Where do you get inspiration for your next make-up look, hairstyle or even fashion? For make-up looks most of my inspiration comes from instagram. This Kim Khardashian look was found via my IG news feed. It’s pictures like this that strike a memory of what I have in my make-up inventory and gets me inspired when I’m stuck in a routine of wearing the same old colours day after day.
It’s funny how exactly 10 years ago I was rocking bright purple and turquoise on my peepers and now here I am lusting for bright colours again. I think a huge reason why I ever stopped was getting into the corporate world. I’ve never seen anyone at our office and many other corporate offices rock bright colour shadows or liners. Maybe bold lips, but that too can be risky sometimes. Enough jibber jabbering..
Products I used for this
Kim Kardashian Look:
Benefit High Beam
Smashbox Softlights Shimmer
Urban Decay Naked 2
NYC Palette Union Square
Tarte Clay Pot Eyeliner
Benefit Brow Zings
Clarins Turquoise Eyeliner
Marcelle lipliner in Nude
NYC lipstick in mousse
Benefit Roller Lash
Have you gone make up brush shopping? The amount of types, sizes and brands of brushes can cause confusion to those who aren’t make up artists. During my beauty advisor days the most commonly asked questions about brushes was, “What brushes do I need for everyday make up?” and people who did their research would either ask for a specific kind/brand of brush or “is this a synthetic brush or is it made with real badger/goat/horse hair?”
To start off invest in these five essential make up brushes to create your everyday looks:
Powder brush
Your powder brush is your go to superwoman/man brush. This is the brush you take when you can ONLY take 1 brush with you. You can use it for powder (obvi), blush and bronzer. Only downfall to it’s multi-purpose function is that you need to clean this brush a lot more if you’re using colour on it. You also might be replacing this brush more often. Why? Well, to use it for blush or contouring, you’ll be pinching it (see video) and for bronzer, you’ll be fanning it out. All of this shape changing will cause the brush hairs to fall out or lose its natural shape. The best powder brush is usually fluffy and has soft bristles.
My favourite: Smashbox
Blush brush
If you’re not going to use your powder brush as a blush brush (I recommend not too, unless it’s an emergency) then this is a must have! Get one that is angled so you can apply your blush evenly above the crease of your cheekbone. Your blush brush can also be used as your contour brush if you’re on a budget and only if you’re using powder for contouring. Tip: Never attempt to use a hair make up brush for any kind of cream/liquid make up. You can kiss that brush goodbye if you do.
My favourite: Benefit Slant Powder Brush (It was meant for powder but it works perfectly for my powder blushes, especially because it’s slanted.)
Shadow brush
As long as you have a really good shadow brush you won’t need a slanted eyeshadow brush. To get that precise straight edge at the end of your lids, use tape or an eyeshadow shield to make sure you get that perfect line.
Crease brush
Your crease brush is your beauty blender for your eyeshadow. It will soften any harsh eye shadow lines made and of course do its job as creating a crease.
Concealer brush
Make sure you get a synthetic concealer brush,especially if you usually break out into pimples. Synthetic brushes also hold more concealer for quicker applications. A small pointy one will get into all the nooks and crannies near your nose, eyes and above your lip.
My favourite: Bare escentuals
So you must be wondering why I didn’t add a foundation brush to the list. Well it isn’t an essential brush you absolutely need. You CAN live without one. As long as you wash your hands and apply your foundation gently with your fingertips you’re good to go! However, I recommend the beauty blender as well. It’s so perfect for blending in your foundation without getting your fingers messy and also the sponge effect is a lot nicer than the brush. Goodbye foundation streaks/strokes.
Thermal Spring Water sprays have been around for a long time and can be used for many reasons. Walk into your local drug store and you may recognize at least four brands that carry it. Yay for selections, but which one is for you?
One thing all of these waters have in common are that they’re all connected to France.
Evian Facial Spray
Not sure why, but this brand of water spray always seemed to me as if they just wanted to bottle/market their product differently to make more money. It felt that way because they started off doing water bottles for consumption before entering the cosmetic industry.They launched a skincare line in Canada in the 90’s, but it didn’t sell and was then discontinued. I remember trying the oxgenating moisturizer. A very light refreshing gel-lotion. However, didn’t hydrate my skin for longer than a few hours.
This water spray like the others is good for touching up your make up or handy for travelling to hot places.
Tip: Spray from half of your arms distance onto your face after you’re done applying make-up, this will set your make-up for a dewy look.
Evian water starts as rain/snow at the top of the French Alps. Taking approx. 15 years for it to filter through. This may be the youngest filtered thermal water out of the four I’m reviewing in this post.
