Beauty Talk with Liz Trinnear
When Upper Canada Mall invited me back to their hood last month, I said "sure". My mission was to help them celebrate the store opening of Topshop at The Bay. I knew Liz Trinnear of etalk, was the special guest, but I didn't exactly know that I'd be sitting down to interview her until 30 mins before it happened. Yikes. Instead of freaking out and making a mountain out of a mole hill (is that how the saying goes?), I decided to approach the whole thing very casually and shoot the shit with her. She's a pretty cool girl and she taught me a couple of things about her beauty routine. Read on to find out what two items she recommends for flawless skin and the one thing she does every single night.
Liz is a believer in protecting her skin from the sun and uses a daily SPF, in particular the Kiehl's BB Cream with SPF 50. I used to swear by a tinted moisturizer that Kiehl's made years ago, but they discontinued it. Really stoked that she told me about their BB cream because it's actually very similar to my old fave.
Liz's bedtime routine is always the same, without fail. Like so many of us, she always washes her face before going to bed. She's keen on removing all her makeup to keep her skin looking flawless. Finally, when her skin needs a pick-me-up, she uses the Sephora Rose Mask. She says it's great for hydrating tired skin.
So there you have it, beauty secrets from the adorable blonde who used to guest host Gossip Girl on MuchMusic. That's how I remember her. Oh, and she looks like Gwen Stefani, who I totally love!
xo, Nathalie
Get Outside
When Geoff and I set out to shoot this post, we wanted to connect the coziness of my outfit with nature and we intentionally set out to do something less urban. We ended up shore side along the lake on a very cold day. I had the "brilliant" idea to ditch my jacket in vain of showing off my outfit and I was shivering like crazy. My only thoughts were "let's hurry this up" and "my ankles are freezing!" By the time we wrapped it up, my finger tips were bright red and numb.
We're embarking on a trip to the Canadian Rockies in a few weeks and it's inspired us to think outside of the box. We wanted to do something different from our usual street shots and minimal industrial backgrounds. With this mindset, we are hoping to bring you something different, and inspire you want to get out doors and explore. Maybe just dress more appropriately than I did here!
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
Banana Republic, jeans & oversized cardigan (promo code CYBER)
Old Navy, knitted cap (promo code CYBER)
Gap, sweatshirt with side zip (promo code CYBER)
Roztayger, backpack from Bonastre (on sale with promo code Thanksgiving2015)
Everlane, slip ons
Just Bear With Me
December is my favourite month and this year is going to be incredible. It kicks off with Diana's bday (Dec 2nd), then I'm flying out to Banff/ Lake Louise mid month, then I get back in time for my bday (Dec. 21st), and finally Christmas! LOVE December!
Speaking of Xmas, I've been working on an awesome gift guide for you this year with ideas of what to get everyone on your list. They're items I can't wait to gift my friends and family and I hope they're items you're going to be excited about too. All of that is going down soon so bear with me please and thanks. In the meanwhile, I hope you'll enjoy the first part of this post. We shot this by the lake in Burlington on the weekend. I'm so happy with this series that I had to split it up. Stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow! ;)
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
Banana Republic, jeans & oversized cardigan (on sale with promo code BRGIVE)
Old Navy, knitted cap & wrap coat
Gap, sweatshirt with side zip (on sale with promo code GAPHAPPY)
Roztayger, backpack from Bonastre (on sale with promo code Thanksgiving2015)
Everlane, slip ons
Disclaimer: The clothes I'm wearing were gifted to me by Gap Inc. They're pieces I love for myself, and would happily gift to a loved one as well.
Spray On Jeans & Cozy Knits
Snow, hail, gale force winds, sun and cloud. We pretty much faced all of the elements during this shoot. Did I mention it was also FREEZING cold? Sometimes you just have to get out there and get it done! Hope you're all having a good week so far!
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
Blank NYC, Spray On jeans with faux leather detail on the back.
