Showing posts with label beauty blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty blogger. Show all posts

Saturday, 30 August 2014

Where I'm At Right Now

Hi, Hello how are you? No really, how are you doing right now? I seriously want to know because I feel like we often go through life without stopping to take a few minutes to really know whats going on in each others lives. Even though we only know each other through the internet, I really care about my readers and think about you more than you'd think. So lets talk!


First of all, I just want to say a huge thank you. To you, yes you. I started this blog a few months ago because I love beauty products and makeup, and fashion and the internet. And everyone else seemed to love this online beauty community so I thought hey, what the hell, let's give it a shot. Well a few months down the road and I can't believe we have come so far. I know I only have 170 something followers, which to many is nothing, but to me it is everything. I honestly remember getting excited at 2 and then 3 and then hitting a number like 20 or 30 seemed crazy. And I've had the opportunity to talk to some great people, and (not to jump too far ahead) work with some great companies (spoilers!). I honestly am so critical of myself and my blog. I'm always thinking, I'm not posting enough beauty posts, or fashion posts, or tutorials or reviews etc... and that you guys will all get bored and leave me. And then I get a message, email, tweet, whatever from someone about my blog and it brings me back.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.



Second of all, I feel like I owe it to you guys to be completely honest about my life. That's just the kind of person I am. I don't like to hide or pretend. The past few days/ weeks have been rough. So much is changing in my personal life and that's really hard. Some good changes, some tough changes. My best friend (who just started a blog which you should totally check out and follow here) just moved back into town and is only a few minutes away from my house. This makes me so happy because we haven't seen each other as much as we'd like and she is literally my soul. Another friend of mine is moving an hour or so away, and that's weird. Like really weird. Plus school starts and I'm really scared that I'm going to be a bad teacher (no not like Cameron Diaz, because I would totally love that). I'm scared that I won't have any good ideas this year and I'll look like a complete fool. And I'm scared because I graduate next spring and I don't know what I want to do after that. Do I want to teach, take a year off, go to college for something else? I have no idea. And on top of that, as you may know, my little guinea pig Penny is still sick. She wasn't getting any better so we brought her back to the vet and he said just to keep her on medicine. Normally guineas don't do well with pneumonia but Penny's already survived it once and we pray she will again. She seems to be doing a teeny winy bit better so please, prayers and good thoughts are still appreciated.

Thirdly, school is starting super soon (this Tuesday to be exact) and my schedule is legitimate insanity. We're talking 12 hour days filled with co-op, interning, projects, professional development programmes. Just craziness. So I don't really know where Mirror Mirror falls into all of that. I am by no means giving up on this blog nor am I going to stop posting. But I will have to commit to a schedule in order to ensure there is consistent content that is manageable with my school schedule as obviously that must come first. So stay tuned, once I get into the swing of things regular posts will be coming!

And lastly, let's finish off with some good news shall we? I am officially the owner of a new Volkswagen Jetta! She is so beautiful and fun to drive! This is my first car so being able to go where I want, when I want is great! And even though this is a bit of a tough time for me, I know I am blessed and so fortunate to have so many amazing and loving people in my life. We must persevere even when things are tough because "there are far better things ahead, than any we leave behind" (C.S Lewis).


xoxo
-A



Thursday, 21 August 2014

All's Fair in Love & Wardrobe by Stephanie Simons | A Book Review

Stephanie Simons All's Fair in Love and Wardrobe


So I’m sitting here writing this amazing review (well I don’t know if the review is amazing, but the book sure is) on a completely fabulous book in one of the least fabulous places... the Laundromat. I was contacted by the amazing Stephanie Simons and asked if I wouldn’t mind reading and possibly reviewing her new book All’s Fair in Love & Wardrobe. Stephanie's work has been featured in Cosmo, InStyle, US Weekly, & ELLE. She's basically Carrie Bradshaw 2.0, and Manolo Blahnik himself seems to agree with that statement as well! Stephanie was also on The Bachelor, and countless pageants so needless to say I was thrilled over the moon when I got this amazing opportunity! Ever since I could read and write I've been writing stories. When I was young random people who met me would tell me that one day I'd be a writer. My passion for reading and writing has never left me and I just want my readers to know how much I appreciate them for allowing me to have a small platform to share my own thoughts and opinions. 

