Beauty Favourites | September 2016

Happy October! It's been awhile since I've done a favourites. I feel like I have been using the same products all summer. Well, now I have a few new items in the mix and thought I'd share. I even made a video! Filming and editing are so hard-I think I'm slowly getting better at it? I'd love to share more through YouTube, so let's hope the learning curve gets a little easier over time.

Nars Nordstrom's Best Blush Palette

Milk Makeup Highlighter

Burt's Bees Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm

Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black

Zoya August, Troy, & Alicia from the Urban Grunge collection

Wet n Wild Contour Palette in Dulce de Leche

Muji Sonic Diffuser Love & Energy Blends

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner, Luminous Eye Serum, Coconut Water Day Cream

R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner

Too Faced Brow Envy

Urban Decay Naked Smoky

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Wash

What were your favourites this month?

0

Beauty Favorites | June 2016

We are right in the heart of summer. I've been busting out the summer themed beauty products to keep up with the change.

Whenever I think of summer beauty products, I think of Nars Orgasm and Nars Laguna. This cult classic duo is perfect for the warmer months for peachy cheeks and a bronze glow. Another quintessential look for me in the summer is orange lips, and Tangerine from Bite Beauty is my go-to shade. I love the deeper, more reddy shade. It surprisingly goes with so much. I pair it with a simple eye look from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette and lots of lashes with Physician's Formula Organic Wear Work It Mascara (isn't the tube amazing?).

Seeing as I used up the whole thing, I had to give a shout-out to the tarte Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist. Another skincare sample I was testing last month was the fresh Soy Face Cleanser. It's such a clean, light gel. I love the Julep Ta Da drops for speeding up the nail polish drying process. I need to reorder. For polish colors, these gorgeous blue shades from Zoya (Blu & Sia) are summer favs. 

Summer, to me, is also synonymous with coconut. The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut is my lotion of choice this season. Every once in awhile I decide to try a new product to clean my make-up brushes and Beauty Blenders. Dr. Bronner's soap is raved about, so I decided to give it a go. And I love it. I got the scent Hemp Citrus, and it reminds me of a fizzy lemon-lime soda. Finally, I am always carrying around the Bath and Body Works antibacterial gels. This one in Yay Summer is a little bit of happiness in my bag.

What were some of your favorites in June?

0

A belated April & May Beauty Favorites

Well,  it seems I took an unexpected hiatus. I have a ton of blog posts planned but have yet to find the time to sit & write! Today, I thought I'd catch you up to speed with what I have been loving these past few months.

In April, Preston & I took a trip to Taiwan. We had an amazing time-just check out the pictures for proof. I brought some of my favourite beauty staples as well as discovered a few new favourites. I decanted and packed up my holy grail shampoo and conditioner Sake Bomb from DryBar. This is my second set of bottles from my initial purchase. Another DryBar favourite is Mr. Incredible, a leave-in conditioner. It was new when I picked it up, but alas I am just mentioning it now. Months later. Still loving the Mineral Fusion Lash Curling Mineral Mascara from Whole Foods for dark, long, and thick lashes. For an even thicker lash appearance, I have been tightlining with this set of kohl eyeliners from Physician's Formula. I can't go a day without using the Blame It On the Nars blush palette. I can contour, blush, and highlight all in one little kit. It even has the brush. We forgot to pack sunscreen which we learned our mistake rather quickly,  so we picked up this sunscreen from Biore. The gel consistency was easy to apply.  To hydrate, I have been loving The Body Shop Body Butter in Green Tea. The scent is so light and fresh. Finally, on the last day of April, Preston & I used these Panda Warming Eye Masks to get through the seemingly never ending flight back to New York.

