December 19, 2010

Review: H&M nail polish in Grey Sky

(OPI You Don't Know Jacques, Rimmel Steel Grey, H&M Grey Sky, Essie St. Lucia Lilac)


Price: $1.99 CAD
Size: 0.1 fl oz/3.2 ml (it's a fifth of a regular sized OPI nail polish)

A few months back, I picked up a nail polish from H&M. At the time, they were just testing the market and were only selling the minis. I'm assuming it was a success because they're now selling full sized nail polishes in a wide variety of colours. I think the full size polishes are $6.95 or right around there. Even though I purchased this nail polish a while back, I decided to do a post on it because every time I wear it, I get someone asking me what it is.

The colour I picked up is called 'Grey Sky' and cost $1.99 for 0.1 fl oz (it's tiny). As you can see from the photo above, the colour is really unique. I can't really figure it out. It's like a very light mauve-grey colour. I bought it because I thought it looked like it belonged in the taupe/mauve/grey family of polishes that everyone, including me, loves so much. It has a very subtle micro shimmer. When applied, the micro-shimmer is barely detectable. 

The formula is pretty amazing and is very easy to apply. The first coat goes on a little uneven - probably because I have shaky hands. Within 2 coats, it's opaque and isn't the slightest bit streaky.

How long the nail polish lasts obviously depends on how rough you are on your nails. I'm not careful with my nail polish at all. I'm always moving boxes, using my nails to remove stickers or pry something open, and I'm always walking into things or getting my fingers caught in or between things. In other words, I can be a walking disaster at times. I'll start to see chips after about 3 days (that's using Sally Hanson's Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat - my fav). 3 days really isn't all that bad in my opinion. For comparison, a Revlon polish will last about 2-3 days and an OPI usually lasts me about 4-5 days. Removing the polish is also very easy.

This is a great shade to wear for formal events or for work. I wear some pretty crazy colours sometimes and will do glitter on all 10 nails, but for those events where you need to look more professional, this is my go-to. It's such an easy colour to wear and honestly, something about it makes my fingers look nicer. I know I'm not crazy for thinking that because two other people mentioned the same thing to me haha. It's a very elegant yet chic colour. No catch. Just a whole lot of awesomeness in a tiny bottle!

I'm tempted to try out their lip glosses.
Have you tried any H&M cosmetics or nail polishes?


xx

Elise

December 03, 2010

A Minimalist Approach to Hair Care


Happy Friday!


I hope all of you have had an amazing week so far. So many of your amazing comments on my posts have been questions or compliments on my hair, so I thought I would devote a few posts to it. This first one will be about how I maintain my hair and I'll make another post on how I curl it.


My hair is extremely long. I haven't gotten it cut at an actual salon since about 3 years ago because I hate that they never listen to what I want. I remember coming home after one particularly awful haircut and I was literally bawling my eyes out. I went up to my dad and said, "Daddy, he made me look like a troll and my face looks HUGE." Even my father, who used to always tell me not to worry so much about appearances couldn't lie. It was pretty bad. 

My hair is naturally very thick and there is a lot of it.  The bottom layers are naturally wavy but the rest of my hair is mostly straight (it's straight but because there is so much of it, it's pretty puffy). 

I don't do much to maintain my hair. I wash it 4-5 times a week. I do not use conditioner. Some of you may think I'm crazy, but if I use conditioner, my hair won't do what I tell it to do. After using conditioner, I can't curl my hair for about 3-4 days because my hair will just uncurl and fall flat after an hour. I usually use Head & Shoulders Classic Clean shampoo. I have tried all sorts of SLS-free shampoos, but haven't  been able to find a good one that cleans my hair. I've also tried a few 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners, but those also don't work for me. I only apply shampoo to the scalp. 



I also rarely comb or brush my hair. Despite rarely using conditioner, it doesn't get tangled. I know some people will tell you brushing your hair distributes the natural oils and works to prevent your hair from getting dry, but so far nothing terrible has happened to my hair by not combing it. The only time I run a comb through it is when I trim my hair (once every two weeks). 

