Rowena Francis

Sephora Haul | Throwback Edition

Published on May 16, 2018May 16, 2018 by Rowena Francis3 Comments

SH First Image — Photo by Julia Janeta on Unsplash

Ok, technically this was my second Sephora haul, but the first one was 20 years ago and all I bought was a green correcting primer.

I was never a spender. I rarely spent money and I most definitely didn’t spend it on makeup.

Until.

I was sitting at work and my friend and co-worker showed me an email from Sephora. It said something along the lines of ‘spend $30 and get all these products free.’

I’ll warn you now, those are hook emails. They hook you with all the free stuff you’ll get.

Well, it hooked me.

There we were, together, attempting to each purchase $30 of makeup from Sephora. I had no idea where to even start! I think I asked her a million times what I should buy for my first makeup purchase.

I quickly added the Estée Edit Flash Illuminator. I think it gave me enough to hit the $30 mark, but then as I started the checkout, I realized shipping wasn’t free.

Well, I guess that means that I need to add things to my cart until I get free shipping. It’s like getting more free products because the money you would’ve spent on shipping, now you are spending on makeup.

Such a deal. Or at least that’s what my logic stated.

Needless to say, I got my cart to $51 before taxes and I was getting lots of product.

…but I still didn’t know a thing about what it was or how to use it.

Let’s just say, that’s probably where my YouTube addiction started.

Don’t tell my husband.

Alright, moving on.

Coming to you straight from October 2016, here is my very first official Sephora Haul!

the Estée Edit by Estée Lauder
Flash Illumintor
Colour: 02 Morning Light
$32 (no longer available)

Ok, I’m not mad at this purchase. I just swatched this on the back of my hand and I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit mesmerizing. If this brand was still around, I would probably repurchase this illuminator.

Sephora Collection
Make You Blush! Colorful Cheek Ink Gel Trio
Colour: 01 Peony/04 Lotus/06 Dahlia
$13 (trio no longer available)

I don’t think I actually used any of these blushes. I swatched them a few times and just couldn’t blend them easy enough. There always seemed to be an outline of the stain. These blushes are still available individually, but I wouldn’t repurchase them.

Sephora Collection
Wonderful Cushion Matte Lip Cream
Colour: 01 Wonderful Rosy
$6.00 (no longer available)

I love lipstick. I’m not gonna lie, I only added this to my cart because it was on sale and it gave me the free shipping qualification. I can’t say I hate this, but I can’t say I love this. I still throw this in my makeup bag to use as a ‘no makeup’ lip blush – you know, just something to give you a hint of colour while keeping the natural look. I like it and I really like the cushion, but I probably wouldn’t repurchase. (That being said, I did buy a second shade of this back in 2016)

Since I spent $30, I received a Sephora mini makeup clutch with samples inside. I don’t remember what the samples were, but I always set my samples aside to take with me on vacations (stay tuned for a travel makeup post).

Do you remember your first big makeup purchase? What did you get? Comment below.

Mother’s Day | 2018

Published on May 12, 2018May 11, 2018 by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

Mother’s Day. It comes every year. Every year I feel a little more sentimental than the last. 2018 has been one of those periods of time where I’ve needed the comfort, love and support of a mother.

I am so thankful to have the privilege of having 3 beautiful mothers in my life. They have each deposited genuine things in my life for which I’m grateful. If I can live up to a fraction of who they are, I know it will leave a lasting impact on the precious lives with whom I’ve been entrusted.

Then there are those who aren’t my actual mothers, but have left an incredible impact on my future. These are women who pray for me, offer advice when I’m struggling as well as thriving and who care deeply for the well-being of my family.

Now picture all my friends and peers who are also mothers. I find we sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron. We learn from each other’s successes and failures. We pick each other up when the rough days come. We speak encouragement on days we just want to ‘move to Kentucky.’ There’s no judgment when it’s 3pm and pjs are still being donned. These are the women who I’m grateful to have beside me.

To my sisters. I was blessed to grow up close with my sister and then I’ve gained 6 beautiful ones as the years have grown on. Each of these women have a special place in my heart. They laugh with me, cry with me, get stronger with me. They love with me. 2018 is changing a few dynamics as distance tries to settle in. I’m grateful for these treasures and even if I don’t know how to pick up a phone, I do know how to text. Plus, I know how to vacation, so you won’t get tired of seeing my face.

