Red Lip Tips

With the explosion of the new Disney film, Maleficent, it seems as though red is back on the scene.  Red nails, red lips, and not just an orange red or a rosey red; red red - a perfect shade for the supposed face of evil (...if you watch the movie, you might not end up thinking Maleficent is as evil as she has been made out to be).

Since the beginning of time, red lipstick has been very risky business.  It's difficult to pull off, and finding the right shade is hard to find, let alone the tricky task of keeping from looking like the Joker once it's applied.  But for some reason, Angie's wicked performance has inspired millions of women across the country to re-create the beautiful look with a collection of Maleficent makeup that MAC Cosmetics has produced.  And so, the Maleficent lipstick, called True Love's Kiss, along with most of the other Maleficent products, is sold out.

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent

Maleficent Makeup from MAC Cosmetics

Here's a swatch of the Maleficent colour!

True Love's Kiss

Ruby Woo

Brave Red

But if it's sold out, which it is, try MAC's Ruby Woo or Brave Red - both are equally good!







My personal preference is Brave Red, but if you're going to wear a red lip like Angie, you have to own it.







Just because a red lipstick requires confidence doesn't mean you can't wear it!  Wear it and love it!  What are your favourite bold looks this summer?

Kudos to Eugenie Bouchard

I don't know how many of you watch professional tennis, but as a Canadian, I have to give a shoutout to Genie Bouchard for crushing it at Wimbledon this year.

For all of you who are not crazy fangirls of Genie (**yet), Genie is a 20-year old Canadian tennis player from Montréal, Québec, who made it to her first Grand Slam finals match today.  She has climbed the ranks in record time; in 2013, she was ranked 66 in the world and went into Wimbledon 2014 as #13!  Although she lost to Petra Kvitova in straight sets this morning, she has made Canada so proud.  Genie - with twin sister, Beatrice -, named after the two British royals, has become the rising star of the WTA tour.  And I'm not just saying that because I'm from the 'north'; if you want proof, google the awards presentation of this year's Wimbledon final and you will be overwhelmed by the length of applause for Eugenie as runner-up.  Even the commentators, such as Chrissie Evert, noted the unusual amount of applause from the crowd as the loser of the match crossed center court to receive her prize.

Anyways, not to blabber on, but Eugenie Bouchard rocks, and she's the new face to watch in tennis.  Forget about the final score, you go Genie!

NARS Tinted Moisturizer Review

Hey Guys,


I've just gone on holiday for the summer, so I'm writing this from the couch of my new temporary living room and really enjoying myself!

So since I'm on vacation, I had to somehow get all - or almost all - of my makeup on the plane and here in one piece.  It was crazy, I have to say, but we made it!  The decision process of what to bring and leave behind was a tough one, and along the way, I realized that I must must must tell you about my newfound love for NARS tinted moisturizer.  

Firstly, I adore the packaging. 

The labelling is so sleek and modern and it even has a little swatch of the skin tone in a strip around the top of the tube so you know exactly what you're getting...plus, it looks artsy.  This NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is also oil-free, which is an added bonus for the large majority of us makeup fanatics.  If you are prone to an oily t-zone or if you're just young, this added benefit will definitely help you out!


Another advantage to NARS's product is the SPF 30 included.  Despite the fact that it's only a tinted moisturizer, I find that it gives me an equally substantial level of coverage to other full foundations that I would use instead.  The built-in SPF means that I can be 100% confident that I won't burn but that I won't feel as if I have so many layers of chemicals on my skin either.  The NARS Tinted Moisturizer is smooth, light, and comes in eleven different skin tones!  





Check out the list of ingredients published by Sephora, as well as interesting research statistics about the product and purchasing details: http://www.sephora.com/pure-radiant-tinted-moisturizer-spf-30-pa-P302923?skuId=1396399

Hopefully that little insight helps some of you - I know for me, it was an amazing discovery that I sort of stumbled into and found by surprise.  There are so many awesome things you can find with just a few extra minutes in Sephora!

Talk soon,

Brit
~xoxo :)

Top 5 Products for June!!

