August Beauty Faves
I realize this list of August faves is a bit late, but better late than never, so let's get to it! If there's anything anything I could recommend to you guys right away it's the Lancôme City Miracle CC Cream. It's (near) perfection! Read on for the full review!
REAL TECHNIQUES MAKEUP BRUSHES
They're durable and super affordable which is nice because otherwise I might still be paying $50 for the brushes at Sephora. You gotta admit, the cost of brushes can be pretty absurd. I have a few expensive ones in my collection and honestly, the synthetic ones can do just as good of a job. Here are my recommends: a small setting brush to help set concealer under your eye by dusting on just the smallest amount of powder. Also, a multi-purpose stippling brush is excellent. I use mine to apply foundation but in the past I've used it for bronzer and for blending.
TOO FACED PRIMED & PORELESS PRESSED POWDER
In the morning I use MAC's Prep + Prime to set my makeup. It's not my fave but I'm trying to use it up. For events and photo's I use the amazing (seriously amazing!) Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. I needed a white pressed powder to keep in my handbag for mid-day touch up's so I picked up Too Faced Primed & Powerless. Like other white powders, this is colourless and gives that nice blur affect when you apply it to your skin. I've used it as a primer and as a setting powder and I really like how light and airy it is. I apply mine with a powder brush instead of the powder puff it comes with for a softer, more natural finish.
LANCÔME CITY MIRACLE CC CREAM
I really like this CC cream because it looks natural, dewy and wears well throughout the day. Even the colour, 02 Peau De Peche, looks good on my olive skin. The formula is rich and creamy which means that it wears well, but on the other hand it's not my favourite formula to apply with my fingers. That's why I use a stippling brush to blend it into my skin because I can't stand getting my hands mucked up with makeup. My only real complaint with this CC cream is with the smell. It has a strange perfume scent that I could do without. I'll never understand why makeup and skincare companies ruin a perfectly good product with stupid smells.
BUXOM TRUE NUDE LIP FOUNDATION
Finally a nude lipstick that I actually like! I bought this lippie in the colour Au Naturel, a cinnamon pink colour, according to Sephora. It's flattering on olive skin and creates a nice balance of colour on my face when I want to focus my makeup more on the eyes. The formula is thick and I find that I don't really need a lip liner when wearing this. It has impressive staying power but after wearing it for too long, I find it can start to dry a little and look cakey which is why I like to top if off with a lip balm.
CONSONANT NATURAL ORGANIC LIP CONDITIONER
It's natural, organic and, feels really good on the lips. What else do you want? Just go get it!
My pouch is by the Australian brand, Status Anxiety. I use mine as a makeup pouch or as a wallet.
Frayed Edges
I must have tried on six different pairs of jeans at Zara this past weekend but only these ones here fit me perfectly. They're cropped which means that for once I don't have to roll them up and they hug my legs nicely. The frayed edges of this shirt caught my eye immediately. It reminds me a bit of burlap, which is weird I know, because no one wants to wear burlap. I just love the half sleeves on it because it's perfect for summer/fall transition weather and it makes the top look more chic. Finally, an all black outfit can sometimes call for a pop of colour and these Valentino Rockstuds where just begging to be worn. I paired it with my Givenchy Bambi pouch because it picks up the colour on the shoe nicely to tie it all in. What can I tell you guys? Invest in good accessories to make a $100 outfit come to life. Trust me, you can't go wrong!
PS - the glasses are from Old Navy! ;)
NEW FALL FRAGRANCE: I AM JUICY COUTURE
When I think about fall I think about a fresh start and as seasons change, we crave something new. Crisp weather, moto jackets, boots, layers, cozy knits and a perfume are a great way to refresh. We are all familiar with the idea of updating our fall wardrobes, but as the seasons change it's a great time to update our perfume.
Juicy Couture's new fragrance, I AM JUICY COUTURE is a rich, bold and enticing fragrance that's perfect for this season and beyond. While it's not quite fall here in Toronto, I find myself wearing it often as the summer winds down. This fragrance embodies me and my personal style. It's fragrant without being overbearing, and it makes a refined and sophisticated statement. You can grab the latest Juicy scent at Hudson’s Bay and TheBay.com.
