Humpday Happenings...Update

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Quick update of the last few weeks! So sorry for not being consistent!

Cookies from the old man for Mother's Day

Shopping at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart

Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion

St Tropez Mousse

St Tropez Mini Tanning Mitt

* Shoppers has a spend your points this weekend so I'll definitely pop by the beauty boutique and grab a few things!

Also ordered this brush to start dry brushing and prep for my tan...

Quick update on my recent splurges from Sephora:

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Love the Giorgio Armani fluid sheer (I add this to foundation or use it on top of foundation. Although I find it doesn't blend as nicely when it lays on top), liquid shimmer (I use this to contour and darken my foundation) and lastly the bronzer which I use as a blush. For some reason though GA's foundation doesn't work for me. I can't recall exactly why I hated it as it's been a good 5 years since I tried it lol, but I know for a fact it didn't look good. I went with Estee Lauder double wear instead for the event I was attending. The finish looked much nicer on my skin, and it photographed beautifully!

Sephora VIB purchase...

Here's what I purchased over the weekend taking advantage of the VIB promo...

Josie Maran Whipping Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream

Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade in Medium Brown

Escada Turquoise Summer Rollerball

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #2 Shim Beige

I also got a sample of Fresh Sugar Lychee (not shown) and picked up my birthday gift (love NARS Cruella)

Just a side note; in my last post I mentioned I was going to order the Koh Gen Do illuminator, but after swatching it decided to return as I found it too sparkly for daytime wear. (Got the GA fluid sheer instead)

With that order I got the limited edition Beauty Blender and Benefit kit, which has now sold out.

Included was the Beauty Blender, air port pouch, travel size soap and Benefit's that girl and girl meets pearl...

Readers, did you pick up anything from the sale? Any favorites? Please share! TGIF have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Sephora VIB 2014...

It's that time again!

Here are my picks...

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard

Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in #5 Sun Brunettes

Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailer-Made Bronzing Powder in Natural Brunettes

Readers are you picking up anything? Any faves? I'm buying 2 repeats and the rest first time try outs. Biting the bullet for Guerlain this time around...

Sephora 

VIB sale Thursday Nov 6 - Monday Nov 10, 2014 20% off use code GIFTVIB

* it's so busy online the site crashed *~* 

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Depotting MAC eyeshadows...

my little assembly line...

allowing the metal to cool before glue removal...

Voila, complete and in my MAKE UP FOREVER palette

Recently I set some time aside to depot several shadows I got from "back to MAC" makeup I cleaned out from organizing. Total time was 2 hours, it took less than 30 minutes to remove the shadows from the plastic and the remaining time spent removing the glue. (10 eyeshadows)

TOOLS:
flat iron
towel
q-tips or cotton pads (I used both but found the q-tips worked better)
alcohol
paper clip or pin (something you can poke through the plastic)
parchment paper
magnetic sheet (purchased from Walmart)
scissor
blade ( I used the blade option from my nail cutter)
empty palette ( purchased this MUFE palette back in the day when MAC didn't have a clear top)

Here's a visual

Rundown:

- pop up eyeshadow using the blade (the spot between the snapping mechanism)

- place shadow on parchment paper with heat setting to 3/4 high (you don't need it that hot, I only have 1 setting on mine.)

- leave on for a few minutes, you can check to see if its ready when there's an indentation or you see the silver pan peek through

- remove from flat iron, let it stand for a few minutes (this is super hot! I wore my glove that I use with my curler to handle it)

- if you're able to handle the plastic, use your paper clip to poke through the back to loosen the pan from the plastic

- remove the glue using alcohol and a cotton swab

- to remove the sticker let it sit on the flat iron with parchment paper for 10 seconds or until you're able to pull the sticker off

- place on magnetic sheet and cut to desired size

- voila you are done!

Sephora Spring 2014 VIB 15% off...

Here's what I picked up...

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan as recommended by Rae

Sephora Collection #57 brush as recommended by Laura

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

Readers have you picked up anything from Sephora lately?

Sale ends today Apr 11 2014 use code VIBTICKET

Update...Makeup Decluttering

From my last post, I managed to go through all my makeup and weed out keeps vs throw away or gift...

Here's a reminder of the chaos...

Gifts, back to mac and garbage is already tossed...

Keeping for polish: What I consider to by my Holy Grails...will continue to repurchase (except the Chanel May)

Opi Big Apple Red (I use this for hands and feet)

Essie Limited Addiction (I use this for hands and feet)

Essie Mademoiselle (I use this for hands only)

Essie Cute as a Button (I use this for feet only)

As you know from my last post I mentioned I wanted to tackle the feat of decluttering my makeup, and I think I did an excellent job considering I'm a hoarder :D

First step was getting rid, and next will be organizing what I kept. I'm hoping to get that done the following week and will post an updated pic...

Thanks for tuning in and have a great weekend! Also if you're inspired and plan to declutter, please share pics!

Update...New Beginnings

Hello Everyone! I apologize for being MIA this last week has been hectic, but a good hectic!

In case you missed it...

I gave birth! As I mentioned previously, 2014 will hold new and exciting paths... and a definite change in the blog. While I won't detour too much from makeup, skincare and clothes I would love to share some experiences from pregnancy and post. I know I had so many questions, and it was difficult to find resources. Also, I'd love to share baby's must haves and such! 

