5 Favourite Beauty Trends for Spring/Summer 2015

What are your favourite trends for hair and makeup this season? While there were definitely some pretty out-there looks on the s/s 15 runways (um, dyed pink eyebrows anyone?!), there were thankfully some more wearable ones too. Here are five looks I'm drawn towards...

1. Low Ponytails

I'm pretty boring when it comes to hair (most of the time I just wear mine down), but I love the polished yet easygoing look of a low ponytail. 

2. Hot Pink Lips

I've always loved the look of a bright pink lip (NARS' "Schiap" is one of my go-to lipsticks), and apparently this Barbie-esque style is right on trend this season.

3. Nude Nails

I'm not a big nails person (I bypassed the whole nail art thing completely), but this neutral look is one I can get behind.

4. Graphic Pastel Eyeliner

The models at Fendi actually sported strips of pastel-coloured leather on their eyes -- not exactly a look I'm willing to commit to, but I do think a swipe of mint green or powder blue liquid liner would look equally fresh.

5. Gold Hair Accessories

I love the minimalist look of a simple metallic hair accessory a la Céline's gold circle clip, but even just a few well-placed gold hair slides would give the same sleek vibe.

Lipstick of the Week: Cruella (NARS)

Sephora's birthday gift this past month was a good one: two decent-sized NARS lip pencils, one of which, Cruella, I thought I'd showcase for this LOTW. Described as a "passionate scarlet red," it's the perfect shade to wear when you want to toughen up a sweet outfit, and I'm a big fan of its matte finish. At first, I thought it seemed a bit, well, dark (even by my standards) when I applied it, but it wears to a beautiful wine colour after a few hours and didn't need a single touch-up throughout the day. 

The Lowdown on Cruella
Brand: NARS
Product Type: Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Shade: "Passionate scarlet red"; deep wine/burgundy
Price Range: $26US / $$
Celebrity Fans: Charli XCX
Vibe: Intense, edgy

Lipstick of the Week: Bolero (NARS)

I recently raided Vicky's lipstick collection and unearthed this little beauty: NARS' Bolero, a lip pencil in a Velvet Matte finish. A light peachy-pink colour (described on the NARS website as "pink cantaloupe"), it's a far cry from my favoured bright/intense shades, but it feels perfect for this time of year -- very springy and fresh. And I love that because it's so soft, I can pair it with a more defined, smoky eye. 

A word of warning, however: it is very drying (even more so than other Velvet Matte pencils I've tried, for some reason), and can easily look cakey/flakey if you haven't exfoliated well beforehand. Also, the swatch on my hand is somewhat misleading; on my lips it's definitely not quite so vibrant a colour.

The Lowdown on Bolero
Brand: NARS
Product Type: Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Shade: "Pink Cantaloupe"; light, peachy-pink
Price Range: $26US / $$
Celebrity Fans: Alexa Chung
Vibe: Fresh, playful, retro

Little Things I'm Loving: February

Hope you've all had a fabulous February! I'm loving the longer days and the occasionally springlike weather we've been getting  -- there's nothing like a bit of winter sunshine to cheer the spirits. 

Here are five other little things that put a smile on my face over the past month...


1. I didn't want to be this girl on the beach for our holiday to Cuba a few weeks ago, so I made sure to slather on a liberal amount of St. Tropez' Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse in anticipation. St. Tropez has always been my brand of choice for fake tan, and this new product is miraculous, transforming me from Celtic to Hispanic (kinda) in a record-breaking three hours. 

2. Is it just me or has Forever 21 really upped their shoe game of late?! Not long after purchasing these black beauties, I was back for a second hit -- this time, returning with these faux patent leather ankle strap flats (also available in black) in tow. I've always had a thing for red shoes, and it was love at first sight.

3. The food in Cuba was terrible (and this is coming from a girl who actually kind of likes airplane and theme park food), so I pretty much lived on drinks the whole time we were there...and piña coladas were my poison of choice. The ones served at the all-inclusive we stayed at were fairly good, but the real deal we had a roadside stop on the way to Havana was a game changer. Served in a coconut and garnished with a slice of pineapple, it was ambrosial. 

