Fashion Friday: Sweater Weather

It is so gorgeous out today - enough to wear only a sweater! I thought I'd take advantage and take a few fashion Friday pictures!

Necklace - Silpada, Winners // Sunglasses - Franco Sarto // Sweater - Gap // Shirt - J Crew // Gray Skinnies - Gap Factory // Loafers- Aldo  // Bag - Rebecca Minkoff Mini-MAC bag 

 

Thanks to my boy for taking these for me! We actually had a blast taking these, but even with the sun, the ground is still quite muddy! 

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

5 Great Blue Nail Polishes for Spring!

In preparation for spring, I thought I'd let you all know what my favorite nail blue polishes of the season are!

Now, I'm not the kind of gal who runs out and buys every blue nail polishes out there. Truth is, I'm very picky about blues, and these 5 polishes are truly colors I love to wear!

I find all of these quite flattering on my skin tone, and easy to wear. I especially love the two Essie polishes. I must say, Essie really knows how to mix their blue polishes - they are always beautiful!

On the nail wheel, from left to right: Joe Fresh Cobalt, Essie Smooth Sailing, OPI Light My Sapphire, Essie Bikini So Teeny, China Glaze For Audrey

Sure, perhaps Light My Sapphire (swatched here) isn't exactly a color that screams spring, but I had to mix it up! Plus, it just shimmers so beautifully in the sun. I love Joe Fresh's Cobalt vibrancy - especially the fact that it's not too bright. Some bright blue nail polishes just don't float my boat. Essie Smooth Sailing is one of my favorite polishes ever. It's incredibly wearable, and just works. I thought for sure I had featured it on the blog before, but I guess I haven't! You'll just have to take my word for it! Bikini So Teeny (swatched/snowflaked up here) is gorgeous. It's the kind of polish I can see myself wearing over and over again, especially during the summer. And For Audrey is one of those classics every polish fan just needs to own. Trust me. I'd link you to my old post of this polish, but my photography skills sucked so much then, I advise you to simple google the swatch if you're interested.

Hope this gave you ideas on the best blue polishes out there! What's your favorite?

Face of the day featuring Bite Beauty!

You beauty addicts must relate to this. You know when you have a beautiful makeup product that you love, but you just can't seem to fit it into your beauty routine because... well, who knows why, it just doesn't make it. This is kind of how I've been feeling about my Bite Beauty Lipstick Library.

I absolutely love this palette. But being someone who almost never applies lipstick with a lip brush, it's kind of an extra step that I almost never have the time to take.

This past weekend however, I took the time to apply Carménére and thought I'd post my face of the day.

I used my Estée Lauder BB Cream all over the face after moisturizing with my Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse, then concealed any imperfections with the MAC Moisture Cover Concealer, and topped everything off with my Clinique Loose Powder. On my cheeks, I wanted to use something a bit more subtle with glowy, so I went with MAC's Warm Soul mineralize blush. My brows were lightly filled in with the Anastasia Brow Whiz in Brunette. For my eyes, I used my Make Up For Ever Eye Primer before using the same brand's Aqua Shadow* pencil in the coral/champagne shade 26E. I then used MAC's Satin Taupe in the crease, and Shroom in the inner corner of my eyes. To brighten up my eye, and keep things natural, I used MAC's Chromographic Pencil in NC15/NW20 in the water line. I used one of my favorite mascaras, the Make Up For Ever Smokey Lash* generously on upper and bottom lashes. And to finish, the pièce de résistance: Bite Beauty's Luminous Creme Lipstick in Carménére.

Carménére is described as being an "apple red" on Sephora's website, but I feel it pulls a bit rosy on my skintone. It's quite pretty! I like that it's not a shade I would usually wear. I tend to favor glossy lipsticks but Carménére's velvet/matte finish was gorgeous. It did not give that dreaded "matte lipstick" pull when applying, and wasn't drying to the lips at all. In fact, it felt quite creamy upon application, but settled quickly into a velvet finish. I definitely recommend you checking out their lipsticks - their formula is one of my favorite. I wear their Luminous Creme Lipstick in Pepper all the time!

* I have received this product for consideration but my opinions are always my own. I always strive to review products with honesty.

Fashion Friday: Oh Zara!

Zara's new online store has been killing me. I purchased these babies on the day that the store actually opened and I have not regretted it one bit.

Unfortunately, these beauties will have to wait to be worn since there is still snow on the ground where I live. But I can't wait to wear them with flirty floral dresses, rolled up khakis, and skater skirts! I love that their three-inch heel makes them comfortable enough for work, but the studs make them different enough to not be your regular black pumps. LOVE!