Now to my daughter, who I pray will learn from all my struggles, pick up where I left off without missing a beat and soar to heights beyond her wildest dreams. When you become a mother, I pray you see your children as the most precious gifts that have ever been bestowed upon you. I can’t imagine how life was before you. My wildest dream in life was to be a wife and mother. I’m so grateful that I have been given that gift.

To all these women, to all the mothers, you are true superheroes. Let me be the one to say, Thank You.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Spring Makeup Routine

Published on May 9, 2018May 9, 2018 by Rowena Francis4 Comments

I went to get my nails done the other day. When it came to a design, I told him to surprise me.

Vacation nails.

He gave me vacation nails.

How did he know I need to be on vacation right now?

Well, this year, vacation has to stay between the type of nails I’m doting and the sweet memories that are popping up on Facebook.

So, while I’m home and not actually on vacation, I might as well let you in on my spring makeup routine.

So, without further ado, here is my go-to spring makeup routine.

Primer
Becca Backlight Priming Filter

This primer takes your dull, lifeless skin and turns it into a beautiful glow. I mean, if you wore it without makeup over top, people might think you have that ‘special’ glow.

If you know what I mean…

Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me – Matte & Poreless
Shade – Classic Ivory

I was on a high-end foundation kick for a few years – and I probably would still be if it weren’t for my skin turning 50 shades of white this winter. For real, this girl doesn’t have the pocket change to splurge on multiple foundations throughout a season.

Welcome to Maybelline. I mean, there is nothing I don’t love about this foundation. It is lightweight, goes on smooth, blends seamlessly, looks flawless and lasts all day.

Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape
Shade – Light-Medium

Brian laughs at me when I get to this step. He tells me I look like I have war paint on my face and asks me what I’m fighting for.

Him, of course. I fight for him.

I don’t have a lot of experience with concealer. This is probably the first real concealer I’ve used.

I love it, so it works.

I set my under eyes with Wet n Wild Bronzer in the shade Reserve Your Cabana.

(**don’t judge me on my concealer being darker than my foundation. Y’all know my struggle with the shades of my skin this year. Ergo, I’m making it work**)

Contour
Ulta Make Me Blush (I got this as a free gift with purchase from Ulta, I don’t know how to link it)
Shade – Cool Bronzer

I just carve out a bit of a cheekbone and chisel somewhat of a jaw line with my contour. I’m still learning, but it seems to be working well, so we’ll go with it.

Who knew you could mould your face shape with just a bit of contour?

Blush
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush
Shade – Paaarty

I love a pink blush. I constantly tell myself I should buy some more diverse shades of blush, but when it comes down to it, I will almost always revert back to a true pink.

The Tarte blush goes on smooth and blends so easily. It is the longest lasting blush I’ve ever used (although it is my first high-end blush) and although it’s not a poppin’ pink, the colour is perfect for my skin tone.

(**I totally forgot to include my Tarte blush in my pics, but there happens to be a pink blush in my contour palette.**)

Brows
Tarte Busy Gal Brows
Shade – Taupe
Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner
Shade – Universal Dark

I come from an era where we wanted the least amount of hair on our brows. Now, I never got on the waxing train because every time I’d go to get them done, the lady would turn me away. Why? I don’t know why?

A few months ago, I decided I would try to learn how to brow. Is that a thing? Browing?

Anyway, I typically outline my brows with a brow pencil and then fill them with brow gel. I run a quick spoolie through them and they’re good to go. I think.

Now, if only I could find a colour that works – Taupe is too taupe, Brown is too dark. I just don’t know yet.

Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous X-Fiber Mascara

I never do eye makeup on the daily – only mascara. Who am I kidding? I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve had eye shadow on my eyes. Don’t even get me started with adding lashes. I can’t yet figure them out and plus Brian always says he likes my natural lashes best.

Boring.

Unless you use X-Fiber. For real, guys! This brings my lashes to a whole new level. I am very particular about my mascara and this hits every standard that I have.

Highlighter
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Mini
Shade – Opal

This highlighter is poppin’. Can I say that? Is that still a thing? Yeah, well I pop a bit of this on the tip of my nose, my cupid’s bow and on the high points of my cheeks.

Wam. Bam. Kazam.

The lights are on.