My tradition has always been to kickoff my fall inspiration with the September issues of Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Baazar. This year I’m doing things a little differently and I’m gathering my inspo from real people, my peers on Instagram and bloggers around the globe. I’ll often look to Pinterest and Tumblr for inspiration. Usually I pre-plan every season with wish lists, but this year, I want to have a more organic approach to my fall wardrobe and just see where my mood takes me.
For the first time in a long time, I’ll be doing more in-person shopping instead of hitting up the online retailers. I’ve been shopping online for so many years now that I need a change. I want to go back to trying things on in the store, touching fabrics, trying on a new perfume, smearing a new eye shadow on the back of my hand. You know, just going back to interacting in person. Last time I was at Hudson’s Bay I became so enamored with the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection that I ended up getting a couple of handbags, a wallet, an iPad case and a laptop case, for the laptop I didn’t even have yet. I’m totally aware that it’s a bit overboard but I have some crazy shopping habits!
Next time you’re at Hudson’s Bay make sure to swing by the perfume counter and try Juicy Couture I AM JUICY COUTURE. I hope you guys love it as much as I do!
Review: Givenchy Pandora
Whenever I post my Givenchy Pandora bag on Instagram I get a bunch of inquiries about the size so I thought it would be a good idea to address it here. My Pandora is the small, in black leather, with silver hardware and features four studs on the top corners of the bag. I prefer the small size over the medium because suits my petite frame better. It's also more comfortable for me to carry. Don't be fooled by the name "small" because this bag fits everything you need- iPhone, iPad, keys, notebooks and makeup bag comfortably, with extra space leftover.
The one thing I really love about the Pandora is how lightweight it is, which makes it an excellent travel bag. The dual straps make it easy to carry around. While the shoulder strap fits comfortably under my arm, the cross body strap is just a bit too long. My solution was to tie a knot in it to shorten it. Yes, I've thought about having it altered, but I prefer not to. Aside from the size difference (small: 11"x6"x5" and medium: 13"x8"x6"), it's easy to tell them apart by the extra zipper found in front of the medium Pandora just below the main compartment.
Overall I can tell you guys this bag is really no muss, no fuss as far as designer handbags go. If you're not sure about the size, mini, small, medium, just go into the store and try them out until you find the right one for you. Happy shopping!
About The Outfit: Since this is my last post of August it only seems appropriate to wear leather shorts with a paint splattered sweatshirt.
Bag, Givenchy Small Black Leather Pandora. Shoes, Miu Miu Black slip ons with pointed metal toe. Sunglasses, Old Navy. Sweatshirt with white paint splatters, Rag & Bone/JEAN. Leather shorts, Mackage.
Best of Queen West, Toronto: Mini Food Tour
The mini food tour I've always wanted to do finally happened last week. Hah! I'm well aware that these are not the healthiest of food choices so before you judge, let me just say, live a little, indulge and have a donut for breakfast because why not?
My food tour began in Parkdale at Glory Hole Doughnuts, at 1596 Queen St. West. We arrived with an empty stomach knowing fully well we wanted to chow down on some fluffy baked goods. GHD carries a small assortment of vegan doughnuts (yay) and their flavours change regularly, so you never know what you're going to get. My fave so far is the vegan lemon pistachio. NOM.
We walked to Kitten & The Bear next, at 1575 Queen Street West, located less than a block away from GHD. I'll never forget the first time I went here because I thought "This is what magic smells like!" Cheesy, I know but I'm sure anyone who's been here will agree with me. If you want the best scones in the city, this is where you get them. One of the owners told me they only use 5 ingredients to make their scones which is pretty awesome. Goes to show simple is best. They're also known for their amazing in-house jam which changes up all of the time. If you're looking to have Tea For Two here, make sure you arrive early because it's a tiny bakery with only 2 tables. Otherwise, just order from their take out menu and have a scone party at home!