I have been trying to do a no-buy, which I have to say I am pretty proud of myself so far. Not that I've been perfect-but my bank account can attest to progress. I kept to my April favourites into May (and now June) only adding a few things to the rotation. I have been loving Too Faced Brow Envy for perfectly natural brows. It's always a fav, but last month, I found myself reaching for it more than my other brow loves. I have been on a sample testing kick and discovered this gem, Josie Maran Argan Enlightment Illuminizer. I dab a little bit on my cheek bones before foundation for glowing skin. In the shower, I have brought back the scent of my youth. Middle and high school memories are full of Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon. It's a classic. And for my only make-up purchase in May (because I ran out!), Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Visibly Firm Day Cream. I needed a new moisturizer and on a trip to Whole Foods picked this one out. I love the texture. It's hydrating, dries quickly for make-up, and has a light scent. The packaging is pretty cute too.

So now you are updated on my beauty world for the past couple of months- leave some of your recent favorites in the comments!

0

Beauty Favourites | March 2016

Happy April! It's been awhile since I've done a favourites. I skipped February as everything I was loving was exactly the same as January. I still feel like I have a lot of repeats. For me, it's nice to be in a make-up groove. It makes getting ready simple and saves my wallet too, since I am not always on the hunt for the newest thing to hit the shelves at Sephora.

A lot of favourites this month came from the Whole Foods Beauty Bag. The Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub is a lovely red clay scrub that leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. It's been living in my shower for days when I feel I need that exfoliation-long days in the city or a work-out. I can't stop spritzing the evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Tonic. I have been using it as a toner morning and night. The floral scent is very relaxing. Every once in a while I'll add a serum to my morning skincare routine. This month I have been using the MyChelle Perfect C Serum. It has a weird, natural smell to it, but I love the brightening and smoothing results it gives my skin. I'll follow that up with the Honest Beauty Dependably Clear Moisturizer.   A new product in my nightly routine has been the Burt's Bees' Cleansing Oil. I love using an oil to remove my make-up, and this one works great. I also pulled out an old shampoo sample that was from the Whole Foods 2015 Beauty Bag-Giovanni 2chic Blackberry Coconut Milk Ultra-Repair Shampoo. The texture and scent are perfect for clean, volumized hair. I finally replaces my old mini flat iron with this Mighty Mini Styler from Amika. I use a mini flat iron for my bangs. A couple of make-up favourites included the Nars Kalahari palette and Julep's When Pencil Met Gel liner in Bronze Shimmer-both featured in January's favourites. I also threw in my all-time fav, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla. It's about time to purchase my third tube, so I figured time to give it another shout out! Finally, Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black has been used quite often this month. It's a warm scent for these rainy and windy pre-spring days.

What were some of your March beauty favs?

0

Beauty Favourites | January 2016

Well, it's not the beginning of February, but it's not the end yet either... so I will just sneak in this January favourites post. This month has been crazy, so I kept it simple with trusty standbys and simple new products to keep a fresh face throughout a hectic, long day week month.

To fake a glow, I used the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit palette. All the shades are super flattering and provide a lit from within look that doesn't look overly sparkly. I love to mix the two blush shades. For eyes, I picked up a few new products. First, I finally purchased Nars Kalahari. I have been lusting after this rosy duo for what seems like forever. Both shades are perfect for all over the lid. I pair it with Wet n Wild Creme Brulee as a highlight. For tight-lining, I have been using Julep's When Pencil Met Gel liner in Bronze Shimmer. The deep brown is perfect for everyday. I also ordered a new eyelash curler from Birchbox. It's a Tweezerman in rose gold. Curling my lashes really opens up my eyes and makes me look instantly more awake-which was much needed this month.

As a Birchbox sample, I received the Foreo Day Cleanser. It's been the perfect cleanser for winter mornings with a citrus scent and hydrating texture. After toning, I add a layer of Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk. It adds an extra layer of protection from harsh winter weather. For foundation, I have been loving Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc. It's a classic. To finish up my make-up, I have been going with Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna. It's a great everyday shade, with a bit of a mauve twist to keep it interesting. 

Even though it's still winter, I have felt like brightening my perfume choice and have gone from Elizabeth & James Black to White. It makes me feel a bit more springy. I've been adding a bit of pastels to my manis with Essie's Mind Your Mittens with an accent of Rock at the Top for some glam.

