Bath and Bodyworks Haul

Since it's fall and a BBW recently opened up near me, I decided to make a trip and really stock up for fall. Below is a picture of everything I collected - most of which was on sale.

- Starting with the car air fresheners - these were buy 3 get 1 free, so I bought two vanilla coconut, one autumn day, and one leaves. I also got a super cute holder for them. They all smell fantastic so I can't wait to try them out.

- Next I got a mini body mist in Napa Autumn Blackberry because I thought it would be nice to throw in a bag when I needed to freshen up.

- The seasonal body lotions were on sale so I bought Napa Autumn Blackberry and Aspen Caramel Woods to match shower gels I already had. 

- Then comes the buy 3 get 2 free deal: I bought three shower gels - Pink Chiffon, Paris Amour, and Coconut Lime Breeze. Then I bought one lotion called Beautiful day and finally one body mist called Twilight Woods.

- Surprise! I got one medium candle free with purchase called Harvest Gathering No.4

- Finally, saving the best for last, I bought three 3-wick candles: Creamy Pumpkin, Autumn Day, and Sweater Weather.

The fall products BBW has in right now all smell fantastic. The only the I wish I had purchased that I didn't is their new scent Amber Blush ( I think?), but unfortunately it wasn't available in the store I went to yet.

I've tried almost all of it already, or I've tried the scents out in other products, so I definitely recommend these. If you want more information on the products or the scents feel free to ask! And as always feel free to comment with anything you'd like to add.

Did It Live Up To The Hype? - Benefit's They're Real Mascara

In a word: no.

I didn't go out and specifically buy this mascara because I don't think I can justify spending $30 on it. I did splurge and buy a new palette though - Benefit's The Rich Is Back. This palette is gorgeous, and limited edition, so I couldn't resist (more on that later).

I tried the mascara out and sure enough it made my lashes super long and pretty; however, I don't think that "They're Real" is any better than my all-time favourite mascara (Maybelline's The Rocket) which is often on sale for $6.

If you've tried out this raved about mascara let me know what you think! If you haven't then let me know if you want to.

Fall Eyeshadow Look

This morning I dug out my Stila: In The Light palette as I haven't used it in ages and I missed it. This inspired me to try out a new combination that I ended up really enjoying, especially for fall.

This is the finished look (it looks a bit faded in the second picture, sorry!)

Stila In The Light Palette

For this look I used all of the colours in the top row - these are swatched below in the same order.

L-R: bare, kitten, bliss, sunset, sandstone

To begin with I applied my Urban Decay primer potion, followed by my Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in #604 Milk (a nice plain white base).

- Apply Bliss across eyelid up to the brow bone.

- Blend Sunset into the crease and on the outer corner of the lid

- Apply Kitten under the brows and the apply Bare on top for the highlight colour and to tone down the sparkle

- Line eyes with Sandstone, or a dark brown eyeliner  and smudge

- Apply mascara and you're done!

Testing Tuesdays: L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation

I've heard to much about the foundation and I've really been looking forward to trying it out. The only thing holding me back was a lingering summer tan that I knew wouldn't last much longer. The tan is now faded away so I went out and treated myself to a new foundation.

I have oily skin and my T-zone is especially oily, specifically my nose, so I have a difficult time finding foundations that will last all day on that area.

With that said, I'm going to try this foundation out over a few different days and see how it holds up against different variables.

Day 1

Applied at: 8am
Initial Thoughts: I wasn't surprised by how runny, liquidy, and thin this foundation is as I've seen a few videos on it. I was caught off guard by how quickly it dries up, and how it feels rubbing the foundation on as liquid only to have to turn to powder during the application.
Application Method: I applied the foundation using my fingertips as that's what the bottle suggested would be the best result (I do intend to test this out though). I didn't build the foundation up much because my skin looked okay to begin with, and because I wanted to see how a thiner layer would hold up.

Check in: I checked on my foundation on a break at work around 12pm. My T-zone wasn't as oily as it usually is at this time, and the foundation on my nose held up better than usual as well. I didn't apply any powder because I didn't want to mess with my findings (...not that I think I'm a scientist or anything).

Check in: It's 3pm and my T-zone is oily, the foundation is off my nose, and I can tell it's fading all around my face - although not too noticeably.

Check in: At 7pm I could hardly tell if there was any foundation left at all.

Check in: I washed my face at midnight and no face makeup came off with a makeup removing wipe. Safe to say that most of the foundation came off over the course of the day.


Day 2

Applied at: 7am
Application Method: To start with I applied a Laura Mercier foundation primer. I then applied the foundation using a Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush # 56. This isn't actually my favourite foundation brush but I quite liked it for this foundation. Unlike the first time I used this foundation, a built it up (but only slightly). Then I applied Rimmel Stay Matte powder to my T-zone. Finally, I finished the foundation off with my Urban Decay setting spray.

Check in: 11am. My foundation is still pretty much perfect.

Check in: 2:30pm and the foundation is beginning to wear off a little on my nose, and the area around my nose could use a powder. Other than that, still perfect.

