Covet & Acquire

What it is: An ultra-gentle micellar water cleanser and makeup remover solution that soothes, decongests and moisturizes skin — formulated for both normal to dry and sensitive skin types. 

Beauty bonus: These solutions actually feel like water when applied. There is no slippery synthetic feel to these cleansers! 

Beauty bummer: We had to use a few soaked cotton pads to power through waterproof mascara. 

Overall: We find ourselves again dipping our toes into the wave of micellar cleansers from our French beauty friends (Nous ai mons cosmetiques francais!) with these new products from Bioderma – Hydrabio H2O and Sensibio H2O.

Don't let the fluid consistency of plain ole water fool you. This cleanser is anything but plain! Formulated with a compound called Aquagenium, it prompts skin to maintain and retain moisture — leaving a glowing, fresh face. This no-rinse formula is gentle enough to use the recommended soaked cotton pad around eyes without stinging and still remove waterproof makeup, too.

Would recommend? Yes.

Price: $18.95 each
Where to buy: Drugstores

—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris

Like our take on all things beauty? (Aww, we like you too!) Follow @covetandacquirebeauty for a feed full of mini reviews! 

Much like every other fashion fan out there, when it comes to summer shoes, I'm all about mules.

Whether it's closed toe (like these Acne boots seen here) or open-toe like these black beauties, the easy slip-on style adds a touch of on-trend style to virtually any outfit.

And the best part? They're both work and weekend appropriate. #doubleduty

What about you — are you loving or hating mules?

Happy Wednesday and thanks for stopping by!

Longline pieces are currently ruling my wardrobe.

From casual trench coats to this vest from Metro Vancouver-based retailer Privilege Clothing, I can't get enough of the relaxed yet elevated style.

I find a topper like this one can elevate the simplest basics into style stars. Case in point: Birkenstock sandals and a body-con midi dress.

Oh, and speaking of elevating ... if you're looking to elevate your wardrobe, Privilege is hosting a $1,000 Instagram giveaway. It's super simple to enter, just head to my account (@aleesha_h) or the shop's account (@styleforthepriv) for details on how to enter.

Good luck!

I love when an outfit exceeds all expectations.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't always love a good black midi dress with a denim jacket thrown over top and a pair of sleek sandals (not exactly groundbreaking!).

But these outfit photos came out so well, I'm thinking day-um, I need to put this look on repeat. :P

And with the way I've been feeling lately (tired!), I just may wear and re-wear, and wear and re-wear, and ... you get the point.

Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by!

What it is: EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream is a rich shaving cream formulated with a host of skin-conditioning ingredients including Shea butter, vitamins B3, C and E — for a smooth, (wet or dry!) shaving experience. 

Beauty bonus: Also formulated with aloe and oat extracts, this cream leaves skin razor nick and bump free.

Beauty bummer: Slightly unexpected, this shaving cream doesn't foam. 

Overall: This shave cream was very rich feeling when dispensed, but felt a little thin when spread over skin. 

We almost nixed it ... until we felt our super smooth skin post shave! #divine

Green tea and grape seed extract are in the mix, leaving skin brighter and uber-moisturized. In addition to these skin-nourishing elements, you can feel even better knowing this product is paraben and pthalate-free! 

Would recommend? Yes 
Price: $4.99 
Where to buy: Mass retailers 

—Review by Covet and Acquire Beauty Editor Kirsten Harris

When it comes to trousers, I'm loving the return of a wide-legged silhouette.

Not only do I think they often look significantly more chic than skinnies, but the roomier cuts are a sartorial godsend for girls like me who have a little bit more junk in the trunk. Lol.

I wore this look to work a week or so ago, and I have to say, I felt so stylish and so comfortable —And that's not a combo that comes along too often when it comes to trying out new trouser styles.

I think I've found my new obsession!

Happy Monday and thank you for stopping by.

What it is: A battery-powered electric shaver from Philips specifically designed for use in the bikini area. The compact trimmer works wet or dry, so you can use it in the shower (bonus!). Comes with a detachable 3 mm head for "styling" or the set .5 mm blade for a closer crop.

Beauty bonus: This trimmer is perfect for packing away in your travel case for mid-vacay touch ups. It even comes with a little drawstring pouch for simple, on-the-go storage!

Beauty bummer: While the .5 mm blade length ensures a clean, smooth shave — diehard wax fans might miss that extra little bit of hairlessness.

Overall: This little trimmer is a must for those who are a fan of a meticulous hair situation, ehem, down there — male or female!

