Tag: beauty

CleanWorkout.com Recipes: Japanese Balance Bowls

I recently had the pleasure of teaming up with CleanWorkout.com to create more Delicious, Healthy, Nutritious and Versatile Meals… Japanese Balance Bowls.

I was inspired by my travels through Tokyo last year. Major department stores like Shinjuku’s Isetan and Shibuya’s Tokyo Hands had large underground grocery stores and patisseries. Filled to the brim with fresh fish, meats and produce, simple preparations are best to let the beautiful ingredients shine.

These Balance Bowls are so simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerate them for a quick, balanced lunch or dinner.

 

DIY Facials with Greek Yogurt Face Masks

I love finding natural beauty treatments and remedies that work just as well (if not better!) than store bought cosmetics. Earlier this year I experimented with the effects of Raw Honey Face Masks and was blown away by the results! It made me think about other simple, natural products and I remembered my experience with Greek Yogurt.

I learned about the skin healing and beauty benefits of yogurt years ago in Greece. Back then, a local brand called Korres was being sold in pharmacies and specializing in natural and holistic remedies, creams and cosmetics.

The first Korres product I tried was their Yogurt Face Cream. It was supposed to soothe the skin, help minimize breakouts, and have anti-aging effects. Lucky for me, the cream delivered on everything it promised.

(More than a decade later, Korres is now available all over the world and they are still using unique ingredients and plants in their lines. Check them out on Amazon.)

Korres was definitely on to something, but you do not need to visit a cosmetics counter to benefit from the effects of yogurt – instead, shop your refrigerator for some plain Greek yogurt.

Yogurt is full of proteins and enzymes that help soothe, heal and treat your skin.

Gently apply a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt to clean skin for 10 to 30 minutes 2 to 3 times per week. On its own, it will moisturize, exfoliate, minimize acne, soothe sunburns and brighten your skin. For more intense all natural masks, try the following:

  1. Intense Moisture
  2. Exfoliator and Acne Healer
    • 2 tsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tsp Organic Raw Honey + 1/2 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
      • Yogurt is Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal which helps destroy acne-causing bacteria.
      • The Alpha-Hydroxy Acid gently exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells to give you a youthful, glowing appearance.
  3. Sunburn Soother
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
      • The Zinc in Yogurt helps heal the skin and removes the sting.
  4. Skin Brightener
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Which is your favourite Greek Yogurt Mask? Do you have any special concoctions of your own for other skin concerns?

Four Essential Honey Masks

I love using natural products in lieu of store bought beauty products, and I love honey! Honey is known for its health benefits but is often underrated for its cosmetic uses.

Honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and healing properties that give you healthy skin and hair. It is also rich in enzymes that calm your skin, and draws moisture into the skin. I recommend using raw honey for beauty treatments since it has not been heat-treated and contains the most enzymes.

Tip: If you do not have time for a full mask, use a dab of raw honey as a spot treatment to heal blemishes.

The next time you are treating yourself to a spa day, try one of these all natural masks. Which one is your favourite?

 

CleanWorkout Collaboration: Maca Boost

If you are looking for extra energy, try this quick and easy Maca Boost. No need to worry about the typical “caffeine crash,” plus it will jolt your mind to be more alert and focused.

Not only does Maca balance your hormones to make your feel better, it is full of antioxidants to improve the look of your skin and minimize aging.

Start everyday with this simple shot and be prepared to feel amazing.

Oscar 2016 Fashion and Beauty

It is that time of year for my Oscar fashion and beauty recap! Here are some of my favourite looks from the Red Carpet.

Brie Larson in Gucci. Looking a little more glamorous than when I saw her at the Brisbane Airport.

Academy Award Winner Brie Larson in Gucci. Looking a little more glamorous – but just as striking – as the time I saw her at the Brisbane Airport.

The Fashion

I love dark and jewel tones on the Red Carpet. Jennifer Lawrence’s black and nude tiered gown is simply accentuated by a thin diamond chain and simple blonde bob. She looks young and glamourous.

