blushing is the colour of virtue.

Few things in life can compete with a good blush. As a self-confessed makeup addict, there are certain things that make my heart beat a little faster. Those things tend to be eye shadow and blush. There is something about the range of colours, finishes, and pigmentation that gets me positively giddy. A little while back, I popped into Top Shop at Hudson's Bay. While I was there, I managed to snag a super cute distressed moto-skirt (on sale and in my size. Score!) and a blush. I can't say that I own a ton of Top Shop makeup - but what I do have I am quite happy with. This blush was no exception. Ready to take a peek inside and read my review? Here goes....this is Do It Again. 

As you can see from the picture above, this particular blush has a really pretty peach tone. In my (admittedly extensive) collection of blushes, I actually only have a couple that have that peachy sort of look. Perhaps that this why this called to me in the store! It wasn't very expensive - and well - I just had to have it. Story of my life! The colour itself is very pretty. This pink-peach colour is very wearable but still adds a little pop to the cheeks.

What I really like? It has a subtle shimmer to it which adds a lovely glow to the cheeks. It is like a blush and highlight all rolled into one! That makes this the perfect grab n' go blush for the days that you are in a rush and don't have a ton of time on your hands. Lately I have been using this a lot on date nights. I adore the boldness of the shade - and the fact that it isn't too over the top. It is the perfect balance of colour pigmentation and wearability. I was also very happy with the texture of the product. It is very smooth and easy to blend. (Another reason it is so great for the days when I happen to be running behind.....)

Lately I have been very into fall inspired makeup. You know, dark smokey eye makeup and berry coloured lips. I've found this peach blush to be the perfect addition to these fall looks. Even though peach is often associated with the spring and summer, I find that the colour helps to balance out the darkness of those typically 'fall' makeup looks. You can see Do It Again in action in my latest FOTD below:

Spring, summer, winter, or fall.....blush is always on the menu. If you are a blush lover, then I would definitely recommend giving this blush from Top Shop a try. The packaging is sleek, simple, and cute, the colour is beautiful, and the texture is divine.

What do you think of this blush shade? Have you tried any makeup from Top Shop before?

xo Shannon

if at first you don't succeed....apply more lipstick!

Know when you fall in love with a lipstick shade? I mean, you see it and you have to have it? That happened to me. I have been doing very well trying not to shop too much or buy things I don't need....and then this lipstick came into my life. I was literally walking past the Michael Kors makeup counter, not intending to buy anything. And there is was: Dame. It was love at first sight. Suddenly, I didn't care what it cost. I knew that it had to be mine.

What was it about the shade? It was the perfect combination of a deep berry shade and a rich purple. It is the perfect colour for a sultry fall look. It was also different from any other colour I have in my lipstick collection thus far. (And I have a lot of lipstick. Oops!) Needless to say, there was just something about Dame.

Are you ready to see this stunning shade up close? This is Dame by Michael Kors: the packaging and a swatch of the lipstick:

Let's start with the packaging. Like all Michael Kors makeup products, it comes with sleek and simple gold packaging. It has an elegant and luxurious feel to it. Love! Now for the product itself. If you couldn't tell by now....I love the colour. But what I love most? It is super buildable. One layer of the lipstick creates a pretty stain - but two or three layers creates a bold and pigmented colour. This is such a versatile product. There are so many ways to wear it - but no matter what, the colour always looks stunning. Also, the texture is creamy and the lipstick isn't drying on the lips, which is a major plus.

I have reached for this colour a lot lately. Every time I put together a fall inspired look, it is the icing to the cake. I love to wear it with a sweater and some dark smokey eye makeup. It creates a dramatic but sultry makeup look - and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Shockingly enough, this product was actually fairly reasonable in price. For a full sized lipstick, it cost $26CDN. Not too shabby!

So, it is time to see this shade in action. This is my makeup look featuring Dame by Michael Kors:

There is nothing I love more than a makeup product that makes me feel passionate, inspired, and excited. Dame does just that. It is a definitely fall favourite!

