The Daily Face #23 | Same Old, Same Old

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Today seems to be the perfect day to do one of my ‘the daily face’ posts for numerous reasons. First, I’ve been seriously slacking on posts of this series for months, second, I actually have time to put one together because I don’t have class until four o’clock today and last, I’ve kind of just received my Sephora VIB order in the mail and I’ve been wanting to have a play with a few of these items. I’m ridiculously excited.

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Seeing as I wasn’t in the mood for any sort of primer, I went in with my beloved Diorskin Star Fluid Foundation in 20 first, that somehow magically seems to glide over dry patches in a flattering way, provide impressive medium-full coverage and leave the skin with the most gorgeous luminosity. Next, I applied the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Bisque underneath my eyes with patting motions in order to allow for the product to sink in to the skin and before patting out the inevitable little itty bitty creases. At this stage, I’m one to go for their eyeshadow base of choice and mine certainly is the NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base. Next I killed two birds with one stone with the NARS Contour Blush in Paloma that I also adore and use constantly; first going in with the darker shade to sculpt the cheekbones before brightening up the under-eye region with the cream shade. Then was the blush, undoubtedly the most exciting part. With my Sephora order, I went for my first Becca product ever, the Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Raspberry/Opal and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The cream texture was not overly emollient and easy to use, depositing a fool proof amount of product and quite possibly the most beautiful highlighting effect that I’ve ever seen. Drool. I’m also rather partial to the subtle rosy berry-tinged hue. The face was finished with the tiniest bit of MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Light through the center of the face.

Eyes

The eyes began with the brows and although I’ve been sticking to the usual suspects, I’ve been going for a more sculpted look and have been digging it. Obviously, the products were the MAC Coquette Eyeshadow and a nice little angled brush. There was no particular novelty associated with the rest of the eyes, either. I went in with MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow on my lids, MAC Soft Brown Eyeshadow through the crease and MAC Smut Eyeshadow through the outer corner and along the lower lash-line. I did a nice little kitten flick with the L’Oreal Infallible SuperSlim 12Hr and finished off with a nice coating of Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara on both my upper and lower lashes.

Lips

As far as lip balms go, I went for the EOS Sweet Mint – because I find it to be their most hydrating offering, despite the slightly irritating minty sensation – prior to going in with my brand new NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita that I’ve been lusting after forever. I’m in love. The texture is just as nice as everyone says and I love the slightly warm rose hue.

What makeup have you been reaching for lately?
Maggie, x.

The Best Detangling Implement Ever

DSC_1235DSC_1239I never thought that I would ever write a post dedicated to a hair detangling implement, but at the same time if there’s someone who is going to wax poetically on about a detangling device, having quite possibly the world’s most tangly hair, I would make a likely candidate. I’m talking about the seemingly basic and surprisingly affordable Conair Shower Comb ($3-5), everyone.

As I’ve said numerous times before, I have hair that’s on the curlier end of the spectrum and I’m definitely not someone who can brush through their hair daily and wear it afterwards and I wash my hair maybe twice a week, so I’m expecting a lot from my brush. Even after being careful, my mass of hair is always left with severe knots that must be dealt with and this is no easy feat to accomplish – however, this comb does the best job with the least effort.

I will admit that this comb is not the best for smoothing through the entire head a few times daily/quickly but it’s definitely the best brush or comb for dealing with severe knots efficiently. I would describe this ‘shower comb’ as essentially your regular wide tooth comb with bristly bits ended at the bottom of the teeth for added intensity. Although its particularly convenient for use in the shower with its hooked shape, I find this also ideal for use on dry hair before I shower and whatnot. It’s particularly amazing in the shower, though.

Do you have any tangly hair recommendations to share?
Maggie, x.