I first noticed the back – or lack there of – of Rachel McAdams forest green dress while she was presenting on stage. The shape and colour of this dress look amazing on her!

Naomi Watts is one of my favourite stars to look for on the Red Carpet. She is a true piece of art in this bold jewel-toned Armani Prive column dress.

Priyanka Chopra looks ethereal in this nude and floral lace gown. I love the metal belt that subtly breaks up her ultra soft, feminine look.

Last year, I had no idea who Alicia Vikander was. All of a sudden, she started popping up in every movie and made herself known on the red carpet. Her butter yellow LV dress is one of my favourites mostly because it looks like a big, soft cloud. I would love to wear this for a day to go grocery shopping, jump on a trampoline and take a nap in it.

Margot Robbie looks like a living Oscar statue in her gold sequin Tom Ford. I love how her handbag tassel draws the eye down, creating the illusion of liquid gold.

Hair and Beauty

Half-backs are an easy way to make your hair more glamourous. Use an embellished clip to make your simple hairstyle extra fancy, just like Brie Larson.

Kerry Washington is probably one of the most strikingly beautiful people. Ever. Her simple beauty look starts with glowing, healthy skin. Make sure to moisturize daily and gently exfoliate every one or two days. Nourish your body from the inside by eating lots of antioxidant-rich foods and healthy fats to glow from the inside, out.

Brie Larson's Beautiful, yet Simple Disney-Princess Hair.

Academy Award Winner Brie Larson’s Beautiful, yet Simple Disney Princess Hair.

Kerry Washington’s Perfect Skin and Nude Lips.

Hydration Therapy

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f0d70aaf41828df7e7334375dad51cdc3d1578163c6cc961c490f9adc0cb5d71January can be one of the most depressing (and drying!) months. The once beautiful sunny sky takes on a permanent grey hue, the wind chill manages to cut through even the warmest winter layers, and you have to look at your scaly lizard hands day after day. If the lack of Vitamin D has not changed your mood, suffering from dry, itchy skin will quickly put you down.

It is important to take preventative action to help avoid winter dryness altogether! Here are my three steps to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy all season long!

  1. TREAT DRYNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT: NUTRITION!
    • Incorporate lots of healthy fats into your diet and you will see the difference in your hair and skin. Olive oil and avocado oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants (substances that prevent or delay cell damage – read: keep you looking and feeling young!), while coconut oil is rich in saturated fats (specifically Medium Chain Triglycerides) and is quickly metabolized by the liver where it is used for energy.

    • Coconut Oil is a healthy, all natural product that can be used to nourish your body from the inside out.

      Coconut Oil is a healthy, all natural product that can be used to nourish your body from the inside out.

    • On the inside, the presence of healthy oils in your diet helps with energy expenditure, and burning fat by making you feel fuller for longer.
    • On the outside, healthy oils increase the moisture and lipid content of skin and hair to protect against damage. Over time, you will notice your skin texture become more smooth and hydrated, hair will become stronger and shinier, and nails may become stronger and healthier looking.
    • Other healthy oils to try – flax seed oil, omega three or fish oil (available as a supplement), hemp oil, hazelnut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil… Take a walk through your local health food store to discover more healthy and delicious oils to incorporate into your diet! Different oils have different flavours and uses in the kitchen, so go ahead and experiment!

    • Vitamin E is an excellent supplement that promotes skin healing.

      Vitamin E is an excellent supplement that promotes skin healing.

    • Pro tip: Vitamin E is a great supplement to add to your daily regimen. It promotes skin healing and can be applied to scars topically, ingested orally, or both. I have used it for years to help heal scars for acne, stitches, and cuts. Vitamin E is a light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin so it can be applied heavily as an evening reparative “mask,” or lightly for day time on problem areas. Note: it does not cure acne, but it helps heal scars that blemishes leave behind.
    • Pro tip: Vitamin D is another great supplement during long, dark, and cold winter months. A synthetic version of the vitamin synthesized in our skin by sunlight, Vitamin D helps restore wakefulness, eliminate the “winter blues,” promote bone health, and fight infection.