What were your beauty favs this month?

0

Beauty Favourites | December 2015

Happy New Year! This new year has had a rough start. I have been swamped at work with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. Good thing I had my Florida vacation for a little break before the madness. After January, though, it should all be back to normal. Crossing fingers. Here are my favourites from the last month of 2015.

Muji Containers

Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist

UDxGwen Eyeshadow Palette

Nars Blame it on the Nars Palette

Zoya Remove

The Face Shop Cocoa Hand Creme

Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb 

Zoya Hunter

Zoya Margo

Burt's Bees Cucumber Sage Facial Towelettes

What were your final favs of 2015?

0

Beauty Favourites | November 2015

Just thought I'd sneak in a few November favourites. I have been sticking with the same make-up but trying lots of new hair and skincare bits to keep hydrated in the cold, windy weather.

Drybar Saki Bomb Shampoo & Conditioner 

Love the scent and texture of this duo. It feels like I'm at Drybar getting a profesh blow-out everytime I used it. The packaging is gorgeous too, and I am happy with the longevity of the product. I wasn't one to splurge on shampoo and conditioner as I seem to run through it so fast, but it hasn't been the case.

Drybar Blonde Ale

In trying to maintain the (now not-so) new hair, I picked up this brightening creme. The blonde looks just as bright as it did when I first got it. Now, if only I could manage to find the time to style it as nice...

Liz Earle Superskin Moisturizer with Natural Neroli

Love, love, love Liz Earle. And this peppery scented, moisturizing little pot is perfect for this time of year. 

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

This has been such a useful product with my allergies driving me crazy. It's so soothing and light. I would say it's more of a toner than a lotion. It also removes any stubborn bits of makeup. 

Pixi Glow Tonic

After longing for it to hit the US and then stalking the aisles of Target, I finally found it! I am all for super toners, and this one is just that. It smells great-natural florals and keeps skin bright with gently exfoliation. 

Physician's Formula Eye Booster Liquid Liner

Since I have been using it daily since I bought it, I thought I'd re-mention it as a favourite. Sometimes it's those daily items that manage to be so integral to the routine that they get forgotten. This might be the only liquid liner I'll ever buy again. I love the dark shade, long-wearing formula, and the fine brush bristles in a pen format that gives the perfect flick. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Soft Brown

I can go on and on about this stuff, and I have so I'll spare you the details and just so go get it! 

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

The perfect everyday mascara, it gives your lashes a pretty effect. Not too crazy, but longer and darker. The formula is quite long wearing too. It feels almost gel like. 

Freeman Daisy Oxygen Revival Mask

My most fun discovery of the month. This mask starts as a gel in your hands then when you apply it to your face it turns into a foam comprised of thousands of little oxygenated bubbles. It feels so cool! Literally-and neat too. 

What were some of your beauty favourites this month?

0

Beauty Favourites | October 2015

Really late on this one, but here are my October beauty favourites! Many items you have seen over & over again.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

Nars Blame it on the Nars

Bite Winterberry

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara

Macadamia Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade Soft Brown

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Ole Henriksen Empower Featherweight Moisturizer

Zoya Aggie

Zoya Hunter

Wet n Wild Wine Room

Bite Bellini

100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

Urban Decay Naked 3

What were your stand-outs last month?

0

My Favourite Brow Products

Brows, brows, brows. Something I neglected for so long, and now, I don't want to leave the house without filling them in. I have tried a couple of different products but stayed with my tried & true brands.

