April 2016 Favourites

What’s this – an almost early favourites post? Hide your unbelievable shock and read on.

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Shea Moisture Mongogo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Masque ($17.15): I’ve always heard great things about Shea Moisture’s products and wanted to try them to no end, but I was always doomed to frustration because they were not available in Canada in stores or to order. However, I learned that Target will ship them to Canada with their relatively recent Canadian shipping at not too high of a cost and couldn’t resist trying a number out. One of them was this deep conditioner from the new high porosity hair line – which I have despite having fairly healthy hair – and it was almost as life changing as it gets. It’s one of those concentrated and rich but somehow lightweight formulas that manages to both drastically improve the condition of the hair in a few minutes but leave the hair bouncy with a bit of the remaining product left in. It has heavier butters in the first couple of ingredients so it does have the potential of weighing those with looser textures and extremely fine hair down. It also has a really perfume-y scent that I don’t love but thankfully does dissipate.

Shea Moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Smooth & Repair Rinse-Out Conditioner ($14.51): My love for a good conditioner or two – and copious amounts of said conditioners – run deep but regardless, I do feel a bit ridiculous including two Shea Moisture offerings in one fairly restrained selection of product favourites. The fact remains that I couldn’t resist leaving this everyday conditioner out. I love the smell, because it’s fresh and energizing but I particularly love how it has a concentrated boost of protein – keratin is the third ingredient – and packs a moderate hydration punch that lasts. I imagine that it’s not quite as heavy as other Shea Moisture conditioners, as the shea butter appears lower on the ingredient list and likely because of this I can easily leave a generous amount in my long wavy hair without disturbing the curl formation in the slightest, or even use it as a leave-in. It pleasantly has decent enough slip for detangling but the best part is that lightweight moisture-protein mix that helps to perk up my droopier waves.

Pixi Overnight Glow Serum ($31.69): I ordered Pixi’s glycolic-laden serum on a whim from Target in order to reach the threshold for more affordable shipping, being impressed with the aloe rich and alcohol-free formula of the serum. Despite not hearing much about this chemical exfoliant with all of the recent exfoliant hype, I have to say that it’s a delightful one – with enough glycolic acid to be brightening and resurfacing but soothing and hydrating at the same time. My only complaint is that the product has a weirdly thick and gel-like texture to be effectively dispensed through the dropper.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($68): I can count on a few fingers the number of times that I wore makeup in April that did not include the cult favourite foundation and I regret each of these times. It’s not super-detectable on the skin and has that luminosity but its subtle in a way that wears well and does not require powder or anything. I love that it makes me glowy and doesn’t highlight my dry patches, whilst providing almost undetectable medium-buildable coverage. It has risen to the top of my absolute favourite foundations, let me tell you.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Kit in Fair ($52): Despite not being a full-on heavy contour kind of girl, I found myself springing for the cream offering from Anastasia during the Sephora VIB Sale and falling in love with the effect. I’ve found that these creams make contouring really easy and laid-back, fitting into my routine at least a few times a week. Unlike powders, they sit seamlessly with my dry skin and they last and last at the same time. The best part are the colours for my moderately fair skin – coming with two cool-toned grey contours that add that natural shadow and one more neutral offering and three highlighters that actually add some natural-looking light. The contour shades can be combined to sculpt my face and the neutral offering can add warmth and I’ve actually found myself applying a bit of the highlighting creams under my eyes for brightness in that triangular shape – with good subtle results. The sheer golden highlight is also lovely for adding that kind of lit-from-within glow.

MAC Eyeshadows in Typographic & Phloof ($8/each): With MAC lowering the price of their shadows by a significant margin last month, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I found two new shades to fall in love with. Typographic has proven to be that perfect black – it’s actually the deepest grey – with a soft matte creamy and pigmented formula that performs expertly as liner or to smoke out the lash line and outer corner. Phloof has impressed me similarly, functioning as a pale champagne-ivory lid shade and as a spectacular inner corner highlighting shade with it’s champagne lean and pigmentation.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Juliette ($39): This coral lipstick was yet another addition during the month of April that I couldn’t place my order from Sephora without or write this post without including. I love the Audacious formula and even though I was surprised to learn that this particular shade was a bit bolder than I originally thought, I have been adoring it. It’s bright while having those rosy and peach undertones that give it a more neutral and understated quality, softening it somewhat. The shade is ridiculously flattering and seems to perk everything up. I’ll have to get a post of me wearing it up as the photo here doesn’t do it justice.

