Wednesday 31 December 2014

STWW: Do Better

Image Source
In the spirit of the New Year, I thought I'd share a quote that I think is a great mantra: 

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better" - Maya Angelou.

It's a short but powerful reminder to always do the right thing - the best thing, as far as you know. It's not easy but it is important and ultimately rewarding to rise above any situation and do what you feel is right.  We should try to find ways to make ourselves (and others) happier. We should strive to do the best we can, even when we don't want to. Speaking from personal experiences, doing the right thing always pays off, maybe not immediately but eventually.

Another side of this quote is giving people the benefit of the doubt. When someone does something hurtful, low or just plain rude, before you react, realize that maybe they're having a rough day and just (unfairly) taking it out on you. Or maybe they don't know better - they're doing the best they know and since you know better, you should do better. This doesn't mean you should let people walk all over you but, before you jump to annoyance or anger, maybe take a step back and think of them as victims of circumstance rather than rudeness being a part of who they are.

Do you think you'll keep this in mind as you go about this year? What's your favourite quote that helps you rise above hard situations? Let's start 2015 with a bang, Happy New Year everyone!

Monday 29 December 2014

Guest Post: Best of 2014!

I prepared an introduction for this guest post earlier but, after reading this post, I can see that none is necessary! Michelle from The Lazy Laquerista (a great blog about nail art and polishes with beauty/skincare peppered in) has been so kind as to write a lovely post for you all today and so, without further ado:

Hello readers of The Sunday Wardrobe!

The members of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers Network had the chance to participate in guest post for December with the theme of 'Best Of 2014' and I was matched up with your regular author, Nabihah.  I've decided to share some of my favorite new to me cosmetics brands of the past year.  This doesn't necessarily mean that the brands themselves are new but that I tried them for the first time (and loved them) over the past 12 months.  Let's get started!

Performance Colors


Performance Colors is an indie make up shop that specializes in lip colour but also dabbles in skin and eye cosmetics.  I first learned about them from the reddit sub Indie Makeup And More.  I've tried their lip colors and absolutely love them.  She offers two formulas.  First is a restorative formula that I describe as the cross between a lipstick and chapstick.  They are highly pigmented but are also soft and moisturizing.  The other formula is a matter formula which are also highly pigmented but have longer wear times.  These lippies sell for $6USD each but right now there is a 3/$12 special.  How can you go wrong at $4 each for such amazing colours?  You can find Performance Colors on Etsy and Facebook.

WingDust Collections

I had heard about WingDust Collections through various indie polish groups/forums most often relating to their most popular polish, Steel Town Girl.  When I found out they were having a pre-order for this hard to find polish I knew I had to get my hands on it.  The pleasant surprise was that this brand turned out to be Canadian, just like me.  The creator behind the brand, Stephanie, has great customer service and a great creative mind.  The polishes she comes up with are totally unique and absolutely gorgeous.  My personal favorites are the ones that contain gold leaf flakes.  I haven't seen that done so well in any other brand.  Since my initial order my WingDust collection has grown to 17 shades and I'm sure will keep expanding.  You can find Wingust Collections on Etsy, Facebook and Instagram.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

 Not all of my favorite new to me brands this year are indies.  I had heard about OCC through a Canadian cosmetics group on facebook.  When some of their sets went on sale at Sephora I took the plunge and thus began my addiction to liquid lipstick.  I love how highly pigmented the OCC Lip Tars are.  It only takes a drop to do my lips entirely.  I also love that I can easily mix different shades to create something unique.  They do seem a little pricey but even the mini 'test tubes' will last so long since your require so little product per application.  You can find OCC at http://occmakeup.com and Sephora.

Glamour Doll Eyes


Do you like eye shadow in a rainbow of amazing colours?  Then you should probably check our Glamour Doll Eyes.  Vanessa, the creator of this awesome brand, comes out with beautiful and unique colours to suit every style, from neutral to wild.  GDE shadows are all incredibly pigmented and full sized jar will last you approximately forever.  At $6 a shadow it's also a very budget friendly brand.  Another neat thing about this brand is that there is a new gift with purchase shadow every month that you get free with all orders over $10.  I've also tried a couple of their blushes and their quality is just as good as the shadows.  You can find Glamour Doll Eyes on http://www.glamourdolleyes.com, Storenvy and Facebook.

