2017 Beauty Faves

2017 has been quite the year. And while I'm a little sad that it's gone, I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store! It's time to take a look at some of my favourite beauty items from the past year.

1. Laura Mercier Eye Art Palette
I debated about this palette for nearly a year before I bought it. When I finally did buy it, it was love. Absolutely no regret. Except not buying it earlier. Colours are amazing (specially African Violet!) and blend flawlessly. I'm anxiously waiting for another palette from her.

2. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen
It took me a while before I tried this pencil liner since I practically don't use pencil liners anymore. This is one of very, very few that actually don't transfer or smudge on me. So while I get re-acquainted with pencil liners, this has been my trusty go-to.

3. Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops
Been absolutely loving the versitility of liquid highlighters. Mix a little in moisturizer for a natural glow-from-within, or use on it's own to bring out bone structure or use on the eyes.

4. Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser
This is a light mud cleanser that acts as a chemical exfoliant. It leaves my face feeling clean, but not tight, and moisturizer absorbing wonderfully. This is my second tube.

5. Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
I've already ranted and raved about this mascara. It's my holy grail. I already have a backup, and asked for another one for Christmas.

6. Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
I bought this for a New Years look I created, and did not have high expectations. Liquid eyeshadow has always been a disaster on me (creasing within 2 minutes) and I usually stay very far away. This is a game changer. It didn't budge for over 12 hours and I didn't experience any fall out! My eyelids were like shiny disco balls, and I loved it!

7. Quo Brush Cleaner
Anything to make life easier! The Quo Brush Cleaner does just that. It cut down my brush cleaning time in half and I feel like my brushes get a much better, deeper clean.

8. OGX Keratin Oil Instant Repair Weightless Healing Oil
I've used quite a few oils on my hair over the years, but none have actually given me the same results as this. The OGX Keratin Oil comes in a spray, which makes application much more even. After application, my hair feels smoother and looks shinier and healthier. Just completely gorgeous!

9. Lines of Elan Organic Sugar Body Scrub
If you've been reading my blog, you'll notice that this has been a definite favourite. It smells amazing and leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Plus it's organic and made in Canada.

10. Palmer's Coconut Oil Body Oil
Didn't take me long to fall in love with this product. Not only does it smell like real coconut (not that fake stuff), it keeps me nicely moisturized and skin looking good. Perfect year-round.

New Year Goal: Getting Organized

Happy New Years!

This year, I wanted a simple New Year's resolution that would be (hopefully) easy to keep, and one that had a big impact on just about everything I did. With having a child, house, planning a wedding and a blog, I want to be organized. I want to make the most out of my time. So, I went the "old school" way, and got myself a planner. 

Basic supplies

Planners today aren't what they used to be. There's a big planner world out there with different types of planners, stickers, washi tape... and the list goes on. It's almost like a cult following! While all the stickers and die-cuts are pretty to look at, they're not necessary. But, they sure do make things much more fun and interesting, and makes you want to look at your planner.

Both sizes have inspirational quotes or pretty designs on the monthly separators

All that's really needed is a planner and a writing aparatus. This is the Me & My Big Ideas (MAMBI) Happy Planner in classic and mini. I decided to go for two of them, in different sizes, so that I can test the two sizes out, and to keep different aspects of my life separate.

Inside of the classic and mini Happy Planners

In my case, the larger one is for everything household and family related (appointments, things I plan on doing, cleaning schedule, etc). The smaller one is strictly for the blog. I'm still on the fence about which of the two I should use for wedding related things.

You don't need this many sticker books... but they are fun! 

When I first bought the planners, I got suckered in with all the stickers. At nearly $30 a book, 8 books is a little overkill for a beginner, even if I did get everything on sale. Thank you Michael's coupons and sales!

The combination of functional and decorative stickers makes you want to look at the planner

Some stickers are super functional, like To Do stickers, but a lot are purely for decoration, like quotes or full box images. But it's the combination of both that keeps me wanting to look at my planner and stay on track. Seriously, if I bought these stickers, I'm going to use them, and if I'm going to use them, I better look at them!

I actually bought more washi since this picture.... oops! 

Oh, and the washi tape? You don't need this many. I haven't found a functional use for them yet, just purely decoration. But again, it's fun!

Washi along perforated edge

A spread with washi, functional and decorative stickers

So that's my theory on why this is a good, feasible resolution for me. Because I can decorate it, it's pretty, and it will keep me organized with everything!

New Years Eve Look: Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Once Christmas is out of the way, it's time to think about New Years! It's always a fun time to get dressed up, maybe go to a nice dinner, or maybe just hang out with family and friends. Whatever your plans are, you want to ring in the new year looking good, and with a little bling, and I got just the look for you!


Since I recently purchased Stila's Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust, I knew I had to create a NYE look with it. And here it is!