My number one favourite brow product is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade. I use the shade Soft Brown (I just repurchased a new one.) At first, I thought using a creamy pot would be difficult and fussy, but the exact opposite is true. It's surprisingly quick and easy-which is probably why it's my favourite. I want defined brows, and I want them now. The first brow product I purchased was Anastasia Brow Whiz (same shade Soft Brown). I read all the reviews and knew it should be my first step in the brow world. Spooly on one end, slim pencil on the other. It took me a bit to get the hang of it as it has a harder consistency than say an eyeliner. I love the look and the product-I think this is my second one. I just prefer the pomade as I found, with the pencil, I can go a bit overboard and over line. Not always, but sometimes I would pair the Brow Whiz with Anastasia's Clear Brow Gel. Super simple clear gel in mascara packaging. It never made my brows feel crunchy and kept them in place all day. My most recent brow product discovery was Too Faced Brow Envy. It has all you need and more for perfect brows. Using this kit gives me natural and soft looking brows. However, it does take some time. I love the included shades and the consistencies are perfect. It's nice to have all the tools, including tweezers, in one handy little box.

What's your favourite brow product?

0

Beauty Favourites | September

Happy October! The weather is so cold and rainy-I think more a reflection of the hurricane than of autumn. Here are a few beauty products I have been loving this past month. A lot of new discoveries!

There have been two mascaras I have been loving this month. A new discovery, Nars Audacious Mascara, and a recent classic, Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara. I love both these big brushed mascaras that give different results despite the similarities of voluminous, lengthening lashes. Nars has the rubberized wand that gives distinct big lashes, while Too Faced gives your lashes that fluffy appearance. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette has been on high rotation lately, especially YDK and Busted for a metallic rusty eye. Two PopSugar Must Have items have been new dailies- Too Faced Brow Envy and Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-in Conditioner. I have an upcoming blog post on the Brow Envy, so stay tuned. My leave-in collection is growing-and my hair is much shinier, healthier. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna and Nars Sheer Glow Foundation are some new to me Nars products I fell in love with this month (post on this coming soon too!) A random but awesome find, were the Muji Eyelash Curler Refills. Having a fresh rubber pad has brought life back to my eyelash curler and curl to my lashes. A whole lot of new skincare products in my arsenal. I seems to have run out of everything at the same time. I picked up a couple of items from Burt's Bees. The Burt's Bees Peach & Willow Bark Exfoliating Face Wipes have made toning an easy one-step thing. Plus, they smell so nice and have a bit of exfoliation. Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser is a giant model of super sensitive face cleanser. Definitely a great drugstore find. Finally, a couple of skincare samples, Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Cream and Ole Henriksen Empower Featherweight Moisturizer are perfect light, but hydrating, moisturizers. The eye cream smells like cucumbers. I really love the texture of these two. 

Any cool beauty finds?

0

Beauty Favourites | August 2015

Happy September! Just a quick August favourites today. I have been having a bit of a make-up routine going on. July brought on a lot of favourites that I just keep using again & again.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Anastasia DipBrow Pomade

Nars "Blame it on the Nars" Cheek Palette

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritzer

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I have rambled on about all of these products in the past so have a click around. This is a bit of a favourites round-up in that these are all holy grail status.

What are some of your ultimate favourites?

0

Favourites | July Beauty

The weeks are just flying by! Well, I already had my summer vacation, so I am ready for fall! Too soon, too soon? Not for me. July was an exciting month. Preston turned 25 (ah!), I received an offer on a new job (yay!), I had to resign from my current one (eek!), and we went to our hometown in Florida. Luckily, I had a good arsenal of beauty products to keep me from looking too haggard. There is nothing like a 10-Day vacation to show you what your favourites are.

