SEPHORA VIB SALE WISHLIST

There have been rumblings that the bi-annual Sephora VIB Event, in which VIB Rouge members get 15% off their purchase, will be taking place next weekend. As such I found it fitting to create a wishlist this weekend to help prep for the event. Here are a few of the products I'll be searching for...

1. Maison Martin Margiela | Replica Lazy Sunday Morning ($115) – It's become tradition to purchase a fragrance during this sale given the savings, and this year it's the Lazy Sunday Morning perfume topping my list. This fragrance features notes of pear, orange blossom flower, white musk, and patchouli oil – think soft skin and bed linens. It's equally warm, sensual, and calming – my ideal scent.

2. Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup ($46) –  I've gone months without this foundation in my collection due to an overwhelming amount of foundations. I've since purged the stash, but my need to re-purchase the Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup is still imminent. The water-based gel formula gives this foundation an ultra-light feel without compromising coverage, making it ideal for spring/summer wear. Plus the formula is waterproof.

3. boscia Make Up-Break Up Cleansing Oil ($35) – I've long wanted to take on a completely oil-based skincare regime, and in my search for a new cleansing oil was reminded of how fantastic the Make Up-Break Up Cleansing Oil is. The oil quickly transforms into a milky cleanser that easily removes even the most stubborn makeup, while providing a refreshing feel. This is a product that I cannot wait to be re-united with.

4. Stila Convertible Cheek Colour in Lillium ($33) – Every time I leave Sephora without purchasing this blush I die inside a little bit more – primarily because of it's association to the Olsens. Lillium has been on my wishlist since I first discovered that it was a  go-to for the twins when they wanted a light flush and nude lip. Why it's taken me so long to purchase... one will never know.   

5. NARS Dual Intensity Blush in Fervor ($52) – I've spoken about my need for these blushes in the past as they allow you to amp up the intensity of the colour and finish with the addition of water. I absolutely love multi-purpose products such as this one, and Fervor is by far the most stunning duo from the line. You can't deny the need for this shimming pink and deep copper rose duo. 

6. Clinique Chubby Sticks Sculpt & Highlight ($24 each) – After seeing a Clinique rep demo these in Sephora the other weekend I knew that I needed to own them. Never has contouring and highlighting seemed so simple. Simply draw on the appropriate areas of your face and blend with a damp beauty blender. Et voila a perfectly chiseled canvas!!

7. Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist ($18) – If I'm being honest I have no need for this product aside from it's adorable packaging, but do I really need a better reason? 

8. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins ($51) – This night creams promises to help skin wake up looking more radiant and refreshed thanks to it's mineral-rich formula. Created with a system of time-released resurfacers, minerals, moisture-rich replenishers and vitamins C, E and H to slough away dead skin while you sleep. Sounds rather promising!!

What's on your wishlist?

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AM¥     XO

THIRST¥ FOR... SPRING BEAUT¥ WISHLIST

Spring has sprung in Toronto – well sort of. The past two days have been absolutely wonderful weather-wise, but we all know it's bound to get cold again. For now though the smell of spring is in the air, and I've even noticed a few bold Canadians wearing their trench-coats – brrr! But for a beauty fiend like me it's simply caused me to lust for all things spring. Ahem, this wishlist. 

First on the list is the NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Frenzy ($52), which allows you to amp up the intensity of the colour and finish simply by using a damp brush. To be honest I was really only a fan of this shade and Fervor from the collection – the swatches tell all on Temptalia. Next up is the Marc Jacobs Beauty The Shape Contour And Blush Brush No.15 ($48), seeing as contouring is all the rage for spring. The shape reminds me of the MAC 109 Small Contour Brush, however it appears slightly more dense and precise. And after reading the reviews complimenting the brushes softness I can't wait to feel it myself! Another thing that's all the rage currently is the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($29), and you bet I can understand why. Have you seen the reviews? This mascara truly curls and lengthens, giving girls the look of false lashes, leaving me hella jealous. Must. Purchase. 

