Skincare review: Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skintones Discovery Kit

in ,

Skincare review: Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skintones Discovery Kit

Full disclosure, before trying the Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skintones Discovery Kit ($150 CAD)  my skin was in good shape. This was merely curiosity on my part for trying these products. Here are a couple details that I want to share before beginning my review:

Dr.BarbaraSturmDarkerSkintonesDiscoveryKit

  • Skin Type: Normal to Combination (Normal in the summer and dry forehead in the winter)

  • Skin Issues: none at the moment but previously had hormonal acne on my chin and jaw

  • Skin Tone: Dark (Makeup shades - Pat McGrath Foundation #31 and Fenty Beauty Foundation 430)  

The Darker Skintones discovery kit comes with a Foam Cleanser (50ml), Enzyme Cleanser (20g), Hyaluronic Serum (10ml), Face Cream (20ml), and Face Cream Rich (20ml). I used this kit for 6 weeks starting on July 5th, 2020. Out of this kit the best products in my opinion are the cleansers. The foam cleanser has a light fragrance of “fresh” and is gentle and soft on my face. The enzyme cleanser is a finely milled powder that you add drops of water to and creates a paste. This is a physical exfoliator which most people have moved away from in favour of chemical exfoliants. Personally I really liked this exfoliator, it didn't feel rough on the skin and my face didn’t feel stripped. For me, the hyaluronic serum was average on my skin. It did what it was supposed to do but my skin didn’t feel more hydrated than usual. I also found the face creams to be good but average.

My overall impression is that this is a solid skincare line if you don't have any specific skin issues, like hyperpigmentation or texture. The real downsides for me is the pricing and the lack of any difference in my skin. The discovery kit cost $150 CAD pre-tax, for the full sized foam cleanser (150ml) you’re paying $90 CAD and for the full sized hyaluronic serum (50ml) you’re $390 CAD, this is to illustrate that this is luxury skincare and unless you have the coins I don’t believe it is worth it. I didn’t experience any change in my skin since using these products. Which is great that I didn’t have a negative reaction but also disappointed, as I assumed that these luxury products would give me more glowing skin etc. 

I hope y’all found this review helpful and leave any comments below. 


Chau!

Brand Spotlight: Knixwear

in , ,

Today’s brand spotlight is Knixwear

Location: Canadian brand, https://knix.ca/

Price: $$

Accessories: Women’s underwear, bra’s, tanks, swimwear and loungewear

Style type: everyday essentials

I discovered this brand when they originally came out with their leak proof underwear. While I don’t use the leak proof undies as my main period underwear they are great for light days. Currently my favourite product is the thigh saver shorts 6”. These shorts have been great this summer when wearing dresses. Also their regular underwear is great in the summer because the fabric they use is moisture wicking which is really important when it’s hot and humid.

If you want to see my review of the Knix Leakproof underwear check out my post

Colourful look for the fete's we're not attending

in ,

I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of July…

Normally I’d be buying tickets to numerous Caribana events and asking my friends which fetes we’re reaching. Instead I’m looking at last year’s pictures and hoping for a distance Caribana party in the park? Can someone make that happen? 

BlackgirlinPinkBodysuitOrangePants.png

This outfit is an ode to all the boat parties I’m not attending but would be looking cute at ☺️.

I’m wearing a pink bodysuit and pull on pleated tangerine pants. An easy and comfortable look to pull off. I love pleats in general and I find that pleats are easy to dress up and down.

Man Style Monday - LaKeith Stanfield

in ,

Today’s MSM is LaKeith Stanfield 

This is really a LaKeith Stanfield appreciation post lol. Whoever his agent is I need then in my life because in the last couple of years Stanfield has been booked and busy. Each project he acted in was different from the other from ‘Uncut Gems’ to ‘The Photograph’.

Stanfield is quirky, cool, and handsome (and I can’t say anything else because I’m married lol)

Today’s brand spotlight is Frank and Oak 

in , ,

Today’s brand spotlight is Frank and Oak 

Location: Canadian brand from Montreal, https://www.frankandoak.com/

Price: $$-$$$

Accessories: Women’s and Men’s clothing, shoes, accessories 

Style type: everyday essentials, fun and well fitting 

One of the few stores in the mall that has great quality clothing, shoes, and accessories. I had been looking for boots on my lunch (if you work in the PATH you know) and I decided to pop-in their Eaton centre store. Long story short I bought some great boots that I still have. I also really like that they are a sustainable brand from the fabrics that they use to the tags to the packaging. They are also a certified B corporation (more to come on this next week). 