What were your staple products in April?
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

The April Wishlist

So I did that thing again when I start writing one of these wishlist posts but succumb and buy one (or more) of the products before finishing writing it out of the sheer lack of willpower. And I have no explanation for the lack of posts in the last week – I wasn’t super busy and I was inspired but it somehow did not happen. Alas, let’s get into my ramblings:

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Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation ($68): The depth of the love and devotion that I’ve developed for-slash-towards the brand’s staple Luminous Silk Foundation has made me convinced that I need to try their latest glow-boosting offering. Luminous Silk is glowy for a foundation that’s medium build able coverage but this serum foundation has me seriously excited. Also, I’ve gotten slightly too dark for the Luminous Silk and figured it justified purchasing another foundation in a slightly darker shade.

Camille Rose Naturals Curlmaker ($30): I’ve been really making efforts on styling my wavy-curly hair in the last while and I’ve had fairly good results but I have deduced that I may be in need of one of these light curl-boosting stylers to help my lamer sections curl up and blend with the remainder of my hair. Now that I’ve discovered that Target carries the brand and will ship it to Canada, I’ve got my eyes glued.

Becca Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector in Peach ($34): These crazy coloured correctors had piqued my interest. Even though in the back of my mind I was skeptical of anything related to the current colour correcting hype, I was interested after hearing how blendable they were. Yesterday during an excursion to Sephora, I discovered that my local store now stocks Becca and I couldn’t resist coming home without it an immediately applying it. I have to say that I think I’ve found a winner. The orange cast is intense and needs to be covered but the formula is so hydrating and creamy that it does not cake up, while still removing the dark cast underneath the eyes completely.

The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder Skin Glowing Balm Makeup ($42): Without realizing that I was doing so in the slightest, I dismissed the entire The Estee Edit line out of the hype and kind of gimmicks of their product and association with the Kardashian family. However, upon testing out the glorious tinted moisturizer and reading the impressive ingredients at Sephora yesterday – and trying my sample this morning – I have to say that it’s impressed me with its serious glow, added hydration and performance in both the skincare realm and as a lightweight base. I’m seriously considering this one. The fact that it’s not that expensive either is adding to the allure.

Caudalie Vinosource Intense Moisture Recovery Cream ($40): Although I do still have my two Paula’s Choice moisturizers on the go, I really miss the lightweight but rich Caudalie offering. Sometimes I find I need something extra to apply in the morning underneath my SPF moisturizer and I reckon that this love of mine would be perfect.

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer ($20): After not having much success with my first Physician’s Formula purchase, I guess I had written off the brand entirely. I’m definitely a bronzer lover and I have always heard fabulous things about theirs. I figure, why not start with their newest offering?

Any thoughts?
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

The Review | L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Replenishing Mask

I’m always complaining that living in Canada – and the East Coast in particular – that products are much more expensive and difficult to come by even via online shipping here but in terms of the L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Replenishing Mask ($6-8), us Canadians are actually in luck. As it turns out, we are fortunate enough to have the Curly-Girl-Method-approved European and Middle Eastern formulation, while in the US, the customer is stuck with the silicone-laden version of the product of the same name. If you’re not familiar with the Curly Girl Method, I am basically saying that this hair mask is free of sulphates (obviously), silicones (that cannot be removed without the aid of a cleanser) and anything else that might build up on the hair.

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Ingredients: AQUA, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRONIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, CETYL ESTERS, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, PHENOOXYETHANOL, LAURYL PEG/PPG-18/18 METHICONE, BHT, ARGININE, GLUTAMIC ACID, CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE, CITRIC ACID, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, SERINE, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYDROLIZED WHEAT PROTEIN, DODECENE, HEXYL CINNAMOL, POLOXAMER 407, LINALOOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LIMONENE, 2-OLEAMIDO-1, 3-OCTADECANEDIOL, GLYCERYL LINOLEATE, GLYCERYL LINOLENATE, PARFUM.

