Products I've Been Loving Lately!

Lately, I have been working tons and getting up early for school, so I've needed to get ready really speedy. I have mastered my routine and thanks to these products, I've been able to look put together in a flash.

Makeup wise, eye shadow to be specific, I have been using my go to Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I have all my shades in one compact palette including both, mattes and a shimmer shade to highlight with. I love using a transition shade, highlight with the shimmery shade and pop that on the lid and then really deepen up my outer v and lower lashline with the dark matte brown.



For lips, my go-to has been the Mac Lipstick in the shade Brave. It is my perfect "my lips but better" shade but the finish is what makes this product my fave! It is a satin finish, so it stays on through my long shifts but also won't dry out my lips as much as a matte would!







School + Work = Late shifts = second or third day hair! Fortunately, Batiste Dry Shampoo has been a life saver for me when I don't have the time to always wash my hair. There is not only many different scents but they also make a dark brown one for brunettes, so you don't get white roots! :)






Finally, my favourite fragrance as of lately has been Dark Kiss from Bath and Body Works. This is the perfect sexy scent; a mix of fruit and floral. Although it is discontinued, you can pick this up twice a year in their Semi Annual Sale in January and June. It is a rare find but a precious one.

My Spring Staple: The Denim Jacket

Hey guys! Long time no talk! I have been M.I.A for quite a while. As many of you know, I am still a student and unfortunately, school is a priority, therefore blogging has been pushed aside. Today though, I would love to share a brand new item in my wardrobe with you! My new denim jacket!

If I am being honest with you, I haven't always loved the look of a jean jacket. I always associated them with little girls or people living in the past through their vintage jean jacket, until I actually tired one on myself. I guess the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" was completely true in my case, as I fell inlove with my denim jacket!

I purchased my Cropped Denim Jacket from Old Navy here in Canada for around $37. For some, this may seem pricey but I fell in instant love and understand that this is a staple that can be worn with so much, so I would get great use from it.

I originally paired it with a dress I also purchased from Old Navy. And yes, I took a "basic" changeroom selfie #noshame! :)

Throughout all of the looks, I kept the jacket unbuttoned and the sleeves loosely rolled for a more effortless look!

The second way I wore the jean jacket was with some capris leggings and a flowy t shirt blouse. Although, I love the jacket with dresses, if you have a occasion where a dress is not suitable, you could try this outfit! 

The final way I styled the denim jacket was with, of course, a dress again! This is another cotton t shirt dress from Old Navy (can you tell I love shopping there??) that I purchased a few years back. This is a great alternative to throwing a cardigan over a dress during those breezy days or chilly nights. 

Review: Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick

Hello everyone! Today I have a review for you on the Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks. I purchased mine at Sephora, in the shade Double Dare. The shade is described as a cocoa blush on the website.

I was originally intrigued to purchase this from watching many YouTube videos about different liquid lipsticks. I have really been on the hunt for a long wear lip product that I can wear to work. I thought the shade was a good choice as it was a neutral, yet still added some colour to my look. 

Doe foot applicator

I thoroughly enjoy the doe foot applicator on this liquid lipstick. It holds just the right amount of product and makes for a very easy application that isn't messy at all.

While the original texture is creamy and very mousse like, the liquid lipstick will dry down to a matte, powdery finish. The dried texture feels fine to begin but leaves my lips feeling fairly dry after 2-3 hours of wear.

The lip product stayed on for over 6 hours but did fade slightly in the center of my lips from taking and drinking water.

Matte finish after completely dried

Since the purpose of this purchase was to have a long wearing lip product for work, I think it held up just okay. I am on the fence as to if I should purchase other shades.


If you have tired these guys out, let me know what other colours I should try.

Fitbit Charge HR Review

Hey guys! Today I have a review on a new gadget I've been using that I got for Christmas this past year. My wonderful mother gifted me the Fitbit Charge HR in the gorgeous plum shade.

Flex push closure on left vs.
Charge HR watch band closure on right

The design of the band is very sleek and slim. I originally thought it looked very thick but I have since loved the convenient size the Fitbit offers. I find it perfect to view the screen yet small enough where it won't get in the way throughout my day or while working out. The band has a watch like closure which I much prefer over the other Fitbit products. My cousins has had hers fall into the toilet from how easily the band on her Fitbit Flex opens, this is why I especially love the design of this one.