The Weekend Post | The Elusive Mellow Saturday

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While it’s true that my weekends are consistently low-key because I’m that kind of giiiirl but usually their underlying task or purpose is to help reduce the severe anxiety that I have over the million things that I have due, aid in the whole productive human being thing and coerce me out of bed into the morning into the world of actual responsibilities. I might just have to say since heading back to university in September, this is the first weekend that I’ve been able to dedicate to true relaxation – with a bit of organization and prep work on the side, I’ll admit – because there aren’t a million assignments, essays and exams looming on the near horizon that require a productive weekend. Here’s the lowdown:

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(1) Inspiration Collaging – Now I’ll be the first to admit that the whole prospect of having to be decisive with selecting pictures to get all arts and craftsy to collage with would give me heart palpitations if it were to have a deadline and was to be graded by someone else. However, with the freedom of setting up an inspiration board of sorts for myself has the opposite effect, a kind of calming one that doesn’t feel like a complete waste of time.

DSC_1232(2) Candle Burning – It’s safe for me to say that I’m more than a wee bit candle-obsessed at the moment and will use any means of justification found to burn them. But, I actually do think that they provide the perfect ambiance for those low key days. Today I burned the Bath & Body Works Spiced Apple Toddy 3-Wick Candle and it smells exactly as luscious as the name would suggest but the throw is so strong that I only like to light one wick at a time.

(3) Hair Pampering – Regardless of the length or state of the mop on top of your head is in, this time of year tends to wreck havoc on our hair and obviously this is the prime time to go in with a more intensive treatment. To be honest, I actually did this step last night but alas, I’m mentioning it here. I used the protein-rich L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Replenishing Mask that is the best deep treatment that I’ve tried that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. To be fair, it’s one of my favourites regardless of price and it’s nice that it’s not silicone laden.

(4) Lazy Skin Pampering – Normally this is where a mask of the clay and/or exfoliation variety would be used and raved about but it’s been getting rather cold at the moment and my skin would be much better served with something to soothe and combat the dehydration rather than decongesting and quite honestly I cannot be bothered to go through the faff of applying a mask and then having to rinse it off after the appropriate time has passed. I just kept with the usual routine but subbed in my By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil in the serum stage, following in with my usual loved Caudalie Vinosource Riche. It’s soothing, intensely hydrating and helps with brightness and pigmented – what more could you want?

(5) Reading for Enjoyment – There are very few things in life that I love more than pouring through magazines and they have to include reading actual books for actual fun – this rarely happens considering that I have so much required school reading – and drinking lattes coming off of a night of sleep deprivation. In short, there’s nothing more relaxing than looking through a magazine without being in any sort of rush or curling up with a book and not even feeling guilty about it.

Any lazy day thoughts?
Maggie, x.

Weekly Medley #42/43

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I can almost believe it when I tell myself that there is a way in looking at this post as slightly early, as well as horrendously late, but the truth is that I haven’t written a blog post in five days. Believe me when I say that I would have salivated at the very thought on any day, – except maybe Tuesday when I had that horrific migraine – It was just the most work-heavy week that I’ve had this year, filled with exam studying, essay writing, reading and assignment writing chaos. I’m pleased to be back here, rambling on about my general thoughts and live musings and I’m not one to be mushy, but let it be known that I love you all dearly. And I wrote that without feeling nauseous in the least.

The good news is that in my absence of posting things regularly has left me with a few noteworthy products that warrant sharing. First up, I’ve been loving the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream ($20) as a delicious smelling, subtly sweet zesty lime-scented nourishing cream because the skin all over my body (not just the eczema-d legs that I go on and on about) has been hella dry and a little bit irritated and this fits the bill while being fun with the scent aspect. I enjoy how non irritating it is but nice and hydrating with the high shea-butter content but I must admit that its not one to put on truly irritated areas.

There’s also the fact that I seem to have convinced myself that not only has my frequent scented-candle burning been helping me handle the stress of my ridiculous life at the moment, but has also increased my productivity. Not too long ago I picked up the ever-popular Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood 3-Wick Candle ($22.50). I might be one of the few that experiences this, but in my small room I can sometimes find these candles a bit overwhelming and I enjoy that the throw of this cologne and woodsy mixed scent is not ridiculous.

I’ve dug out the autumnal warm rusty-tinged pink Benefit Boxed Powder in Rockateur ($36) and have been digging the illuminated rosy effect that it adds to my skin. It’s one that instantly adds life to the face but you don’t have to be overly careful with it which I enjoy because I’m not exactly filled with endless time in the mornings to slap makeup on my face. I’ve also been enjoying the MAC Lipstick in Kinda Sexy($19) and I suppose it’s now safe to say that this peach-hued deeper neutral shade has earned its place in my staples; it has more colour than a nude that suits minimal makeup looks nicely without requiring too much care or thought.

