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MY EXPERIENCE WITH UNDER EYE FILLER //

Tuesday, 29 August 2017



Just over one week ago, I did something that I have been thinking about and wanting to do for some time now - I got under eye filler. My under eye lines and discolouration have always been a big issue for me and have always been a major source of self consciousness. And the thing is, it's not like this is something new, I have always had eye bags. I remember going to the doctor when I was little and him asking my mother if I was there for my eye bags.. that day has stuck with me ever since and that was when I was about 6 or 7. Since then, I have tried pretty much everything to hide them - expensive eye creams, roll on treatments, concealers, you name it. Finally a couple years ago, after doing some research, I found out there was such thing as under eye filler that helps with correcting this issue. I had gone for a consultation last year to have this done but at the end of the day I chickened out. I recently visited The Vanity Lab for a microderm abrasion treatment, and decided to bring up the issue again with them. After talking with he was super informative, and was able to answer all of my questions and concerns, so I felt comfortable enough to go ahead.

BEFORE/AFTER

When I posted on instagram stories the day of the treatment, I could not believe how many messages I got from women who are suffering from the same thing. Whether it was dark circles or deep tear troughs, question after question came rolling in. It was crazy yet almost comforting knowing I'm not the only one and it makes me so happy to be able to share my experience and bring a bit of light to an otherwise shadowed topic. I wanted to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I received and if there is anything I've missed or if there are any other questions I can answer please feel free to and I would be more than happy to help!


1. WHERE DID YOU GO?
I went to the Vanity Lab in Yaletown, Vancouver which I would highly recommend. Dr. Jalali is all about keeping things natural and highlighting your natural beauty. He was also super informative and ensured I was comfortable and confident going ahead with the procedure.

2. DID IT HURT?
No! Dr. Jalali applies a topical numbing cream to where the initial prick will happen, you will feel the tiniest pinch initially. He then uses not a needle but a thin titanium cannula to go through the initial hole and fill the area. It definitely does not hurt, it's just a little strange knowing there's a tube inside your face!

3. WHAT KIND OF INJECTABLE DID THEY USE?
They use a filler called Teosyal which is a bit of a more expensive option however it is the smoothest you can get and the best option for such a sensitive area like the under eye. 

4. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
It can last anywhere from 7-9 months depending on how fast your body metabolizes the filler. For example, people that work out often, their bodies will metabolize the product a bit faster. So no problems here! lol

5. WILL IT ALSO HELP WITH DISCOLOURATION?
Yes! I noticed an immediate difference, but for some even darker circles they will fade overtime. 

6. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Depending on how much filler is needed you can purchase half a vile or a full vile. Half a vile is $349 plus tax, and a full vile is $649 plus tax. I did a full vile but there was a bit left over, so they will keep it in the fridge for me until I come back for my check up and if I need a bit more they will use that. You can also do the full vile and save it for your next treatment. 

7. WILL YOU BRUISE?
No! Right before getting it done I was talking with one of my girlfriends who has experience with lip fillers - she warned me that I will experience some bruising and to cancel plans for that day and the next day. However, I had not one single bruise, I even had people over that night with no problem!

8. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE SERVICE?
1000% yes. Honestly this treatment has changed my life. The way I feel about my skin and the comfort I now feel without wearing makeup is amazing. The day I got it done, I came home and was looking in the mirror and could have cried I was so happy. It is a subtle difference, not a super drastic change, it simply makes me look and feel fresh faced, and beautiful. There's no better way to put it. 

I used to always have to use a photo smoother to smooth my under eyes in photos, but not anymore. The photo below is with absolutely no editing of my under eyes.

I cannot thank The Vanity Lab and enough for their amazing service and expertise. 

xx
Tessa

THE TRUTH ABOUT HAIR EXTENSIONS //

Sunday, 20 August 2017







This past week I visited Brush Salon to give my hair a little jeuge-jeuge. Usually when I'm shooting blog content or when I'm going out I add clip in hair extensions to give my hair a bit of extra volume and length. I had been thinking a lot lately around getting something a bit more permanent to save me that extra step in getting ready each day. I of course went to my forever go-to salon Brush to have this done because they are the absolute best and always know what's best for my hair. When I first had them put in my IG DM was flooded with questions from women wanting to know more so I wanted to put together a little FAQ and sort of debunk any hair extension myths for anyone interested in getting them done! Also, if you are planning on taking the leap into the fabulous world of long luscious locks, I would highly recommend going to Brush as I always do - they take hair very seriously and will only do what is best for you, plus they use the absolute best products to ensure you are well taken care of.


