HOW TO WEAR BLACK LIPSTICK (AND STILL LOOK CHIC)
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think black lipstick? Goth? Ya, me too.
In 1995 I was was rebelling against the world (or so I thought) and I made my biggest fashion statement yet by dying my hair black, shaving half my head into an undercut and wearing black lipstick, red eye liner and black nails. I was an angsty kid with a chip on my shoulder and I don’t even know why because in reality, life was good and I had the happiest childhood growing up. Let’s just sum it up to hormones.
The funny thing is, it wasn't even cool to be goth when I was young, and I certainly didn’t do it in hopes of becoming Miss Popularity. I just wanted to stand out and be original because I was sick of suburban life.
All of this has got me thinking about what it means to wear black, blue or whatever lipstick as a 30-something-year-old and still look respectable and polished. Can it be done? I’d like to think so but there’s certainly a time and a place. For example, you’re not going to show up at the office with black lips, but all signs point to yes for a night out with the girls. Here’s my checklist on how to wear black lipstick while still looking glam and age appropriate.
- BE FLAWLESS - Hydrate and prep your skin for flawless makeup. Conceal any imperfections and use bronzer and a pinky toned blush to warm up your skin. After all, you don’t want to look like The Walking Dead right?
- GET YOUR HAIR DID - Just as your makeup should be flawless, your hair should be too. Smooth away any fly aways with styling creme or go get a blow out.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE - Your lips will be the main focus so make sure the rest of your makeup is clean and simple. I opted for two coats of volume building mascara and skipped out on the eye liner.
- APPLICATION IS KEY - Apply that lipstick perfectly for a polished look. Use a lipliner and keep inside the lines. Erase any mistakes using a small brush and concealer.
- SMILE - Remember, you want to look polished, glamorous and sophisticated so don’t forget to smile!
So, is it socially acceptable to wear black lipstick in 2016? The answer is yes but expect looks along the way.
FESTIVAL READY OUTFITS & WHAT TO PACK
The end of Coachella means the beginning of festival season! Personally, I've never been, but I did go to Bestival and WayHome last year so I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about when I say "this is what you should pack and this is what you should wear." Makes sense right?
Festivals are all about fun and letting free but I can't help myself and I have to prepare for the day ahead. Packing some hand sani, an iPhone battery charger and some extra tissue (in case you're left in a no TP scenario), never hurts. Same goes for comfy clothes and cute and sensible shoes.
If you've ever wanted to step outside of your comfort zone but have never had the guts, now's the time. No one will judge because it's a festival and no one gives a fudge! Have fun with your outfit and go for it. These awesome Hunter wellies are a good way to add colour and will keep your feet safe from mud (trust me, mud happens!). Just make sure to show lots of leg in a cute mini or some short shorts like Kate Moss. ;) Pair the boots with a fringe tank and a cute bandana and you're almost ready!
Hunter backpack from SS16 jam packed with my festival essentials including aloe coconut water from Thirsty Buddha and coconut chips. I'm obsessed!
Keep the designer bag at home because you don't want to ruin it on the field. Instead store your necessities in a backpack. Last year I packed snacks like fruits, nuts, and vegan protein bars, basically anything didn't require refrigeration. Right now I'm obsessed with coconut chips from Montreal based Thirsty Buddha, so I'll probably pack a few of those too. No word of a lie, I stalked my local health food store for weeks until those coco chips were restocked! #addicted
Finally, use protection! Sunscreen, sunnies, a hat and even after sun are a must. Resembling a lobster post festival is not hot. Also, have fun with some different lipstick shades while you're at it. Black Truffle (black violet) and Spritzer (lilac) from Bite Beauty are really awesome lip colours that are super moisturizing but aren't exactly everyday appropriate in your 30s'. Now's the time to rock them!
So there you have my festival must haves/ survival guide. What are your tips?
xo, Nathalie
OBSESSED: BOMBER JACKETS
Clearly there's two things I'm crazy about right now: 1) my mini Dionysus 2) Zara bomber jackets. Anytime I order anything from Zara I end up returning 99% of it because what I get in person isn't the same as what I see online (aka. shit quality), but this season I feel like they're killing it.
Jackets are a cheap way to change up a whole look especially when they're priced well. The one I'm wearing here is on the expensive side for Zara, but I don't mind since the embroidery detail in the back is amazing and it's reversible. It sure helps that it looks go with my bag right? ;)
xo, Nathalie
Gold iPhone 6+ case: FACE by Phantom Glass.