A quick car ride down to the Queen West neighbourhood took us to Sud Forno (716 Queen St W) for just in time for lunch. We grabbed sandwiches made with their in-house breads, mine a grilled veggie sandwich with eggplant, zucchini and caramelized onion and Geoff had some salty meat sandwich that contained eggs. If you're there, make sure you grab one of their bombolone - a sweet fried bun filled with nutella or vanilla cream pastry. Make sure you look down while you're waiting for your food because the floor is totally Instagram worth. Gotta love a good #fwis.
What's a food tour without a bit of shopping? We stopped by Kit and Ace, at 779 Queen St W and fell in love with their outdoor patio. I could live here and just pop back into the store to change my outfit, which is kinda what I did because I ended up buying the grey tank you see me wearing here.
Our food tour ended at one of my favourite places in Toronto, Butter Avenue (477 Queen St W, beside Urban Outfitters). For anyone visiting TO for the first time, or anyone who hasn't been yet, you have to go! They make beautiful and sophisticated French macrons, cakes, tarts and marshmallows and in my opinion, they're the best in the city! Even my birthday cake last year was from BA. That's how good they are!
I hope you guys enjoyed my mini food tour and will love these spots as much as I do. There's so much to discover along Queen West and this is only a tiny fraction. Let me know if you have any suggestions for me to check out.
xo, Nathalie
Pre-Fall Beauty Faves for Beautiful Skin and Awesome Hair
I'm calling this my pre-fall beauty faves but I've been using some of these products for the last couple of months, while the others are new to my regimen and worth mentioning. I also have to tell you guys how much I LOVE social media because if it wasn't for YouTube or Instagram, I never would have found out about Pixi's Glow Tonic (thanks @demureest for posting this!) and Bumble and Bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, as per vlogger Annabel Daza.
Jax Coco Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This jar of coconut oil comes in a tiny package with the intended purpose of using it for beauty. So far I've used it as an eye makeup remover, lip balm, and moisturizer on my face, chest, hands, cuticles and elbows. I think it's the ultimate multi purpose beauty product and don't worry, the coconut smell fades on your skin.
TIP: I use a light pat of this oil on my face on top of my regualr moisturizer when I need extra moisture.
TheFaceShop Cherry Blossom Body Mist
As far as body mists go I really like the strength of this one! It smells light, airy and feminine and makes a statement. I've been using it on the days when I want to ditch my perfume but still smell nice. Try this one out. I think guys will like it.
TIP: Spray your fragrance on your clothes instead of your skin if you want it to last longer. I personally don't like fragrance against my skin and much prefer to spray my clothes.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil
I made an immediate trip to Sephora after watching Annabel's review and I was not disappointed. My straightening iron now runs like butter over my hair and my wavy style lasts longer too. I personally think the price is hard to swallow at $50, but trust me, it's worth it and I have a feeling the bottle will last about a year. I highly recommend this product to anyone who has crazy unruly hair!
Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic Beauty Elixir
I finally understand the hype behind this cult favourite. Glow Tonic the toner with magical properties. It's alcohol-free, minimizes pores, renews cells and, balances your skin so that it's clearer and brighter. I LOVE IT. It's available in the US at Target so I'll have to stock up on my next trip there because I don't want to run out.
TIP: After I've applied it to my face, I take the same cotton pad and use it on the backs of my hand to keep my skin looking fresh.
Cottage Style Diary
It's back to reality after going on our week long cottage holiday. My hubby and I stayed at my in-laws beautiful lake view home. We woke up late on most mornings, sunbathed while drinking cocktails on the private beach, and at the end of the night, we watched the shooting stars across the clear night sky. It was exactly what I needed to recharge my creative batteries. Oh, and did I mention we celebrated our 8th year wedding anniversary?! Yay! :)
I only brought up a few pieces on my holiday, like my One Teaspoon cutoffs that are perfect with a bikini top or a cute muscle tee. My designer bags stayed at home and instead I opted for my MBMJ tote bag to carry my laptop, iPad and other necessities. I also packed a couple of bandanas because I can't seem to get enough of them these days and really, I was just too lazy to do my hair.
Now that I'm back home and I'm not fully back into the swing of work life just yet so please forgive my tardiness on getting my next series of fashion posts up on the blog. In the meanwhile, I hope you'll enjoy my cottage style diary.