I curl my hair at least five times a week but my hair doesn't look damaged or brittle. This post is getting pretty long though so I'll talk more about this in my next hair post.

I guess when it comes to my hair, I take a pretty minimalist approach. I hadn't even realized that until I racked my brain trying to think of the products I use and the list contained a grand total of one product. I just find the less I do to it, the better it ends up looking.

As soon as I figure out the best way to show how I curl my hair, I'll post it!

Do you find the less you do to your hair, the better it looks? 

Or is it the opposite for you?


xx

Elise

November 26, 2010

Review: Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers


Price: $20 USD/$23 CAD
Size: 0.33 oz

Ingredients:  Water, Oryza Sativa Cera, Sucrose Sterate, Synthetic Beeswax, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Pentyceride Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, C77891, Polybutene, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Gylcol, Nylon-66, Ammonium Acryloyl-Dimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25, Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Hydrated Silica.

What it claims to do: MAKE UP FOR EVER Lash Fibers double your lashes for a full, fluttering look. They are the perfect way to add length and volume to your lashes and are a great base to mascara.



I bought the MUFE Lash Fibers about  three weeks ago and was completely disappointed. I really tried to like this product. I tested all different types and brands of mascara over it, I let it completely dry before applying mascara, I tried applying mascara when it wasn't fully dry,  I applied it to my lashes from root to tip, I even applied it just to the tips of my lashes. The result was almost always the same - I had to remove my mascara and just start over.

The first time I used the lash fibers, I somehow managed to get some of the fibers in my eye and I spent a good 15 minutes trying to get my eye to stop itching (I ended up having to just use makeup remover and start over). Not a good start, right? It gets worse. I applied the fibers and waited for the white mascara base to dry. It didn't take long to dry, but when it did dry, my lashes looked terrible. The product had uncurled half the lashes so I ended up with a few curled lashes, some lashes that were pointing straight down, and some that were half uncurled and sticking every which way. Not a problem, I just recurled my lashes and proceeded to apply my mascara (MUFE Smoky Lash mascara). 

After just one coat, I was already unhappy with the product. My mascara wand had removed some of the fibers so I was left with very uneven looking lashes. Not only that, they looked clumpy and crusty. I was running late for work at this point, so I decided to just let it be and see how my lashes looked at the end of the day.

Halfway through the day, I looked in the mirror and almost laughed at my reflection. More of the fibers had disappeared and my lashes were looking even more uneven than they had looked in the morning. Also, how do you feel about lashes that have a 90 degree angle at the tip? Doesn't sound too appealing, right? Some of the lash fibers were pointing in a completely different direction than my own lashes, so it definitely didn't look too natural. I took some vaseline and removed my mascara as quickly as I could.

I have a hard time recommending this product based on my experience with it. I think it would work for those of you lucky enough to have naturally curled lashes.  Definitely not the easiest product to use for us girls with straight lashes. It was a frustrating product to work with and the worst part is, it wasn't even worth it. I didn't find it to be lengthening, and it most definitely failed to "double my lashes for a full, fluttering look."

I'm starting to think maybe I just don't like lash fibers. I tried the Hard Candy lash fibers a while back and ended up tossing it.  I get a lot more volume and length from applying just a regular mascara. I would recommend purchasing the Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash mascara instead.

Would I repurchase? Not a chance. I should have returned it but I'm terrible about returning things.

Have you tried the MUFE Lash Fibers?
If you like it, how do you make it work??


xx
Elise


November 07, 2010

Olivia Palermo + Mango

AMAZING. Just brilliant and amazing. 
Mango's Fall/Winter campaign features the flawlessly stunning Olivia Palermo and her equally hot boyfriend, Johannes Huebl. The collection is so perfect for Olivia. She has always described her style as classic with a modern twist. 
Actually, you know what? Doesn't matter. 
Let's all just collectively drool over these pictures!