Old Navy, salt & pepper knit sweater.
Lacoste, reversible scarf.
Aritzia, cocoon coat.
Mackage, Rubie crossbody bag.
Sandro Paris, black ankle boots.
REVIEW: BIRCHBOX X GLAMLIFEGURU GUEST EDITOR BOX (WITH TATI WESTBROOK)
Hi, it's Diana, Nathalie's BFF and a new contributor to WoahStyle's Beauty Section. If you're wondering what I'm doing here, you can read Nathalie's intro and my first post here.
A few weeks ago, Nathalie told me that she was going to interview someone named Tati, who was launching her own line of cosmetics. Don't get mad, but I totally didn't know who she was. I don't spend a lot of time on YouTube, and when I do, it's mostly to watch cat videos. When Nathalie asked me to review Tati's new Guest Editor Birchbox, I thought it'd be a good idea because I'm impartial. Impartiality is super important when reviewing things. Here, I'll share an example. I have a friend who loves Madonna. He loves her so much that every online username he had in university had some variation of her name in it. Every time one of her new albums comes out, he'll talk about how it's the best one she's released to date. And he'll backup all of her questionable actions - including that kiss with Drake. My point is, idols can sometimes cloud judgement, so it's always good to have someone around to keep it real. Let's be honest, that Drake/Madonna kiss was hella weird.
BIRCHBOX X GLAMLIFEGURU GUEST EDITOR BOX (WITH TATI WESTBROOK)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
- EMBRYOLISSE LAIT CREME CONCENTRATE
SAMPLE SIZE: 5ML
A lot of people love this. I could take it or leave it. It says that it's a multi-purpose product that removes make up, works as a repairing mask, as an after shave cream and it's sensitive enough for babies. I used it the other day to remove my make up and it did an awful job. Most of my make up stayed on after trying to wipe it away with a cotton pad, and it made it harder to take off. I had to use an eye make up remover, a cleansing wipe, and wash my face TWICE to get all of my make up off. I usually don't have to do that. However, I do think it would make a good repairing mask for those who don't have sensitive skin. I don't break out often, and when I do, it's usually after using a product that disagrees with my skin. I broke out a day after using this.
- LIVING PROOF PERFECT DAY (PHD) DRY SHAMPOO
SAMPLE SIZE: 92ML
Oh yes please, I'll take some more. Leaves your hair looking and feeling clean without an overpowering scent. I find some dry shampoos leave hair feeling really dry, this definitely didn't. My hair passed as freshly washed too, which isn't always the case when I use an inferior dry shampoo. Would absolutely buy the full-sized version of this.
- LOC ONE & DONE SHADOW STICK - DAY TRIP
SAMPLE SIZE: 0.05OZ
Tati's known for being a make up guru and her foray into her own make up line is impressive if I was to judge it on this one item. Beautiful colour pay off, didn't crease or smear throughout the day, no touch ups necessary.
- THEBALM COSMETICS FRATBOY BLUSH/SHADOW
SAMPLE SIZE: 3.5OZ
Would look fabulous on ladies with lighter skin tones. Did nothing for my medium complexion. Lasting power hard to judge because it just didn't show up on my skin.
- SKYN ICELAND HYDRO COOL FIRMING EYE GELS
SAMPLE SIZE: 0.11OZ
I actually love this brand. I've used their moisturizers in the past and they're great. I hated this. I read online reviews on this product and I don't understand how people rave about it. Maybe I got a defective sample? I followed instructions and left it on for 10 minutes. As I tried to take the pads off my undereye area, it pulled at the fragile skin! Also, I found that my undereye area didn't feel refreshed at all, I would go as far to say as they felt a little dry. Very disappointed.
Swatch samples on Nathalie's light-medium olive skin. As you can see theBalm's Frat Boy blush shows up well on her skintone.