Nars Blame It on the Nars Blush Palette

Urban Decay De Slick Make-up Setting Spray

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo & Conditioner

DryBar Mai Tai Spritzer

DryBar The Chaser

Physician's Formula Cat Eye Mascara

Physician's Formula Eye Booster Liquid Liner 

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

it's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

Bite Beauty Lip Duo Lignonberry & Tangerine

 So, I ordered the Nars blush palette in NYC and had it shipped to my Florida address. Yup, I am that much of a beauty addict. I have been using it every day since. I love the mini Ita brush to contour with Casino, and I have been mixing the two blush shades for a summery, yet everyday, shade. The UD Make-Up Setting Spray has been a must-have for the Florida (and NYC!) heat. I haven't repurchased in awhile, and now I wonder how I had gone without. I needed all the hair products I could get-salt water, pool water-it takes its toll. Some favourites were the Living Proof duo (these were perfect travel sizes), my recent DryBar minis (including the brush!), and it's a 10 leave-in, because that stuff is like magic. The Mai Tai Spritzer was great to have on vacation to livin' up second day hair and revamp a braid. For my classic winged liner look, I have been loving Physician's Formula Cat Eye Mascara and the Eye Booster Liquid Liner. I'm surprised I haven't tried the liner sooner- if you like pen applicators, you will love it (more on that to come!). To keep in the super summery frame of mind, I have been busting out the bold lip. This Bite Beauty Lip Duo is the best. I also have a neutral set too. It's great to have two options in such compact packaging. Both Lignonberry and Tangerine were perfect summer brights. Plus, it's $12-go get it!

What were your beauty favs this past month?

0

Beauty Favourites | June 2015

I can't believe July is almost here. Crazy. I feel like soon I'll be saying it's Christmas. Anyway, here are a few of the beauty products I have been loving all through June.

June Favourites

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask

tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

Real Techniques Bold Metals Triangle Foundation Brush 101

tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes True Love & Fearless

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub

Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum

 Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel

My hair has been getting super long but also feeling a bit damaged. To try to combat that, I have been using the Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask. It's so hydrating and smells amazing. It makes my hair seem clean, shiny, and smooth for a long time. After I use this, I can wait a couple of days before needing to wash it again. I rediscovered my love for the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation this month. I have the wrong shade, so it has to be summery out before I can make it work. It's super thick, so I love applying it with the Real Techniques Bold Metals Triangle Brush. At first I was a bit skeptical, but I think, for me, it works better with a thicker formula or a BB cream. Then, it's fast to apply and gives a nice finish. I love Tarte's blushes and these two have been on heavy rotation for many months now. Fearless is a pinky coral with shimmer and True Love is a light, bright red. Love these shades for spring and summer. I haven't started self-tanning yet, but I have been exfoliating. The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub smells so delicious, and it's super gritty, but hydrating. I have been wearing skirts and shorts constantly, making this product a necessity. The last two favourites are a couple of skincare bits. I tend to forget the serum step in my routine, but lately have been including it with the Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum. I don't know about the firming, but it's very illuminating and makes the other products in my routine apply smoothly. I received this little Marcelle Energizing Hydrating Gel sample in May Birchbox and used the whole thing up. The gel formula is perfect for the summer-it sinks in quickly and doesn't feel heavy. 

What were your beauty favourites this month?

0

Beauty Favourites | May 2015

Happy June! And man, has it been a week so far. I am looking forward to a vacation-which is in the near horizon! I have been loading up on some new summer purchases, but I have to say, May didn't result in much new spending. Big time spending anyway. Favourites this month were a few drugstore finds and old stand-bys.

Earlier this month, I shared a few new finds from Physician's Formula, and I am happy to report they have made favourite status. The Organic Wear BB Cream is just so easy for the weekend, and the Argan Bronzer is the perfect shade-not too orange or dark. I love to apply it with the Real Techniques Bold Metals Flat Contour Brush (301; post coming soon!) It's a great shape and the brush is super dense and soft-and it's pretty! Needs a wash though... In May, I did a bit of traveling (for work, but still fun!), and it made me rediscover an old favourite-Nars The Happening palette. It's awesome for traveling with its four shadows, Laguna Bronzer, and Orgasm Blush. I have been using Orgasm Blush a ton lately with the spring weather. I tested out quite a few lippies this month and the ones I couldn't stop reaching for were fun, bright corals. Wet n Wild The Coral of the Story is a lighter, glossier balm stain. ColorPop Lippie Stix in Brunch is a bold, bright orange-y coral with a satin lipstick feel. Surprisingly only one skincare favourite this month (I haven't really felt the need to change up too much lately), but it's a good one-perfect for summer.  Finally, for nail polish, I went for Butter London Fruit Machine. I even matched my mani & pedi. It's the quinessential Barbie pink and usually not a shade I go for, but sometimes you just feel like being super girly, right?