Lips
Rimmel Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner
Shade – You’re All Mine
Tarte H20 Lip Gloss
Shade – Zipline

I wasn’t sold on this liner at first, but the colour was exactly what I wanted for spring. However, when I started using it, I quickly realized how great it is. It is so creamy and feels so nice on my lips. I throw on the Tarte Lip Gloss and I’m ready to go.

Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter

You all know my thoughts on this product. Simply the best. Spritz this on your face, then dab, dab, dab with your damp beauty sponge. Shellac for your makeup? Quite possibly.

There you have it. My basic Spring Makeup Look. I think it took this picture before I put on my lips, but you don’t mind, right?

Do you do a full face of makeup everyday or are you more of the minimal makeup type? Comment below.

April Favourites | 2018

Published on May 5, 2018 by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

I feel like it’s safe to say that spring is here. It kind of came in overnight. One day we were sporting winter gear, the next day I had the top off my Jeep. I guess that’s Canada for you. We always joke that this is the one place in the world that you can use your heater and air conditioner in the same day.

C’est la vie.

I love when spring blossoms, birds are chirping and the sunshine just seems to touch my heart. Especially after this past winter season that just seemed to go on forever.

Nonetheless, spring is here and so are my April Favourites!

Batiste Dry Shampoo
I’m going to let you in on a little secret…sometimes I go a week or more without washing my hair.

Shocker, I know.

When I colour my hair, it almost always leaves blisters on my scalp. They usually hurt and I have to give them about a week to heal. If I wash my hair, it just breaks them open and leaves me regretting the beauty process.

So, lo and behold, dry shampoo.

I’ve tried many dry shampoos and Batiste is the only one that works amazingly well and consistently. I actually went through my full-size bottle and a travel-size one this month. My favourite scent is the tropical one for obvious reasons. I always want to be on vacation.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
My first experience with this was when Sephora sent me a deluxe sample kit with an order I placed. When I used it, it was the first time ever that my makeup still looked untouched after a full day of work.

I went to pick some up and the sales lady wouldn’t let me get it. She literally blocked the aisle and put her hand on my back and walked me over to another brand’s setting spray. She told me it would pollute my face and that I should use something more gentle for everyday use. Let’s just say, that I ignored her advice and found a travel-size one in the check-out line.

The only time I couldn’t use this was when I used an acne cream and my face became crazy dry. My skin felt like it was going to crack, so adding the all nighter was a bit too much.

Side note, this is one of those products that you don’t want to buy the travel-size. It costs more for the amount of product you get. You’re better off getting the full-size and enjoying it longer.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
Wow.

Every time I go to Sephora, I swatch this on the back of my hand. I never wanted to get a sample because I figured I would love it and then want to buy it. It’s a bit of a splurge.

A few weeks ago I decided I would get a sample anyway.

Ugh! It happened. I loved it. Now, I’m saving up my $$ so I can splurge.

I don’t know what makes this product so perfect, but it goes on so smooth. It is extremely light and makes any texture on your face disappear. My face feels like glass when I use this. My makeup goes on flawlessly over top. I absolutely think this is worth the spend.

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar X Fiber Mascara
The name of this is way too much for me to remember. That’s the only downfall of this mascara. I first saw this on MakeupByCheryl and since L’Oreal is one of my favourite drugstore brands, I thought I would try it.

It is absolutely easy to apply and I love that the primer is black. My lashes are already long, but this added so much depth that when I went to apply false lashes (which I usually don’t wear because of the natural length of my lashes), they were shorter than my own with this mascara!

It doesn’t flake, break or run, so I don’t have to worry about my eyes and face looking crazy after a few hours. To top it all off, it washes off so easily – no scrubbing, no double washing, just a swipe of Nivea eye makeup remover and it’s off.

Perfection in a mascara tube.

Have you used any of these products? I’d like to know what you think. Comment below.

How To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Published on May 2, 2018April 24, 2018 by Rowena Francis11 Comments

I am literally beside myself! I have been counting down the payments until our mortgage was paid off.

Guess what!? Now is the time!

I haven’t always been amazing with my money. Actually, I kind of had a similar viewpoint as many other things in my life – all or nothing.

I spent the first 25 years of my life only buying the bare necessities. I loathed spending money. I mean, I dreaded it. Do you know, when we were newlyweds, I budgeted and spent $50 on groceries every other week. We ate a lot of pasta.

Then something happened.

I had a baby.

It was a girl.

I’m not even ashamed to say that we left the hospital and went straight to the mall. Who does that?!

That was almost 11 years ago.