Zara has me hooked. Expect more Zara love in the future.

Happy Friday!

Annick got tagged! My answers to Beauty Reflections' (aka, Tracy) questions!

I got tagged a while back by Beauty Reflections and thought it would be a fun and random post to write! Thanks for tagging me Tracy!

1. What's the one beauty product you ALWAYS use no matter what? 
Mascara. I definitely never put any makeup on without mascara. It just looks strange (to me) if I don't.And well, technically, I don't put mascara on without foundation and some kind of lip product. If I go somewhere bare faced, I gots nothin' on.

2. High end mascaras? Or drugstore mascaras? 
I usually go for drugstore mascaras (favorite being Annabelle Le Big Show) but I do have a soft spot for the Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash mascara and tend to buy it as a special treat. But my opinion is that most drugstore mascaras will do the trick, and high end mascaras are not usually worth it.

3. Lipstick? Or lip gloss? Or lip balm? Which do you prefer or wear the most?
Probably lipstick. Lately, I've been loving gloss, but lipstick is what I usually reach for. There's nothing easier to apply than a good ol' "my lips but better" shade in the morning when you're not thinking straight quite yet. I'm not a morning person at all.

4. What's the one makeup brand that you love everything they make, and could use for the rest of your life- shunning all others?
I'd go with Make Up For Ever or Estee Lauder. Make Up For Ever has my favorite mascara, liners, creme eyeshadows, so I feel I could survive on their products. But Estee Lauder has great lipsticks, foundation, and eyeshadow palettes. I really could live on either brand.Or MAC for that matter, since I like most of their products.

5. Who's your favourite character in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy?
I used to LOVE Lord of the Rings in high school, and my favorite character was definitely Pippin.

6.  How would you describe your beauty style?
Simple, casual. I don't usually use bright colors, or very obvious eye makeup.

7.  Do you follow makeup trends? 
Yes and no. I won't follow a makeup trend, simply because it's a trend, but I will give trends a dabble once in a while, if I like it.

8.  Do you like coloured mascara? Or not?
I've never tried any so I can't say! I feel like I wouldn't mind a navy sort of mascara.And I do like brown mascara now that I think of it.

9. Cake? Or pie? Or what's your favourite dessert?
PIE! I love pie! But I love cake too. But between pie and cake, I'd go for pie I think. With a little bit of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

10.  Which do you prefer? Liquid eyeliner or pencils?
Honestly, I prefer the look of liquid, but always use pencil. I'm always in a rush before I get out the door and it's much easier for me to use pencil liner.

11. Do you use a bronzer? Every day or not at all? Which one is your favourite?
I don't often think of applying bronzer in my daily routine. I always slap it on for a night out though. My favorite is probably NARS Laguna as it is so easy to wear, and the perfect shade of muddy brown.

So there! I answered all the questions! I hate tagging people because I don't want them to feel obligated to answer silly questions, but I my suggestions go to Larie, sillylilacs, and The Procrastinator.

1. You are traveling to Morocco and can only bring 5 makeup items. What would those items be? 
2. What is your favorite eyeshadow of all times.
3. What's your 5 minute face? 
4. Do you pencil/draw in your brows? If so, with what products?
5. Tell me of an embarrassing makeup moment or story
6. Heels or flats?
7. What is the most luxurious makeup item you own?
8. Do you have any pets? 
9. You've won a gift certificate at Sephora for $100. How would you spend it? 
10. What's your skin type? 
11. Do you like ice cream? What's your favorite kind?

And that's it folks! If anyone else feels like answering my 11 questions, feel free to do it! I'd love to hear what any of you would have to say!

Guerlain Les Fauves Ecrin 4 couleurs palette - Review & Swatches!

I have been meaning to write this post for a very long time since I've had this Guerlain palette since January (I think?) but things have been so busy, I've barely had time to blog at all!

Either way, here it is! The famous Guerlain Les Fauves palette!

I got this palette for free as I redeemed my Shoppers Optimum points for it. It's pretty much the only good rewards program in Canada, so I take full advantage of it!

Les Fauves consists of 4 warm-toned eyeshadows that go very well together. I'm especially fond of the shade on the right, and the left. I tend to use those two most, with the right shade all over the lid, and the left shade in the crease.

The packaging of this palette is absolutely stunning. I think that of all my collection, this is my favorite packaging ever (with the Estee Lauder Violet Underground palette coming in a close second). It's sturdy, but hefty, and doesn't leave finger marks. And well, it's gold. Enough said.