Trending: Bold Orange Makeup & The Best Macarons in Toronto
After watching a makeup tutorial on my favourite Youtube channel, KathleenLights, I got it in my head that I needed orange eyeshadow in my life asap! Just watch her tutorial here and tell me you're not convinced! A quick trip to the States happily coincided with my new makeup obsession and a trip to Ulta was all I needed to take my look from summer to fall. Before you read on, I have to tell you guys that this is not a sponsored post. Everything here happens to be from NYX because I genuinely love the brand and also, the price points are too good to pass up, especially when you're buying into the bold makeup trend.
Top row: NYX Prismatic Eye Shadows in Fireball (an orange-rose metallic shade) and Girl Talk (a pale pink metallic shade, perfect for highlighting when used lightly).
Bottom row: NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadows in LOL (matte orange) and Showgirl (metallic rusty orange).
I went to Ulta looking for an orange shade but ended up grabbing three since I feel they're all different enough from each other. I also thought about getting a gold eye shadow to use as a highlighter, but I already have one in my Dream Catcher Palette, so instead I went for a light pink metallic shadow (Girl Talk).
I'll start off with the Prismatic Shadows. These shadows are INTENSE! The colour pay off on these is AMAZING and they feel super high-end and luxurious. Even without a primer, they have awesome staying power, which is surprising since I have oily skin and eye shadows tend to crease on me. The Hot Singles Shadows are different from the Prismatic in that they're buildable shades so you can get a subtle wash of colour or a more intense look, depending on what you want. I really like the LOL (matte orange) shade a lot, but I also find it annoying that it takes so long to build up to the intensity of what's in colour pot. Even though Showgirl (metallic rusty orange) is in the same collection, I find the colour applies much better than LOL. Either way at their price point ($4.50 - $6 USD), I can't complain. I'll probably go back for that gold shadow and a couple of brown shades on my next trip.
Since I was on my orange "high", I felt I needed a new blush to go with my eye shadows. I picked up the NYX Rouge Cream Blush in the appropriately named, Orange. I haven't used a cream blush in a long time but I used to LOVE them. I just don't know what changed. Anyway, this one gives my cheeks a nice flush of colour and pulls together the orange eyes without being overwhelming. I use a bronzer first and then apply a light touch of this blush. Lastly I needed a new lipstick to finish off my look. You guys know I love my corals and reds, but considering I'm now wearing orange on my eyelids, I felt a subtle lip was best. I picked up the Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Daiquiri - a pink coral shade that reads almost like a nude with my olive skin. Even without a lip liner, the formula wears beautifully and it's quickly become my new favourite shade. (PS - Sorry I don't have colour swatches. I'll post them soon so stay tuned for an edit!)
Special shoutout to my friends at Butter Avenue in Toronto for making the BEST french macrons in the city. Their pastries are equally as delicious and present beautifully in pictures and in person. How could I not use them as props for my makeup story? ;)
Target in Canada used to carry NYX but they're gone now (RIP). Stop by Rexall to get your NYX fix.
Summer Style: Acne Studios High Tops
My hubs got me these patent leather Acne Studios Cleo high tops for my birthday last year. I was so excited that I wore them for about two weeks straight and then just stopped because these shoes are an absolute pain in the ass to get on. With the help of a shoe horn it takes me a few minutes to squeeze my foot in and then another few minutes to lace them up. Getting them off is equally treacherous and the scenerio goes a little something like this: I sit on the stairs and hold on to the banister as Geoff pries the shoe off bit by bit. I become impatient and curse a lot and break out in a sweat until they're finally off my feet. I don't think this is typical for high tops but I've had comments on IG that these Acne's are notoriously difficult to get on. So with that, I hate to tell you guys that I wouldn't recommend the Cleo's unless you have the patience of a saint. Lucky for me I actually love the look of these high tops and I'm willing to put up with the insanity that comes with owning them. Also, they go awesome with denim shorts!
Bandana, Aritzia. | Sunglasses, Armani. | Men's t-shirt (worn backwards), Joe Fresh. | Denim boyfriend shorts, Free People. | Bag, Givenchy small leather black Pandora. | Sneakers, Acne Studios patent leather Cleo high tops.