Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Mini-Review: Essie "Snap Happy"




This colour is true as ever to its name, in the snap of a finger, it makes me happy. Not sure if thats what they were going for, but the colour is fresh and new. I've mentioned Essie many times on the blog before and my review will continue to be the same. The colour is pigmented, the brush is easy to work with, the price is pretty good and the selection/range of polishes is out of this world. One of the reasons I continue to go back to them is that they have an incredible value of shades to choose from. Need a nude? They've got at least ten options. A sparkly glitter? Recently added but really brilliant colour choices for these ones as well. I own the most Essie probably because it is very accessible to me and relatively cheap. I don't feel guilty buying one or two when I stop by the drug store.

I found it fairly hard to get a decent exposure to this colour, because it is very bright and as you can tell, it's been particularly rainy and gross recently. I hope these pictures did it justice. I've had this painted on my nails since Sunday night and I've had no chips... Though, I am tempted to reapply with some of the others I've picked up recently.... Whoops!

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Wishlist Part Three

christmas wishlist part three



First up in our last installment of this series is some Muji storage. You wouldn't believe how often bloggers and YouTubers talk about how they store their makeup... And alas, I've become inclined to jump on the Muji train. I have some tacky Target storage cases but after a few years of use, they're a tad worn out and need replacing. I am so so so obsessed with trying out the Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick collection. I've mentioned them in at least two blog posts, searched incessantly for them for the last three months and even had a dream about them (okay, thats a lie). But nonetheless, I need them in my life. I'm especially drawn to the red, as I don't have a good matte red lippie although I'd love to try them all. Next up is Bobbi Brown 'Nectar' blusher, which my mom currently has but she's tired of me stealing it. It's the most natural pink that goes so well with my skin tone. Every time I enter Sephora, I'm drawn to the Ojon haircare.... But can never manage to cough up the $50+ for both shampoo and conditioner.

I've really been in love with Lauren Conrad's style for the last few years and would love to read her book, Beauty, as well as any of Bobbi Brown's stunning books. Her transformations are so inspiring and I love to flick through them while I'm browsing the counter. I've heard so much about Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushers but have never been able to snatch them up.. They had a wonderful deal on them at Sephora but I wasn't fast enough and they're sold out now. Everyone sings praises of Benefit's High Beam. The colour, pigmentation and long wear time are so appealing to a full time student, part time employee. I stopped by the Sephora counter last weekend and did a little look around for a signature scent. One that popped out to me was Summer Rose by Stella McCartney. I've heard plenty about this one and I think it suits me perfectly... It's exactly how I want to smell.

Phew! We have made it to the end of my three part Christmas Wishlist... This was mostly just gift ideas for others, and tips for my lovely family members.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Most Used Brushes


Sigma F30
Sonja Kashuk Blusher
Real Techniques Buffing Brush
Sigma E55
Sigma E30
Sigma E40
Sigma F70
I'll be honest with you, I own way too many Sigma brushes and would not advise very many people to buy them... They're a bit poorly made but if you want a large collection, for little money, and the quality to not be too bad, these are your boys. I really have to rave about the Real Techniques brushes though. While they are all my favourites, this is my most used. I use it every day to buff in foundation. I find that I wash my face brushes about every 2-3 days and my eye brushes every 1-2 weeks. I'm a little more skeptical about the bacteria build up on face brushes than eye brushes. I received a gift set of the Sigma Basics about a year ago, last Christmas, as a gift. It is a great gift idea for beginner makeup explorers! I have gotten a ton of use out of all of my brushes.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream



With countless dyes over the last few weeks, I've finally fixed my hair colour.... And ruined my hair in the process. I expected this to happen and knew that with a few extra bits and bobs, I'd have close to my natural hair back. I picked this one up after my fourth dye job within three weeks. It was a toughy this time around, and I'm not exactly sure why. A bad toner here, a poor color job there and finally... gobs of money later an appropriately cool toned blonde for my locks. One of the first things the hair stylist recommended me was a leave-in conditioner to bring back protein and strength to my already course hair. Of course, she shoved out the one that cost the most but in fact, I think it works the best for it's price. One thing that my hair desperately needed after all of the dye was rest and recuperation. This works amazingly for dry, thin, damaged hair. It's designed for extra long hair (like mine). I apply it from shoulders down, aiming away from my roots and working some extra product into the ends where I have the most damage.

I'm not too keen on the packaging, I think it looks a bit cheap for the price... However, it does the job without any extras and I applaud them for that. One of the most expensive products I've ever bought, I have to say that I won't be repurchasing this one. At almost $50, it's a real spender and when I was rung up, I nearly choked on my complimentary green tea.

If you have colour-treated hair, how do you repair it?

Saturday, December 1, 2012

november favourites

november favourites



Green coat / Converse , $72 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Rimmel , $14 / Oribe hair care / Clarisonic beauty product, $190 / OPI Holiday 2012 Skyfall Collection You Only Live Twice

Just a little post to touch on what I've fallen head over heels with in the last month.. Many of these are returning to my favourites pile but alas, that's often the way it goes. I've got a post on the Bobbi Brown foundation here but basically it's fabulous coverage in a long lasting, not too heavy foundation. Another I've really learned to love over the last month (truly for the last four or five months I've been using it) is the Clarisonic. I did an initial one month trial judgment post here but was debating whether a follow up would be helpful. I'd love to try some new red lippies but for now I'm sticking with the classic Kate Moss red. Though, does anyone know when her matte collection is coming to the States? Am still ferociously looking for them like a coyote on crack but no such luck yet.. Another fave has been a nice white scarf. It's so easy to throw over any long sleeve shirt, keep warm with and pair with the green coat underneath. Neither of these are my exact ones but they are very similar. I got my white snood thing from American Eagle and my green coat from J. Crew. I love a long sleeve shirt plus white snood plus green coat plus jeans and converse. Relaxed, chic, super comfy and casual. A recently found fave is by Oribe. A more detailed post will be coming up very, very soon but I'll just tell you.... I'm really impressed and loving it. And last but not least, I've been rocking that classic red nail. This time with a bit of shimmer to get in the holiday festive mood. I know I'll have this on my nails for the next couple of weeks... If not for the rest of my life.

What have been your favourites this month? Happy December First... Where does the time go?!

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