1. WHAT KIND OF EXTENSIONS DID YOU GET?

These are tape-in extensions. There are quite a few different kinds of extensions but tape-ins are supposed to be the best option and allow for no damage to the natural hair. I had always heard of tape-in extensions, but I never realized that they were straight up TAPED IN. It was bizarre to find that out! They legit peel the hair off a sticker and tape it into your head! Having the hair on a strip allows the stress of brushing/pulling to be on a long strip of hair vs. say when you get clamped in hair extensions where it's clamped to such a small section you can risk pulling it right out. 

2. HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

These will last anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. The hair itself will last up to a year with proper care, you would just need to have them re-taped about every 6-8 weeks.

3. ARE THEY DAMAGING?

No. This is one of the BIGGEST myths of hair extensions - even for myself. I always thought I needed to stay far far away because my natural hair is a bit damaged as it is and I never wanted to risk any further damage from getting hair extensions. Now, don't get me wrong, when I was younger, my older sister got sort of a glue/clamp hybrid type hair extension done, and yes, those were damaging as they are straight up glued onto little sections of your hair!!! I remember her pulling little chunks out as they came loose/broke off - YIKES!! However, again, these are tape-ins - they are the best on the market and with proper care will not damage your natural locks. 

4. ARE THEY HEAVY?

There's obviously and definitely some extra weight back there that takes some getting used to. That being said they never actually feel 'heavy' or that they're pulling or weighing me down.

5. CAN YOU STILL WEAR YOUR HAIR UP?

Yes! The tape is invisible and flexible - they've also hidden them so well I have no problems doing the most adorable high ponies! That's actually been my go-to hair style since getting them done - so cute with all those locks!

6. HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

The set I got was 16" long which was definitely long enough for me! The 16" were $875, you can also get 12" or I believe 18" but I'm not too sure on the pricing of those. I think I could have almost done with the 12" to make it a bit more budget friendly. 

Also, after the 8 weeks when it's time to have them re-taped this costs around $200.

Honestly, it seems like a big number at first, but if you think about it, it's just the initial cost of the hair and that will last you a year or maybe more and then the re-tape fee is even less than a usual salon visit. It's definitely a treat-yo-self type situation but I definitely think it is worth it. Put a little away every week so you can go all out - you won't regret it.

xx
Tessa

GROWN UP EASTER BASKET #2 //

Monday, 10 April 2017













Easter is one of my favourite holidays. I don't know why Easter (even more so than Christmas) is so nostalgic for me. Memories of running down the stairs with our Easter baskets (I was always last), and hoping it wouldn't rain so that we could hunt for eggs outside. As my sisters and I have gotten older these traditions from childhood fade, but I don't think that should stop you from celebrating and getting creative even as an adult. 

A few years ago I made this grown up easter basket and decided to do a little updated version with some of my favourite L'Occitane products.

In this basket I have included the new Terre De Lumière fragrance and body lotion by L'Occitane, a delicious bottle of rosé, a peony scented candle, a spring mag, a mini flower bouquet and of course a chocolate bunny!

This little fresh spring basket is the perfect little Easter gift for your mom, sister or wife (wink wink), it also makes for the perfect hostess gift for whoever is hosting your Easter dinner. You could also make up little mini baskets and gift them to your best girlfriends. 

This new scent from L'Occitane was the perfect addition to my adult Easter basket - with notes of lavender, honey, and almond, it is the most delicious subtly sweet scent and is perfectly layered with their Terre De Lumière body lotion. I love switching up my fragrance with the season and this is what I plan on indulging in all Spring long!

xx
Tessa

Thank you to L'Occitane for partnering on this post.

LA COLLINE CANADA RIVIERA REVIVAL BEAUTY SWEEPSTAKES //

Tuesday, 6 September 2016














With Fall fast approaching there's no better time to switch up your skincare routine and get a fresh start to a new season! I am SO excited to share with you this amazing sweepstakes with La Colline Canada Skincare where we will be giving away a total of $1,080.00 in gorgeous skincare prizes.

La Colline is a premium anti-aging cellular skincare line from Switzerland that uses exclusive technologies that aid in both hydrating and protecting the skin.

I started using La Colline a few months ago - the formulas are super hydrating and feel so refreshing on the skin. What is so amazing about the La Colline products is that they created CMAge Complex technology (exclusive to La Colline) which stimulates cellular metabolism and contains six key ingredients to ensure optimal cell oxygenation through hydration and protection a.k.a HELLO glowing, youthful and refreshed skin!

Oxygenation 
Dunaliella Saline (alga) and Oat Proteins protect the mitochondria and promote improved oxygenation levels by increasing levels of cellular ATP (energy) and stimulating cellular metabolism. 