If it wasn’t for my amazing husband who keeps me grounded with reality checks, I’d probably be in a terrible position financially.

He has taught me a thing or two about money – and that has helped us pay off our mortgage. We didn’t do anything fancy and we definitely didn’t win the lottery. We just chose to be wise with our financial decisions. None of our decisions caused us to be tight or lack in any way.

Here are some of the things we did to pay off our mortgage faster.

Pay The Mortgage Weekly
This was one of the best decisions we made. If nothing else, do this. Changing your payments to weekly will pay down the principal much faster than if your plan is bi-weekly or monthly. It really does make a difference.

Put A Plan Together
I’m sure everyone who is close to me is probably tired of hearing my payment plan for my mortgage. Especially over the last 2 years, I’ve been a bit obsessive with it. I knew the time frame I wanted to work in, so I made sure that everything lined up payment-wise. As the balance got smaller and smaller, it was easier to nail down an exact date.

Stay Put
I’ll be honest, it’s been quite tempting to upgrade our living arrangements. This booming market can get the best of anyone. I have a dream house that is within reach, but it would require incurring a bigger mortgage. I don’t want that. My house is sufficient. It serves all my needs (not necessarily all my wants). I’ve learned in life that it is much better to be content with what you have than to have the constant stress of ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’

Make Extra Payments
Bear with me, I’m no mortgage specialist, but I do know there are rules you have to follow. If you want to avoid penalties, you have to stay within your payment allowance (I’m sure it’s not called that, but that’s my name for it). All we did was add an extra $30 to each payment. This made another great difference. Although this took a small sacrifice, it really didn’t make a difference in how we spent our money.

All of this was possible because we made smart choices along the way. As Dave Ramsey said, ‘Live like no one else today so you can live like no one else tomorrow.’

Great advice. We didn’t decorate our house immediately. We didn’t drive 2 cars. We didn’t have cable or all the latest gadgets. We didn’t always have internet and cell phones. We didn’t eat out or go on lavish vacations (until recently). We did live within our means. We did enjoy life. We did enjoy each other.

Now, we can sleep soundly in our house knowing that the strain of borrowing money has been lifted.

Spa Night In

Published on April 28, 2018April 24, 2018 by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

I am about to dive into a crazy busy week couple of weeks. I have deadlines that line up, back to back, each day next week and then some. If I don’t start off on the right foot, I may find myself a bit frazzled by the time June rolls around. June?

I don’t want that.

So, amongst many things (like doing the actual work to prepare), I am going to start off with a night of pampering.

Here is my favourite recipe for the perfect Spa day at home.

Clean House
Ok, maybe this isn’t pampering, per se, but having a clean house will help me relax when I want to. I like to have everything cleaned out, organized, vacuumed, washed, dried, folded, put away. You know, the works. The good news is that I have 2 kids that are quite accustomed to doing chores, so I won’t be running around like a crazy lady. Ok, maybe I’ll still be running around like a crazy lady, but it won’t be because I’m overworked. Plus, I’m totally convinced that my kids would choose to clean the house over anything else. I think.

Snacks
You can’t be pampered without food and drinks. Am I right, or am I right? I’m not the wine and dine type, but I do love a little bubbly – or as my kids call it, rich people water. Perrier. Zevia Ginger Root Beer has been my jam as of late.

If I’m really feeling fancy, I’ll put my drink in a crystal goblet and pour it over crushed ice.

Fancy also means I’ll throw together a tray of hors d‘oeuvres – garlic stuffed olives, an array of cheeses, crackers, fruit, chocolate. Chocolate.

If I’m not feeling overly fancy, I’ll make sure I have some Ruffles Sour Cream ‘n Onion chips.

The point is, I make sure I have food & drinks I love ready to devour.

Movie
If I’m going to have a night in with all the works, I want to watch a great chick flick. I mean, I might want to shed a tear or two, just because. Crying is cleansing, right?

Anyway, I will definitely be picking a movie that the hubby refuses to watch – Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, you get the picture.

PJs
I want luxurious pjs. I want the kind of pjs that you spend money on. I want pjs that make you feel like a million bucks.

Then I want comfort.

Yes, this pampering night is all about the comfort! Say what you will, but my TMNT sleepshirt is the best thing since sliced bread. Cozy. Comfy. Totally rad.

