Wednesday, 17 February 2016
We may be nearing the end of February, but around here spring isn't going to start showing it's face for at least another month. Planning on spending the rest of winter bundled up from head to toe? Why not include a warm and cozy design for your nails!
Before getting started you may want to check out my tips and tricks for getting the best results from your nail art stamper.
For this nail look I started with a Covergirl's Speed of Light for a light taupe-grey base. The pattern was created using this winter-themed plate from Born Pretty and the Konad White Stamping polish. I have to say, using the Konad brand polish made a huge difference in achieving a crisp, opaque design. While I've had plenty of success using various branded polishes in other designs, this was the best white I have tried by far!
Has winter let up at all yet where you live?
Monday, 15 February 2016
If you're a beauty junkie, you know the struggle is real when it comes to packing up your beauty products to take with you on a trip. After returning from my recent trip to Mexico, here are my top tips for getting the most out of your storage while limiting the temptation to overpack!
Do you have any winter getaways planned? What are your best packing tips?
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1. Choose a great organization system. Over the past three years of packing bags at least once per week, I've learned relying on gift with purchase makeup bags just wasn't working for me anymore. I invested in the Sonia Kashuk Weekender and it's been a serious game changer. It fits all my beauty storage needs: skin care, hair care, body care, makeup AND brushes in one slim and easy to clean package.
2. Think about where you're going. This may be completely obvious, but really stop and think about the environment and activities you'll be participating in during your trip. Do you really think an eyeshadow palette is necessary if you'll be on the beach 90% of your trip? Will your favourite mascara cut it in the humidity? Go through your everyday routine with that frame of mind and determine what can be cut and what needs to be added for your trip. You may realize you can save some space by ditching an eyeshadow palette and choosing a waterproofing top coat to get maximum use out of your favourite mascara.
3. Focus on double duty. Space is limited so make the most out of it. Choose products that can help you achieve multiple functions while you're away. A face product that includes your spf, a tinted brow gel that can fill and tame, a beauty oil that can moisturize your body hair and face, and face palettes that can sub in for eyeshadows for a special dinner are some of my favourite multitasking products.
4. Make use of your samples. If you've been collecting minis of products, now is the perfect time to use them. While you may not want to revamp your whole skincare line while away for a week, mini mascaras, powders, and hair products are ideal for trips away. Finished any samples recently? Save the packaging for decanting small portions of your favourite products. My full size favourite hair mask and facial mositurizer take up a ton of space in, but I was able to use sample packaging to bring just the right amount for a week away.
Do you have any winter getaways planned? What are your best packing tips?
Monday, 8 February 2016
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and while Tyler and I don't go crazy celebrating the day, it is nice to change things up a little from our typical weekend routine. For a semi-engagement party dinner this weekend, I decided to focus on a soft, slightly smokey eye incorporating rosy tones and fluttery eyelashes that would be perfect for a Valentine's date.
EYES | I primed the eyes with a combination of the Milani Eye Shadow Primer and Jordana Made to Last eye pencil in Almond to cancel out any discolouration on my eyelids before packing on UD Sin all over the lid. I worked UD Naked into the crease and under the eye for a neutral matte base, and layered MAC Sketch on top of the outer corner and smudged across the upper lashline for some soft definition. I love the look of Sketch layered on top of a shimmery shadow, as it brings out a little more dimension in the plummy shade. I used some of my Laura Mercier Matte Radiance powder to bring a glow to the inner corners without going overboard on the shimmer.
To finish off the look I skipped liner and focused on creating long fluttery lashes with my fibre extensions on top and my IT Cosmetics Tightline on the lower lashes.
Here is what was used on the rest of the face:
FACE |