I have always loved pedometers just for counting my steps but this little guy will follow how many flights of stairs you have climbed, how many kilometres you have walked, your heart rate and will also count your calories burned which is especially helpful if you log what you eat through the day into your phone. Another addition that I adore is the ability to add an alarm that will vibrate on your wrist, as well as being able to track your sleep. It is great to set for work or school as well as when to take medications or accomplish other daily tasks. Ever since starting a full fitness routine, I have loved using the heart rate option to see what heart rate zone I am in. It helps me get my heart rate high enough to ensure I am burning the calories to loose body fat.






My final thoughts on the Fitbit Charge HR are that I love it. I would 100% recommend it a workout junkie or someone who needs the extra motivation to get active. I love how I can set the alarm and also have the basic feature of a watch, telling the time. I love how I can use this along side my app on my Android too! Overall, very good product!

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

Hey guys! How have you been? Today I have somewhat of a haul for you all of my purchases made at the Bath and Body Works Semi Annual Sale. Shower Gels are what I go through the fastest so I made sure to stock up. Prices were all less than $5 when most of these products are normally $15! What a steal!! 

Sheer Cotton and Lemonade Fragrance Mist and Shower Gel

"Crisp Cotton, Sparkling Lemonade and Wild Gardenia." 

Sweet Magnolia and Clementine Shower Gel

"Sweet Magnolia, Fresh Clementine and Spring Sandalwood."

Coconut Lime Breeze Shower Gel

"Sheer coconut water, white orange blossom and zesty lime."

Sunset by the Pool Shower Gel

"White peach, Exotic Passionfruit and Sun-Warmed Woods." 

Twisted Peppermint Shower Gel

"Cool peppermint, sugared snow and fresh balsalm." 

Bourbon Strawberry and Vanilla Shower Gel

"Bourbon Vanilla, Garden Strawberry and Pink Jasmine."

Hello Sun Shine Shower Gel

"Sparkling Meyer Lemon, Luscious Tangerine and Sunflower Petals."

Cool Coconut Surf Fragrance Mist

Georgia Peach and Sweet Tea Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Fragrance Mist

"Georgia Peach, Sweet Tea and Apple Blossom." 

Benefits of Exfoliating

We all know that the dry, cold months are quickly approaching, even if we don't appreciate them. I am taking this opportunity to share with you, the benefits of exfoliating!

Now if you are unsure of what I mean by exfoliating, exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface. This can be done many ways, for example; a body or face scrub, a facial or chemical peel or manually with a dry brush. Exfoliating is very helpful all year round but today, I am going to share why it is so important during the cool months ahead of us. 


1. Absorption of other products

By removing off the dead skin cells, the fresh subtle skin is exposed. Therefore, your oils and creams that you would apply after your bath or shower, can really soak in and absorb into the skin. This allows you to get the full benefits of the moisturisers as well.   

2. Shaving = 100000 times better 

Using a body scrub prior to shaving your legs can do wonders. This ensures a closer shave to the root of the hair, which will lengthen the regrowth time of the hair. It also makes your legs super smooth and shiny before a big event, for example; a holiday party. 

3. Get a more even fake tan

Many of us still want that bronze goddess look all year round, exfoliating before self tanning will ensure your product will go on smoothly. This prevents any blotchy patches or product built up on the skin.

4. Preventing acne

Including a face scrub is essential when it comes to a beauty routine. Exfoliating of the face will unclog pores to really clean the out and prevent blackheads. 

5. Smoother makeup application

Scrubbing off the dead skin cells on your face can also make a soft smooth canvas for your makeup to be applied onto. This will prevent your foundation, concealer and other face makeup from looking cakey on the face, 

My Scentsy Sampling Experience

Here is my review on my very generous bundle Edie sent me heart emoticon

First off I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have really fallen in love with the wax bars (Guava Honey was a good scent pick too) but the wax is super good quality. I knew I was missing out using glade and febreeze wax melts. The scent lasted very long and the wax was much softer. I found I didn't have to use nearly as many cubes, compared to other wax brands.

I also received the No.34 Velvet Hand Cream and the No.09 Whipped Body Soufflé, both a lovely smooth texture and tropical scents (my fave). I found my skin absorbed it in quick not leaving the greasy feel behind we all often experience. My boyfriend was also lucky enough to try the Refreshing Face Balm and Cream Shave Soap. He said he preferred the face balm but loved the scents for both products.