Face Mask
Once the house is clean, snacks are prepped, movie is picked, pjs are on, it’s time to get started. I will cleanse, rinse & moisturize my face, then slather on my favourite face mask. I’m currently loving the GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

Talk about a mouthful!

Seriously, just like the name says, it tingles. It. Tingles.

But I love it.

There’s something about it that reminds me of a tropical vacation – and that’s literally a life goal, to be living it up in the tropics.

This week, I think I’m going to venture out to Sephora and grab a GlamGlow Bubblesheet Mask. I’ve heard great reviews and I really like GlamGlow.

Nails
I don’t always add this step into my pamper routine, but this week, it’s in there. I have gel nails, so I don’t need to do my fingernails. I just don’t have time to get a pedicure and I plan on wearing sandals next week, so I definitely want to do a pedicure.

Fun fact, when I was a teenager (and into my 20s) I used to paint a design on my nails every day to match my outfit. Every. Single. Day.

My current schedule would never allow for such frivolousness. Except! Except I stumbled upon the perfect quick-dry nail polish! Sally Hansen Insta-dri. You don’t even know! This nail polish can stand it’s ground with only a single coat. Plus, it literally dries in seconds!! (I just realized that this product actually makes those claims!) Hands down favourite polish. I won’t ever go back to other polishes. I don’t know how I waited around for paint to dry when I was young. It’s not even like I had a phone or iPad or anything to pass the time.

Bedtime
Last, but certainly not least, I will snuggle into my bed full of fluffy pillows and suffocating warm blankets. Then I’ll probably talk Brian’s ear off well into the midnight hours.

Do you like to enjoy a good spa night before you dive into a long week? Let me know in the comments one of your favourite pampering products.

An Open Letter to Younger Me

Published on April 25, 2018April 24, 2018 by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

Dear Younger Me,

Life gets messy sometimes.

It’s not fun. You won’t like messy. As a matter of fact, you will like all your ‘life items’ to be arranged neatly and fit perfectly in a box that can be topped with a lid and wrapped up in a bow.

Guess what.

That box will tip. I mean, sometimes it will be picked up, dumped on the ground, smashed up and you might feel as though those life items are being whipped at you.

Something’s trying to take you out.

Not cool.

But it will happen.

Don’t let it break you.

Remember who you are. (you may have watched a few too many Disney movies along the way)

Seriously, though. Remember.

You will go through things that will shake you to your core. You will be betrayed by people you cared about deeply. You will be wounded.

You know what?

You get stronger. You stand taller. You become who you are meant to be. Your core is strong and secure. You accomplish more than you even knew you desired. You have a beautiful family with a husband who cares for you dearly.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t get caught up in meaningless drama. Don’t play into that which is meant to destroy you.

Find the forerunners. Find those who want to do good in life. Empower them. Encourage them. Hold their hands tight and their hearts carefully. Guide them toward the light. Use your influence to inspire others to be the best version of themselves – because that’s beautiful.

When you don’t know what to do, fall back on what you already know to be true. Fear God. Honour the King.

Do what you are meant to do.

Be who you are meant to be.

Be you.

Be. You.
❤ ❤ ❤

Have you ever thought of writing a letter to your younger self? If you could write a letter to your younger self using only two words, what would they be? Comment below.

Skin Care Routine | Spring 2018

Published on April 21, 2018April 18, 2018 by Rowena Francis2 Comments

Although I’ve loved makeup for a long time, I haven’t always loved taking care of my skin. I always found it to be a hassle taking off my makeup before bed or applying cream, serum or anything. I kind of had the thought that skin care products would cause my skin to radically dry out.

I’m grateful to say that I’m a little older and bit wiser in this area. My skin has changed so much since I started really caring for it. I learned that finding the right products was key in keeping my skin fresh, hydrated and healthy.

Before we dive into my current routine, let’s see how my skin care routine has changed a bit over the last few years.

2016
FCO
This was literally the only thing I used on my face (besides makeup). You can use FCO as an eye makeup remover, makeup remover and moisturizer, all in one. My face was never dry or greasy when I used this (although it is comedogenic, so you want to be careful with it).
Reason why I switched? It bothered my eyes so much that my vision would be blurry for about 2 hours after using it.

2017
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
FCO
Makeup Eraser
I admit, I continued to use the FCO to take off my eye makeup because it worked so well. I never had to scrub, it just melted it away. Closer to the end of 2017, I tried to use just the Makeup Eraser, but I felt like it left a film on my skin, so I added a cleanser. I tried a sample of the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and I loved how it cleaned my skin. I just couldn’t get over the smell and how dry my face felt afterward.

