Lip Combination: MAC, Smashbox, Laura Mercier

I have recently discovered this combination and haven't stopped doing it all week because it's just so damn pretty. It also fades nicely, it's neutral and very "my lips, but better", which makes it perfect for work.

It reminds me of something a Kardashian would wear, which is bittersweet for me since I can't stand that lot, but they do serve up some good makeup. Alas, MAC Angel lipstick is one of Kim's favourites after all.

These shades balance each other perfectly - the rosy pink of Laura Mercier "Potpourri" lip liner adds some definition to the lip line, the neutral pink of MAC Angel followed by the sheer peachy coral glaze of Smashbox "Afterglow".

The perfect neutral pout :)

What's your lip combination today?

Skincare Sunday VIII: Lips, Lips, Lips

I am dedicating this week's Skincare Sunday post to some lip care items that I have really been enjoying lately. They're all relatively new to my collection and they're great:

From the back left to right:

1. Gatineau 3D Lift Volumizing Lip Balm (available from QVC or Amazon)

This is a very lightweight yet potent lip balm that leaves a glossy finish to the lips and that also plumps them! Smells like lychee and just overall makes my lips feel hydrated and voluminous. I love using this at night or during the day if I am just trolling around the house.

2. Hourglass Lip Oil (available from Sephora)

Luxurious packaging (the applicator is gold plated, haaay) and beautifully scented. If you have tried the Hourglass Primer Serum, this has a similar scent and feel, albeit a bit more "oily". The gold applicator feels cooling and comfortable on the lips, and one pump is enough for an application. I was super skeptical of this product at first but it's one of those things that has just been growing on me with each use. I love the herbal fresh scent and I love the way it makes my lips look and feel. I wouldn't use this as a lip balm primer before lipstick since it's an oil and doesn't absorb as quickly on the lips. I like using this alone on days off or over night. It's not sticky, it's not cheap, but it's a nice little treat :)

3. Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss (available from drugstores)

A beautiful budget alternative. This smells absolutely amazing and I've been using it daily under lipstick as a primer. I am not a big fan of potted lip products but this makes me get over it.

What are your favourite lip treatments?

x

Obsessed: My Helmut Lang Asymmetric Bra

I have been wearing this thing so often, it deserved its own little ode.

The HELMUT Helmut Lang Asymmetric Bra (in black). It's my bandeau bra of choice. Offers decent support, doesn't slide all over the place and has that special detail that makes it stand out above the rest.

At $90 it is steeply priced for what it is - a modal jersey bandeau bra - but its versatility makes it indispensable. It just looks so damn cool underneath any tank/loose top/casual dress. Hell, I even wore it hiking!

I bought mine from Shopbop but it hasn't been available in any size except XS for weeks (for reference, I bought the size S and I wear a size 32C bra. My mom, 34D, bought size L in white and it's perfect). 

It is currently available in all sizes at Saks (link), the Net-a-porter UK site (link), or you can indulge in the gorgeous tank top version (here). 

Is it expensive? Yes. But it's 100% worth it for such a cool, unique piece. I want it in white.

x

Currently On My Nails

I was going to title this something cheesy along the lines of "Summertime Night Blues" but I will spare you my creative efforts and get into it. I am no nail polish blogger nor am I super up to date on nail trends and whatnot but thanks to the magic of a little product called Nail Envy, my nails have been pretty damn awesome as of late so why not show them off and talk about a colour that has been an under the radar favourite over the years...

OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue

I didn't always love this blue. I have had it for years (it is part of OPI's permanent line but had originally come out with their India collection) and it was never something I gravitated towards but I swear, every time I did choose to paint my nails with it, I would get compliments on it... and this time was no exception.

It's a gorgeous deep blue with a subtle metallic shimmer that isn't loud or tacky but that adds just enough "oompf" to an otherwise dark moody nail. It's this fun hint of shimmer that makes this polish perfect for summer as well as winter (when the traditional dark colours come out to play). It takes two coats to get perfect opaque coverage, the application is great and lasting power is up to a week with no chipping. Win Win Win! If you're looking for a pretty dark blue that can transcend the seasons, I highly recommend you give this one a try.

I generally like to get my OPI products from eBay (various sellers depending on what colour I am looking for, but this seller is a great place to start and the shipping is always quick).

What's on your nails?

Beauty Wishlist

Neiman Marcus has a Beauty Gift With Purchase event going on until June 9 (free beach tote and samples with any $85 purchase) so naturally I have got the pen and paper ready, making a little virtual wishlist before I click the "check-out" button.

1. Tom Ford Brow Sculptor

Everyone seems to be raving about this and I want to join the club. I have chosen the shade "taupe" since my Makeup Forever Aqua Lash in "ash" has a tad too much warmth.

2. Prada Candy L'Eau

The slightly fresher, floral sister of the original Prada Candy fragrance. This was released in Europe earlier this year and is now slowly rolling out into N. America, with Neiman Marcus getting exclusive rights to carry it for now. I got to sample it while I was in Romania last month and I was obsessed. This smells freaking amazing... it's got the same warm gourmand caramel base as the original but with opening notes of Italian citrus (my favourite).

3. Kiehl's Clarity-Activating Toner

Slowly diminishing my supply of skincare containing Vitamin C and this looks really promising. A gentle exfoliating toner rich in antioxidants and salicylic acid to help keep a clear complexion.

Not the largest of wishlists but one that needs to be purchased, nonetheless :)

What has been on your "to buy" list?

Skincare Sunday VII: The End Of An Era

It's happening, y'all.

After a solid 8 months of using the same eye cream combination day and night, I am getting to the very last bits of both my daytime and night time eye creams. 

I talked more in detail about the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Eye here - it's a wonderful treatment that I use every single night. I don't have a very dry or sensitive under-eye area so this did the trick. It might not be moisturizing enough for someone that has a dry under-eye area but it is designed to be able to be layered underneath other eye creams so don't count it out when you're shopping! The scent is light and herbal, and I definitely found that using this nightly has helped decrease the chances of puffiness in the morning. 

During the day I resort to La Roche Posay Redermic C which is a very light textured lotion geared towards age/fine line/wrinkle prevention. Vitamin C is an important ingredient when it comes to anti-aging and I love the light texture of this. 

While this current combination has kept puffiness and dark circles at bay, I am looking to try something new... perhaps something a bit more intensive for night time since *gasps* I am seeing a few lines that I'd rather not these days (thanks, stress and life... thanks a lot). 

Recommendations are welcome :)