What were some of your favourites this past month?

0

Beauty Favourites | April 2015

2015 is flying by! Though it's moving a bit too quickly for my liking, I am glad spring is finally here. I don't have too many favourites this month as I am still loving my March picks, but there are a few skincare things especially that I wanted to give a shout out to.

The Whole Foods beauty bag was such a win. I am loving all the products. Last month, I mentioned the Acure Cell Stimulating Face Mask, and this month, I thought I would mentioned the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream. I use this everyday in the morning. It's hydrating while still working super well under make-up. I really love the scent too-super light and natural. Another Whole Foods Beauty Bag item was the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. A couple times a week, I like to use a scrubby face wash to  brighten up my skin. This one smells amazing and is so fine and gentle yet powerful. It's like the texture of the Vasanti Brighten Up with the smell of Suki Face Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser.

Speaking of Vasanti, I tested out another product from their line-Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rick Purifying Facial Cleanser. I can't believe it took me so long to try it-I got it in a Birchbox in August. I need to stop tucking samples away in my vanity and put them out front and center. I like the spa-like, salty scent of Vasanti's products. I use this Facial Cleanser in the mornings and really like how it refreshes and cleanses my skin.

With favourites, I try to show new products, but I am a regular girl that doesn't change up everything all the time. That's way too expensive. Plus, I have some products that I just love, so instead of leaving them in the archives, I thought I'd bring some old favourites back. Even if they aren't new and shiny, they are still favourites. This month, I wanted to mention the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. I use this day & night everyday. If you are looking for an easy toner or refreshing spray for the warmer weather, I highly recommend.

I have been loving Beauty Protector these past few months. I am still loving the Protect & Oil, and this month, I have also added Protect & Detangle to the mix. It just works and smells so good.  Let me know if you want to see a hair care routine post!

I am bringing back the spring/summer nail polishes. This month, I was loving having a peachy neon pedi with Julie G Old San Juan. I think this shade was limited edition, but there are plenty of other similar polishes out there. I like that it's a bit softer than an orange but more edgy than a pink-toned coral.

What were some of your favourite beauty items from April?

0

Favourites | March Beauty

Better late than never, I suppose. I’m still within a reasonable time frame, right? Plus, these products have been mentioned throughout the month and should come as no surprise, but I rounded them up anyway to give a little picture of what I have been loving this month.

I have been trying to wrangle my hair, and I love using detanglers, oils, and other treatment products in lock-in moisture and shine. Beauty Protector Protect & Oil and It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product are favs. A couple of new face products have made their way into rotation. The Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Scrub has a slightly scrubby texture but the brightening really comes from the fruit enzymes. The Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask is from the Whole Foods Beauty Bag and is the quintessential clay mask. I love how the instructions say to 'apply until you look like a sea monster'. Yup, we all know the look. Loving the Anastasia DipBrow Pomade for bold brows and the Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black for a sexy scent. Finally, I thought I'd give a shout out to my favourite Wet 'n Wild eyeshadows. These are amazing, especially for the price. My favourite eyeshadow ever has to be Nutty-I even bought a back-up. Smoke & Melrose is perfect for that dusty rose eye, and Panther & Creme Brulee are staples for setting eyeliner and subtle highlighting, respectively.

What were your favs from this past month?

0

Beauty Favourites | February 2015

Hello March! Though it still feels like January on the east coast. Just a few new favourites this month, still loving all my January & December picks.