Femme Fatale Cosmetics


Last up is a brand that's a little bit of everything.  Femme Fatale makes their own cosmetics and polish but is also an international stockist for many other indie lines.  They are based out of Australia but I love their stuff so much that shipping it across the world is completely worth it.  My personal make up favorites are their duochrome eye shadows and low shimmer illuminators.  As for the polishes, I don't think I can choose a favorite because they are all so pretty!  If you don't to wait for your package to cross the ocean you can also get Femme Fatale polishes from Color4Nails and Harlow&Co and Shiro Cosmetics has announced they will soon be stocking their shadows.  To get the goodies straight from the source check out http://femmefatalecosmetics.com.au and their Facebook page.

I hoped you enjoyed my favorite new to me brands, and maybe you learned about a new one that you need to check out.  If you like this post please come and check my out in my natural habitat over at www.thelazylaquerista.com, Facebook and on Instagram.

Happy polishing,
Michelle

Saturday 27 December 2014

My Favourite Holiday: Lipstick

The last My Favourite Holiday post of the year! Though Christmas has passed (too quickly!), there's still New Year's Eve to look forward to and get dressed up for. Along with my favourite eyeshadow (here), I love wearing this Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw.

I absolutely love this formula - it is matte without being drying or sticky (my favourite combination!), and it is long lasting. It doesn't transfer at all even when eating messy food - it stays perfectly on my lips and there's no sign of it on cutlery or cups. It is a little hard to take off; I scrub some make up remover on my lips and that takes out majority of it and then it fades over a couple hours. That's the only con about this lipstick though it does prove its longevity!

I have yet to come across a lipstick I love as much as this one but I'm always on the hunt so leave your suggestions below! I hope all of you had a great Christmas!

Wednesday 24 December 2014

STWW: Sharing Presence

Image Source
A couple days back I received an invitation to my friend's daughter's first birthday. A small paper slipped out which read (I'm paraphrasing) "Though your presence is all that my daughter wants, those who wish to bring a gift can make a donation to the Educate Lanka Foundation, a charity that provides education to children in need in Sri Lanka". I was blown away with how lovely this idea was - her daughter is blessed to having loving parents, doting grandparents and aunts and uncles that constantly spoil her; she doesn't need any more toys/clothes/books and so her family is selflessly requesting a donation be made to those in need.

This invitation, and this article inspired me for this week's STWW post: sharing your presence. Christmas and the holidays are a wonderful time of year, you give and receive presents, you spend the day with your loved ones, eating delicious food and sharing memories. And while presents are always welcome, what about your presence? Are you 100% focused on the people that surround you? 

As a social media addict, I can see how common it is for us to be glued to our phones even when we're surrounded by others. I feel as though I take and edit all these beautiful pictures to put on Instagram for me to remember (and, I'll admit it, sometimes I do it to show others) an event when I should be present in the moment to create memories rather than take pictures of them. 

So this holiday season let's all leave our phones in our bags and jackets and focus on what and who is in front of us. This Christmas, don't just hand out presents, share your presence. What are you going to do to be more present?

Merry Christmas to those celebrating and Happy Holidays to those who aren't!


Saturday 20 December 2014

My Favourite Holiday: Accessory

As someone who wears studs constantly, longer, dangly earrings are uncommon and formal for me. If you've been keeping up with my "My Favourite Holiday" series for these past couple weeks, you'll know that Christmas for me means more formal, glittery and fancy attire and these geometrical earrings are just that!

I bought this pair almost two years ago from H&M so it is longer on their site but I found (fairly) similar ones here and here. They're chic, not too heavy and go with any outfit, giving a modern twist. I'm not entirely a fan of beaded numbers so I tend to stick to stones or all metal with interesting shapes and this pair is perfect. They stop just above my shoulder and I love wearing them with an all black outfit and a red lip so they really stands out. 

