Saturday, March 31, 2018

four movies to watch this easter


There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Easter. Every family has their own unique traditions. It could be enjoying a specific meal or dessert. Or going to a religious service. Spending the day with loved ones. Decorating the house with fluffy stuffed bunnies and plastic eggs. The list goes on and on. One tradition to start this year? Take time to watch some holiday themed movies. They will put a festive twist on the Netflix and chill mentality. Don’t know where to start? No problem. Here are four movies to add to your to-do list this Easter.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

in love with: huda beauty warm brown obsessions eyeshadow palette


We all have those go-to eyeshadow shades. For some people, that includes brighter colours like pink and green and for others, that involves smokey greys and navy blues. When it comes to my own personal favourites, they are what I like to call bold neutrals. Essentially, that entails warm browns, golds, rust shades, and other neutral shades that pack a punch. Over the last several months, I have been hearing an awful lot about Huda Beauty. Unfortunately, every Sephora store in my area seems to be sold out of the full-sized palettes....but thankfully, I was able to get my hands on a mini set dubbed Warm Brown Obsessions. Colour wise, it was totally up my alley.

Monday, March 26, 2018

love it or leave it? candace cameron bure


I'm not afraid to admit it. Over the last little while, my adoration of Candace Cameron Bure has transformed into a full blown obsession. Whether I am watching re-runs of Full House (or Fuller House, which I have already seen multiple times), catching up on her Hallmark movies, reading her books, or following her Instagram story.....there is just something about her! She radiates positivity and confidence. Not to mention amazing style. In the past, I have highlighted her head-turning fashion but after her appearance at the 2018 Kids Choice Awards, I knew it was time to dedicate a love it or leave it post to the incomparable, Candace Cameron Bure.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

weatherproofing your wardrobe for spring


What is spring known for? Pastels, polka dots, and oh yeah…rain! While you might be eagerly anticipating those perfect days of sunshine (I know that I am) there are just as many days filled with grey storm clouds, rain, and thunder. It is all part of the territory. What is a fashion-loving girl to do? Incorporate weather resistant pieces into her everyday wardrobe. This is the most effective way to stay dry but still look Vogue ready. It is time to weatherproof your wardrobe from head to toe. Here are some of the very best - and most fashionable - ways to do it.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

kat von d studded kiss lipstick zero (review)


I have been looking everywhere for one specific shade of lipstick. I could see it....a matte taupe with mauve undertones. Not too dark and not too light. I thought my search was finally over when the Kylie Cosmetics liquid lipstick, Moon caught my eye, but it was always out of stock. So, I went though my fair share of drugstore products, including but not limited to Concrete Jungle and Carnal Brown, and Huntress by Maybelline as well as Hit the Pavement by Hard Candy. None of them were quite right. Even scouring the shelves at Sephora seemed fruitless. Until I locked eyes on Zero by Kat Von D.

Could it be? Was this the one? I pulled out the tester with baited breath, swatched, and finally, finally rejoiced. I'd found it. Wondering what it looks like? How the formula performs? If it has staying power? Keep reading. This is everything you need to know about my dream lipstick shade.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

the struggle ends when gratitude begins.


Generosity is a gift that never goes unnoticed. Lately, I've been feeling especially grateful for the wonderful things in my life. From random early morning conversations...to small tips from regular customers...to a random bag of goodies from a good friend....to time spent with the people that know me best. The list goes on and on. These acts of kindness and generosity have gone far beyond momentary happiness. They have restored my faith in the world. They have made me want to put that same kind of love and positivity back into the universe.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

shopping haul (sephora, hot topic, indigo, and more)


Shopping used to be a regular occurrence in my life. I would hit the mall as often as possible, coming home with an armful of bags, each one loaded with new and exciting purchases. Over the last several years, that has slowed. And more recently? I haven't done any shopping at all. I have been focused on saving money, thinking before I spend, and being mindful of what I already own. Despite this shift, I wound up doing a bit of shopping...two days in a row.

Friday, March 16, 2018

st. patrick's day inspired makeup look.


Holidays always manage to bring joy to my life. From the colourful decorations to the family traditions...everything about those annual celebrations feels special. Though St. Patrick's Day is not a holiday that gives us time off work or brings relatives together, it has a special significance to me. It was on that day, many years ago now, that I met my husband for the first time. Ever since, I have always thought of it as "our" holiday. We make a point to spent it together and do our best to make it special.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

gentle ways to remove your makeup.


It can be tough. Removing your makeup, that is. Some products force you to tug and pull on the skin. Others cause you to rub, rub, and rub some more. (And there is still be waterproof mascara left over!) If you are anything like me, you want smooth, healthy-looking skin day after day. To achieve this....gentle makeup removal is a must. Here are a few ways to make it happen.

Monday, March 12, 2018

top 5 favourites series: blush


It is my weakness. Whenever a gorgeous new blush crosses my path, it simply must become part of my (always expanding) blush collection. Though I have gotten a lot better over the last little while...there is still a ton of blush floating around in my makeup room. I just love it! It constantly amazes me how the right shade can transform a look, give it polish, and pull everything together. Out of the many products I have used over the years, there are a few that continue to stand out. So, here it is! This is my list of the top five favourite blushes.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

love it or leave it? winnie harlow


There are plenty of supermodels out there...but none like Winnie Harlow. I remember watching her on the twenty-first cycle of America's Next Top Model and being amazed by her beauty, talent, and drive. (Though she wasn't exactly beloved on her season, if I recall correctly.) Since her time on the show, I have done my best to keep up with her via social media. That means double tapping her Instagram photos and checking out modelling campaigns. During London Fashion Week, Winnie stepped out in a bold outfit that definitely turned some heads. Was it good? Bad? Somewhere in between? It is time to find out with another installment of love it or leave it.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

chasing your dreams and staying motivated


We all have big dreams, well thought out plans, and hopes for the future. Sometimes they have to do with our personal lives and other times they relate to our careers. Whatever those big dreams may be – it is important to stay motivated. Honestly? That can be tough sometimes. There are so many people chasing their own dreams, it all starts to feel impossible. It's not! Keep your head held high and push through. It is the best possible way to achieve success. Still not feeling cool, calm, and confident? Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated….

Sunday, March 4, 2018

high end makeup review: YSL and Givenchy


High end makeup is a luxury that I don't treat myself to very often. Every now and then? Sure. On a regular basis? No way. So you can imagine my shock and delight when two high end lip products entered my life. Out of everything lining the shelves at Sephora, these likely wouldn't have been my first choices....but trying them out was exhilarating. The latest items in my makeup collection are the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-In-Stick in Orange Perfecto and Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl Color Enhancing Lipstick. Today, I am going to share some of my thoughts on each one.

Friday, March 2, 2018

beginner series: perfecting the no-makeup makeup look


Do you like bold makeup looks? Over the top? Dramatic? Those looks are great…but every now and again it is nice to rock the no-makeup makeup look. You know, something natural, fresh, and pretty. After wearing heavy eyeliner and false lashes day in and day out, something simple can feel like a breath of fresh air. The no-makeup look is perfect for days when you are running late or just want to keep it simple and sweet. Today, why not ditch the smokey eye look? It is time to perfect no-makeup makeup.