GIFT GUIDE: 5 Gifts For the Girl Who Has Everything
I don't know about you guys, but I've already started my Christmas shopping. If you follow my Instagram, you'll know that I was recently in Nova Scotia where I picked up some amazing stuff. One of my favourite buys was a little handmade rattle for my friend Mel, who's expecting her first child early next year. I gave it to her over brunch and somehow the conversation turned into what we're getting our spouses for Xmas - nothing. We're all at a point in our lives where we really feel like we don't need anything and if we do, chances are we just go out and buy it ourselves. So with that in mind, I wanted to create a Gift Guide for the woman who has everything. It can be anyone in your life - your mum, mother-in-law, sister, a colleague, whoever! Just remember the secret to picking a good gift is to get something that will excite the recipient and make her love you a little more. Ho-ho-Ho!
SHOP THE POST
L'OCCITAINE Almond Collection, $79
Both Diana's mother and mother-in-law are big fans of L'occitane and every year they look forward to the awesome gift sets the brand releases for the holidays. I'm obsessed with this five-piece almond scented gift set that contains a full sized Shower Oil and Milk Concentrate.
Set Contains:
Milk Concentrate with Almond Milk, 100ml
Almond Shower Oil, 500ml
Almond Delicious Hand and Nail Care Cream, 10ml
Almond Supple Skin Oil, 15ml
Almond Delicious Soap, 50g
LAURA MERCIER Crème Brûlée Honey Bath, $60 + Hand & Body Crème Collection, $45
If you haven't tried Laura Mercier's bath collection yet than you have no idea what you're missing. The collection can be pricey (hi, $60 honey bath anyone?), but the products are luxe all of the way and are totally worth it! Diana and I both have the Vanilla perfume and we get mad compliments when we wear it. I have the Ambre Vanilla Soufflé Body Crème and I can honestly tell you that nothing else lifts my mood like it. For those on a budget, LM has released mini's of her infamous crèmes that come in a set of 4 for $45, perfect for gifting as a set or dividing it amongst some of the ladies in your life.
BITE BEAUTY Prismatic Pearl Crème Lip Gloss, $25 each
My mother and I are both huge fans of Canadian born Bite Beauty. She's gifted lipsticks to my aunt and her girlfriends over the years and now she's created this little cult following of Bite Beauty loving women in her life. It's actually adorable! This year Bite has released these limited edition Prismatic Pearl lip glosses for the holidays. They might not be appropriate for my mom and her circle of friends, but the younger generation will love the colour diversity - from Lavender to Peacock blue and Cherry Pearl. These smell great, taste like vanilla, and they're super hydrating like Bite's other lipsticks.
NEST Holiday Candle Trio, $85
Every homeowner I know loves scented candles and New York-based Nest Fragrances makes some awesome, affordable candles that are perfect for gift giving. This trio set contains three of their beautiful holiday scents, Sugar Cookies, Birchwood Pine and my personal fave, Holiday, a sparkling scent of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber.
BENEFIT Holiday Gift Sets, $29 - $46
For the girl in your life who loves makeup, look no further than Benefit. These sets are available in either mini sizes, like the Cablecar Cuties set, or with full sized products like the Beauty & The Bay set, which contains a full sized Hoola Bronzer and They're Real! Mascara. The minis are not only budget friendly, but also excellent for the woman who travels lots, as she can take them along on her carry-on luggage!
Channeling Kate Moss
As I got ready for my sister in law's wedding this past weekend I wondered what I'd wear. I'm the type of girl who'd rather shop my own closet than run out and buy something new for every occasion. Sure, I might not wear these Christian Louboutin shoes every day, but when I need to play dress up, they're there. The best part about a shoe like this is that I can wear it on a more casual setting, or elevated casual as I like to call it, and channel my inner Kate Moss by pairing the shoes with black skinny jeans, an off the shoulder sweater from Revolve and my good ol' leopard coat. The icing on the cake, a patent leather Chanel bag of course. Remeber, when you're out shopping think about how far a piece will take you and you'll save yourself time in the long run. After all, who needs a closet full of occasion dresses they only wear once?
