Current Fav: Lip Balm

So I realize that I have pointed out a few of my favourite daily products within my most recent post (My Daily Beauty Regimen) and that has inspired me to go a little further into detail as to why I have selected the products that I have, and introduce a couple others that I use in different circumstances (not on a daily basis)!

I figured that while were still in the last couple weeks of the bitter cold where chapped lips are a regular thing, I would start off by highlighting some points about my current favourite go-to lip balm (aka winter life saver)!

EOS – Evolution of Smooth

Scents / Flavours

These little bundles of joy come in a very wide variety of flavours: Blueberry Acai, Pomegranate Raspberry, Strawberry Sorbet, Sweet Mint, Summer Fruit, and Honey Suckle Honey Dew. Our neighbours to the south (USA) have been blessed with two additional choices: Lemon Drop Spf 15 and Medicated Tangerine (yes, yes I know.. it’s not fair).  But I’m sure you can order them online, or pick one up next time you get down there for some shopping – now you have an excuse (;.  There have been some limited edition flavours that have been released – Blueberry Potion, Sweet Vanilla Nonsense, and Watermelon Wonderland that came out as a part of an Alice and Wonderland collection, and this spring EOS has a duo pack that includes Strawberry Sorbet and limited edition Passion Fruit!! My favourite of the two is, of course, the limited edition Passion Fruit.  But of their regular line, I prefer the sweet mint.  I find when I use the other flavours I get sick of them after a while and anticipate the change, but always come back to my sweet Sweet Mint (which is exactly that, not too overpowering.)

Packaging

Can I just say genius? How cute and innovative.  It’s new and exciting and, at the risk of sounding quite sad, fashionable? I mean, when I whip one of these out, my friends are always quite intrigued and interested at what it is and where they can get one.  The inner balm is in the shape of a sphere as well, and it’s great for applying, it can be quite precise, until you have used a lot of it up, and the sphere then turns flat, and it likely becomes a “bedtime” only balm (can get a little out of control on the lips).  The ball is also kind of bulky. Like okay, purses these days are huge anyway, how much harm can a little ball balm create, but really I’m referring to those times where you pack your credit card, cell phone, and a lip balm in your tiny wristlet and this EOS just ain’t cutting it (or the jean pocket look – not so cute.)

GUYS: you can use these too! I get it, you think they look girly. But c’mon it’s lip balm (and they’re delicious)!! My little brother (he’s 20) just started using them and I know he’s got one in his car and one beside his bed (and who knows, maybe he rocks one at work as well – I wouldn’t judge)!

Price

Super reasonable, they retail for about $4 a piece.  It really depends on where you shop.  Walmart is obviously cheaper than Shoppers Drugmart, and I’ve seen some multi-packs from Costco, which I’m sure has some kind of “bulk” price deal.  I’ve even seen these sold at different retailers like Chapters and Jean Machine! Different places, different prices – generally around the $4 mark.

Pros

• 95% organic:  USDA-certified organic
• 100% natural
• highly moisturizing and long lasting
• wide selection of great tastes and scents
• cute packaging
• inexpensive
• great shine, no stickiness

Cons

• bulky packaging
• eventually the inner balm ball runs flat and isn’t as precise to apply to your lips

Hope you give these a try – you wont regret it! Let me know which flavour becomes your favourite (: !!

My Daily Beauty Regimen

Every girl has their own daily routine.  I thought I would share how I wake up and get myself ready for the day while including some great tips, and favourite products (: !!

Prep!

To prepare my face for the day I start by moisturizing as soon as I get out of the shower (this goes for my body as well)!! This is the best way to optimize your skin’s moisture retention.  Your skin is still moist and porous and will absorb up the most amount of moisture at this time.  I use Bath and Body Works Body Cream for my body, but the scents I choose vary from time to time.  The moisturizer I use on my face every day is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.  It is dermatologically tested, unscented, and non-allergenic for a fresh, dewy finish!