It’s time to move on to why I like it so much. I will note that it’s not holy-grail material or anything but it’s impressive in the way that it performs without building up on the hair, particularly because its so affordable and accessible. I would categorize it as a product thats on the higher end of moderately moisturizing but with a slightly thick – but watery – weightless texture. It has really good slip, despite only containing one silicone – which is water-soluble and not one of the worst suspects. The main ingredients are glycerin, emollients and those moisturizing alcohols but theres a low to moderate amount of protein added into the mix – enough to help repair the hair, without presenting much of an issue for the protein-sensitive. What I think is so impressive about this mask is that it’s very moisturizing and slip-y without relying on heavy oils or butters that even my porous hair sometimes needs a break from. It would be particularly great for those who find that heavier ingredients weigh their hair down but still need a good dose of moisture.

As it’s not the most intense moisture or protein treatment out there, I simply use it in the place of my regular conditioner in the shower. It’s also lightweight enough to use on my relatively fine wavy strands as a leave-in if I’m so inclined. In other words, I recommend it, especially to those with finer hair.

Any Thoughts?
Maggie, x.

February/March 2016 Favourites

I would say that this post is my latest post ever, but I’m afraid that my 2015 favourites has taken the spot. I finished exams last night and let me tell you, I’m excited to get back to being a functional human being and blogging. I’m stubborn to a fault and on a related note, I refuse to skip favourites posts so here’s a belated two-months favourites post…

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Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum ($32 US): For a good two or three months now, I’ve consistently been using this no-frills (but excellent) serum. It’s hydrating and soothing while still being lightweight, loaded with hyaluronic acid, ceramics and various anti-irritants. It works to soothe and hydrate particularly when I’m slacking on my skincare routine or have gone overboard with the acid exfoliants.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in W2 Light Ivory ($21-25 CDN): My go-to foundation for ease and results has been this cushion foundation. I don’t know if I believe all of that cushion compact hype but I love the ease of application with the included sponge and the brightened luminous skin that this light to medium coverage base provides. Essentially, it’s a tinted moisturizer alternative for me, and a good one at that.

Covergirl Trublend Blush in Medium Rose ($13.99 CDN): Despite not being into the brand and not having tried anything from Covergirl in maybe the last five years, I couldn’t resist picking up this mineralized blush. It’s a warm toned medium pink with maybe a hint of coral and a hint of a sheen and I do have to say that I’m impressed in how the quality compares to higher end blushes in wear and results. It’s an effortless shade and I often grab for it.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in 725 Bronze Truffle ($10.99 CDN): Almost every single day for the last two months I’ve used this lighter taupe-y bronze cream shadow as either a shadow base or an effortless lid shade. It’s an identical shade to Bad to the Bronze in the regular line and the performance is similar but I prefer the texture and ease of the pencil formula, especially for applying on the lower lash line.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Mono in 207 Pain Au Chocolat ($7-8 CDN): When I’ve had the energy and actual time to wear full-on eyeshadow, I’ve been using the pigmented cream-like powder shadows that L’Oreal has most recently released. This shade is an awesome brightening lid shade – a taupe and champagne mixture with a gorgeous metallic gleam – and the formula is all kinds of amazing.

Essie Chinchilly Nail Polish Lacquer ($9-11 CDN): Throughout February and March, I was going through an obsessive nail painting (and buying phase) and this cult classic shade ended up being one of my favourites – and often graced my nails. It’s one of those awesome greige-y shades – but it’s a bit darker and more grey based than some others – but it has a smooth easy two-coater formula that lasts on the nails. I raved about it here.

Zoya Naturel Satin Polish in Rowan ($11.99 CDN): In February, I made my first foray into Zoya polish and I fell in love with this pale grey-taupe satin shade maybe even more than I thought I would. I’ve worn it countless times because I love the greige kind of effect, particularly in the semi-matte polish and the fact that the formula is so easy and lasts on the nails must have played an impact. I love that this polish is one that takes minimal time to apply and dry and can be applied before bed without a worry.

Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Arianna ($11.99 CDN): I do feel all kinds of ridiculous including three nail polishes into a single favourites post but I couldn’t go without including this one. I love that textured berry red look on the nails but most of all I liked it’s ease and practicality. With two coats it was opaque and because it was textured both coats dried very quickly, it was a fast easy manicure. But even more exciting, it’s chip resistant despite having a matte effect.

