New Years Resolutions!

Sorry lovelies for not posting all that regularly, but for the new year I'm going to make a real effort to get you as much information as I can! In fact, I'm making it one of my new year's resolutions to you. I know a lot of people make goals that are pretty all consuming, thus making them harder to reach. So instead, I'm challenging you to pick a resolution that's simple, easy to stick to, and above all good for your general well-being!


This year I start makeup school (in eleven days to be exact), so I really want to push myself harder to work on the little things I should be doing regularly, that we all might tend to slack on.


This year I will...

Properly clean my face every night
Dabbing a bit of water isn't enough when you're wearing a face full of makeup. It's important to remember to cleans and tone, as well as exfoliate one to twice a week. Some makeup is waterproof, and thus needs a real makeup remover to get it off your face. Remember, it's important to look for 'alcohol free' toners if you have dry skin, as the alcohol will almost completely dry out your skin. Also, a light moisturizer overnight will keep your skin looking soft, fresh, and glowing for the next day.


Keep my brows in shape

For about four years I was plucking my eyebrows out, and then drawing them on, so getting back into the swing of regular shaping has been a bit hard. We all slack from time to time, and for those who go get their brows shaped professionally, it can get harder to have regular grooming done (be it a lack of money or time). However, your brows are one of the biggest tells about yourself, looking clean and tidy above the eyes lets people know (even if you don't spend a lot of time on makeup, hair, or clothing) that you're a competent and put together person. Eyebrows are often neglected, so let's take the time out to do them right this year!

Drink my water

Getting your daily recommended amount of water (about eight glasses), will do so much for your overall health. Water is SO important for our bodies, it helps nourish your skin, as well as clear out any unwanted bacteria internally. Plus, keeping yourself well hydrated will ensure you have that extra energy to actually accomplish all of your other activities and resolutions.

Keep my brushes clean

For those that use makeup brushes, regardless of the quality, brand, or shape, a lot of people do not clean their brushes as regularly as they should be. Hygiene is so important, you wouldn't re-use the same underwear for a month, so why are you going to reuse a dirty brush? Brush cleaner is available at a number of places such as Mac, Sephora, Etc. personally though I use the "Quo" brand by Shopper Drugmart, as I find it to be very effective, and not too expensive. Ideally brushes should be cleaned once a week, just to get rid of residue and bacteria. However if you're doing someone else's makeup, your brushes should be cleaned before and after use on their face. To clean your brushes, simply spray the cleaner onto a double layer of toilet paper, and stroke the brush back and forth until nothing comes off.

Get regular trims
This is a good idea for anyone who wants to have healthier hair, but is even more important for anyone trying to grow their hair out. As the ends of your hair split, the strand becomes weaker, causing breakage (and the illusion of no growth). Instead of letting this happen for months, try getting your hair trimmed every six to eight months. This way, less has to be taken off to ends, and your hair won't have very long to split. I guarantee your hair's health will improve, and you will definitely see more growth!

Compliment myself every day

Okay, so I kind of already do this, and have been for a while. On those days you're really needing some self esteem, this is the best boost and will leave you feeling so much better about yourself. Simply look in the mirror and find five things you like about yourself, that make you feel beautiful. The key here is building up your confidence, and knowing that no matter what anyone else says, you know you're "hot shit". A lot of us get too wrapped up in whether others compliment us on our hair, outfit, skin, etc. and then get sent into a dithering fit if not one person says anything. I know in my early highschool days, a lot of the time I would wonder if I looked stupid on days I tried to think out of the box and put together something completely new, just because no one said a word. A confident smile should be your best accessory this year, so go ahead, tell yourself what you need to hear.

Get organized

I often forget to get rid of the things I can either no longer use, or no longer need/want. Therefor this week I am dedicating a day to 'early spring cleaning', where I'm going to be tossing out or expired makeup (aka mascara that's over three months old!), and putting a couple bags of clothes together for the Salvation Army. I'm basically a pack rat, and have so many things floating around my room that I'm sure other people could use more. It's a new year, which for me means a new start, so I really am going to make an effort to get my stuff together and organize my room in hopes my mind will follow.

So those are my resolutions and resolution recommendations, leave me a comment letting me know what yours are! I hope you guys take some of the ideas, you really can't go wrong by doing little things to improve your life. I wish you all a safe and happy New Year, with many more posts to come in 2011!

Drugstore Mascara Reviews

A quick review of some of the new(ish?) brands floating around the Pharmacy and Cosmetics section of my local Superstore that I thought I'd share with you.