What are your favourite accessories this holiday season? Do you change your choices for the holidays or do you keep consistent?

Wednesday 17 December 2014

STWW: 5 Tips Green Christmas

Image Sources 1 / 2 / 3
I realize that this post would have been of more use had I thought of it earlier but my STWW series only started two weeks back (see the first post here) and I'm still in the process of organizing myself. I'm making myself feel better by saying these tips are for Christmas procrastinators and can also be used next year. But better late than never, here are five tips for a more environmentally friendly Christmas.

1. Buy a live Christmas tree: though plastic trees are reusable, they are often made from PVC which uses resources to be manufactured and shipped. These plastic trees also end up in landfills after a few uses. Live Christmas trees are grown on tree farms and are a renewable resource as they are replanted regularly. Another bonus is that they have a wonderful pine scent that your fake tree won't have. Another tip is to use LED holiday lights as they use 95% less energy which also reduces your electricity bill. 


3. Buy locally made gifts: these can be found in artisan shops and craft fairs and, aside from being cool and hipster, they are friends of the environment as they don't contribute to greenhouse emissions since they aren't transported halfway around the world. Transportation is an often overlooked but significant cause of global warming and we should be more mindful of where our products come from and how they got here.


2. Give battery-free gifts: aside from the energy required to produce batteries, a problem with batteries is that they generally end up in landfills (please recycle your batteries/electronics when possible!). Help save energy and the environment by opting for battery-free gifts or by providing rechargeable batteries with your gifts.


4. Use environmentally friendly wrapping choices: choose to wrap gifts with fibers such as hemp or with recycled wrapping paper. There are many gorgeous recycled wrapping papers, there's no real reason to buy anything else. Most wrapping papers, providing they aren't metallic papers or foils, can be recycled too! Reusing the paper/bows/ribbons your gifts were wrapped in is great for the environment and your wallet.


5. Don't use disposable containers: whether you're presenting a box of homemade cookies as a gift or bringing some of your beautiful roasted vegetables for dinner, try not to use a disposable container. Despite the hassle of needing to remember to take your dish home at the end of the night, it's much more environmentally friendly to take a resuable dish rather than a disposable plastic one. You could also buy a tin from your local dollar store to present the cookies in - it's something the receiver can and will reuse. 


I hope these tips help you make a more conscious Christmas decision - some of these tips are easier to fulfill than others but even doing one will make a difference! More information can be found here and let me know of any green Christmas tips you have for a more environmentally friendly holiday!

Saturday 13 December 2014

My Favourite Holiday: Eyeshadow


Come Christmas season, I think it's entirely acceptable to have glittery golden lids, all day, everyday. Actually, I think glittery lids are acceptable any time of the day/month/year but they're more appreciated during Christmas.

This Inglot eyeshadow (I can't find it on the site, I picked this particular one up from Dubai two years back) is one of my favourite products of all time. I generally use it to brighten up my inner eye but I'll also use it all over my lid for an extra bit of glam, then using a dark brown shadow in my crease and on the outer corners of my eyes. This shadow incredibly pigmented, lasts all day and there is no fall out. The colour is a golden bronze though it's showing up orange in the pictures. It's the perfect shade of gold, in my opinion; not to yellow, not too orange but the happy medium. If I had to choose the perfect eyeshadow, this would be it.


I can't sing its praises enough. This is the one product I will always use and will always promote. It's actually my second pot: I bought the first one over 5 years back when an Inglot store popped up in my local mall. The store closed a year later which was awful, especially when I dropped my pot and the shadow smashed. Unfortunately there were no other Inglot stores in Toronto and so I would gingerly open my shadow to use it, careful not to let any of the precious powder fall. Three years back I went to London and was gutted to know that a mall I frequented had an Inglot store that I didn't know about and never visited. Finally I had the chance to visit Dubai and made sure to check if there was an Inglot there. I realize that I sound obsessive and crazy but that should illustrate how much I loved (and still love) this shadow! I literally tracked it across countries and continents. I bought another pot of this shadow and I've been careful not to drop this one. There's now an Inglot in Toronto which I haven't visited yet but if I ever find this eyeshadow, I will be sure to let you guys know. 

