Day 2 // #365OUTFITS
WEARING:
Isabel Marant hoodie
Club Monaco jacket
Topshop Jamie jeans
Alexander Wang boots
I started my day wearing a dark chambray top paired with the charcoal skinny jeans you see here. As soon as we decided to go out for brunch, my outfit felt like it was trying too hard and like everything was too "too perfect". I hate when things look "perfect" and I always try to add include an unexpected element into my personal style. I take the same approach to home decor too and pretty much everything I do.
I swapped out the chambray top for an oversized Isabel Marant hoodie. I got this one on sale at SAKS and even though it was still pricey for a hoodie, I wore it for almost a month straight. That to me is money well-spent. You guys probably know by now, my fashion principle is to buy what you love, not what's trending.
Day 1 // #365OUTFITS
When I started blogging, I was uploading a lot of outfits. I started by documenting my real outfits, whatever I was wearing at the time, and then as the blog grew, I found myself putting together outfits just for the sake of uploading them on the blog.
At some point last year, after the passing of someone in my life, I got really tired of staging outfits. I was having a deep physical aversion to just the idea of going out and photographing a bunch of outfits on a single day. I felt like I was wasting precious time that would have been better spent enjoying life instead of photographing what felt like nonsense. It became clear that my mission for this blog had started to become superficial in nature and I needed to change something, I just didn't know how.
365 Outfits
I got the idea to start this new series on the blog while I was out grocery shopping with Diana. The concept is simple really; to document my real-life outfits, every day, for a whole year. No faking, No staging, all real authentic me.
365 days of daily outfits isn't a new concept, but it's new to me, which makes it hella exciting. In the upcoming year, I'll be showing you guys the good and the ugly. You'll get a glimpse into my daily life and you'll probably get to see me in loungewear, cuz there are days when I just don't want to get dressed.
Now that you guys know what's up, I'll start the series by uploading Outfit #1:
Oversized Zara jeans (similar)
A shrunken (whoops!) Comme Des Garçon Play striped top
Isabel Marant studded loafers (though I wore checkered Vans earlier in the day)
Givenchy Bambi clutch (tote from the same collection)
Aritizia Neelam buffalo plaid jacket
My outfit is casual, comfortable and they're pieces I've had forever, with exception of the loafers, which I picked up a few months ago.
Hope you guys enjoy the series!
xx
This New Concealer Covers Up Everything While Leaving Skin Looking Natural!
Concealer is probably the most valued item in my makeup bag. Without it, I feel like the walking dead and I'd rather be invisible. I have medium-dark undereye circles and some hyperpigmentation that I'm obviously not fond of, so maybe you can understand where I'm coming from on feeling so harsh about myself sans concealer.
My second most valued item is lipstick, which doubles as both a lip colour and blush. Are you really surprised?
But let's go back to concealer because it's not often I come across one that leaves my skin looking natural and covers it all up!
The new one from BAREMINERALS works beautifully and got me mad compliments on my skin the first day I wore it. #truestory
BAREMINERALS BAREPRO® 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer
PROS: It's full coverage but is lightweight in texture, doesn't crease, blends like a dream, doesn't clog pores, is water and sweat-resistance, and looks natural and not dry.
CONS: None. Seriously.
With fifteen shade to choose from, the new BAREPRO concealer is formulated with antioxidant-rich Raspberry Seed Oil, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, and Sea Lavender to nourish skin.
Apply it straight right onto the skin, yes, right from the tube and blend with a brush, BeautyBlender or your fingers. Anything goes with this formula.
Retails for: $30 CND and $24 USD
BAREMINERALS Gen Nude® Powder Blush
Occasionally I'll use lipstick as blush because I've been loving monochrome look these days. With the new GEN NUDE blushes, I really don't have to do this because they've come out with six ridiculously flattering shades.
Formulated with a special Blurring Mineral Complex and infused with light-reflective mineral pearls to brighten skin and blur imperfections.
Retails for: $30 CND and $24 USD
GEN NUDE® Patent Lip Lacquer
New to the GEN NUDE collection are these shiny liquid lipsticks that come in 18 flattering shades. I love how they look natural but also add that extra oomph to the lips thanks to the shine. For more info and swatches on these babies, make sure you head over to my lipstick blog, LIPSICK.ME.