Do you own any makeup from Michael Kors? What do you think of this shade?

xo Shannon

spotlight: sweet mam'selle

Certain things excite me. Lately, what has been exciting me? Candles and scented wax. I find it relaxing and soothing to do something simple like light a candle in my room or use my wax warmer to melt. It helps put me at ease while I am working - and makes those at-home spa days feel a little more luxurious. Suddenly, my room smells amazing and I feel a little better about my day!

I suppose it should come as no surprise that I have fallen in love with candles and scented wax. Pretty smells just have a way of making me happy. That is probably why I have a massive perfume collection, scented air freshners, scented soaps, and yes....my little wax collection.

Recently, I was lucky enough to try out some incredible scented wax tarts from Sweet Mam 'selle. Based in Germany, each batch is created and poured with love. The scents are amazing - and the tarts are ridiculously cute. Other wax melts that I have are basic squares. Nothing special. Not the wax tarts from Sweet Mam 'selle! As you can see from the picture above, each and every tart is just as beautiful to look at as it is to smell. There are so many fabulous details included, like the use of colour, glitter, and the addition of small little gems. I love it! These tarts are definitely a must have for the beauty lover who loves everything in their life to look fabulous.

The scented waxes I received? Juniper Breeze (the white square wax pictured above), Apple Mango Tango (the yellow heart), Cascada (the blue heart), and Pink Fruity Sands (the pink flower shaped wax). Each one had a totally unique scent - different than anything else I have used in the past. I was so impressed with the beautiful smells. They were noticeable but not overpowering. It was the perfect balance! Let's start with Juniper Breeze. This is a very light, fresh fragrance. It has a wonderful floral scent but it manages to add in a light and fresh smell. This is one of my favourites from the group! It is the perfect wax for a Sunday afternoon when the sun is shining through your windows.

Now for Cascada. This was the first of the scented wax that I melted....and I couldn't have been happier with it! The scent is very girly. It is the kind of smell that you can paint your toe nails to, watch a chick flick, or read a magazine. I just love how light yet bold the smell is. (Plus, the glitter left behind in my wax warmer fills my heart with glee!) Apple Mango Tango may have the same shape and design as Cascada, but their scents? Worlds apart. As the name suggests, it has a very fruity smell. I just love the apple undertones. It is absolutely perfect for the fall season. Just thinking about the smell right now is making me excited.

Last but certainly not least is my personal favourite....Pink Fruity Sands. Not only is the design itself super cute (I love the pink colour and the little jewel on top!) but it smells incredible. Without exaggeration, I can honestly say that this is my favourite scented wax ever. It smells super fruity and feminine. It is the kind of smell that you could never grow tired of. I feel like certain scents just call to certain people - and this one has definitely called to me. It is phenomenal. I love it more than I could possibly begin to describe.

If you couldn't tell from this post, I was very happy to receive these scented wax tarts from Sweet Mam 'selle. Adorable designs and incredible smells. What more could you need? I am proud to call myself a fan of these wonderful scented wax creations. I wanted to give a big thank you to Silke at Sweet Mam 'selle for giving me the opportunity to try them out for myself.

Do you love to melt scented wax? What kind of smells do you love?

xo Shannon

thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.

I always love this time of year. My fiance's birthday is coming up, my own birthday is just around the corner, and Thanksgiving is here. Yes, Thanksgiving comes to Canada tomorrow. The day will be full of family, friends, and a special meal. Even though I don't partake in the turkey eating tradition....I am very excited about stuffing and mashed potatoes. Yum!

Something else I am excited about? Taking a moment to really stop and be thankful. A lot of the time, I am so busy trying to get through my to-do lists or I am worrying about this and that.....and I just lose track of all of the amazing, wonderful things about my life. From my loving family to my incredible finance and my super supportive friends - I have so many things to be thankful for. With so many big changes coming up in the next several months, it is more important than ever that I take the time to be thankful.

I want to appreciate the amazing parts of my life. I want to hold onto special memories. I want to remember to be thankful and sincere in every aspect of my life.

So, this Thanksgiving, I aim to pause, reflect, and be grateful. To all of the Canadians reading this blog, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. And to anyone else reading? I challenge you to take a minute to be thankful for everything in your life that makes you happy. There is no better time to do it!