What have you been loving?
Maggie, x.

Update & Hair Thoughts

There’s no way around it – I have slacked on the blog, going without a single post. In my defence, the senior slump is real – the last couple of months of my undergrad have been taking a toll on me. I’ve been exhausted (as always), but on a more psychological level and have been stress-paralyzed out of my mind. Anyways, enough of my excuses and ramblings. Actually, that was a lie. A little birdie might also be telling you to stay tuned for another post in the next few days on my February and March Favourites.

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A few weeks ago, I got my hair cut – and three inches off, not that anybody in my life seems to be able to tell – for the first time in what was likely a year in a half and now that my hair is not quite as heavy and unmanageable, I’ve been getting back into the game with experimenting with products for my waves. For you curly hair aficionados, I’ve been following the modified curly girl method, and have been using some of the associated techniques with some success. I will warn you that I do tend to use some products with silicones, as they don’t seem to cause me issues and that I do cleanse with a sulphate-free shampoo. Here are three products that I’m enjoying at the moment:

ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor: I will warn you that I’ve only used this inexpensive protein treatment once, but after using it once, as the directions instruct, I found my waves to have much more elasticity and bounce and significantly less lame and limp. Now, my hair is a fan of protein, as I have fine strands but loads and loads of them, which is something to keep in mind. It did boost the curls in some  sections that have been looking weirdly straight as of late, which I do appreciate. The only complaints one could have is the god-awful smell, the presence of mineral oil – some find that it builds up in the hair – and the one silicone towards the end of the ingredient list.

Joico K-Pak Conditioner: I remember having consistantly good hair days in high school when I was using the K-Pak line, so when I was perusing the beauty section of Winners – as I do so enjoy to do – I couldn’t resist picking the bottle up for $10. I knew that it contained silicones but I tend to not mind them because of their slip and the fact that I have hair that doesn’t seem to be particularly impacted by them; However, I was pretty excited to learn that there is only one silicone  in it and it’s water soluble. I’ve been really enjoying this conditioner for its banana-scented nostalgia and its slip and intense lightweight hydration. I enjoy that it has protein in it – and there’s enough to actually make a difference, – especially because it also has a nice balance of hydration for dry strands. It’s a nice daily conditioner that’s light enough to even be used as a leave in.

DevaCare Arc AnGel Firm Hold Defining Gel: There is no gel (or curl defining product) that I’ve tried that beats Deva’s s0-called hard hold gel offering in my book. There’s something about it that works best for me in the warmer months (but that might just be that in the summer, I have more bounce and defined curls on account of the humidity) but it works for me throughout the year. I’m onto my second of the huge 32 ounce offerings, having repurchased it on account of the value I get from it. I have so much fine hair that takes quite a bit of gel to be at it’s best and seems to eat up gel, so I can go through gel really fast – the fact that no gel seems to be hard-hold on me including this one might be a contributor though – so the fact that this one is concentrated and comes in a large size at a better value is appreciated. I would describe it as a medium-approaching-firm hold gel on me but what I love best about it is that it provides this hold while adding loads of definition without weighing down or drying out any of the sections of hair on my head. Ingredient-wise, it’s silicone-free and contains a high amount of wheat protein and glycerin.

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Second day hair with these products (among others) – appearing weirdly flat and undefined, likely because it’s still damp from being refreshed
Any general related thoughts?
Maggie, x.

Top 15 of 2015 | The Makeup

This blog post is so late that I can’t even deal. More time was spent agonizing over this list than you can probably imagine.