Top 5 Makeup Must-Haves for June:

1. Smashbox BB Cream with SPF 35
2. MAC Cosmetics Powdered Blush in Melba
3. Smashbox Photo Finish Eyelid Primer
4. Sephora Collection Baked Luminizer in Stardust
5. Urban Decay Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

**ALL AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA except MAC Cosmetics, which can be found only at a MAC counter or stand-alone retail location

Cottage Fashion

In Canada, the cottage season packing essentials are as follows:

1) flannel button down

2) workman's wool socks

3) moccasins

4) Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Dry Shampoo

5) a cup of Tim Hortons coffee for the road! 

Idols

Everyone has an idol, or a bunch of people they look up to, like celebrities or important people in their lives.  All of them are role models in a sense, but I guess with celebrities, the admiration is taken to another level.

There's been two pieces of media lately that have caused me to think a lot about idolization.  The first is Gabrielle Bernstein's novel, Spirit Junkie, in which Gabrielle talks about how everyone is equal and that by idolizing other people, you are missing out on the chance to better yourself.  I think this is a really important insight that I've used since reading the book to help me put my jealousies and desires back into perspective.  Sometimes, we all wish we were somebody else; someone who looks like they 'have it all going on'.  And sometimes, we wish soooo much for what isn't ours, that yes, that time has been spent dwelling as opposed to living in action.  When I feel myself getting overwhelmed with anxiety, thinking "She is so perfect - why can't I just be like that?  Couldn't I have that too?  What's wrong with me?" I force myself to remember Gabrielle's perspective.  I come out of it believing that my idol and I are really just two ordinary people whose assets are simply not the same, but that each of us is admirable in our own way.

On the other hand, famous YouTuber - Alfie Deyes (PointlessBlog) -, recently posted a video about YouTube culture.  He briefly touches upon the same concept in his talk, but takes a slightly opposing view instead.  Alfie says that idolization is okay and totally understandable but that the definition of idolization should be refined.  Rather than idolize a person, you should idolize a person's habits or actions or character.  Why can't we recognize admirable qualities in other people and aspire to do the same?

A simple change of perspective, from jealousy to inspiration, can make a world of difference.
Just a little food for thought for you guys today!  I find this topic really provocative and I hope it gets your gears turning too.  :)

What do you think?

Raw Twix Bar

Credit to @healthy_mindbodyspirit for this recipe

Fudge Base: 

1/2 cup both raw walnuts and pecans 

1/4 cup raw cacao powder 

2 Tbsp raw agave 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

Pinch salt 

Cookie: 
1 cup raw almonds 

1 Tbsp melted coconut oil 

1 and 1/2 Tbsp raw agave 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

Caramel Filling: 
25 Medjool dates (soft) 

2 Tbsp melted coconut oil 

1 Tbsp almond butter 

1 Tbsp almond milk 

Chocolate Topping: Agave + Raw cacao powder + Melted coconut oil in a ratio of 1:2:1 

Put all base ingredients into a food processor. Blend until a dough is formed. 

Line the bottom of a 8x8 pan with the dough, and place in the freezer. 

Place cookie ingredients in a food processor and blend until a dough is formed. 

Remove the pan with the base from freezer and layer the cookie on top, place back in freezer when done. 

Place all caramel filling ingredients in processor and blend until smooth. 

Run a knife under hot water and then spread the caramel filling onto the base. 

Place back in freezer to harden. Top with raw chocolate. Place in freezer for at least 4 hours.

YUM!!  

Let me know how it works out :)

Justine's Before & After

BEFORE

AFTER

Name: Justine
Age: 15

Because Justine is so young, there is really not much to do in terms of covering or modifying her look. Her skin is porcelain, she has no blemishes, little to no oil, zero wrinkles.  So I've opted for a range of subtle products that will simply accentuate her beautiful features. 