2. EXFOLIATE!

  • Exfoliating your skin should be done all year round – in the summer time it helps remove dry skin and increases the longevity of summer tans, and in the winter it slowly sloughs off dead skin that can feel itchy, uncomfortable, and tight.
  • Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator buffs away dry skin for all skin types.

    Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator buffs away dry skin for all skin types (Sephora.com).

    Exfoliating can be done with mildly abrasive compounds – some products contain items like ground fruit kernels or sugar – or liquid astringents like apple cider vinegar. When trying a new exfoliating product, natural or otherwise, test the product on a small patch of skin to make sure you do not have a reaction.

  • Choose the strength of the product based on the skin you are exfoliating. For instance: use the mildest exfoliator on your face (for very sensitive skin, try a gentle cleanser on a soft wash cloth and gently buff skin in circular motions). A more substantial exfoliator can be used for your body, and the strongest can be used on elbows, knees, palms and feet. It is important not to exfoliate too frequently – either once a day or once every two days is more than enough. Excessive exfoliation may cause redness, further dryness, and excessive oil production that may bring acne.

3. NOURISH YOUR SKIN

  • Once you have removed all your dry skin, lock in moisture with a thick application of moisturizer or body oil.
  • If you are looking for an extra thick moisturizer, try slathering on some coconut oil. It smells great, absorbs quickly, and is 100% all natural. What could be better? Depending on your skin type, coconut oil may even work as an evening facial moisturizer (it has the same pH as our skin and typically does not cause breakouts).

With these three simple steps – adding healthy, rich oils to your diet, exfoliating dry skin, and nourishing your body – you will never have to deal with dry winter skin again!

Do you have any tried and true remedies to winter dryness or products that you cannot live without? Tell us about them!

Bold for the Holidays

Keep your holiday makeup simple with big brows and bold lips.

Keep your holiday makeup simple with big brows and bold lips.

My favourite Holiday makeup style is simple and fuss-free, but makes a bold statement. Focus on Bold Brows and Lips for a simple Holiday look that will take you from morning to night.

Get the Look:

  • Bold brows
  • Bright lipstick
  • Natural Face: Concealer, Powder, Mascara, Blush
  1. FACE The focal points are larger than life brows and bright, bold lips. The look is quite dramatic, so keep the rest of your face neutral. Hide dark circles and blemishes with an easily blendable concealer, setting with translucent powder for extra staying power. Apply black mascara and a nude blush to for a “no makeup makeup look.”
    • My all-time favourite concealer is NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer. A small dab goes a long way with this product.
    • PRO TIP: pat the colour onto your skin using your fourth finger. The warmth will help distribute the product and your finger can cover hard to reach spots.
    • Try using a matte blush without shimmer. Matted out skin looks very modern, especially when paired with a matte lip. Try Lancome Blush Subtil for a natural, sheer wash of matte colour.
    •  

      Lancome Blush Subtil provides sheer, buildable, natural looking colour.

      Lancome Blush Subtil provides sheer, buildable, natural looking colour.

  2. BROWS When building your makeup colour collection, start with products with multiple uses. Use neutral, matte eyeshadows that can be used for eye brows, crease shadow, eye liner, and even contouring.
    • I prefer to use shadows instead of pencils to fill in brows. It gives a more natural feathered look that mimics hair more than pencil, which can sometimes look harsh. Use an angled brush for precise application.
    • Similar to “overdrawing” lips for a more full effect, follow along with the natural size and shape of your brows. Again, this is to maintain a more natural look. If you are in the process of growing out your brows, lightly filling in sparse areas with shadow can ease the transition.
    • Choosing a colour for your brows depends on the type of look you prefer, and how much space you are trying to fill in. I use a charcoal brown shade that lightly fills spaces which, for my already dense brows, looks more natural. If I use a chestnut shade that is closer to my hair colour, I find my brows look too dark and dramatic.
    • I typically use a slightly darker shade for blondes and fair haired clients to help define their brows, and a slightly lighter shade for people with dark brown or chestnut brows. If I am building out their brows, however, the colour should more closely match their brows. It is important to play with your brows to find a look that suits you. The colour and shape of your eyebrows will frame your face, so practice and take your time.
    • One of the best palette’s for experimenting is Becca’s Ombre Nudes Eye Palette. There is also a separate palette with red undertones. These shadows allow you to play with different looks and stay in place all day.
    • PRO TIP: after filling in brows with shadow, pencil, or wax, always brush hair in the direction of hair growth (up, and to the side). This will give brows a more natural appearance. If you do not have an eyebrow comb, use a clean, dry toothbrush.
    • Becca's Ombre Nudes Eye Palette is the perfect start to any colour collection.

