My Non-Negotiable Skin Care Step to Fight Aging
The weather is FINALLY warmer and bare leg season is almost here! I say almost because weβre still teetering from 12 degrees and windy one day to 20 degrees and sunny the next. I digress.
Just this weekend we pulled out the patio furniture and bought some cute new cushions for our outdoor couch. As we sat there for the first time this year, my mind automatically went to SPF. Yes, in all honesty, these are the things I think about.
Whether weβre out for a bike ride, at the cottage, or traveling, sun protection is a non-negotiable in my skincare routine. Iβm also happy to report that Geoff is now 100 times more aware of the benefits of using SPF and is diligent about protecting his skin before heading outdoors.
A product that Iβve been personally loving right now is the Olay Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control with SPF 35. The lightweight formula makes it super easy to apply and blend, while the oil-free formula actually helps skin stay shine-free all day. Bonus, it also has UVA and UVB protection which are known to age skin.
Whatβs the difference between UVA and UVB? Well, UVA rays penetrates the dermis, which is the third layer of the skin, while UVB hits the epidermis, the second layer of the skin so be sure to go for an SPF with both.
Like all of my favourite Olay SPF products, Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control with SPF 35 absorbs quickly, leaving skin primed and ready for the next step in my makeup routine.
Finally, SPF is THE easiest way to guard skin against sun damage, therefore fighting the early signs of aging. I incorporate it to my daily routine by applying it after moisturizer, and before makeup. I use it regardless of rain or shine because apparently, UV rays can pass through clouds. Makes you look at SPF differently, doesnβt it?
Disclaimer:
This post is sponsored by Olay.
All opinions and photos are my own.
28 Of The Best Victoria Beckham Outfits
SHOP VICTORIAβS LOOK
From pleated skirts to high waisted trousers, and turtlenecks, turtlenecks, turtlenecks, VBβs personal style is sophisticated, timeless and contemporary. She can rock a lady-like dress one day and an edgier look with Balenciaga sock boots and leggings the next.
Victoria, you are a style icon. Keep those awesome looks coming cuz we canβt get enough!
Who would have thought that Adidas would look so good when paired with a satin lapel wool coat. Damn girl.
2. These may be the most perfect jeans ever! πππ
3. From jeans and sneakers to lady-like plaid on plaid.
4. This lip print ensemble from her clothing line might be sold out but we still LOVE it.
5. Love this uber casual look! When in doubt, trainers, a white t-shirt, and trousers!
6. These metal-heeled shoes are from Victoriaβs own label.
7. Vintage Leviβs have never looked better.
8. VB sure seems to have a thing for turtlenecks and weβre okay with that.
9. Contemporary and streamlined. LOVING this white on white look. PS - size up if you want a relaxed fit on the skirt.
10. Victoria Beckham gives us Matrix vibes with this uber chic look.
11. Rain or shine, fashun never takes a break when youβre Victoria Beckham.
12. Another edgy look from Victoria. We love how she plays with the proportions of an oversized blazer and handbag paired with Balenciaga knife boots.
13. Victoriaβs monochrome look elevate even the simplest trousers and blouse.
14. This pleated skirt from her label wins the show!
15. Comfortable and chic with these oversized pants. Perfect for summer donβt you think?
16. Victoria shows us that suiting up doesnβt have to be boring. We love the addition of the silk scarf.
17. This Fashion Emergency tshirt by BAT Gio is now sold out but we found a cute alternative from the designer.
18. The Beckhams truly are the chicest family donβt you think?
19. Vicky opts for a simple oversized t-shirt and black trousers for a chic and minimal look.
20. LOVE this silky skirt paired with a turtleneck.
21. Similar to look #9 (above), Victoria shows us that she can rock minimal, edgy, lady-like, basically anything! #goals
22. Another edgy look but this time with an oversized camo jacket.
23. Camel coat and camel pants make this petite designer appear taller than she is.
24. One of my favourite looks of hers ever. This pale blue blouse from her own collection can be worn all seasons and with jeans, trousers, or a skirt. Love!
25. Vicky proves wrong anyone who ever said black and navy donβt go together. Love the unexpected nude bodysuit and open toed shoes.