You may be aware that the Sephora VIB Sale has come and past and that there was all sorts of craziness involved in the whole online shopping experience — the site shutting down for everyone due to traffic, the international checkout ban that went on for the first few days — and I’m pleased to be waiting for my package that is now in transit full of all of the products that I intended to get. I’m excited. Another fabulous thing was ChelseaWears’s latest duo of youtube videos. They weren’t exactly of the beauty variety but they were hysterical, nevertheless, and it nearly killed me in the best way possible.

How has your week (and a half) been?
Maggie, x.

Another Round of Stash Shopping

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I’m fortunate enough to have a great deal more makeup than any ‘normal’ human being found outside of this obsession would deem justifiably normal, however it’s not like I have a dresser full like many others seem to. Lately my general daily makeup organization has gotten out of control and I’ve had no choice but to go through an impose some organization and I’ve rediscovered some neglected beauties that I’ve been excited to add back into the rotation. Plus, I kind of want to minimize extraneous beauty-related spending as much as possible and this seems to be my ticket.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Crème Bronzer in Rich Bronze ($10.99)

I remember picking this one up earlier this summer after really enjoying the lighter-toned Warm Tan shade for months previously but I know that I had cast the cream formulations aside during the time that I was suffering from stubborn breakouts along my cheeks that just wouldn’t leave me alone and I had just completely forgotten about it months since. About ten days ago, I randomly picked this darker but still warm-toned shade and have been enjoying sculpting and adding warmth to my face ever since, paired with the Real Techniques Contour Brush.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow ($41)

Considering how I constantly waxed poetically on my love for this pale cooler-toned pink blush for the good four months after I bought it (more than) consistently, it seems outlandish that I could ever include this in a rediscovered products post – that would require me to stop using it, after all – but in my recent state of frightening makeup disorganization and rushing to the nth degree in the morning constantly, I had neglected this beauty. It’s so light and cool-toned that it appears deceptively light and chalky and even swatches slightly that way but somehow it translates onto the face with buildable pigment that reads as an angelic soft-focus flushed effect that’s especially stunning on fairer skin. I may or may not have another shade of the expensive blush line on the way, courtesy of the Sephora VIB Sale. I don’t regret it, at all.

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl ($36)

As obsessed as I am with getting that glow, highlighter tends to be an afterthought in the makeup routine, often neglected completely or thrown on haphazardly in the last few seconds remaining and the cream offerings tend to be completely neglected because I don’t want to think about using cream-powder interaction. However, I’m rather sad that I neglected this gorgeous and easy-to-use pale salmon-tinged pink offering that has the prettiest subtle golden duochrome to it. It’s cream but somehow easier to use than most of its texture.

Annabelle Lip Liner in Demure ($5.95)

This is one of those beauty bargains that I really got my mileage out of this summer and lead-up to Fall but then came my laziness, my obsession with much bolder lipsticks and the great makeup organization catastrophe – with my reorganization, I was more than pleased to spot this again and remember its existence. It might sound boring but this warm-toned dusty brown-tinged neutral pink liner works perfectly with my lips and my most neutral of offerings, adding longevity and a little bit of polish – with minimal effort or time involved, of course.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Layin’ Low ($25)

I’m no stranger to the concept of the MAC Paint Pot and I’ve been a fan for numerous years but after discovering my favourite NARS primer this August, I had kind of cast these coloured cream bases aside for the most part, only reaching for the occasional more exciting hued Maybelline offerings. However, I forgot just how nice, gorgeous and most of all creamy (even after six or seven months) that this medium-toned warm brown matte shade is in recent months until I couldn’t find any other sort of base the other morning and dug this one out. It might be basic but it’s beautiful and requires extremely minimal effort.

DSC_1219From the top: Hourglass Ethereal Glow, Benefit Girl Meets Pearl, Sonia Kashuk Rich Bronze, Annabelle Demure, MAC Layin’ Low

Have you ‘shopped your stash’ lately? If so, what were your finds?
Maggie, x.

