10/31/12

Happy Halloween!

This year I carved a pumpkin (the one on the right!) It has been years since I've done this and it was really fun! I even scooped out all the seeds and baked them. Who says because you're older you can't get into the spirit of it all?
 
 So here's to a happy and safe Halloween!

10/30/12

Prepping Your Skin for Winter

We all know that this time of year our skin needs a little bit of extra care. My skin is fairly dry all year round so it's imparative that I pay special attention to not only my skin but also to my hair and nails. I have compiled a list of products that I use throughout the winter months (and some throughout the year) to make sure my skin is hydrated and protected.

Lets starts with Hair:


 
Moroccain Oil. Before I discovered this HG product, I used mousse, leave in conditioner and a shine serum to my hair. Now, I use this and heat protectant. I would have never thought that adding oil to my hair would do anything for it but this stuff makes my hair so smooth and so shiny that I will never style my hair without it. Not to mention that I have had this bottle for a year and I use it about 3 times a week! For the winter months, this is especially good since it tames fly-a-ways and helps protect the hair. This is my only mentioned hair product because, yes, it's that good.
 
 
On to Skin:
 
 


 

Oil of Olay Moisturizing Cream. I would say this cream is universal for almost all skin types. It's a heavier cream that absorbs into the skin really nicely. I have tried many different types of creams and have found this one does not cause breakouts to my skin. This stuff keeps your skin really moisturized when it's super cold and dry without weighing you down.






Another Oil of Olay product. I just picked this up recently because the skin around my eyes were becomming dry as it started to get cooler. This is not an eye cream but an eye gel. It has a nice cooling effect when applied and although it has a light feeling it is super moisturizing. Since I've been using it (about a month now) I have noticed a huge difference.
 
 

 
Ok. I promise this is the last Oil of Olay product. This brand really doesn't get enough recognition. This next face cream is the Night Fortifying Moisturizer. It's a staple I have been using for years now and I do use it throughout both the summer and winter months. Taking care of your skin at night is so important. When you're sleeping your skin repairs itself. By adding some proper moisture your skin it helps it from going into overdrive which can lead to breakouts and extra dryness.
 
 
Hands, Lips & Nails:


A good hand lotion is important for the colder months. I am loving the Vaseline Extra Stength hand lotion.
 


Babylips by Maybelline. All year I wear lip balm but need it more now! Before bed, before lipstick, after eating. It's really a neccessity to keep your lips soft and flake free!
 

 
  Call it a bad habit but I seem to neglect my nails in the colder months. Yes, a hand lotion helps combat dry cuticles but I have found that this Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme has gone that extra step to making my nails nourished and hydrated.
 
 
So there you have it. My tried and true products to keep my skin, hair and nails healthy not only throughout the year but especially during winter time. Don't forget to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water!
 
What are your go to products during the winter?


10/29/12

Fall Wishlist

1. Draped Geo Pattern Cardigan - Like a statement necklace I tend to be attracted to a piece of clothing that stands out. I will never over do it, but it's nice to have that one piece that is unique. I'm loving cardigans too so this is a win win!

2. Revlon Black Cherry Lipstick - This has become a really popular lipstick.If you had asked me a year ago if I would wear a shade like this (or anything but nude lips) I would run for the hills. However, I have changed my perception on darker lips and have been wanting to try this vampy reddish brown colour.

3. Grey Hunter Boots - I've been eyeing these for so long! They can definitely work in all seasons and look super cute with leg warmers and an oversized sweater.

4. Stella and Dot Lucia Necklace - Big statement necklaces are an easy way to spruce up a plain outfit. I love the multiple beads. It's oversized without being chunky.

5. Leopard Print Snuggie - This Fall accessory is a must. Ok, It's not an accessory but it will keep you warm and looking super stylish

6. Ikea "Alex" Drawer Stand - It all comes down to needing more efficient and nicer looking storage. I really love alot of pieces from Ikea and this Alex drawer stand is sleek and has tons of drawer space. I am planning on getting this soon so I can re-arrange my makeup, hair stuff and...junk.