What are your favourite shadows for this season? Any one beauty product you're obsessed with?

Wednesday 10 December 2014

STWW: Buy a Water Bottle

For my first STWW post/tip (for more info on this series, check here) I want to share something I see so often and wish would change; a small but important tip: buy a water bottle. And I don't mean plastic disposable water bottle that is so often thrown away and ends up in a landfill. But a reusable water bottle that costs less than $10 but helps save this planet. I use a Nalgene bottle and have been for over a year - it's hardy, inexpensive and effective.

Some quick facts on bottled water (I apologize for the American stats but I would imagine it's similar for any first world country):


For more info: Greatist and Ban The Bottle

Do you think you'll make the switch from disposable to reusable water bottles? If not, why? I'd love to get opinions for and against the use of reusable water bottles so comment away, this is a safe space :) 

Monday 8 December 2014

Sephora Lust List

I should really make this a series; I know there'll be more like this since my entire existence is a Sephora Lust List.

Ever since buying my second NARS blush (which I'm obsessed with), I've been very interested in expanding my meager collection. I've heard great things about the Radiant Creamy Concealer and I love liquid base products so it's definitely next on my list. Also, the Audacious Lipstick and Virtual Domination Cheek Palette are just so pretty!

Too Faced is also another recent obsession, after receiving their Chocolate Bar palette (review soon!) and I'm finishing up my current bronzer so the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer was the natural next choice (reading over this post, I can't believe that was all just one sentence). I also can't get enough of neutral/smokey eye palettes hence the Boudoir Eyes Palette

An Hourglass Ambient Lighting blush is also on my list just because that darn palette keeps popping up everywhere and it looks so intriguing. 

Sephora lip products are apparently moisturizing and long lasting and, since I love trying out lipsticks, the Sephora Collection Colour Lip Last and Cream Lip Stain made it to my lust list.

Do you own any of these products? What are your thoughts on them? And what are you lusting for, beauty or otherwise? 

Saturday 6 December 2014

My Favourite Holiday: Scent




When it comes to the holidays, everything and everyone get a little more glitzy and a little more glamorous. Perfume is no exception so, come December, I Chan(n)el my attention (see what I did there?) to Chanel Chance*.

This scent has been on the market for quite a while and it's a scent I've loved for many years. It is a floral and rich smelling perfume - it reminds me of Chanel No. 5 but for a younger audience. It is a strong scent so I don't recommend going overboard with the perfume - just a few spritz of this goes a long way. I use two sprays and it is absorbed really well into my skin and clothes, lingering for hours.

I love this scent for Christmas because it smells so classic (yes, I realize that isn't a scent but there's no better way to describe it). I'm awful at describing scents so check out the link above for more information on the notes of the perfume - I don't want to ruin its description. I can't tell you how many compliments I get whenever I wear this perfume. I've realized that the same scent may smell different on two people so I would advise you to go to a department store and try out the scent on your skin before splurging. It is a little pricey but its long-lasting formula is definitely worth the money.

What are you favourite scents (for the holidays or otherwise)?

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Save the World Wednesday

Image Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/climate/rising-temperatures-affect-forests-carbon-storage-role-study/914/

When I started this blog, I told myself it would be to make the world a better place. Whether it be a helpful makeup review, a delicious recipe or a smile from someone reading this. I also wanted to use this blog as a platform to spread happiness and kindness as well as provoke thoughts, opinions and discussions.