Retails for: $23 CND and $19 USD
For a more natural look this spring/summer, the new BAREPRO Concealer melts beautifully into bare skin. For a flawless photo-ready look, I've been wearing it with the BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation. My favourite way to apply it is by pressing the foundation into my skin using a flat, dense foundation brush. The look is honestly beyond flawless and will last all day!
Disclaimer: The products in this post are PR samples. All opinions and photography are my own.
Testing out Benefit's new BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara (with before & after photos)
I've been waiting (impatiently) to run out of my old mascara before diving into Benefit's new BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara.
Having already seen some before and afters on IG, I knew I wanted to share my own B&A with you guys here to see if these claims were legit.
First, here's what you need to know. Benefit promises intense black colour and massive volume in this mascara. It contains aero-particles, "which are one of the lightest known materials, derived from space technology". The brand claims the particles won't weigh down lashes, even after multiple coats. The slender, flexible brush is designed to coat lashes evenly, from root to tip, and fits comfortably into the corners of the eyes. The formula is said to be smudge proof, water-resistant (not to be confused with waterproof) and contains provitamin B5 "to support natural lash thickness and strength."
Okay, that's a lot of claims.
Alright, here's what I have to say after one use.
I'll agree with the brand about having my lashes coated evenly. With just the first swipe of the brush, my lashes were looking thicker and longer.
Now, normally I hate slender mascara wands because I find they don't do the greatest job at providing volume, but that wasn't the case with BADgal. The flexible brush didn't feel inferior upon application and overall, I was pretty surprised/happy with the results.
After a full day of wear, I did have some smudging on my lower lash line. This happens to me with almost every mascara though (with exception of CoverGirl and Dior), because I have long lower lashes. (Boohoo. I know.) Otherwise, no clumping or flaking.
Washing it off at the end of the day was easy. I did my double cleanse as per usual - milky cleaner first, followed by Olay Infusion Hydrating Glow Facial Cleanser and my trusty organic cotton face cloth from Muji. No traces of mascara were left over and it wasn't hard to get off either.
Overall, I'd say BADgal is a fabulous mascara. Probably my favourite from the brand so far.
Two thumbs up Benefit! You did good!
DISCLAIMER: Benefit's BADgal mascara was provided as a PR sample. All photos and opinions are my own.
The shoes I'm currently obsessed with will surprise you!
A few years ago Diana and I went sneaker shopping. Little did I know it but she was looking to replace her worn out pair Vans slip ons with a shiny new pair of the exact same shoe! As someone who has four IKEA Billy bookcases full of shoes, this was totally foreign to me.
I watched her replace the rundown sneakers for years until I finally got my feet into a pair of Vans.
Suddenly I got her.
I didn't have to break these in like my Converse All-Stars (which are super cute but let's face it, hurt like hell). I can wear Vans for long periods of time and be fine, which is exactly why they have become a staple in my closet and why they're the only shoe I wear to the airport. Seriously.
Just the other day I picked up my first pair of classic black Vans. These have a platform though so I get an extra inch of height and they're still super comfy.
There are currently nine pairs of Vans on my IKEA shelves (including the limited edition Nintendo SK8-HI, which you can see how I styled here).
Finally, I get Diana.
A striped top, Zara jeans and Vans sneakers.
I just picked up this cute IRO leather bomber jacket the other day. It's oversized so I'm still thinking about it.
What's on my desk: an Umbra tray full of Chanel makeup.
My current favourite perfume - Coco Mademoiselle eau de perfum Intense.
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I'm getting mad compliments from CHANEL'S new Coco Mademoiselle perfume
Scent is a powerful thing.
A woman once followed me out of an elevator on a floor that wasn’t her stop to ask me what perfume was wearing. It’s amazing how fragrance has the amazing duality of being able to make and leave an impression.
Wondering what perfume I was wearing? It was CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU DE PARFUM INTENSE.