REVIEW: BURT'S BEES LIPSTICK & BB CREAM
When the latest from Burt's Bees hit my desk I was excited to start swatching right away! The new lipsticks come in 14 shades like Suede Splash (a flattering brown-rose), Sunset Cruise (pinky-coral) and Scarlet Soaked (luscious orange-red) and my fave Russet River (a red based brown that's easy to wear yet dramatic). The formula is 100% natural, highly moisturizing and feel as comfortable to wear as lip balm. With a satin finish, they are slightly sheer which is perfect for hot summer days. For a bolder look just add lip liner underneath!
NUDES - Nile Nude 500 (cool based nude), Blush Basin 501 (neutral pink nude), Suede Splash 502 (warm nude)
PLUMS / BROWNS - Lily Lake 530 (cool mauve rose), Juniper Water 531 (classic plum), Russet River 532 (warm red based brown)
REDS - Scarlet Soaked 520 (warm orange red), Ruby Ripple 521 (cool red), Sunset Cruise 523 (neutral pinky coral)
PURPLES - Brimming Berry 514 (classic berry), Tulip Tide 515 (cool lilac)
PINKS: Iced Iris 510 (bubblegum pink), Magenta Rush 511 (classic magenta), Fuchsia Flood 512 (cool pink)
WEARING BURT'S BEES LIPSTICKS IN: Russet River, Scarlet Soaked, Magenta Rush, Brimming Berry and Suede Splash with Lisbeth necklace and James Perse t-shirt.
BB CREAM WITH SPF 15 - Medium, Light - Medium, Light
In addition to the new lippies, Burt's Bees has also launched their BB Cream with SPF 15. If you're like me, you would have already swapped out your foundation for a lighter wearing tinted moisturizer with sun protection. I prefer using sheer makeup in the hotter months because it looks more natural in the sun. Plus - who wants cake face in 30-degree weather? This BB Cream goes on easy with your fingers (no beautyblender required!) and looks dewy and natural on the skin which I love! It comes in 3 shades, Light, Light-Medium and Medium. Right now I'm using Light-Medium but I'll probably switch to Medium in the summer for a bronzed look.
This post is sponsored by Burt's Bees. All opinions and photographs are my own.
REVIEW: REVLON’S ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE MASCARA
Who else has more than one mascara currently in their makeup bag? I know I do and, in fact, I have 5 tubes on the go right now because they all serve a different, yet necessary function. I have the thickening one, lengthening, curling, waterproof and the “natural” one, which of course, I barely use. Oh, did I mention the mascara primer? So all in all I have 6 tubes of mascara in my makeup bag ready to #werk.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Revlon on YouTube these days and naturally I was excited to put their new Ultimate All-in-One Mascara to the test. It comes in 3 everyday wearable colours - Black, Blackest Black and Blackened Brown. I got mine in blackest black, which is perfect because I have dark hair and olive skin so I find it’s the most flattering shade for my lashes.
As with every makeup I try, I first wore my new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara around the house as phase one of my rigorous makeup testing. My lashes stayed plump up until the end of the night and I had no smudging. So far so good!
Phase two was to test it out as I ran about my daily errands for the next couple of days. Again, my lashes stayed plump and smudge-free till night time.
Overview of Revlon’s new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara.
PROS
- Buildable. The first coat lengthens and separates your lashes. The second coat thickens and curls them to juicy long lashes.
- The uniquely shaped oval brush, called the Revlon Power Mini Brush, looks intimidating at first glance, but is actually very easy to use. It’s also perfect for getting even the tiniest lashes, like the ones in the corner of your eye.
- Intense colour pay off. Since I have dark eyes and dark hair, I prefer the deepest, darkest black from my mascara to help my eyes pop more. Revlon’s Blackest Black Ultimate All-In-One Mascara passes my colour test. ;)
- Smudge-proof.
- Easy to wash off.
CONS
- Prone to flaking if you touch your lashes.
The left eye features 3 coats of Revlon’s New All-In-One Mascara on the upper lashes and one coat on the lower. The right eye features no mascara.
*Revlon’s All-In-One was the only eyelash product used for this picture.
Overall, I think Revlon’s new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara is a great all-in-one that delivers on its promise. While wearing it, my lashes looked long and thick and my eyes really stood out. It can certainly replace all 6 mascaras currently in my beauty bag but honestly, that’s a big commitment and I like variety. I can say that it has a new place in my beauty bag and I’ll be reaching for it in the near future.
This post is sponsored by Revlon. All opinions and pictures are my own.
