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.

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.

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.