I could get technical and tell you it’s a chypre-floral fragrance that captures you at the very first layer of sparkling orange with ghosts of rose, but what I really want to talk about is how this scent makes me feel. Once in a while, the stars align and you truly feel like your best self. Your outfit is on point, your hair is behaving, your makeup is on fleek and you’re just ready to run things. That’s how I feel every time I dab this perfume into my pulse points.
The lasting power of this fragrance is incredible and settles beautifully after a few hours. If you’re looking for the aroma of luxury, you really do need to try this scent.
Check out the latest campaign with Keira Knightly below:
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Yellow nail polish, Chanel Giallo Napoli, SS18
Watch, Larsson & Jennings
Bracelets, Tiffany & Co and David Yurman
Necklaces, lisbethjewelry.com
CHANEL Gives Us 3 New Ways to Experience Chance Perfume
When you meet someone for the first time there’s a bunch of criteria you use to judge them. Let’s be very real, scent is one of them. And if you smell amazing, that’s a plus.
If you’ve never tried CHANEL’S line of perfumes, there’s no better time to try them. This year the brand has released a variety of new ways to wear their gorgeous fragrances, depending on the moment of the day and your mood.
All-day, every day: CHANEL EAU TENDRE DELICATE FRAGRANCE TOUCH-UP
For the first time, CHANEL introduces a fragrance cushion. Elegant and sensual, and available in a limited edition, CHANCE EAU TENDRE Delicate Fragrance Touch-Up is an invitation to apply fragrance confidentially, discreetly and precisely, at any moment.
For self-care: CHANCE BODY OILS
Available in a limited edition, CHANCE dry body oils are instantly absorbed. Lightweight and ultra- sensorial, they leave the skin silky, while prolonging and intensifying the trail of the fragrance.
To travel in style: CHANCE EAU VIVE TWIST AND SPRAY
An energizing creation filled with vitality, CHANCE EAU VIVE now comes in a Twist and Spray format, perfect to keep in your purse, within hand’s reach, or to take with you on the go.
Ever have a stranger stop you and ask what perfume you’re wearing? Prepare to when you wear one of these stunning scents.
NARS makes finding the right foundation shade a breeze!
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Finding a good foundation is tough. Between narrowing down the right formula for your skin type and nailing the perfect shade, foundation shopping is exhausting to say the least. Luckily, NARS has just released their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, available in 33 shades to help you look like your best, flawless self.
Fans of the iconic Radiant Creamy Concealer are sure to love this foundation. It’s medium-to-full coverage, buildable, and fade resistant with 16-hour wear. It conceals imperfections such as hyperpigmentation and redness like a dream. Best applied with a damp sponge, the Radiant Longwear Foundation also looks great when applied with a foundation brush using a stippling motion.
It looks beautifully on its own, but I like to add a little bit of M.A.C's Strobe Cream to mine for a luminous finish. (Read more on my fail-proof foundation beauty tip here.)
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation comes in 33 shades and retails for $60 (Canadian). It's now available at major retailers where NARS is sold - Sephora, sephora.ca, Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom, Murale, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
“
Formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex - a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that help support elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture - while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.
“
-NARS
Find The Right NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation for You, 33 shades available
Mali (espresso)
Zambie (deep with neutral undertone)
Namibia (deep with red undertone)
Iguaçu (deep with olive undertone)
New Caledonia (deep with olive undertone)
Manaus (dark with caramel undertone)
Marquises (medium-dark to dark with yellow undertones)
Macao (medium-dark with yellow undertones)
Belem (medium-dark with red and brown undertones)
Caracas (medium-dark with warm red and golden undertones)
Cadiz (medium-dark with caramel and red undertones)
Huahine (medium-dark with peach undertones)
Moorea (medium-dark with golden olive undertones)
Tahoe (medium-dark with caramel undertones)
Syracuse (medium-dark with brown undertones)
Aruba (neutral for medium-to-medium dark complexions)
Valencia (medium with golden undertones)
Barcelona (medium with golden, peachy undertones)
Vanuatu (medium with a neutral balance of yellow and pink undertones)a
Stromboli (medium with olive undertones)
Sahel (medium with golden peach undertones)
Santa Fe (medium with peachy undertones)
Vallauris (medium with pink undertones)
Patagonia (medium with light peach undertones)
Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones)
Fiji (yellow undertones for light to medium complexions)
Vienna (peach undertones for light to medium complexions)
Deauville (light with neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones)
Salzburg (light with golden undertones)
Gobi (light with yellow undertones)
Yukon (light with peach undertones)
Mont Blanc (light with pink undertones)
Oslo (far with pink undertones)
NARS Adds 6 New Shades To Their Radiant Creamy Concealer Collection
If you're in between shades and happen to love the iconic Radiant Creamy Concealer formula, fret not because the brand has just released six new shades:
Café Con Leche (light with yellow undertones)
Marron Glacé (light yellow for light to medium complexions)
Tiramisu (medium with pink undertones)
Sucre D'Orge (medium dark with yellow undertones)
Walnut (medium dark with golden undertones)
Truffle (medium dark with golden red undertones)
Disclosure: Products featured in this story were provided as PR samples. All images, photography, artwork, and opinions are my own, with exception of the NARS logo.