4. Target, as a store, has never been a particular favourite of mine, but the fact that they're shutting down their 133 locations in Canada means massive liquidation sales, with 20-40% off everything in store. Well worth a visit!

5. This Burt's Bees Rosewater & Glycerin Toner is one of my new favourite products -- it doesn't irritate my super sensitive skin, and it smells heavenly. (When it comes to scents, my taste can sometimes verge on the geriatric -- I'm a big fan of anything lavender or rose-scented).

Little Things I'm Loving: January

How have you all been enjoying 2015 so far? Although January is without a doubt my least favourite month of the year, this one hasn't been so bad. I'm feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the New Year (long may my positivity last ;).

Here are five little things that have been brightening the grey days of this past month...


1. I didn't have any intention of buying a new pair of shoes when I wandered into Forever 21 last week...but somehow that's just what I ended up doing! These pointed ankle-strap flats (also available in nude) are pretty much my dream shoe. And they're super comfortable too! I find that most shoes I buy (even flats) require a torturous breaking-in period, but these happily did not.

2. I'd been on the look out for a new highlighter for a while, and NARS' Albatross highlighting blush is exactly what I was searching for: something that I can lightly dust on my cheekbones and nose to give a bit of a luminous glow without being garish.

3. I've always been fascinated by other countries and cultures, so this beautiful book by Lonely Planet -- which gives a one-page low-down on every country in the world, complete with stunning photography -- is right up my alley. 

4. I know there's no real need for a print planner, as anything worth noting, like appointments and the like, can be tapped into a phone in 2 seconds...but I'm a sucker for an aesthetically pleasing product, and Katie Daisy's 2015 Live Simply Planner -- filled with uplifting quotes and gorgeous illustrations -- makes planning ahead that much more fun for me. 

5. Have you guys heard of the app Trivia Crack?! Basically, you play against an opponent to answer a series of questions from six categories -- Art, Science, Sports, Entertainment, Geography (my favourite!), and History. Whoever correctly answers the questions from all categories first wins! It truly is addictive...

Little Things I'm Loving: December

Hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing Christmas! In the past, I would always feel that Christmas came and went far too quickly for my liking, but this year I felt I'd got a sufficient dosage of festiveness (I think listening to Christmas music all day, every day since November 1st probably helped!). 

Here are some of my favourite discoveries from the past month...


1. I loooove everything that Rifle Paper Co. produces, from their greeting cards to their phone cases, and their 2015 Travel the World calendar is as gorgeous and colourful as you'd expect. I can't wait to break it out on January 1st!

2. The picture doesn't really do it justice, but in real life this Kate Spade wallet is a beautiful glittery midnight blue colour (I'm a total magpie for things with a sparkly finish). A sweet and thoughtful gift from Vicky, it's going to be the chicest wallet I've ever owned, and a far cry from the ratty old plastic case I've been carrying my cards in for the past few years.

3. Have you guys heard of Serial?! It's a podcast that aired a few months back, but I've only recently started listening to it. I was never really into podcasts before, but this one is just so incredibly gripping. The premise of the (true) story is this:

It's Baltimore, 1999. Hae Min Lee, a popular high-school senior, disappears after school one day. Six weeks later detectives arrest her classmate and ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, for her murder. He says he's innocent—though he can't exactly remember what he was doing on that January afternoon. But someone can. A classmate at Woodlawn High School says she knows where Adnan was. The trouble is, she’s nowhere to be found.

Adnan was convicted of the murder and is currently spending his life in prison, but Serial's host, Sarah Koenig, isn't entirely convinced that he's guilty. Each episode she presents a different element of the story, interviewing Adnan himself as well as his friends and family, leaving the listener in complete suspense as to what will transpire next...