Okay true story, years ago my best friend had come over to my place and slept over for the first time since I got a kitten. The next morning when I looked at her, she was completely swollen. At the time I was a beauty advisor and knew she had reacted to something. It was definitely an allergic reaction. She had never reacted like this before and knew immediately she was allergic to cats. It was a surprise to her as well since this was her first time being around a cat overnight. So my instinct was to grab avene water and some cotton pads and start spraying her entire face that was swollen and patting it down with the cotton pad in a massage-tap like motion. To this day we laugh about the story and admire how quickly Avene water worked to soothing her puffy itchy face. I had already known how amazing this product was, but after that day I was even more in love. P.S I’m not being sponsored to say that, nor was I sent a free Avene water haha. I legit have an Avene thermal spray at home all the time and take it with me when I’m travelling. You just never know when you’ll need it.
Present day story, my 5 month old son has some baby eczema and I’ve used the spray when he has flare ups. Can I tell you, as soon as the water touches his body he goes from crying to an immediate stop. It’s like magic. And no he doesn’t react the same way if I put tap water on him. So not only is this spray great for setting your make-up, keeping you cool on hot days but also great for super sensitive, allergic and complicated skin (hypersensitive or irritated skin.) They even have a cute mini bottle for your purse or first aid kit ($7 cdn) 😉
What you can use it for:
After surgical procedures
Facial redness
Skin irritation
Sunburn
Diaper rash
After make-up removal
After shaving like a toner
After exercise
After hair removal
While travelling as a refreshing spray
What makes it different and what’s in it?
Soothing and softening
Ingredients WATER/EAU (AQUA). NITROGEN
Discovered in 1736.
This product mentions it’s suitable for babies.
Spraying nozzle sprays soft and gentle.
Tip: Puffy eyes? Soak cotton pads with the water and lay them on your closed lids for a total of 10 mins. At 5 mins spray each pad again while still on your eyelids.
This eau thermale aka thermal water spray is from the town of Vichy. Famous people who used this water: Marquise de Sévigné (who testified to the merits of Vichy water in his letters), Napoleon III, the Duchess of Anoguleme (niece of Louis the XVIII) and even Coco Chanel who, in her youth, carried water at Vichy.*
[Tweet “#DidYouKnow The Romans assigned vichy water to Venus, the goddess of beauty because..”]
because of its soothing and anti-redness properties.
I purchased this product once to be used on a trip for cooling down and make-up setting purposes. I never tried using it for soothing or anti-redness. The only memory I have of this water is spraying it on my face and getting some in my mouth. It tasted a bit metal-ly and even a bit salty. (P.S avene water doesn’t have a taste) However, that was years ago, so who knows… they may have changed the formulation or sterilized the water even more.
Contains:
Calcium
Protects skin tissues
Potassium
Contributes to the hydration of skin cells
Silicium
Densifying and regenerating
Magnesium
Stimulates the regeneration of the skin
Iron
Contributes to cellular oxidation
Manganese
Combats oxidation and stimulates healing of the skin
Copper
Presents an anti-inflammatory action
Zinc
Necessary for growth of skin cells and their healing.
Bromine, fluorine, lithium, strontium
Contribute to the reinforcement of all the particular virtues previously mentioned.
100% pure, 100% natural
Preservative free, Fragrance free
Declared a source of public interest in 1846
Hypoallergenic – Recommended for sensitive skin
La Roche Posay
The name is actually from a little village located in the center of the French region of La Vienne. Not only does this water have minerals for soothing and softening the skin but also Selenium that gives La Roche-Posay thermal spring water its antioxidant properties. Just like the Vichy spray, I purchased this once and didn’t feel like it did anything for me. I actually didn’t repurchase it because of the spraying nozzle being too strong.
What makes it different and what’s in it?
Selenium (anti-oxidant)
This product mentions it’s suitable for babies.
This spray also has a stronger jet like spraying nozzle compared to the others.
Discovered since 1617.
History: Legend has it that Bertrand Du Guesclin, high constable under the reign of Charles V, discovered the La Roche-Posay springs on his way home from Spanish campaigns at the end of the 14th century. He stopped at the spring to quench his thirst. His horse, which suffered from eczema, plunged into the water and came out cured. This is the start of the beautiful story of a water unlike any other…*
Toronto’s Canada’s First Benefit Boutique is here!
You probably all know that I own a lot of Benefit products and that I’ve been a huge fan since my Shopper Drug Mart days of being a beauty advisor/make-up artist. If you asked me to name a few of my favourites, I’d start with gimme brow, high beam and the dallas bronzer. For those of you who have been living under a rock, don’t know about Benefit Cosmetics, it’s a San Francisco based make-up brand that believes “laughter is the best cosmetic”. Every product has a fun, girly and unique spin. I’ve been to the boutique in Connecticut and California, so I had an idea of what to expect.
