DREAM TEAM :: BEAUTY EDITION

	// MAKE UP FOR EVER HD PRESSED POWDER // You may remember that the Make Up For Ever HD microfinish powder made my beauty routine favourites list for GLAM. Well, MUFE went a step further and made one of my favourite products even better. This amazing finishing powder now comes in a pressed form, works just as fantastically and has solidified it's place in my purse mini touch-up kit for unexpected post-work events. If you're looking for a new powder, definitely check this guy out.
	// ESSIE NAIL POLISH :: SAND TROPEZ & IT'S IN THE BAG // I've been loving the neutrals lately. So much so that my Tibi nail art DIY was very subtle, bordering on un-noticeable (just how I like it!). Not sure whether it's the drawn out winter or their ability to transition nicely outfit to outfit but neutral nails have become my obsession.
	// MAKE UP FOR EVER HD CREAM BLUSH :: 215 // three words - UH-MAH-ZING. Seriously. I have dabbled in cream blush before but always returned to my baked favourites as the others didn't seem to have the staying power. This here is a game changer. It has not only replaced my precious MAC Powder Blush during my morning routine but gets brought along in my on-the-go touch up kit. Sure, I'm never entirely aware of where I put it last but so what, it's a small price to pay to have it (almost) always at my finger tips.
	// SMASHBOX EYE SHADOW // Just lovely. This was a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law, Ruby who totally gets that neutral colours and a little shimmer go a long way. Of the six shadows I have a clear favourite - can you guess which one?
	// BENEFIT GIMME BROW // I never gave much thought to my brows beyond a monthly brow shaping until this year and then BAM! I'm obsessed. I finally stopped by the Benefit Beauty shop while in Boston and treated myself to a brow wax and some knowledge - those ladies sure know their brows. My only wish for the gimme brow is that they had one shade lighter available.

**all views expressed are my own. I did receive the two Make Up For Ever products for free to review 

but was truly impressed and most definitely am now addicted to both!

DIY TIBI NAIL ART

Since I got so many lovely comments on a recent instagram I thought I would share my DIY Tibi tutorial. HonestlyWTF has an amazing post detailing how recreate Jin Soon Choi's Tibi runway nail art... which I gave a try (or 5) but I just couldn't master the steady hand. The shakes and my apparently, ridiculous want of a beige nail pen (what? that's not everyone's first choice?!) led to some creative execution.

Here's how I did it:

Grab your two colours of choice; a base and an accent. Cut twelve small pieces of painter tape and set aside, ready for use. Depending on your base polish you may want to paint your day before to give it time to dry. 

Begin by taping your pointer and ring finger horizontally, leaving a thin space in-between. Follow with taping your middle finger vertically, leaving the same sized space.

Paint over the spaces left on each of your fingers with your accent colour. Peel off the tape beginning with the first finger you painted. Don't let the polish dry too long before peeling or it may dry to the tape and pull off with it (...I learnt that the hard way).

and VOILA! your sweet shaky hands have Tibi runway inspired nails like all the cool kids!

DOT & LIL SPRING 2014 REVIEW

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending the Dot & Lil Press Event for their Spring 2014 line of products.

Dot & Lil specializes in hand crafted bath & skin care products made locally in their Montreal Studio. The moment you enter their space the time, care and emphasis on quality that's involved in the creation of each line of products is immediately apparent. Items are not only beautifully crafted - rows of soap resembling that of a lovely sampling of macarons - but uses thoughtful ingredients to ensure that users put only the best on their skin.

The Spring 2014 line introduces a facial cleansing bar {a gentle formula of rosehip seed extract, ground oats, clay and coconut oil} and exfoliating grains {ground oats & oat flour, ground apricot kernels, milk powder and Saskatchewan red salt}. These two items join the long-loved facial serum rounding out the Dot & Lil facial care trio.

New soaps with seasonal scents in Sweet Pea, Lilac, Peach Blossom and Citrus also join the Spring 2014 line. I was able to get my hands on a sample and I couldn't help but replace my usual go-to with the lilac - it breathes spring into my daily routine!

One thing I've loved about having this little ol' blog is being able to share items I love. Even more than that, I've love each chance I get to share and support gorgeous local businesses I stumble upon. So much is going on in each of our own backyards. I always find it so incredible when I get the opportunity to discover and share something new. What was immediately evident, and what made me fall in love with Dot & Lil is Anne Dardick's, creator and founder of Dot & Lil, infectious passion for her business and the items she creates. I've gushed enough but before I end my review I wanted to share two items from the classic collection that I fell in love with - the line of lip glosses and vintage tea cups candles - both of which I immediately wanted to purchase as gifts for every lovely gal in my life.

So if you get the chance, check out Dot & Lil!
All new Spring 2014 items will be available on the website beginning this Wednesday 

with store fronts stocking soon after! 

Featured :: Face Time with Glam Canada

A little while ago the lovely folks at Glam Canada got in touch, asking if I'd share my beauty philosophy and favourite products for their Face Time feature. I don't often write about beauty but, like most gals, love the subject so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share my routine. When you get a minute, check it out! If you like it, Megan does a great job on all the Face Time pieces so give the others a look too!

MAKE UP FOR EVER review

A little while ago I was contacted by a representative for MAKE UP FOR EVER with an invitation to attend the launch of the HD Complexion Starter Kit at Sephora in Halifax. Being of sound mind I quickly RSVPd YES! A fun makeover just 'cause - how could I not? 

The makeup artist in attendance walked us through the products she was going to use and then sat us down for an application. I obviously forgot to take photos the day of, but below you can see me before, with no makeup and after*, once I applied the products from the HD complexion starter kit. The MAKE UP FOR EVER products really offer amazing coverage. I know this because after the event Jack and I were out for a walk, it was freezing and you couldn't even see that my nose was red [usually I look like rudolph]. Being able to cover up the blotchiness of my super reactive skin? That is all the convincing I need!

*note: my under-eye coverage, blush and eyeliner are not MAKE UP FOR EVER
**I was not paid for this review but I did receive the above products free for attending the event at Sephora. All the views expressed are my own.