So, I switched. Again.

2018
Nivea Eye Makeup Remover
Biore Powder Cleanser
Tatcha The Deep Cleanse
Tatcha The Water Cream
This year has been an amazing start for me with skin care. It all started because I was travelling to Israel and wanted to pack in a carry-on. I did a lot of research on cutting edge products and found a powdered cleanser – which would eliminate that out of my liquids allotment. The problem was that it was so expensive and I wasn’t sure if it worked. I began looking for a cheap version of it when I found Biore had one. It was $6, so I couldn’t resist trying it.

I love it!

I know this is kinda gross, but my pores felt like they were exploding dirt right out of them! My face felt so clean after. The only problem was that it tightens and dries the skin as tight as I used to roll baby diapers.

I needed a cream.

I had a sample of Dr. Jart+ Hydrogel that I started using and I LOVED it. It wasn’t heavy, moisturized my face and literally felt like water.

 Then I ran out of it. 

I immediately ran out to Sephora to get a new sample or possibly buy it, but they didn’t carry it in the store. I decided I would get a sample of the Tatcha Water Cream and see if that compared. I got distracted, like usual, and tried the Tatcha Deep Cleanse on my hand. I’m sure if they have cameras in the store, they could pull up first of all how I accidentally squirted a boatload onto my hand, but secondly how excited I got with it.

Seriously.

I was talking loudly. To myself. In a very animated monologue. Then, in the middle of my monologue, I turned around and a shaft of light ignited the end-cap in front of me and I found myself staring at a travel size duo, for just $30.

Um, yes? 

So I did what any beauty lover would do. I bought it and ran home to wash my face.

At 10:00 in the morning.

I’m not even going to tell you anything about it, cause I’m saving that for a full review, but I will say that it quickly made it’s debut into my skin care regime.

So now, I feel like my skin is the best it’s ever been. I owe it all to my new skin care routine.

1. Remove eye makeup with Nivea
2. Take off makeup with Biore Powder
3. Wash my face/neck with Tatcha Deep Cleanse
4. Moisturize with Tatcha Water Cream

Do you have a tried-and-true skin care regime? What is your favourite product? Comment below.

Beauty Reward Programs | Hot or Not?

Published on April 18, 2018 by Rowena Francis2 Comments

It’s no secret that beauty costs money. Let’s be downright honest here. It’s expensive. So, how do you make it worth it? Is there a payoff?

Can I just say, the payoff is feeling great and looking like a million bucks. However, beauty stores tend to have some sort of loyalty reward program to reel you in.

Hook. Line. Sinker.

Here are my reviews/thoughts on the few bigger beauty stores where I shop.

Ulta
The nearest Ulta is about 40 minutes and another country away, but it doesn’t stop me from heading out there to shop.

Ulta has a reward system called Ultamate Rewards. There are 3 membership levels: Member (free, earn 1 pt/US$1), Platinum (US$450, earn 1.25 pt/US$1) & Diamond (US$1,200, earn 1.5 pt/US$1). I am currently at the Member level because I only started actually shopping there 3 months ago, and the dollar exchange hasn’t been favourable for Canadians (which means I pay more). All levels receive a free birthday gift as well as 2x the points in your birthday month. The Platinum & Diamond levels also receive a US$10 birthday coupon and points never expire. If you’re Platinum, you will also receive free shipping on orders of US$25 or more and will also receive a US$25 beauty service reward card every year.

The nice thing about Ulta is that they sell both drugstore and high-end brands. So, you can get everything you need at one store. That also means I’m in there for a good few hours, at best. There are also a few items I love that are exclusive to Ulta, so it’s worth it.

The thing I love about Ultamate Rewards is that your points equal a dollar amount so you can use it towards any purchase.

The thing I’m not loving about this is that the website is not consistent between the US site and the CAN site, so I have to shop the US side if I want to get my rewards. Twist my arm, I might as well stop by Chick-fil-A while I’m out there.

Sephora
I have a love/hate relationship with Sephora. I feel like we’ve parted ways so many times, but I’m constantly lured back in by it’s Sephora-ness.

Samples. Beauty Offers. Exclusive Products.