The Good

Physicians Formula: Shimmer Strips Dual Mascara Black

Picked this up two days ago on a whim, it was on sale for 50% off (regular price is about $7) so I though I'd give it a try. Basically it's a dual ended mascara, one side being coloured (pink, purple, blue, gold, or green I believe), which I don't much care for but tested out anyway. If you are in the market for coloured lashes, this is a decent option, the colour is as even as you're going to get, though I really don't agree with their claim that green lashes bring out your green eyes but oh well. What I REALLY loved was the black end of the duo. The base of the brush is HUGE, whilst the bristles are on the shorter side, making it really easy to see where you're getting the mascara. However the best part is that it doesn't clump, your lashes don't stick together, and it is NOT flaky in the slightest. Once you put it on your eyes, it's going to be there, looking as though you just applied it until you take it off. Great product, I'll be looking out for this in the future to buy more!

The (not so) Bad
Maybelline: Lash Stiletto Mascara Black

 I absolutely love what this mascara looks like for the first hour or two after application. It does a great job of extending your lashes, while darkening them, and really adding a lot of fullness. Also, the packaging is super cute, and the brush is decent in quality, though maybe a bit small. On the down side you really have to work to get the clumps out, and this mascara will flake after a couple hours. Another thing is it isn't waterproof, which makes your lower lashes a little problematic if you're going for a cleaner no-lower shadow or liner look (though they did just come out with a waterproof version of the product, so I guess that's pretty irrelevant now). Also, the mascara is a bit sticky, but if you're going for a dramatic look, this should be your go-to lash product.

The Ugly

Maybelline: Volume Express the Falsies Mascara Black

UGH, sooo not cute, I really, really hate this mascara! I again bought it on a whim due to it being on sale, and now I can see why. The ads for this are so misleading (As are most mascara ads), and the product formula is garbage. If you want clumpy, sticky, never fully dry, eye irritating, takes a day to get off, flaky, messy, lashes, then go ahead and buy this because that's exactly what you're going to get. I'd like to say this works well when used with another mascara, but all it does is make you want to pull your hair out in anger. Seriously, I'll never buy this again. Even though it was sealed and packaged, it looks, smells and acts like an expired makeup product. This really makes me want to stop buying Maybelline mascaras all together, waterproof is the only legitimate claim this product has.

Last Minute Shopping!

Why You Should WAIT!
So due to there only being ten days left until Christmas, I've been spending a lot of time out doing last minute shopping at malls.

The Pros: Big malls, small malls, and the one thing I've been seeing everywhere are those big red 'SALE' signs. With the procrastination gene becoming more and more prevalent, the real reason people go out this time of year is for the SALES! It sounds kind of weird, but you really can end up getting more for people if you wait until the last minute. Stores like Old Navy and H&M are offering crazy discounts right now, I bought a whole bunch of stuff from them for family and friends, and the best part was everything was at least 40% off!

The Cons: Battling through hundreds of shoppers trying to get gifts for every person they've ever met, and the endless checkout lines adding an extra hour to your shopping experience. There's also the issue of finding parking that's close enough so that you can make it inside without getting hypothermia (hence why going out earlier in the day is a good idea). As well as trying to navigate down a hallway while holding bags as big as you are, whilst small children and busy shopper run past you and knock you back and forth.

Anyway, though I'd do a last minute gift guide for anyone (like me) who was still trying to figure out what to get the special people in their life.

FOR HER

1. Sephora Favourite Fragrances Gift Set $50 + taxes

I LOVE these collections, they feature the top twelve best selling fragrances from Sephora, featuring brands like:
- Dior Hypnotic Poison
- Versace Bright Crystal
- Bvlgari BVL Eau de Parfum II
- Juicy Couture Couture Couture
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Clinique Happy
- DKNY PureDKNY
- Marc Jacobs Lola
- Bliss Eau de Toilette
- Givenchy Ange ou Demon le Secret
- Pucci Miss Pucci
- Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne

As well, if you live in the States (which unfortunately I don't anymore) the set will also contain a voucher for a FREE full sized perfume of the recipient's choice. I really think it's a great value as a gift for one person, or if you open it up and give the different sample sizes to different people. This available in store or at Sephora.com for $50.

2. 'Jingle Jammies' From Old Navy for $8 + taxes

This one of the sales I was talking about, all of their flannel PJ pants are on sale for $8! Seriously, they have about a million colours and prints, so it's really easy to find the right pair for someone, especially if you're on a budget (secret santa gift?). The best part is they're comfortable and well made, not like other pairs I've had that rip on like the third wear. I don't really shop at old navy too often, but they have some serious deals going on right now, and I've always had love for these PJ pants.  Available at Old Navy right now, so hurry and get them while they're on sale!

