Yesterday I talked about my Valentine's Day prep regime, and today I'm talking about something equally as important for Valentines Day, a killer red lip. After going to an event at The Detox Market on King St. in Toronto I've found myself gravitating to health-conscious cosmetics. One of those cosmetics happens to be my favourite red lip colour at the moment as well, Arbonne's Lipstick in Strawberry[*] ($31), a bright creamy red with long lasting hydration. I think I love this lipstick so deeply because it can evoke either that 1950's hollywood glamour feel, or take on a rock and roll vibe when paired with a smokier eye – both looks I am deeply found of. More importantly, it's all natural, and botanical, using wild mango butter, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, and pomegranate extract to supremely hydrate the lips. This is by far the most moisturizing lipstick I own, and yet that has no effect on the pigment or lasting power of this lipstick. I got a solid, and comfortable 4 hours of wear before needing to re-apply, and there was ever a stain left behind.
With 14 other shades available I'll need to start saving up so that I can incorporate more health-friendly cosmetics into my collection.
What is your go to lip colour this Valentine's Day?
AM¥ XO
[*]The item in this post has been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.
This week has been riddled with an over indulgent mindset, a lack of motivation, self-destructive actions and repetition – tell-tale signs to any outsider that change is necessary. But I wasn't quick to make that connection. Turns out that it takes waking up from a 24+ hour sleep marathon for me to figure out that I desperately needed to get my ass in gear and take control of my life. So I threw on Schemin' Up by OB O'Brien ft. Drake & P.Reign and began my resolve – whose to say that I have to wait till January 1st to start my body, mind & soul revolution?
BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS
Stop eating like a piece of shit – if the whole 'you are what you eat' thing is true then I'm surprised that more people aren't running from the blob of cheese, bread and potatoes that I've become. It's taken a major toll on my skin, leaving it dull, dehydrated and lifeless. This year I will become one with kale – and no, buying this Kale Sweatshirt seen in Beyoncé's 7/11 video does not suffice.
Just because the nail tech wants you to don a sparkly pink does not mean you say yes – I've struggled with this all my life – letting the opinions of those around me dictate what I choose, especially with beauty. But here's the thing: I want monochromatic nails that rarely trail from the black/white spectrum, I want to wear lilac lipstick on a Tuesday, and most of all I want to layer on 'mountains of makeup' despite the fact that you think I look better without it.
Embrace your natural texture – For years I've blow-dried my hair after every shower, followed by heat-styling and lots of hairspray. In my week of laziness I've come to realize that air-drying not only saves a lot of time and effort, but it can also result in a completely chic look as long as the correct products are used – I'm looking at you, Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray. Now if I can also remember to get a chop every few months to keep it healthy.
Tell yourself you are beautiful. Every. Single. Day. – This has become so difficult in the social society we live in – constantly comparing ourselves on instagram, yearning for likes, fawning over that picture perfect life. Does is all really matter? Beauty is so much more than a facade coming to you over wifi – remember that!
STYLE RESOLUTIONS
Accessories keep you fierce and ferocity is great – I absolutely love accessories, have hoards, and yet I rarely wear them unless I'm going out at night. That all changes for 2015. No matter where I'm headed, even if it's just for my monthly wax, I will accessorize and I will look fierce!
Shopping for clothes should be an adventure – I'm bored and it's showing in my recent fashion choices. I can recall years ago scouring the vintage racks of Toronto with friends – now I simply scour the internet, stuffing my face with food. 2015 will be heavily filled with days of outstanding vintage finds and memorable moments with quirky fashionista's like What T Loves – and of course sprinkled with the occassional instagram-worthy latté.
LIFE RESOLUTIONS
Adventures and photography go hand in hand – I need to discover my city – aka tackling a lot of blogTO lists, taking a foreign route home, and surrounding myself with adventure-loving friends. But most importantly, taking 100's of photos to document my remaining 20's – and not 'just for the gram'. This has been made much more exciting thanks to a Christmas gift from my parents, the olloclip #selfie 3-in-1 lens – a lens, which clips onto your iPhone giving you instant access to a fish eye, wide angle and macro lens.
Life is strange, people grow, feelings change, nothing really lasts – 'But my god, while we're here can we just live in the moment. If the shit ain't real I don't want it.' J.Cole always seems to deliver lyrics that express everything I'm feeling. Simply put – be present.
Today,
Dec. 8th is Green Monday. And although I'm completely baffled by what
'Green Monday' is and why it presents itself so soon after Black Friday I
will rejoice in the deals it provides. Below are the deals that you can
find online today and a cheeky little wishlist created by yours truly.
Happy Shopping!
THE DEALS
FOREVER 21 – 30% OFF Select Merchandise w/CODE:DEAL30 [Ends 12.8.14]
CLUB MONACO– 30% OFF Select Merchandise w/CODE: WINTERFAVES [Ends 12.8.14]
ANTHROPOLOGIE– Extra 30% OFF w/CODE:EXTRAMERRY [Ends 12.9.14]
Number one on my current wishlist is this INCREDIBLE 11-piece skin care set curated by Sephora for the holiday season. With so many amazing products contained in one box it's hard to choose what I'm most looking forward to testing; and that's exactly what makes a curated product like this so much better than your typical monthly beauty box.
Set contains: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask Sheets, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Nude Skincare ProGenius™ Treatment Oil, Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel, L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil, Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream, Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla, Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel.
I have been on a search for a simple post that makes a statement but can still be worn on a near daily basis, and thanks to my Gorjana & ShopBop addiciton the search is over. These 18k gold plated earrings would look awesome worn as a set, but I envision wearing them broken up and paired with a classic diamond stud on the opposite ear. Style tip: Pair with #7 and a little black slip dress for a date/night out.
Regardless of the number of foundations currently found in my vanity I can always find room for one more, and this months must try is the new bareSkin Foundation from bareMinerals. A simple Google search provides enough before & after images to have anyone and everyone lusting for the flawless skin that is achieved with this foundation. And while the complimentary brush is probably not necessary for flawless application, I have completely bought into the 'unique fluid reservoir', said to make for a mess-free application.
After nearly an hour spent perusing the perfectly groomed brows seen on Anastasia Beverly Hills Instagram account it is clear that my current brow regime is not on point. My solution: must purchase her DIPBROW Pomade. The creamy formula is said to allow product to 'glide onto skin and hair smoothly to
create clean, defined brows' that set in seconds and won't budge all day. If I can achieve brows that look even half as good as Amrezy's with this product I will feel like a Queen.
A tribal print on a gold plated tooth that sits in the center of the rib cage? Did I enter some sort of internet shopping heaven. Considering I was perusing House Of Harlow that statement isn't even mildly incorrect. Nicole Richie knows exactly how to please me (said in deep voice, which has been re-instated in my vocal mannerisms thanks to my current obsession with The Simple Life).
I received a sample of this mascara base in a beauty box a few months back and have since used every last drop and fallen in love. When applied before your favourite mascara you get an XL boost of thickness, volume and even a bit of length. There is a noticeable difference in my lashes on days when I use this base, and now that I've run out I've become quite saddened with my lack of luscious lashes.