4. On that cheerful note, let's switch the subject to hair products... This John Frieda Luxurious Volume Building Mousse is a lifesaver for my very fine, limp hair, giving some much-needed lift to my roots without leaving any sticky residue.

5. I wouldn't have the hugest sweet tooth, but I can never resist a mug of hot chocolate. While I usually opt for a cheap brand like Carnation, this decadent-looking Whittard Rocky Road hot chocolate was on sale at my local supermarket, and I just couldn't resist. I mean, with a description like "this all-time favourite combines classic flavours of marshmallow and milk chocolate with those of toffee, cherry, raisins and sultanas," how could I?!

Lipstick of the Week: Barry M Lip Lacquer in Cherry Red

Probably one of the most festive lip products I own (it actually has little flecks of glitter in it), Barry M's lip lacquer in Cherry Red is a definite go-to this time of year. It does tend to be a bit drying, so I always wear some clear balm underneath, and apply probably three or four coats to get that rich, lacquer-like finish. 

Barry M is one of my favourite UK beauty brands -- great quality and variety at drugstore-level prices. As well as their lip products, I'm also a big fan of their range of nail polish. If you're ever in the UK or Ireland, I recommend you stock up!

Lipstick of the Week: Hourglass Grace

I would definitely consider myself a strong lip rather than bold eye kind of person when it comes to make-up...but that's not to say that I don't enjoy a good smoky eye from time to time. And, as we all know, the only possible pairing for an intense eye is a subdued lip. You'd think a basic nude lipstick would be an easy thing to find, but I found it next to impossible to find the perfect shade -- all the ones I tested out were too pale, too chalky, too golden... And then Grace, this little Hourglass freebie from Sephora, came into my life and it was exactly what I was looking for. Described as a "light peachy beige," it's the perfect nude shade for fair skin.

 

Lipstick of the Week: MAC Ruby Woo

You've probably heard of this week's lipstick, Ruby Woo -- it's definitely a cult classic, and it's not hard to see why. It's just such a classic red red that looks good on every skin colour (though it's especially great for those with cool undertones, as it's a very blue-based red). 

Ruby Woo is definitely one of my all-time favourite lipsticks now, but it wasn't always that way... When I first started wearing it, I didn't realize that you need to wear some sort of primer underneath, so after a few hours, I'd be left with really flaky, chalky lips. Thankfully, I know better now, and always apply a thin layer of clear balm underneath (any basic chapstick will do as long as it's untinted).

And as for what to wear it with? Well, pretty much everything, but I especially love it with light, sugary shades -- mint, powder blue, blush. If you don't already have Ruby Woo in your lipstick arsenal, I highly recommend you get it -- ask Santa! (It's also a fantastic present to give to someone, if you're looking for ideas). 

 

Lipstick of the Week: Lancôme Ruby Silk

I'm fond of red lipstick year-round, but there's something about a red lip around Christmastime particularly that just feels so right. This shade, Ruby Silk, from Lancôme's L'Absolu Rouge range, is every bit as luxuriant as it sounds -- rich, creamy, and surprisingly moisturizing for such a vivid colour. 

Little Things I'm Loving: November

Can you believe it's nearly December already?! Wow, this year has just flown by! Here are the five little things I've been enjoying this past month... What were your favourite discoveries this November?



1. I was devastated when the Gingerbread Latte didn't make a re-appearance this season at Starbucks' in BC (although I hear it's been brought back due to the subsequent outcry?!). Anyway, I thought I'd try out the new Chestnut Praline Latte as a replacement...and it was actually delicious -- those "spiced praline crumbs" they top it with are delightful! I think the GL may just have a run for its money with this one...

2. Do you guys read Porter? This is a new magazine on my radar and I really enjoy it! Launched by Net-a-Porter this past spring, it's published six times a year and its glossy pages are crammed with all the things I love in a magazine: gorgeous fashion, interesting articles, and good but unpretentious writing. I think I'll definitely have to add it to this list. 

