Europe 2014 ❤️

As for my travels in Europe, I’ve been here for about almost 3 weeks now and I’m absolutely in love with it!

My cousin and I ventured out to Italy for 7 weeks and since than have been to Rome, Milan and Venice.

Tomorrow we are on our way to Genoa, Italy, which is one of the 5 villages in the Cinque Terre. From there were gonna head to Verona (because duh we wanna write some letters to Juliet) and then were off to Barcelona, Spain! We decided to stay in Spain from July 30th-August 3rd giving us 4 days to sightsee, enjoy the beaches and explore what the city has to offer!

Then, we land back in Rome for 2 days before flying out to the island of Santorini, Greece. We will be there for 6 nights, depending whether we wanna visit other islands as well. I can’t wait to see the famous sunsets there!

This trip has been an amazing experience so far. We’ve met some really great people and have enjoyed ourselves. If you guys ever have an opportunity to back pack through Europe I highly recommend it!

British Columbia 2014

I just realized how long it’s been since I’ve written a blog post and I miss it so much! For those of you who follow me you know how writing is such a passion of mine and a way for me to just de-stress. Lately I’ve been so busy travelling for the past 3 months. I was so blessed this summer to have some amazing opportunities to travel!

Here’s just a bit of what I’ve been up to:

Banff, Lake Louise & British Columbia

On June 14 I headed out to Calgary to visit one of my best friends. We met back in grade 11 of our high school year when she was in Ontario and have kept in touch ever since. I stayed the week with her boyfriend and her which was fun. They showed me around and took me to some awesome restaurants (you guys know how much I love food). We headed up to Banff for a night and it was just beautiful. That was my first time ever seeing the mountains since I had never been out west before and boy are they gorgeous. We also went up to Lake Louise, which was breath taking and did a hike up the top of the mountain and some canoeing as well.
Over all it was a beautiful trip with lots to do and see.

I ended up staying an extra week out there (even though that wasn’t the plan) just because there was still so much to do I felt I didn’t have enough time! Out in British Columbia it was gorgeous. The air was so clean and fresh and the views were magnificent. Defiantly can’t get sick of looking at the Rockies that’s for sure. I also visited the hot springs which was pretty cool, they were natural pools of water situated along the mountain sides that are soooo hot, like a hot tub, and everyone just relaxes and has a good time. When it gets too hot, you can jump on in to the freezing glacier river running along side you, that’s if you’re brave enough.

Over all my mini vacation out west made me fall in love with my country even more, there is so much beauty in Canada. Defiantly wanna head back out there soon.

What’s in my Makeup Bag?

Hi guys,

I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and do a ‘Whats in my Makeup Bag’ post as I see it going around so much and I just love seeing what others use and maybe some good finds I can pick up. My make up bag is quite large just because I am going to do quite a bit of travelling until the end of August starting next week so I figured it’s better to just take a more spacious bag so that way I can throw everything I need in there and it won’t be falling out all over the place! I recently just purchased this makeup bag last week at Vctoria Secret because I was in dire need of a new one since my old one wasn’t able to hold just everything I needed – and it was quite old.

So, let’s get started.

 

(Ahh…. joy)

MAC Fix +, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation, Mac Prep + Prime

Eve Pearl Concealer Trio, MAC Studio Fix Concealer, PUR Bronzer

MAC Eternal Sun Pro Longwear Blush, Marcelle Blush Shimmer Brick, Chanel Blush in 59 Imprevu

MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush, Revlon Cream Blush in Coral Reef, St. Tropez Bronzing Face Lotion

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara, Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Kit, L’oreal Liquid Eyeliner

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, Revlon Eyelash Curler, MAC lip liner in Ginger root.

 

 

Until next time,

xoxo

E

 

 

 

Small Drugstore Haul

Hi guys!

I’ve been MIA due to surgery (all recovered now), and last night while out to dinner with my parents we stopped by WalMart just to look around and of course in any department store you can find me browsing through the beauty isles. Here are some goodies I picked up.

1. Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set ($18.99)

2. Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Coral Reef ($10.95)

3. Maybelline Dreamlumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Nude ($9.50)

Bye bye Blackheads.

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub Review

I’ll admit that I am one of those people who will spend a fortune on skin care products if I read enough hype and great reviews about it, or I have my mind set on it…. not the best habit. However, I have also tried a handful of drugstore products.. more like everyone possible.

