COLOUR POP HAUL + LIPPIE SWATCHES
SAFETY UPDATE: 12/30/16, 8:40 pm
While watching YouTube this evening I came across a video from KarinaKaboom stating that the ColourPop x Hello Kitty collection isn't safe for eyes based on FDA standards. I'm linking the video for you guys here so you can watch it and base your own opinion. I wanted to bring this to your attention in case you've had eye irritations using ColourPop products. I've personally used the eye shadows that are said to cause irritations and I didn't have any problems. Everyone reacts differently so what doesn't react on my skin might react on yours. I'd suggest using the Sephora Collection eye crayon in Call Girl as an alternative.
Skip ahead to 3:05 in the video to see ColourPop's admission to using pigments that are not safe for eyes in KarinaKaboom's video.
If you're looking for a cheap alternative to the much hyped Kylie Lip Kits, look no further than Colour Pop. If you haven't already heard, the LA based factory is the same one that produces Kylie Cosmetics and collabs with a lot of beauty gurus like KathleenLights, Ellarie, Jenn Im, Karrueche Tran and most recently, Hello Kitty!!!
I'm a big fan of the brand so I though it would be fun to show you guys my most recent haul and some updated swatches (view my January 2016 post here).
Let's just talk about shipping for a sec. I'm not sure how US residents find shipping, but as a Canadian resident, I've had nothing but pain in the ass experiences. Most recently I placed my order on 11/27. My order shipped out on 12/2 and arrived in Toronto on 12/7. On 12/8 it was headed to Montreal and by 12/12 my order was in San Fransisco! Basically my order touched down in Toronto before attempting to go back to sunny LA. To say I was annoyed by the detour is an understatement considering I needed some of the makeup for my best friends wedding on 12/10 but a week later, the order finally arrived on 12/18.
If you're going to order from Colour Pop, give yourself plenty of time. I've ordered from them a few times now and shipping to Canada is via ground shipping so it generally takes 2-3 weeks. On the bright side, there are no custom fees or duties once the order lands because everything is so cheap.
As for my haul, I paid $59.20 USD (I had a coupon code) for 10 eyeshadows, 2 blushes and one lipstick. Not too shabby. BTW - Colour Pop is cruelty free with a shit load of products listed as vegan.
The first item I got was the Never Not Chillin Super Shock Eyeshadow kit with 6 shadows for $30.
My eyeshadow & blush collection. Any storage ideas? : S
I had a couple of more lippies but I lost them along the way. With the lippies especially I find the colours you see online are different from the colours you receive IRL. it's a bit annoying so I've learned to read the colour description carefully.
SHOPPING TIP: I find the Ultra Satin Lips stay true to colour even after they dry but the Ultra Matte Lips dry 2 shades darker than what you see in the tube. Keep that in mind when you buy them! For example Bumble is a pretty medium pinky-brown based shade in the tube but as you can see from the swatch, it dries to a dark pinky-mauve colour.
Colour Pop Lippie Stix are $5 each. My favourites are the mattes for their staying power.
Most shades have coordinating lip pencils if you're a mess like me and can't do your lipstick without outlining your lips first. (LAWL)
I'm a big Hello Kitty fan!! The shades from this collection are more on the cool side and I'm partial to warm shades since I have olive skin but I couldn't resist these. The eyeshadow quad called Mama's Apple Pie retails for $18 and includes: deep blue, pearlescent white, bubblegum pink and peachy glittery shadows.
Let's Play, $5, is a red matte lippie with glitter that's super flattering for olive skin.
Coin Purse, $8, is a bright pink blush that's perfect on the apples of the cheeks. Use a light hand though because it's super concentrated!
This post is not in collab with Colour Pop. I have purchased all of these on my own.
HOLIDAY GLAM MAKEUP FOR GLASSES WEARERS
Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and click play to watch my latest beauty video. This one is in collaboration with Giorgio Armani and is suitable for anyone who appreciates a bold lip, not just glasses wearers like me. ;)
Don't forget to hit that like button and make sure you subscribe!
WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON WITH ME
Anyone who follows me on Instagram will have noticed a few things;
1) I changed my handle name from @woahstyledotcom to @_nathaliemartin
2) I've been less active on the app these days
So why the name change and what's going on?
Let me tell you.