 

The Review: Beyond The Zone Noodle Head Curl Boosting Spray

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I really had the intent of putting up this post yesterday as my third one of the school-week (as promised) but that whole essay that I had to finish had gotten in the way and I had the rare blessing to have an actual nice well-needed nap and it was definitely put out of the question. Alas, here I come providing you all with a review of a product of the hair variety, significantly less sleep-deprived than I have been in ages.

I’m not fortunate enough to have hair that will hold its intended shape during the day, let alone after a night of sleeping on it but I’m not one to wash my hair any more than twice a week, therefore I’m looking for something to refresh my hair daily after it’s been slept on and this product that I picked up from Sally’s Beauty Supply has fit the bill like I had hoped. The Beyond The Solution Noodle Head Curl Boosting Spray ($6.99) does what it promises, – but perhaps with a little more effort and more product used than I might prefer – acts as a styling spray to revive lifeless curls, adding bounce to natural curls without any stickiness and giving them shape and separation along with light hold, anti-frizz protection and some shine. The only problem I have with this is that I would say that it can feel stiff in the hair before it has completely dried and it requires me at least to section through my hair and spray a great deal of the product through with precision. Nevertheless, I’m a fan of the stuff and would recommend it to others with a similar hair predicament.

Ingredient-wise, I’m rather impressed with the stuff. I could do without the silicones, but at least they are of the water-soluble kind and I have to admit that they can create a nice smoothing effect onto the hair but I rather enjoy the nice concentration of protein in the ingredients list along with some oil. I should note that my wavy curls thrive with some protein but I’m aware that others do not, so I would definitely bear that in mind when considering this product. I would chalk the instant vitality that this spray adds to the hair down to the nice protein content that in my view is impressive for a product of this price, especially without being laden with drying alcohols too.

To reiterate, I’ve been enjoying using this spray to refresh my hair and keep it refreshed with the hold it provides, but there are a few drawbacks, the heaviness that it can initially leave in the hair after application, the amount of product required to refresh my hefty head of hair and its inability to add volume to the hair in the vein that texturizing sprays and dry shampoos do.

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Have you tried any products from Sally’s that you would recommend?
Maggie, x.

October Favourites

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I must say that while I’m not the biggest fan of the large volume of tasks and the associated stresses that October has brought, I do absolutely adore that whole cozy laid-back feel that has come over us all with the cooling weather – that I love, being someone who is always warm and detests being in such a state. I’ve also rather enjoyed having the justification to burn candles and being able to wear cozy sweaters and this can be easily found in my favourites.

Aldo Lazares Satchel ($60)

I will admit that because I’ve been loving this colour-blocked crossbody bag so much on a daily basis this month, I’m afraid it is not in the most immaculate shape and I’m both sorry and not for that. It’s not real leather or anything but I find Aldo quality to be pretty good for resisting wear and I’ve enjoyed carrying this bag around because it’s not too out there but looks stylish (IMO) and it fits my laptop and a nice amount of other stuff inside it without any sort of difficulty.

Gap Drop-Shoulder Sweater in Mushroom ($54.95)

I have been similarly obsessed with this lightweight but warm slouchy sweater that I picked up at the same time as the bag, for not entirely different reasons – it’s practical in terms of comfort and whatnot and I think it looks much more pulled together than the usual alternatives. It is not itchy which I rather like and I find the slouchy silhouette suits my typical leggings and rather slim-fitting jeans, plus I’m having a love affair with the grey hue. I’ve worn this sweater as often as would be seen socially acceptable and then some.