      Becca’s Ombre Nudes Eye Palette is the perfect start to any colour collection.

       

       

  3. LIPS Preparing your lips is the most important part of bold lip colours. Always remember to exfoliate + moisturize, and prime for the perfect pout.
    • Exfoliating + moisturizing should be done regularly – at least 3 to 4 times per week – especially in cooler temperatures. Incorporate lip care into something you already do for grooming or personal hygiene. For instance, every time I brush my teeth, I take a few seconds at the end to lightly brush my lips with my toothbrush. Afterwards, I apply a thick coat of Rosebud Salve. By caring for my lips a little bit everyday, I no longer have problems with extremely dry lips from the changing seasons.
    •  Priming your lips is important for the longevity of the lipstick and will keep colour in place.
      • A lip pencil is one way to prime lips: Using a nude colour, or for more vivid colours, a lip pencil that closely matches your lipstick, carefully line and fill lips before applying a coat of lipstick.

        Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is a clear pencil applied outside the lips. It creates a barrier that keeps lipstick in place without feathering or migrating.

        Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is a clear pencil applied outside the lips. It creates a barrier that keeps lipstick in place without feathering or migrating.

      • My preferred lip liner is a multipurpose clear liner that can be worn with any colour of lipstick. The Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is applied just outside the natural contour of the lips and prevents the colour from migrating. It maintain a sharp line around lips, even with the darkest shades of lipstick.
    • Be precise when applying bright lipstick colours. Use a lip brush to achieve clean, sharp lines with your bold lip colours. Apply thin coats of lipstick until the colour becomes just opaque.
    • PRO TIP: use your finger nail or a cotton swab to clean lipstick smudges. A clean lip brush with concealer can help clean up messy edges.
    • PRO TIP: bright, matte lips is a great modern look. Skip the gloss, and find a matte or satin finished lipstick. Using less product will also help keep lipstick in place, without smudging.

Keep your makeup simple this holiday. Bold Brows and Lips can take you from morning to night with nothing more than powder and lipstick touch ups in between.

What look will you be sporting this Holiday season?

 

Review: Drybar Hair Dryer

I launched my YouTube channel a few weeks ago with an “unwrapping” video of Drybar’s “Peace on Earth Good Hair to All!” hair dryer kit. The kit was definitely a splurge, but I was hoping it would perform better than my ancient Conair dryer.

I have a lot of fine, long hair, and if I do not blow dry it completely  during the colder months, it either looks flat immediately or gives me a headache (neither of which is a good option).

Unfortunately, the Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer did not seem much better than my ancient dryer. Although the dryer was light, had a good grip in hand, and was a little quieter than what I am used to, it did not seem to make much difference with drying time.

The kit included two products – Hot Toddy heat protectant and Triple Sec styling spray. Hot Toddy seemed fine – like any other heat protectant, and I did not notice a difference with the Triple Sec. If anything, it made my hair stick together in sections – giving a messier second day look to freshly blow dried hair – and made my blow out look slightly unkempt.

The large hair clips included with the set had many pieces on them that caught on my long, straight hair, and required extra time to untangle.

I actually liked the Drybar Round Brush more than expected. I remember buying a wooden round brush more than a decade ago to replicate a voluminous salon blow out. In real life, however, there is rarely time to do a full blow out and using a round brush on hair that is longer than shoulder length takes too much time and effort. It has sat in my drawer ever since.

