I went to my first Beauty Board, hosted by Blush Pretty this past weekend.  The event was exactly what the website promised – an afternoon of meeting vendors from a host of different brands and companies and getting the opportunity to try the products.  It was, of course, also an opportunity to shop.  The afternoon not only included independent skincare and cosmetics lines, but also accessories such as Featherband and a line of greeting cards called  A Paper Story.  There were also delicious hors d’oeuvres from Some Guys Culinary Co. and delicious sweets from MANcorons Inc. and attendees went home with a huge swag of products.

Soaps from Ella’s Botanicals

Gorgeous headbands from Featherbands

One of my favourite skincare products I tried was from Ella’s Botanicals.  Founded by Ella Nunes in Toronto, this line includes soaps (both liquid and bar) and body care products for adults and kids that are locally made and are environmentally friendly.  Scents are amazing.  I’m not normally a scent fan – I’m pretty sensitive to many, but these are a different story.  I bought two purse-sized bottles of her lotions, one called Lavender Rose and another called Yummy Almond.  The latter had a deliciously nutty scent that reminded me of almond dessert soups that one gets for dessert at Chinese restaurants (when they aren’t serving sweet red bean soup).

The Cheeky Monkey nail polishes I purchased

The large swag bag guests received

Cheeky Monkey was also a favourite.  This is a line of 3-free (Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyle Phthalate (DBP)-free) luxury indie nail polishes has around 40 shades ranging from classic pinks and reds to edgier rocker chick shades and each with unique names like Undercover Vixen, U Never Go Back and Bite Me.   They are also unusual in that the names are on the side of the bottle rather than the bottom.  Though I don’t normally wear crazy shades, I have to admit that I became very intrigued by what they have offer.  Because of their three for two deal, I bought two shades – Camel Toe, a deep neutral shade and Thigh High, a sparkly brown – as well as a top coat (I Like it on Top).

Delicious appetizers from Some Guys Catering Co.

Macarons from MANcoron Inc.

I found the event to be fairly well-organized, though it would have been better if we were better informed about where exactly venue was.  We had an address and room, but no contact phone number.  And though the hors d’oeuvres were delicious, the more vegetarian friendly options were not offered until midway through the event.  However, it was a great place for people to discover brands that they may not have heard of as well as network with vendors and other media.  I am definitely looking forward to the next Beauty Board!