WHAT I'M WEARING
Revolve off the shoulder sweater. Rag & Bone jeans. Christian Louboutin Anjalina 85mm leather heels. Chanel patent leather jumbo bag (similar here). Sanctuary leopard print coat (similar here). Celiné sunglasses. Zara double buckle leather belt.
Why We Love NARS x Man Ray
NARS kills it with their recent collab for their limited edition holiday collection featuring American artist Man Ray. Known for his surrealist work, NARS features his beautiful photography on the packaging on their eyeshadows palettes, cheek, and lipstick sets. These are perfect for gift giving and for those who love to collect limited edish collections. My favourite, the NARS x Man Ray: Noire Et Blanche Audacious Lipstick Coffret, a set of four mini red lipsticks, that come in a beautiful round bubble top box. I love it so much it sits on my coffee table amongst my other treasures. If you're looking to get your hands on NARS x Man Ray, don't wait too long. When Iw as writing this and putting together my affiliate links, I realized a lot of pieces are already sold out. Thanks for making gift giving so easy this year NARS!
SHOP THE NARS X MAN RAY LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION
NARS x Man Ray Love Game Eyeshadow Palette, $75
This limited edition palette features a whole new range of limited shades. It has everything you need to create a neutral eye or something really dramatic for the upcoming holidays.
- 12 Limited Edition Shades:
- Ladykiller (matte cream)
- Rendezvous (luminous golden pearl)
- Dominant (matte sandstorm)
- Submissive (matte deep army)
- Your Move (matte camel)
- Hard to Get (shimmering terracotta)
- Tryst (shimmering true gold)
- Dirty Talk (shimmering light silver)
- Long Game (satin sapphire)
- Blind Date (shimmering burgundy)
- Play Me (shimmering golden brown)
- Momentum (shimmering emerald)
NARS x Man Ray: Love Triangle Blush/Lipstick Set, $32
My favourite set for gift giving from the Man Ray collection features a mini blush and lipstick. Each limited set comes in a chic triangle box with the iconic Man Rey gold lips.
(Each sold separately)
Orgasm Set: Mini Blush & Lipstick in Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer)
Deep Throat & Barbara Set: Mini Blush in Deep Throat (soft pink with golden sheen) & Mini lipstick in Barbara (tan rose)
Hot Sand & Rita Set: Mini Blush in Hot Sand (peach champagne) & Mini lipstick in Rita (scarlet)
NARS x Man Ray: Overexposed Glow Highlighter - Double Take, $42
This golden highlight powder is so beautiful with it's imprinted lips that it makes us not want to use it! But seriously, the shade is super flattering. Dust it on your cheekbones for a healthy glow and along your decolletage to reach Rock Star status.
NARS x Man Ray: Blush in Fetishized, $38
A new shade is introduced to us for this collaboration in a bright pink grapefruit shade called Fetishized. It's perfect for breathing new life into the complexion and it's flattering on everyone! I've been wearing it non-stop!
NARS x Man Ray: Photogloss Lip Lacquer, $33
Gold, limited edition lipgloss. 'Nough said.
NARS x Man Ray: Noire Et Blanche Audacious Lipstick Coffret, $70
A limited-edition collection of four mini Audacious Lipsticks in a keepsake box. I love it so much it sits on my living room coffee table!
- Four Mini Audacious Lipsticks:
- Lee (garnet, limited edition)
- Dolores (crimson red, limited edition)
- Josephine (Bordeaux, limited edition)
- Charlotte (oxblood burgundy)
NARS x Man Ray: Duo Eyeshadow in Montparnasse, $43
This crease-proof shadow comes in a shimmery gold and iridescent orchid shade that's excellent for creating a smokey eye. I personally like to smudge the orchic shade along my bottom lash line, load my lashes with tons of mascara and voila, I have a dramatic day time look that's not too overdone.
NARS x Man Ray Velvet Eyeliner in Nagoya, $24
This vibrant purple eyeliner is smudge proof, tug-free, and all around amazing. I like to set it into place by adding a little bit of eyeshadow overtop and then going back in with eyeliner and intesifying the colour.