Sephora’s reward system is called Beauty Insider. There are also 3 membership levels: Insider (free), VIB (C$350), Rouge (C$1,000). I am currently a VIB. All levels receive a birthday gift, have access to the Rewards Bazaar as well as the Beauty Insider Community. The VIB & Rouge levels also receive monthly gifts and free custom makeovers (1x for VIB). The Rouge level also gets you free shipping on all your orders, a private hotline and invitations to exclusive events.

In my opinion, Sephora has the worst rewards program. Although you can rack up points quickly and there are lots of sales and bonuses (like the Spring Bonus, check out my wish list), your points can only be used in the Rewards Bazaar. Products are launched in the Bazaar every Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm (PT) and they go so fast, it’s unreal. I have an alarm set on my phone and by the time I tap on the Rewards Bazaar tab, everything good is already sold out. Every. Time. My points just keep racking up, unused. Pointless, in my opinion. How ironic. Yet, I keep going back cause it calls me.

Beauty Boutique
I am true and true Canadian. So, I wouldn’t be true to my heritage if I didn’t include a Canadian company.

Shopper’s Drug Mart, anyone? Sorry, I mean Beauty Boutique.

Alright, if we’re going to be hands down open here, the Beauty Boutique is my impulsive spending place. There’s one just around the corner. I could walk there, even if I was stranded at home with no car.

They have just recently switched over their rewards program. It used to be Optimum Rewards, but has since changed to PC Optimum.

Now, I love the PC rewards program. I use it for my groceries, gas, everything. One year, I was able to pay for 90% of Christmas with my PC Points. So, the fact that they joined up with the Beauty Boutique just sets me over the top.

In my opinion, the Beauty Boutique is not quite as established as Sephora or Ulta, but it’s coming along quite nicely. They have great deals and a well-established reward system. It’s a bit different from the other reward systems as it doesn’t have tiers built-in. It is free to join and you can earn 15 pts/C$1 or more, depending on the store you’re shopping at or card you use (PC Mastercards earn more). 10,000 points is equal to $10. There are always opportunities to earn bonus points – I just usually flip through the flyer to see what’s happening.

There you have it. My 3 favourite beauty stores and their reward programs. My favourite would definitely be Sephora, if they switched their bazaar over to dollar value rewards. I probably would spend all my money there.

Until then…

What is your favourite reward program? Do you buy things based on rewards? Comment below.

How To Jeep | 101

Published on April 14, 2018 by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

For a few years now, I’ve been driving a 20 year old Honda. It is fully loaded with a sunroof, heated seats, leather interior – literally, the works. The best part of it? When we all get in it, it feels like we are all in one accord.

Ok, so there have been a few flaws with my gem – 4 flaws actually. Which isn’t really that bad, except if it’s 4 pitted rims. Not horrible, but mildly inconvenient when you’re running late and notice that your tires are flat. Again. Just like yesterday morning.

Needless to say, I’ve parked ol’ faithful and upgraded a bit.

To a Jeep.

Now, I don’t know if y’all know this, but apparently there’s a code for Jeep drivers. Actually, not just any Jeep. Only Jeep Jeeps. You know, the kind that you go baha-ing in with the top off, wind in your hair, sun kissing your skin, beach in view or on the rugged terrain.

I never knew any of this, but it’s there and I’m determined to follow it. So far, this is what I know…

The Jeep Wave
Shortly after I picked up my Jeep, I started noticing people waving to me. I was so confused.

Am I that popular? Do that many people know who I am?

I told my friend about this and she suggested I was crazy. So I did what any crazy person would do. I pulled up Google and searched ‘waving’ and ‘Jeeps.’

That’s when I found out about the Jeep Wave.

Let me just tell you. If you’re having a rough day, find a Jeep to drive – your day will dramatically improve. There’s this thing about people waving to you like you belong together that just makes you feel like you’re one in a million. It almost feels similar to likes, comments and follows on social media. You matter. Someone sees you. You belong together.

Fine, maybe my new Jeep doesn’t complete me, but driving it adds fun adventure to my days. So I’ll take it.

The wave was a bit of a learning curve for me. The first few times I got overly excited and waved like a two year old desperate to be acknowledged by the Paw Patrols. After a few of those, I got my act together and started waving a bit more like a seasoned Jeep owner.

Brian asked me for my keys a few days ago. I drilled him on the code.

So, chances are, if you drive a Jeep and pass me on the road, you’re getting a wave.

Do you have a Jeep? Is there more to the code? Comment below.