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  1. DiorSkin Star Fluid Foundation in 20 Light Beige ($56): This foundation was a repeat from last year but it’s definitely allowable because I only felt that I was able to include it on account of falling in love with it so fast after discovering it at the end of fall 2014. It has surprising medium build able coverage, but looks like skin and leaves the skin luminous whilst lasting a great deal of time. It’s one of those foundation that always looks great, even on my finicky dry combination skin, and always leaves my skin looking more radiant and bright than beforehand. I will admit, though, it’s not for those with oily skin at all – it’s one that tends to develop some shine during the day, particularly in the t-zone|  review here
  2.  Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation ($52): With skin that is particularly prone to dry patches and uneven texture and favouring a luminous look, I had definitely written off powder foundations in the past, mineral ones included. However, when I had the opportunity to try Youngblood, my opinion was changed. I’m still a liquid foundation lover but I’ve discovered the build able weightless offering and have fallen so much in love that I own two shades. It somehow looks natural and glowy, whilst providing build able effortless coverage.
  3. Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Bisque ($34): Being a repeat from last year and all, – and by last year I mean the 2014 favourites post – I had been determined that I wasn’t going to include this corrector because it wasn’t perfect or life changing. However, I have yet to find anything better to camouflage my unceasing dark circles despite trying, so I suppose it’s worth mentioning again. It can be a bit annoyingly creamy, so you have to be sparing with your use of the corrector to the inner corners of the eyes where the circles are the darkest in order to avoid creasing – however, this corrector works the best in my experience.
  4. Guerlain Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder Duo in 01 Clair- Brunettes ($60): In the Spring, I decided to splurge on one of Guerlain’s bronzers and I’m sure glad that I did. This one is limited edition – but weirdly still available – and might not look like much in the pan or even swatched, but I love the glow and subtle bronziness that it adds to the face with no effort whatsoever. The texture is smooth and creamy thus, warranting the shocking price tag | review here
  5. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop ($46): I was so sure that this so-called universal highlighting powder was going to be complete hype, so colour me surprised when it seems to have beat out every other highlighter that I own for daily use. It’s not that unique of a colour and it’s not universally flattering but on my fair but warm toned skin, the lighter peachy champagne shade gives my skin life – and also doubles as the easiest eyeshadow ever. It’s hard not to include this when I see how much of a dip in the pan my product has.
  6. MAC Powder Blush in Style ($21/26): Being the blush hoarder-slash-addict that I am, narrowing my blush selection down to one pick was more than difficult, and I was surprised when I picked this one, despite knowing that I couldn’t be sure of any other pick. I don’t always rave about it but I love the gold sheen that runs through this coral blush and is visible on the cheeks without looking like shimmer particles. This is another one of those products that adds instant life to the face and it’s quite versatile in the sense that it can be worn sheerly or built up | review here
  7. Studio Makeup Smooth Endurance Creme Eyeshadow in Souffle ($26): I really love the ease of these priming yet tinted cream eyeshadows but I have unfortunate luck with them creasing on my eyelids, despite not having oily skin. Back in the summer, I discovered that this formula held up longer without creasing than even the MAC Prolongwear Paint Pots on me and I haven’t really stopped using the gorgeous shimmery golden champagne colour since.
  8. Urban Decay Naked Smokey Palette ($64): Of course, I had that instant love in that shiny-new-toy-or-makeup-palette sort of way, but it really came to surprise me how often I reached for the lasted rendition of the Urban Decay Naked Palette and how much I loved the effects of it. The formula is great, smooth and creamy as many of Urban Decay shadows tend to be but for the large part, they skipped on the chunkier glitters that they can sometimes be infamous for. The combination of colours in the palette is really what I think I came to love – with the perfect balance of shimmery shades along with the four mattes – and with the majority of my essential colours in one place. High and Dirtysweet both serve as my perfect daily lid shades, Combust is my perfect pink-hued taupe transition colour, Whiskey serves as my ideal depth adding shade and there are a variety of smoky shades to work in the outer corner and to smoke out the lashline.
  9. MAC Eyeshadows in Bamboo, Bronze, Swiss Chocolate & Sketch ($12/19 each): Although I’m not in the process of continuously mentioning them, let alone raving about them, my MAC eyeshadows were a daily staple that I relied on throughout the year. Sketch, the satin-y textured warm plum shade was a purchase from the previous year that I hadn’t fully fallen for until 2015, but Bamboo, Bronze & Swiss Chocolate were three entirely new shades that I found and loved. Bamboo, I discovered, was my perfect slightly warm transition colour that actually served to blend my eyeshadow while adding some depth, Swiss Chocolate was that gorgeous warm medium-dark matte shade that served to further define the crease and outer corner and Bronze, was a new shade discovery that I find it hard to believe that I didn’t have before, with its smooth metallic formula and warm undertones that flatter blue eyes.
  10. L’Oreal La Palette Nude 2 ($29.99): I was beginning to think that including three different eyeshadow palettes within my list of fifteen products was ridiculous but somehow I felt that I would be leaving out one of the items that I use on an almost daily basis. Unlike the Urban Decay palette, I don’t find that this is my optimal all-in-one palette as it’s lacking in lid shades and in those ultra-dark shades, but I use the highlight shade constantly, and the matte shades, which I completely adore. There are five or six shades in this palette that I reach for all the time, in combination with other eye shadows. The quality of these eye shadows are fantastic, which is mind-boggling for a drugstore palette.
  11. L’Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip in Carbon Black ($9-10): L’Oreal liners are my jam and even though I would have sworn that I was a felt-tip kind of girl because of the ease that the formula provides, I really fell for the increased precision and longer-lasting formula of the classic brush tip. Although I’ve found that the brush tip formula requires a steadier hand, I love the precise wing that it creates even months and months after opening a new tube/bottle.
  12. MAC Feline Kohl Power Eye Pencil ($19.50): Throughout 2015, I really got back into using non-liquid liner, in the form of this pencil. It had that kind of creamy intensity that would glide on, depositing that inky black colour without drying out after a month or two. It smudges like a dream but if you have any smearing issues, I’d warn you away from this one. I still adore it though.
  13. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Brigitte ($39): Without question, this peachy rose lipstick was my favourite and most reached for throughout the year. The shade is my perfect brightening everyday lipstick shade and the formula is easy, pigmented and comfortable to boot. | review here
  14. Chanel Rouge Double Intensite in Darling Pink($43): Before my love affair with this two-step lip product began, I ran from the hills at any lip product described as anything close to a pale pink and anything close to a gloss, but this comfortable and long-wearing product changed the game. It has a hint of rose that keeps it from being too baby-pink, goes with just about any kind of makeup and most off all, lasts for ages despite the light shade. The gloss end is also not sticky or anything, which helps it score highly in my book | review here 
  15. Annabelle Stay Sharp Waterproof Lip Pencil in Nude, Java & Vintage ($10): 2014 might have been the year when I discovered lip liner, but thanks to these affordable liners for the most part, liners remained part of my daily routine in 2015 – and this was not just for the neat line that they provide but for the definition that they add to more neutral and nude shades. The formula of these three is creamy, comfortable and lasting – they might be the only retractable liners that I ever trust but somehow their sharpening cap works wonders. I couldn’t finish this post without giving a special nod to my lip liner discovery from the latter half of the year, MAC Boldly Bare, though; there’s something magical about the MAC pencil on my complexion, with it’s peachier undertones and generally nice formula.