How To Wear A Teddy Bear Coat
So here's the deal. Geoff is embarrassed by 30% of my wardrobe. I'm taking faux furs, pink glittery boots (you know the Saint Laurent ones I'm talking about), and generally anything over the top and too statement-y. Don't get him wrong though because he's no hater and he always supports me 110%, but I think it's the stares from other people that he could do without. He'd rather keep to himself and do without people pointing and commenting at my choice of clothing.
Naturally, I was surprised when he said this Topshop teddy bear coat wasn't "offensive". Either he's truly getting used to my personal style (after 10 years together!) or he's seen crazier things in my closet. Either way, I wore it out on a chilly weekend morning as we grabbed a hot chocolate from Starbucks. The barista said she loved my coat and Geoff couldn't help but laugh. So much for going unnoticed.
WHAT I'M WEARING
Topshop teddy bear coat. Sears striped t-shirt. Zara jeans & belt. Kendall & Kylie combat boots circa 2016. Rayban sunglasses. Brunette necklace from Lisbeth. Chanel patent leather bag from Love That Bag.
1. KISS
The coat is your statement piece. Keep everything else simple and you'll look timeless and chic.
2. ACCESSORIZE
I like understated, yet fun pieces that make me smile. This gold BRUNETTE necklace is from my dear friend's jewelry line, called Lisbeth. She collaborated with her sister, founder of the Brunette The Label clothing line on this piece. You can check it out at lisbethjewelry.com. (My thin gold ring is also Lisbeth.)
3. BLACK FOR THE WIN
Black skinny jeans remain a favourite of mine because they elongate my legs, especially when paired with black leather ankle boots.
4. STAY WARM
The best part of this cozy coat is how warm and cozy it is. As the weather gets colder, I can layer a thick sweater underneath but in the meanwhile, a t-shirt and a cup of coconut milk hot chocolate will do.
A First Look At Burt's Bees New Makeup Line
This brand needs no introduction I'm sure. The much-loved Burt's Bees makes some of our favourite lip balms and now they're expanding their line to include a full-fledged makeup collection! Launched in the U.S this past Septemeber, loyal fans are already freaking out over the 100% natural blush and mascara. Canadian fans will have to wait until January 2018 to get their hands on the stuff but it'll be worth the wait! Our favourite items so far, the eyeshadows, natural wooden pencil eyeliner, and the blush of course in the shade Shy Pink.
BURT'S BEES 100% NATURAL BLUSH, EYESHADOW, & POWDER FOUNDATION: non-comedogenic, formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances. These powders are dermatologist tested and never tested on animals.
BURT'S BEES GOODNESS GLOWS LIQUID MAKEUP: This full coverage mineral makeup is 98.9% natural and comes in 12 shades. (shown in Soft Honey.)
BURT'S BEES WOODEN EYELINER, EYEBROW PENCIL AND 100% NATURAL MASCARA
BURT'S BEES BLUSH & EYESHADOW SWATCHES
SHOP BURT'S BEES NEW MAKEUP NOW
Burt's Bees Makeup Collection Launches in January 2018 in Canada. The line ranges from $10 - $21 and is ready to ship at Ulta.com if you don't want to wait.
Move Over Fall, It's Time For Winter Whites
Hello, cold weather and hello, early winter! It's not usual that I get so excited about dropping temps, but I was in Miami last week, for a funeral of all things, and it must have been my emotional state but I found the heat to be ridiculously suffocating. Even though I lived there in my early years and know first hand how hot the sun can be there, I completely packed all of the wrong things - utility jackets, skinny jeans, long-sleeved lace tops. Ugh.
Now that I'm back home, I'm 110% embracing the cold. I've been loving everything oversized and I've been going up a size or two in most of my knits. One of the pieces I'm loving is this cremé-coloured oversized turtleneck from H&M that I picked up while I was in Iceland. I got it in a large because I wanted it to feel like a blanket hugging me. I've been pairing it black skinnies - either my Topshop Jamie jeans or leather leggings from Mackage to keep the look streamlined. Finally, this heavenly textured coat is from Massimo Dutti is perfect for when the temperature drops. It's lightweight but extremely warm and cozy thanks to the wool, alpaca, and mohair that gives the coat it's beautiful texture.
