Friday, November 23, 2012

Christmas Wishlist Part One

Skincare Wants



Origins face moisturizer, $53 / Origins skincare, $32 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics , $99 / Face mask, $25 / Origins skincare, $32 / REN face mask / Manuka beauty product, $34 / Origins beauty product, $53 / Caudalie beauty product, $51

I've tried to hold off on my Christmas themed posts until now but I hope my timing is alright. This is my very personal wishlist, as I've mostly made it so my sister and mom can come on here and maybe get some ideas... Stocky stuffers anyone?! Anyways, I'll give a bit of a low down on each product.
I have quite dry/dehydrated skin, so most of these products cater to that. They're also a bit on the higher end scale; i.e. things that I can't necessarily afford to pop on all the time. Along with dry/dehydrated skin, I also have quite acne prone skin, so to fight that, I use products which dry my skin. A vicious cycle, I know.. I'm working on it, thus these are desirable to me this Christmas season!
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque- Soothing Rehydrating Mask 50 ml- $13.60
Dermatology based brand, La Roche-Posay focuses heavily on the science behind skincare. Their website is full of informative articles on identifying skin types, and including how their products suit your specific skin type. The aqua based gel properties are used to replenish and encourage hydration deep below the skin.
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask- $55
This treatment essentially removes the top layer of skin and resurfaces a new layer, without causing irritation. It uses its four-fruit-acid-complex to and papain enzyme to exfoliate and create glowing, healthy skin. Formulated without any of the icky stuff (parabens, sulfates, etc), the all natural mask is refreshing and renewing.
Origins Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Moisturizer- $38.50
Used to help repair dry, dehydrated skin, it also encourages the continuous improvement of hydration in your skin. It is clinically proven to instantly boost skin's moisture and keep it hydrated all day. The Rose of Jericho, Lychee extract and Watermelon extract work together to hold essential hydration, trigger the production of Caspase-14 to improve moisture production and trigger the production of Filaggrin (the substrate Caspase needs in skin) so that the skin loses the feeling of dehydration or thirst.
Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst- $23
In the freezing winter months, a mask like this one can really improve hydration in skin. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes or fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or Triclosan, it sticks to the name Origins lives up to... All natural products that work to solve your skin's problems. In this mask however, algae serves as the main hydrating substance which works to help boost collagen production, and allow the body to rid toxins more easily.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir- $18-48
I'm not really sure why I'm that attracted to this product... Maybe because for a long while it was only available in France, then only available throughout Europe and finally in the States. I've heard countless YTr's say that they don't think it actually does anything for their skin except make them feel a bit more glamorous and maybe help breakouts. I just really would like to try the smaller bottle and see what all the hype is about!
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask- $23
Very similar to the 10 Minute Mask up above, this one serves as an overnight mask to really replenish. Many have said that in the night your whole face just soaks it up, and it's all gone when you wake up. I have to wonder, how much of it goes onto your pillow and thats why there is no more when you awake? Anywho, it uses Apricot Kernel Oil and Avocado this time as well as Japanese Seaweed to prevent future dehydration.
Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream- $39.50
A night cream designed to enhance natural minerals in skin so that dullness, irritation and redness is put to rest- while you rest. Fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers, this night cream releases minerals, moisture and vitamins (C, E, and H). Orange aroma is used to lull you to sleep while skin sloughs away dry, dead layers.
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Treatment Mask- $39
Another mask designed to enhance moisture.. Surprising, huh?! Aura Manuka is used by New Zealand Maori people to powerfully draw moisture to skin. Vanilla pod and mandarin linger to bring peace to the soul.... So that both your skin and soul are treated while using it. Sounds like a real homemade facial, don't it?
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream- $52
A light moisturizing cream designed to leave your face refreshed and ready for seamless makeup application. Algae is again used to extract moisture while caffeine provides soothing properties. This formula instantly hydrates while steadily releasing moisture and nutrients throughout the day.