I know this isn’t typically the kind of material I post, but I believe that it is definitely relevant to my readers. Most of us are girls women in our twenties (or that’s how I picture us, of course there are older and younger bloggers whom I ADORE). And with this glorious age of finding ourselves, our passions, and our significant others, a book like All’s Fair in Love & Wardrobe is just what we need to lighten things up a bit.

All's Fair in Love and Wardrobe

I would like to preface any further information with the fact that this book is not only eloquently written, but also beautifully illustrated. The obviously talented Malia Carter makes reading a book seem like you’re entering into an enchanting world of pastels and designer dressing rooms. So if sitting down and reading a 336 page book doesn’t seem like your cup of tea please don’t judge a book by it’s cover (ha-ha look at me being so punny, that is a pun isn’t it? Maybe just irony?! Who even let this girl write a blog in the first place?!).

Reading All’s Fair in Love & Wardrobe was comparable to having a conversation with a fashion editor. Written in the form of rules, this book covers everything from how to date, who to date, and how amazing women are in general. I know exactly how disheartening it can be for us single girls today. You go out on so many bad dates, or you just plain old can’t find someone who gives you goose bumps. But please, don’t give up! Somewhere out there is a guy just as amazing as this year’s fashion week.

Stephanie Simons

Rule 53 is actually something that I feel like a ton of women my age struggle with. Of course deep down you are really happy for your friends and you want nothing but the best for them. The fact that they have finally found that amazing guy who opens doors, cooks, and actually cares about their feelings gives you hope. But at the same time it is also disheartening, questions start to flash through your mind like; is she better than me? Is she a nicer person? What is she doing that I’m not? And trust me these can go on for days. But you have to have faith in your own path. And know that sometime (soon I’m sure) you will find a guy who is perfect for you and in the meantime try to be genuinely happy for your friends and peers because one day they may be in the same shoes you’re in and I’m sure you’ll want them to be a little jealous happy.

Stephanie Simons All's Fair in Love and Wardrobe

One of my favourite things about this book is that I feel like it was personally written for me. And as amazing as I am I know that it wasn’t and that a lot of us are just going through the same crap. Now you may not pen a million dollar album or book out of your breakup (although I have total faith that you could), try to take solace in the fact that hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions) of your sisters are going through the same stuff that you are and this community will always be here to support you and help you get through those rough breakups, lonely nights, and dateless Fridays.

If you enjoy flawless pictures, witty banter and topics that will have you feeling like you’re chatting with your blatantly honest best friend, then I suggest you go get yourself a copy of All’s Fair in Love & Wardrobe available here at Barnes & Noble and here on Amazon! You can follow the amazing Stephanie Simons here on twitter!
All's Fair in Love and Wardrobe

All's Fair in Love and Wardrobe


xoxo
-A


**Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are 110% my own. The ebook was sent to me for consideration for review.

Friday, 15 August 2014

Back to School Wish List | Pt. 2



I know in part 1 of my Back to School Wish List series I said part 2 would be more "school oriented" but then... I got caught up in clothing. I know I'm not the first, and I know I won't be the last. We ladies love our fashion! So if you haven't read lately, I am off to teachers college come September (well I'm not really going anywhere but that just sounds better). I'm going to need some cute and professional clothing so I'm gearing up for a huge shopping spree (honestly is there anything better than having a legitimate reason to spend tons of money on new clothes!?). Obviously I will need way more pieces, and I won't be wearing jeans to teach, but I've been wanting to get a cute boyfriend pair of boyfriend jeans for awhile now. Also, how adorable are those shoes?! I am in love with both of them and think they are perfect for fall (as long as it's not a super cold fall). And obviously the GPS doesn't really fit but... I'm directionally challenged and I will be driving to conferences in other cities and will need something to help me find my way around!!!

  1. Woman's Plus Size Moto Jacket
  2. Printed Skirt
  3. Textured Skirt
  4. Twill Midi Skirt
  5. Garmin NĂ¼vi 2597LMT GPS
  6. Yoke Blouse
  7. Destructed Boyfriend Skinny Jean
  8. Lina Buckle Ankle Boot
  9. Lumiere Two Piece Flats
I know the majority of things are from Target but I chose to primarily select from their website because I know the prices are reasonable and most clothes are available to both Canadians and Americans! This post was not sponsored by Target or any other brand.

xoxo
-A

*Some links may be affiliate links

Thursday, 14 August 2014

Back to School Wish List | Pt. 1

So I was on my blog with my cousin the other day and she pointed out that I haven't done a wish list post in quite awhile, and the majority of things on my wish lists were super expensive never-gonna-happen things. So with school just around the corner ew I thought I could do  Back to School Wishlist! Now of course these items aren't necessarily necessary (see what I did there) for school, but if I'm to put up with long classes and essays I want some items that will bring some joy into my life!!! So without further delay I give you part 1 of my BTS wish list!