The texture of the shadows is excellent. They're a dream to work with - pigmented, but soft enough to blend easily.

Swatches in the shade, shadows from the left to the right of the palette.

Swatches in the sun, same order.

And here's a quick eye look with the Guerlain Les Fauves palette. It is truly a combination of shades so easy to use together!

I must say, I really love this palette. However, I did have a couple issues with it personally - and honestly, these tiny little problems might not even affect you.

First off, I thought the wear time of these shadows was a bit poor. Perhaps it is simply because the texture is so smooth, but these eyeshadows creased on my oily lids by the end of the day, even with a primer. That rarely happens to me. I've had to use a primer and MAC's Painterly Paint pot in order to get the shadows to stay all day. Definitely not something that's ideal for a palette that is that expensive, but hey, I'll do it if the shadows are pretty enough.

Second, the colors are a bit too warm for my skin tone. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for people who like a pop of color, or bright shadow, but I had a hard time wearing this palette as casual work makeup. The colors were too bright, vibrant and warm to look natural. Except perhaps the color on the right - that one is quite neutral. Again, might not affect most of you, especially if you already like warm colors, but I guess I know now that I prefer cool tones on my eyes. Lesson learned.

Honestly, I still highly suggest this palette. It is stunning, and I definitely don't mind layering on the bases in order for the shadows to stick. While I don't wear this too often as work makeup, I really enjoy playing with the colors for a night out. The coral color in the middle looks amazing with a winged liner. Up next, I think I will purchase (with Shoppers Optimum points again hopefully!) Les Fumes, or Les Cuirs! I'm still so bitter about missing out on Turandot!

Hope this was interesting for you and has helped you decide whether this palette's hefty price tag is worth it for you ($64). If you don't mind splurging on cosmetics, like I know I do, I think it is worth it. Otherwise, I'm sure most of these colors are dupeable. In fact, please leave me a comment if you're interested in comparison swatches!

Fashion Friday: If money was no object...

Sometimes, it truly makes me feel better to put together a unaffordable wishlist when I feel the stress of money on my shoulders. It makes me realize that it's okay that these items are way beyond my budget. Who needs a $500 pair of shoes? I know I certainly don't, and I'm okay with that. This is not to say that if I won the lottery tomorrow, I wouldn't buy all these items in a heartbeat! (I may or may not buy a lottery ticket at lunch)

So here is my luxury wishlist. Drool with me.

the impossible wishlist by thesmalllittlethingsinlife

Oscar de la Renta , 2,350 CAD / rag & bone/JEAN skinny jeans, 190 CAD / Alexander Wang pumps, 540 CAD / Valentino patent wedge, 715 CAD / Mulberry handbag, 1,025 CAD / Alexis Bittar jewelry, 180 CAD / Marie Hélène de Taillac yellow gold jewelry, 4,650 CAD / Marc Jacobs optical, 350 CAD / Nicholas leather belt, 125 CAD

Wish me luck on that lottery ticket!

I'm totally in love with those Alexander Wang nude pumps - they are classy yet demure. And that Oscar de la Renta dress? Absolutely and completely outrageous in price, but oh so stunning!

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Good to the last drop

Just when I thought I couldn't squeeze any more out of my Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse, chopping it in half gave me at least two weeks' worth of product!

Lucky me, I already have a back up of this baby, but I'll definitely be using every last bit of this tube!

Anybody else do this to their favorite products?

Love/Hate with Butter London - All Hail the Queen Review & Swatch

Oh Butter London, I have such a love/hate relationship with you. First off, you make amazing polishes such a Jaffa, Muggins, and Snog that I know I'll wear again and again. But some of your polishes (like Fiddlesticks!) are gloppy and chip like crazy! All Hail the Queen has me confused. On the one hand, I LOVE the color. It's a sort of holo nude taupe shade that's really flattering on my skintone. However, I saw tip wear within a day of wearing this polish. Sigh... Why Butter London?!

I think perhaps my skin chemistry and Butter London just doesn't get along. While some of their polishes lasts for days, others just do not want to hang on to my nails. Oh well, perhaps next time I'll try All Hail the Queen with something other than Seche Vite topcoat?

All Hail the Queen is a gorgeous shade, and if you don't have wear time issues with Butter London polishes, it's a unique shade to add to a collection. I seem to be one of the only people who can't make these babies last for some reason, so perhaps my warning is unneeded.

Also, does anyone else think All Hail the Queen would make a gorgeous eyeshadow? Oh, the things beauty addicts think about...