While I love all things beauty, I want to use this piece of me to talk about world issues and things that matter to me. So I've decided to (attempt to) start a weekly post: Save the World Wednesdays (STWW). I want to share my limited but well-meaning knowledge on the world we all share and impart little pockets of wisdom. I want to show ways to help save this planet that is suffering for all the selfish or unthinking deeds we do. I want to share healthy recipes and happy thoughts, just something to small to brighten up your or anyone else's day. I don't expect everyone to change their unhealthy/unhappy habits in a second, but there is always a first step for all and any of us to take.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts on how you can make a difference and take a step to make this world a happier and healthier place.

Also comment down below any ideas you have or things you'd like me to research/write about!

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Haiku for Argan Oil


What better way to start of December than with a little poetry:

Argan Oil, so pure
Good for hair, face, neck, hands, skin
Still on bandwagon.

If you couldn't tell by that awful haiku, I love Argan Oil. I was late to jump on that bandwagon and I still haven't gotten off. There are many uses for this magic oil. Some of the ways I use it are:

For My Eyes: I dab a tiny amount of Argan Oil underneath my eyes for maximum moisture without the burning feeling that my retinol eye cream gives me. It's not something that would give instant results but I feel that's the case for any anti-aging eye product: you'll only reap the rewards come your forties and fifties.

For My Neck: I apply this on my neck after a shower, again, for anti-aging purposes.

For My Face: Whenever my skin is particularly dry, a couple drops of this oil does the trick. Sometimes I mix it with a moisturizer so it's easier to apply. It absorbs beautifully overnight and doesn't feel greasy at all. 

For My Hair: I apply this to the ends of my damp hair and it makes my dry locks feel a lot more smooth and moisturized even after I blow dry/straighten it. It doesn't feel greasy for me since my hair is so dry but use it with caution if you have normal or fine hair. It can also be used as a hair mask before a shower.

Argan Oil is expensive, especially the Josie Maran vials from Sephora that cost the same as a kidney and/or other expendable organs. I buy 100% Pure Argan Oil from Loblaws for the same ingredient at a fraction of the cost.

What are your favourite multi-purpose products? Any natural oils that impress you?

Friday 28 November 2014

Review: Sephora Collection Dramatic Line 24hr Felt Eyeliner

Note to self: Don't use product names as a post title, it's a mouthful.

Today I'll be reviewing the Sephora Felt Eyeliner - my savior after many disappointing liquid/gel liner purchases. I usually buy my eyeliners from the drugstore as I wear eyeliner almost everyday and I can't justify spending over 20 dollars on a product I will have to buy frequently.

I have three requirements when it comes to black eyeliner. Firstly, it must be black, not grey, not brown, not almost black but black. Secondly, it has to be long lasting - I wear makeup to work and school so it's on my face hours at a time and I need to know it doesn't just smudge off. Lastly, it should be easy to apply; no mess, no fuss. 
My skin looks jaundiced here but ignore my skin and focus on the lines!
This product ticked two of the my three boxes - it has amazing staying power and the pen applicator makes it so easy. I love the tip as I can do thin or thick lines. This particular one is waterproof and I'm not entirely sure there is another option. The one box it does not tick, however, is that it isn't black. It takes two or three swipes to get it to the colour I want though, in its defence, I put it over glittery gold eyeshadow.

Verdict: I will probably be purchasing this again, it's a great product and doesn't break the bank!

What are your favourite eyeliners? 

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Review: Neutrogena Night Cream


I love washing my face for the sole reason that it just makes me feel clean. Off comes the make up that seems to feel heavier as the day progresses and what I'm left with is fresh, clean, naked skin. But that happiness is fleeting as, mere minutes after, my skin feels tight, dry and itchy. I didn't understand why my skin would feel this way when it usually is combination oily. Truth be told, this was the one thing I hated about washing my face. (Note: was)

But along came Neutrogena Deep Moisture Night Cream (doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "Polly") and banished that feeling. This is all starting to sound very dramatic but that is how much I am in awe of this cream! This cream moisturizes my skin without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy. It has balanced my skin out and now, after washing my face, the horrid feeling of dry skin is gone (which is remarkable considering it's winter). 