Hair

While my moisturizer soaks in, I begin to apply my preferred products to my damp hair.  I begin by spritzing my absolute favourite pre-blow dry product: KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry spray.  This product literally shaves off half the dryer time, and with long locks like mine, it works wonders!  Before beginning to blow dry, I like to add a little hair treatment to ensure that my strands stay healthy and hydrated.  I use a grape sized amount of either Moroccanoil Light Treatment, or AG Fast Food Leave On Conditioner and apply it to the ends and work my way up the hair to my scalp.

Skin

Once my hair is blow dried, my face moisturizer has usually had enough time to soak in.  I pin back my unfinished hair and begin my daily routine.  As a woman in her mid 20’s , I am blessed to say that I don’t suffer from any unruly skin conditions that need any serious coverage.  Instead I use a tinted moisturizer to even out my skin tone.  I love Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15 in Medium.  It is light weight, it blends well, and it has SPF 15 to keep your complexion protected throughout the day – all year round.  For the occasion that a blemish does sneak up on me, I use MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20.

Powder

I turn to my bronzing powder to sweep on a light dusting of bronzer to set my tinted moisturizing and ensure that my look will last the whole day! MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden is a beautiful and natural bronzer that I can use all year round.  I play around with the hue and shade of my blush depending on my makeup style for the day, but typically I turn to MAC Powder Blush in Peaches for an extra kiss of colour on the apples of my cheeks.

Eyes

At this point I apply a lip balm (Rosebud Salve), and allow it to soak in as I turn to work on my eyes.  Most people don’t realize this, but even if you just want a simple-sweep-of-mascara “look” for your eyes, you should still apply a neutral / beige eye shadow to your lids!  Depending on your skin tone, you will notice a variety of colours that bleed through the very fine skin on your eye lids.  This discoloration is most likely caused by the tiny veins shining through the thin skin on the eye lids.  Once applying a sweep of “skin tone” shadow upon both lids, this problem will be resolved.  I use MAC Eye Shadow in Grain for a natural look with a little glow.

Another interesting fact that I find most people don’t pick up on is when you line your upper lash line with eyeliner (liquid, pencil, powder, whichever!) there is often a disconnect between the liner line, and the mascara (check it out).  A great way to eliminate this problem is to line (with black/brown pencil eyeliner) your upper waterline (right below the upper lashes: see here) to get a solid look (as seen here).  I rim my upper waterline with NYC’s Classic Brow/Liner Pencil in Jet Black and sweep a liquid line along the upper lashes with L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip in Black Mica for a look that will last for hours on end.  I polish the look off with a couple coats of my (without a doubt) faaaaavourite mascara.  Lancôme L’Extrême Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara in Black has been a product in my makeup kit for many, many years (and will continue to be for years to come!)  It isn’t waterproof, but it may as well be, it lifts, lengthens, curls and separates, for a dramatic, smudge proof, 24 hour look.

Eyebrows truly do shape the entire face, and as a fellow blondie I need to fill in my light eyebrows.  I use MAC Eye Brows in Fling and set them with Great Lash Clear Mascara by Maybelline!

Finishing Touches

I don’t often wear lip colour, but when I do, this is when I would apply it.  My lips are nice and smooth, since the balm has had time to soak in, and are ready to see some colour.

My hair is usually styled in one of two ways: straight, or curly (shocker)! To curl my hair I section it with clips and clamp 1” wide sections with a curling iron, hold for 6 seconds, spritz with hair spray and repeat until completed.  I used to have a problem curling my hair (it wouldn’t hold a curl!!), but since purchasing my Conair 1” Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, the adjustable heat option allows my hair to properly curl and hold for days!  I use Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep the curls in place, but still maintain a soft, touchable texture.

When straightening, I piece my hair into small sections and smooth over with my Bio Ionic Styling Iron.  It has ceramic plates infused with minerals to condition the hair as you straighten!

And viola I’m ready to take on the day! Yes, this certainly takes a lot of time and effort, but in the end I love to do it, and it makes me look and feel beautiful (: !!