From Left to Right:
I have extremely dry skin and the second anyone whispers the word Winter or Fall my skin automatically dries up. Plus I am not perfect (whoops, sorry to spoil that allusion) and during school sometimes I tend to neglect my skin so I feel like this mask would really work wonders for me!

I have been eyeing this baby for quite some time now, but the only store that sells it is around an hour away from me. And every time I go there I get stuck in blizzards and/ or torrential downpours, so honestly it has to be really worth risking my life. Which obviously this palette is worthy of. I know one of my favourite beauty YouTubers Casey Holmes has been raving about this beauty so I'd love to have it and try some different looks for back to school!

So... This is super duper random, but if you follow me on instagram (which you totally should my button is right over there see, to the right to the right) then you probably know by now that I am finally getting a beautiful Jetta for back to school, well, not FOR back to school but I need it to travel to my co-op this year. Anyways, I think this cover for the key is so adorable! It's only like $3 but I've been too lazy to buy it yet.

Okay, honestly I don't even know why I want this. Because I never ever contour my face. Infact the entire bottom row of bronzers/ contours are probably a bajillion times too dark for my skin colour. But, it looks so pretty and everyone whose anyone has one and I just want that damn Banana colour ok!? Jeeze!

Obviously not a 100% authentic replica, but it's pretty close! And I really need a new back to school bag, but I don't want to spend $100 or more on a real leather replica bag. I think this is a very classy bag that will be great for carrying my Mac to class, as well as for when I am actually in the classroom teaching!!

This is definitely one of those items on my wish list that I know I will give into. I actually really need a good set of brushes. My Sonia Kashuk ones have been really good and for $30 I am so impressed, but the handles are starting to chip and the quality isn't great/ up to par with the makeup products that I own. I am so surprised by how inexpensive these Zoeva brushes are and shipping to Canada is really cheap! I was going to order some Sigma brushes for my birthday in October but then they jacked up the prices and I thought no way Jose!!! I will not spend that much money on makeup brushes when there are obviously other options!!


In part 2 I will actually include some products that have a bit more to do with the actual school part of going back to school, as well as some cute fall clothes! What are some things you've been eyeing for back to school/ fall?! Let me know in the comments so I can swoon over them and possibly add them to my list ;)

xoxo
-A

**Some links may be affiliate links, this is not a sponsored post.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Get to Know Me: The Beauty Blogger Tag!

So I was recently tagged to do the Leibster award again by these two lovely bloggers The Beauty Feature and Mazzle . But since I've already done the tag I thought I would do another different one! So this is the Get to Know Me: The Beauty Blogger Tag which I believe was initially started by Love, Lacy. You can expect some new content soon, I just can't find my camera charger and my iPhone is currently being fixed (so I am phoneless and feel very out of the loop). Enjoy this little tag and I tag all of my beautiful readers to do it as well! If you do it then please leave your link in the comments below so I can learn more about ya'll!!!!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
Curly, very curly... See right below


2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
Ages ago I used to dye my hair a dark brown but then I realized it looked terrible with my pale skin and went back to my natural blonde. Now I definitely always go to the salon to get it coloured. Don't want to mess with bleach or anything at home.

3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?
Hair wise? It depends. If it's the summer it's pretty much always up in a bun (see my Harper Beckham top knot post here). But I try to wear it down the first day after I wash it as it normally looks decent. I never ever straighten it anymore because I don't have 2 hours to waste on my hair, especially when it's just going to poof out anyways.

4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
A mix of both. I like to keep my natural nails looking good by filing and using cuticle oil every week. But I also really enjoy going out and getting them done. 

5. How often do you change your nail polish?
I am constantly changing my nail polish, I'd say at least twice a week when I have time. I have a saying, if I don't have enough time to just sit down and do my nails once a week, I'm too busy and I need to start taking more time for myself.