I apply this bad boy after I've cleansed, toned and applied acne cream to my face. My skin soaks up that moisture and feels so hydrated - I have no complaints about this product. But I'm going to be honest with you (as I believe my reviews should be my genuine opinions and observations): I have noticed that my combination oily skin is now slightly oilier. Slightly! Not enough to make me stop using/wanting/needing/obsessing over this product. Overall, I recommend and would repurchase this product.

 Have you tried this product before? If so, did you like it? What are your favourite night creams and why?

Saturday 22 November 2014

Handcare for Winter


I don't know how many more posts I can start by talking about the cold, dark, winter months. But here's yet another one.

One thing I hate about winter is how dry my hands get. Not only are my hands not as soft, but they feel tight and that annoys me beyond belief. Soon as it hits September, I double down on my hand moisturizers to minimize the effects of the harsh Canadian winters.

My day product is the Glysomed Hand Cream. It has a thick formula so a pea sized amount suffices in keeping my hands soft and moisturized for several hours and through a couple of washes. This cream is popular with my friends but I do know that the consistency of this cream is a bit odd at first. It is quite thick (which is what makes it work so well) but if you're used to thin, slippery creams, it takes a bit of time to get used to.




My night cream is by far the best thing I have ever laid my hands on (see what I did there?). It's the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula. It's a solid formula so I rub my fingertips all over the solid cream and this melts it on my fingers. I then rub whatever is on my fingers onto my hands. I do this right before bed and this process takes one or two minutes but I've noticed a huge difference on my hands. I wear a wrist splint to bed (I have carpal tunnel) and this splint cuts into the skin between my thumb and index finger. I would wake up and my skin would be painful and chafed but, after using this cream, my skin there is much softer and less painful.


What do you do to take care of your hands during winter? Any changes in your hand creams?

Wednesday 19 November 2014

My Autumn Hat

Random Note: I had the idea for this blog post weeks back and so I photographed my hat weeks ago. I sat down to write the post today and looked at the photos I'd shot and I've just now realized how ridiculous it was to use my bedside flowers as a model for this hat. So forgive the ridiculous pictures!


As soon as summer rolls around, I whip out my wide-brimmed straw hat that goes with practically anything. This is a favourite of mine because it's not only fashionable but functional too: it keeps the sun out of my eyes and keeps me cool. A lot of my sun- and heat-loving friends make fun of me for the sheer size of this hat but I love it anyway.

When I noticed the trend of wide-brimmed, soft, floppy hats for Fall, I couldn't help but get excited. One of my favourite trends was now almost year round! I immediately went on the hunt for a Fall hat and found a wine coloured one from Marshalls ($25) that I fell in love with. 



This hat originally had a black feather on it but I cut it off at the risk of looking like Yankee Doodle. I love the colour of this since it's bold but still goes with everything. I also love that it hides any greasy roots and protects my hair from rain! I love pairing it with neutral colours and generally opt for ivory or oatmeal tops when wearing this hat. 

I can't find this particular hat online but similar ones can be found here, here and here

Are you a hat person? What are your favourite fall accessories? 

Sunday 16 November 2014

Documentaries I Highly Recommend

What a creative title. I bet you can't tell what this post is about.

With darkness creeping up on us earlier everyday, there's nothing I like doing better than curling up in bed under a furry throw or a fluffy duvet, and watching Netflix. I've been on a documentary kick lately and these are the three documentaries I've watched and loved. They have nothing to do about fashion or beauty but my interests are diverse and I think it's important to expand our horizons (cue inspiring music). I warn you that my descriptions are horrendous and do not do these documentaries any justice but if you bear with me, I'm certain you'll enjoy them and learn a thing or two. 