26. Victoria keeps the colour blocking game strong.
27. Victoria launched peep-toe shoes on her last runway collection and now itβs on everyoneβs mind!
28. Admittedly Iβve always disliked the open-toed boots but VB has opened my eyes forever. Yas!
Images sourced from Pinterest
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Donβt Waste Another Year: 7 Valuable Lessons I Wish Iβd Learned Sooner
I was asked by my therapist, βIf you could say anything to your younger self, what would it be?β
Wow. That felt like a loaded question that had a lot riding on it. I thought for a second and then responded, βThat everything will be okay and to believe in yourself.β
My childhood was ridden with bullies, anxiety, and fear. Not a day went by where I thought someone was harassing me for being me.
Overcoming negativity is never easy, but what you can do is focus on taking care of yourself, in and out. Eat well, keep your mind active, exercise, and take care of your skin! Moisturizer and SPF are key in preserving the health of your skin.
One of my favourite products recently has been Olay Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control with SPF 35. Itβs effective in protecting skin and best of all, itβs lightweight and oil free formula makes it easy to apply over top of moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and keeps skin shine-free all day so makeup doesnβt budge. Now you really donβt have any excuses to skip SPF every day! LOL.
Iβve spent the better part of last year focusing on self-care, for my mind, body, and spirit. I know that looking inward and being happy with myself will ultimately help me find peace and guide me to the next steps of my life. Sometimes things donβt go as planned. Sometimes bad things happen and in order to keep plowing through and come out smiling, one has to be strong.
Below youβll find my life lessons that I wish I could tell my younger self.
Seven Life Lessons Everyone Needs To Know
1. Surround yourself with people you love because life is too short for anything else.
Toxic people donβt have a place in my life. As much as I wish I could help everyone, Iβve come to realize that not everyone wants to be helped.
For example, if a family member is always picking fights and is never satisfied unless things are done on their terms, and never see the error of their ways, then that is toxic behavior.
If you have a serial manipulation or liar in your life, that is toxic. Bye. Instead, I focus on the friends and family that love life and exude positivity.
2. Be kind to yourself and to others.
Regardless of status, gender, age, race, treat people with kindness. Weβre all humans on this amazing planet together and we deserve respect (as do our animal friends and the environment).
Just as someone flipping you the finger behind the wheel of a car might spiral you into having a bad day, kindness and a simple smile can have a similar, yet opposite effect.
Do something nice for a friend today, or pay for the coffee of the stranger behind you in line. True story, this happened to me once at the drive-thru and it made my day, so I bought coffee for the person in line behind me! It was actually pretty cool!
3. Donβt sweat the small stuff.
Weβve all heard it before - βthis too shall passβ. It does ring some truth donβt you think?
For the heavier stuff that life throws at us, Oprah said it best, βSo go ahead. Fall down. The world looks different from the ground.β
4. Always be yourself.
Another of my favourite Oprah quotes, βWhat I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.β
Or, as RuPaul says, βIf you can't love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else."
5. Take care of your body.
Eat well, exercise, meditate. Itβs the only body you have.
6. Sunscreen is key to preserving your skin.
All I have to say is SPF! Long term sun exposure can prematurely age skin and cause spots and wrinkles. I use SPF daily (whether sun or cloud) to protect my skin from the sun.
Olay makes my favourite one right now with their Olay Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control with SPF 35. Itβs awesome under makeup or on its own.
7. Happiness above all else. Everything else will follow.
Hands up if youβve heard of the rule of attraction. I always find it amazing that when Iβm truly happy (vibing at a high frequency) that good things seem to happen out of the blue.
A stranger will buy my coffee at the drive-thru, maybe Iβll win a free chocolate bar, or will get a last minute freelance job completely out of the blue.
When you focus on happiness, it exudes from every pore in your being and sends good things your way. I mean, if youβre truly happy, not even the rain or missing a delayed flight can get you down.
Disclaimer:
This post is sponsored by Olay.
All opinions and photos are my own.
Street style photography by Geoff Martin.
The Most Affordable Way To Wear Neon
Sally Hansen has probably just released my favourite collection yet - NEON!
Neon started creeping into my wardrobe last year via a $15 Zara beanie and has since become an obsession. The fact that I can now add a touch of fluorescent green to my beauty routine is ridiculously exciting.
