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?
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.
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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
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! :)
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010
Posted in ootd , spring/summer
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...
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Friday, April 23, 2010
Posted in skin care
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.
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Thursday, April 22, 2010
Posted in DIY , spring/summer
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.

Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010
Posted in how to wear , spring/summer
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!
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Monday, April 12, 2010
Posted in fall/winter , hair
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 :)
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Posted in how to wear , spring/summer
Here is a picture of what I showed in my video.
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.
In terms of colors: black, grays, ice cream colors, pastels, & various shades of nudes
Posted by Stealing Beauty | Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2010
Posted in footwear , spring/summer
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UPDATE, May 30th:
My First Choice
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!
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.
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.
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.