I was over the moon excited to be invited to the Grand Opening of Canada’s first Benefit Boutique, here in Toronto. I must say, Benefit’s corporate team is a bright bunch. I mean, the whole team (brow experts to corporate) are amazing! The strategy of slowly entering the Canadian market by placing little brow bars in Sephora stores around the GTA was brilliant. The perfect way to create a strong clientele and an opportunity to see geographically what/where would work best for the first boutique. Well, that’s my own marketer assumption. If you haven’t heard yet, the boutique is located on 2614 Yonge St and you can’t miss it! (see above image of boutique front)
You don’t live in Toronto? Don’t worry, rumor has it that they’ll be opening more boutiques across the country in the next five years! The boutique has a brow raising variety of services. You can most importantly get your eyebrows done, facial and body waxing, threading, tanning and more.
If you didn’t get a chance to catch my snapchats (HumJK) from that day, here are the highlights:
Benefit Roller Lash vs Lancome Ôscillation Mascara, which one wins at the end?
There are a ton of mascaras to choose from and the only way to find which ones work for you is by narrowing it down by the look you’re trying to achieve and finding mascaras that help you achieve it. Most of the time I use my mascara by Too Faced that gives me thicker lashes but other times I go for a lighter lengthier look. Benefit Cosmetics launched the Roller Lash Mascara last month with a social media campaign that you couldn’t miss.
Roller Lash Facts:
This mascara is inspired by hair rollers and gives you curled long lashes for a wide-eyed look. The brush has a patent-pending Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush. They’re tiny little hooks that catch, lift and curl all lashes. Even the shortest and straight lashes. The curling effect from this mascara is good enough to replace your eyelash curler.
Ôscillation Facts: This mascara has a vibrating wand to help lift, lengthen and give volume to lashes. This vibrating mascara provides 7,000 oscillations per minute! Pretty cool if you ask me, but doesn’t stop me from still moving my hand to apply the mascara. (I can’t help it!) I love that it doesn’t have parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Also free of synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and triclosan. Which means it’s great for contact wearers or sensitive eyes.
Round 3 – Wear
Lancome Ôscillation:
You can see below that length is mediocre and volume is non existent. I did three coats and this is what I got. I found the vibrations don’t really do much. Instead, it started to get a bit clumpy close to the base of my lashes.
Benefit Roller Lash: Below image shows lots of volume, length and a bit of lift or curl midway. This is with two coats. No clumps.
Winner: Roller Lash! Great price comparatively, true to its facts and winning results.
Have you tried the Roller Lash or the Lancome Ôscillation mascara? Which do you prefer? Comment below 🙂
the options are endless. I recorded this lip lookbook while on my trip to Japan in Tokyo and finally I got the chance to put it together for you! This is my first time doing a voice over and I’m not a professional so it might be a little weird but I promise I’ll get better at this 🙂 Have you read this month’s Globe Style Advisor? They have a great line up of bright lips for Spring!
I took a break from filming to go through this months issue and wish I had some of these colours to add to my lookbook.
Especially Maybelline’s Color Sensation matte lipstick in Mesmerizing Magenta! You’ll love this video by beauty contributor Megan Kirkwood who shares tips for wearing this seasons bold lips:
There was a time when the younger me wasn’t a huge fan of coconuts. I just didn’t like the taste of it. Years later I tried it again and to my surprise, I loved it! You must have used or consumed coconut in one way or another. This multi-purpose ingredient has become a favourite for people all around the world. The coconut trend was strong last year and it seems like it’s here to stay. It can be used to hydrate your skin externally or coconut water is amazing for hydrating internally. Speaking of coconut water, my favourite juice company, Simply Orange is coming out with a new flavour with coconut water!
Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil
The first time I bought this, it was to substitute vegetable oil and be a healthier choice. I found so many other ways to incorporate coconut oil into my daily regime. For instance, making a homemade scrub with coconut oil and brown sugar, using it in your dry hair as a leave-in treatment or in wet hair as a hair mask. Most pregnant women swear by this as a life saver during pregnancy for their itchy dry skin. A 414ml bottle like this isn’t very expensive either. Around $10 at whole foods. (Don’t quote me on that)
RMS Beauty Lip Shine
This lip balm lip shine that has five colours to choose from, feels more like a treatment than a lip shine. I’ve tried the colour sacred and it reminds me of my Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics. Benetint is great for that flushed natural lips look, only this isn’t just a tint, it provides a lot of hydration. Results that you see right away! With organic oils such as coconut, moringa and castor seed; it’s no wonder my lips feel and look great after using this. Not sure why it’s called lip shine though. My lips don’t look shiny at all after using it.
