lifestyle

The Other Favourites

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I’ve really been enjoying sharing a few of my miscellaneous favourite things in posts as of late but at the same time, I feel that including them in my usual already beyond lengthy post can seem a little excessive; therefore, I felt that a post of this nature was in order, for detailing a few of the other things that I’ve been all about lately.

Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice Herbal Tea

I’ve mentioned a good few times lately that despite being the kind of girl who prefers coffee over tea, I’ve been really getting into the routine of drinking tea lately and loving the whole cozy autumnal atmosphere and mellow state of mind that it puts me in; this is the tea that I have been going for. It has that definite autumnal feel and doesn’t have an overly herbaly taste to it, instead being kind of a hybrid between apple cider and tea without all of the sugar in juice. It also just smells amazing and can be sniffed for enjoyment.

Indigo 2014-2015 Academic Planner

I’m not exactly the most naturally organized individual but I do actually take measures to change this aspect of my nature and using this agenda for the last month in particular has been massively helpful. I quite like how this agenda is laid out daily for the week but also has a week overview with a to-do list section, don’t forget list etc. and I’ve been able to keep track of the crucial more general things. I’ve been keeping track of what I want to get done each day and what I actually need to get done in terms of university work requirements and readings along with the blogging details and it has been helping massively with my productivity. This would only be perfect if there was also a monthly planning page…

Elle Canada Magazine (October 2014 issue)

I’m a massive fashion/beauty magazine junkie and this Canadian one has ticked all of the boxes this month while being extremely affordable to subscribe to. Generally speaking, it has the perfect balance of articles that are actually informative and relevant with all the fashion and beauty stuff that we live for. This month was particularly good and autumnal-themed but magazines this time of the year tend to be particularly good. Regardless, I poured over this issue and enjoyed it tremendously. It really helped me get into the whole cozy autumnal spirit that I adore.I’m sure whatever your country’s issue was equally as good – I am aware that many of you do not in fact live in the cold abyss that is Canada.

Fever Aesthetica, Jane’s youtube channel

This month, I’m pleased to note that I made a fantastic new youtube channel discovery and I’m kind of addicted. I actually did discover Jane’s channel while wasting my time watching an endless supply of beauty videos and clicked on an empties video of hers after running my subscription feed dry and seeing hers as a suggested video. Man, am I glad that I did. For how amazing her videos are, she sure doesn’t have a lot of subscribers and that did kind of draw me in. She’s absolutely gorgeous, informative and articulate while being an absolute treat to watch, entertainment-wise and I may or may not have binged watched every single video on her channel. With sensitive skin herself, I find her helpful on the skincare note with her knowledge and there is the simple fact that her hair is amazing.

Hello October, Suzie’s blog

So I may have declared my love for Suzie’s blog (as well as her youtube channel) a time or twenty but I’ve been obsessed with her content within the last month. I love that she’s amusing and relateable while still being so helpful to watch. I’m not going to lie, I adore reading her posts because we share similar easily-irritated skin concerns but she also puts out a whole bunch of more lifestyle related content that I’ve been enjoying. She’s also an absolute inspiration because she somehow manages to work full time and run the whole blogging shindig and despite not being much of a vlog-watcher myself, I rather enjoy hers. I may have been stalking her blog in an obsessive way this last month…

What have been your ‘other’ favourites lately?
Maggie, x.

Three Things

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I apologize for the sheer abundance of rambly posts where I complain about some of the school-related woes that I have to overcome but it’s all that seems to cross my mind these days, however I often astound myself with my ability to procrastinate from the pressure of accomplishment itself. Somehow this is how a good number of my blog posts come to be. Hmmmm.
evidence of incompetency
evidence of incompetency (read below)

Why don’t I ever talk about anything fashion related here? Well, it’s not out of a lack of interest and that’s for certain; I’m someone who attempts to look somewhat pulled together but comfort is key in my world so sometimes (err most of the time) it just does not happen and in all honesty I’m a mediocre photographer at best and therefore impaired at taking nice style shots and the like. I’m willing to make an exception for this infinity scarf that I picked up from American Eagle a few months back for around $35 CDN and have been obsessed with ever since. I love infinity scarves and this one combines my love for fair-isle, looking festive and cozy while still looking presentable and polished.

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To be honest, it sort of astounds me that the NARS Golshan Satin Lip Pencil ($30 CDN) doesn’t get more love and mention from me here. I’ve been so close to including it in a few recent favourites posts yet I’ve found myself restraining from doing so because it’s not exactly something that I reach for day after day as it’s such a full-on shade. But, oh man, is the formula of the shade gorgeous – it glides over dry patches like a dream and leaves the perfect deep wine colour on the lips that lasts without requiring loads of maintenance. I’m going to be sad when spring truly comes and it will be no longer acceptable to wear the shade….