For one, I changed my handle to be more personal. Sometimes I meet people IRL and they say "hey you're woahstyle!" Cool story you know my handle but do you know my real name? It happens more often than you think and yes, while it's flattering to be recognized, it also irks me knowing that I've been hiding behind an IG name to a certain degree.
That leads me to the next point. What's going on with me and why have I been less active on Instagram?
Truth is, Instagram has been boring me these days. Everyone looks the same, everyone posts the pics and everyone wears the same clothes all for the sake of likes and trying to stay ahead of the algorithms. Enough already!!!
BTS I've been thinking about how to appease the app and myself without compromising who I am. If wear stripes for example my likes might be subpar but if I wear stripes with a logo or recognizable brand, my likes sky rocket! If I show the logo of a designer shoe, then my likes go up 10 fold and I can easily gain up to a thousand followers a day until that shoe pic makes it to the bottom of my grid. It's absurd really.
So if I haven't been posting on IG what have I been doing?
Well, I've been working on quality content for the blog for one. I hope you guys have noticed and based on your comments, I think you have so thank you! I've also been gathering lots of inspo from Pinterest and Tumblr. Yup I'm going old school! And when I'm not doing that I've been shooting new videos for my YouTube channel and I've been strategizing my 2017 plans. In the new year you guys will be getting to know me more; what fears and what life goals I have. You'll see what inspires me and what fuels my creativity. At the end of the day I might have a shoe closet that I'm damn proud of but I want to be known for who I am vs. what shoes I wear. ; )
Did you catch that all? Is it all making sense? Great!
Follow me on my social channels
SHOP THE LOOK
As much as IG has been stifling my creativity these days I'm grateful for the app. For one, I might not be a freelance blogger/ content creator without it introducing me to so many people. It's those people who have made my blogging journey more exciting. My IG friend Ruby from rougecloset.com was recently the guest editor of The Closeteur Magazine and she asked me to style this rad kimono from Sarah Lai. Click here for my interview. (Thanks Ruby!)
STYLE TIPS & HOW TO DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
I recently bought a book called “The Cool Factor: A Guide to Achieving Effortless Style, with Secrets from the Women Who Have It”. It might seem a little like a self-help book for fashion but really I want to dig deeper into how to define one’s personal style.
Also, I’m getting a bit bored of everything right now and I want to challenge my own personal style and push my boundaries a little further. I don’t want Instagram or a magazine telling me what to wear and how to wear it because fashion is all about individuality after all and defining that in your style is one of the best things you can do.
Let me explain further. Anyone can wear a pair of jeans and a t-shirt but it’s how you wear it that matters. I say it all of the time; it’s how you style something that makes an outfit special and makes it you.
Let’s just jump right in with four style tips you can start with today.
STYLE TIPS
Size Up!
Don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to achieve a cooler more effortless look. The sweater I’m wearing size large and I bought it that way with the intention of being oversized and relaxed. Since the V neck is suddenly larger, I positioned the sweater to sit off the shoulder and love the results. Suddenly a cozy knit has a bit of sex appeal and character.
Play With Proportions
If your top is over sized, go with skinny jeans and if you’re wearing a fitted top, opt for a full leg trouser or a flowy maxi skirt. It creates visual interest and balances out an outfit.
LAYER
This is the best time of the year to have fun with layers because it’s cozy and they keep us warm. I opted for plaid shirt tied around my waist instead of wearing it traditionally buttoned up. Again this creates some visual interest and says “I do things my own way”. Most 35 year olds I know don’t tie plaid shirts around their waist but this works for me. Why? Because my personal style has an edge and you can see that even by my choice of accessories that I’m not exactly traditional.
ACCESSORIZE
Finally, this is a big one because I love splurging on accessories and I invest in pieces that I love and that I’ll have for a long time. My closet is full of statement shoes and bags that elevate the basic pieces hanging in my clothes because at the end of the day, I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl. What that means though is that I like to save money on my clothes and normally I’ll wait for a good sale or shop at places that offer amazing prices so I can justify a new pair of boots.
I hope my tips will help you guys think outside of the box more in terms of your personal style and help you define it a little further. If you’re curious about the outfit I’m wearing in this post, it’s all from the latest Concept shop-in-shop at Sears Canada (here) – yes, even the cozy knit. Just remember to size up! ;)
*In sponsorship with Sears Canada. All opinions and photos are my own.
#WIW TO MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING
Happy Monday! It's finally back to normal at WoahStyle.com as I come off a busy weekend from celebrating my best friends wedding! Congrats Diana & Zach!!