1. Miss Representation: This eye-opening documentary shows how powerful women are underrepresented and how the media trivializes women's roles in society. Women are noticed for their appearances while their words and ideas go unheard or even ridiculed. Despite the growing awareness of the gender divide, feminism is still considered a dirty word. This documentary shows us how and why it's important to empower women and to rightly give them the credit they deserve. 
Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Representation


2. Forks Over Knives: If you need a reason to eat healthy or become a vegetarian, this is it. This documentary debunks myths about vegetarianism using scientific evidence and gives reason as to why a plant based diet is beneficial for all of us. It shows how food plays a huge part in treating diseases, curing ailments that medicine cannot. This documentary, amongst other things, inspired me to start have a vegetarian week each month (and, as a huge carnivore, this is no easy feat!).

Image from: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/forks-over-knives-review/


3. Park Avenue: If you weren't disgusted by the greed and selfishness of those living in 740 Park Avenue, you will be now. This documentary shows how money rules our governments - lobbying and deep pockets make for bills and laws that favour the wealthy while leaving many Americans in poverty, unable to get out of their dire financial situations. Did you know that many of the Billionaires living in Park Avenue pay less taxes than their secretaries? 

Image from: http://mgross.com/740blog/gibneys-740-park-documentary-in-eye-of-pbs-storm/


Let me know if you've seen any of these and whether or not you liked them. What documentaries or shows have you been watching lately? Or have you read any controversial, eye-opening books that you'd like to share?




Tuesday 11 November 2014

5 Things I've Learned About Life



 In 4 days, I'll be turning 22. 22! I realize it's still very young but I feel as though 22 means I'm an adult and no longer under the forgiving umbrella of age. That's deep.

I decided for this week I'd throw out my scheduled beauty related posts for something about me and related to what I've learnt in my 22 years. So without further ado:

1. There will always be someone better than you. While this is a depressing thought, it's certainly humbling. There will always be someone smarter, prettier, taller, richer, etc than you. But that's okay - do the best you can do given your means and circumstances. While life makes others prettier or taller or smarter than you, you can work harder than anyone else, you can be nicer than anyone else. Just do what you can to be who you want to be and the rest will fall into place. Which brings me to my next lesson...

2. Don't worry about the things you can't control. There really isn't any point in wishing you could change the things you can't. What has to happen will happen and while you can (and should) try your best, there will always be things you can't do anything about. No amount of guilt will change the past and no amount of worrying will change the future.

3. It's okay to be sad. This has been a common theme lately but I can't stress it enough. I've had hours and days and months of being sad - it comes randomly, in waves and it can't always be explained. A close friend of mine died in a tragic accident over a year ago and I was sad every night for months. But sometimes I'll get sad just because it's dark outside! Sometimes I'm just in a funk and that's okay. As long as you realize how blessed and loved you, it's okay to not always be happy all the time.

4. Life goes on. Whatever you're going through may seem like the end of the world at the time but it never is. Breakups, failed tests, lost friendships - they're all a part of life. Look around you, life goes on. The drama I cried over in high school seems so trivial now. Had I realized when I was younger that everything will always be okay in the end (it really and truly will), I would have been a much happier teen!


5. Be humble, be grateful, be kind. Be humble to know that everything you have is a result of someone's (or your) hard work and isn't something you deserve just because. Be grateful for everyday you spend in good health and with loved ones. Be kind to everyone around you and strive to be the bigger person at all times. Being kind (and still strong) will always be the right decision.

If you have any tips or life lessons, please let me know below! Let's all help each other out for a happier, kinder world. 

Sunday 9 November 2014

Autumn/Winter Lips


I love the transition from summer to autumn - especially in terms makeup. Autumn calls for darker shades and bold colours - plenty of (badly executed) smokey eyes and dark lips for me. My favourite autumn lip colour is often paired with oatmeal coloured sweater and ivory blouses. I love mixing the dark make up with light colours just so I don't look too vampy. 

The lipstick is Covergirl and in the shade 360 Euphoria. It's applied over the Annabelle Waterproof Lipliner in Boisenberry which ensures me long lasting colour with minimal mess.  Boisenberry is a deep purple and Euphoria has more of a red tone - the combination gives way to beautiful berry lips.

I wanted a picture of the combination on my lips but I was having a bad selfie day and the lighting wasn't doing the colour any justice! 