Make-Up and Nail 2014 Spring Trends

With the on-going hot and cold weather spells the past couple days, I couldn’t help but catch myself day dreaming of spring time! Which got me thinking… I wonder what new and exciting beauty spring trends are going to be introduced this season! So I did a little digging and found two articles from different magazine websites that I thought I should share (:

I’ve found make-up trends and nail colour trends to get your senses tingling for what’s to come!!

2014 Make-up Trends from Glamour Magazine

http://www.glamour.com/beauty/2013/09/spring-makeup-trends-from-fashion-week-spring-2014#slide=1

1) Soft Berry Lips

2) Bright Orange Lipstick

3) Blue Eyeshadow

4) Cat-Eyes

5) Ethereal White Eyeshadow and Liner

6) Gilded Lids

7) Glowing Skin

8) A Pop of Green

I’m a huge fan of the Soft Berry Lips, Gilded Lids, and Glowing Skin; embodies warmth and radiance that I find absolutely stunning!

2014 Nail Trends from Harpers Bazaar Magazine

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/nails/best-spring-nail-polish#slide-1

1) Key Lime

2) Orange Sherbert

3) Shimmery Yellow

4) Plum

5) Robin’s Egg Blue

6) Royal Blue

7) Aqua Shimmer

8) Hot Red

9) Fuchsia

My favourites are: Orange Sherbert, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Royal Blue (I actually LOOOOVE and bought the Sally Hansen Insta-dri In Prompt Blue, that they suggested, at the store the day before reading this article – too good, but too freaky!!!)

Have some fun this Spring! ENJOY (:

Make Blush a Must: A Colour Guide

Blush is one of those products that I find girls either don’t give any thought, or can’t live without. I must admit, I was once a naturally rosy cheeked girl scared to look like a clown. But now, after learning which shades complement my unique skin tone, it is an essential product in my makeup kit!

Here’s a quick little colour guide that will help those who feel like blush isn’t for them, narrow down the clutter of colour and find what works best for their personal look!

Very Fair (Porcelain) skin tones

Looks gorgeous in shades of orange, like peach and apricot!

**bareMinerals blush in Warm Apricot and Peach Poppy are two fantastic choices to flatter porcelain skin**

Fair skin tones

Pairs best with pale, cool pinks.

**Bobbi Brown Blush in Nude Pink is the palest pink, perfect for this skin tone!**

Medium skin tones

Warm the cheeks with a blush in an amber shade and you will absolutely glow.

**A cream blush like Tom Ford’s  Illuminating Cheek Colour in Bronzed Amber is a buildable blush perfect for personalizing your individual look!**

Dark skin tones

Rose tones will naturally illuminate a dark skin tones complexion

**NYX Powder Blush in Dusty Rose will complement the many depths and undertones of dark skin. Looking to splurge? Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rose Pètale is a beautiful alternative**

Very Dark skin tones

Oddly enough, the darker the skin tone, the more vibrant the blush. Soft hues do not read as well on the depth of this skin, so a nice bright fuchsia is the way to go!

**YSL Crème De Blush in Fuchsia Temptation is a cream to powder blush that allows easy application while packing a huge colour punch!**

Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It

We had one warm day in the GTA this week and I’ve already had a crazy urge to buy a new pre-spring nail polish colour.

Red is my favourite colour, so naturally I am drawn to all kinds of different red nail lacquers.  I stumbled upon OPI‘s Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It at my local beauty supply outlet and couldn’t resist!! I applied two coats and a top coat for extra shine and absolutely fell in love.  I particularly like the hint of orange in the red that makes it appear almost fluorescent! Super vibrant and fun for the up-coming spring/summer seasons.

Now let’s just pray this snow melts sooner than later!!!

Quick Tip – Correct Concealer Application

Dark circles and bags under your eyes? Blemishes and imperfections within the skin? Concealer is the answer to your problems.  Do you use concealer but find that it doesn’t seem to do the trick? Often I find girls are using a combination of incorrect colour, consistency, application, and product placement!

Here are a few quick and easy ways to effectively hide skin imperfections!

1.) Colour – it may seem a little juvenile, however, referring to the colour wheel when disguising skin blemishes and dark circles is a sure-fire way to eliminate the appearance of them.

Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel are going to be the best at contributing to the most effective cover-up of your imperfection.  If you have dark blue-purple bags under your eyes, a concealer with a orange-yellow tinge to it will be the best to use.  If your skin is red and blotchy (pimples, rosacea, etc.) then a concealor with shades of green in it will be most effective.  Many companies offer a concealer colour wheel.  One that I find very effective is Lise Watier’s Portfolio Professional Correctors in Normal.

**Pro Tip** This theory can be used for covering up tattoos and other discolouration upon the skin!

2.) Consistency/Application – Many people think that in order to cover something up, they need to apply a thick layer of concealer upon their problem areas.  This is not true, and actually, can draw more attention to the area you are trying to conceal by looking “cakey” and unnatural.  Whether your use your fingers or a concealer brush to apply your concealer, your application should look natural and blended.  Use your ring finger (it is the most delicate) to tap/press on the product, and similarly the brush to stipple for the most natural effect!

**Pro Tip** Be sure to apply your foundation first before adding your concealer.  This will ensure that the placement of your concealer is kept where you specifically want it to be!! BLENDBLENDBLEND

3.) Product Placement – Now of course, if your imperfections aren’t habitually in the same place each day, week, month, etc. then your product placement will change.  But when I say product placement, I am referring to where you are applying it surrounding those imperfections.  For example: If you have dark circles under your eyes, the first place you want to apply the concealer is directly under the eye, where any form of discolouration is taking place.  A more effective and promising placement is usually around the problems.  This girl is showing the correct placement for concealing under eye bags.  Select a colour lighter than your skin tone (as you are not trying to correct any discolouration) and apply as shown.  This will draw the eye towards the light smooth areas of the face.  Your foundation / colour correction (applied with correct consistency) will take care of any dark circles and redness that may occur closer to the eye, but the idea is to divert the eye elsewhere, rather than put so much pressure on covering up your problematic areas! The same goes for pimples.  Most people think to apply concealer directly upon pimples, when if you really think about it, most of the redness and discolouration occurs around the pimple.  Focusing on colour correction and proper blending around the blemish itself will eliminate most of the problem!

Find Your Perfect Lip Colour Based On Your Skin Tone!

Having trouble finding that perfect lip colour? Too dark, Too light, Too sheer, Too bold? Knowing your skin tone, and the look you’re trying to achieve, will help alleviate the pressure of picking that perfect hue!

Very Light (Porcelain) to Light Skin Tones

This skin tone is often a cool skin tone with red, pink, and bluish undertones. The colours that are going to be the most harmonious are those with a cool undertone. Blue-reds and pinks will complement the skin, while warm colours will be more bold. Try to avoid intense colours. Bright pinks, deep bronzes, and browns can look too harsh against your light complexion, while lighter colours will brighten your appearance. Orangey based hues will suit this skin tone as well. Look for colours like light tangerine, apricot, soft corals, and peachy shades of pink and red. These tones will gives you a bright, fresh faced appearance!

**PRO TIP** For fair skin, if the colour is bold, try to use a sheer product like a tinted balm or gloss. When choosing a lighter shade, make the colour pop with a lip stick or stain!

Medium Skin Tones

For those with a warm medium skin tone, colours with gold, coral tones, pinks and cranberries will really shine, while those with cool medium skin tones can rock a mean brick red, and most shades of pinks and purples. Avoid nude tones that are likely very close to your skin colour and can make you look washed out!

Dark to Very Dark Skin Tones
Dark skin tones are blessed with being able to wear pretty much any colour! Dark, warm reds, and rich, deep plums look gorgeous on this skin tone, while oranges and corals offer a fresh splash of colour to your complexion. Keep in mind that dark skins have predominant undertones as well! Coppery Bronzes are beautiful on warm skin tones, while those with a cool dark skin tone will really benefit from sporting a deep berry lip. It is best to Avoid colours that have heavy white bases, and a chalky tone that can contrast too much and not be as flattering!