Let's be real. I know you guys don't know my friends and are probably just interested to see what I was wearing (and I know because y'all asked on IG) so let's get to it.
My day time wedding attire consisted of:
- a navy mini dress with bell sleeves from Club Monaco
- black tights for warmth and chicness from Rachel's Box
- Platform Candy boots; from Saint Laurent (on sale here)
- patent leather Chanel jumbo flap bag, for that ladies that brunch vibe LOL
- and la pièce de résistance, a furry jacket from Revolve
Since it was a day time wedding I could get away with a more wild look but if it was black tie, I would have worn a long dress and my sparkly Valentino heels.
And yes, I'm basically wearing the same outfit as my Dressing For The Holidays post. #preach
SHOP THE LOOK
*In collaboration with Revolve. All photos and opinions are my own.
DRESSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
The holidays are here which means holiday parties left right and centre. From office parties to more formal company functions, family get togethers and just celebrating with your friends; you might be left thinking, "What do I wear?"
In this post I'm going to give you two core outfit ideas that will create the foundation of your holiday outfits.
I want to help you feel more confident this season regardless of what you decide to wear. My best advice - don't overthink it and just go with your gut because that will ensure that you'll feel amazing and if you feel amazing, you'll look amazing! Got it? Wear what you want and have fun! The holidays can be stressful enough as is so take a deep breathe, relax and grab a cup of tea and let's get this going!
OUTFIT #1
DRESSY, FORMAL, BLACK TIE
This is actually so easy that you're going to laugh when you think about it. Every time there's a formal function it's always the same - guys wear suits and ties and ladies wear dresses.
The right dress will take you far this holiday season so wear one that makes you feel like your best self. Forget the trends for a second and just think about what dress makes you feel good!
I had a black tie gala last month and guess what a wore? A dress! It was long with a slit down the front so when I walked it had a lot of movement. It was also peacock green with a deep V, short sleeves a tone on tone polka dot print through out. How I styled it made all of the difference - long loose waves, sparkly smoky eyes and a pair of strappy blue sandals.
My pet peeve is going to a company Christmas party and seeing ladies who look like the rented a prom dress from their local mall. You know what I'm talking about! Hold back from being so over the top that people don't recognize you! Instead dress like a sparklier version of yourself.
Finally, the biggest and most exciting holiday party I'm attending this season is my best friends wedding (!!!!!!). Since it's a small day time affair, sky's the limit. I plan on wearing the navy Club Monaco dress with bell sleeves that you see here. The hem line was originally longer but I had it hemmed to suit my body. I'm petit and I feel best in mini lengths. Finish the look with pair of sparkly heels and I'm set!
SIZE TIP: These TED BAKER sparkly pumps are in UK sizing. I'm normally a 6.5 - 7 so I go these in a size UK 4.
Go down 2 sizes from your Canadian size.
OUTFIT #2
CASUAL, RELAXED, BUSINESS CASUAL
This category has so many more options because anything goes! You can wear jeans (my personal fave), a skirt, a dress, whatever you want! Let's get started.
For casual holiday parties the theory is the same, to look like a better version of yourself. I'm a denim hoarder so naturally I'm going to reach for my favourite jeans. To dress it up, a blazer or a blouse is perfect. If you're a skirt person the rule is the same, blazer, blouse, or both. I opted for a deep V neck tee (from my collection! Also available in white here.) and added a pop of colour with my bright pink Saint Laurent bag. Since my outfit is so simple, I wanted to carry the festive theme into my footwear with the same sparkly of Ted Baker pumps.
I hope these tips and ideas alleviate a bit of the pressure from what to wear during the holidays. Remember to have fun and just be yourself!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Town Shoes. All opinions and photos are my own.
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER
For this holiday gift guide I have teamed up with some of my favourite brands to show you the very best of gift giving! There's enough variety in here to give you ideas on what to get the woman in your life - mum, wife, bff, sister, cousin, hostess, etc - at a variety of prices. If you like these gifts check back weekly because I'll be updating this page with more ideas as we near the holidays.
Oh - and if there's anything that you're lusting after, know that I'll be hosting a giveaway featuring some of the very goodies found here. (Watch my Stories daily for more info!)
FRAGRANCES + PERFUMES
- MARC JACOBS DECADENCE, $65.