Other things on my mind...
I was reading this great post from Katherine, and it inspired me to declutter my makeup!
I hardly use all of my makeup and seriously have no time to get all fancy now. So in the next few weeks I'll re-evaluate and toss!

My goal is to downsize into the 2 drawer inserts seen above. (found those at Homesense on one of my shopping trips.)

I also have been wanting a clear case forever, but that just asks for more hoarding. I'll have a better idea what to look for once I declutter. But I would purchase one of these if I do:

Muji 5 drawer Acrylic Case

Muji 3 drawer Acrylic Case

I did also spot some great acrylic cases at Homesense so may return for those if the Muji's are still sold out.

That's it for now and I'll try my best to post periodically! Thank you for visiting!

Best of 2013...

And so another year has passed...As we bid adieu to 2013 and usher in 2014 here's my favourite posts of the year...

Makeup...

Holy Grail Makeup Products

Shows:

Criss Angel Believe

Celtic Woman

Michael Buble

Starting to cook/bake in the kitchen and surviving to share the recipes... :D

 Rookie In the Kitch Series (shown above Lasagna and Warm Spinach Salad)

The birth of Baby J...

Making of the Diaper Cake

Travel...

Brentwood Bay Resort

Europe 2013, Favourite foods from Europe(seen above)

 My Personal Fave In Action Outfits...

Florals and Purple

Matchy Matchy in Beige and Black

Shopping Finds...

Fab Found at Marshall's, Loving Now(Diptyque perfume and new iPhone 5S)

And of Course discovering Instagram...

Fave Pics, What's on my Instagram(seen above)

I hope everyone had a safe and fabulous New Year's Eve!!! I had a quiet night as today is my Mom's birthday and we're spending it with family.

Happy New Years Everyone! Thank you to all those who stop by and take the time to browse, comment and support! Wishing you happiness, $$$ and health to enjoy it all!

Aritzia and Sephora Boxing Day 2013 Finds...

I managed to get up bright and early for Sephora and shopped 2 days at Aritzia(24 & 27)...

From Aritzia:

Wilfred Honore Cardigan  (this reminds me of Alaia, so I had to get it)

Mackage Kenya Jacket

And the Beekman Sweater and Upton Dress mentioned here...

For Sephora:

As you can see I purchased this at 6:50 am, half asleep doesn't help so I missed adding the promo codes for either 20% off on sale EXTRA20 or getting the free Benefit Deluxe Stay Don't Stray (use code STAYDSTRAY)... I'm tempted to make another order just to get this as I love the primer, I just never use the full size fast enough.

Will update once the package arrives...

Readers did you have any luck with boxing day finds? 

Sephora VIB Sale...20% off

Some things I picked up...

Urban Decay Half Baked eyeshadow

Glam Glow Gift Set 

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Bisque

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

Nars Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot

Other items on my list that were sold out or available online only:

Guerlain Crazy Terracota Glow Powder

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in #3 Medium

Eve Lom 3 Muslin Cloths

Readers did you pick up anything from the sale? Any recommendations for Holy Grail items I should try?

Sephora VIB Sale ends today!

Delivery Arrival...Sephora

TGIF + Hope everyone has a wonderful Turkey weekend!!! It's a Long weekend woot hoot!!!

As mentioned here, I've finally got my order in and have yet to try all of the items...

Samples

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. So far what I have tried is the Tarte airbrush foundation, I do love the coverage but it does get messy applying it from such a teeny pot. I'm using a dual fibre brush from Mac 186 for application.

Another item I'm loving so far is Too Faced  tan without the twinkle. This was advertised when I was checking out and I'm glad it worked out. Usually my impulse purchases never do lol I'm loving the colour on this and it applies beautifully. The result a natural flush or chiselled cheekbones. I'm using my Nars ITA brush for application.

Lastly, I've taken the Stila liner for a test run. I thought the colour would have been more deep black, I guess going over the liner twice would deepen the colour. I however, would prefer the first initial swipe to be it rather than going over it many times. I do like the precision tip, but it's like the Eve Pearl liner I have(which I don't like for the same reason, that and the colour dries out quick). Still on the fence, but will be on the look out for another liquid liner. 

Recent Finds...Sephora

Just placed my order:

Sk II Facial Treatment Essence

GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner

And this was an impulse buy...Too Faced Tan Without the Twinkle

the rest are samples...

Will keep you posted if they're Pass or Praiseworthy after ample time of use!

Recent Finds...Nars

I've been on a recent makeup kick if you haven't noticed...

Picked up Nars Chelsea Girls as per @jaclynhill recommendation

Restocked my fave cream shadow from Nars in El Dorado

Got a sample for Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and lip gloss in Gold Digger

Here's a lip combo I can't wait to try: OCC lip tar in Divine and Nars Chelsea Girls

Charlotte Tilbury Makeup at Selfridges...

After seeing this post, I had to check out Charlotte Tilbury's new makeup line asap...

I got trigger happy and wanted to order these...but after exchange rates and delivery(they don't ship to Canada yet) I woke up from the haze and removed them from my basket :"(

Magic Cream

The Golden Goddess Eyeshadow Quad

Lip Cheat re-shape & re-size lip liner in Pink Venus

Make-up Bag

Loving this look: The Uptown Girl

Charlotte Tilbury makeup at Selfridges
Readers anyone going to purchase CT's new makeup line? Would love to hear your feedback!