Photos: mango.com

I never manage to find anything I like when I shop at Mango but my goodness, their campaigns can certainly be brilliant. 

Do you love the pictures as much as I do?
(the longer I look at the pictures, the more awkward their legs and arms look but I'm still in love)

xx
Elise

October 28, 2010

FOTD using Chanel Tweed Fuchsia


Hi girls!


As promised, here is a FOTD using the Chanel Tweed Fuchsia! 

[face]
Laura Mercier mineral powder in Natural Beige
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC20
[cheeks]
Chanel Tweed Fuchsia
Lorac Perfectly Lit powder in Spotlight
Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond
[eyes]
Dior waterproof eyeliner in Trinidad Black
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in Carbon Black
Buxom Lash mascara in Blackest Black
[lips]
Chanel Rouge Allure lip gloss in Imaginaire


As you may have noticed, I use two highlighters. It's getting colder and I've got dry dehydrated skin so I need all the help I can get! I apply Lorac Spotlight all over my cheeks and then apply Dior Amber Diamond a bit more sparingly to the tops of my cheeks. 

When I first saw the photo below from the Giambattista Valli F10 show, I completely fell in love with it. Lately, I've been trying to copy it as best as I can and have been teasing my hair and putting it in a low bun.  My hair was a little neater than usual today though because I had work all day. 
Photo: Peter Stigter, elle.com

My work appropriate take on the above photo: 


xx

Elise


October 22, 2010

Coco Rocha's makeup closet



Photos from vogue.com (photographed by Claborne Swanson Frank)
Supermodel Coco Rocha has a clothing closet, shoe closet, and best part of all - a makeup closet! In Vogue, there was a photo of her makeup counter at home (it's definitely not her whole collection). 

Coco's picks were fairly predictable (lots of Rimmel and YSL) but I still think it's such a fun thing to look at!

Here are some of the things I spotted:
DiorShow mascara
Revlon Grow Luscious mascara
YSL Elle
Revlon nail polish
Rimmel eyeshadows, lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, nail polish
Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray

Her everyday makeup consists of concealer, dark eyes, pale lips, contour and shimmer. 

In a recent interview that I read on beautygeeks (one of my favourite blogs), this Canadian beauty admitted to occasionally going to sleep with makeup on. You can watch the interview here

How stunning is she?

Have a wonderful night and weekend!


xx
Elise

October 20, 2010

FOTD feat. Burberry Blush

[face]
 Laura Mercier mineral powder in Natural Beige
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC20
Cargo bronzer in Matte Medium
[cheeks]
Burberry blush in Cameo
Lorac Perfectly Lit powder in Spotlight
[eyes]
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara 
Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black
Annabelle kohl eyeliner in Black
[lips]
Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner Definer in Pure 


October 19, 2010

Burberry Blush in Cameo

Lately, I've been using my Burberry blush in Cameo quite a bit. I bought it in the summer but was sure I had wasted the $50. I couldn't get it to blend nicely and the colour just looked bad.

I'm not sure what has changed but I'm really enjoying it now. It's really pigmented, smells amazing, has nice packaging, and has more product than most of my blushes (it's .24 oz whereas MAC blushes are .21 oz, and NARS blushes are .16 oz).
 
For a product that has "light glow" in the name, it applies darker than expected but I just use a light hand and keep building it. It definitely gives off a nice 'glow' or sheen as opposed to having shimmer in it.

If you don't want to spend the $50, try the e.l.f. blush in Mellow Mauve. For $3, you can get a very similar colour. They aren't exactly the same, but I think if the e.l.f. blush didn't have any shimmer, they would be even closer. 