Travel size trio of MJ's Decadence scent. Qualitative. Opulent. Surprising. Italian Plum, Iris Flower, Saffron, Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Orris, Vetiver, Papyrus Woods, Liquid Amber. - GIORGIO ARMANI Si Perfum, $30 - $199.
Graceful, modern and unconventional. Notes: Chypre, Blackcurrant Nectar, Airy Florals, Musky Blond Wood. - ETAT LIBRE d'ORANGE Noel Au Balcon, $105 - $185.
Cozy. Festive. Mischievous. Notes: Honey, Tangerine, Vanilla, Cinnamon From Sri Lanka, Nigella, Red Pepper, Apricot, Patchouli, Solar Musk Accord. - MARC JACOBS DAISY Rollerball Trio, $59.
Travel size rollerballs of MJ's iconic Daisy scents: Daisy, Daisy Eau so Fresh and Daisy Dream. - MIU MIU perfum, $35 - $130.
Feminine. Youthful. Sophisticated. Notes: Star Anise, Ginger, Green Lily of the Valley, Blooming Lily of the Valley, Jasmine Petal, Rose, Akigalawood, Sandalwood, Nirvanolide. - PHILOSOPHY Amazing Grace, limited edition, $60.
Feminine. Beautiful. Clean. Notes: Bergamot, Muguet Blossoms, Musk.
MAKEUP + BEAUTY
7. MAC COSMETICS, Nutcracker set $36.
Four high gloss nude lippies.
8. CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ, $90 - $680.
Luxury makeup & skincare in limited edition holiday packaging and colours for 2016. Brush set ($250), lip palette ($90), eye shadow palette ($160), and face cream ($680).
9. OPI x KERRY WASHINGTON nail polish, $10 - $12
10. ARTIS BRUSH, Elite Collection 5 brush set, $165 (USD)
Brush set includes; Circle 1, Linear 1, Oval 6, Oval 4 and Oval 3
11. ARTIS BRUSHES, Elite Collection #7 oval, $65 (USD)
12. SMASHBOX, Light It Up Holiday Lip Gloss set, $25.
13. PIXI BY PETRA, Limited Edition Holiday Sets, $12 - $34 (USD)
Ultimate Beauty Kit 3rd Edition ($34), 5 Eye pencil kit ($22), 5 Fairy Dust loose eyeshadows ($12)
14. PIXI BY PETRA, Glow Tonic & Skintreat must haves, $10 - $29 (USD)
15. BITE BEAUTY, Discovery Set, $45
A four piece set containing; Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Beetroot, Agave Lip Mask, Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Leche, Line & Define Primer.
16. BITE BEAUTY, Matte Crème Lip Crayon Collection, $360
The ultimate lip lovers kit; set of 18 full sized shades in a reusable tin.
HOME + ENTERTAINING
17. NESPRESSO Holiday sets and coffee $8.50 - $36.
Six limited edition coffee flavours and limited porcelain cups designed by Lorenzo Petrantoni. Clear cube capsule container also from Nespresso.
18. SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS, Best of Saje Wellness kit, $95 (sold out online but check in stores!)
Contains; Ultrasonic Diffuser, Liquid Sunshine oil, Relax-O-Ring, Peppermint Halo Remedy, Immune Remedy.
19. SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS, $28 - $30.
Electric Ceramic Diffuser with light ($30) and Good Cheers (limited edition, $28) oil blends in Peppermint Twist, Tree Scents and Celebrate.
20. DIPTYQUE, Softening Hand Wash, $53
Mild, soothing, repairing. This liquid soap gently cleanses and nourishes the hands. Lavender floral water purifies and comforts the skin.
BODY + HAIR
21. THE BODY SHOP Shea Premium gift set, $45
Contains; Shower Cream, Body Butter, Body Scrub, Body Mist and Hand Cream
22. DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER, $500
23. L'Oréal PROFESSIONNEL styling products (available in salons)
24. PHILOSOPHY Hollyberries Holiday Set, $32
Contains; Hollyberries shower gel and body lotion
25. THE BODY SHOP, Festive Body Body Trio, $15
Contains scents; Vanilla Chai, Spiced Apple and, Frosted Berries
26. THE BODY SHOP Hemp Manicure gift set, $21
Contains: Hemp Hand Cream, nail file, nail buffer, nail clipper
PARTY READY IN 60 MINS OR LESS
It's the holidays and your in-laws call to say they're gonna drop by in an hour for a little impromptu get together. Your fridge is empty and there's no way you're about to whip up a four course meal cuz hey, you're not Martha and who has the time anyway? Chill, take a deep breathe and get the cocktail napkins out because I'm going to tell you how to throw an impressive party in 60 mins or less.