637 words later... Phew. That was a lot to take in, wasn't it? The basic gist is that most of these products aid in moisture. What's on your wishlist? Have you tried any of these products before?

xx

P.S. 33 sleeps until Christmas... :)

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

OPI You Only Live Twice


OPI has got to be one of my absolute, hands down favorite nail polish brands. The quality of their formula, brush width, and wear time is impeccable. I have yet to find something that lasts as stunningly as an OPI mani does. I went to get my hair done the other day and at the front counter were some cute bits and bobs - including a huge rack of OPI's Skyfall collection. I wasn't too blown away by many of the other colors, but was mesmerized by this perfect holiday shimmery red. It's described as a magenta, and upon first appliance, it is a true magenta. Though, with a second coat, it turns out more red-magenta with red shimmers running throughout it. It is absolutely gorgeous on and would probably look just as good on a pedi. I think its my go to color for the holidays, paired with a black dress and a red lip.

What do you think of OPI's Skyfall collection?

xx


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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Chanel Harmonie du Soir Palette




I bought this for my mom's birthday as she kept pointing it out to me when we went shopping together and she kindly let me review it for my blog! The four shades are described as "bronze gold, taupe, violet plum, and pink." This palette, part of their Holiday collection, is incredibly useful for the holiday season and especially useful for women with warmer skin tones. All four shades have incredible color pay off and pigmentation that is out of this world. I have never tried a Chanel palette where all four (or however many) shades are equally pigmented. I find that for $65, I could never buy this for myself. I always seem to relate palettes to each other, so for example the Naked palette is $50 and you get 12 shades and .4 oz (15.6 g) of product versus 4 shades and .14 oz. Of course, you also get the stigma and glamourous feeling of wearing/using a Chanel product.

P.S. I have a new twitter. Feel free to follow! @theblondeblair
x

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Instagrammed #9.



01. Grilled cheese + Tomato soup + chocolate milk (all homemade)... A camp classic :)
02. All good things on Wednesday nights. Reunited :)
03. I don't know how to dress myself for the weather. Sneak peek for upcoming post.
04. Love how duck footed I'm standing here- what the?! Camp clothes documented!
05. Testing out some falsies today featuring new scarf. Gosh, I love 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Face #2.

I'm here in my pajamas (still), glasses on, and bowl of cereal beside me. What a cliched blogger image! All I need is a cuppa tea and I'm set. Today became a bit of a lazy day (like always) and also a test runner. I wanted a lighter coverage than school-work foundation, so I went for the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. Maybe I'm inherently drawn to lighter coverage bases on days off, but I'd say that I mostly enjoy this one because it feels comfortable on my skin and covers enough so that if someone decided to pop by, they wouldn't be horrified for life. I also again went for a bit of concealer with the Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer in Ivory. I've recently taken to setting my eyebrows in the morning. I still need to find a colour that matches my brows but for now, the Covergirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara will do. Just run that through once or twice and I feel much better. It also doesn't feel too heavy or weighing, which I was a bit worried about!

For some holiday inspired goodness, I've started looking for unique colors to add to eye looks. Pulled out an old favourite of mine, the Too Faced 'Midnight Mist' eyeshadow to test run for the day in a new look. I also used a bit of Bobbi Brown 'Iced Mauve' on the lids. The perfect shimmery buildable eyeshadow. I'm telling ya, sooner or later I'm going to be begging for adoption by the brilliant Bobbi. Who am I kidding? I already tweet her all the time! Finally, I've recently grown to love highlighters and am testing out a new one. The Anastasia Matte Highlighter in Camille has been going under my brow and in the inner tear duct area. While I really enjoy this highlighter, I received it as a thank you gift from the- wait for it- bitchiest bitch in the world. Let me just say, I am not getting my brows done there again.