Since I've only been digging neutrals on my nails recently I've decided that I need the Formula X White Party Set ($27). The four polishes, Dainty (ivory white), Delightful (dove grey), Precious (mint white), Blushing (cotton candy pink) are so fresh and beautiful for spring and fit my newly discovered 'no brights philosophy'. But I can still get a little silly, and the kid in me is dying to own everything from Tony Moly, including this adorable Mini Cherry Lip Balm ($10). He also has a Peach Lip Balm, Panda Brightening Eye Base and Apple Hand Cream – be still my heart. Last on my wishlist: more of the YSL Volupté Tint-In-Oil, specifically in the shades Cherry My Cherrie and Crush Me Orange. The colours are beautiful for spring, and the formulation on these lip products is beyond comfortable. Now if only this weather will stick around so that we can all be in true spring mode.

What's on your wishlist? 

AM¥   XO

THIRST¥ FOR... MAR¥-KATE & ASHLE¥ OLSEN MAKEUP

My mind has officially been blown. Did you know that Byrdie posted an article detailing the EXACT MAKEUP PRODUCTS that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen use? Where have I been all this time?! If you are someone who knew about this article and didn't tell me... well consider us officially at war with each other. Everyone else... I like you, and you can read the full article – here. 

I've always loved the 'Olsen look', it's minimal, natural and effortless. And ironically enough, the Olsens and I seem to have similar taste in beauty brands – the Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup is hands down my favourite foundation,  I rarely leave the house without smelling of Nirvana Black, and Benefit's Erase Paste, as well as the Anastasia Brow Gel frequently find themselves in my makeup kit. The friend of mine, Steph, who showed this article to me, had already purchased the lip and cheek products the girls use, so I've had a chance to play around with those and will definitely be adding them to my collection. Especially the Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Lillium – the cream formula blends into the skin flawlessly, leaving a natural flush. 

The one product I've included in this post that the Olsens actually haven't used is the Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Color Field. The girls actually use the Kat Von D Ladybird True Romance Eyeshadow Palette, however that palette has since vanished, and I figured the Modernist offered a fresh new, sleek idea. Last on my list are the Eye products! All three look enchanting, especially the Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara – that tube! And I love how affordable the Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner is. Has anyone tried these mascaras? Which one would you recommend purchasing first?

THE PRODUCTS

Did you know such a wonderful article existed?!?
Will you be updating your collection now?

AM¥     XO

THIRST¥ FOR... SEPHORA WISHLIST

Winning a $100 gift card to Sephora is a beauty junkie's wildest dream. But it can bring on a lot of anxiety when you have absolutely no clue regarding which one of thousand products on your wishlist to spend it on. And this is the predicament I've found myself in thanks to Beauty Nine To Five, a site that shares available jobs in the beauty industry – I am truly thankful btw. I literally checked my phone 10x over before truly believing that I was the lucky winner. But this is where you guys, my beloved lil cuties, come in to help me settle on one.. or more products to spend the gift card on. These are my top 12, but feel free to suggest products I may not have thought of.

THE CONTENDERS

1. Sephora Favourites | Beauty Closet ($118) – If you're a beauty blogger and don't want this set then there must be something wrong with you... I'm kidding [sort of]. It's jam-packed with products I am dying to try, alongside some of my 'forgotten' favourites. Is this a no-brainer and I did all this work for nothing?

2. Clarisonic | Replacement Brush Head in Normal ($31) – I've wanted to get back into using my Clarisonic Mia daily for quite some time now – it makes my skin look wonderful once I pass the two week pimple fiasco. So, of course, the practical side of me is saying spend a bit of the card on a replacement brush head.

3. Tarte | Tarteist Clay Paint Liner ($29) – It's either the classy black and gold packaging, the name, the fancy artist brush, or a combination of all three, but something is telling me I need this liner.

4. Hourglass | Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Exposure ($67) – It doesn't get much more beautiful than this – the packaging, the shades, the swatches, which I'm sure you've all seen on Temptalia. And since I already own so many neutral palettes the plum tones in Exposure would add some variation to my eyeshadow collection.

5. Bumble and Bumble | Prêt-a-Powder ($31) – One of Alexa Chung's must haves. That is all.

6. Hourglass | Veil Mineral Primer ($60) – I've been using a sample-sized version of this primer for a few weeks now and I've come to the conclusion that nothing else compares. I'd rather face death than not have it in my collection – totally not an over exaggeration or anything.

7. Benefit | The Real Steal ($29) – They're Real! Mascara was one of the first beauty products I ever purchased from Sephora and I've re-purchased it time and time again since. I don't see how I can resist purchasing this set, which comes with a free mini They're Real! Push Up Liner.