Pre-party prep
You might need to make a quick stop to your local store but fear not, what you need to pick up is super easy: sweets, savoury, booze and some more Nespresso capsules if you're running low.
Nespresso has beautiful limited edition porcelain cups ($32 for a set of 2) that are perfect for the holidays or year round. They make an excellent gift and they look good on any dining table.
1. COFFEE STATION
Gather up your cups and saucers and stack them next to your Nespresso on your dining room table because you'll be using it as food station for the night. Nespresso is an incredibly user friendly coffee machine so anyone can help themselves to a cup of coffee. Best of all they have six limited edition flavours that are appropriately festive for this time of year:
Linzer Torte (red fruits flavour, for the Original Line Nespresso)
Sachertorte (reminiscent of soft chocolate and apricot, for the Original Line)
Apfelstrudel (apple & cinnamon flavour, for the Original Line)
Pumpkin Spice Cake (for the Vertuoline Nespresso)
Banana Bread (for the Vertuoline)
Gingerbread (for the Vertuoline)
NESPRESS LIMITED EDITION VARIATION FLAVOURS
SHOP NESPRESSO ACCESSORIES
2. SWEETS + DESSERTS
Next to your Nespresso set up a dessert station. Macarons and pastries from Butter Avenue are always a big hit in my family. A small cake will go along way as well as cupcakes or cookies, whatever you prefer.
3. SAVOURY
Crackers, aged cheddar, almonds, olives and gourmet jerky from Krave all make a good savoury platter for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I fall into the latter category and haven't eaten meat in years but the meat eaters in my family are all fans of the gourmet jerky brand.
4. BOOZE + WINE
Finally, have some wine ready on hand alongside some good scotch, ice and drinking glasses and you're set! You should have enough time to touch up your makeup and have a seat before the doorbell rings. Happy entertaining!
This post is sponsored by Nespresso.
All photos and opinoions are my own.
WHAT MAKES A RELATIONSHIP SUCCESSFUL
As mentioned in my previous post my best friend of over 20 years is getting married in a weeks time to her long time boyfriend. This topic has got me thinking about my own marriage and what it takes to make a relationship successful and really, what does a successful relationship even mean?
Geoff and I have been together for 10 years now, married for eight and fought hard & ugly for the first couple of years. There was a point where I thought our marriage was going to end and I wasn't sure if we'd ever get past it. We don't have kids (more on that at a later time) but we have two amazing cats that are part of our little family, funny since neither of us were "cat people" when we adopted our first.
But back to the first few years of marriage. Without getting into too much detail and respecting our privacy I'll tell you that in hindsight we were fighting about everything a newly married couple might fight about - meddling family members, chores, how to spilt up the holidays, where to hang the art work, money, laundry, our different personalities, groceries, and so on. You name it and it was probably a point of contention for us.
We'd already been living together for a year before we got married but after the wedding every part of our normal day to day lives seemed so much more forced and suddenly we weren't meshing. The tension in our marriage but so bad that I found myself looking for apartments one day and that's when it occurred to me, I didn't want to live in my own shitty apartment, I wanted to live with Geoff and follow through with the commitment we had made.
After that we sat down and had a good long talk about why we were so upset with each other and what we were going to do to move forward. Getting to the point of being honest wasn't easy but it was necessary and it helped us mend our marriage and now I'm happy to say we're rock solid.
As Geoff and I near 9 years of marriage I can tell you from my personal experience what makes a relationship successful:
Forgiveness.
Acceptance.
Honesty.
Humour.
Respect. (This is a big one people!)
Even now we're still figuring things out as we grow. Geoff still annoys me and I annoy him but we laugh off the small stuff. Our love and respect for each other outweighs everything. I'm thankful to have him as my partner because he is truly an amazing person and I can't imagine my life without him.
SHOP MY LOOK
I'm wearing: Mackage winter coat, H&M knit, old Banana Republic jeans, Town Shoes boots, Ray Ban aviators.
SHOP MY WINTER BOOTS @TOWNSHOES
Pajar Alice boots with red plaid detail from Town Shoes.
Shot in Thorbury, ON during a weekend spent visiting my in-laws.
This post is sponsored by Town Shoes. All photos and opinion are my own.