I've read some reviews on Mellow Mauve and some say it's matte and not pigmented enough. Perhaps a downside to this blush is it's inconsistency, because mine is very pigmented and has a slight bluish shimmer to it (but don't worry, when applied it isn't a shimmer bomb). You'll probably want to set the e.l.f. blush with a finishing powder though, because I don't find it lasts all day. 
Burberry Cameo on the left, e.l.f. Mellow Mauve on the right
Click here for a Face of the Day using the Burberry blush!

Let me know if you've tried anything from Burberry! I want the lipstick in Cameo Pink but it's just an easy to wear soft pink...I'm sure I can find a drugstore option.

Any suggestions for natural looking pink lipsticks? What's your favourite? 



xx
Elise

October 17, 2010

what's inside Olivia Palermo's makeup bag?

Photo: Asos

I've always loved Olivia Palermo's style and signature red nail polish. I love how she usually has overdone blush and fresh looking skin. She has found a look that works for her and she usually sticks to it. I've been going crazy trying to find out which nail polish she uses.

I stumbled across an interview she did with a magazine and thought some of you may be interested to know a few of her go to products. 





Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats in Tendre Aurore
YSL Perfect Touch Foundation
L'Oreal Professionnel Masque Force Vector
Essie nail polish in Lollipop
Bobbi Brown Eye Makeup Palette in Plum Velvet
Johnson's Baby Powder
MD Skincare



She said she always carries a small pot of baby powder in her purse to freshen up her skin or hair. 

I think I'll give the Guerlain blush and Essie polish a try. 

If you have tried any of these products, definitely let me know your thoughts on them! 


xx
Elise


October 09, 2010

Vamp it up

Hello Lovies,

A while back, I was given a mini Dior Addict lipcolor in 783. I can't seem to find too much about it online but I think it's called Opulent Mauve.

I went out to dinner the other night and finally wore it. It's definitely a bold lip...something I'm not entirely used to. I decided to recreate the look from the other night so I could snap a few pictures. Don't mind the mess...I'm sitting on  my unmade bed.
  

Sorry for the short post. I've got to run. I'm always late!


xx
Elise

October 08, 2010

I'm officially the worst blogger ever.

It's been a long time..sorry about that! Happy October! 

I have no idea what's going on, but I may be done with peachy lipsticks/glosses/blush for now. I'm all about the pinks right now. I've also been sporting darker shades on my lips instead of my usual peachy nudes. 
I finally managed to score a Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle. I also bought a Rouge Allure lip gloss in 'Imaginaire' which is such a pretty pink. 

(Rouge Allure in Imaginaire and Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle) 


Below are some (terribly blurry) swatches. On the left is Mademoiselle by itself. The middle swatch is Mademoiselle with Imaginaire. On the right is the Imaginaire by itself. 




Here are some of the products I bought while I was MIA:

Out of the above products, here's what I like and what I feel I should have skipped:

LOVING:
  • Sephora fan brush #43 
  • MAC blush in Pink Swoon (sorry, I didn't realize it was hidden by the fan brush)
  • bareMinerals all-over face color in Rose Radiance
  • LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit EDP
  • Lorac Perfectly Lit powder in Spotlight
  • Korres lip butters (If you missed out on MAC's lipstick in 'Most Popular' get the Korres lip butter in Wild Rose!)

SHOULD HAVE SKIPPED:
  • Hourglass Oxygen mineral foundation powder in No. 3 (save the $50...I'm pretty sure I bought this for the packaging)
  • Benefit Posie Tint 
  • MAC blush in Dollymix 
  • MAC bronzing Powder in Golden 
  • Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Hula Hula
  • Clinique true bronze pressed powder bronzer in Sunkissed
  • Clinique blushing blush powder in Precious Posy 
  • YSL Rouge Volupte in #13 

None of the products on the 'should have skipped' list are bad. I actually don't mind any of them but they rarely get used. I've just got so many other products that I love much, much more. 

Hope you're all doing well and if you're in school right now, I hope it isn't getting too stressful! 
I've missed you girls! 


xx
Elise


August 03, 2010