voluminous waves

0

Posted in ,

This is my favorite hair to date, it's casual and elegant at the same time. Plus, it is very easy to accomplish.


Here's what you need:

- Sunsilk Waves of Envy (optional) or any spray you can apply to wet hair to make it wavier
- Heat Protectant (any brand)
- 1" or 1.5" inch curling iron
- Hair Clip(s)
- Hair Spray
- Hair Serum (like Biosilk's silk therapy)
- Patience

Another great thing about this look is that if you get bored of it, you can wear it half up and half down. Maybe braid a couple of strands of your hair. If you like halo hairdos, take two strands from either side of your hair and pinning them together at the back of your head with either bobby pins or a pretty clip. Wavy hair like this also makes messy up-dos a breeze. Try putting your hair in a messy bun and leave some wavy strands out to enhance the effortless look.

What do you think about the look? Would you wear it?

birthday stuff

0

Posted in , , ,

I was spoiled for my birthday this year. There is a haul video for this on my channel, but I never have enough time to say everything I want to say. I know my boyfriend might read this, *hehe* so here's a big thanks to him because anything Mac related wouldn't be gracing this post if it hadn't been for him. Seriously though, flowers and make-up.. I hope your boyfriend treats you this well.

On to the stuff! I got my first pair of converses in a sort of lilac purple. I tried both the high-tops and lows: I felt like the high-tops made my feet look big. I got a size 5.5, and they fit a tad bit loose but they are very comfy.

--

I also got a lip brush. How random is that? Here is a pair of converses and a lip brush, happy birthday. I'm not complaining though. It's a cheap Sparesource brush, which can be found at Walmart. I'm not really into lip brushes too much, so I wouldn't be able to tell you which is the best - but this one seems pretty decent. You can't really argue with the price since it was only $2 CAN. I'll show pictures and give a review on my Sparesource brushes/appliances. (coming soon)

On to Mac! I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. I thought he didn't want me wearing make-up, but oh well. Here's what he got me/what I picked out when I exchanged a couple of items:

 

Jest - a muted peach with silver frost, great for highlight or all over wash for neutral look.

Satin Taupe -you've seen this all over, it's a taupe with silvery bronze shimmers, a frost, and for the most part gorgeous and completely wearable for everyday and any day.

Nocturnelle - a chrome purple with a hint of pink, it's a frost and I would definitely recommend this especially if you have brown eyes.

Carbon - matte black, everyone has it. I wouldn't have gotten it if it hadn't been for the sales lady who told my boyfriend to buy it for me because I own a dupe, non the less, it would be nice to see if this one performs any better.

Bisque - soft pink-beige matte, my only matte highlight.

Stars & Rockets - the mac website says it's a dirty lavender with red/pink reflects, but I see blue in it too.

Sketch - a burgundy plum flecked with red shimmer, in a velvet finish. This color excites me so much.

Contrast - blueish-purple flecked with blue shimmer, in a velvet finish. Had to get the blue version.

There is only ONE spot left, what would you suggest? I was thinking deep truth or woodwinked, but I already have urban decay pallet from last summer called "Get Baked" with golds in it already (i.e. half baked and baked).

4 shadow palette- perfect for travel, because I only had a 15 shadow palette. My one pet peeve with the 15 palette is that the cover is not transparent, therefore there is no way of knowing what shades are in it without labeling or opening it up. The empty travel palette he got me has a transparent cover, which is a nice touch.


Mac 224 - I was always tempted to buy either the 222 or 224. I have a brush that is sort of a knock off, however, it is much smaller than my new 224. I've used it twice, with carbon and sketch. I truly adore this brush. It is so soft and it allows you to take the least amount of dark shadow possible and buff it out over the largest area possible. It spreads shadow and blends like a dream. People seem to think it's huge, but if you work with the tip and blend using little swirling motions or windshield wiper motions - it works wonders. (want to see the smaller knock off? coming soon)

Mac 168 - contour dream!I have been meaning to try this. I use to press down bristles of a brush from an arts supply store in order to apply bronzer as a contour, but not any more.

What I exchanged:

Mac 242 - a packing brush that works even better with cream shadows or for concealer application. I even read a review where someone stated that this brush make the best lip brush - it's very multi-functional. I don't typically use a liquid concealer for now, nor cream shadows/paint pots. Perhaps I will repurchase this, but this definitely isn't a necessity for now. It's not a brush you look at and fall instantly in love with, but I guess we can all learn to love.