8. Josie Maran | Argan Illuminizer ($36) – After seeing the video that Samantha from Batalash Beauty uploaded for Victoria's Secret Inspired Makeup I knew I needed to own this illuminator. Her skin is perfection.

9. Bite Beauty |  Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Cognac or Glacé ($28) – You know the love is real when there are multiple shades you want. Cognac is a dark brown shade, and Glacé will hopefully [fingers crossed] become my go-to for Kylie Jenner lips.

10. boscia |  Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($47) – I've fallen in love with every product I've tried from boscia's black line, so why should this one be any different.

11. Perricone MD | Intensive Pore Minimizer ($55) – I've convinced myself that my pores are larger than average and something must be done to fix this. Having always wanted to try Perricone MD, the Intensive Pore Minimizer seems like the perfect place – it exfoliates build-up, firms pore walls, and controls oil production. 

12. Bumble and Bumble | Repair Blow Dry ($37) – All I want is the shiny, healthy hair you see in the commercials. Will this new product get me there?!

What would you buy with a $100 gift card to Sephora?

AM¥     XO

THIRST¥ FOR... GEMS & JEWELS

One of my resolutions for this year was to accessorize more often – easier said than done when you feel like your jewelry is two years behind the times. So over the weekend I searched the internet high and low to find some inspiration to use while I shop around the city. I definitely have a definitive taste when it comes to gems and jewels. Distressed metals, geodes, evil eyes and snakes all top my radar – in true Erin Wasson form. Below are a few of the pieces that stood out on my search, and may soon be added to my collection.

Do any of these gems catch your eye?

AM¥     XO

GREEN MONDAY . HOLIDA¥ DEALS

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]
• AMAZON – Green Monday Promo Items
• NORDSTROM  – Up to 40% OFF New Markdowns [limited time]
• J.CREW – Up to 30% OFF w/CODE:MERRYMERRY [Ends 12.9.14]
• C.WONDER – 30% OFF + Free Shipping [Ends 12.18.14]
• MADEWELL – 30% OFF w/CODE:MERRIEST [Ends 12.8.14]
• ASOS – 20% OFF Select Brands [limited time]
• KATE SPADE – 25% OFF w/CODE:JACKPOT [Ends 12.9.14]
• SAKS FIFTH AVENUE – Up To 40% OFF Designer Sale [limited time]
• NEIMAN MARCUS – Up To 50% OFF Womens [limited time] 

THE WISHLIST

AM¥     XO

SEPHORA 20% OFF VIB EVENT . WISHLIST

Needless to say, I am constantly stalking Sephora, creating endless wishlists of products I want and slowly dying on the inside because my lack of funds makes it impossible for me to purchase everything. But there is one magical weekend each Holiday season that make my wishlists slightly more attainable; the Sephora VIB Sales Event (Nov. 6th -10th). During this weekend anyone with VIB or VIB Rouge status, will receive 20% off their entire purchase. My recent makeup wishlists may appear slightly bland but there's reason for it – during the first few years of blogging I loaded up on eyeshadow palettes, blush palettes, ANYTHING with colour... and now I find myself focusing in on the basics, a flawless base makes all the difference. Looking back now I see that I went about this whole 'makeup business' a bit backwards.

But without further ado, here is my wishlist for this weekend! Now if only Sephora would get a handle of their online checkout for Canadians :| – it's been down for the past 2 days.

1. Bite Beauty | Mix N' Mingle Lip Set ($118)

My wishlist couldn't be completely void of colour, which is where the Bite Beauty Mix N' Mingle Lip Set comes in. This limited edition set contains 10 deluxe-sized samples of the brands must have shades and formulas. What I'm most excited for: the Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Glacé and the Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo in both, Tangerine/Lingonberry and Palomina/Violet.

2. Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin ($115)

Even though I have only tried this product once, probably 6-8 months ago, I still have a difficult time getting it off of my mind. The Dior Captule Totale Dreamskin is different breed of 'primer', although I'm not entirely positive that the title of 'primer' truly does this product any justice – it's all in the name, Dreamskin, which is exactly what you achieve after one use. So how does it work? Well their exclusive bio-mimetic powder complex reduces dark spots and redness, and minimizes pores,  Longoza extracthelps to combat wrinkles along with loss of radiance and firmness, and Opilia extract helps reduce dark spots and redness, bringing dull complexions back to life. Self explanatory right? 