We loved the fact that this shaver could be used in or out of the shower, meaning there was pretty much no excuse for a "forgotten" cleanup.

Although we would still head in for a wax appointment to keep things tidy, the Bikini Genie made quick touchups a cinch,

Would recommend: Yes! If you aren't a fan of waxing or can't get in for an appointment because of a busy summer schedule, this mini trimmer is a perfect option.

Price: $19.96
Where to buy: Wal-Mart

What is it: A battery-powered hairbrush that emits an ion stream to smooth and de-static strands, leaving strands free of frizz without the use of hot tools.

Beauty bonus: Thinking ahead to sweater and scarf season, this brush could be just the trick to banish serious static head. #Canadianproblems :P

Beauty bummer: The delicate ion emitter is exposed to potential damage from other items in our hairbrush drawer, so store with caution.

Overall: This product was certainly intriguing — yet it seemed like a gimmick that would in no way deliver.

It definitely surprised us with its performance!

When compared to a regular brush, hair was way smoother and less frizzy post-use.

Was it a miracle frizz tamer? Not quite. But did it leave us with post-brush poof? Not at all.

It left tresses feeling much less static-y and slightly more shiny —  no product or heat needed. Pretty nice!

Would recommend? If you're looking for a heat-free alternative to get smooth hair, this may be your tool!

Price: $39.99

Where to buy: London Drugs

—Review by Covet and Acquire Beauty Editor Kirsten Harris

I originally posted a comparison review of my two CHANEL mini handbags — a square mini in burgundy lambskin with gold hardware and a rectangular blue caviar leather with silver hardware —two years ago, and since then, it has consistently been one of my top-visited posts.

Oh, Nordstrom. Why do you do this to me and my savings account?

Today marks the kickoff of the Seattle-based retailer's annual Anniversary Sale — for those in the know, at least. 

Nordstrom Rewards Members are getting early access to the designer deals and steals today through July 16, before the rest of us get dibs on July 17. 

Guess it pays to be a member. :P 

Anyway, shop a few of my favourite accessory picks from the pre-sale below ... because I'm all about those add-ons right now.  

I can only hope my willpower is strong enough to keep me looking — and not buying — because when the store finally opens in Vancouver this fall, for sure, all bets are going to be off! 

Happy Friday — and even happier shopping — and thank you for stopping by. 

What it is: A peel-off face mask formulated with activated charcoal to help detoxify skin, leaving a brighter complexion with firmer skin tone. 

Beauty bonus: Post-application, skin felt very smooth, supple and hydrated.

Beauty bummer: Lacking a pretty scent and with the consistency of gooey glue, this mask wasn't the most spa-inspired to apply. 

Overall: This mask offers an affordable option for those looking to test out the current 'It' beauty ingredient: charcoal. 

With a black-as-night colour and the sheen of latex, one look in the mirror had us thinking of Cat Woman (Hey, looking like Halle Berry wouldn't be so bad!). 

Post-peel, this mask definitely improves the look of skin in terms of hydration and brightness. 

Beware of applying this sticky, slightly messy mask around the hairline, as it is easy to get everywhere! And don't go too thick as it causes it to dry — and remove — inconsistently. 

Would I recommend? Yes, it yields noticeable results that far surpass its price point.
Price: $6.99
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart

—Review by Covet and Acquire Beauty Editor Kirsten Harris

My first day at Fvded in the Park was a blast, so I couldn't wait to get back out on Saturday for another music-packed day in the sun — capped off my a performance by one of my favourite artists, The Weeknd.

While the day was blazing hot — I was pretty much saved by my simple black maxi dress from Bench.

The lightweight cotton left me cool and comfortable, despite the sun-attracting shade.

But ... let's just say that for my next festival this summer (ehem, Squamish!), I'll be sure to pick something other than black in an attempt to further beat the heat. #liveandlearn

Happy Monday and thank you for stopping by!

I love festival season.

From the flower-crown fashion to the all-night-long entertainment, there's just something so electric and fun about music festivals.

But while I admire the crop tops and fringe effects spotted on many a festival-going femmes, I often try to take a more classic approach with my looks.

Case in point: this Bench Canada outfit I pulled together for the first day of Fvded in the Park!

I love the effortless style of a midi skirt paired with a relaxed tank. It's a go-to for my summer wardrobe, and paired with comfy sandals and a sun hat — it easily translates into a stylish (and not so gimmicky!) festival look.

Follow along on social media @aleesha_H as I post more from Fvded x Bench Canada.

And stay tuned for another outfit post (and video!) of my favourite moments from the weekend affair.

Happy Saturday and thank you for stopping by!