Mac 266 - a thin angled brush, truly not worth the price if you ask me. I barely ever fill in my eyebrows, I have yet to use blacktrack fluidline or any liquids that require me to whip out a brush of my own (since I use L'oreal Lineur intense).  The lady at the Mac counter tried to sway me into keeping it but I have two other slanted brushes in this appartment - and they are under-used by me (mom loves them). Maybe I'll eat my words later, but not today.

Mac make-up case - originally he told me there was a hard cover that he wanted to get me, but they were out of stock. Instead he had chosen the next best thing, a plain black over sized pencil case-esq looking zippy. It was very nice and practical looking. However, for the price Mac sells those things for, I would much rather get another brush or stock up on shadows.

That was a sick gift. I better start planning his for October... oh boy, does anyone have any suggestions? lol kudos to you for even reading this far. Oh and don't forget to suggest a shadow for my last spot.. :D

time to wine

0

Posted in



The tutorial is using a Maybelline smokes quad in "Time to Wine" and here are some pictures of the look:


































I apologize in advance, I had to take these pictures with flash to show the eyeshadow because it was dark out. If it had been earlier in the day I could have taken pictures without flash too.

I like this quad for an everyday look, especially if you work in an office environment. My favorite colors in this quad would have to be the lid and crease colors because they color pay-off is very nice. The lid color is a nice plain matte beige that is understated but quiet lovely. I typically overlook those type of colors because they are not shimmery or exciting, but they are the best staples of most eye looks.

The crease color reminds me of Satin Taupe by Mac, I'm not sure that this would be similar enough to be a dupe. I don't have Satin Taupe (yet) but I have been looking for drugstore versions in order to see how I would like the color on.

The only down fall to this quad would have to be the brow bone shadow. It was light pink and full of chunky sparkles, which I hate.

Hope you enjoy this! :)

ootd: jaded

1

Posted in ,

Forgive my title for the lack of creativity. I just felt like making a post about what I wore today and see how it goes. I really enjoyed today. Ramble...

give this outfit a chic vote on chictopia here
forever21 denim jacket / forever21 costume jade ring/ h&m scarf / zara white crochet tank / deena & ozzy purse/ zara black leggings / zara sequenced gladiators / essie st lucia lilac nail polish

vlog: skin problems

0

Posted in



Acne medications and creams that have worked for me (prescription only):

Tretinoin Retinol – It is typically recommended for those with moderate to severe acne. I used this for a long while. It doesn’t show results right away and can dry your skin a lot! However, my Dermatologist told me Retinol is one of the best things for skin because it has properties that resolve more than just acne. It is said to have anti aging properties as well.

Benzoyl peroxide
– I used this in a gel format that I had to keep in the fridge. Again, this product dries your skin out like crazy. It worked very well on drying out problem areas (huge pimples).

Differin – I haven’t used this one for long, but here is some information about it.

What is prescribed to me now:

Accutane Roch: The best medication I’ve used to date for clearing everything up. It’s an oral medication (pills) therefore it attacks every pimple from behind as opposed to a topical treatment. However, it is a very harsh medication with many side effects that may or may not affect you. Typically, it gets a lot worse before it gets better. I had blood and urine tests every month while I was on this medication. Also, it is imperative that you take precautions to not get pregnant on Accutane because it WILL cause birth defects. It’s not for everyone.

Stieva
– It’s just a different brand name for tretinoin. It should be the same. I was told to use this cream and another (which I can’t remember and will add later) after I finish my Accutane treatment.

jeopardy question: what is demin?

0

Posted in ,

Denim? Hmm!! Only the biggest, hottest and most vintage inspired trend to come back this year, No DUH!I can't even name all the denim pieces I'm feeling this season. There's so much to choose from; mini-shirts, pants, shorts, vests, jackets, even tanks, chambray tops or straight up button down denim shirts. Now is the time to get creative and pair of your denims with other trends, because wearing it head to toe would be a big no-no.






















Cheap finds? I tired vintage or thrift shopping for denims. I simply could not find the right fit in terms of cut and style. I had found one jacket on a trip to a thrift store, but the sleeves were so puffy and it wasn't cropped enough for my taste. I really wanted one that was fitted and anywhere from cropped around the waist line or simply hitting just below my belly button.