Check in: At 6:30 I applied some powder to my T-zone. Other than a little oil the foundation was basically the same as 2:30.

Check in: I washed my face around 10:30pm. The foundation looked much the same as it did at 6:30.


I really like this foundation. I would definitely recommend using primer and powder with it. I preferred applying it with a brush but that's totally up to you. If your skin is oil then try it out! It's pricey for a drugstore foundation but I think it's worth the cost.

Undertones - Are You Warm, Cool or Neutral?

One thing that everyone should know is their undertone. Knowing this will help you know which clothes make you shine, which jewelry makes you pop, and what kind of foundation will make you and your skin glow.

There's a few different ways to find out what your undertone is:

1) Stand in front of a mirror and rotate holding up gold and silver jewelry. One will probably look better on you. If this is gold, then you're warm. If this is silver, then you're cool. If both look equally fabulous then you're lucky enough to be neutral.

2) Hold out your inner forearm and firmly press your thumb into it. Hold your thumb  down for about 10 seconds. When you let go you'll see a colour on your thumb print - this colour is your natural undertone.  A yellow undertone means you're warm, and a peach undertone means you're cool.

3) Check your veins. If your veins are blue or purpley blue then you're cool. If your veins are yellow or green then you're warm. Finally, if your veins are blue and green then you get the best of both worlds - you're neutral and you can rock it all.

Here's some celebrities to give you a visual guide/idea:

Image courtesy of blog.makeupforyourday.com

Image courtesy of makeuptalk.com

Now that you know your undertone..

I've compiled a collection of images below to help guide you with colours that will suit you best - things like this are easier to show than to tell.

For foundations, look at the colour sample shown at the drugstore, or the high end makeup store. These tiny images will give you a better idea of which undertone the foundation has.

For hair colours, if you feel the desire to dye your hair take your undertone into consideration. If you have warm undertones then try to stick to shades of brown, auburn, deep red. If you have cool undertones, then the world is your oyster. Try blonde, black, or hazel.

Neutral Undertones

Image courtesy of thebeautydepartment.com

Image courtesy of beautylish.com

Image courtesy of makeupsessed.blogspot.com

Image courtesy of nowheregirlshopaholic.blogspot.com

Image courtesy of makeupandbeauty.com

For those wondering, I have warm undertones. I've always felt that cool undertones get all the fun colours and get to branch out more, but here's a newflash: anyone can wear any colour they like! I don't stop myself from wearing blue dresses or rocking purple eyeshadow. Besides foundation (which I suggest you're careful with) feel free to wear whatever makes you the most confident!

Hope this has been helpful or interesting!

Take Care All xx

New Favourite Lip Pairing: Rimmel Lipstick & Tarte Lipgloss

So last night I was trying out different lipsticks and lipglosses together to find something to wear to work today and I stumbled into a fantastic combination. I recently received an online order from Sephora and this order contained a Tarte Lipgloss. This new lipgloss inspired my new favourite lip look. I bought the lipgloss on sale so it may no longer be available; however, any orange or red tinted lipgloss will work!

This look uses:

- Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick #110
- Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss in "Nirvana"

To Get This Look:

- Apply the Rimmel lipstick
- Lightly layer the Tarte lipgloss overtop

R- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick #110

L - Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss in "Nirvana"

This swatch is the lipstick with the gloss over top

Different Lighting

L-R: Lipstick with Lipgloss over top, Lipgloss, Lipstick

Unfortunately the lighting made this lip look more red. In reality it is more orange with red in it.

Well there ya have it! Let me know what you guys think and if you try it how it works for you! I'd love to see some picture.

Take Care All xx

Fall Style Guide: Trends to Watch

Since I work in the fashion industry and spend a fair amount of time researching (aka mentally shopping for) clothes I thought I would let you know about some of the current fashion trends to watch for.

I'll show some examples of styles and then some items and where you can get them. As always, feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Some of the trends that seem to be big right now include: back to school, superhero/comic book, animal print/graphics, printed pants, dark floral, high waisted, band tees, and Disney-inspired tops. I won't go through all of these, but I will go through most.

Back to School

The typical school type fashions everyone sees in movies or tv shows is big right now. Think baseball tees, jerseys, and varsity jackets. To display these trends for you I've selected a few items from Forever 21.

Varsity Jacket

Baseball Tee

Both these items and images are courtesy of Forever 21

Football Jersey Tee

The above item and image are courtesy of Love Culture

Superhero/Comic Books

Finally the opportunity to express your love of comics, graphic novels, and super heroes! Most fashion retailers are offering a variety of comic graphics from tops to leggings to heels and purses. Whatever you wardrobe needs or has room for is available.

 Black Cropped Comic Tee

 Comic Explosions Bodycon Dress

Comic Panel Leggings

The above items and images are courtesy of Love Culture

Animal Print/Graphics

Classic animal print (ex. leopard, cheetah, zebra) has been around forever, and is still very popular this year for fall. It has now expanded to animal graphics (and not just cat related like the images below). These hot graphics range from cat to wolf to bear and anything else you could possibly desire.

