MINI MAKEUP HAUL!

When people wonder how I am never able to save...this is exactly why!!! Walking into Sephora is like walking into heaven. So, naturally, I do the right thing and purchase everything I need, and by need I mean don't really need but I must have. I usually never stick to the same products because I am always in search of something better. When it comes to concealer, the ones that have stuck by me the longest are makeup forever and smashbox camera ready concealer. I use the liquid makeup forever for under eye concealing and the smashbox camera ready to cover blemishes and that big ass nasty unwanted pimple that always makes her appearance on a special day. This time, I decided to try two different products. I've been using the laura mercier "secret concealer" for my eyes and if you are looking for that nice "dewy" look, make this your new friend. The coverage is great and it applies smooth and it's very long lasting. To replace the smashbox stick concealer, I have been using the Nars stick concealer and the results are very similar to smashbox except I find it provides a smoother finish. Coverage is really good too!

I've tried several different gel eyeliners including clinique, bobby brown, makeup forever, and mac but this time, I'm giving STILA smudge pot a chance. So far VERY DARK and long lasting. I haven't been wearing it enough to test out the smudge-proofness of the product but when I do, I will definitely update. This is a product I would consider (based on how long it lasts) using for my own wedding, because so far, I can trust it to last! Let us see how it goes!

Now, my favourite....MASCARAAAAAAA! I am a HUGE fan of L'oreal Voluminous and L'oreal Million lashes, they have always been consistent in my makeup bag and I can always trust it to give me great results for a great price (since we all know how quickly we can go through mascara!) Benefit's Mascara, "They're Real" is now added to my list of favourites. It definitely gives length and lots of it! So if you are in the market for something new, give it a chance.

Lip Lovin'

The brute winter season leaves a harsh residue on our skin, hair and lips. We tend to exfoliate most parts of our body, leaving behind the sexiest feature of all; our lips. Here are some great products and tips to cure your chapped lips.

Try: Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub

$20 from Sephora

 

If you love home remedies, try what this clever mom suggests!

 

love always,

 

Wassal

xoxo   

 

 

 

The Skull Obsession

Like me, I am sure most of you can't rid yourself of the skull craze!! I used to look at skulls and immediately associate it with the whole rocker look and just dismiss it as an option entirely. Now, you have me searching clothing racks and jewelry stands looking for interesting skull pieces. The beauty of trends is seeing different fashion pieces in a new light. I personally try to look for pieces that are unique. A plain skull t-shirt is great, but a unique, dark and twisted one is even better! The best finds were snatched at...Winners! Sometimes you really do need to visit a few locations (and keep in mind that different areas will have different pieces based on the demographic) to find something special. I managed to find 4 great shirts and a blouse all under 70 dollars! But, if you are the type to keep it sane and purchase one or two trendy items a season, since we all know how fast things come and go, investing in a quality piece is worth your dollar. I found a few awesome dark and grungy graphic skull tees at Zara and Top Shop as well.

Happy New Year!

It came just as quickly as it ended. This holiday season was much different than others; there were no big parties, no lavish dresses and certainly no big hole in my pocket. It was only fit to celebrate the holidays and new year just as I hope to behave in 2013, laid-back. I enjoyed a wonderful birthday at home with family (yes, I managed to have another great birthday despite the curse of being a Christmas baby) and rang in the new year with family too. Usually, I would be frantically planning parties and outfits, setting my expectations through the roof, only to be disappointed. So it's true, no expectations, no disappointments. This leads me to my new years resolution; to take it easy! It's not our material possessions that define who we are, but our journey in life. I learned some valuable lessons this year, and I can't say it was one of my greatest years, but I valuable each experience (yes, even the terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE ones) because it has made me a better person today. So, good riddance 2012, WELCOME 2013! Wishing you all health, happiness and love for this new year.

love always,

Wassal
xoxo

tip of the day: be BOLD.

