TORONTO BEAUTY REVIEWS: YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO THE LATEST IN BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health
Menu

My Secret Santa Revealed!

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Elaine

Jessy from The Little Dust Princess was thoughtful enough to organize a Secret Santa event amongst some of us petites who participate in the Alterations Needed Forum.

It was such a fun experience and my first one doing any type of gift exchange with people I have only virtually met.

I was so excited when my gift arrived in the mail from the one and only Jen of From Head to Toe.  If you haven’t checked out her blog – what are you waiting for?   I have been a long time follower (ahem perhaps stalker as my husband likes to call it) and she is one of my favorite petites 🙂

Here are pictures of all the items she sent me:

^such cute stationary!!^
^earrings to go with any outfit^
^I’m not sure how to use these but I’m sure I’ll figure it out :P^

^Ahh I can’t wait to try these masks out!  I will definitely be asking Jen the best way to use them^

^this colour is GORGEOUS – I can’t wait to use it 🙂 and the maple leafs are so Canadian LOL ^
^I absolutely love primers.  I have really oily skin, so this will be perfect to try out^
^sooo excited about this one since I watched Jen’s video ^
^eeek, so excited – I’ve never tried eyelashes on my own before – I bought the glue so I will attempt these soon 🙂  ^

LOFT dress!  I remember seeing this on several petite bloggers.  Please let me know who you are so I can link your blog to this post 🙂
^Everything together!!! 🙂 ^

And here’s how the dress looks on me 🙂

Thank you Jen, I can’t believe how generous you are!  I LOVE all my gifts and can’t wait to put them all to good use!

Edit:   I drew Elle from Fast Food & Fast Fashion.  Click here to see what I got her 🙂

I’m so happy to have found the “petite community” and the whole blogging community!  I have had nothing but positive experiences in the short time I’ve been blogging.   If there is anyone out there thinking about starting a blog I highly recommend it.  It’s a great way to communicate with others that have similar interests.  If blogging isn’t for you perhaps checkout the Alterations Needed Forum.   Many bloggers and non bloggers are part of the forum and it’s a really nice way to get to know each other.   Twitter is also a great way to join in on the conversation. 

I wish all of you a wonderful New Years and may 2011 bring you all great health and happiness and I hope new friendships 🙂

Sign up for the Toronto Beauty Reviews Newsletter!

Want the latest beauty, style and event news right in your inbox? Sign up now!

Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Share on social:

18 thoughts on “My Secret Santa Revealed!”

  1. PetiteXXS says:
    January 13, 2011 at 12:50 am

    Wow you got lots of goodies! I think I have the same dress in black.

    Reply
  2. Lor says:
    January 7, 2011 at 3:02 am

    I found your blog from the other petite bloggers. I love that LOFT dress on you!! My girlfriends and I have just started a blog, and we’re from Toronto too!

    Reply
  3. Beckerman Girls says:
    January 3, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Happy Happy NEW YEAR to you too babe! Love your dress..you look soooo chic and amazzzzing!
    kisses
    xoThe Beckerman Girls

    http://www.BeckermanBitePlate.com

    Reply
  4. Ashley Hasty says:
    January 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I’m new to your blog…I saw your comment on The Daybook and thought I’d bop on over to your blog and say a quick hello!

    <3 Ashley
    http://www.ahastylife.com

    Reply
  5. Sweet Laundry says:
    January 2, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Whoa, your secret santa totally spoiled you. Lucky girl!

    Thanks for your comment on my blog. I’m so glad you stopped by because I have been looking for other Toronto fashion bloggers, and now I’ve found you! I’ll definitely be back soon 🙂

    Lisa
    http://www.sweetlaundry.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. Kaleido Mind says:
    January 1, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    that dress looks great on you!!!:) happy new year!

    Reply
  7. kileen says:
    January 1, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    wow, that dress fits you perfectly!! i’m in love with the beautiful color and ruffles. Jen did an amazing job! and i can’t wait to see how those lashes work on you. i love the Darkness K.ma2 lashes myself. 🙂

    cuteandlittle.com

    Reply
  8. PetiteAsianGirl says:
    December 31, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    Whoaa, a pretty dress plus goodies?? Now you have another LOFT piece to add to your collection : ) The wrap style fits so nicely on you too..I bet you can’t wait for summer now!

    Reply
  9. Cee says:
    December 31, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Great gifts from Jen! The card is super adorable. I can’t stop looking at the flowers with faces, hehe. I love the maple leaf design on the eye shadows (?). Do you plan on using it or keeping it the way it is like a piece of art? 😉 The LOFT dress fits you nicely, I like the ruffles and the color. Have a happy 2011, Elaine!

    Reply
  10. Elle says:
    December 31, 2010 at 4:08 am

    Jen picked out some AWESOME gifts, I really like that LOFT dress on you, the color is great on you!

    And thanks again for your gifts, I really really like them all. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Stylepint says:
    December 31, 2010 at 1:49 am

    You got such lovely beauty products from Jen and a dress too! The LOFT dress is very flattering on you! =)

    Reply
  12. Ping says:
    December 31, 2010 at 1:27 am

    wow you got so many goodies from your secret santa! even a loft dress?! thats pretty awesome. those lashes look really pretty, you have to show us!

    Reply
  13. PetiteLittleGirl says:
    December 30, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    She got you all kind of goodies. I am dying to try the BB cream after seeing her video. Let me know what you think. The dress looks lovely on you.

    Reply
  14. SewPetiteGal says:
    December 30, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    Wonderful gifts! That dress color looks so good on you and I can’t wait to see how the false eyelashes will look (I’ve always been fascinated by how the beauty bloggers integrate them so flawlessly!).