This product was actually recommended to me by a friend as we were browsing the drugstore isles one night. She told me it pretty much helped clear up the bumps she had on her face and smooth out her blackheads, so I decided to give it a try. I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks now and I have seen an improvement with the overall feel of my skin. It is definitely a lot smoother and any bumps I’ve had seem to be not so prominent. I don’t exactly have acne but more of comodones which are trapped pores beneath the surface which appear as flesh colored bumps on the face due to excess sebum build up.

The product reminds me of Clearasil if any of you have tried it but in my opinion works a lot better. The directions say to wash the affected area 2-3 times as needed. I use it once in the morning and once in the evening. The product is a white cream with little blue beads when massaged onto your face foams up and lathers. I then wash it off with warm water and it leaves the skin feeling refreshed, cool and clean.

To see results it took about 3-4 weeks and although it hasn’t gotten rid of anything for good yet it does help over time I find little by little with the skins texture, glow and it’s great at removing dirt and oil.

Have any of you tried this product or something similar? Let me know down below.

xoxo,

E

Quick Update

Hi to all my new followers! And to those of you who decided to stop by my blog. If you’ve kept up with my blog you know I post mainly beauty posts but coming up within the next month I’m going to be posting a lot more on self-help, fitness & diet and fashion.. and of course still beauty.

I just wanted to write this post for an update as to why I’ve been MIA the past couple of weeks. I love blogging as it gives me an escape from everyday and I’m able to connect with you guys who have similar passions and interests. I’ve mainly been gone due to work and appointments – I have an upcoming surgery which I shall talk about maybe a bit later. So that’s been really hectic. I’m also planning out a huge trip for this summer which I am going to Europe for about 3 months which is totally exciting since my lil self hasn’t yet been and I’ve been dying to go. I decided to backpack with my two cousins and a friend it’s definitely gonna be a great life experience. Besides that, my minds been a cluster of emotions (as you can tell by my last post) but I’m starting to realize that there’s just some things I don’t have control over.. Nor do any of us. Anyways, with that being said my next post is gonna be catching up on all of my beauty favourites for the month of April since there was a lot.

Until then,
Xoxo
– E

Kate Somerville – ExfoliKate

So, I am in love with this stuff! 

This product by Kate Somerville is an exfoliator made for all skin types – especially for those with acne or frequent breakouts. 

I use this product about twice a week the size of my pinky nail which is more than enough. I massage it into my face for about 1 minute then rinse with warm water, rinse with cold (to close the pores) and then pat my face dry with a clean towel. 

The product is very lightweight and has tiny beads that help remove dead skin. It feels quite cooling and leaves your face feeling fresh and completely clean after.

 

If any of you have tried this product let me know exactly how it works for you.

 

xoxo,

E

Hello, Sexy.

Okay, so after reading countless blogs and online reviews of this product making it sound like the next god send to us beauty lovers – I just had to give it a try and see what the hype was all about.

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment.

Price? $69.00

For those of you who don’t know this product was created specifically for the hollywood stars. It was designed as a high end facial in a container pretty much. I read ALOT, and I mean ALOT of reviews on this before I decided to purchase it and make the $69 on this thing make somewhat of sense in my head. By reading others reviews and what it claims to do both on Sephora, and on their company website (www.glamglowmud.com) it claims to do exactly this:

• This formula was clinically developed by GLAMGLOW® dermatological chemists to help fight all common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. Powerful, skin-clearing mud visibly draws out dirt and congestion while a proprietary six-acid blend dramatically brightens and softens skin. It works to magnetically draw out dirt and pores with Activated-X Charcoal, leaving skin smooth and healthy-looking. (www.sephora.com) 

• Research results:
  Based on consumer trials:
  After 1 day of use:
  – 94% felt their skin looked renewed
  – 91% saw an improvement in skin clarity
  – 94% felt it gently cleared their skinOn day 7 after using it 3 times in a week:
  – 98% felt their skin looked renewed
  – 97% saw an improvement in skin clarity
  – 97% felt it gently cleared their skin

First Time Review

Since I’ve only used this product once, I decided every time I give it a try, I’ll update this post as to how exactly I find it to work for my skin. The first time I tried this was just last week. I took less than a pea size amount and spread it evenly over my skin and already I could see within a few seconds some areas appearing to turn to a light green and starting to harden. The directions say to leave it on anywhere from 5-20 minutes. I decided to leave it on for about 10 minutes, in which I sat myself in front of my bathroom mirror and watched the magic happen.

