February 24, 2015

how I fill in my brows + 5 brow products to try

I love brows! Strong brows, shaped brows... There's no doubt bold brows are the newest hot accessory, and are so important to the overall look of the face. I get a lot of questions and comments on my brows, so I figured I would film a short video showing how I fill my brows in using my favourite product of the moment, Anastasia Beverly Hills' Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown (available at Sephora).


HOW-TO:
Using a small angle brush, dip into pomade and take a small amount of product on your brush (a little goes a long way with this stuff!) Spread it around on the back of your hand to warm it up and evenly disperse it on the brush. Using small strokes, apply to your brow sparingly with the aim to build up a natural looking eyebrow. Use a little more product on the arch and tail and less on the head of the brow (to avoid the angry "Uncle-Leo" look). Continuously brush through with a spooly brush to shape brows and disperse the product. 





(I'm dreaming of spring in Paris, hence the music!)


If you're not into the pomade, and feeling major regret for past plucking, here are four other products with my stamp of approval to help you fake it.

1. Make Up For Ever Eyebrow Pencil 
This pencil delivers a precise line, while the highly pigmented formula delivers long lasting hold. $23, sephora.ca





2. Annabelle InstaGlam Brow Design + Fix 
This marker plus brush allows for precise and even application. Double-duty bonus points: There’s colour on one side and a natural-hold gel on the other! $13, annabelle.ca




3. Benefit Gimme Brow 
This unique gel contains volumizing fibres that really creates an enhanced brow effect. It's a must-try! $26, benefitcosmetics.com




4. NARS Brow Perfector 
Great for creating a really natural defined brow and comes in a unique range of shades. Longer lasting than a pencil. $27, murale.ca







February 20, 2015

beach beauty must-haves... what to pack if you're heading south.

I just returned home from a sunny vacay in the Bahamas (snow and -30 degree weather welcomed me with open arms - why do we live here again?) and it inspired me to write a post on beauty essentials for your suitcase. Read on if you're heading south for spring break!


1. sunscreen 

This is a must. Ideally SPF 30, but at the very least 15! There is nothing beautiful about wrinkles and age spots, or worse, skin cancer. Have no fear bronze-loving beauties, you will still tan with sunscreen, just won't be experiencing the damage that UVA and UVB rays do to unprotected skin.

LD Pick:Ombrelle Complete Sunscreen Lotion, $20 [I scored mine at Winners for $10!]




2. body lotion

After a day in the drying sun and chlorine-filled pool, you'll want to nourish and hydrate your skin, and what better way to do that than with a really good moisturizer. Bonus points if it contains shimmer elements to really make your tan pop!

LD Pick: Biotherm After Sun Oligo-Thermal Sparkle Cream, $37




3. bronzer/highlight

Bronzing and highlighting products are great for giving your skin a radiant, luminous finish, and for the start of your vacation, bronzer can help you fake it before you make it! The Too Faced bronzer I love combines the natural, therapeutic effects of real cocoa powder with their signature bronzing pigments, creating a unique matte bronzer that neutralizes red, and evens out and enhances all skin tones.

LD Pick: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder, $30 [smells like chocolate!]  //  MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Lightscapade", $37






4. bb cream

The last thing you want to do on vacation is wear a lot of heavy foundation [or spend lots of time in the bathroom getting ready!] so packing a BB cream is a must. This easy to use product smooths skin and evens out skin tone in a flags, with just the right amount of coverage. Finish with a bronzer to give yourself that 'au natural', flawless skin that's perfect for the resort.

LD Pick: Marcelle BB Cream, $23




5. waterproof mascara

At the beach, or for those humid nights, waterproof mascara will stay put [no mascara smudges!]

LD Pick: Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara, $31




6. a bright lipstick

If you choose to pack no other element of makeup on your vacation, pack a bright lipstick. In a vibrant pink, or punchy coral, it gives your face a pop of colour while still remaining fresh and natural.

LD Pick: Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivid Lipstick in "Fuchsia Flash", $8




7. spf lip balm

Don't forget about your lips in the sun - they can experience the same damage the rest of your skin does! And anyone who has burned their lips knows how painful it can be. Make sure to pack a lip balm with SPF and reapply often.

LD Pick: Blistex Ultra Protection SPF 30 Lip Balm, $4 




8. nourishing face cream

Even though you've just protected the delicate skin on your face with sunscreen all day (Right? Right??), you should still rehydrate at night with a light face cream that won't weigh you down [and doesn't contain retinoids that make your skin sensitive in the sun].

LD Pick: Nivea Aqua Effect Moisturizing Night Care, $12






And before you go... Don't forget about a bright mani/pedi, and some self-tanner for a head start on that J-Lo glow!

Bon Voyage Beauties!!!