Here's what I used

1. Becca Backlight Priming Filter
2. Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer
3. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in R230
4. Make Up For Ever Microfinish Powder
5. Lancôme Blush Subtil in Miel Glacé
6. Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops in Moonlight

7. wet n wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer
8. Laura Mercier Eye Art Eyeshadow Palette: Vanilla Nuts, Plum Smoke and Violet Ink
9. Sigma Flare Eyeshadow Palette: Gossip
10. Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust
11. Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Cat Eye Collection Liquid Eyeliner
12. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
13. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension
14. Maybelline Lash Sensational
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow in Soft Brown

16. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Liner in Pillow Talk
17. Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb
18. Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops in Halo

I used Vanilla Nuts all over the eyelid, followed by Plum Smoke in the crease  working my way up. Then Gossip into the crease, blending up and into Plum Smoke, but not going quite as high. Violet Ink was used next, again in the crease, and very lightly blended into Gossip. Diamond Dust was then applied to the eyelid, careful to just meet the crease, not go into it.

Neutral Holiday Look

Here's a beautiful neutral look to wear to your Christmas get-together. Whether it's visiting the grandparents or having some drinks with friends, this simple look is perfect for all occasions, and can easily take you from day to night.

Beauty Gift Ideas for your Naughty List

Got someone on your naughty list that deserves a lump of coal in their stocking? How about some charcoal beauty products. I've got 10 charcoal products for the beauty lover in your life.

Gift Guide for the Beauty Lover

Looking for ideas on what to get the beauty lover on your list this year? They've been good all year, so they deserve something pretty sweet if you ask me. Check out my top __ items for the beauty enthusiast in your life.

Pixi Holiday Collection

Pixi has been a drugstore favourite for quite some time. Great quality at a great price. Without disappointment, their holiday sets are just as fantastic. They are what every beauty lover needs to find under the tree. Here are some of my favourites.

ISA Hair Straightener Review

When you were younger, you probably had very few options when it came to choosing a hair straightener. They were big, bulky and while they did straighten your hair, it probably took 30 minutes and an accidental scalp burn to get the job done. With prices ranging from $20 - $400+, it can sometimes be overwhelming choosing.

Lines of Elan Review

Natural and organic skincare is a hot topic. It takes a little effort, but we should all want to try to do our part and not only help the environment, but be gentler on our own bodies.

Lines of Elan is a Toronto based natural and organic skincare company that features products that are not only gluten & cruelty free, but are also biodegradable, septic and waterway safe and also vegan friendly. Now that's keeping things clean!

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Review

I love mascara, so it's no surprise that I jumped on the opportunity to try the new Lancôme mascara, Monsieur Big, courtesy of ChickAdvisor.

The Monsieur Big mascara by Lancôme promises to deliver extra volume; 12 times more volume to be exact. They also promise to deliver up to 24 hours of wear without needing any touch-ups, or leaving any flakes or smudges behind.

Tarte Holiday: Buried Treasure

We all hoped to find some buried treasure when we were kids. But now you can have your own buried treasure thanks to Tarte's 2017 Holiday collection, including their Buried Treasure eyeshadow palette.

Bite Amuse Bouch Liquified Lipstick

Bite Beauty is known for their amazing lip products and it seems to never end (no complaining here!) They've recently added to their expanding line by giving us the Amuse Bouche Liquified Liquid Lipstick.

Fenty Beauty Highlighters

When it was announced that Rihanna was coming out with a makeup line, Fenty Beauty, the entire world got excited. And it's no wonder; 40 shades of foundation, from light to dark and everything in between, Fenty Beauty offers one of the largest shade ranges.

Oddly enough, it wasn't the foundation that caught my eyes (although I really want to try it). It was the highlighters. 16 of them to be exact.

Postpartum Beauty Saviours

Hello lovelies!

Trying to get every back on track again, however it appears that my desktop computer is in need of some major TLC, so it may be a little slow, but I'll get there.

I wanted to share with you some postpartum beauty saviours. I'm not talking about what to bring to the hospital with you, but products that have been an absolute saviour over the past (almost) 4 months.

I'm Back!!!

Hello!

I'm finally back. After months of carpal tunnel (do to pregnancy), sleepless nights, renovations and so much more, I'm finally back.

And damn! Does it feel good :)

In case you missed it: I have mild carpal tunnel that flares up maybe twice a year. Pregnancy actually made it flare up every single day for the last few months of the pregnancy. On May 26th (3 days past due) I gave birth to a healthy, adorable baby boy. I've since been getting to know him and figure out this mom thing. There's also been a few other things that have been going on, but we wont go there. Only now, 4 months later, have I been able to truly find myself again. Hence, I'm back!

So, get ready for more makeup reviews, looks, swatches, and maybe even a couple wedding planning updates to come soon!