REVIEW: BURT'S BEES LIPSTICK & BB CREAM
When the latest from Burt's Bees hit my desk I was excited to start swatching right away! The new lipsticks come in 14 shades like Suede Splash (a flattering brown-rose), Sunset Cruise (pinky-coral) and Scarlet Soaked (luscious orange-red) and my fave Russet River (a red based brown that's easy to wear yet dramatic). The formula is 100% natural, highly moisturizing and feel as comfortable to wear as lip balm. With a satin finish, they are slightly sheer which is perfect for hot summer days. For a bolder look just add lip liner underneath!
NUDES - Nile Nude 500 (cool based nude), Blush Basin 501 (neutral pink nude), Suede Splash 502 (warm nude)
PLUMS / BROWNS - Lily Lake 530 (cool mauve rose), Juniper Water 531 (classic plum), Russet River 532 (warm red based brown)
REDS - Scarlet Soaked 520 (warm orange red), Ruby Ripple 521 (cool red), Sunset Cruise 523 (neutral pinky coral)
PURPLES - Brimming Berry 514 (classic berry), Tulip Tide 515 (cool lilac)
PINKS: Iced Iris 510 (bubblegum pink), Magenta Rush 511 (classic magenta), Fuchsia Flood 512 (cool pink)
WEARING BURT'S BEES LIPSTICKS IN: Russet River, Scarlet Soaked, Magenta Rush, Brimming Berry and Suede Splash with Lisbeth necklace and James Perse t-shirt.
BB CREAM WITH SPF 15 - Medium, Light - Medium, Light
In addition to the new lippies, Burt's Bees has also launched their BB Cream with SPF 15. If you're like me, you would have already swapped out your foundation for a lighter wearing tinted moisturizer with sun protection. I prefer using sheer makeup in the hotter months because it looks more natural in the sun. Plus - who wants cake face in 30-degree weather? This BB Cream goes on easy with your fingers (no beautyblender required!) and looks dewy and natural on the skin which I love! It comes in 3 shades, Light, Light-Medium and Medium. Right now I'm using Light-Medium but I'll probably switch to Medium in the summer for a bronzed look.
This post is sponsored by Burt's Bees. All opinions and photographs are my own.
REVIEW: REVLON’S ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE MASCARA
Who else has more than one mascara currently in their makeup bag? I know I do and, in fact, I have 5 tubes on the go right now because they all serve a different, yet necessary function. I have the thickening one, lengthening, curling, waterproof and the “natural” one, which of course, I barely use. Oh, did I mention the mascara primer? So all in all I have 6 tubes of mascara in my makeup bag ready to #werk.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Revlon on YouTube these days and naturally I was excited to put their new Ultimate All-in-One Mascara to the test. It comes in 3 everyday wearable colours - Black, Blackest Black and Blackened Brown. I got mine in blackest black, which is perfect because I have dark hair and olive skin so I find it’s the most flattering shade for my lashes.
As with every makeup I try, I first wore my new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara around the house as phase one of my rigorous makeup testing. My lashes stayed plump up until the end of the night and I had no smudging. So far so good!
Phase two was to test it out as I ran about my daily errands for the next couple of days. Again, my lashes stayed plump and smudge-free till night time.
Overview of Revlon’s new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara.
PROS
- Buildable. The first coat lengthens and separates your lashes. The second coat thickens and curls them to juicy long lashes.
- The uniquely shaped oval brush, called the Revlon Power Mini Brush, looks intimidating at first glance, but is actually very easy to use. It’s also perfect for getting even the tiniest lashes, like the ones in the corner of your eye.
- Intense colour pay off. Since I have dark eyes and dark hair, I prefer the deepest, darkest black from my mascara to help my eyes pop more. Revlon’s Blackest Black Ultimate All-In-One Mascara passes my colour test. ;)
- Smudge-proof.
- Easy to wash off.
CONS
- Prone to flaking if you touch your lashes.
The left eye features 3 coats of Revlon’s New All-In-One Mascara on the upper lashes and one coat on the lower. The right eye features no mascara.
*Revlon’s All-In-One was the only eyelash product used for this picture.
Overall, I think Revlon’s new Ultimate All-In-One Mascara is a great all-in-one that delivers on its promise. While wearing it, my lashes looked long and thick and my eyes really stood out. It can certainly replace all 6 mascaras currently in my beauty bag but honestly, that’s a big commitment and I like variety. I can say that it has a new place in my beauty bag and I’ll be reaching for it in the near future.
This post is sponsored by Revlon. All opinions and pictures are my own.
MINI DIONYSUS TO GO
I feel like my whole life has been "on-the-go" recently and getting this bag was no exception. After scrolling through @modeison_'s page one morning I decided I needed a little bit of retail therapy. With my coffee in hand, I went shopping and came home with this mini Dionysus.
I did have a moment of doubt when I get her home and thought "shit, I hope it goes with my wardrobe". Indeed it does and I like how it adds a something different to my look. It's just the right amount of contrast to black, strong patterns and killer ankle boots.