The Blueberry Cheesecake Scent Circle is divine! Not only does my car smell like a bakery but so does my whole garage!

Finally, I received a Scent Pak in the fragrance "Shaka". I wasn't too sure if I was going to love the smell but I threw the little pak in my intimates drawer and it lightly scented my items with a clean, fresh scent. Another A+!

Order from Edie here: https://edieanne.scentsy.us/

Se also stuck a ton of Scratch and Sniff stickers on the packaging which I am sure the postal people enjoyed as well! Thanks again Edie! 

My Mac Eyeshadow Quad: Fall 2015

Hey guys! Today I would love to share my new Mac eyeshadow quad with you all. Showing my eyeshadows from Mac is one of my number one requested post from you guys!

I recently picked up a little quad for four of my shadows and I thought this was the perfect time to share them with you.

So as many of you know, from reading previous posts, I do own a 15 shadow palette from Mac. This was a lovely gift from my sister last Christmas and I love all the options I get when I grab for that palette. That being said, it is quite inconvenient to travel with such a large palette so I decided to grab a quad for travel purposes.

The first shadow I have in my quad is Blanc Type. This is a creamy, matte, off white colour that is great to highlight. It is super pigmented and I use it under my brows everyday.

The second shade I have is All That Glitters. This is the perfect champagne lid shade that adds shimmer to a look but not too much sparkle. This is my go-to lid colour.

For my transition shade, I put in Soft Brown. This is a matte warm toned brown which is perfect in the crease. I use it to blend out shadows and it's warm undertones are great for this season.

The final colour I have in my little palette is Sable. This is a shimmery brown with a red/cranberry sheen to it. I love this shade for my outer corner, or if I'm feeling vampy, I'll wear it all over the lid!

Summer to Fall: Makeup Tips

Blackened Plum Lip Colour:
Colour for the bolder of us :) 

Hello everyone! Long time no type. Along with the fact that I have been absent for a small period of time, the leaves have also been changing in that period of time to. We all know that changing leaves = autumn = changing makeup!!

Personally, I adore the deep, dark, vampy colours of fall time makeup/fashion, but like many, I haven't always been as comfortable rocking them in public. Today, I have a few recommendations on how to change up your look for the changing seasons, as well as where to start when trying dark colours.

Berry/Pink Lip Colour:
Easier to wear!

Now we pretty much all know, the most common "change" is the deep, vampy lip colours. Either it's a lip stain, liner or traditional lip stick, every makeup company has dark lip colours to choose from. My first tip for beginners is to either start with a tinted lip balm or apply a very sheer layer of the lip product, versus building it up. Another option would be to choose a more berry/pink shade compared to a almost black purple/cherry colour.





Another easy change is the eyeshadows you wear! For example, choosing more warm toned browns in the crease and orangey, copper shades on the lid make for a festive but wearable look. You can also deepen up the outer corner of the eyes with dark shadow or smudge a little shadow underneath the lashline as well.




Also, don't forget the classic cat eye!

Scentsy Fall/Winter Wishlist

Hello everyone! Today I have a new post for you featuring my wishlist for the new Fall and Winter scents from Scentsy.

• Coconut Pumpkin Pie: "Fall's most delectable dessert enjoys an unexpectedly exotic touch, as pumpkin puree, grated nutmeg and maple sugar are heightened by a hint of coconut shavings." **This is also the September Scent of the Month and will only be available for a limited time**
• Black Raspberry Vanilla: "Delicious, sun-sweetened dark berries warmed with vanilla."
• Pumpkin Roll: "Creamy pumpkin pie filling surrounded with yellow cake, pecans, butter, and spice."
• Autumn Blaze Maple: "A bountiful harvest of crisp apples and earthy pumpkin with golden maple syrup, warm cinnamon and a ribbon of smouldering oak."
• Peppermint Dreams: "A warm rush of chocolate cupcake sweetness cooled by a blast of fresh mint."
• Christmas Cottage: "A cozy, inviting blend of Valencia oranges, raspberries, cloves and spices."

Please leave any more recommendations below or let me know your thoughts on these scents! 

~Mademoiselle Maquillage :)

xoxo

Back to School: OOTD

Hey guys! Today I have an OOTD for you. This is one of the outifts I wore when I went back to school.

My shirts are a plain light pink racer back tank from Old Navy. Over top, I paired a purple/pink plaid button up. This one is from Aeropostale.

On bottom, I have a pair of dark wash denim. They are skinny jeans from Warehouse One.

