I have never really got to check out Lush before as my father has a scent sensitivity. The workers…read morewere so amazing and helpful and love all the products I purchased and definitely will be back for sure!!!!

I crave lush! I can't think of one product I've got there that I didn't like!…read more This is one of those stores where you are swamped with workers asking you if you need any help. Not because they're bored or because there are too many of them, but because they actually want to help! They can convince you to buy anything - The ladies are super knowledgeable about their products. They know how it's made, what it's made with, and what it will do for you! Don't believe them? They'll even give you a sample! One day I went into Lush sporting a not-so-sexy sunburn. One of the ladies approached me and right away was telling me what products I could use to relieve the pain! She then proceeded to spray my skin with a mist and gently massage my arms and shoulders with a lotion! Wow! And she was right; whatever ingredients were in these products really did help to calm down the stinging burn. Now that's service. I wish I remembered the name of them to share with you, but if you're curious just go into a Lush store - they'd know! My all time favorite must have product from Lush is the Ultrabland facial cleanser. You cover your face in its goodness, makeup and all, and wipe with a damp cloth! So simple and easy; I don't know how I've ever washed my face without it! Close seconds, in no certain order are... Karma Komba Solid Shampoo - It is a detangling shampoo and works wonders! I think it's good for like 80 washes. Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar - I love the scent of this product! It makes my skin so soft, and is very relaxing! ANY Shower Jellie! Right now I'm using The Jilted Elf (they tell me it helps with hangovers!). Sweetie Pie Shower Jellie is usually my go-to though. My mother is a huge Lush-Addict! For her birthday I went into Lush looking for any and everything chocolate. Well, they didn't have any thing "chocolate" but they did have A LOT of things with a chocolate-like or sweet scent. My mother loved them all! She took them to work with her to show all of her friends, because they don't have "The Lush Store" or "Lushes" as my mother calls it! If you're like my father and are bothered by scents, this store might not be very enjoyable to you. Sometimes the fragrances are very overwhelming. They do have little cups of coffee beans for you to smell, this will help a little! Tip: They have a lot of pre-wrapped gift boxes with sample size products at great prices! It's a good way to introduce a friend to Lush, or try them out for yourself! And, in every box there is a 50% off Lush coupon!

I dropped in this afternoon trying to choose a hair color to enhance my dark hair (was looking…read moresomething silver/purple or silver/blue) Sarah and Lucas were very helpful...and honest!!! They both advised me that the product I wanted would not be what I wanted, but suggested an alternate product and, after I purchased it, directed me to a mirror so I could try it. I just want to give these two "KUDOS" for their help!

My name is Miranda and I'm a nail polish addict. Over the past year or so I've stopped nail biting…read moreand have become a nail polish addict, I've discovered that this is the place to get your fix. From higher-end salon polishes and gear to lower end (but not always bad) supplies, the store has pretty much everything you need. I also go here to get my lightening powder and developer because in the long run it's way cheaper to go this way than buying boxed bleach from another store. If you mess up dying your hair they also have colour corrector so buy some just in case (I always skip this step because I live on the dangerous side of things). They also sell gel and acrylic nail kits so you can do it yourself at home and don't have to pay $40+ every month or so. Staff can be hit or miss bus usually they're very polite. Some know their stuff but some don't so go in prepared; do your research first if you're doing something like acrylic nails or hair dying. I'd recommend getting their beauty card, it's only $5 and it's saved me so much. They have special prices for members so you always get some sort of deal.

Had the best experience at this location with the help of Vee! Came in wanting some new hair…read moreproducts to help bring some life and volume to my hair and left feeling so amazing! Vee was so helpful and made me feel so comfortable and as if we have been friends for years, working in retail myself I have been able to distinguish basic customer service body language but they seemed super genuine and happy to help! definitely will be going back and looking for help from them!!

I have yet to have a positive experience at this Sephora location. My latest experience was after…read moreordering product online. I used the UD Razor sharp eyeliner once and was unhappy with the results. It flaked off in a matter of minutes. It is supposed to be long lasting water resistant. I decided to go to the store to return it and hoped to be directed to another product to try. I was not greeted as I entered the store. There were several employees on the floor and I walked to the counter where there was a customer making a purchase. I waited , an employee asked if I was being helped with the return. I said no. And she walked away After several minutes an employee opened another cash and asked how she could help. I explained the issue with the eyeliner, and I asked if she could suggest a replacement. She didn't seem very knowledgeable about the products, and even though I repeatedly told her that I wanted a liquid liner, she kept showing me pencils Liner. Finally another employee asked if we needed help. She suggested a liquid liner, but I needed a colour, not just black. Both said that there were no other liquid water resistant liner available In colours. I finally settled on a Stila liner. When I got home I looked at the sephora site and discovered that there were other options for what I wanted. Had the employees been more knowledgeable, I would have gotten a refund and ordered the item I really wanted online. I reached out to customer service and was told that I would be contacted by the manager of the store within 5-7 business days. It has been 2 weeks and have NOT heard word one !!!!