After reading Vivianna's post, I've been running around every drugstore within 20 miles of me looking for the dog garn Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick (110). I'll have you know that I've been on the search for these bad boys ever since their release in the UK.... And I still have yet to find them!! Help me! Also, let me know if you like these or have any suggestions for blog posts. Have a good week :)

x

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Friday, November 16, 2012

Tag // Liebster Award

I've been tagged by Joedi from xjoedix :)
Rules:
11 Random Facts About Yourself
Answer 11 Questions From Tagger
Create 11 New Questions For Taggees (not sure thats a real word..)
Tag 11 blogs with under 200 followers, no tag backs

11 Random Facts:
  • I work at a summer camp every year!
  • My nails are almost always red, all year round
  • I went to Thailand when I was 10
  • I've been to Italy, Greece and France
  • The only eyeshadow I've ever hit pan on is Bootycall by Urban Decay
  • I am an avid snowboarder and go every weekend during the season
  • My first ever concert was Gwen Stefani...
  • My favorite sweets are Hot Tamales!
  • I just saw the Perks of Being a Wallflower
  • One of my favorite movies is Drop Dead Fred
  • I used to bite my nails and cuticles (no longer, thank God!)
11 Questions By Joedi:
 1) What is your most daring lipstick you own? I would say Covergirl's Spellbound is the most daring! I rarely wear it because it is so bold!
2) Were you into beauty when you were at school? As I'm still in school, yes I am into beauty!
3) Who is your favourite comedian? Louis C.K. and Chelsea Handler are the first ones I thought of. I saw Chelsea Handler live for the first time when I was 14.
4) Do you prefer a smokey eye or bold lip? Probably a bold lip. I find that a red lip really makes my eyes pop, which I love. Most of the time however, my makeup is very natural.
5) Whats the scariest thing you've ever done? Climbed 50 feet up a challenge called the Giant's Ladder where all you could stand on were logs! So scary!! 
6) What is your number one hair care product? Detangler! I must use detangler every day or my hair would be unbrushable... 
7) What is your favourite thing about autumn? Fashion/beauty! New clothes, new makeup and new skincare gets me so excited.
8) If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? London and Dublin. I'm dying to go to both!
9) What is your favourtie musical? Wicked, I'd say... I haven't seen very many.
10) Are you a big kid at Christmas? No! Once the holidays come around, I become a total little kid.
11) Would you rather give up your fashion or make up? This is honestly one of the toughest decisions but I'd say my makeup.. No, fashion.. Wait! Agh, I can't decide. Neither please. I'd probably trade a toe rather than fashion or make up!!

11 Questions For Taggees!
1. Where is the farthest you've been from home?
2. What is the last song you listened to?
3. Usual Starbucks drink?
4. Last bit of makeup you put on this morning?
5. Do you like egg nog?
6. Favorite Christmas album to listen to?
7. Spiders or sharks?
8. Favorite autumn skincare item?
9. First place you traveled to on your own? 
10. Favorite Youtuber?
11. Most recently discovered blogger?

Bloggers I tag:

There you have it! Let me know if you've done this and I tag everyone who wants to do it :)



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer


I've been looking for a new under eye concealer ever since my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer started running low. For ten bucks, it did the job and rarely looked caked on or heavy. However, since the seasons changed and my skin became more dehydrated, it was more noticeable than before. I had heard tons about this product and decided to give it a swing. I really like how blendable and creamy it is. While my under eyes aren't too dark, on days when they need a bit of extra coverage, I'd use this. I use Porcelain in this one, and find it matches my skintone near perfectly. I haven't used the powder yet, as I don't know if I need it quite yet or if it will hold on it's own. At $33, this concealer is much pricier than a drug store option. However, that is to be expected from a brand like Bobbi Brown and I've heard this lasts for ages.

I am however still looking for a brush to apply with, since I find that none of mine work extra well. I'm thinking about investing in some extra Real Techniques brushes, any ideas which ones?
x

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