How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this year?

xo Shannon

a smile is the best makeup a girl can wear.

Know what I love? When you get ready for an afternoon with friends and your makeup turns out just right. That happened to me a little while ago. I was getting ready for a barbecue and decided to use one of my favourite makeup palettes from Kat Von D. I was super happy with how it came together! Simple but dramatic - my favourite type of makeup look.

Lately, I have been super inspired by red eyeshadow shades with deep brown colours. Thankfully, the Kat Von D palette has this amazing red colour. It is super bold and pigmented - and the perfect jumping off spot for my makeup look of the day! I applied the red shade all over my eyelid and blended a medium brown shade through the crease. Some winged liquid liner (from Blinc), plenty of mascara (Benefit's They're Real!), a peachy blush (Almay in Peach), and a caramel coloured lipstick (from Maybelline) finished off the look.

Are you ready for this makeup look of the day? Let me know what you think!

There is something special about the days when your makeup turns out exactly how you want it. It becomes this beautiful combination of passion and art. That is what I love the most....those little moments of creativity. So, there you have it! My latest makeup look of the day.

What do you think of this makeup look? When is the last time your makeup turned out just right?

xo Shannon

self-confidence is the best outfit.

There have been a lot of big moments lately. In between my regular life, there have been things like tours of the wedding venue, phone calls, decor shopping, and even a dinner with my parents and my fiances parents. It seems like things are moving at a rapid pace. As eager as I am to start the next chapter of my life....it all is coming at me so fast! I am simply trying to hold on and get through all of the obligations that are between now and the big day.

With these big moments comes plenty of fashion! Yes, I have been doing my best to look the part while I am out and about. So, I thought that I would show you some of my recent outfits. The first is from the tour that we took of the wedding venue. The wedding is actually going to take place at a castle next summer. Crazy! For the tour, I decided to wear a dress that was casual but nice. I chose one in navy that featured a pleated floral bottom. My hair was half up half down and my makeup was simple but sweet. Take a look:

This next outfit was worn on a dinner out with my parents and my fiances parents. It was definitely strange for them to meet! Even though we have been together for over two and a half years, our parents haven't properly met until recently. To look my best for that important moment....I chose a dress that I picked up while I was in Vegas. It has a loose blouse on the top and a lace bottom. I love how elegant and feminine the dress is. I paired it with a curled hairstyle and a turquoise eye look. Take a look! 

When big moments happen....it is always nice to dress up a little. It makes me feel more confident, happy, and excited. I guess that's the great thing about clothes, hair, and makeup - they let you feel your best and showcase who you are. Even on the important days.

Which outfit do you like best?

xo Shannon

today feels like a cottage kind of day.

On my list of dislikes? Nature and sitting around doing nothing. As much as I try to be, I am just not a get out there in nature kind of girl. Especially when the temperatures are freezing cold! I like to hang out with friends, check out a movie, go sightseeing....but sit around all day? I'll pass. Despite the fact that I am not exactly one with  nature, my fiance took me to his families cottage recently. It was an opportunity to get away from it all and spend some more time with his family.

Overall, it was.....an interesting weekend. Since the weather was so terrible (rainy, wet, and cold) I spent almost all of my time huddled under blankets and reading. While my fiance went out fishing, I did a bit of writing work and tried my best to have fun. Despite the poor weather, we went for a walk, played board games, and looked at the stars at night. There were some very nice moments. And my finance had a good weekend, so that made me happy. Next time though? I would much rather a weekend shopping, going to dinner, and hanging out.

The strangest thing for me? Being technology free for an entire weekend. I'm talking limited cell phone reception, no Internet, and no computer. It was bizarre. As someone who spends a huge chunk of my time on the computer (thanks to my writing work and Internet habits) it felt strange to be that disconnected. I was missing my YouTube time, for sure! Now that I am back, I thought it would be nice to post a few of the pictures from my cottage weekend. Take a look:

Did you go to a cottage this year? How do you like to spend your weekends?

xo Shannon