Products for this Makeover are:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
http://www.sephora.com/wondervision-jumbo-photo-finish-foundation-primer-P384050?skuId=1563493

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
http://www.sephora.com/photo-finish-lid-primer-P232323?skuId=1157791

Covergirl BB Cream in Light/Medium
http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/face-makeup/foundation-makeup/cg-smoothers-bb-cream

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Chilled on Ice
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/1573/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Pro-Longwear-Paint-Pot/index.tmpl

Sephora Baked Luminizer in Stardust
http://www.sephora.com/microsmooth-luminizer-P378034?skuId=1480029

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light
http://www.sephora.com/camera-ready-bb-cream-spf-35-P300339

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Bone and Sandstone
http://www.elizabetharden.com/Beautiful-Color-Eye-Shadow/1002VDSC400,default,pd.html?dwvar_1002VDSC400_color=f1b595&start=1&cgid=eye-shadow

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Navy and Blonde
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2330/8197/Makeup/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara
http://www.sephora.com/smoky-lash-P217907?skuId=1097229

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray
http://www.sephora.com/de-slick-oil-control-makeup-setting-spray-P277222?skuId=1458181

Bobbi Brown Blush Brush
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2280/7292/Brushes-etc/Brushes-and-Tools/Cheeks/Blush-Brush/index.tmpl

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2281/7892/Brushes-etc/Brushes-and-Tools/Eyes/Eye-Shadow-Brush/index.tmpl

The Power of Makeup

     Have you ever got ready for a special occasion, looked in the mirror, and felt like a better person?
     I know I have.  And as vain as this thought might sound, it's probably safe to say that tons of people - men and women - think that way.
     As a girl, there's something invigorating about putting makeup on and doing your hair.  Yes, you look in the mirror and see someone prettier than the girl you woke up as, but it's not just about being pretty.  Makeup is so much more than that.

     I'm a girl with a passion for makeup, and the typical insecurity issues.  I've reflected long and hard about the reasons why I love makeup and if this interest of mine really works with my personal belief system.  
    What I mean by that is that on the surface, the field of makeup artistry seems quite superficial, which is definitely not in line with my character or personal values at all.  However, I dug a little deeper, wondering to myself, "I know that putting makeup on makes me look prettier, but what is it about that that is so important to me?"  
     The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is how makeup makes you feel!  
     Makeup, if applied correctly, has the power to draw the beauty out from within.  A beautiful person may then realize her own true potential in her reflection.  From a place of beauty, you will live with confidence, greater potential, and bolder actions.  This feeling, that anything is possible, is what I strive for.  Through makeup, my goal is to help others see their true beauty and empower them to live in reality the large dreams that have till now been held within!  It only takes a little bit of magic to show you all that you are capable of.

I Love Nuts!

Hey there~

Starting to get hungry for lunch and it made me think that I should share my new favourite granola recipe with you!  It's so delish, I have a scoop for breakfast this morning with some almond milk and frozen berries before heading off to work out.  Check out the recipe below and let me know what you think!  It only takes 15 minutes - super easy - and you can make it in bulk to store in your cereal cupboard.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw almonds (slivers or whole)
• 2 cups raw macadamia nuts or cashews (or any type of nut!)
• 1 cup of coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup of chia seeds or hemp hearts or both
• 1/2 cup of dried goji berries
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins (I find goji berries and cranberries taste really yummy together)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Grab a cooking tray - preferably with a lip around the edge - and dump your nuts on.  Spread them out evenly and pop the tray in the oven.  Bake for 10 minutes, moving the nuts around occasionally with a long wooden spoon.  Be careful they don't burn (I would keep the tray on the middle rack to be safe)
3. Take the nuts out; put half in a large bowl, the other half in a food processor/blender/Nutribullet, etc.  Pulse a few times until the nuts are slightly ground up.  It happens quick so don't get carried away!!
4. Take the blended mixture and stir it into the large bowl with the rest of your nuts.
5. Dump your cup of coconut flakes onto the same tray you just used, spread the coconut out evenly, and pop it in the oven for 4 minutes.  The flakes should still be white but a little golden from the heat.  Watch they don't burn!
6. Add your coconut flakes, chia seeds, goji berries, and cranberries to the large bowl of nut mixture and stir.  

Scoop some granola into a bowl and add some almond milk or any type of milk you like.  I find the almond milk goes nicely with the nutty flavour of the granola.  For an added crunch and a sweet kick, throw some frozen blueberries and diced strawberries on top ~ Enjoy!