I added my rose gold watch and my necklace from my boyfriend to make this look a little more girly.


For shoes, I paired this look with my brown leather boots from Payless. You can find them here: http://www.payless.com
They have a slight heel on them but they are manageable to walk in. I feel like they give this outfit almost a "cowgirl feel".

How to: Make Eyebrow Tweezing Less Painful

Hey guys! A question I get asked quite frequently is how to make the daunting task of tweezing your brows, hurt less.

Personally, I have been tweezing/waxing my eyebrows since I can remember. I was unfortunately blessed with a lovely dark brown unibrow at the age of 9 and believe me, it was waxed off by the time I was 10. I'd like to thank my mom for not letting me face the world with a caterpillar between my brows for too long. That being said, eyebrow hair removing can be a painful task and today I am going to share four tips to help ease the pain. 

Tweeze right after a shower! The warmth and steam really helps to open up your pores so the hairs will slide right out when tweezing. If you are in a pinch numbing the skin with ice is also a option in a time crunch.

Tweeze in the direction that you hair is growing. This also helps with allowing the hair to slide out better. It also will prevent ingrown hairs.. yes believe it or not, they are possible around your brows.. YIKES!

Another important step to pull your skin taught when tweezing your eyebrows. This will help ease the pain and you can also apply pressure to the area after plucking out the hair. Gently pulling your skin taught will also prevent you accidentally plucking at your skin. Ouch!  

The final tip is to always use sharp, slanted tweezers. This will result in easy grabbing of the hairs without nicking your skin. You can also flip the slanted tweezers around to use the pointy end to really get in there for the stubborn baby hairs. Those are the worst! 

Thanks for reading guys! Leave me comment down below with your embarrassing eyebrow stories! 

~Mademoiselle Maquillage xoxo 

Review: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish

Hey everyone! Today I have a review on nailpolish! I recently started a new job which requires a lot of hands on activity. I immediately noticed how quickly my nailpolish will chip when at work. I decided that I want my nails to look nice but still last and the Sally Hansen Gel Polish gives me the best of both worlds.

This polish promises 14 days of colour and shine, easy removal and no UV light needed to cure the gel finish. I agree that this is a long lasting formula but no colour has lasted a full 14 days on me. It does however last a good week to week and a half which is plenty for me. I am the kind of girl that likes to change my polish quite often anyways.

My favourite colour I purchased is Street Flair which is a muted grape purple. It is a mature looking colour which is great for any occasion. I also love the amount of shine the Top Coat adds when applied and that the shine lasts throughout the wear of this polish!

Sneak Peek: Upcoming Mac Collections

Guo Pei Collection 

Available in stores: October 1st

Haute Dogs Collection

Available in stores: August 20th

(find more pics here) 

Vamplify Collection

Available in stores: September 2015

Veluxe a Trois Collection

Available in stores: August 20th 

Thanks for reading everyone!

~Mademoiselle Maquillage :)

My Thoughts on the "No Makeup, Makeup Tutorial"

covering up acne 

Beauty videos on YouTube have essentially taken over the beauty community. Either it's a product review, collection video or a haul, YouTube is the most popular community for learning all about makeup. The most popular type of videos being tutorials, where you can learn how to apply makeup on yourself and others.

I, myself have a special place in my heart for makeup videos. Nothing like curling up in bed on a Friday night watching "MakeupByTiffanyD" or "emilynoel83" blend out a sexy smoky eye. For that reason, I LOVE makeup videos, just girls like you or me, sharing their amazing talent of makeup.

changing facial features is not "natural" 

Lately, a new popular video has become one of the top searched makeup videos on YouTube; "The No Makeup, Makeup Look". This is where the "beauty gurus" on YouTube film a video tutorial about how to apply makeup to look like you aren't wearing any. They start the video off with "This is a natural look, perfect for a simple date or even just going to the grocery store." 

In my opinion, this "Makeup Look" is really just hiding your natural beauty. A lot of people wear makeup to hide or change their features, but when you are so unhappy with yourself that you can't go barefaced to the grocery store... that is an issue. Nothing is natural about false lashes and contoured cheek bones. 

I think this video needs to be called something else. What about "Simple Day Time Glam"? Something that doesn`t hide that fact that we are still wearing makeup, and essentially just hiding ourselves.

Talk to you guys soon!
~Mademoiselle Maquillage xoxo