At the end of the day, I have no regrets. Well, maybe just the lack of "me" time in my calendar but that's a whole other story.
xo, Nathalie
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL BIRO
CUPCAKES & SNEAKERS
Cupcakes, weekends and sunshine. Toronto is finally getting on board with spring and I'm hella excited. I finally busted out my mint coloured Vans and this cute Philo bag from Town Shoes for the occasion. All of a sudden sneakers just seem so much more desirable than ankle boots don't you think?
xo, Nathalie
DIOR HELPED ME SURVIVE FASHION WEEK
Another season of Toronto Fashion Week has come and gone and I've survived with my makeup on point. With what felt like a million and one deadlines due all in the same week, I was up early each morning and putting on a full face - foundation, eyebrows, contour and all, before becoming a slave to my desk and then eventually heading out for the night. If you're wondering why I was having my makeup did so early, it's because I hate being rushed and being late. No bueno.
With Dior's primer and makeup in check, I felt confident that everything would hold up to the end of the night. Even on my busiest day, when I had a few events lined up, my face was still going strong.
Call me excessive, high maintenance, whatever you want, but I'm the first to admit that I have a foundation for every occasion. Diorskin Forever Perfect Makeup is pretty much close to perfect. It has a full coverage lightweight formula that blends easily and stays matte, without looking cakey. For the lack of better word, it's the perfect makeup for special events and yet it's suitable for everyday wear too, because hi, don't we want to look flawless everyday?
Post fashion week, I'm still using my Dior makeup on the daily because it's that good. ;)
xo, Nathalie
This post was sponsored by Hudson's Bay. All opinions and photographs are my own.
COME ON WEATHER
The double jacket.
I usually bust out this look when it's too cold for one layer but when I'm sick of wearing winter gear. It's easy and looks cool and effortless don't you think? Plus it's so much better than wearing a parka in April. What cold weather hacks do you guys have up your sleeves?
xo, Nathalie
THE ROCK GODS APPROVE THIS POST
Hedi Slimane, David Bowie, Lady Gaga at the 2016 Grammys and that vampire movie with Tilda Swinton called Only Lovers Left Alive. It's all about free spirit, rock 'n' roll, denim, glitter and stripes. The epitome of mixing and matching and the ultimate self expression.
I might not be getting all of the high end items on this list but I love how this mood board sets the tone for spring inspo. Happy shopping and may the rock gods smile down at your sartorial choices.
xo, Nathalie
5. SAINT LAURENT STAR DENIM SHORTS
I love anything with stars and these shorts are out of this world drool worthy. Too bad they're $900 meaning they'll be staying on this wish list forever. Maybe I should DIY a pair….
4. ZARA STRIPED BOWIE T-SHIRT
Do I need to say anything? Really?
3. GAP CLASSIC MEN'S DENIM JACKET
Creep me on Pinterest and you'll see that I'm all over denim these days. The oversized men's version looks cute layered with (star) shorts, skinny jeans and tiny dresses and skirts. Yasssss.
2. RAG & BONE /JEAN STRIPED CAPRI JEANS
I've always felt strongly opposed to b&w striped pants for fear of looking like Beetlejuice but after seeing them on an old colleague of mine, I'm convinced I need a pair. Need/want now!
1. ISABEL MARANT JAERYN EYELET SANDAL
I wanted these sandals since I saw them on @the.nowhere.girl last year but they sold out before I had my chance to get them. Ssense has a few pairs left in my size. Hmmm…
SUPREME MOISTURE FROM LISE WATIER
I still remember my first moisturizer. My mum had given it to me, probably because I asked, and not because she thought that I needed/wanted to moisturize my pre-pubescent face. It came in a pale peach coloured jar and inside it contained moisturizer the same colour. I loved it so much that I used it for 15 years until I realized there was hardly anything natural about it and was made with synthetic this and synthetic that. Then was the end of that relationship.
I've since become very cognizant of what's in my skincare and prefer brands with natural ingredients. Makes sense right?
Recently I headed out to Newmarket to hang out with the ladies of Lise Watier at The Bay for their HydraForce event. We hung out, did our Snapchat thing and got around to learning more their latest product.
The entire HydraForce line contains Gaspé Algae Extract, which is derived from seaweed found in the cold northeastern part of the Atlantic coast, Fogo Island, NL. If you're not impressed yet, you will be because Gaspé Algae reinforces the skin's protective barrier and locks moisture in by preventing water loss - perfect when faced with winter's extreme temps. Hopefully Toronto will be leaving winter behind after this week's freak weather and heading back to spring, but that's not excuse to let up on that moisture.
I'm really digging this line so two thumbs up from me. Now I just need to get my hands on their BB tinted veil which looks perfect for day time makeup. ;)
Thanks for reading and don't forget to moisturize!
xo, Nathalie
This post is sponsored by Lise Watier. All opinions and photos are my own.
A WORD ON FAST FASHION
Don't you hate when you find something amazing on Zara.com only to discover it's already sold out?The worst!
Luckily these places sometimes reissue second and third runs of their popular items which means, I can finally get my hands on my dream bomber jacket! I placed the order this morning which means you guys are probably going to see me wearing it a lot in the near future.
As for the bomber in this post, I got it as a desperate attempt to fill the void of said dream jacket so it'll be going back. Amen for return policies.
xo, Nathalie