6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?
Honestly, mostly just in the summer, but if I'm wearing peep toes or going on vacation I will do them in the winter!

7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
A very very long time. But really, I'm trying to condense it but it usually takes around 30-40 minutes depending on how much I'm wearing. If it's a full face, definitely more towards the longer end, but if it's just a little mascara, eyeliner and foundation probably around 20 minutes. 


8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Eyes. Eyes. Eyes. Too much fallout and crap to do face first. I do however wait to do my mascara and eyeliner till my face is done, don't know why. 

9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I think everyone here knows the answer to this question. I have way too much makeup than I actually need. But I try to use everything I already have regularly and I was on a pretty long spending limit before my last few shopping trips. 



10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
Never really, I'm still learning on which ones work best and how to put them on properly. I know for some people it's as easy as breathing, but finding the right fit and position is harder than trigonometry for me.



11. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
No I definitely have my no-makeup days and days where I only put on foundation and mascara. However, usually when I put on makeup I go all the way and do a full face. I'm a go big or go home kinda gal. 

12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
Yeah sometimes! I just feel more productive when I'm wearing makeup which sounds crazy but I'm sure some of you understand. I don't do it all the time, but I will put on makeup even if I don't think I'm going out. I like trying out new looks and products and sometimes they don't turn out the way I like so if it's just family who cares!

13. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Yes! A lot of people think I won't, or don't like to because of how much I love wearing makeup. But sometimes I just don't have time to put on makeup. It's all about loving yourself with or without makeup!

14. How many high-end products do you have?
I think it's probably a pretty even 50/50 split. 

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?
During the school months I definitely mentally plan out what I'm wearing the night before, but when it's summer or just plain vacation I just kinda go with the flow and chose something/ anything thats clean. 

16. How often do you change your handbag?
Probably like once a month. I used to use the same bag until I bought a new one, but I've been trying to reduce, reuse and recycle so I've been going through my old bags fairly often these days... That is when my best friend isn't borrowing like 6 of them at a time. 

17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?
I usually go to bed around 2-3am during the summer nights because I am a night owl. But during the school months/ when I'm working, some nights I go to bed at 8pm! As for waking up... this is extremely accurate for everyday of the year. 



18. How often or when do you workout?
Hah. Does twice a year count? I really want to join a gym but there really isn't any good ones around that aren't filled with juice heads or a billion dollars a month.

19. Left handed or right handed?
Left.

20. How tall are you?
5'1 1/2 but I say 5'2

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?
Unfortunately I don't. I speak a tiny bit of Italian, and I can understand it pretty well but I haven't been able to actually learn it all yet.

22. How many pets do you have?
I have an adorable Chocolate Lab named Angel, and two beautiful guinea pigs named Penny & Fiona. 




23. How often are you on Blogger?
That depends, I usually try to get a couple of posts up per week. But my phone is currently being fixed and I can't find the charger to my camera so I'm in a bit of a predicament! 

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?
For sure! On both my own and other peoples! I think that's one of the best ways to find new and awesome blogs! 

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Not really a physical list, but if someone blogs about a product that I think I would really like then I'll jot it down in my phone. 

26. How did you come up with your blog name?
I actually don't really remember! I mean obviously it is a nod to Snow White and the whole "Mirror Mirror on the wall whose the fairest of them all?" but I don't know what made me think of that when I was starting up my blog. 

27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?
I have a Nikon (don't remember the specs, it's nothing fancy though) or my iPhone.

28. How often do you clean your house?
Honestly, not as often as I should. I've been putting off cleaning my room for days (maybe even weeks). But today I cleaned my entire house from top to bottom and it makes me so happy!

29. What's your favorite color?
Pink, pink pink! 


30. Do you swear?
Yes, but when I'm out in public or family I try to tone it down/ turn it off. 

31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
Well considering it's already 10pm not much! I tend to do more productive things at night, which is so weird. 

xoxo
-A

Monday, 21 July 2014

My Daily Skincare Routine

My Skincare Routine
I finally feel confident enough in my daily regime to bring you this post. Do I have perfect skin? Hell no. Are there probably other products that would work better or the same on my skin? I think, yes. But I have finally found a mĂ©nage Ă  tois that is treating my skin pretty well. Just as a bit of a disclaimer before dive right in, I have ca-razy skin. It's definitely dry (which is kinda new I think, this was the first winter that I had some really bad flaking issues) but it can definitely get oily in my T-zone. And of course, I also have some acne, not like really bad but on my forehead I have a bunch of teeny tiny little dots and I will occasionally have the odd pimple on my chin. So basically, I have a buffet of all you can eat on my face. Great.