I have two posts dedicated to the new Nars Narsissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette. Here is a review & here is a two-for-one look. With my Sephora order of that palette, I picked a sample of the First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser. I love using it at night as it makes your skin feel super clean and refreshed. Another First Aid Beauty product-the Ultra Repair Cream-has also made favourites status. This is the winter dry skin cure. I am hoping that spring is just around the corner, and this Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in True Love is the perfect winter to spring transition shade. It was an item in the February PopSugar box. I am also loving the Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Balm in Pomegranate that was in that box. I just forgot to include it in the picture as it lives by my side of the bed. Finally, a couple of nail polish favs. Zoya Evvie is a polish I have been wanting for awhile. When the collection first came out I was debating between it and Noot. I ended up with Noot, but I think Evvie was the colour I was wanting. It is a lovely dark, gray-toned green. It's dark without looking black (like Noot does). Though it's a fall shade, I think it's the perfect option for when you want dark nails in the spring. I mean sometimes you need a change from pastels during that time of year. Am I right? I realized I haven't been wearing nail polish for some time. It's been so hard to find time lately. So when I walked through the nailcare aisle in Target, I decided to pick up a bottle of Seche Vite. It dries so fast & glossy-it's amazing. I am just dreading when it gets gloopy and the chemical smell is overwhelming. Pros & cons...pros & cons.

What were some of your favourites this past month?

0

Favourites | January Beauty

Happy Groundhog's Day! Let's hope spring is on the horizon. I had my snow day-I'm good. Not too many favourites this month. I have been sticking to the usual holy-grails lately. The focus has been trying to keep hydrated & bright during these cold, dark days. That sounded quite dramatic, but really I wake up when it's dark & don't get home 'til it's dark-it's starting to get to me.

The Favs

Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

The Body Shop Body Butter Shea

Elizabeth & James Nirvana White

Wet n Wild Max Volume Mascara

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil

Lush The Kiss Lip Scrub

Julep Eye Glider in Olive

Wet n Wild Kohl Liner in Calling your Buff

The Vasanti Brighten Up is the most scrubby cleanser I have ever used, but the particles are so fine that it feels so nice and gentle. It feels like it's instantly brightening my complexion. Another scrubby product is Lush's The Kiss Lip Scrub. Again, super scrubby, but gentle. My lips get so dry in the winter so a lip scrub is a must have. After all the exfoliation, it's time to hydrate up. I have been using the balance me wonder eye cream day and night as it feels so nice to apply, and it really does help keep my under-eye area looking awake. For body hydration, I love The Body Shop body butters. This one is in the Shea scent, which I love-it's sweet but with a bit of masculinity to it. My hair is another problem area in the winter. Hat wearing and icy winds can cause a lot of breakage. In damp hair, I like to apply the Beauty Protector Protect & Oil. It smells like liquid caramel-like Starbucks-style Frapaccino flavouring. So good, and I'm not usually a super sweet smells fan, but the scent diffuses perfectly when applied to your hair. It makes it so shiny and manageable, especially when followed up with a blow-dry.

 I haven't had the Elizabeth & James Nirvana White scent for long, my friend sent me some beauty mail with this roller ball, but it's an instant fav. I heard layering it with the Black is amazing-so I will just have to try that. As with skin, the make-up goal is to look bright & awake-which as I mentioned before is getting pretty difficult. My make-up favourites this month have been a huge help. As with last month, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette is just perfect for looking glowy in a natural way. Eyes are a big tell for tiredness, and the Julep and Wet n Wild liners are great at camouflaging lack of sleep. I use the Julep Eye Glider in Olive on the outer-half/one-third of my waterline to define and the rest of the way I use the Wet n Wild Kohl Liner in Calling Your Buff to cancel out any dullness or redness.  I really love the look of this combo. Mascara is also a must to 'wake-up' your face. I love the lengthening & separation that the Wet n Wild Max Volume mascara gives, and at $4, it's a bargain.

What were some of your beauty favourites during the first month of the new year?

0

Favourites | November Beauty

Last week was a whirlwind, so last month's favs is a bit delayed. A few new things mixed with some definite repeats-hey, they are favourites for a reason. 

0

Favourites | October Beauty 2014

Well then, hellogoodbye to October. It seems fall is still here though so all is well. It's crazy to think the holidays are rapidly approaching. I have to admit I am super excited, but I definitely can wait. This year needs to slow down. I was just joking to Preston that old movies used to quote 2015 as the year for flying cars and such. Anywayyy back to the beauty. Not too many new favourites this month as I am quite enjoying my routine.

2