opi lincoln park after dark

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 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.