The Cold Effect
It's crazy to think it's almost December and here I am dressed like early fall. While everyone has been relishing in the warmer weather, I can't help but worry. I think about the polar ice caps melting, polar bears in trouble, water levels rising, you know, the environmental repercussions what we're ultimately doing to our planet. I know it sounds like a total downer to write about this in a fashion blog, but these are the things I worry about and the reason I stopped eating animals. I'm just trying to do my part for the planet. Before you go ahead and call me a hypocrite, I'm very aware that I wear leather and I'm not saying that I'm perfect by any means. I don't believe in throwing something away unless it's truly garbage. In my house, we donate a lot to the Salvation Army. We use Kajiji and eBay to find a new home for designer shoes or furniture we no longer need. I gather up unwanted makeup and skincare samples and share them with my mum, bff, relatives and colleuges. I hate wasting food and would rather ask for a doggy bag before throwing out a half-eaten meal. Remember guys, reduce, re-use, recycle. Don't hate me for this post. These are just some of the things I think about.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
Banana Republic jeans and striped shirt.
The Kooples, leather moto jacket.
Valentino, Rockstud shoes and clutch.
Daniel Wellington, Lady Sheffield Watch.
those grunge vibes
From the age of thirteen to fifteen I went through a major grunge stage. All I listened to was Soungdaren, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains. You know, the Seattle rock bands of the 90s'. I dressed like the guys in my favourite bands with grungy distressed jeans, Doc Martens, Chuck Taylors and concert t-shirts gallore. OMG I owned every concert tee out there and when I couldn't find anymore to collect, I moved onto band posters and rarity B sides tapes of hard to find music. This was pre-Napster my friends when people still collected tapes.
After my grunge obsession fizzled out, I turned goth for some time. I was one of two kids in my high school that dyed my hair black, shaved half my head and wore black nail polish (it was really hard to find back then). All of the kids thought I was weird but I was making a statement and I really didn't care. Post grunge, came my hippie stage. All I listed to was The Beatles and I watched all of their movies on VHS. Peter Sellers movie, The Party was the best thing I'd ever seen and I couldn't get enough of the 70s' during this time. That stage eventually died off too. My mum helped bring my back to present time and took me shopping at Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco, which started a whole other obsession.
There are days when I get dressed, like this outfit here, and I realize that grunge stage never really left. It's much more refined now and more glam-grunge than anything but it's still there. There's no denying it.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
The Kooples, t-shirt and fringe bag.
Rag & Bone, jeans.
Mother Denim, utility jacket.
Isabel Marant, Angie boots.
Fresh Skincare Affair Collection
In this post I’m thrilled to announce that my bff, Diana, will be joining WoahStyle as a regular contributor on all matters skincare and beauty! Aside from my favourite YouTube vloggers, there is no one I trust more for beauty advice, and knowledge, than Diana. We’ve been friends since we were 10 years old and have gone through everything together, including our obsession with Sweet Valley High, Cover Girl cosmetics when we were thirteen, and even running our own business in our early 20’s. You’ll still be seeing plenty of beauty posts and reviews from me, but you’ll be seeing Diana in the mix as well.
I hope you guys enjoy her first review and learn something from it. I’ll be honest and tell you I’d never heard of micellar water till I read her article here. Then I ran to Sephora, like a fucking nerd, to buy some.
xo, Nathalie
Some people say silly things like, "I don't care about Oprah or her favourite things." Those people are foolish because Oprah will always have mad game and she knows what's going on. She's rich, she can have whatever she wants, so I'm gonna listen when she endorses things. And you know which brand she endorsed on her Favourite Things list this year? It was FRESH.
I've been a fan of Fresh for a few years now. One of the first things I bought from them was their Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment and I made the mistake of purchasing it in front of my boyfriend, who was appalled that I'd spend almost $30 on a lip balm. But let's be real, part of the reason he likes me is because he thinks I'm attractive, and if I had gross, crusty lips, he totally wouldn't want to kiss me. He should totally be thanking Fresh, and realize the huge and lasting impact that this lip treatment has on our relationship.