Garnier Cleansing Oil

The first part of my regime is also the newest. Garnier Clean+ Nourishing Cleansing Oil is apparently for Dry Skin and as far as I know (and the NEW sign on the bottle is also a leading trigger) this is a fairly new product. I heard itsblondie mention this product in one of new videos and said it may be a dupe for Boscia's Make-up Break-up cleansing oil and honestly, I've been dying to try that product for months but can't seem to bring myself to spending that kind of money. So I wandered off to Walmart and very surprising they had it! I've only been testing out the product for about a week now but I love it! If you've never used a cleansing oil you're supposed to pump a few squirts into your hand, and just rub it into your skin (which should be dry not wet). Automatically you will see your makeup literally just start to melt away, it's actually pretty amazing. Then add a bit of water to your hands and it starts to emulsify the oil (which really means it mixes the oil + water together to create a sort of creamy mix). And then voila, you rinse it off and you're set!

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel

I'm pretty sure you can use the cleansing oil as a one step thing, but I like to follow up with this cleansing gel just to be sure I got every last bit of makeup and dirt off my face (ya know incase I was rolling around in a mud pit or something that day). I am really shocked that I haven't mentioned this on my blog yet because it is a really reliable product. The Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel is kind of like the boy you expect to Taylor Swift to date. Is it a drop dead, throw everything else away, write to every magazine kind of product? No. But it does what it says it will, it's kind of cool (it's a dry-to-wet product like the oil but obviously my face is wet when I use it), its reliable, works hard, and doesn't stress you out. I just want to say that I got this for Christmas and used it for about a month, it was good but it was one of my first high end products so I wasn't sure if it was really worth it. Then I started to experience super dry skin. I was sure it was because of the cold weather, but also a bit worried it was because of the gel. I'd been hearing glory story after glory story about all of the First Aid Beauty products, so I went to Sephora talked to a wonderful guy about all the products and he sent me away with a First Aid cleanser and Serum all probably worth $50. Well, I've never been so brokenhearted as I was after using those products. My face broke out, I felt like I had a weird filmy sheen to my skin, and the dryness was still in full force. So I went back to this, and can happily say it is still my cleanser of choice. It makes your skin feel super clean, definitely not oily, but not super dry either!

Aveeno Positively Radiant

My last product is my moisturizer. I feel like such a let down here. I talk all the time about how dry my skin is, so you'd expect me to have found some holy grail, spill your milk, moisturizer. But the truth is, I haven't and I'm always searching. I've tried numerous products and serums in hopes of quenching my skins thirst, but I've to totally satisfy it. The Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer is good. It has SPF 15 (which is essential at all times of the year especially for a pale gal like myself) and you know what, I feel safe enough to say that yes, I do feel like my face is more "toned" and bright when I use this. So if dryness is not your issue I would 110% recommend this product as it really does make your skin radiant. However, I often find my skin begging for more, so please, if you have dry skin, or know of a moisturizer that is worth its weight in gold please tweet me, comment below, instagram me, email me, call me, text me, show up to my front door. Honestly, do whatever you need to do, just pass the info on!!!

xoxo
-A

-ps: I'm still looking for opinions for my giveaway as I am very indecisive and only one person voted, so PLEASE take one millisecond (I mean you've already wasted how long on this post, whats a second more) and vote ladies (and maybe gentlemen????)!!! 


Would you prefer a giveaway with 1 big winner or a giveaway with 2/3 smaller winners??
  
pollcode.com free polls 

*Disclaimer: you can click on the links to purchase/ see the prices on all items mentioned, links may be affiliate links but this post was not sponsored all items were purchased by myself or given as gifts from friends/family

Monday, 14 July 2014

Summer Lip Gloss Lovin'

Summer Lip Gloss

As our beloved Ingrid aka MissGlamorazzi said in her last video, we are smack dab in the middle of summer. Summer is one of my favourite seasons, followed by fall, winter and spring (this normally changes depending on which season we're in). Matte's are amazing for fall and winter, and I am definitely looking forward to breaking out my dark purples and reds, but until then, I am loving lip gloss this summer. I feel like lip glosses are so much less fuss than lipstick, no lip liner needed, you don't have to worry about it being even etc... Most times I don't even need a mirror, just add a quick coat & smack your lips together! Depending on what kind of look I'm going for, these 3 lip glosses are my favourites for summer.