Ready for brunch - styling

in ,

As things begin to open up (depending on where you live) brunch is becoming an option again. Considering we’ve been shut in, doing the MOST for brunch is definitely in order.  Even though I’m 5’2 ½  I love wide leg pants, I find that the silhouette makes me feel taller and slimmer. The pants I’m wearing here are silk from Theory and are quite flowy which I believe adds extra sas! The cropped organza top I’m wearing is from M boutique, it can be worn on the shoulder but I like to style it off the shoulder. Mainly, I feel like when worn off the shoulder it creates a nicer visual on me. 

Off-the-shoulder organza top with wide leg silk pants.png

Now I personally will not be going to any restaurants but you can find me in a park having socially distanced brunch with my peeps ✌🏾.

Man Style Monday - Trevor Stuurman

in ,

Happy Monday y’all! Today’s MSM is Trevor Stuurman.

Stuurman is an artist (multi-talented) that I found through his amazing clothing design collaborations [Insert pick of jidenna from GQ in floral set]. While his clothing design work is superb his visual art talent is incredible, if you scroll through his instagram page its like walking through an art gallery. He’s worked with Nelson Mandela, Beyonce and Jay-Z, and Barack Obama to name a few. 

What I love about his style is the colour, texture and impeccable tailoring. His artistry is reflected in his work and clothing and I’m a FAN!

Styling a slip dress

in

I remember being skeptical when slip dresses began to trend. I felt that they only seemed to look good on thin people and in some cases looked like a slip you’d wear under a dress. I can say that part of the difficulty of finding a slip dress that fit was the cut of the dress itself. Once I found a cut that worked I found this style to be very sexy and sensual without showing a lot of skin. 

Watercolour slip dress.png

Have you tried the slip dress style? What are some things you like or dislike about slip dresses?

P.S. If you’re someone who is top heavy and must wear a bra, here is a slip dress style that would work really well with a bra:





Spotlight local store: Annalay Accessories

Today’s local store spotlight is In Annalay Accessories!

Location: Toronto-based brand, https://byannalay.com/
Price: $$ - $$$
Accessories: Jewelry
Style type: simple, regal, and fierce

I met Annalay at Toronto Fashion Week last year and she literally glowed in the seat she was sitting in at the ROM. We had a lovely chat about her brand and about styling, she was so kind and sweet to me. Her personality shines through her jewelry, all of her pieces are sleek and gorgeous for everyday wear and elevated moments.

Spotlight local store: Good Neighbour

in
gdnghbr.png


Today’s local store spotlight is Good Neighbour!

Location: 935 Queen St E, Toronto and online @ https://goodnbr.com
Price: $$ - $$$
Clothing types: looks for the whole family (Women, Men, Children/Babies)
They also sell home decor, accessories, and stationary
Style type: casual and everyday wear

I was introduced to Good Neighbour by my friend Molly almost 3 years ago and I was never so happy to stumble upon a local store (as a east end resident). It’s the perfect blend for me: clothing, shoes, home decor and paper craft I was in heaven! Over the years I’ve bought some lovely fortnight lingerie, some tops, candles and gifts for other people. They carry many brands including - @fortnightlabel @itsmaryyoung @levis @frame @tigerofswedenofficial @drakegeneralstore, @malinandgoetz and many more!

Spotlight local store: In Soft Focus

yateh in soft focus t-shirt.JPG

Today’s local store spotlight is In Soft Focus!

Location: Toronto-based brand, https://insoftfocus.com/
Price: $$ - $$$
Clothing types: loungewear, undies, slips, t-shirts, robes for womxn
Style type: Elevated loungewear

I discovered In Soft Focus on instagram from multiple sources. These sources emphasized how soft and comfortable the underwear and clothing is and I can report it is true! I ordered The Lounge Shirt – Pink Mix and received my shirt in 2 business days (I live in Toronto thought). The customer service was amazing as when I reached out I received a response in a friendly and timely manner. What I love about this brand is that given our current circumstance elevated loungewear is a no brainer but it also doubles for everyday wear. I will definitely be wearing my shirt out and about when the weather permits. There are also some gorgeous slip dresses on the site that would look lovely for a night out or a night in on the coach with some wine.

*Currently on the website there is a code for free shipping in North America and 10% off.
*Also if you sign up for the newsletter you receive a welcome promo code for 20% OFF your first order (this may not be permanent - it pops up when you go on the website).