3. 'This Book Will Change Your Life' for $27 plus taxes

Such a cool book! Really, I want to go out and get this for EVERYONE I know. It's basically a book with 365 pages all to be read on different days with activities and ideas of things to do that day. It's pretty much the cleverest thing I've seen in a while, and I really like the fact that you can get it for any age group (I feel like it would do better with girls though, hence why it's in the 'For Her' section). I like it because it's personal while still being a generic gift anyone will like, making it really easy to give. Ideally though if you have someone in your life who is looking to get out of a rut or make some changes I think this would be great as a way of helping to motivate them.

4. Something sparkly.. or not? Jewelry none the less!

Seriously, EVERY GIRL likes jewelry, and the best part is that doesn't necessarily mean gold and silver and expensive. Jewelry ranges from necklaces to bracelets, to rings and broaches, earrings and body jewelry (yes navel rings, barbells, nose rings, and plugs count!). Places like H&M, thrift stores, arts and crafts kiosks, and even tattoo shops are great places to go depending on your girl. Costume jewelry makes a wicked gift and is usually a LOT cheaper and makes a bigger statement, than going out to a high-end jewelry boutique and dropping a wad of cash for something small. So be on the lookout for plastic floral or statement rings, interesting pendants, leather braided headbands and bracelets, or that cute little navel ring with a bumble bee on it. I guarantee you that if you look around (especially with all the extra little vendors and kiosks that take up the walkways in malls around now) that you will find something great, and she'll be thrilled that you thought enough to pick out something so personal (even more so if you remove the tag/ packaging and put it in a cute box all wrapped up).

FOR HIM

1. 'Jingle' Jammies' and boxers from Old Navy for $8 + tax 

A lot of my guy friends, father, and brother-in-law etc. really never take the time out to buy themselves clothing, they basically wait until other people get it for them. So, with all the sales on why not stock up on a couple items? Old Navy again has PJ pants for guys on sale for $8 (plus taxes), as well as boxers and tons of basic shirts and hoodies. It's pretty hard to go wrong here, everyone needs some basics in their wardrobe, and PJ pants are always an appreciated gift. Available from Old Navy.

2. Novelty T's from Hot Topic, 2 for $32+tax

Another thing I really like to do is if the guy your shopping for is into any movies, games, bands, tv shows, etc. I like to go to t-shirt stores like 'Bang-on' or 'Zero-edge' or even 'Hot Topic' and look around for a shirt with that decal on it. Sounds pretty simple, but is very effective. It gives them something they want, and something practical all together in one gift. Plus you know they'll wear it with pride, scoring you some pretty wicked bonus points.

3. The Smell of Success- Lush for the Win!

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for guys, but if you can figure this out, it will make an awesome gift. Guys like it when girls smell nice, so shouldn't it be obvious that this goes both ways? Guys need shower and fragrance products too ladies! Now I know that fragrance products are more personal, but as far as I've encountered, you can't go wrong with Hugo Boss and Polo, they tend to be the more common scents for guys. On a more general note though, Lush offers tons of products with non-flowery scents that you can feel confident your guy will use. Prince Triple Orange Blossom Shaving Cream is a wicked gift for guys, it smells amazing and is something they can use that's great for their skin. They also offer 'Goth Juice' and 'King of Mods' as styling gels that offer hold with no crunch. Finally they have an assortment of  'Tough and Manly' holiday themed soaps, scrubs, and other products specifically targeted at men with names like "Bucher de Noel", "Chillin' with my Gnomies", "Too Drunk", and "Glogg", all infused with manly sounding and looking ingredients like Brandy to help clean up the guys in your life (and maybe get them into Lush?). The prices range from $5 - $8 for single items, with the boxed gifts selling from $12-30.

4. Gadgets!

All the men I know love playing with little things that involve technology in some way. I found a collection of fun little things all in one place, again at Hot Topic. They had a HUGE selection of little niche products such as:

• Character ipod speakers (deadmau5, hello kitty, etc. $25 + taxes)
• Mp3 Player DJ Mixer (pricey, $120 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drives (Gun, Grenade, Pizza, etc $9.99 + taxes)
• Marvel Super Hero Ear Buds ($12.99 + taxes)
• Themed Speaker sets ($9.99 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drive character bracelets ($9.99 + taxes)

So there we have it, it may be a bit last minute, but hopefully these are some ideas you can use if not for Christmas, than perhaps for someones birthday or another special occasion? Good luck to those who are still trekking out to the malls and outlets, and don't forget to leave me a comment and follow my blog.
Merry (early) Christmas!