Bath & Body Works Flannel Mini Candle ($5)

I was indeed distraught contemplating whether to include this one in this months post, not because I was not loving it immensely throughout the month (even above other candles as I was in the candle burning mood) but instead because Bath & Body Works apparently decided to get rid of it when their Winter candles came out – I found this out the hard way. Alas, I’ve been loving burning this quite musky somewhat-masculine scent that has this pleasing fresh undercurrent to it that somehow reads as unisex and enticing. It’s like Mahogany Teakwood without the woodsy element but might perhaps make me feel even more relaxed. It should be noted that it kind of smells like an attractive male who might be wearing flannel.1

Phillipa Gregory ‘The White Queen’ ($14-19)

Thanks to picking up this book again and rereading it, I’ve fallen back into the habit of reading for fun – shock horror – and have been enjoying it tremendously. It has that accurate historical spin that leaves you reeling paired with good writing and an astonishing lack of clichéd-ness – certainly not a word I’m aware…

DiorSkin Star Fluid Foundation ($50)

We’re coming to the final stretch of this favourites segment and I promise the rest are all products of the beauty variety and I can say with absolute certainty that this one has earned the top spot. I’ve been wearing this pretty much exclusively since picking it up a month ago and it has quickly earned its place among my top favourite foundations. It somehow manages to impress me despite its otherworldly claims and hype, bringing that luminosity and texture-concealing factor that I’m looking for with ridiculous longevity and impressive coverage at the same time.

It’s not quite like my sheerer luminous foundations in the sense that it looks 100% like bare skin – it is hardly detectable on the skin unless your looking for it – and is the most flattering on moderately dry patches and textured areas. Plus, I love that this foundation is lightweight and hydrating, formulated without irritating alcohols; I believe this is what allows my skin to not look a bit dull and dehydrated as the day goes on but rather luminous and all that jazz. There will be a review in the near future and it will be glowing.

MAC Powder Blush in Style ($21/26)

Although I seem to have had taken quite a break from my usual obsessive chronicling of blushes in recent favourites, I promise that I’m here again in my typical fashion to ramble on about my current obsession. This month I’ve fallen in love with this peachier coral with the most gorgeous gold sheen to it and I’m not even going to apologize for being consistent with my year-round coral blush loving. It’s life. Plus my palette is out to get me and won’t let me get the pan out.

Indeed Laboratories Facial Powdered Exfoliator ($29.99)

I’ve been enjoying this fruit acid packed powder exfoliant for a few months but I’ve been relying on it 2-3 times a week in the last month or so because it’s delivered on the brightening front, rescuing my skin from dullness, especially coming with the cooler weather.

L’Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo ($9-10)

I finally succumbed to the hype of this sulfate-free affordable shampoo and I couldn’t be more pleased with myself. It cleans the hair effectively but gently and doesn’t cause any adverse effects such as tangling up my hair or weighing it down and comes awfully close to my favourite Pureology shampoo. It also smells delicious.

Garnier Deconstructed Texture Tease ($7-8)

Especially when I’ve been touching up my natural waves after day or two of wear by adding some curl with my straightener, I’ve been enjoying liberally spraying my hair with this texturizing and volumizing spray. I tend to lean upside down and work it into the roots of my hair in that position and it works to add instant volume that doesn’t fall after five measly minutes. It adds a fair bit of grittiness so it’s not one that I would recommend to anyone who loves that clean soft feeling in their hair.

 What were you loving this month?
Maggie, x.

My Sephora Sale Picks/Recommendations

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It has reached that time of year when many are beginning to have access to the promotional sales at Sephora that begins with the Friends & Family Sale (I don’t have access to that one unfortunately) and will continue soon with the VIB sale so I figured it was due time to share some of the products that I consider essential and worth picking up, especially at a substantial discount for once. I’ve also been wanting to share some of the higher end products that I adore for some time now so it only seemed fitting to share.

Caudalie Vinosource Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream ($40 CDN)

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that doesn’t break the bank – but keep in mind that it’s not uber-affordable either – that delivers on the intense hydration and soothing front, look no further than this one (or the lighter Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet if you’re more of a true combination skin type and worried about the t-zone situation). It’s almost like a moisturizer and treatment at once and it is quite possibly the gentlest and most soothing thing on my delicate skin and it’s magically effective while being lightweight.

DevaCurl B’Leave In ($26 CDN)

This certainly isn’t a product that will suit a wide variety of hair types and this is perhaps tied to the fact that despite the name, this is not a leave in conditioner. Instead, this is a leave-in protein treatment that when used with other styling products with hold adds vitality to the finer or sad limp curls and waves in my hair – there’s nothing else like it. I would recommend it if you have hair of the wavy or curly variety that falls flat and/or limp in spots, particularly towards the front and at the roots.