So, I went to Forever21. If you live in the states you get a denim jacket for under $30, but get it fast before they fly off the rocks. I stopped by to get one and they were out last week. This week I was lucky enough to find one that was 3/4 sleeved, however it had these tacky monograms on it. No worries, I removed those easy thanks to F21 cheap treading which was easy to undo.




























Here is what I bought and ripped all the monograms off. (not ripped, but they should be burned - they are not cute for anyone who isn't in girl-scouts.)


















Mine appears to be a darker wash.




















floral interlude: s/s 2010 (part 4)

0

Posted in ,


I talk a lot and I certainly can't show you everything I mention considering it's not in my wardrobe (although I wish it were. These looks can be easily accomplished with an endless list of other retailers' merchandise.

Safari/Military inspired blazers paired with floral (Mango)






















This is a great if you don't want to come off too girly or too "Little house on the Prairie" since a jacket or blazer will harden the look. It's easy and effortless.

Floral top & neutral skirt (Zara)

















My apologies for the fuzziness of this one, blame Zara's flash website. I'm not sure I would do the plain ruffles myself but I would definitely tone down the floral print of this shirt with a neutral colored short skirt. That being said, denim bottoms would complete the look as well.

Denim with floral (Nastygal)





















Obviously, there are so many ways to wear denim and floral prints. Instead of a cardigan, pair a floral dress with a denim vest or jacket. Forever 21 has some great blue denim shorts with pink flowers already printed on them. You can also pair denim bottoms with floral tops as mentioned above. Mixed things up by wear a denim looking chambray button down with a floral printed skirt or short.

Check out & vote for a floral look I just posted on Chictopia -> Here!

A little bit of eye candy - loving this from Mango





















 Tell me how you like to wear your floral prints!

straight hair

0

Posted in ,

I would definitely categorize this as a winter tut, just because it was actually filmed in late February or early March (which is still winter for us Canucks). Side note: I wouldn't suggest putting in the Biosilk (or any serum) before flat ironing, I put it in as soon as I finish blow drying out of bad habit. It is best to leave it for last to decrease the amount of hair damage.

Enjoy :)

lingerie: s/s 2010 trends (part 3)

0

Posted in ,


Here is a picture of what I showed in my video.
dress: french connection
scarf: mother's closet
gladiators: nine west
belt: urban outfitters



































































I included a picture in my Nudes & Pastels: Spring/Summer 2010 Trends (part 1) post that demonstrates how to wear the lingerie inspired look for everyday, so I didn't feel the need to add it here as well. Give this outfit a CHIC vote on Chictopia.

Here are some suggestions for other ways to wear this trend:

In terms of colors: black, grays, ice cream colors, pastels, & various shades of nudes

1. Pair a casual light weight pj inspired top with some skinny light or white jeans. Choose wedges or flat strappy sandals, your choice. This top would also look great with a cardigan in another pastel shade (light blue, lavender or mint) and a pair of white shorts to complete the look. (from Topshop)
















2. Pink up an eyelet dress. This one is lingerie inspired because of its cut, particularly at the top where it resembles a corset. It is from Topshop and comes in mint as well. This is the perfect choice for you if you need something that can be worn everyday, but it can also be dressed up for a night on the town.






















3. You can also easily achieve this look by looking at lingerie you already have. incorporate a nightie or lingerie tank into one of your day to day or night outfits and there you have it.

Influences
style.com - the big reveal
British Harper's Bazaar magazine

jeffrey campbell splurge

0

Posted in ,

Splurge - yes, even more than a haul, but I bet you can't guess which of these I ordered. Here are a bunch of my favorites; new & old.

When it comes to shoes, the people who know me best know that this is drug. Seriously, sad and pathetic - I literally feel high explaining this right now.

So what are my options?

Pixie - the regular black is gone *tear* But these crock printed babies are still up for sale. They are especially delicious because they can be worn virtually all year round. I'm sure I don't need these, but it is still hard to resist.


Clinic - Lusted after to the point that they are being sold on ebay for $300 bucks a pop by some cruel heartless shoe-scalpers. It is such a tease to see these "out of stock" time and time again. But how often can you really wear these, are they really practical?


Mary Roks - So cute! They are preppy but chic and out of the usual. A versatile shoe that can be worn in numerous ways, including with tights or pretty shocks. My only reservation is that they are seude and that can be dangerous.














SYD - This is a hot bootie. I love the height of the wedge and that it hits above the ankle. You can dress these down with jeans or wear it with a cute short and blazer combo. I especially love the idea of wearing it with a long floral boho dress. My concern is that I would prefer a platform for comfort.