I gave the Marc Jacobs Beauty Starlet Palette ($71) a glowing review earlier in January and featured it in a few other posts but it’s something that I have mixed feelings about as an all-inclusive palette. The seven metallic shades are interesting offerings for a neutral palette and are fantastic quality shades but I don’t necessarily believe that it offers a variety of cohesive everyday looks on its own exactly. I had taken a break from using the luxurious palette for a bit but I dug it out today and was glad that I did. I did add my eyebrow shade, MAC Coquette, in the crease for some depth but still the champagne on the lid with the dark bronzy shade in the outer corner is a winning laid-back combination in my eyes.

I fear I must get back to digging through articles, researching for the essay that’s killing me (it’s a philosophy one) and making some headway actually writing my paper. What have you been loving in the last little bit? Any thoughts on the products I mentioned?

Maggie, x.

 

 

Weekly Medley #1

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I’ve always enjoyed reading weekly favourite posts and videos of the same variety but I’ve thought that my selections would be a little boring and repetitive as I’ve not an unlimited supply of beauty products and thought better of the whole idea. However I’ve noticed that there are products that I’ve been wanting to talk about without donating an entire post to the effort that seem to go unmentioned and thus the weekly medley was born.

The Beauty Staples

A few weeks ago I picked up the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Creamy Cleanser and it has really impressed me with its balance of gentleness and efficacy; without containing fragrance and stripping detergents, it removes makeup – not of the most waterproof variety of course but double cleansing will remove all of my face products on the regular. This cleanser is affordable and easy to use with its pump dispenser and lightweight texture.

The gorgeous luminous Maybelline Master Hi-light Bronzer in Deep Bronze that I recently reviewed has blown me away this week. It’s a rosy copper that warms up the face, adding that elusive glow without adding a lot of obvious colour to the face. The texture of the product is smooth and it sits seamlessly on even my dry patches.

Even though it’s a nuisance to remove and requires frequent sharpening, I’ve gone back to using the cult favourite Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Perversion , but as I’ve said before it’s not my favourite for my inner rims because of the impossible to remove factor in my dry eyes and it’s gel consistency isn’t the easiest to apply but I love it on the upper and lower lash lines because of its intensity and ability to be smudged out without moving. Whether I’m going for a smoky eye or a subtle one, I’m someone who benefits from liner and this has been constantly reached for this week, even over my beloved L’Oreal liquid liner. *GASP*.

Blog & Video Recommendations

This week I rediscovered Lily Pebbles and stalked her recent blog posts and had a marathon of her videos that I’ve already seen but feel compelled to watch again. She’s one of my favourite beauty bloggers and she also makes the best laid-back beauty videos. If you don’t watch her videos or read her blog, she’s amazing and I highly recommend checking her out on both platforms. She’s one that I always trust for opinions on items prior to purchasing.

In terms of individual posts, Amelia Liana, the writer of the blog liana-beauty.com, brought out her “Glowy Not Sweaty” post this week and as always with her, it was fun to read and look at and she looked gorgeous – in the loads of posts I read and loved this week, this was the clear standout. You know how I feel about looking glowy….

Blogging Thoughts

I was rather proud of myself blogging-wise this week, putting up not only one review but putting up to. I’ll keep my shameless self-promotion to a minimum and link my review of the aforementioned Maybelline bronzer here.

General Life Update

The whole blizzard episode may now be over but it’s been freezing here, snowing constantly and the like so I can safely say that I haven’t been robbed of the authentic winter experience this year. Getting back into the whole school thing hasn’t been easy strangely and with the change in routine I’ve been perpetually exhausted but I’m pleased to report that I caught up on my sleep this weekend. This week I have been living in flannel pyjamas and I’m not ashamed that I wear them as much as I can possibly get away with. I’m afraid anxiety has gotten the best of me this month but there’s no remedy better that snuggling up in bed with a good cup of tea, book and makeup to stare at.

How was your week and what have you been loving?

Maggie, x

Baby, It’s ‘Blizzard’-ing Outside

a weirdly calm moment during the storm
a weirdly calm moment during the storm

It’s not every day that one has to trek to school during a blizzard when every other school (post-secondary or otherwise) has been cancelled with good sense. Being a Canadian, I don’t exaggerate about blizzards but even I have no choice but to admit that there is one going on, freezing blowing snow, howling winds and all. Now I diOun’t actually make it out the door with makeup on so I could leave insanely early and actually arrive at the cursed institution but I’m remedying that at the moment because I clearly have a problem and am acting out of character with perhaps the cheesiest post title I’ve done to date. And okay so school was eventually cancelled and I’m finally home after the adventure but of course nothing is ever easy.