Diorskin Star Fluid Foundation ($50 CDN)

There are two things of crucial consideration that must be said before I truly get on into this about this foundation: one it’s expensive and has some crazy hype and claims and that I might have only had this for under two months. It’s a real testament to the wonder that is this foundation that despite these two factors, I believe that it is worthy enough of praise to make my edited down list here. It’s a ridiculously long wearing foundation that true to its claims offers that brightening luminous effect with a satiny finish and medium-buildable coverage. I love that it does all of these marvelous things without including harsh alcohol in the formula. This has to be my newest foundation love and I’d say its worth the price, however it’s not quite a seamless second-skin foundation; it is slightly visible on the skin but it covers and brightens like nothing else so it’s a worthy trade off.

Bobbi Brown Corrector ($30 CDN)

It might not look all that special but this discoloration camouflaging cream concealing product covers my dark circles like nothing else. I know that you’re technically supposed to apply a concealer on top but on the everyday basis where I can’t be bothered, I get away without applying one on top without sacrificing on the coverage front. It can settle into creases within the first couple of minutes but after some patting in and some setting if I’m not to lazy, you’re set for days. I wouldn’t expect to be matched to Light to Medium Bisque given that I’m on the fairer side of things but its slightly deeper shade helps to conceal my horrific dark circles with minimal product, effort and visibility. The seemingly small pot lasts ages too.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush ($41 CDN)

It would be an understatement to even intimate that my love for this blush formula in Ethereal Glow has not been documented in a frighteningly redundant frequency but I couldn’t resist mentioning it now that there is an opportunity to get the magical formula at a price that is slightly easier to stomach. There’s something just so beautiful about the formula of these blushes, especially in how they add that subdued glow while actually blurring imperfections on the skin as opposed to highlighting them. I’ll either be picking up the palette version of this or another shade…

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($67 CDN)

I will admit that this has certainly been talked to death, both the standard miraculous blurring powders and the palette itself, but if you’re eager to try them out for themselves but have not yet had the opportunity, I would recommend going for them now in the nice palette form. I’ve reviewed these extensively and in short I find they create a beautiful subtle effect and these three shades offer a nice selection – Radiant Light to add warmth, Dim Light to blur the skin with the nice beige hues and Incandescent Light to serve as a lighter more traditional highlighting powder.

NARS Contour Blush ($46 CDN)

You might be aware that I’ve waxed poetically on the middle shade available (Paloma) but I stand by my assessment that these powder duos are exquisite but the truth remains that they are a pricy investment so they seem to be an ideal sale item. The powders are pigmented and smooth, working nicely to contour the face and highlight and set the other areas in a flattering and seamless way. If you’re looking for a more natural contouring product and matte highlighting powder, look no further – if one of the three shades strikes your fancy at least.

Dior 5 Coleur Eyeshadow in 734 Grege ($61 CDN)

Despite being quite an extravagant purchase, Dior eyeshadows have proven themselves to be my favourite of all time – they’re hella pigmented, buttery, long-wearing and have the least fall out that I have EVER experienced and Grege is the palette that I have that I find to be the most versatile. It has a nice caramel satiny shade, a shimmery pale ivory shade, a muted taupe, a shimmery mid-tone gunmetal-silver and a matte greyed deep brown that work together to create a multitude of different ‘looks’ and although it’s quite an investment at first, the shadows do last for ages as they come with an impressive amount of product.

Do you have any recommendations for me to check out? I’m always eager…. 😉
Maggie, x.

Weekly Medley #41

Weekly Medley #41

Easily the most exciting moment of my week began with a conversation with my mother and it is worthy of note that this is not something that I find myself frequently thinking, let alone saying. I was talking her ear off about my makeup organization angst as I find myself doing rather frequently and apparently she had taken my words into account because she told me that she was making an Amazon order and wanted to know where to find the three-drawer unit that I’ve been wanting so she could add it to her order. I found it in seconds and although I haven’t received it yet, I am quite excited and I would expect a post sometime on what I store in each drawer in the not-altogether-distant future.