What are your favourite lipsticks this season? Any lipliner/lipstick combinations you can recommend?

Friday 7 November 2014

Autumn/Winter Lip Essentials



Being a full-lipped girl has its advantages and its drawbacks. While most lipsticks suit my lips, one shade too bright can easily have me looking a bit drag. Also a disadvantage of full lips: having bread crumbs stuck to it after eating a sandwich. Ugh.

As soon as the weather gets cooler, my lips are the first to show signs of dryness. Here are the products I use to keep these bad boys looking at its best.

My first step is brushing my lips: after I take off my make up, I brush my lips with a soft toothbrush to really take my lipstick off as well as any gross skin. I do step almost every day in fall and winter.

Once a week I use a sugar scrub: I'm not picky when it comes to this - I generally use whatever body scrub I've been using, my favourite being the Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub. I prefer smaller grains to scrub my lips. I just put this on wet lips, scrub with my finger and wash it off.

My last and favourite step is using lip balm: after months of riding the EOS bandwagon, I realize that nothing hydrates my lips as much as Burt's Bees. I love the scent of the Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit and use it at least twice a day.

PSA: DON'T lick your lips! This just makes everything worse - though it provides temporary relief for dry lips, all it does is dry out your lips in the end. Just don't it, okay, promise? (Anyone get that reference?)

What are your favourite autumn/winter lip products? 

Tuesday 4 November 2014

The Tag for Makeup Addicts!



Happy November bloggers! This is exciting - it's my first tag as a blogger! Thank you to Iqra from The Blushing Giraffe for this tag! Her blog is really lovely, great pictures and reviews on all things beauty and fashion. She also has great ethical purchasing principles which I truly admire.

Let's dive right in!

1. Which product do you still keep buying more of despite having plenty in your collection?
Eye shadows. I absolutely adore palettes and continuously shop for eye shadows even though I don't wear it so often and haven't yet perfected a smokey eye on my tan skin tone.

2. What's the one product you can't live without?
Eyeliner. And lipstick. And lip balm. And foundation. But if I had to choose just one (this is a mean question!), I'd say lip balm, especially this time of year (shameless promotion: check my autumn/winter lipcare here *coming soon*).

3. Favourite makeup brand?
Another mean question! I have to say if it's in terms of quality and environmental friendliness, it would be Tarte. Their foundation has the best coverage and doesn't make me oily! But I do love Nars in terms of blushes and lipsticks. Sephora does a great liquid liner and their brush quality is fantastic. I can't choose! 

4. How big is your makeup collection?
The pictures show just a fraction of my makeup but it's small compared to most. I like using make up till the very end unless it's abysmal. And I'm an animal of habit, I can't let go of the things I love. 

5. And how do you store it?
There's no Muji in Canada so I've bought clear drawers from Amazon and brush tins from Ikea.

6. How many items of makeup have you got in your handbag at the moment?
Lip balm, lipstick, mattifying power, eyeliner, and blush make 5. With my brushes make 7.

7. If you could raid another blogger's stash, who would it be?
Probably Amelia Liana's because though she doesn't wear a tonne of make up, the products she uses are expensive and luxurious.

8. How long does your usual makeup routine take and how many products do you use?
For work I wear minimal makeup - it's all done in ten minutes! I use foundation, bronzer, blush, mascara and lipstick. When I go out with my friends or family, it's the whole shebang: primer, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, blush, bronzer, highlighter, lipstick - the whole thing taking over a half hour.

9. Have you ever bought makeup knowing you wouldn't use it?
Yes - a smokey eye palette from Quo. I knew that I wasn't good enough with makeup to pull off a purple smokey eye with my skin tone but I bought it anyway. It ended up looking like a bruised, black eye. I later dropped and smashed the palette, thank God.




10. Tag a few other makeup addicts to do this tag!
I'd like to tag the Velveteen Rabbit from BF GF Does Blogging, Rikki from Luscious Lane and Mikela from Simply Davelyn, as well as anyone reading this post: you're up!