7. Michael Kors Rosegold Perfume - Want. It. :)



10/24/12

Maybelline's BB Cream

It's all the rage. Maybelline's BB Cream, that is. I know BB creams have been very popular in Asain countries and I am sure the one's here in North Amercia still don't compare, but it's always fun to give a new products.

This product claims to have 8 benefits to your skin:


1. Protects skin with an SPF of 30
2. "Blurs" the look of imperfections
3. Creates a natural looking glow
4. Skin looks visibly smoother
5. Compliments skin tones
6. Hydrates all day
7. Feels fresh
8. Oil Free

Ok, before I get into how I feel this product works I just want to say, in my own opinion, that these 8 "benefits" are just different variations of each other. Bluring out imperfections is doing the same as make your skin look smoother. And while you stay hydrated all day, of course you're going to feel fresh. Marketing at it's finest!

Ok now onto the product. Starting from the top, I am so pleased this product has such a high SPF. Year round I wear SPF so to have a makeup product that incorporates it is definitely a bonus. Now, as for blurring out inperfections - this is true to an extent. This product is not full coverage, not even medium coverage. It's simply a lightly tinted moisturizer that would not cover up a red pimple. However, if you already have smooth, clear skin wearing this just refines the look.

When I first bought this product I applied it on my hand and my first reaction was "Woah...WAY too dark". I have fair skin and this looked orangey and almost 3 shades darker than my skin tone. Did I decide to not give it a go? Of course not. I slaped it on my face and hoped for the best. Once spread evenly this stuff blended in nicely. It has a somewhat thicker consistency and doesn't dry too quickly, so blending is easy. I feel that I can wear this for plenty of hours and it has great lasting power. I do however, have to touch up throughout the day with a light powder on my T-zone.

Overall, I would buy this again. If you're like me who only wears foundations on special occassions but still would like something, than I would recommend a BB cream or even a tinted moisturizer.

Beauty Buys Under $20

I am always out for a sale. Why pay full price when you don't have to? Of course, I do indulge from time to time but I appreciate the extra bit of cash rather than a name brand. Here are a few of my favourtie beauty products (and one accessory!)


 
This brand does not get enough recognition in my eyes. Yves Rocher is a European based company that offers a wide range of skin care products for practically every skin type. They also offer makeup, perfumes, lotions, sunscreens and more. I have been using this purecalmille organic alcohol free toner on my skin for about 4 years now. I would never use anything else. I love this stuff to the point that I am so afriad they will discontinue it that I have recently purchased 5 bottles.
 $12CDN (psst...they have 45% off right now )
 
 
 
If you're into foundation then I am sure you have seen the new Revlon Colourstay Whipped foundation. I am using the colour Ivory 110 and it matches seamlessly to my fair, cool toned skin. It's a thicker consistency, not whipped, but it is a medium to full coverage. You can definitely layer this to get a super full coverage. This stuff blends in perfectly and lasts all day! $16CDN
 
 


I am loving Revlon products lately! This new lipstick in the colour Primrose has been a great transitional colour. It's a soft pink but has enough deepness to it that it looks great as a fall colour. It's not frosted but can be a bit drying so I pair it with a lip balm. You can't go wrong for $7CDN!
 
 


My new Crown Brush 88 Neutral Palette from Hautelook! There is a great mix of warm and cool toned shades as well as shimmer and matte colours. I just got this in the mail about a week ago and I have been using it non stop. The pigmentation is really nice and the staying power even without a primer is great! $18CDN




 
My "J Crew Inspried" bubble necklace! I've been pair this with all different types of outfits but have been loving the look of a great blazer, basic tee underneth with this on top. The original J Crew bubble necklace is over $100! I got mine from ebay for less than $15!
 
Well that's it for now. I have been using a few new products lately and I can't wait to share them with you. What are your tried and true...or budget friendly products?