We have Revlon's Colourburst lipgloss in Bellini (which admittedly I do like more with a nude lipstick as a base) which is pretty sheer and goes amazing with any nude lipstick. And let's just talk about the packaging, is it just me or could this baby pass off as a NARS lipgloss? It's freaking stunning! Next up is Tanya Burr's lipgloss in Picnic in the Park! I mean, I don't even know what to say about this one. Perfection, perfection & perfection. Lasting power? Check. Amazing colour payoff? Check. Smells like heaven in a strawberry field? Check. Cute name? Check. Cute packaging? Check. Fellow beauty blogger knows how to get shit done. And lastly, Elizabeth Arden's lipgloss in Passion Fruit. This is the most opaque lipgloss out of the three and is most like a lipstick. It's a bit sticky, but not enough to turn me off. I do however suggest using a very light coat and then blending with your finger, because this a very bright and thick gloss that can get messy if you don't know how to show it whose boss!


Revlon Bellini Tanya Burr Picnic in the Park Elizabeth Arden Passion Fruit
Top to Bottom: Bellini, Picnic in the Park, & Passion Fruit

What lip glosses and/or lip products have you been loving this summer??

xoxo
-A


Sunday, 13 July 2014

Cover Girl CGSmoothers | A Review for my Fellow Pale Skinned Girls

Covergirl Smoothers
 This is something I never thought I would get the honour of doing!! I have officially found a drugstore foundation that is perfect for my skin!!! I know this may seem boring and typical for most people, but if you have super pale skin with a red/pink undertone than you will know my dilemma! I know my friends always walk over to the foundations and have a bountiful amount of options. But not me. In fact up until now, not a single drugstore foundation matched my skin perfectly. Sure there were options, but all of them were either far too dark, or yellow!

Alas we have the new Covergirl CGSmoothers Hydrating Makeup! Not only is this shade made for us pale ladies with a more pink undertone (which is more evident in person, not the photo below) but it isn't drying or matte! I have dry skin that is prone to the odd pimple so anything matte just doesn't do it. But this foundation is hydrating enough that it doesn't stick to my dry spots. Its about a light to medium coverage foundation, so it will cover up Ralph who lives just smack dap centre of your forehead (oh, you don't name your pimples.. hm, weird) but still lets your skin breathe!! And the fact that I can have all of this for under $10, uh yes, sign me up!!!

Covergirl Smoothers Ivory
xoxo

-A

-ps: if you, like me, are super pale, do you enjoy posts like this? Because I know I am always scouring the beauty blogging community for posts geared towards us pale folk! So if you wouldn't mind commenting below so I can identify you as a fellow "ghost" maybe we can have a little chat???

Friday, 11 July 2014

#FOTD | Birthday Dinner

FOTD
Today's "Face of the Day" is a bit fancier than usual as I am about to go out for dinner for my Moms birthday! I was going to do a step by step tutorial but my camera died halfway through so you will have to settle for the end result!

Eyes
  1. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
  2. Cookie Dough from Too Faced "Joy to the Girls" in the crease
  3. Chestnut from Too Faced "Joy to the Girls" in the outer V
  4. NYC Sparkle Eye Dust in "Pink Topaz" over the lid
  5. Milani Eye Tech eyeliner
  6. Maybeline "Define-A-Line" used to tight line
  7. Tarte "Lights, Camera, Flashes" mascara
Face
  1. Clinique Super Primer Colour Corrects
  2. Covergirl "CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup" in 705 Ivory
  3. Hard Candy "Glamoflauge" in Ultra Light
  4. E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder 
  5. Milani Illuminating Face Powder in 03 Beauty's Touch (used for blush/ illuminator)
  6. Coty Airspun Foundation Powder in Translucent 
Lips
  1. NYX "Butter Lipstick" in Lollies
  2. Revlon "Colour Burst Lip Gloss" in Bellini 
And I used my NuMe hair curler (25mm) to do my hair & then flipped my head over and took the blow-dryer to the roots to give it more volume!!

xoxo
-A



Thursday, 10 July 2014

Wet N Wild Lipstick | 912C "In The Flesh"

Wet N Wild 912C

If you follow me on Instagram (& if you don't you really should) then you would know that I've kind of unleashed a beast. The shopping beast. But in all honesty I've been really good lately and haven't really gone overboard or bought unnecessary things, but today I decided to have a little treat and get some things I'd been eyeing. You can expect a bunch of new reviews and tutorials, and possibly a giveaway in the coming weeks (shh don't tell)! 