The quality of the plastic bristles on the Drybar Round Brush seemed quite cheap, but it actually pulled through the hair nicely. Like the dryer, it had a good grip and felt lightweight in hand. The bristles held the hair well, in my opinion, and seemed to allow good tension for drying. The difficulty, however, is blow drying longer hair with a round brush. I have always had this problem, so perhaps it is an issue with technique, but it was not practical for me. I usually prefer to blow dry my hair upside down, starting at the roots, and then dry it with a large paddle brush – flattening pieces between the brush and the dryer.

In the end, the kit had some good things – the feeling and weight of the dryer, the length of the cord, the large barrel round brush for those who know how to use one, and the Hot Toddy heat protectant cream. Those benefits were not enough to justify the price of the kit, especially since drying time was roughly the same as my older hair dryer.

I sadly returned the Drybar kit and am still on the lookout for a better hair dryer. Do you have any recommendations for me?

 

Join Me on YouTube

After years of wanting to start a YouTube channel, I finally found the confidence to do so.

The channel will showcase everything to make your days a little more glamorous. Look forward to product reviews, tips and tricks, and expert makeup applications.

Is there a look that you want to learn or a product that you would like to see on the channel?

Holiday Cheer and Festive Deals

Red cups are out, which means that the Holidays – and Sephora’s infamous promotions – are right around the corner.

Every year, Sephora offers limited edition goodies with special holiday packaging, value bundles,   collaborations, and even custom colours just for the holidays. For those obsessed with beauty  products, narrowing down your wish list to a reasonable amount can be nearly impossible.

Fortunately/Unfortunately, Sephora sends holiday promotions to BI’s (normal shoppers), VIB’s (spending $350 in a calendar year – a little crazy about cosmetics), and VIB Rouge members (spending $1000 in a calendar year – those beyond obsessed and virtually pore-less).

VIB Rouge members have a head start on their holiday shopping with 20% off from November 6 – 9, and have already scooped up some amazing products.

The Drybar Tress Press Digital Styling Iron ($189) has sold out, as has the Bite Beauty Discovery Set ($60 for three full sized lip products, three minis, five makeup wipes, and a mirror…what?!).

 

Drybar Tress Press available at Sephora ($189).

Drybar Tress Press available at Sephora ($189).

Bite Beauty Discovery Set exclusively available at Sephora ($59).

Bite Beauty Discovery Set exclusively available at Sephora ($59).

There are still plenty of beautiful gifts and indulgences available. Among my favourites are the drink-inspired limited edition, online only lipstick shades by Bite Beauty. Bite quickly became one of my favourite brands with their commitment to natural ingredients, unapologetically rich pigments, and moisturizing formulas.

Bite Luminous Creme Lipsticks in Limited Edition Shades: Kir Royale, Mimosa and Bellini on Sephora.com ($28 each).

Bite Luminous Creme Lipsticks in Limited Edition Shades: Kir Royale, Mimosa and Bellini on Sephora.com ($28 each).

Nothing gets you into the Holiday spirit more than holding a red cup while shopping…even if you are shopping for yourself…online…in your pyjamas.

What is on your wish list?

C’est L’Halloween

Halloween is around the corner! Your costume is ready, your plans are made, but what about your makeup? Makeup is the finishing touch to transform you into a gruesome ghoul or the prettiest princess.

Book your Halloween makeup now!

Below is a little nostalgic tune to get you into the spirit… Hey!

C’est L’Halloween

C'est L'Halloween - time to party like it's 1995

C’est L’Halloween – time to party like it’s 1995

Blurred Lines

YSL has – yet again – succeeded in transforming normal skin into the perfect silk canvas. The newest additions to their infamous Touche Eclat collection are the Blur Primer and Blur Perfector.

A little goes a long way with these products – especially the Primer – and depending on where you are going, you can probably skip the foundation.

YSL Blur Primer is the first step toward smooth, dewy skin.

YSL Blur Primer is the first step toward smooth, dewy skin.