I can honestly say that as a university student in my third year – my, my time flies – that I’ve been the most bogged down with essays, readings, assignments and impending midterms this week (and the last one or two) that I have ever been outside of the formal exam period and I’m not stranger to the whole drowning in work phenomenon. This take home midterm-essay that I’ve been laboring over has been the death of me but I’m pleased to report that the end is now in sight. However, my thought that I could catch up on the slack on posts this week might have been absolutely insane and this is why there weren’t so many posts throughout the week itself. In order to combat my growing anxiety in a non-pharmaceutical way and boost my productivity, Bath & Body Works candles have been a godsend. Earlier this week, I had burned up two of my three mini-candles that I had on rotation, Wasabi Apple and Pumpkin Caramel Latte and so I had been thinking about picking up a candle or two in the near future and this plan solidified when I randomly found a $10 dollars off coupon that was about to expire. On Friday, I ventured into Bath & Body Works to pick up a full on size of the Flannel candle that I have been loving and was pleased to see that they had their candle promotion on but immediately saddened to find out that they seem to have gotten rid of the scent in question. I got over my shock quickly and found myself at the till with the cult-favourite Mahogany Teakwood 3-Wick Candle along with the divine Spiced Apple Toddy 3-Wick Candle. I’ve been burning both and enjoying them tremendously while reaping the stress-relief and productivity benefits without any complaints and I didn’t even spend a sum of money that makes me feel shameful in the process.

On the blogging note, as mentioned above, I probably should not feel guilty over the limited number of posts that graced the blog within the last week considering just how hectic things are. However, I slacked during the weekdays, only posting two in the span of the week (on Monday and Friday) and considering that I’ve been pretty inspired as of late, I want to attempt to get up three within the next work/school week that are hopefully less spread out apart than these. With all that aside, there were four blog posts published this week (including this one) that I feel pleased about across the board – though yesterday’s Sweater Weather Tag Post holds its firm place as my favourite.

I’m bubbling with ideas for posts so keep you eyes peeled but there is that matter of all my other responsibilities and the fact that I really should sleep. I’m afraid that I’ve been slacking on the makeup wearing front and I hope to have a few interesting things to share when I experiment again and to keep things up with my hair when I’ve been fairly happy with it and it’s been down and not a tangly mess. There will be a hair-related post in the near future, so if you’re interested keep stay close.
Was your week anything like mine? If it was, I express my deepest sympathies…
Maggie, x.

The Sweater Weather Tag

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1.Favorite candle scent?

Bath and Body Works Flannel has to be my favourite as of recent weeks and I’m making progress on my mini candle size and I had plan on picking up a larger one in the nicest packaging as soon as the opportunity (AKA the sale) arises, but I’ve also been enjoying the Cayenne Caramel variation that I have in the three-wick format but it has such a strong throw that it tends to irritate every other member of my family. Flannel definitely has a deeper spiciness and muskiness that verges into slightly masculine territory (in a good way) with the teensiest hint of maybe pear freshness but it’s definitely not an offensive scent.

  1. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Coffee, well lattes really because I’m somewhat of an espresso snob and like an insane amount of milk in it. There are few things in life that I like as much of lattes especially in this time of year, but believe it or not, I’m counting down the days until Gingerbread Lattes become available – and they’re best with ½ or ¼ sweetener.

  1. What’s the best fall memory you have?

I’m not a sentimental person in the slightest so I don’t have the expected clichéd answer to give. I love that whole cozy feeling of the season where it starts to get a little more chilly and I can wear some more authentic sweaters without casually sweating to death – but before it’s actually below zero every morning as I leave. I love bundling up and drinking tea or coffee while being engulfed in a good book. At the moment, I have Phillipa Gregory’s The Red Queen on the go again.

  1. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?

My intense love of the slim winged liner has been well documented, however, I’m having that typical autumnal dark lip moment. My top picks are the red-hued burgundy MAC Dubonnet Lipstick and the slightly warmer-toned NARS Golshan Satin Lip Pencil that I unfortunately seem to have misplaced at the moment.

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  1. Best fragrance for fall?

