On the positive side, last week I managed to conquer that dreadful cold and I had the week off from university to rest, recharge and complete three rather large assignments. The Reading Break wasn’t exactly a break for me in the slightest but I was productive and I caught up a good bit on blogging, getting four posts out there that I felt really good about. In particular, I had such a nice and productive Saturday morning that I took it on myself to apply each and every of the eight MAC Lipsticks that I own and it turned into a full-on lengthy collection post complete with thoughts and lip swatches and I can’t even tell you how pleased I was with it – so that was a nice thing.

1. The Daily Face #24 | Smokey Eyes and Rosy Lips & Cheeks

2. I Used Up Things #5

3. The Disappointment: Essie No Chips Ahead

4. MAC Lipstick Collection + Lip Swatches, Musings & Favourites

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this but in the last maybe three weeks, we’ve had more storms around here that I can count and it’s been absolutely freezing. Now, I’m well used to dealing with winter (being a Canadian and all) but my skin in particular has taken a hit from these subzero temperatures. I’ve been continuously reaching for the Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil to combat the drier and more sensitive skin, not just nearly every night but also in the morning when things are a little dry and foundation application would be a little frightening with just the standard moisturizing routine. Also on the dealing with drier skin theme, I’ve dug out my Quo Foundation Sponge that’s long overdue for a replacement – with the tearing starting to happen – and even longer overdue for a thorough clean and as one would imagine, I wet it and wring out the excess water and then use it to apply foundation seamlessly and more forgivingly – most likely because the sponge is wet and it sheers things out a bit. And finally on the most interesting beauty note, I sucked it up and finally admitted to myself that I had somehow lost my beloved NARS Golshan Satin Lip Pencil, had quite the freak out slash hissy fit and then obsessively searched my bags and finally found the treasure missing from my life. Let me tell you, the comfortable and long-wearing deepened red-berry hue was just as great as I had originally remembered and our romance has been rekindled.

Er, how was your week etc.?

Maggie, x.