Early Christmas Suprise!

To start out, I just wanted again to thank the two people involved in getting this to me. I appreciate this SO much, you have no idea how much you've helped me out here! Hope you have a Merry Christmas out in BC, I know everyone will be thinking of you here in Ontario.

Okay, so the other day I was completely surprised by a rather large package that was brought over to my house. I was told it was an early Christmas present (of sorts), which had me really excited, especially once I saw what it was! I've needed a bigger makeup case for a WHILE now. I had a smaller one, but not everything fit, and it was kind of a hassle to use, especially because in order to find things I had to take everything out (not fun in the mornings). This one is great though, it's about ten inches wide, sixteen inches long, and fourteen inches tall. I love the fact that it's all metal and won't fall apart like other faux leather cases I have. Also, I can slam it against pretty much anything (unintentionally) and it will hold up. I'm not too sure of the brand, which is unfortunate because I'd really like the recommend it to you guys, but it's lovely (especially since I'm fairly certain this would set me back at least $120 if I bought it new).





And here we have it filled with the majority of my stuff xD

 Then, as I said, I was completely floored by the case, but apparently that wasn't enough because when I opened it, I found about six different shades of this really nice foundation by a brand called "Satin Finish" (really excited to try this out on myself, and others), as well as a Bobbi Brown foundation bottle in '#3 Beige' (Which is a lot darker than my skin tone, but the product is so lush that I'm going to keep it to use on people when I do their makeup). Also, there were a ton of liner pencils, and a couple pallets, as well as a pot of Napoleon Perdis's 'Sparkle Dust #39' which is a really sweet purple colour.

My favourites of the lot though were oddly enough colours I don't really ever wear at all. I loved the mini pallet by Color Design called 'Seasonal Effects' which includes the colours:

• 'Daylight' (cream colour in the top left corner) Though instead of a shadow, I'd use this more as a highlighter or even to set concealer. As you can see in the picture, it completely blends into my skin tone.
• 'Positive' (the white colour beside 'Daylight', in the top right corner) Could be used for a lot of things, it isn't the most pigmented white ever.
• 'Impress' (the metallic dark green in the bottom left corner) I'd like this in combination with probably some darker neutrals in a smokey look.
• 'Strut' (metallic darker bronze, bottom right corner) Not exactly a colour for me, but I know a ton of people this would look amazing on.

Next up were two MAC liners called 'Lichen' which is almost like a forest green mixed with a Coal colour. I like it, again for a green smokey eye, or maybe even if you just get bored with black or brown liner. Also, if you have eyes that change colour, this will help to bring that out without being too distracting. This is the bottom liner as shown on my hand. The second one was called 'Forever Green' which is like a mossy green with gold flecks. It is not in my colour pallet at all, but I LOVE it. Really, it's such a pretty colour, makes me wish I could pull it off! Unfortunately the majority of things I received were more intended for a spring or autumn (warmer skin tones), not a summer or winter (cooler skin tones, like myself).

Smells Juicy

Today I was doing a little Christmas shopping with my mom and I ended up going to this one warehouse sale and discount perfume shop in my area. Really it was nothing to write home about, I got a couple sets of false lashes for like a dollar each (nothing too special, just basics) and it was pretty sketch if I do say so myself, almost all the perfumes they were selling were testers. But we did managed to grab a 50mL bottle of of Edd Hardy's 'Lucky in Love' perfume in a box set with shower gel and lotion for $29.99 no tax, which was a pretty good deal, seeing as the perfume it's self is usually over $80.
Anyway, I decided to take a chance and try the "Viva La Juicy" perfume and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Usually I'm not super down with expensive perfumes where you're paying an extra $70 for the brand name, but it smelled soooo good, and the bottle was so cute that I may just be willing to save up for this. I think it usually retails for around $100 dollars, I managed to find it for $79 at the warehouse (not a bad deal). Though later when I got home I went up on the Sephora site to look into the cost, and found out it comes in a mini roll-on for your purse (as well as body lotion, shower gel and more) for about $20 (plus taxes) which is a lot more affordable (no cute bottle though u.u).
Just wanted to put the word out on this fragrance, it's flowery, but not too flowery. Really nice, not super over-powering, weird to say, but it smells the way it looks (smells the way the bottle looks that is). So if you're looking for something new, or just want to add a little variety in your scent, definitely check this out!