Just add a dab to the back of your hand next time you're in Sephora and trust that you too will become a convert.

3. Phyto | Phytospecific Ultra-Smoothing Mask ($39)

Despite my hair looking and feeling extremely healthy since chopping it all off there is still something missing: smoothness. I am constantly at war with the baby hairs that protrude from my hair when it is parted. And while I feel that I have tried almost everything to tame them, there is one path that I have not explored: creating a proper hair routine. The most important part of the routine being a smoothing, and hydrating conditioning mask to be used twice weekly. Phyto claims their mask 'hydrates, repairs, and strengthens hair from within, while smoothing the surface cuticle to boost color vibrancy and luster, leaving hair softer, stronger, and shinier.' Here's hoping it solves my woe's and stops the dreaded 'winter static head' before it starts.

4. Givenchy | Le Vernis Black Glittering Nail Lacquer & Top Coat ($24) 

There isn't all that much to be said about why I want this product so desperately – it's black, beautifully packaged, and contains small and micro hex glitter, reflecting the colours of the rainbow when exposed to the right light. Just like my heart.

5. Yves Saint Laurent | Fushion Ink Foundation ($64)

I feel a little late to the party when it comes to a product like the YSL Fushion Ink Foundation, released back in August. Not only did it garner rave reviews from everyone in the industry, including Vogue, before it's official release date it had accumulated a waiting list of 12,000 beauty addicts. Now that the hypebeasts have moved onto the next BIG thing in beauty, it's my turn to see what the Fushion Ink Foundation is all about. After looking at multiple before-and-after blogs and educating myself on the NASA-inspired technology that this foundation uses, aka special sweat and sebum-controlling agents, I have made it my mission to stake my flag in the Fushion Ink World.

6. Smashbox | Step-By-Step Contour Kit ($52)
I've finally realized that using a bronzer to contour my face is so 2006. So I've set out on a mission to find an easy to use contour kit that will educate me on the world of face-shaping and slimming – ahem, have you seen my nose. This 4-part contouring kit from Smashbox is cost effective and  teaches you how to sculpt, shape, and define your features with three shades for defining, bronzing, and highlighting. I can't wait to step out the door looking like Kim Kardashian – men beware; you shall be fooled.

7. Hourglass | Best Of Hourglass Set ($68)
Hourglass is one of those brands that makes me want to swipe my makeup collection clean (like a computer) and start fresh with a one-brand bias. While I would never legitimately do that, I certainly don't mind enhancing my current makeup collection with a set of their bestsellers. Number one from this kit: the Veil Mineral Primer – have you ever heard a bad review of this product? Didn't think so. The runner up, the Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Ignite – a rose shimmer gloss that can perfectly enhance any lipstick-covered pout. If you've yet to try Hourglass this set will get your foot in the door.

8. Atelier Cologne | Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue ($70)

Last but certainly not least is a scent that my bestfriend and I have been going slightly insane over: Vanille Insensée. The description alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat – "He wove through the crowd when suddenly his heart quickened. That scent. It was hers. He had worn it first until she stole it for herself. Now, there she was before him and the magic of years past came flooding back in a moment." It is the perfect balance between masculine and feminine all while using a few of my favourite notes: vanilla, oak wood, jasmine and amber. This scent makes me feel, which is rare.

AM¥     XO

THIRST¥ FOR... 01

1. Sephora Favourites | Skin Wonderland ($70)  

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.

2. Gorjana | Fancy Horn Earrings ($55) 

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. 

3. bareMinerals | bareSkin Pure Brightening Foundation ($36) & Perfecting Face Brush ($35)

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.

4. Danielle Nicole | Sloane Back Pack ($100) 

Backpacks are everything to me at the moment, and this black and white version by Danielle Nicole is made super chic thanks to the croc print.

5. Opening Ceremony | Brenda Transparent Heeled Ankle Boot ($450)

The heels are transparent, just like stripper shoes.... Need I say more?

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills | DIPBROW Pomade ($23) 

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.

7. House Of Harlow 1960 | Tribal Tooth Pendant ($80)

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).

8. Lancôme | CILS Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base ($29)

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. 

What products are you thirsty for?

AM¥   XO