Every year Fresh kills it and brings out these amazing Limited Edition kits for Christmas that are 1) an amazing value and 2) filled with legit products that you're going to buy full price after trying them, whether you can afford to or not. Their Fresh Skincare Affair Collection is filled with top rated products and two of the five products are full-sized. Pretty mental for $85 - especially since the kit retails for $114 when the products are sold individually.
Here's what you get and what I think about it:
SOY FACE CLEANSER
Feels super gentle but does some hard work. I'm pretty diligent about makeup removal, so I used a makeup wipe before washing my face with this cleanser. After cleansing, I found all traces of makeup were gone, which is rare - I usually have to use some micellar water after. Didn't have to this time.
BLACK TEA INSTANT PERFECTING MASK
Love this so much. I spend the evening at my BF's parent's house. They have a cat that I love, but am insanely allergic to. After spending an evening sneezing and blowing my nose, this was a heaven sent. My dehydrated and puffy face felt soft, renewed and moisturized after leaving it on for 15 minutes.
SEABERRY MOISTURIZING FACE OIL
I've bought this in a full size a few times now. If you haven't tried it, you have to. I know a lot of people are uncomfortable replacing their traditional moisturizer with a face oil, but it simplifies your routine so much and honestly, I feel like this is more moisturizing that any moisturizer I own.
ROSE HYDRATING EYE GEL CREAM
First time trying this. Felt cool and very nice under the eyes. Started using it on a Wednesday and saw my Mom on a Saturday who commented that I looked rested. Hmm...
SUGAR ADVANCED THERAPY LIP TREATMENT
I've been with my boyfriend for almost 10 years. I've been using this stuff for 9. Coincidence? Not gonna stop using it to find out.
I was at Sephora today and I noticed a lot of their holiday gift sets are flying off the shelves. A few weeks ago, my local store had 8 of these on their shelves. Today, they had 3. So go on girl, treat yourself. Or buy this for the crazy skincare lover in your life. Or both, cause life's short and everyone should have awesome skin.
K bye cya later,
Diana
Photos by: Nathalie Shible Martin
Article by: Diana Aldea
The Fresh Skincare Affair was provided to WoahStyle for this review. All opinions are our own.
THE OCD Files
Sometimes I wonder if I have a touch of OCD. I always have to wash my hands for a minute before I feel clean and I brush my teeth for like 5 minutes at a time. So weird, I know. I also become crazy obsessive when I really love something. This post is all about my current faves that I can’t get enough of.
These boots Giuseppe Zanotti boots have been galavanting all over town with me these days. I wear them with skirts, jeans, leather leggings and cotton leggings alike. I just love how they look. I think they’re elegant as for as combat boots go, and they make a statement without saying “look at me”, like my glitter pink Saint Laurent boots. (Which I treasure and love so much btw).
This coat is a recent purchase from Aritzia and I got it when the Wilfred store opened at Sherway. I’ll be honest with you, Aritzia sent me an email saying this coat is faulty because it doesn’t button up properly, which is too bad. I think I have the option to return it, but I haven’t seen this style on colour on their website, so I decided to keep it. It was also gifted to me by Aritzia themselves, so I don’t mind that the placket is a little off. It’s still beautiful in my eyes.
My leather leggings are from Mackage. Since I got them last spring, they become my favourite fall/ winter pant. I’d recommend everyone get a pair of leather leggings if you can!
If you notice the backdrop you’ll see I’m at a mall. The Halton Hills mall to be exact. Since The Kooples opened here recently, I can’t seem to stay away. I think even the staff knows my name now. #whoops
Told you I had a touch of the obsessives-something-or-other. If you guys are getting sick of me wearing the same thing, sorry but not really. i just like to be cozy in the cold weather.
xo, Nathalie