The mask dried up in a matter of 5 minutes, with some parts still a dark damp green. I could see all my pores at maximum size, especially the blackheads on my nose (yuck!), but none the less very cool. Under the mask my skin felt quite tight and tingly. I then used warm water to rinse it off and felt my skin was refreshed, and my pores seemed a lot more tightened. I noticed it brought a lot of the crap to the surface which then was easier to extract – like my black heads and some whiteheads I had.

I can’t say too much since I’ve only used it once, but what I can say is that I have high expectations for this products and high hopes that it will only continue to do better for my skin. I will post more pictures tomorrow as an update!

For those of you who have used it, what are your opinions on it?

Let me know in the comments below.

xoxo

– E

Today’s Look ♡

Today was a bit on the warmer side (-2 degrees c) here in Toronto. And yes, that’s warm for what we’ve been through the past couple of months (sigh). These products came out today and since I’m believing – or hoping to believe spring is just around the corner I opted for a neutral lip and a pop of colour on the eyes to brighten it up.

YSL # 1 Nude Beige ($37)

This lipstick has been my go-to colour ever since purchased! I recently caved in since fell in love (uh oh). The YSL lipsticks are extremely creamy and pigmented in colour and very moisturizing. It definitely helps in this winter season for my lips. However, since it’s so creamy I always exfoliate my lips ahead of time using Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh. It removes any dead skin and helps plump your lips at the same time.

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad – Eclosion ($60)

I really do love Chanel eyeshadow quads. They are on the more expensive side, but they are extremely soft and pigmented. With any of their eye shadow quads you can create a full eye look from day to night. I especially love this quad because it suits my brown eyes. During the day I usually opt for the peach colour all over the lids with the plum on my lower lash line smudged out.

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($36)

Since I have extremely curly and frizzy hair this stuff works wonders for me. I apply it when my hair is damp and towel dried after I come out of the shower. I take less than a pea size amount in my hands and work it into my hair starting from about 3/4 down to the ends. The website claims it:

1. Restores dry and damaged hair
2. Strengthen
3. Provides thermal protection
4. Helps frizz
5. Reduce drying time

And it does exactly all those! I definitely recommend this stuff.

Other products used:

• Chanel Le Volume Mascara # 10 (Black)
• Chanel Perfume
• Chanel Nail Colour # 467 Blue Stain
• Bathia ‘Take a Picture it Lasts Longer…’ Body Balm

Let me know if you guys have any morning beauty favorites.

xoxo

– E

Let’s Dig Around A Bit, Shall We?

So, lately I’ve been carrying around my Michael Kors tote which I love because its very simple yet classy and just the right size to fit all my unnecessary things in. Let’s begin:

1. Michael Kors iPhone 5 Wallet – I love this accessory not only for the fact it’s a compact wallet, but also doubles as a night out clutch and it actually fits my phone! It’s great especially if you’re just running out the door and don’t want to bring your purse with you, it has a few card slots and cash folder to fit everything you need. I especially find this baby handy when it comes to nights out on the town. Who wants to be carrying around a huge purse in one hand and a drink in the other?

2. iPhone 5 – Need I say more? My life.

3. Makeup Bag – Most of the time when I’m out I don’t carry a makeup bag unless I know I’ll be out late and might need to reapply some product. I love this little thing because it’s small enough to fit in my bag and big enough to fit all the junk I need!

4. Glasses – I always carry my glasses as I’m far sighted (meaning i need them for far distance sight).

5. Keys – Pretty self explanatory. I have my gym membership on there, my apartment scanner, house key, etc.

6. OPI Nail polish (Lincoln Park After Dark) – I always carry a nail polish in my purse just incase any chips happen – which they usually, most often do. I’ve been wearing this colour a lot this fall and winter as it’s the perfect shade of dark burgundy.

7. Bath & Body Works Perfume Mist – Ugh, because who wants to smell bad?

8. Lip Products (Mac, L’oreal, The Body Shop) – My lips this winter have been so chapped so you’ll always find some type of lip gloss or lip product in my purse!

9. Moroccan Oil – I use this both for my hands when they’re dry and for my hair as just a moisture kick. This is a sample size I got for free that I find great to carry around because it’s so tiny and doesn’t take up much space.

10. Floss – I always carry floss. I’ve just had way too many situations where I have a nice piece of food lodged between my teeth – not attractive.

11. White Strips – I usually carry one of these around because I love having white teeth and maintaining them. I usually apply these when I have 30 minutes to spare.

12. Green Tea Mask – I had this in here because I just got back from the mall. I love these things! You leave them on for 15 minutes and it leaves your face feeling refreshed and cleansed.

Well, that’s it!

Anything interesting hiding in your purse?

xoxo

– E