3. After months of searching, I've finally found my perfect plaid scarf! Gap had a 50% off all items deal a few weeks ago, so I was able to snag this super cosy little number for half its original price. 

4. My skin gets really dry this time of year, and I find Vaseline is the best cure for everything from chapped hands to flaky lips. This cocoa butter-scented one is amazing: it has the same consistency as the original, but with a yummy scent that will transport you to a Caribbean island (although I'm also fond of the distinctive smell of ordinary Vaseline). 

5. I love this delicate Chilled Sky Mug from Anthropologie -- an early Christmas present from my mum (thank you, Mama!!). The icy blue colour feels so appropriate for this time of year and will be the perfect way to enjoy a Christmassy cup of hot chocolate.

Lipstick of the Week: Elizabeth Arden Cinnamon

What do you guys think of metallic lips? So far out they're back in again? Or not quite yet ready for a comeback? As a firm fan of the matte lip, it took me a while to warm up to this frosty look, but I actually think I kind of like it... It feels quite festive this time of year, and hey, any lip product with a bit of a shine to it is infinitely more lip enhancing/plumping than its matte sister. I think the key to pulling it off without looking dated is to pair it with a simple eye -- if you are going with eyeshadow, keep it matte (metallic eye plus metallic lip = overload). 

This Elizabeth Arden shade is definitely not one I'd wear year-round, but it feels appropriate for autumn/winter (I think the fact it's called "Cinnamon" may have a lot to do with it!). 

Lipstick of the Week: Lancôme Exotic Orchid

While I have a lot of freebies in my lipstick collection, there are actually only a few that I wear on a regular basis, and Exotic Orchid, from Lancôme's L'Absolu Rouge collection, is one of them. The name is somewhat misleading as there's nothing really exotic or orchid-like about this shade -- something like "Basic Rose" would be more appropriate, but I guess that just doesn't have the same allure, does it? 

For me, this is the perfect lipstick for when I want something a bit rosier than a basic pink but not as intense as a full-on red lip; in short, it's the ideal shade for everyday wear. 

Lipstick of the Week: NARS Majella

While I wear many of my lipsticks year-round, there are some that I find lend themselves better to certain times of the year, and NARS' Satin Lip Pencil in Majella is one such shade. A deep, sultry cranberry, it's the perfect colour for colder months -- an ideal accompaniment to the richer hues and heavier fabrics of this season. While it obviously looks great with a more dressed-up evening look, I actually prefer wearing it more casually during the day, with slouchy knits and just a simple slick of mascara. 

Lipstick of the Week: MAC Heroine

Happy Halloween from me and my fake fringe, guys! In honour of the day, I thought I'd share the, uh, scariest lipstick I own: MAC's Heroine. It's a very purple purple, and let's just say that it isn't exactly one of my go-tos (I love it, but it's pretty intense). I have to be in the right (read: brave) mindset to wear it, but when I do, I'm always glad that I did -- it's more fun than berry, more unexpected than pink, and it definitely livens up an otherwise drab outfit. 

Lipstick of the Week: Rimmel Lasting Finish -- Kate Moss 08

Despite my love for bright lipsticks, there are days (quite a lot of them, in fact), when I like to sport a more neutral lip. Not exactly a nude, per se, (because that chalky, pale look can reallllly wash me out), but something that's more of an enhanced version of my natural lip colour. This Rimmel lipstick, from the Kate Moss collection, is a gorgeous rosy, mauvey,  pinky brown colour, and of all the lipsticks I own, it's high up there on the most-used list. It's just so wearable! And, unlike many other lipsticks that wear off as the day goes by, this one just improves with time. When you first put it on, it's ever so slightly glossy, but wears down to a beautiful rosy stain the longer you wear it. 