Inspiration: Scarf Edition

Fall 2012 lipstick shades

RED

It's no surprise red is back this fall.  I personally love red but to be honest, sometimes I feel awkward wearing it. Why? It feels like everyone is staring at your lips (especially if you have bigger lips) But there is no doubt, the second you lather your lips with a deep red, paired with a defined cat eye, there is nothing to feel awkward about. Red lips can easily give you a high fashion look! This fall you can explore a deep red or show your attitude with an electric red.  How to overcome the awkwardness? Acknowledging that you look damn good in red lipstick and let your confidence show. You can rock anything and wear anything as long as you don't forget the most important accessory: confidence.

Alessandra wearing MAC Ruby Woo

In case you don't already have your favourite red, I have put together a list of trendy and reliable red rocking shades!

MAC Ruby Woo

Smashbox True Red

NARS Dragon Girl Siren Red

NARS Cruella Scarlet Red

Also try: YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Le Rouge, Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Love Lipstick in Outlaw.

 MAKE A STATEMENT

I am delighted to see that deep purples are in this fall! Purple and plum colours always manage to find their way back almost every other fall, so it's important to find some great shades that you can get the most use out of. Just be diligent to be softer on the eyes. Darker Shades of purple look exotic and bold with nice vampy eyes.

 Here are some great choices you should try, both from NARS (Can you tell I am obsessed with NARS yet?)

NARS Train Bleu Aubergine Lip Pencil

NARS Volga Deep Aubergine Lipstick

 NATURALLY NUDE

Every girl should have a perfect nude lipstick! Not just for this fall trend, but because nude lips are always in style (especially with a gorgeous smokey eye). Even though it looks stunning with a great smokey eye, a nude lip can be worn with pretty much anything! The trouble is, some nude lipsticks can wash you out. You'll need to look for a few things when shopping for a nude lipstick. BE AWARE! grey undertones can totally wash you out so instead, opt for a nude lip colour that has a pink or peachy undertone.

I wouldn't suggest a single nude lipstick for everyone. We all know we are unique in our skin tones and lipsticks look different on everyone. So, here are some tips based on your skin tone. If you have very fair skin, a nice sandy pink undertone is best. Try using MAC Lipstick in Creme D'Nude or Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude. If you have a medium olive skin complexion, a rosy pink undertone will work best. Some lipsticks that might work for you are MAC Lipstick in Taupe. Finally, for my darker skin toned girls, bronze is bomb! MAC lipstick in Coconutty will bring out that bronze natural glow. Also, try experimenting with some toffee shades.

Don't be afraid to add a sheer gloss over your nude lip to bring some more life to your look.

Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense Matte Flesh

BOXOM Big & Healthy Lips Marrakech Nude

PRETTY IN PINK 

I am so excited about MATTE PINK! I've always loved the soft yet sharp look it creates so naturally, I am happy this is trending for Fall 2012. So forget your pink lip glosses (I know, I am sad to give up my pink lip gloss too) and bring on the matte! The best part about matte pink? It's gorgeous on every skin tone! 

The best part about playing with matte pink is the MANY different shades of pink you can use! From light pinks to bold ones, these shades in matte exuberate youth and fun.

Before I give a list of lipstick recommendations, I am going to share with you my worst kept beauty secret. A few months ago, while getting dolled up for a night out with my closest girlfriends, I discovered (while innocently snooping through my friends makeup bag) the BEST LIPSTICK SHADE IN THE WORLD. And guess what? It looked amazing on each one of us (we all have different skin tones) I've included this lip colour in this section because it is a cross over of a matte pink and a nude lip.

BUXOM Big & Healthy Lipstick in Nantucket

This lipstick is pretty much a matte peachy nude lipstick with full coverage.

"This 3-in-1 Lip Perfecter does three jobs—it defines the shape of the lips like a liner, fills them in with velvet matte color, and plumps them to their full Buxom potential. Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick contains vitamins A, C, and E, while a fusion of exotic mango and avocado butters deliver the perfect dose of hydration and long-lasting color." -Buxom

Also try:

 

 

 

 

MAC Candy Yum Yum

I hope you found my suggestions helpful! I am sure you might have your own personal finds that I would love to hear about! please share :)