Tick - AMAZING, I love the studs. I love the print, leopard is great - despite a few who believe this is tacky. News flash, leopard will always be in, one way or another, as long as it is tastefully done. Speaking of that, this seems like a difficult number to repeat.
















Xmas - I didn't get these for xmas, but I sure as hell would have wanted them (along with many other shoes, of course). Never mind my never ending list of wants, these have a strap that sling behind your heel or stays forward. How neat is that!? Ideally, I wanted a brown wedge for a softer summer, therefore I am unsure.















If you had your pick which would you choose? Expect a haul coming from me within the next 2 months. No, I'm not buying them all... maybe just one or two.

All of these are available at solestruck for very competitive prices.

----------------

UPDATE, May 30th:
My First Choice

cosmetics haul & notd

0

Posted in , , , , ,


I guess this will be considered my March haul. Initially, I never thought of posting hauls... I like haul videos just because people can express their excitement, satisfaction/dissatisfaction and opinions about a product. However, I really prefer reviews or tutorials involving the products at hand.. but I made a haul video anyway!

Unfortunately, a lot of hauls are made on the whim and aren't really legitimate reviews of the product. I suppose that's why people consider them as bragging or whatever, in my opinion those people are lame. Everyone likes to brag, if you don't like it, then don't watch it.

Anyways, here I go... and forgive my Versace perfume box, lack of a decent background, next time I'll use a magazine cover or something... blah


Mac eyeshadow in Club, Humid & Sumptuous Olive

Club - I believe this to be my favorite color of the three, but I'm still undecided and always second guess myself. I love warm smokey eyes and this brownish color has a twist. You see, it's not quite brown, not quite green and not quite gray but it can be deceiving when mixed with other colors. It's very versatile. Mac describes it as a "red-brown with green pearl - satin"

Humid - If you want the perfect forest green then this is it. I challenge you to find an exact dupe, I haven't seen any drugstore color match this without seeming too cold and frosty. This color is an intense warm frost that can't be matched.

Sumptuous Olive - This is a khaki colored veluxe pearl. I figured I would keep in the theme of greens. I really love this color as an everyday all over the eye with twinks in the outer crease. I have a feeling this color won't last me too long.

Mac Brush #239

I'm the only loser on the planet who hasn't owned one of these until now, ridiculous me. It should have been the first full sized brush I bought. Seriously though, I'm only trying to buy the brushes I need and I am not collecting. I don't have many mac brushes and I try to find dupes all the time, but I got lazy this time.  

OPI Hong Kong in "Lucky Lucky Lavender" & "Panda-monium Pink"

 



I'm wearing Panda-monium Pink on my toes and lucky lucky lavender on my hands. Three coats does the trick, four thin coats is best. I'm loving the lavender shade, not sure about the panda pink. Technically, they are both pink, however the lavender is a pink with a hint of purple/blue cool tone. The panda pink is more flattering for paler skin tones.

Maybellin Eyestudio quad in Legendary Lilac


Yes, so it's exactly like everyone said, very shimmery. It has it's pros and cons. Pros: the colors are nice, you can use the whole quad or combine any 2 colors and run out of the door. If you don't have brushes, your fingers will do the trick. Cons: this thing is tiny. When you blend with brushes the colors blend into one, so it can be a little frustrating to work with.


Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Brownish Black  

Haven't even opened this, obviously. Since s/s is coming up I wanted to lighten up a little. My hair tends to get lighter with the sun and I want to bring out the brown in my eyes and bronze in my complexion. (gosh, I hope I get bronzed) Running away from jet black will be refreshing this year.



Revlon ColorStay quad in Lavender Meadow
My obsessions this month; greens, pinks and purples. Purples are great for any season. I wanted to experiment with lilac and lavender colors for spring just to wear something a little out of my ordinary. I've used it a couple of times in the lavender color combined with a jumbo purple eyeshadow pen from Rimmel, so far so good.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner, Earthen Rock Brown

Again, as I mentioned before. I'm slowly moving towards browns as opposed to black. I
currently own the same liner in black too.  

Annabelle Kohl eyeliner in Milkyway


I was originally looking for a replacement for white eyeliner. I found this pearly off white color that I'm not happy with. I wanted a cream or neutral to use in my water line. A color that was light enough to brighten up my eye without looking as harsh as stark white. This one doesn't work well. It's better for brightening the inner corner, I guess, cause it works ok on skin. Not happy!