Quick Tip – Lip Exfoliation

Have you ever begun to apply your lip colour only to find dry, scaly lips that totally ruin your pout? Lip exfoliation is a very quick, often overlooked, simple fix to the problem!

There are a number of ways to revamp those neglected lips…

1.) Dampen a facecloth with warm water. Then, starting from the edge of your lips and working inward, apply medium pressure in a sweeping motion to buff away dead skin on the lips.

2.) Run an old, soft bristle tooth brush under water and in the same motion as before, slough away all of the rough skin, leaving behind smooth, kissable lips!

3.) Use a lip exfoliator. There are many different kinds of lip exfoliators on the market (in a lip balm stick, in a squeeze tube, in a lip balm pot, etc.) But the one that I have found to be most effective is Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh . After applying your lip exfoliator, you must work it into your lips (much like you would when exfoliating your face/body in your regular cleanse routine) in order to achieve the best results!

**PRO TIP** – On a budget? Try to make your own lip scrub! There are tons of different recipes that use ingredients often found in your own kitchen! DIY Vanilla and Brown Sugar lip scrubs are my favourite, as they are easy to make and appeal to the senses!

Once your lips have been buffed to perfection, apply a moisturizing lip balm and allow it to soak in as you prep your face for the day, or make breakfast. This will ensure that your balm has enough time to penetrate into your lips to provide the best results in a smooth, soft pout!! After exfoliation, I apply Rosebud Salve, I always keep a stick of Burt’s Bees in my purse, and an EOS balm bedside to maintain hydration 24/7!

Apply your colour and off you go! Your lips will thank you for days to come (:

Colours Designed To Let YOU Shine!

Have you ever found yourself saying, “this just isn’t my colour…”? Well odds are that if it didn’t look right, it probably wasn’t. Here are a few fool proof ways to weed out those not so flattering hues, and choose the ones that let you SHINE!

First off, you need to determine what kind of skin tone you have:

Very Light
Light
Light-Medium
Medium
Medium-Dark
Dark
Very Dark

After you select your skin tone, you need to determine your skin’s undertone:

Warm – Yellow or Golden Tones
Cool – Red, Pink or Bluish Tones

Each skin tone and undertone will fall within a “season” that will serve as a personalized guide to the colours that will best suit your individual look!

Warm Colour Seasons

Spring Colours (Light Warm)
Springs are able to wear very pale/soft colours, like peach, caramel, golden yellow, golden brown, and aqua. They can also pull off wearing ivory, bright greens, true reds, clear blues and coral. It is best to avoid colours that are too dull/muted or are too dark. Springs should try to avoid black and white, which can also be too harsh against their light/warm skin tones.

Autumn Colours (Dark Warm)
Autumn skin tones have a deep, rich value to them. Golden browns, caramel, and earthy tones will compliment their complexions. Autumns are fortunate enough to be able to wear both muted and rich warm colors that are often seen in nature within the autumn season such as spicy reds, beige, olive, orange, gold, and dark brown. A beautiful neutral for this skin tone is a rich warm grey.

Cool Colour Seasons

Summer Colours (Light Cool)
A true Summer skin tone is a cool tone with blue or pink undertones and a low level of contrast between their hair, eye colour, and skin tone. Summers look best in soft neutrals and pastels. They are able to wear muted colours with cool undertones as well. Powder blue, dusty pink, mauve, lavender, plum, and pale yellow will also be very complimentary. It is best to steer clear of intense, vivid hues because they will read harsh against your light cool skin tone. Earth tones, black, and orange will also wash out the skin!

Winter Colours (Dark Cool)
Winter skin tones have a lot of contrast between their hair color, eye color, and skin tone. Winters need to wear colours that are sharp, stark, and clear to better compliment their skin. They thrive in intense, rich colours, like black, navy blue, reds, and hot pink. On a lighter note, bright whites and icy pastels, like cool blues, pinks and yellows will serve these Winters justice. It’s best to steer clear of earthy tones and subdued colors like beige, orange and gold which tend to make the skin look drab.

This little guide will help you amplify your current look and make sure that you can look and feel like the best you!
Stay tuned, a more in-depth look into each skin tone is to come!