Leopard Classic Cotton Leggings 

Meow Graphic Muscle Tank

Tiger Graphic Muscle Tank

The above items and images are courtesy of Charlotte Russe

Dark Floral

This is one of my favourite trends as it allows you to be as safe or as daring as you want. You can rock dark based floral leggings (I snatched up a cute pair from F21 for only $12ish), pants, tops, blazers, shoes, etc.

Dark Floral Blouse

Dark Floral Crop Top

Dark Floral Flock Treggings

The above items and images are courtesy of Top Shop

High Waisted

Finally a flattering style for everyone! Keeps everything in and also allows you to rock a crop top in a classy way. This style is typically available in a variety or colours, cuts, and patterns when it comes to denim. High waists to do not only apply to denim though - feel free to take full advantage of this trend and stock up on shorts and skirts as well.

BB Dakota Giovanna Wide-Leg Pants

*TWO IN ONE ALERT*

Flourished Assured Black Floral Print Pants

Take It To The Max - Red Maxi Skirt

The above items and images are courtesy of LuLu's

Band Tees

Dress them up with a blazer, nice jeans, and heels or dress them down! Finally a chance to wear your favourite classic rock or pop bands for everyone to see.

The Pretenders Torn Tee

Slayer Shredded Tank

The above items and images are courtesy of Nasty Gal

Disney Inspired Tops

Embrace your inner child and rock a sweater or tee with your favourite Disney character on it. 

Pooh Bear Extreme T-back Tank

Little Mermaid Extreme T-back Tank

Goofy Sweatshirt

The above items and images are courtesy of Wet Seal

Other Noteworthy Trends Include:

-Tribal Print and/or Aztec:

Beige Tribal Print Jacket

The above item and image are courtesy of Windsor

- Oxblood {beautiful red colour for fall!}

Textured Weave Skirt

The above item and image are courtesy of GoJane

- Black & White {especially stripes - why not go vertical for a slimming & lengthening look?}

Black/White Striped Blazer

The above item and image are courtesy of Windsor

Thanks for reading everyone! Hope this has been helpful (or at least interesting).

Take Care All xx

Back to School/Fall Favourites

I suppose I'm a little late for back to school, but I've been busy getting back into the groove for my last year of university. With that said, it is just the second week of school and there's plenty of time left in fall so let's get to it: some of my favourite and essential items for this fall.

Nail Polish:
Essie Nail Lacquer: Smokin' Hot & Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color: 08  Glitz Gal

I really like using the Essie polish and then layering Sally Hansen over one or two nails. It has a nice effect and it feels like a pretty fall-type style.

Essie Smokin' Hot (L) & Sally Hansen Glitz Gal  (R)

Concealer/Corrector:

I finally managed to get my hands on Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Corrector to go along with my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. My dark circles are quite bad and I've never been able to fully hide them until I found this. It's something that I don't ever want to give up. Just put this on to correct the colour and then add some concealer over top.

Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Eraser: Dark Circle Treatment Concealer/Corrector

Mascara:

I tried the Maybelline Falsie Mascara before and I didn't like it; however, one day the drug store I go to had a special on Maybelline products (buy 2 and get the 3rd free) and I couldn't resist trying this double ended mascara. It has both a brush for lower and upper lashes, and I must say that I love this now. I typically use The Falsies for daytime as I don't get as much volume as other mascaras, but I would still recommend it especially for the convenience of it.

Maybelline's The Falsies Mascara

Eyeshadow:

Moving away from drugstore for the time being, I finally convinced myself to buy this NARS eyeshadow duo in Kalahari. I have a lot of golds, browns, and neutrals in my collection so this didn't seem practical. I'm very happy with myself for this purchase as it creates a beautiful eye look. Neutral enough for daytime, but it can still be built up and bolded for a night out. This is definitely well pigmented.

NARS Eyeshadow Duo: Kalahari

Lips:

Rimmel's Apocalips Lip Lacquer is what I'm going to recommend for lips this fall.I went to at least three different stores trying to track these down in late July. I took them to Europe with me and they stayed on my lips for hours despite the extreme heat (30-40°C). The colour range isn't too wide, but I do love the colours that are offered. These are my absolute favourite lip product, and most of the colours will work in the fall. I really want to pick up their red colour now that we're finished summer weather (at least where I live).

Top L-R: 303 Apocaliptic, 102 Nova, 101 Celestial, 701 Stargazer

Bottom Swatches L-R: 701 Stargazer, 101 Celestial, 102 Nova, 303 Apocaliptic

Body:

Last, but certainly not least, is my current obseassion for body lotion and shower gel. These come from Bath and Bodyworks and it's near impossible to go wrong when it comes to BBW products. I just got these, but I've been using them almost everyday (in rotation with my other new BBW scents). They smell fantastic and fallesque with a fresh blackberry type scent. If you're in the market for new lotion of shower gel I would definitely suggest taking a sniff.

Bath and Bodyworks: The Sweethearts Sexy Dahlia Rush (Shower Gel left, Body Lotion right)

Well that's been my first post. Hope someone out there found it helpful. If you have any questions feel free to ask, and for any inquisitive minds there will soon be an introductory post.

Take Care All xx