fun shooting this segment together.  

It was an amazing learning opportunity for me to see what it takes to put together a segment. From shooting from the correct angles, adjusting for the best lighting set-up, to retaining an energetic tone through various takes, seeing it all behind-the-scenes made for an incredible experience. A big thanks to Anokhi along with Daniel Pillai & Shobana Lakkavally!

Check out the clip below for Runway inspired trends to wear for the summer!

This video covers trends for Skin, Eye makeup and Lips, all inspired from the Runway! All are easy to do with the right products! Enjoy the Video and feel free to try the trends above.