Sally Hansen Neon Miracle Gel Collection
GET MOD - warm white
ELECTRI-LIME - fluorescent lime green
MIAMI ICE - cool neon blue
VIOLET VOLTAGE - medium neon purple
FUCHSIA FEVER - neon pink
PEACH PLEASE - neon peachy-coral
LEMON-CHILLO - fluorescent yellow
The limited edition collection contains six shades, with options of a matte or glossy topcoat finish. (I personally am a glossy nails kinda gal.)
The brand does recommend starting with a base of a white (shade 789 Get Mod, also from Sally Hansen) in order to get the most vibrant colour. I tried with, and without, the white base layer and let me tell you that WITH makes a huge difference.
The Neon Miracle Gelβs are in drugstores now and retail for $11 each (Canadian).
The Sally Hansen Neon collection was provided as PR samples. All opinions and photos are my own.
Be Yourself. Be Happy. Be Kind.
With social media basically dictating what filters to use on our photos, what to wear, where to vacation, and what to order for brunch - I say throw the whole thing out the window and focus more on being happiest, truest self.
Wear what makes you comfortable and happy. Shop your closet more often and donβt worry so much about getting the latest IT bag because in a monthβs time that bag will be old news.
Be Yourself. Be Happy. Be Kind.
Lifeβs too short to sweat the small stuff.
WHAT IβM WEARING
SWEATER - Acne Studios green Joghy hoodie
PANTS - Lovers & Friends leather trousers
SANDALS - Cartel Footwear, Ella sandals, $130
BAG - Saint Laurent Lou Lou Small Bowling Bag (sold out)
GLASSES - CELINE Aviator sunglasses (Style code CL40046U)
SHOP THE LOOK
Photos by Geoff Martin
17 Outfit Ideas For Spring To Get You Through The Week
A leather dress for date night or, work if youβre daring.
Ripped jeans get an update when paired with a chic satin hobo bag from The Row.
Classic striped shirt and plaid blazer combo with Loewe accessories. Yum.
This look is perfect for the weekend when running errands.
Hailey Bieber shows us how to balance comfort with dressier elements by pairing those striped trousers with white trainers. She gets bonus points for killer accessories.
Cargo pants get an update with patent leather sandals and a black blazer.
Clean. Classic. Chic.
Orange and green have never looked more refreshing.
Haileyβs Nanushka sweater and pants might be sold out, but I linked some dupes below that Iβm sure she would approve of.
Victoria Beckhamβs style evolution is akin to a fine wine - it just gets better with age.
Danielle Bernstein proves that skinny jeans will always be hot.
Thereβs something so hot about a woman wearing a pant and blazer.
Understated for the win.
Hailey killing it again. I love her take on the cropped Champion hoodie. Ugh.
When in doubt, jeans and a beautiful blouse will aways save the day.
Mint overtakes my garden every year and this look reminds me of how much I love adding the herb to my drinks.
KISS rule = Keep it simple stupid.
All images sourced from Pinterest.
Two Topshop Staples You Need Right Now
With the weather fluctuating from warm to cold, spring is proving to be unpredictable, to say the least. Like everyone else, Iβm excited about bare leg outfits but it looks like weβll have to wait a bit longer.
A good compromise for this in-between weather is a good trouser or cargo pant (from Topshop) in this case to spruce things up. I donβt know about you but the last time I wore a cargo pant wasβ¦ well never. Somehow it feels refreshing when paired with a blazer and cute Saint Laurent patent leather platform sandals.
Another key staple is the simple black t-shirt. Go for an oversized fit for an updated silhouette that can easily take you from casual to dressed up, spring to summer and even fall. This Topshop top was only $20 and I know Iβll be looking to add grey and white to my closet next.
WHAT IβM WEARING
BLAZER - Zara oversized blazer (sold out)
T-SHIRT - Topshop oversized t-shirt
SUNGLASSES - Saint Laurent
BAG - Saint Laurent crossbody bag (sold out) worn as belt bag
PANTS - Topshop cargo pants
SHOES - Saint Laurent patent leather Candy platform sandals
Photography by Geoff Martin. Shot in Old Port Montreal.