I'm a big fan of Mac makeup! I have been using Mac makeup for 2 years now and I will never switch…read moreto anything else! I use their liquid foundation because it goes on smooth and about 2 minutes after applying it, it sets on your face to give you that 'finished' porcelain look. Following the liquid, I use a powder to blend. I use a bit of blush and then some eye primer followed by their eye shadows. I recently purchased their mascara but for the price that I paid, I wouldn't buy it again. I find the drugstore brands are just as good but a lot cheaper. I would never use any makeup brushes other than theirs. I believe you can't draw a good picture without a good paint brush and the same applies to makeup. They last forever and stand up to anything! Mine are 2 years old and look brand new. One bonus with Mac Makeup is that if you return 6 empty packages to their store, you get a free eye shadow or lipstick! I find the staff incredibly helpful but a little on the 'pushy' side when it comes to selling their product. I'm sure they make a heavy commission on the products they sell because they sell me just about anything. I have to go in their on a budget and stick to it! I will never buy any other makeup other than Mac! Love it!

MAC's solid in-store expertise and consistent range of product has kept me coming back for years…read more Its brand is built on innovative, ahead of the curb trends and attention to all types of beauty. If it isn't your fancy to talk face to face at the store, there is an ulterior method in obtaining professional advice. Clicking onto the website, users have the option to email questions to a real MAC professional about anything make-up related. When I was just getting into cosmetics, I took advantage of this option and was written back within a few days. (These MAC artists have bios featured on the website.) I described in depth my skin tone, eye shape and colour, hair colour and requested some recommendations for a natural but polished look. She made some suggestions that I still go by today, as well as some application tips. (Eg. how to make my 'lil eyes look more full.) I've been using the same SPF foundation, "Teddy" eye liner and "Fling" eyebrow pencil for about 4 years! Lipsticks come and go... but there are definitely some MAC items I've come accustom to. FYI: Shipping is pretty inexpensive as well. But I'd strongly encourage anyone to pop into the store its handy. Service is smart and professional, and you can get some great tips! The last time I was there my sister got a full education on her skin type, right down to the derma science. MAC employees know their stuff. (Plus they're fun to look at) Another perk to MAC is their eco conscious. They encourage customers to return empty containers that will be reproduced! For every 6 you bring in, you get a free lipstick or eyeshadow. I've taken advantage many 'a time. One thing I wouldn't recommend about MAC is their mascara. I've purchased it in the past, but have found drugstore mascara to be much better and at a cheaper price. Overall MAC is a staple spot for cosmetics and expert opinion. Its store, website and staff are always inspired and passionate about what they do. This makes the difference.

Fiddleheads is great! This little store is packed with so many neat toys, activities, accessories…read moreand more. There's a little used clothing section at the back and the quality and condition of the clothes is always perfect. There's also a section with gear for expectant or nursing mamas. The toys and kid/baby gear are all very good quality, with lots of options for unique gifts. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I'm always impressed by how knowledgeable they are about their products and options that might work well for your family. The prices can be a little higher in some instances, but I expect that with local businesses that provide unique and higher quality items. There's a little area for parents and kids to play or relax, and they've got a Kurig! I haven't personally been to the information sessions they regularly host but have heard great things from other parents.

Whenever a kid in my life has a birthday or other special event, Fiddleheads is my first stop…read more Here's why: - I feel fairly confident I'll hit a home run with both parent and child with any gift from this store: the toys are fun, educational and unique. - I love to support a local, independent business, especially when it's convenient (just a few minutes from home). - It's a much calmer shopping environment than any other toy store I've been in. I can really take my time here to browse and investigate my options without feeling like I'm going to lose my mind (I like kids - really I do, but 17 million of them screaming and running circles around me in Toys 'R Us is more than I can bear some days). - The staff are so helpful and knowledgeable, but will also blend into the background if you just want to browse around on your own. - The selection of second-hand clothing is in immaculate condition. I've never purchased second-hand clothes as a gift, but if I had a kid, I would so buy their clothes here. - They will "gift wrap" for you by putting your item in a Fiddleheads brown paper gift bag filled with pretty yellow-green tissue paper and tied with a green ribbon. Maybe not the traditional style of wrapping children's gifts, but the parents will appreciate a little understated beauty. And they have amazing handcrafted cards for sale at the cash register in case you're stuck at the last minute and forgot one. Or you just really appreciate a gorgeous card. One caveat - the prices are a little steeper than I'd like. I get that they will obviously have higher prices than a big box store, but the prices are just a smidge beyond what I want to pay sometimes. Not completely outrageous though. Perhaps I should think of it as insurance - chances are the kid isn't getting a duplicate gift from someone else. Unless they too shop at Fiddleheads. Oh! And one of my favourite things - you know the I heart Dartmouth shirts from Two if By Sea? Onesies and kiddie shirts my friends. Oh yes.