    Reply
  15. Nelah says:
    December 30, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    Wow you got a lot of great stuff. I really like the color and design of this dress. So cute.

    Reply
  16. Really Petite says:
    December 30, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    Wow- what great gifts! I have this dress and love it!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Tara says:
    December 30, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    I love the color of that dress! Looks like you got lots of cute stuff 🙂

    Reply
  18. The Little Dust Princess says:
    December 30, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    OMG the Tokidoki stationary is adorable! 😀 The earrings and French nails are really pretty too. ^_^ My My Beauty Diary Masks review is gonna be posted soon. Just in time for you to use these, Elaine! haha : )

    Hope you have a great holiday!! 🙂

    xx The Little Dust Princess

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome to Toronto Beauty Reviews!

TBR is a space for us to share reviews of beauty products we love, easy makeup tips, and insights into our personal wellness journeys.

We believe that beauty and wellness are for people of all genders, all skin tones, hair types, backgrounds, and ways of being.

We hope you’ll find something here that helps you feel beautiful, inside and out!

More About TBR

  • About
  • Partnerships
  • Disclosure

Meet the Team!

About Maddie | Toronto Beauty Reviews
Welcoming DJS to the Toronto Beauty Reviews Team | Toronto Beauty Reviews

Get Social With Us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram

torontobeautyreviews

Editor of #TorontoBeautyReviews.
Sharing our beauty & wellness faves ✨
📍Toronto, ON
maddie@torontobeautyreviews.com

Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️ I truly love the Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️

I truly love these @milkmakeup Cooling Water Jelly Tints and wear at least one daily on some combo of eyes, lips, and cheeks. The color payoff is 🤯, the longevity is 😍. They’ve got vegan collagen and aloe to plump and soothe skin. 

For an easy, juicy burst of color this summer, grab yours at @sephoracanada! 🌊

(And check out my blog to learn more about why I love multi-use products!) 

#torontobeautyreviews #milkmakeup #easymakeup #cleanbeauty #summerbeauty #sephoraca #jellytint
Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions in our family. ❤️ 

Such a fun day going from above the city all the way down to a hidden basement game bar! Checking out the CN tower, @littlecanada, @waterworksto, @h20floatstudio, and @lobtoronto. 

See any of your fave spots here? What would your perfect Adventure Day look like? 

#torontobeautyreviews #torontoblogger #torontothingstodo #bestofto #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dateideas
Proud ☺️🌈 And loud, since I have the privi Proud ☺️🌈

And loud, since I have the privilege of being able to live my life openly, unlike so many of my 2SLGBTQIA+ peers. I’m a straight-passing cis white woman, so my queerness doesn’t threaten most people. 

So, with that advantage in mind, let me use this small platform to say to anyone who is listening:

Never forget that Pride started as a riot. 

That Pride is more than slapping a rainbow on something, jacking up the price, and saying “love is love” for four weeks out of the year. 

That true allyship involves action and accountability, 365. 

That trans women, two-spirit individuals, and queer folks of color are the heart and soul of our community. That they continue to show up, to fight, to love, and to lead while facing very real danger. That we owe so much to their courage. 

Never forget that queer folks have always been here. 

That you can’t erase us, ban us, or legislate us out of existence. 

That queerness is a part of nature. 

That it exists even when it’s no longer trendy or politically advantageous. 

That we notice and remember who speaks up and who is silent. 

That we contain multitudes. 

That we deserve safety, compassion, legal protections, love, joy, and a future - just like every other human. 

That not all of us are “out” and don’t need to be; that we will invite you in if and when we choose to, and if and when we feel safe to do so. 

That queer folks make the world better. 

And that, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, we’re going to be ok. 

Because resilience, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness are fundamental parts of who we are. 

So we’re not going anywhere. Get on board.

Happy Pride!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Wearing:
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + GetSet Powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number
@aboutfacebeauty liquid eye shadow in Take a Trip
@ardellbeauty Bat Those Lashes in Enchantress*
@annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner* + Master Volume mascara*
#QuoBeauty Rainbow maker 
@makeupbymario MoistureGlow in Rosewood Glow

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #pride2025 #queer  #2slgbtqia #mytbrfave #torontomakeup #tbrcontributors #torontoblogger #canadian
Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re cur Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re curious, check out this video to learn more about the process! 

It was so easy and honestly not painful at all. And I felt so good afterwards, knowing that my donation will help someone in need. 🥰 I’ll definitely be a regular donor at @canadaslifeline from here on out. 

If you have any questions, ask away! ⬇️

#torontobeautyreviews #canadaslifeline #canadianbloodservices #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #maketheworldbetter #toronto #thingstodo #blooddonation #onegative #firsttimedonor
Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈 I’v Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈

I’ve been so busy with my day job that I unfortunately haven’t had much time to devote to TBR. 😫 But I’m planning a few new stories (fave SPFs; different lip & cheek formulas) and excited to play with makeup again soon. ✨

For now, here’s a snap of my typical minimal makeup look. Takes 5 mins, tops! 🎨

@annabellecosmetics Master Volume mascara + Kohl matte eyeliner in charcoal* 
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + oneliner in Paint My Number + GetSet translucent powder 
@rarebeauty Flexible Lifting Brow Gel
@milkmakeup Sculpt Stick in Toasted + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Splash 
@baileynelsonca August glasses 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #minimalmakeup #cleanbeauty #annabelleugcteam #annabellecosmetics #tbrcontributors #easymakeup #cleanmakeup #tower28 #milkmakeup
Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

Would you try this?
Follow on Instagram

Archives

July 2025
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun    

Proud To Be Partnered With…

© Toronto Beauty Reviews 2021
Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health