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If you can do the borderline impossible and think all the way back to last year, what were your favourites?
Maggie, x.

(Late) February Wishlist

 

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  1. L’Oreal Infallible Pro Contour Powder in Light ($16-18): L’Oreal is definitely my favourite drugstore brand and I have definitely been a fan of the texture of their powder complexion products. I can’t resist picking up this grey-toned contour and yellow-hued highlighting duo.
  2. NARSissist L’Amour Toujours L’Amour Eyeshadow Palette ($76): On a decidedly more high end note, I’m a NARS eyeshadow fan, have always wanted to try them in palettes and am definitely considering this offering – despite the investment. I’ve swatched the shades and they are definitely smooth and while they aren’t the most unique offerings, I’m seriously into the combination of matte and shimmery shades.
  3. L’Oreal Colour Riche Mono in Pain au Chocolat ($8): Moving back to my fave drugstore brand, I’ve seriously got my eye on these pressed eyeshadow contacts now that they have reached Canadian shores. I’m trying to start slow with them and I force myself going for this warm shimmery light golden brown hue.
  4. Essie Pinking of You Nail Lacquer ($8.25/ Nail Polish Canada): Despite generally not being a glitter kind of girl, I’ve been obsessing over a lot of these more unique glitters. From the 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness collection – but still available from Nail Polish Canada – this is a matte glitter topper with hexes along with larger irregularly shaped pieces that are a mixture of white and pale pink.
  5. CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat ($11.95): While I have been pleased to extend the life of my current (and quite old) bottle of this top coat with quite a few drops of OPI Nail Polish Thinner, it has become clear that my bottle of top coat is coming to the very end. I want a fresh bottle of this thick gel-like top coat in my life again and maybe even to try it with a bottle of the intended nail polish.
  6. KB Shimmer Let’s Get Star-ted Nail Polish ($9/ Harlow & Co): Speaking of my glitter fixation that I’m going through with my nail polish obsessions of the moment, I must have one or two of those indy crelly glitter mixes. I love the look of the sheerer cream-jelly base of this white based polish and the combination of matte larger stars and blue/purple pieces.
  7. American Eagle Outfitters Canyon Boyfriend Flannel ($62): For what seems to be the umpteenth time I’m attempting that capsule wardrobe thing and I’ve determined that a flannel shirt like this one would be a welcome addition. I’m determined that when there’s a good sale going on, I’m going to think about picking up the white and black plaid.
  8. H&M Knitted Jumper in White ($19.99): In the same vein, I’m looking for a nice slouchy lightweight sweater that as the weather continues to warm up will continue to remain useful and not overly warm. The shape and lightweight material of this one seems like it would be a nice basic and it’s not breaking the bank by any means.
Thoughts?
Maggie, x.