Hydration 
Hyaluronic Acid (high weight) creates a semipermeable film to hydrate and retain water at the surface of the skin, ensuring suppleness, elasticity and firmness. 

Protection 
The protective element of The Complex is composed of three key ingredients: Complex of Ceramides, Wheatgerm DNA and Artemisia. The complex of Ceramides is used to maintain the integrity of the skin’s superficial layer and protect against dryness. Wheatgerm DNA is used to protect against elastase activity and mimics a healing process for DNA cells. Finally, Artemisia is used to protect the cell from any free-radical activity. Artemisia is a highly tolerant plant that can survive in even the harshest climates; it is filled with anti-oxidants and holds anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The Artemisia that is used in the CMAge® Complex is cultivated in Switzerland.

I've been using the Cleansing Milk, Cleansing Tonic, and Moisture Boost Hydration Mask and could not be more obsessed with the results - I can't say enough about how refreshed it makes your skin feel! I specifically used the Hydration Mask while I was on my two week trip to Europe and it was such a lifesaver (especially the day of my cousins wedding! I felt super hydrated and refreshed). The combination of the three products will leave your skin feeling supple, clean, and hydrated, and will leave your skin looking youthful and glowing!

For all of my fellow Vancouverites looking to test some of these amazing products, La Colline is exclusively carried at Shifeon with locations on Robson and in Oakridge Mall! This will also be where you can redeem your La Colline facial treatment should you be the lucky winner.

Now onto how you can WIN! La Colline and I are giving away three amazing prizes: 
Gold Prize (Valued at CAD $335.00)
- 1 x La Colline “Active Cleansing” Cellular Bio-Cleansing Milk
1 x La Colline “Active Cleansing” Cellular Bio-Smoothing Tonic
1 x La Colline “Moisture Boost++” Cellular Dynamic Hydration Mask
Announced September 12th, 2016
Silver Prize: (Valued up to CAD $295.00)
- 1 x 90-minute custom La Colline facial treatment (based on client skin type) at Shifeon Vancouver (located at 1291 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C2)
This prize is only limited to British Columbia residents
Announced September 19th, 2016
Bronze Prize (Valued at CAD $450.00 total)
9 x La Colline Canada gift card to be used towards purchases at www.lacolline.ca e-store
- Valued at CAD $50.00  
- Gift Cards expire March 31st, 2017
- 5 winners announced September 26th, 2016 
- 4 winners announced September 29th, 2016

We will be posting a specific photo for each prize on my IG page, to enter:
1)    Follow and
2)    Like the photo on my page () and tag 3 friends in the comments
3)    Subscribe to La Colline Canada’s newsletter (link in their profile)
GOODLUCK
Thank you to La Colline for sponsoring this post.
The Riviera Revival Beauty Sweepstakes will take place from 10:00 AM (PST) on September 6th, 2016 and will end at 10:00AM (PST) on September 29th, 2016. The sweepstakes is available to Canadian residents and is limited to one entry per person. There will be a total of 11 prizes valued at a total of CAD $1,080.00. There will be 1 Gold prize, 1 Silver prize and 9 Bronze prizes for your viewers to enjoy! Anyone who enters is eligible for any of the prizes (i.e. if they enter the first week of the sweepstakes but don’t win the Gold prize, they are eligible to win Silver or Bronze prizes – they should not re-enter). Winners will be selected at random through a generator and will be verified.

SUMMER GLOW WITH L'OCCITANE //

Friday, 3 June 2016



















There's nothing I love more than soft, healthy, glowing skin, especially for summer! When warmer days come around, I rarely wear makeup and prefer to simply keep my skin fresh and hydrated. These products from L'Occitane are perfect for making your skin feel just that all summer long. I absolutely love the Almond Milk Concentrate for an all over silky smooth feel, it also smells amazing! The Divine Collection is also a favorite - the award winning face and eye creams are super hydrating and just a little goes a long way! Lastly, how can you not fall in love with the NEW Peony Collection - I mean the packaging alone is stunning. The Peony Perfecting Cream is probably my favorite of the collection - it gives you the perfect summer glow! 

L'Occitane wants to help you feel fresh, hydrated and radiant all summer long and are offering a gorgeous free gift with every $60 purchase! Simply mention cakeforbreakfastblog.com at checkout!

Be sure to stop by L'Occitane's Mayfair location in Victoria on June 10th to help them celebrate their 1st Anniversary! 

PS how could I not snap little Mason trying to steal my shower oil?! ;) 

Thank you to L'Occitane for sponsoring this post.