If you're a lipstick newbie who's not comfortable wearing super bright colours, I can't recommend this shade highly enough! Usually, I find there's a noticeable difference in the quality between drugstore brands and higher-end ones, but to be honest, I find the quality of Rimmel's lipsticks every bit as good as some of the pricier brands I've tried, despite the fact that they're only around $6-7. Creamy, hydrating, great pigmentation, great selection of colours...some of them are even scented! Highly, highly recommended.

Lipstick of the Week: Revlon Lovesick

Technically, this week's lipstick isn't actually a lipstick at all...it's a "balm stain" from Revlon's Colorburst Collection in Lovesick, a deep pink. I'd been wanting to test out one of these crayon-like stains for a while, so when they were on sale for half price at Shopper's not too long ago, I snatched one up. And it didn't disappoint. While it's definitely not the rich, highly pigmented kind of product that I typically wear, it's good for days when I want a slightly more natural look (of course, natural for me being a relative term). Although it's not nearly as drying as some stains I've tried, I wouldn't exactly call it moisturizing -- I'd recommend having a clear chapstick on hand to layer over it.

5 Favourite Nail Polish Colours for Fall

Last week, I shared some of my favourite beauty trends for this fall; today, I thought I'd put the focus on some of the nail colours I'd like to try out over the next few months. These five rich, deep shades will work well with the more muted tones of autumn, but they're a bit more unusual than my typical go-to fall nail polish shades of burgundy and black.




1. Jungle Green
Marc Jacobs: Jungle - pinterest.com

2. Navy
Christian Louboutin: Wherever - selfridges.com

3. Chocolate
Essie: Partner in Crime nail - beauty.com

4. Plum
Opi: Skating on Thin Ice-land - amazon.com

5. Gunmetal
Butter London: Chimney Sweep - thehut.com

Lipstick of the Week: MAC Rebel

Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favourite lipsticks for autumn: MAC's Rebel. While it's a slightly intimidating looking dark purple colour in the tube, it's not actually that scary when it's on, I promise! It's a beautiful rich wine shade in a Satin finish, and it's my go-to colour when the weather starts turning autumnal (it's become a little ritual of sorts that I wear it on the first cold day in September). 

I love it with all the usual suspects: navy, midnight blue, grey, and camel (and occasionally black, although that combination can look a little bit intense for day), but my new favourite colour to wear it with is orange! 

Are you a fan of the berry lip?! Any favourite lipsticks in this shade?

5 Favourite Beauty Trends for Autumn/Winter 14

As well as seeing what fashion trends are emerging for a new season, I love finding out what beauty trends will be prevalent, too. While there are some A/W 14 trends I wouldn't be the hugest fan of (I'm not quite confident enough to pull off the whole bare-faced look that's apparently a thing, for example), there are a handful that I'm excited to test out at some point this season. Here are my top 5 favourite looks:

1. Spidery Lashes

Decade-wise, the '60s seems to be dominating the fashion scene this season, and with it comes some of the beauty trends from that era. I've never been a fan of false eyelashes, but I think I'd be willing to try that spiky, mascara on the lower lashes look.

2. Navy Nails

To be honest, I'm not really a "nails" person (more often than not mine are bare), but I do like experimenting with new colours, and I love this matte navy look for fall. A lot of the time, I'll hesitate to paint my nails a certain colour because I feel I'll have to base my outfits around it for the week or so that I'm wearing it, but navy just seems to go with everything.

3. Violet Eyes

This look is ideal for those with green or hazel eyes, as purple apparently enhances greenness. I love the idea of trying out different shades, like a subtle lilac for day and a smoky plum for night.

4. Graphic Blue Eyeliner

I have yet to muster up the patience to perfect a cat eye look, but this trend may just inspire me to do it. (Vicky, on the other hand, has the cat eye down to a fine art and recently tried out a cobalt-blue winged eye that looks amazing). 

5. Nude Lips

I'm definitely a bright lip as opposed to strong eye kind of person, but I like the idea of shaking up my make-up routine a little bit and testing out a more neutral lip. (If anything, it'll mean I can eat things like apples and burgers without fear of smearing lipstick all over my face, for once).