Hope you all had a good weekend!

Fashion Friday: The Trench

My spring closet this year was in need of one major element: the trench coat. When I saw this beauty at H&M for 50% off, I jumped at the chance of owning a fitted, yet classic trench.

Necklace - Silpada // Trench - H&M // Dress - Old Navy // Tights - H&M // Boots - Aldo (old) // Bag - Rebecca Minkoff Mini-MAC bag

I love the detailing on the back and the piping! In case you're interested, but aren't digging the beige look, there's also a navy version in store!

Thanks to my coworker Kate for taking the pictures! Kate is also a blogger and has an amazing fashion blog called O My Heart!. Who knew my coworker would end up being a blogger as well! How awesome is that?!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Review

I think I will always be searching for that perfect winter balm. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to find the perfect balm. I can always find a fault in any I try, even if it comes close to perfection. Case and point: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant.

The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is well loved by makeup artists - used to groom brows to condition the cuticles, this cream seems to do it all. Miss Elizabeth Arden herself was said to use it on her thoroughbred horses' legs! When I put it to the test, I decided to use it on my cuticles, on especially sore and cracked hands, and lips.

How did it perform? Well, I loved the product on my cuticles and dry hands. It was quite greasy, I'll admit, but it solved my cuticle and cracked skin problems pretty much right away. It took a while to absorb, but I'd usually apply it before bed anyway. On the lips, it only performed so-so for me. It provided immediate relief for chapped lips, but if I applied it before bedtime, I woke up with semi-dry lips because the product was all absorbed. My Nuxe Reve de Miel performs better in that sense because it really coats the lips and stays on all night to protect them. So I'm sure I'll be using this little tin up, but most likely on my cuticles and especially dry skin!

Do you have a miracle product that does it all?

YSL Glossy Stain in #9 Rouge Lacque - Swatches & Review

YSL's Glossy Stains have been a blogger favorite for a while now - I've yet to read a negative review about these beauties. I personally love these, and have worn my #5 Rouge Vintage, oh so many times. While #9 Rouge Lacque is not an every day shade (for me anyway) it's just as good, if not better than my #5. The classic red lip lover will definitely love this one.

The pigmentation in this Glossy Stain is amazing. #9 is a bright red that leans towards orange. One of the things I like the most about this product is that it can be layered. If I find myself wanting a slight pop of color, one layer of the YSL Glossy Stain is sufficient. However, if I want a bright red lip for a night out, three swipes will give me a statement lip.

Left to right is one swipe, two swipes and three swipes of the YSL Glossy Stain in #9

The doe-foot applicator is quite easy to work with as well - it fits the corners of my mouth perfectly, and the product glides on smoothly. The Glossy Stain does have the signature YSL scent to it, but I personally really like it. Best to smell them in store if you're sensitive to smells because it's definitely stronger than most of my lip products.

Here I'm wearing the #9 Glossy Stain heavily applied.

I love a glossy red lip, and the advantage of this glossy red lip, is that it's relatively low maintenance. Because the Glossy Stains do in fact stain the lips, it does not leave you with a yucky "ring" when it wears out - just a pretty stain. I do find I sometimes need to moisturize my lips after this product wears out. Also, wearing the YSL Glossy Stains for more than 3-4 days in a row can be quite drying on me.

Of course, nowadays, with the L'Oreal Color Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stains, I'm not sure the price of the YSL Glossy Stain is worth it. I've yet to compare the products, but Carina over at Softly Sometimes just wrote a great review comparing the two, so check it out if you're curious!

Do you have the YSL Glossy Stain? What's your favorite? Do you think they are worth the price?

Fashion Friday Post: The two-toned shoe need!

Something I'm really looking forward to this spring, is the two toned shoe, and more specifically, in black and white/nude colors.This trend suits my style perfectly and would go great with pretty much anything in my wardrobe! Here are my favorite picks, in pyramid format, for fun:

From top to bottom: J Crew Etta Cap Toe Leather Pump, J Crew Everly Cap Toe Pumps, Aldo Heliette Heels, Steven Fearless Captoe Pumps, Pour La Victoire Colettea Pumps, Kary Pointed-toe pump.

Some of these are affordable, some of them (AKA, J Crew) are much less affordable. The most drool-worthy are the gorgeous and strappy Pour La Victoire heels. If money was no object, they would be mine in a heartbeat! The Aldo ones will hopefully be mine sometime this spring, preferably when they are on sale, because that's how I do it! 

Have a great weekend peeps! I will hopefully have a really relaxing weekend, because my achy body is telling me I really need it!