How to make a hotel bed at home
Let me preface this article by telling you that I am not one of those people who is blessed with the ability to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. No. Not me. That’s Geoff and I resent him for it. (Not really because that would be mean. O.K. Just a little.)
My sleeping habits go a little something like this:
I take forever to fall asleep. Seriously sometimes it takes me hours.
I read to help me fall asleep.
I take melatonin.
I watch Netflix.
I check out Tumblr and Pinterest.
And if I’m really desperate, I online shop until I drop.
When the lovely people at Casper sent me a new mattress, I decided it was the best time to convert my bed into a hotel bed in hopes of finally being able to get some luxurious sleep.
I saw Diana (BFF/ contributing beauty writer for WS) go through this whole “bed obsessed” phase when she moved into her condo. I never understood it until now. The moment that Casper box landed on my doorstep, something took over me and a sleep-crazed monster was created. So without any further delay, let’s jump right into How To Make A Hotel Bed At Home in 8 easy steps.
STEP 1
Get a good mattress because it makes all the difference in the world. Casper offers one type of mattress in 6 sizes, from Twin to Cali King. I wish I had a proper video to show you guys the whole unboxing, because these babies come rolled up in a cello wrap and then boxed into a… box! (It’s pretty cool. Google Casper unboxing video. Do it.) But enough about size and packages because this mattress is super comfy, perfectly firm and is the right base for creating a hotel bed.
STEP 2
You know that cozy feeling when you sink into a hotel bed and you never want to leave? Well that comes from the featherbed topper. I went with a “faux featherbed” aka, Gel Microfibre Down Alternative, because I wanted a cruelty free version.
STEP 3
Get yourself a big cozy duvet. There are plenty of cruelty free versions out there that give you the same fluffy comfort as the down filled ones.
STEP 4
Pillows! I have a king bed so I have 2 king pillows and 4 standard pillows. 4-6 pillows is hotel-bed-acceptable but anything more is excessive.
STEP 5
Luxurious, 300 thread count, 100% cotton sheets is where it’s at. Most luxury hotels have beautiful while fluffy beds so make sure to get white sheets.
STEP 6
Your duvet cover should be the same as above: 300, 100% and white.
STEP 7
Keep your side tables clean and beautiful. Fresh florals and a scented candle will make you feel like you’ve transported to a heavenly sleepy place ready for slumber.
STEP 8
Climb into bed with silky pjs, or no pjs if that’s your jam, and get a good nights' sleep.
Bon nuit.
*Special thanks to Casper for helping me create this story. All opinions and photos are my own.
MINI DIONYSUS TO GO
I feel like my whole life has been "on-the-go" recently and getting this bag was no exception. After scrolling through @modeison_'s page one morning I decided I needed a little bit of retail therapy. With my coffee in hand, I went shopping and came home with this mini Dionysus.
I did have a moment of doubt when I get her home and thought "shit, I hope it goes with my wardrobe". Indeed it does and I like how it adds a something different to my look. It's just the right amount of contrast to black, strong patterns and killer ankle boots.
At the end of the day, I have no regrets. Well, maybe just the lack of "me" time in my calendar but that's a whole other story.
xo, Nathalie
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL BIRO
CUPCAKES & SNEAKERS
Cupcakes, weekends and sunshine. Toronto is finally getting on board with spring and I'm hella excited. I finally busted out my mint coloured Vans and this cute Philo bag from Town Shoes for the occasion. All of a sudden sneakers just seem so much more desirable than ankle boots don't you think?
xo, Nathalie
DIOR HELPED ME SURVIVE FASHION WEEK
Another season of Toronto Fashion Week has come and gone and I've survived with my makeup on point. With what felt like a million and one deadlines due all in the same week, I was up early each morning and putting on a full face - foundation, eyebrows, contour and all, before becoming a slave to my desk and then eventually heading out for the night. If you're wondering why I was having my makeup did so early, it's because I hate being rushed and being late. No bueno.
With Dior's primer and makeup in check, I felt confident that everything would hold up to the end of the night. Even on my busiest day, when I had a few events lined up, my face was still going strong.
Call me excessive, high maintenance, whatever you want, but I'm the first to admit that I have a foundation for every occasion. Diorskin Forever Perfect Makeup is pretty much close to perfect. It has a full coverage lightweight formula that blends easily and stays matte, without looking cakey. For the lack of better word, it's the perfect makeup for special events and yet it's suitable for everyday wear too, because hi, don't we want to look flawless everyday?
Post fashion week, I'm still using my Dior makeup on the daily because it's that good. ;)
xo, Nathalie
This post was sponsored by Hudson's Bay. All opinions and photographs are my own.