It’s not rare when I mention my reluctance to spend money on perfume so it should be somewhat surprising that this is a category where I will share two alternatives; both embody that non-fruity and sophisticated warmth that I adore particularly when it’s actually seasonally appropriate. First off is a body spray that is completely different than the traditional offerings because it’s not juvenile in the least and it is known as the Victoria’s Secret PINK Warm & Cozy Body Spray. With some vanilla, this fragrance achieves its title while being subtle enough for the most laid back of circumstances. When I’m feeling like more of a full-on noticeable fragrance — but still not headache-inducing by any means — I will go for the Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Rollerball that still has that telltale warmth that makes me feel cozy yet confident, but has that element of muskiness and spiciness that keeps things a little more unexpected.

  1. Favorite Thanksgiving food?

My favourite Thanksgiving food has to be the oldie but goodie, stuffing (or dressing) that everyone enjoys scarfing down copious amounts of around the holidays. I’m no exception and I assure you that I had my share last month…

7. What is autumn weather like where you live?

I live in the East Coast of Canada and it’s always rainy throughout the fall (heavily so) and we truly do experience the nice cooling down and changing of the leaves but very quickly we can verge into very cold territory particularly in the mornings and we’re known to have winter-esque weather late October that can include the occasional snowfall. Cool mornings aside, it’s been less cold this year thus far.

8. Most worn sweater?

My most worn sweater this year has to be the Gap Mushroom Drop Shoulder Sweater that I’ve only had for a month – but I’m addicted. Being from Gap, it straddles the line of being a comfortable option and not looking like something on par with a ratty old sweatshirt and it’s warm with its wool content without being heavy, itchy or scratchy. Obviously I’m also game for the slouchy fit and for the reasonable price point that it was nabbed for on the day of a sale.

9. Must-have nail polish this fall?

This is one of the rare few questions that I knew my answer to instantly without any degree of certainly involved. My favourite polish mentioned here might just be my favourite one of all time the opaque cream-finish blackened plum, OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. It gets that whole black-but-not-quite-black thing down pat with the appropriate edginess.

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

I have to go with the latter because I remember enjoying jumping in leaf piles a good time or two and I’ve never done something as dreadfully dull as watch football, which I attempted to enjoy a variety of times in high school. Do the games ever end?

11. Skinny jeans or leggings?

I love both dearly but I might have to name my preference for leggings because they fit into the pants that aren’t actually pants category that I love to wear when I have to go out in public and cannot risk wearing anything resembling pyjamas. My favourites are the Lululemon Athletica Wunderunders because they are so flattering, comfortable and durable – aside from the pilling problem – despite their hefty price tag.

12. Combat boots or Uggs?

My true answer is neither because I live in brown leather boots that are a bit distressed but fall more into the category of motorcycle-inspired than either of the above options but when I’m looking for something cozy and warm, there is nothing that fits the bill more than Uggs.

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

YES. I’m a huge fan of the whole pumpkin cinnamon combination, far beyond the typical lattes and scented candles. However on the latte note, I actually prefer the winter Gingerbread Lattes (noted above) and with either reducing the amount of the syrup used is a gamechanger — it seems like you’re not getting your money’s worth this way but I promise it tastes amazing and a whole lot less overwhelming.

14. Favourite fall TV show?

Because I’ve watched it from day one and I associate it with the fall, I have to mention The Vampire Diaries but at the moment I’ve been adoring The 100. It should be no surprise though, considering that I adore shows with that dystopian futuristic twist with a shot of angst and despair thrown in.

15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?

I’m not one to subscribe to limiting my enjoyment of something to a specific season and this is manifested clearly in my taste in music, but there’s nothing that screams fall as much as mellow Death Cab For Cutie listening, particularly as you take a walk outside. And I’m weirdly attached to The Neighborhood’s  Sweater Weather because I discovered it around this time last year and it’s catchy without managing to piss me off. I’m afraid I’m more than a wee bit boring here…

So, I may be a year too late on the bandwagon for this tag, not tagged to do it at all and doing it through an entirely different platform but I hope you enjoy my take nevertheless. What have some of your favourite fall things been?
Maggie, x.