New Beauty You Need To Check Out (from designer to drugstore)
The beauty industry is always sending cool new shit our way but it’s hard to miss if you’re not regularly reading the latest beauty publications. In this series, I wanted to share some cool new beauty with you guys - from the first Gillette metal razor made for women (finally!) to Chanel’s first ever cushion fragrance compact.
At Home Manicures That Last
In a world where women would much rather go to the salon to get their nails did, I'm still very much a DIY type of girl. I figure if I'm saving on the manicures, I can splurge on designer nail polish and Chanel just happens to make some of my favourites. Not only is the iconic bottle beautiful to display, but the limited edition shades from their SS18 Neapolis New City Collection still get me weak in the knees.
Chanel polishes perform well without a base or top coat, but to minimize chips and extend my home manicure to a week, I opt for Sally Hansen's Base and Top Coats. True story: I was on a trip recently and everyone was asking where I get my nails done. Hah!
Little Things Come in Chic Packages
Glittery, candy-coloured razors for women are a thing of the past my friends and Gillette Venus has just released one with a metal handle for women. Come to think of it, why did it take so long? The metal handle looks so much nicer in our bathrooms and the weight of the handle gives us a more comfortable grip, therefore a smoother shaving experience.
New York-based Nest Fragrances has just released their Wisteria Blue perfume. The owner was inspired to create the scent after a visit to Charleston, South Carolina's historic district and then took the idea to a legendary perfumer who was able to bring her vision to life. Available in a 50ml spray bottle and an 8ml rollerball the scent is light and floral and perfect for spring.
“
Wisteria Blue: Delicate notes of French wisteria are blended with the essence of Bulgarian rose, Imperial jasmine, and fresh watery nuances.
”
It's CHANEL, Baby!
One of the coolest things I've seen this year is so simple, it's actually mind-blowing. The fragrance cushion compact from Chanel Beauty is the first of it's kind for the brand. Available in a limited edition, Chance Eau Tendre Delicate Fragrance Touch-Up, the compact is ideal for the woman on the go. I took it with me on my recent travels and really enjoyed how delicate the scent is. Bonus, no spills thanks to the cushion. The compact comes with a handy mirror, convenient for makeup touch-ups, making it the ideal travel buddy.
If you love eyeshadow palettes, you'll want to check out Les 9 Ombres, also from Chanel. The limited edition compact comes with nine shades, from matte browns to satin blue-greens, and golden shimmer, perfect for creating day and night looks. In case you missed it, check out my Les 9 Ombres post here.
Liquid Lip Balms Are Hot For 2018
On my most recent PR trip with beauty editors from all over Canada, I noticed all of the girls had beautifully glossed lips. They looked healthier and happier thanks to the hint of colour paired with rosy cheeks and dewy skin. YSL Beauté drives the point further with their latest release, out next month, called the Volupté Liquid Colour Balm. Tinted, juicy, and long-lasting, these balms come in 16 beautiful shades that keep lips hydrated. View the review and full collection on lipsick.me.
Disclosure: Some items in this story are PR samples.
All photos and opinions are my own.