The Primer was my go-to skin product for hot summer nights. After applying a light moisturizer, I blended a small amount of product onto my face for the perfect dewy glow. There was no need to carry pressed powder around since it minimized shine.

The Blur Perfector comes in a universally flattering rosey hue that evens out skin tone. It is an ultra lightweight buildable product that can be used to touch up and remove oil throughout the day.

Worn alone or under foundation, YSL Blur Perfector provides sheer coverage and creates silky smooth skin.

Worn alone or under foundation, YSL Blur Perfector provides sheer coverage and creates silky smooth skin.

Both products fill in fine lines, hide pores, and create the illusion of perfect skin. If you are looking for a product to replace foundation in your daily routine, or if need to prep your skin pre-foundation, these products are definitely a great beauty investment.

New Season, New Skin Care

As we move into a new season, it is always good to make changes to your skin care routine (Note: changing seasons are also a good reminder to swap your shampoo and conditioner).

As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors blasting the heat, you may find that you need a richer, more intense moisturizer than what you use during the warmer months. Hydration and exfoliating masks also become your best friend when combatting dryness.

I recently went through all the beauty samples that I had accumulated in the last year and was pleasantly surprised by some of my finds. Even though I never want summer to end, these masks, moisturizers and cleansers will hopefully make the transition into fall more bearable.

Budget Balancing Mask: Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti Stress Mask  (freemanbeauty.com)

The Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask by Freeman is one of the best masks I have used, budget or otherwise. It has a pleasant sweet/salty/lavender smell, the smooth texture of clay, and leaves your skin soft, radiant, and refreshed. I have fairly sensitive skin and have never had any problems with any Freeman masks. I also highly recommend their Cucumber Peel-Off Mask. If not for the cool, refreshing feeling, than just to pretend that you are Patrick Bateman for ten minutes.

Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask

Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Break the Bank Mask: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (sephora.com)

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

 

More than anything, this mask is fun. It looks like pure tar and peels off in one sheet if applied correctly (be sure to keep it away from your eyebrows and hairline as it is quite sticky and will rip out the hair). It is great on sensitive skin and always leaves my skin feeling clean and looking bright. Apply a face oil after using this, and your skin will feel like pure silk.

 

Oil-Based Cleanser: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil (sephora.com)

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

I tend to stick to Murad for use with my Clarisonic and the Aveeno Moisturizing Bar to remove eye makeup. Recently, however, I have been using the ultra-rich Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil. It removes makeup well (I still prefer removing eye makeup with my Aveeno bar) and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

To use, shake cleanser and apply to dry skin with dry hands. Gently massage face to remove dirt and oil. Wash with warm water – notice how the previously oily/sticky cleanser becomes almost milky.

 

Sensitive Skin Cleanser: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (sephora.com)

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

For those with sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty’s Face Cleanser is a great transitional product. Formulated for sensitive skin, this product will not irritate and even moisturizes as it gently cleans.

To use, dampen face with warm water and massage a small amount of cleanser onto face. The formula will foam and become milky as you work with the product. Gently rinse off with warm water.

 

Face Oil 2.0: Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (sephora.com)

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

During the warmer months, I swear by Josie Maran’s 100% pure Argan Oil or Light Argan Oil. When your skin starts feeling tight and chapped with the cold weather, however, I find the Seaberry Face Oil is a little more intensive. This oil is still fast absorbing and light enough that you can wear it underneath another cream or SPF.

 

 

 

My First “Anti-Aging” Cream: Lancome Reenergize Lift Multi-Action SPF 15 (sephora.com)

Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15

I am now at the age where preventative beauty treatments are necessary. My first dip into the “anti-aging” pool is with Lancome’s Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15. Not knowing what to expect, I quickly fell in love with this cream. It is a thicker moisturizer that absorbs quickly and leaves your face feeling quenched.  Your skin also has a refreshed appearance and refined texture immediately.

 

 

I am pleasantly surprised by some of the beauty finds in my “sample” drawer. Let me know if you have tried any of these products and how they have worked for you!