I know my excitement for the chilly weather will eventually die down, but hey, at least there's beautiful sweaters, boots, and coats to keep playing with because if I was in Miami wearing cut-offs and t-shirts all of the time, I'd be hella bored.
How To Make Any Look Edgy + Chic
I’m sure it’s no surprise that my fashion influence comes from French women - Emmanuelle Alt, Lou Doillon, Jane Birkin, and Caroline de Maigret. These women have this effortless, classic approach to getting dressed that seems so easy but man, does it ever take some serious thought! Add Kate Moss, the Olsen Twins, Erin Wasson, and Harry Styles into the mix and I’m in fashion heaven.
Growing up I went through various stages of self-expression with fashion. There was my hippie stage, my preppy stage, my goth stage and finally my personal fave - my grunge stage, influenced by the likes of Pearl’s Jam’s Eddie Vedder and the late Chris Cornell. I was all over the place but my fashion roots always came back to rock music and that influence is apparent to this day.
Whenever I feel my style is getting a little too precious I mix in a little bit of leather or a bold colour to mix things up. While I appreciate super feminine looks on others, I never feel myself if my outfit doesn’t have a little bit of an edge to it.
Perfect Is Boring
Tousle your hair, tuck-in your shirt unevenly and rock those worn-in leather shoes girl! Perfection in personal style is boring if you want to be edgy and best left the likes of Blair Waldorf. Edgy style is all about owning yourself and not worrying about being too perfect or what others think.
Juxtaposition
Don't be afraid to mix it up. I love bold prints like polka dots and feminine textures like lace and ruffles and prefer to toughen them up with leather details and black skinny jeans, the ultimate staples in my edgy wardrobe.
Keep It Age Appropriate
Go back to my blog a couple of years and you’ll see me in plenty of cutoffs and mini skirts. Since then, I’ve put on about 10 pounds and I'm a couple of years older, so I leave the mini’s and tiny shorts for the beach to keep from looking like a wannabe teen. I still prefer my hemlines a few inches above my knees, but the key is to wear more elegant cuts and fabrics. These days it's about pairing a silk Equipment blouse with a leather mini rather than a tiny denim skirt and t-shirt. Best of all, black, leather ankle boots are a must-have for anyone who craves edgy style.
Invest In Quality, Timeless Pieces
If you leaf through Garance Doré’s book, Love Style Life, she has an entire chapter dedicated to chic, classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Sure, she’s suggesting some high-end items like $800 designer shoes, but forget about the price tag for a minute and let's focus on classic cuts that will outlast every trend. These black Alexander Wang ankle boots where my first high-end shoe purchase and they proved to be a game changer in my wardrobe. Even years later, people stop me on the streets asking about where I got my boots. They go with EVERYTHING in my closet thanks to the classic cut, meaning they are my most worn shoe to date.
Affordable Beauty: 20 Under $20
I'm not gonna sit here and lie to you and pretend I don't love bougie makeup, because I do, and yet at the same time, I love me a good deal. Who doesn't right? I first got the idea for this segment when I was in Iceland on vacation. My makeup bag consisted of a few select affordable, yet reliable, beauty items. Best of all everything was travel-friendly because there was no way I'd be bringing my entire beauty arsenal with me to Iceland. I got together with WoahStyle beauty contributor, Diana Aldea, to bring you guys our current beauty faves at $20 and under, ranging from drug store finds to some of iconic makeup designer makeup that you wouldn't believe.
HAIR
1.
If you haven't tried a Tangle Teezer detangling brush yet, then you don't know what you're missing. Great for both wet and dry hair, this plastic brush glides through the thickest hair and the messiest tangles without tugging or breaking hair.
2.
Recently reformulated, Pantene's Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo smells great and keeps our frizz-prone locks soft, healthy, and shiny. Best part, our hair seems to stay cleaner longer. Hmm...
3.
We swear Pantene's 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner was made for the Gods. It gives our hair life and leaves it manageable and frizz-free. We like to use it after every shampoo but once a week I use it as a hair mask. Ten minutes before jumping into the shower, just slather it onto dry hair and let it work its magic.
