Monday, September 30, 2024

testing the pixi eyelift max liquid shadow


Eyeshadow comes in many forms. Though powder shadows are the most common in my personal makeup collection, there is something to be said about a liquid eyeshadow every now and then. These are often boldly pigmented and can be useful when time is limited. More recently, the Pixi EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow in the shade Amethyst caught my eye at the drugstore. Quite simply, it looked pretty and purple. That was all it took for me to toss it into my basket. Ready to find out how this liquid eyeshadow actually performs? If it was worth the splurge? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore product. 

Friday, September 27, 2024

my favourite fall fashion trends for 2024


Do you plan on getting your trend on this season? There are always lots of fun and exciting new trends when a new season arrives. Now that the fall season is officially underway...it is time to take a peek at some of the fashion trends you can expect to see in stores and on the streets over the next several months. Whether you choose to embrace them or ignore them, there is no harming in learning what they are. So, on that note, here are some standout fall fashion trends for 2024.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

review: clairol root touch-up and john frieda brunette products

It has certainly been an adjustment. Dying my hair is not my favourite thing to do and I find myself feeling resentful about the grey hairs that have forced a change to my routine. For the last several months, there are a few products that I have been using to maintain my brunette status. It seemed time to share my thoughts on them, just in case anyone else is in the same boat. On that note, here are reviews on the Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts and some hair care products from John Frieda.

Monday, September 23, 2024

mini fall haul (decor and accessories)

Though my home has been decorated for the last few weeks (there are decorative pumpkins everywhere)...the official first day of fall was yesterday. So long summer! It is all cozy sweaters, scented candles, and fallen leaves from here on out. This time of year makes me especially joyful, which is probably the reason it is difficult for me to steer clear of fall decor items in the stores. I have done fairly well so far this year and have only added a few little items here and there, as seen in this mini fall haul.

Friday, September 20, 2024

love it or leave it? kate hudson (TIFF)

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is underway and that means stars from around the globe are in Toronto promoting movies in all genres. Kate Hudson was there for Shell, which admittedly, sounds like a movie that I would like to watch when it becomes more widely available. TIFF means red carpets and interviews and all the rest...and Kate Hudson stepped out in a Vivienne Westwood design. Is it a love it or leave it? Keep reading for my thoughts on this red carpet look.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

testing out the pillow talk lip kit from charlotte tilbury

What is it about those little items near the Sephora cash register that always seem to catch my eye? Mini versions of mascaras, tiny perfume bottles, and travel sized lipsticks line the queue....and my eyes have a tendency to wander while I wait. That is how the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit was added to my shopping basket. Though my only previous experience with the brand was lackluster (check out that review here) there is someone that I follow on Instagram who is obsessed with the Pillow Talk line. Essentially, temptation took over reason. Story of my life! Curious about this high end lip duo? Here is everything you need to know about the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit, which features the much praised lipstick and lip liner.

Monday, September 16, 2024

review: essence pink-ventures gel nail colour


There are certain items that I can resist and certain items that I cannot. Pink glitter nail polish falls into the latter category. My obsession with all things that sparkle and shine is no secret. When that sparkle and shine comes in a pink nail polish that is a mere $4 CDN...my willpower is gone. That is how the Pink-Ventures Gel Nail Colour from Essence found its way into my nail polish collection. It checked a lot of boxes: pink, glitter, and affordable. Ready to find out how this beauty product actually performs? If it is a drugstore must? Keep reading for a full review of the Pink-Ventures Gel Nail Colour from Essence.

Friday, September 13, 2024

emily in paris x revolution (review + makeup look)


Finally! Part two of the fourth season of Emily In Paris has arrived on Netflix. More recently, the streaming service has been splitting seasons into two parts in an obvious attempt to prevent people from binge watching and then cancelling. Considering the fact that the streaming service popularized the idea of binge watching...it is especially frustrating having to wait for the rest of the episodes. At least the wait is finally over and the remaining episodes of the fourth season are available. To celebrate this release, it made sense to highlight some products from the Emily In Paris x Revolution collection. Here goes...

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

current music obsession: sabrina carpenter and katseye


Music has always been a place for me to hide, feel, and find myself. It has been a companion for such a long time. In my younger years, there were always new releases that interested me. Now that I am older and have a healthy music collection, additions occur less frequently. This is in part because I do not enjoy a ton of the new music that is released and in part because a lot of the artists I love have retired, broken up, or release music less often than before. However, heading into a recent shopping trip to the United States (you can read a bit about that here) there were two items on my wish list: music from Sabrina Carpenter and KATSEYE. I was able to find the vinyl version of the new Sabrina Carpenter album, but that was all. After returning home, I ordered the CD version of Short n' Sweet (which I am still waiting on. Sigh.) and KATSEYE Soft Is Strong. Here is a look at the Sabrina Carpenter record and elaborate KATSEYE release...and details about my current musical obsessions.

Monday, September 9, 2024

first impressions: rimmel wonder volume thrill seeker mascara

Some mascaras are better than others. When it comes to Rimmel, a few of their mascaras have been stellar while others have only been so-so. The Wonder Volume Thrill Seeker Mascara was intriguing because of the claim on the packaging that it has a "creamy whipped formula." I was curious to find out how it performed and whether or not it met all of the other brand claims. Ready to learn more about this affordable product? Here is a first impressions review of this drugstore mascara from Rimmel.

Friday, September 6, 2024

life lately (wok with yan and shopping trip mini haul)

Summer is winding down and it seems life is determined to cram as much activity as possible into the last remaining weeks. Events, appointments, get togethers, and on and on the list goes. Lately, my schedule has been a little busier than I tend to prefer...but some of that has been for some exciting reasons. Like meeting a childhood idol and doing a bit of shopping across the border! Ready to find out more? Here is a little life update post with some highlights from a few recent days out. 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

review: dip, shape, go! longwear brow pomade (nyx)

When it comes to brow products, there are some that work better than others. Most days, I am reaching for the Essence Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil, but when I have a noteworthy event to attend, it is the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil. (I love the latter, but my wallet sure doesn't, so it is not something that I use for at home makeup looks.) Recently, the Dip, Shape, Go! Longwear Brow Pomade from NYX caught my attention. Since I normally use pencils or powder products on my brows, it was a little exciting to put something different to the test. Ready to find out how this product performs? And whether it has been added to my list of brow product loves? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore item...

Monday, September 2, 2024

welcome peace and the crackling sound of leaves.

Finally! September is here. Though the official first day of fall is on September 22nd, in my mind, this is the start of the best time of year. The "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) are true highlights for me. In September and October, there is sweater weather, pumpkin spice, Halloween movies, candy corn, and spooky decorations. In November and December, there is snow, Christmas music on the radio, and all of the festivities. Ahh....there is so much to enjoy and so much on the horizon. It feels good to say that September is here. In honour of this new month, here is a little seasonal inspiration.