But were here to today to celebrate the welcoming of another lipstick into my collection. I saw an Instagram post of this and knew I had to have it because it wasn't like anything I already own. It is definitely a more natural tone lipstick, but I wouldn't call it a nude as it is much darker. The consistency is pretty good for the price. I know the swatch looks glossy but it really is more of a matte. The staying is power is great! I think this colour will be awesome with smokey eye, or just a plain old winged liner. The packaging and shape of the lipstick drive me crazy but for under $3 I can definitely accept it!

Wet N Wild 912c In The Flesh

xoxo
-A

Friday, 4 July 2014

My Vanity Set / Battle Station

I can feel the anticipation building as I start to write this post. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22, but battle station / makeup table posts are some of my favourite things. I love seeing everyone's beautiful tables and organization and just pretty things. As I may have mentioned in the past, I recently moved before winter into a bigger and better bedroom. So, with all that new space, I knew I wanted a really grown up and sophisticated space. In fact, I am very interested in home design and DIY, and one of my favourite blogs Young House Love once said something to the effect that you should try not to worry about if everything matches or follows a theme. Rather, think of three words that you want your room to be, and then choose whichever items you love that fit within those words. I know that seems extremely simple and risky, but I swear it works and relieves so much stress. When designing my room I wanted it to be simple, sophisticated, and classic. I like neutral and pale colours, zero clutter, and personalized decor.

MALM Dressing table
So this is it! Honestly, it's even a bit cluttered for my liking and I'm thinking of reorganizing the candle holders and such. But alas, I am very proud of this space, and it is very me! I will try to list everything and where I got it, but if I miss anything just leave me a comment and I will let you know!! First thing's first, the table itself is the Malm Dressing Table from, you guessed it, Ikea. I paid $120 for it and it is worth every penny. It's the perfect size and I think it can serve as so many different functions in the future should I move. The candle holders and makeup brush holder is also from Ikea. The mirrored tray and table mirror are from Winners and by Cynthia Rowley, but you can find her items at Marshalls, TJ Max and other home good stores. The little glass bowl is from ikea and houses the rings and earrings that I wear most often. And the large mirror on the wall is also from Ikea, but I don't use it to actually apply my makeup as I find it easier with a close small mirror. I do use it to do my hair though!

Cynthia Rowley
Here is an up close view of the glass tray and my perfume! 

MALM Dressing table

Here is the opposite side of the table, the lipstick tray is actually from Hautelook but you can purchase this and other acrylic products just like this here! Of course these are not all of my lip products, but the ones I use most often. The flowers and vase are just from my local dollar store, super cute but super cheap! And then I temporarily have my mini iHome station sitting on my table because I love to listen to music while I do my makeup but couldn't find another space for it. 

MALM Dressing table
And here we have the meat of the post! My makeup! It looks a bit messy but I have quite a few products stacked on top of each other because I haven't organized my Alex 5 drawer organization station yet! Don't mind the mess to the right, that's just extra face products/ healthcare products. The drawer organizers are from Target!

MALM Dressing tableHere we have my blushes, bronzer, and illuminators, eyelash curlers, and my foundation sponge (which is from real techniques and is AMAZING)! The top right section is where I keep my foundations and face primers. Top left is my eyelash and eyebrow products.
MALM Dressing table
In the centre of the drawer is where I keep my eyeshadow palettes as well as extra lip products (can't get enough)!! The little pink organizing cubes are from the dollar section in Target I believe!

MALM Dressing table

In the far left section of the drawer is where I keep most of my eye products. As you can see I have a mascara addiction. In the top right corner is where I keep all of my single eyeshadows and the top left is where I keep my lip glosses and extra lipsticks!

I hope you enjoyed a little tour through my makeup battle station! If you have any questions or organizational tips feel free to let me know in the comments! And, if you've done a similar post please please leave your link in the comments so I can check it out! In fact, half of these items/ designs were inspired by my browsing similar posts!!!

xoxo
-A