4.
The Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Repair Creme Infused with Argan Oil has an amazing smell thanks to the exotic blend of citrus, warm spices, and vanilla. Just apply it to my wet hair right of the shower and let it do its thing.
FACE
5.
We're always hiding something. Sometimes it's a 20lb weight gain - which is really hard to hide. Other times it's something that's got an easy fix, like some larger pores on your nose. Maybelline's Fit Me power has you covered for the latter. It comes in a bunch of shades, and it has a full coverage that doesn't weigh you down or make you look chalky. Don't believe me? Google it and see for yourself - people love this ish.
6.
If you haven't tried NARS iconic creamy radiant concealer, we want to know where you've been living. Under a rock?! Seriously though, this stuff incredible and we love the fact its available in mini tubes for $16. It's great for travel and wallet-friendly if you're on a budget.
7.
We heard the Fenty Beauty makeup sponge is the closest dupe to the original Beauty Blender so naturally, we had to try it for ourselves. It's softer and more spongey than a BB but it does the trick for $8 less.
8.
If you wear makeup then you need this Real Techniques setting brush in your life. The synthetic bristle brush is high quality for $10 and is perfect for setting under eye concealer and glowing up your highlight. Nathalie has two in her makeup kit. Enough said.
COLOUR
9.
Burt's Bees has just released a colour collection and we are shook here at WoahStyle! Their mineral-based blush is made with bamboo, is 100% natural and leaves the prettiestflush of colour on our cheeks. The collection is out now in the US and will hit shelves in Canada in January 2018.
10.
Yes, we're featuring another Burt's Bees because they are expanding their lipstick collection to include six new Glossy shades. We can't get enough of Blush Ripple, a red-brown shade that goes on sheer and feels highly moisturizing on our lips.
11.
The only thing better than discovering new cruelty-free makeup and is glowing the F up!!! Wet N Wild's MegaGlo Highlighting Powder includes six shades from lavender, to a golden glow and shimmery pink. At $6, we can't help but want them all.
12.
Nude nails are timeless and classic and as much as we love edgy black, we always go back to nude. Essie's Bare With Me is the perfect shade for olive skin tones, it's a touch pink, a touch brown and very flattering. Make sure you seal your manicture with a top coat to make it last.
PREP
13.
Before makeup and after skincare, we always moisturize our lips. It's the perfect base before lipstick and makes sure your lips stay hydrated and soft even under the driest of liquid lipsticks. EOS makes some great ones natural lip balms that are organic and packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
14.
MAC’s Prep + Prime Fix+ is incredible for making makeup last. Use it to prep your makeup before foundation and as a setting spray after your makeup is done. A full 100ml bottle will set you back about $30, but the mini version is about $14 for 30ml. It’s great way to try it out if you haven’t already and it’s awesome for travel because we love everything mini to fit in our carry on.
15.
Dupe alert! If you’ve ever tried Dior Show mascara and loved it but hated the expensive price tag, fear not because CoverGirl has you covered. While every CG mascara will give you a different lash, they all perform at the top of the mascara game because they never smudge or flake. EVER. We are loving the new one called Peacock Flare for luscious, fat, dramatic lashes. Yesssss.
16.
Speaking of travel and carry-ons, we love the clear train case from Tartan + Twine at Ulta because we can easily see what we’ve packed, and TSA won’t get mad at us. Best part, these plastic cases are super easy to clean up if anything spills.
17.
MAC’s Strobe Cream is amazing under makeup, on top of makeup and heck, even mixed with our foundation. We love it because it makes our skin look luminous and radiant and never cakey. A mini version of the stuff will set you back $14 for 30ml and again, it’s perfect for travel for carrying in your purse for touch-ups.
18.
We are putting not one, but two amazing hand creams on this list because it’s one of those items that we can’t live without. Seriously, Nathalie has a hand cream for every one of her bags! If you’re into scented, non-greasy formulas then you will love these new ones from Fresh. Available in Citron de Vigne and Honeysuckle, these will leave you with a light sparkling scent lingering that the brand is known so well for.
19.