Tip: Due to the texture, you can use this product in multiple ways. Use it on your cheeks as a blush.
Coconut Water Shampoo
I dye my hair a lot and because I do, it gets dry very fast. Doing a coconut oil treatment isn’t the best choice if you need to style your hair the same day or even the next. My hairstyle lasts a lot longer when it’s not oily. Most people will agree to that. Especially for volume. Instead of an oil, this coconut water shampoo does wonders for my dry locks. Not only is it sulfate free, but smells great too! I love that it comes in a semi small bottle, in case you change your mind and don’t want to be stuck with a huge bottle of unfinished shampoo.
Do you use coconut oil/water products? If so, what are your favourites?
Travelling to new places and learning about the culture and history of different destinations is something my husband and I love to do. Some trips are planned well in advance and some last minute. Our last big trip was to South Korea and Japan. We also had booked a trip to China this week for two weeks that we cancelled due to the wonderful new addition to our family. Now we look forward to taking him with us on all of our trips. The first one being to a resort in Mexico this May.
When planning a trip, where do you look for information, inspiration or general tips?
Reading and collecting the lonely planet books has become a tradition. However, a lot of the unique suggestions and tips come from articles. Articles like the ones I read in the Global Style Advisor that released today. If you haven’t already, I’d go out and get this travel edition found in the Globe and Mail to keep as a reference for the many destinations mentioned or check out the digital version here. Love the resort fashion spread, that has left me inspired for our trip in May. Need to have that Hugo Boss dress!
If I were only allowed to take a few some items with me to any of the great escapes mentioned in this Globe Style Advisor edition, they would be the following:
Fave Fragrance
Try travelling with a light and fresh fragrance. Especially if you’re stuck on a long flight.
Fave Notebook
Everyone has that one notebook they travel with. Somewhere to keep all of their plans, schedules, tips etc.
Fave Cosmetics
All I need is Benefit’s new roller lash, blush and an awesome lip tint balm for the perfect amount of natural colour.
Fave Tag
Just in case you lose your luggage and just because it’s a cute accessory for your carry on. Plus, there really is no place like home. 🙂
Epic Blend is a Canadian brand of premium lip balms that you may have seen or read about somewhere online or heard about them through one of my favourite magazines, Elle Canada.
There are so many unnecessary ingredients in cosmetics these days. Brands seem to be either coming up with innovative targeted ingredients or they are moving forward by keeping it simple and tapping into the market of au naturel.
[Tweet “RT if you have a lip balm in every purse #Beauty”]
You can never have enough lip balms. Especially during dry winters like the one we’re having. I’ve tried lots of different lip balms and my least favourite ones are the ones that go on greasy and promise to be moisturizing but aren’t. As soon as the greasiness wears off, you’re left with dry chapped lips again. I’ve found the solution with these Epic Blend balms that are not greasy and have lasting moisture results without harsh synthetics. There are so many flavours to choose from but my favourites are grape and citrus kick. YUM.
These natural flavours come in three categories:
Hemp
Made with organic hemp seed oil. Advantage: quickly absorbs deep into the skin cells for lasting moisture results.
More Moisture
Has seven moisturizers to keep your lips moist.
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Sunflower Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Organic Beeswax
Non-GMO Vitamin E TIP: Moist lips make for a great base when applying lipstick 😉 Advantage: The organic shea butter being one of the seven organic ingredients provides extra moisture and a boost of staying power.
Vegan
These balms are 100% plant-based and beeswax-free.
Advantage: The all-natural food grade Candelilla wax used gives these vegan balms a smooth texture.
If you’re in the market for an all natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, petroleum free and most importantly not tested on animals lip balm, then Epic Blend is what you’re looking for. Definitely keeping one in all my go to purses.
Have you tried Epic Blend before? If so, what’s your favourite flavour?
If you haven’t tried them yet then here’s your chance to win! Good luck!
I’m crushing on the oversize look. Oversized clutch, sweaters and of course the coat.
I love the fit of my yellow coat this winter and was on a hunt for something similar, but a more subdued colour. You may have seen it in my Naksan Park, South Korea post. So I did a little experiment for my day out with my sisters. Just before I left my house, I tried on my husband’s coat, rolled up the sleeves and added a clip on fur scarf I purchased from H&M last winter.
A day out shopping isn’t complete until you come back home to a cozy cuddle-fest with your sisters and some AMAZING tea. I have a tea collection from Davids tea at home, but I wanted to try something different this time. My sister Mac, suggested I try their Forever Nuts latte. De-licious! Their website describes this tea perfectly; “Deliciously nutty, decidedly addictive. Caffeine-free.”