January 2016 Favourites

I can safely say that I have never missed a (monthly) favourites post since I’ve started blogging and that there have been a myriad of occasions when the post has been more than a day or two late, but the lateness of this post definitely has to take the cake. We’re actually over half way through the next month and I apologize, but I wasn’t going to let the craziness of the last couple of weeks stop me from chronicling my favourite products throughout January.

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NARS Laguna Bronzer ($52): Although the product that I’ve been using is specifically the NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette, I’ve been only reaching for the cult classic bronzer that’s available separately – and in loads of NARS palette offerings. It’s perfect when I want a mixture of definition and a hint of warmth, particularly in these cooler months when I’m at my palest, without even a whisper of orange to it. The shimmer just doesn’t show up on the skin, the powder is a dream to blend and it adds instant life to my face with the stroke of the brush that doesn’t read as bronzer.

Clinique Cheek Pop in Rosy Pop ($26): Well, before getting into anything I have to give props-slash-thanks to my friend, Chelsea, for indulging in this blush-hoarders obsession and gifting me yet another blush that I didn’t need – but have salivated after nonetheless. The colour is unique enough that I’m challenged to explain it – but I might be tempted to say it’s a neutral rosy pink that reads as a pretty flush. The formula is quite nice and starts out sheer before building up evenly, perks up my pale skin in a way that doesn’t look frightening, even when applied in a rush in the morning. I do quite enjoy the creamy powder texture, too.

MAC Eyeshadow in Copperplate ($12/$19): I’m always in search of the perfect powder brow shade – as I find it provides the perfect natural-but-sculpted brow – and when I swatched this lighter grey but still as cool-toned as can be shade I was ready to give it a try. All throughout January, I was exclusively using this cool grey-taupe matte2 shadow in my brows – and I must say that the smooth, buttery matte texture does make it easy to use. Because of its ease of use, I’ve also been using it to add depth to the crease and outer corner of my eyelids.

MAC Boldly Bare Lip Pencil ($19.50) + MAC Big Baby Plushglass ($24): This MAC-only lip combination was what graced my lips when I put any thought into it, as it was not too much fuss when it was on and added that flattering warm peach-nude effect that goes with everything. The liner has quickly shot up to the top of my favourites, with that gorgeous browny peach lean that goes with everything and it’s nothing particularly novel to me, but the gloss is one of the first that I’ve ever purchased – I’m just starting to get over my sticky-produce aversion – and a nostalgic purchase. I remember over five years ago when one of the artists at MAC applied the peachy-neutral gloss and in the moment, shopping with my friends (or greatest enablers), I couldn’t resist picking it up.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark ($10): It wasn’t until the end of January when I started to rejoin into the nail polish frenzy – that’s currently bordering on obsession, by the way – but when I applied this deep almost-black-purple cream polish onto my nails I felt the strong love that I have for this shade. My love for this edgy but sophisticated shade runs deep enough that I purchased a full-sized bottle after going through a couple of the miniatures that came in the set. There’s something about this shade that makes me feel confident and quintessentially myself – and it doesn’t hurt that the formula of the polish is so good that you don’t have to have much in the way of skill.