The other hand cream that we are loving is the Parisian favourite, Nuxe. This one is jam-packed with essential oils that nourish our hands and protect it from the dry cold air. It has a light comforting scent that reminds us of our grandmothers.
20.
Finally, for those who shave because they’re too damn lazy to wax, like us, you will love Venus’s Spa razors that come with the shave cream built-in. This product was incredible in Iceland and we didn’t have to worry about hauling shave cream and everything else half way around the world. Best of all, we had silky smooth legs for the Blue Lagoon.
SPONSORED: The Drug Store Moisturizer That Outperforms a $250 Jar of Luxury Cream
They say thirty is the new twenty, but I think we can all agree that our skin is always telling of our age. You know what I’m talking about: laugh lines, unevenness, dullness, and dryness.
I distinctly remember the first time I realized my skin was showing those pesky first signs of aging.
It was a few years ago and I was on holiday with my family, and my father, who is the nicest, most respectful man ever, looked over at me and asked if I was sick. My stomach dropped, “No Dad, I’m just not wearing makeup.” Ugh.
I stepped up my skincare routine after that and perhaps even over-complicated it with way too many steps.
From that day on, I began to moisturize every nook and cranny of my face. I’d start with my face, bring it down to my neck and chest and end with the back of my hands (because they say your real age shows on your hands).
And while yes, moisture is always a good thing, I was always using the wrong skincare products for my sensitive combo/oily skin and I was unknowingly irritating my face along the way.
Fast forward to now and I’ve simplified my skincare routine to a couple of simple steps and I no longer look sick without makeup. If you want to know what my secret to youthful-looking skin is, just keep reading.
When Olay approached me to take their Olay 28 Day Challenge, I was excited.
I’ve heard only good things about the Olay Regenerist line and my favourite beauty editor, Sali Hughes, just so happens to speak highly of Olay. She’s the type of person who doesn’t get swayed by department store price tags and fancy names and instead, always seeks out good-quality products that work. I mean, isn’t that what we all want anyway?
I dove all-in to my own personal Olay 28 Day Challenge in the beginning of October and as I come to a close with the challenge, I’m happy to report that my skin has improved!
My #28DayOlay Challenge Results:
Week One
Fine lines are a bit less pronounced and my skin looks plumper and feels more hydrated.
Week Two
Skin continues to feel and look plump and hydrated. My under-eye circles are less pronounced thanks to the Olay Ultimate Eye Cream. I’m finding my makeup also stays on longer because the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream isn’t oily. No more foundation primer!
Week Three
I went to Iceland for a week on vacation. Normally my skin gets dry and patchy in the cold weather but my skin continues to feel hydrated, plump and more youthful thanks to the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream and Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream. Too bad I can’t say the same for my lips. They’ve been dry since I got back!
Week Four
I’m feeling more and more confident that Olay has whipped my skin into shape. My eyes aren’t puffy in the mornings and my skin is feeling soft and looking good.
Why Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Works
Through extensive research, Olay has found age-related decreases in skin’s energy level, making it less responsive to anti-aging ingredients.
As a result, they designed the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream to boost skin’s hydration, in order to help fight the look of skin fatigue and accelerate anti-aging results.
Tested on 2,500 women worldwide, they found an increase in brightness and decrease in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also hydrates better than the leading luxury $250 cream and regenerates skin’s surface layers up to 2x faster after five days. It even reverses ten years of wrinkle appearance after just four weeks!
I Dare You to Start Your Own Olay 28-Day Journey
If you want to see what all of the hype is about and start on your own Olay 28 Day Challenge, simply visit Olay Skin Advisor today at spr.ly/Olay-28-Day-206. It’s an app that acts as your own personal skin care consultant to help you find the right Olay skincare routine for your skin type and to help target your concern areas. To start, you’ll be asked to upload a selfie. Then you’ll be asked a few questions while in the background the app is analyzing your skin based on the selfie you just uploaded. You can see from my results that my forehead is my best zone while my cheeks, mouth, and eyes might need specialized skincare, enter my routine with Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream and Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream.
This post is sponsored by Olay. All opinions and photos are my own. Images from the Olay Skin Advisor are screen grabs taken from spr.ly/Olay-28-Day-206.