12 Ways to WOW this Valentine’s Day

Here are 12 hand selected pretty pick me ups from head to toe that will help you dazzle no matter where you plan to be!!

Every girl knows that a good day, starts with a good hair day. Pumping up the volume will not only give your hair a boost, but your confidence as well.

1. I use Conair‘s vent brush whenever I need a little lift in my do.  Vent brushes are great because they help to dry the hair faster when blow drying, all while creating volume at the root.  Once dry and styled as desired, use this multifunctional brush to backcomb the roots for a more dramatic volume enhancement.  Gently run the tip of the brush over your new coif to give it a polished finish!

2. This shadow is for the daring! Makeup Forever Star Powder in Iridescent Fuschia 951 is a loose pigment that can be worn all over the eye for a bold splash of electric pink, or along the lash line for just a pop of colour.  The versatility of this product is what will make it worth while: wear it as a blush, or mix in some clear gloss and sport it on your pout!

• Tip: dampening your brush will intensify the colour of any pigment upon application!

3. & 4. Tickle your cheeks with a touch of pink this Valentine’s Day. 3.Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush and 4.Hard Candy Blush Crush in Living Doll were two I can’t deny as my favourites.  Both unique in their own ways, each are designed to help enhance and amplify your natural glow so you can shine all night long!

5. & 6. Looking to pucker up with pink? 5.MAC‘s Saint Germain is a bold and iconic bubble gum pink.  This lipstick has an unusual hue that will allow you to stand out, but is soft enough to still give you that sweet pout you’re looking for.  Wishing to ravish in red? 6.Joe Fresh‘s Ruby is a bold choice (but not on your wallet!) This matte lipstick will draw your S.O. in with an intense burst of red that will tempt for hours.

• Tip: for colour that will last, line your entire lip with a lip liner that is a shade darker or lighter (your preference) than your lipstick before applying your colour directly on top!

Going for a more subtle approach? These lovely lip enhancers give your luscious lips the attention they crave, without the intensity.

7.L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin is a nourishing balm that has a stunning powder pink undertone and buildable colour for a custom look that reflects you!

8.L’Oreal Colour Juice in Raspberry Smash is another buildable lip colour found in red, but this time in a gloss! This high shine formula will draw attention to your lips without the bold stain that a lipstick leaves behind.

9.Bath and Body Works Liplicious Tasty Lip Color in Best Kiss  caters to many of the senses in this one little tube.  This gloss goes on clear and turns a perfect pink that is light and sheer. It has a high gloss sheen and is silky and smooth on your lips.  The strawberry scent can be tasted (on your lips or another!) and is a must have for your Valentine’s night out!

10. Leave your body soft to the touch, and smelling irresistible for hours with Victoria’s Secret: Pink Body Lotion in Warm & Cozy. This naturally infused body lotion is my favourite for a special night out.  The easy to use pump keeps your hands free to lather your body in this rich moisturizing lotion that carries notes of vanilla and peonies for a warm yet refreshing scent!

11. & 12. From the tips of your fingers to your itty bitty toes, don’t forget to give your digits the TLC that they deserve! Rock out a royal red by 11.OPI in The Thrill Of Brazil or play up a berry pink by 12.N.Y.C. in MoMA that is not only pretty for your nails, but also for your penny!

From subtle stain on your lips to shocking shadow on your eyes, shine from head to toe! Whether you’re spending this Valentine’s Day with a special someone or out with the girls, there’s no reason you should enter the room unnoticed!

1. Conair Vent Brush
2. Makeup Forever Star Powder in Iridescent Fuschia 951
3. Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
4. Hard Candy Blush Crush in Living Doll
5. MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain
6. Joe Fresh Lipstick in Ruby
7. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin
8. L’Oreal Colour Juice in Raspberry Smash
9. Bath and Body Works  Liplicious Tasty Lip Color in Best Kiss
10. Victoria’s Secret: Pink Body Lotion in Warm & Cozy
11. OPI in The Thrill Of Brazil
12. N.Y.C. in MoMA