I am greeted by the sweetest little pup of life. Digger, a soft ball of fur and playful puppy of 5…read moremonths, is the owner's pet and boutique doorman. Learning the ways of retail, his cuteness is the perfect way to begin this endeavor. What a sweet little shop. Although its been open for about ten years, I'd only recently learned of Wildflower from an acquaintance. Its confines are currently dressed in soft, breathable garments and assuring color palates. (Periwinkle, charcoal, rose pink, nude, and flecks of colour amongst it all!) Its actually a breath of fresh air, and a different variety from other independent boutiques in the area. I was elated to discover the accumulation of Free People frocks, which is probably my favorite [semi] affordable brand of all time. The owner mentioned that they would be getting more in soon-- whoo hoo! The overall stock seems romantic, flowing, and of excellent taste. Cute tops, rich fabrics and cuts are here for the taking. I think its safe to say that Wildflower has Bohemian Romantic down. The owner of the shop offered me genuine conversation and an easy shopping experience. I was the only patron at the time, so we chatted as I browsed. There was no pressure, no facade-- just good conversation and a shop full of wonders. After much swooning and chit-chat, I know this is a boutique I can dig. Besides the clothes, there were also some pretty neat accessories. I'd say the owner of Wildflower has a great eye. Understated, funky, classic and bohemian looks are all fused into one cohesive collection. All you need is a paycheck. xo

Wildflower clothing has a pretty nice selection of trendy clothes for women. The only down side to…read morethis little boutique across from the Clyde Street NSLC is the cost! This store is pretty tiny though and they do manage to have a reasonably sized sale section. Very nice staff! Check out the hand bags! Expensive but just the right size: Big enough to carry your laptop, sweater and a few grocery items without looking as though you carry your home on your back like a snail. Mainly leather too! Really the only downside to Wildflower is the cost but check them out for their sale rack and accessories!

Today I was at the Reitmans Bayers Lake location where I was assisted by Bailey…read more It's not very often you go someplace where the customer service is above and beyond expectations but Bailey was just that. Her customer service skills were so good that she is the reason I will be going back. I fully intend to tell my girlfriends and family about the fantastic experience I had shopping there due to the exemplary customer service she provided.

This is one of my favourite clothing stores for myself! I love the clothing, the jewellery and…read moreespecially the purses. I particularly enjoy this location. I find it has a much bigger selection of sizes and far more clothes than the location in the mall. I usually go here to buy some inexpensive jewellery to dress up my outfit. I get then buy one, get one free. I also love their bags! For around $30 or so, I usually pick up a pretty nice handbag. There is nothing better than shopping for a new shirt and handbag. The staff are friendly at this location. I have asked them to steam a blouse before and they were more than happy to. I always get great service!

I heart Envy. I heart it sooo much, you guys…read more I love the fashion here, I love the occasional sale item I score, I love the helpful employees, I just love Envy. This is a place that's slightly upscale, so you will be paying a higher price than you would at some of the other clothing boutiques in this mall. However, I believe that quality is worth a little extra now and then, so it's always my first stop at HaliShop. They carry all kind of great brands, but they no longer carry my guilty favourite, Juicy Couture. Sad face. Still, the rest is pretty awesome. I've gotten so many of my staple items at Envy, from my awesome squirrel dress to my formal winter coat. I do wish they would carry more accessories, however. High fives to the ladies who work here, as they're always willing to track down an item or check other stores if they don't have something. They're also totally honest with you if you ask them about an outfit you're trying on, which is so helpful when you're shopping solo, such as I usually do. Seriously, check it out the next time you feel like a splurge. It's easily one of my fave places in Halifax for clothing.

I'm a mega fan of Envy! That is, whenever I decided to buy something new and not second hand. Which…read moreis not very often. They carry great brands, and even the brands I'm not familiar with are still in super cute designs. I'm a brand snob so it takes a lot to convince me to buy something I've never heard of. Envy's style closely mirrors what I wish my wardrobe looked like. Did I mention they have fantastic sales? Almost every time I'm in here there is a huge sale section happening for one reason or another... fall clearance, summer clearance ect. With every new season comes a new wave of sale seasons I can't wait to browse through. From casual to prom formal, you can bet you'll find something in here to fit with your style, and probably at a great price to boot!