the ultimate skincare trio
the ultimate skincare trio

When you’re subjecting yourself (particularly your face) to these kinds of elements (particularly if your skin is as sensitive and dehydrated as mine), your skin will protest if you think the usual skincare basics will be adequate. On days like these, I try to load up on the soothing and gentle products. This morning, I used my recent addition, the sister product to my old flame the    Extra Gentle Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($10-13 CDN). It’s among the gentlest of cleansers with one of the pumps that gives the right amount of product and has that light and rich Cetaphil texture while being much more gentle and hydrating on the skin. On the less related note, it removes makeup better than it’s predecessor and the average cleanser, I’m pleased to report. On harsh winter days like these, it can be wise to skip out on the typical treatments in the morning and focus on protecting your skin against the elements and my current pick was the lovely-but-not-quite-as-perfectly-gentle-and-soothing as the fragrance-free Kiehl’s Stress Rescuer, Ren Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream ($66 CDN) which I’m happy to report is very hydrating and is soothing unless applied on the most irritated skin with the inclusion of beneficial antioxidants and anti-irritants high on the ingredient list. The moisturizer is lightweight but rich and leaves a flattering luminosity to the skin that sits well under makeup. To end the skincare tangent of mine, an oil can serve as that extra-protective soothing layer and for me at least, with the combination of the other two has miraculously prevented my red itchy and painful skin. Okay so I was short on time this morning so this step didn’t actually happen but I do love the By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil ($26) with it’s rich dry-oil texture.
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Even if you’re not one of those avid tea-lovers, tea is essential on stormy winter days like these. I’m not hugely fussy about the particular details about the said hot beverage but it’s necessary nevertheless. I’m not usually a fan of anything decaffeinated but I’m enjoying my cup of the nice and wintry Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice Herbal Tea. If you’re anything like me and adore spiced beverages and baking, this is for you. In weather like this it should be law to accompany the tea with wearing comfy flannel (mine are from aerie) and snuggling underneath blankets – with a magazine of course. Lately I’ve been enjoying Elle Canada, but regardless of what magazine you have kicking around it’s necessary to haphazardly flip through it all warm and cozy. It shouldn’t be a surprise that I love magazines and this one is nice as it has actual content to pair with the fashion and beauty bits.

Now that I’m back home, unable to leave the warmth of the blankets I’m snuggled underneath and muster the effort to apply makeup to the face that I will later have to remove so the previously mentioned makeup didn’t happen. You know how it is, I’m sure.

What have been your winter staples?

X,

Maggie

A Day in the Life: Lazy-But-Productive Sunday

the workstation
the workstation feat. comfy attire – aside: Lululemon leggings are heavenly

I don’t know about you, but I’m addicted to reading beauty blogs (pretty much a given considering that I write one) and my greatest addictions are ones that incorporate their lives into the mix as well, without completely veering off from beauty-related territory – Suzie’s Hello October, Amelia’s Liana Beauty and Alix’s I Covet Thee, to name a few.

I feel compelled to warn you that I have an extremely boring life and rather rarely do anything interesting so lower your expectations before reading further. For years, as I’m such a procrastinator, Sundays have been that day when I have to be productive but endeavour to do so in the laziest way possible. My general life philosophy is rather lazy and you might have already guessed that I write the majority of my blog posts on my bed and take a good number of my pictures without having to move. You caught me.

On the agenda today is the usual readings and assignments that I should have already done, thinking about cleaning the catastrophic state of the room and blog post writing and/or planning and doing something to fix the state of my nails – It’s screwing with my mind writing  a blog post about blog post writing.

the authentic "no-makeup face"
the authentic “no-makeup face”

Skin; while mine is nowhere even close to the realm of flawless, I have been receiving compliments on mine in real life and can easily say it’s the best I’ve had since I turned thirteen and I’ve been planning on doing a full-on skincare update for some time now but I never seem to get around to it. I thought I’d share what products I’ve been grabbing in the morning religiously.

I’ve been cleansing with the gentle but annoying to use on account of it’s lid, Bioderma Hydrabio Cleansing Milk ($25 CDN) in the mornings (although I use it on occasion at night as it removes makeup well) and I like it. It never makes my sensitive, easily-irritated skin angry looking afterwards and for that it might deserve a gold star. Unless my skin is particularly sore (which thankfully it is not at the moment) I use the most gentle chemical exfoliant, the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion ($16 CDN) that (along with my nightime chemical exfoliants, Peptabright and the Neutrogena one) I attribute the increased brightness and radiance in my skin to, as well as the radical reduction in the pesky chin  breakout bumps and the clogged pore situation on the forehead. It works without irritating the skin whatsoever so my naturally-flushed skin is less flushed than it has been in ages believe it or not. The skincare trio was completed by slathering on a good layer of the soothing but not heavy Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer ($42 CDN). Sometimes I add an oil for good measure, but this is how it’s been in the mornings and I’m happy with the results my routine has given me.  Following with the laziness theme, I can’t be bothered to apply makeup – and this is a sign of skin improvement.

winter is not my friend when lighting is concerned
winter is not my friend when lighting is concerned

Now I fear I must conquer the frightening sight that is my neglected nails and move onto the more difficult stuff. x

most frightening application of Essie Sand Tropez and my latest love in tub form
most frightening application of Essie Sand Tropez and my latest love in tub form

Maggie

What did you do today?