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Eau de Parfum ($90/1 ounce): On that aforementioned shopping trip with friends, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in this Tom Ford perfume that I had been um-ing and awe-ing over for at least a month on end, as a Christmas gift to myself. I had originally thought that Black Orchid was going to be the one for me but it was a happy coincidence that their tester bottle was empty and that I smelled this one instead and fell in love – it’s a warm oriental floral with the most delicious spice to it. I’ve been happily spritzing it on every day – that I can remember to – and making efforts not to spritz on too much because it’s a lingerer. It’s more warm and spicy than a traditionally girlie scent but it’s not completely overpowering either, which seems to hit just the right spot.

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Bath & Body Works Spiced Apple Toddy 3-Wick Candle ($24): Burning this heady apple and deeply spiced scent has become somewhat of a treasured winter, post-Holidays tradition for me, and I’m savouring the end of the candle. It’s a unique scent that’s all kinds of mouthwatering but in the least cliched way – with none of that usual sweetness or fruitiness found in loads of candles – that sets a relaxed and cozy atmosphere for me. It’s a strong thrower that somehow does not enter into headache inducing territory and lingers even the morning after it has been burnt.

What were you loving last month / What are you loving now?
Maggie, x.

 

The Perfect Greige Polish | Essie Chinchilly

I definitely have a thing for those half-beige-half-grey polish shades but despite having more than enough in my possession, I was missing the combination of the perfect colour and the perfect formula. In short, Essie Chinchilly Nail Lacquer ($8-10/0.5 ounces) is everything that I’ve hoped for a great cream greige polish to be – more specifically it’s what everybody seems to praise about Essie’s Master Plan that I never quite fell in love with and maybe even more.

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For one, the formula is amazing, especially for an Essie – unlike Master Plan which suffers from the thin, sheer and streaky formula. It’s one of those rare Essie’s that borders the line between a one and two-coater, self-levels and applies smoothly. It’s much thicker and opaque of a formula that many of the Essies are, but I find that this makes them easier to manage and is not problematically thick at all. Impressively, it lasts on the nails for a solid amount of time with a top coat, looks smooth and polished and dries quickly, despite their thick texture. It lasted four to five days on me without significant chipping, if you were wondering, which is significantly better than the norm for me.

On a basic level, Chinchilly is a darker grey-heavy polish that belongs to the greige family with a cream formula. It’s taupe, and less grey than say OPI You Don’t Know Jacques and has more depth and brown undertones than Essie’s Master Plan. I would describe the colour as a mixture of the two with less dominant cool undertones.

Me and my chipping prone nails are in love. And I’m pleased to confirm that not all Essie polishes suffer from that formula. If you’ve even considered giving the neutral greige colour a go, I would highly recommend trying Chinchilly out.

Any favourite polish formulas to share?
Maggie, x.

 

Everyday Uni Face & Fall Lip: Naked Palette Take Two

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This above is evidence of the problem of my naturally bitchy resting face. Most people can take pictures without smiling and look fine but whenever I attempt to do so I appear somewhat like a character from a horror movie — this is one of my better straight-faced pictures by the way (frightening, I know)

So, this has to be one of the only times I’ve forgotten to do my brows and inconviently it is also during a period where I seem to have misplaced my tweezers. I swear they have legs and enjoy sprinting. Let’s pretend I was just going for the natural brow. Last night around two o’clock in the morning, while staring at my ceiling I was struck with inspiration to do a post on my typical weekday five-minute college makeup, you know the polished but not overdone and quick makeup. I kept this notion in mind this morning. Although its just a Sunday of shopping and studying and I’m not going to school I figured I’d write a post about that.  Blah, blah, blah.

I apologize for the lighting. It’s dark here and for some reason I’m showing up extremely pink when IRL I’m more on the yellow side. Weird.

FACE: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory, Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer/Highlighter in Ivory, Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Warm Tan, MAC Well Dressed Blush

EYES: NYX HD Eyeshadow Base, Urban Decay Sin eye shadow, Urban Decay Naked eye shadow, Urban Decay Hustle eye shadow, Urban Decay Creep eye shadow, Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Noir/Black, Maybelline Master Drama Gel liner in Black, Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

LIPS: EOS Sweet Mint lip balm

 

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