Stocking Stuffers for Her | Gift Guide 2019

I don't know how Christmas is already here, but yet here we are. These last few months have completely snuck up on me-- and if Christmas has caught you by surprise, no fear, because many of these goodies can be picked up by this crazy new concept called "Offline shopping". See, you go to the store, and then after paying leave with it right away! I know, a hilarious concept. My husband is nearly entirely reliant on Amazon Prime... but anyways, let's get into it!

Gift Guide for Her | 2019

Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year, and as far as I am concerned, that kicks off in September. I love stashing gifts away over the fall (and even earlier) to make sure that I get the best deals and the most perfect gifts. The only problem is sometimes I buy a gift and then forget about it...and end up buying that person more! One of my favourite sales to shop is Bay Days at The Bay, though I found that they had excellent sales leading into the entire holiday season. One thing I made sure to note was when Christmas trees and decor went on sale. Right now we have no where to store a tree (though I did buy some decor this year!). However, we are really hoping that 2020 is the year we manage to break into the Toronto housing market (fingers crossed for a townhouse!!), and my biggest hope for 2020, cheesy as it sounds, is to be able to have our own Christmas tree. As in... I have been collecting Christmas ornaments on various trips and on sale over the last few years and could probably deck out an entire tree. Anyways, enough about me. Let's talk presents.

Essie Treat Love & Color Collection

Essie knows the way to my heart it through wearable neutrals. That, and any excuses to show off my ring.. I mean... nails.

Too Faced Peaches & Cream Collection Favourites

Too Faced is a champ when it comes to new launches-- but sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all the new goodies they are coming out with! Over the winter, Too Faced brightened our days with their new Sweet Peach collection. With a foundation, a primer, a spray, an eye shadow palette, blushes, bronzes, highlighters and more, narrowing down my favourites was no easy task! However, I wanted to share my top picks with you in hopes that it will help you find some products that you love!

New From Stila | Spring 2018

New for Spring 2018, Stila has released a collection that has just about everything that this April is missing. This collection has a beautiful selection of pastel hues, opulent colours, textures, and sparkle. If I could describe the collection, I would say it looks like a spring garden. Sadly, Toronto is on 7th Winter with an awful ice storm, snow on the sidewalk, and a chill in the air. They say positive temperatures are on the way, and I hope they are right! With winter still in full force, I can't exactly say my look has switched over to "spring" yet. But this beautiful collection has me excited for better weather, and brighter looks.

Everything You Need To Know About the Sephora Spring Sale!

Ah that time of year again. It is still snowing here in Toronto, but the department stores are full of florals, so that must mean spring is on the way, right? Right? Please tell me I'm right...well, another way I know spring is coming is that I start to hear rumblings of their annual spring sale. Keep reading for the details, and for my shopping guide!

Mary Kay Timewise Repair Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask + GIVEAWAY

The weather this winter has been all over the place – one week is is so cold that my face literally hurt from walking a block, the next week its raining. All of this change takes a toll on the skin. Add to that the recovery skin so often needs after a busy holiday season, and just like that I am feeling dry.

Aura by Mugler | New In Fragrance

Mugler knows how to make an impression with fragrance, and their latest launch, Aura, is no exception.

What I Got In My Beautylish Lucky Bag 2018!

On Boxing Day I ordered my first ever Beautylish Lucky Bag! Keep reading to find out what I got in my Beautylish Lucky Bag 2018!

My Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Collection

If you have been following my blog for any length of time then you probably know that my Charlotte Tilbury lipstick obsession is real. I am back on YouTube and wanted to share this video with you, swatching my full collection!

New Year, Same Hair*** | Long Hair Care & Trim with Sassoon

For some, the new year brings a desire to change their life, and what easier way to change your outward appearance than with a dramatic haircut or colour? Well... that may be some people's style, but not mine!

What She Really Wants For Christmas | The 2017 Gift Guide For Her

Maybe its just me, but I find buying for the women in my life so easy. Boyfriend's mom? Done months ago. My mom? Same. Me? All things sparkly, please. Stay tuned for my men's gift guide that will be going up tomorrow. Today I am thrilled to share with you probably my favourite post of the year: my gift guide for her. This is for your mom, your girlfriend, your best friend, your wife, your mother in law, and of course, for you. Enjoy!

For The Cat Lover

Paul & Joe know my heart. Makeup, pretty packaging, and CATS. Their Champagne Soirée Holiday Collection ($64 CAD) includes a cute red pouch with cats all over it, a shimmery pink mini blush (that looks so flattering!), a sparkly champagne coloured  eye gloss (that I was so skeptical about, but I am obsessed!), and a red lipstick with a cat imprinted on it. Not only is the makeup high quality, but it is simply adorable, and would bring a smile to the face of any (not so) crazy cat lady!

For The Makeup Addict

There comes a point in every makeup addict's life that she no longer needs more makeup (but I mean... she ... I... always want more). It is never too soon to invest in quality brushes, but brushes are a really wonderful gift for the girl who has it all. The Lustrous Brush Set by Make Up For Ever  ($95) contains five full sized brushes (including a blush brush and a highlighting brush that I adore!) and a little case. I love that while the box is "festive" the brushes are their classic brown. I love Christmas, but I don't really want to be using Christmas themed things come next June. Between that, and the quality, this is a gift that your recipient will be able to enjoy for years to come. 

For anybody*

With a best selling brow pencil that flatters many people*, their popular They're Real Mascara, a neutral lippie, and a mini Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter, City Lights Party Nights ($42) is perfect for the girl who loves a natural or glam look. I love that this set has everything you need to look pretty and polished, all wrapped up in a cute little light purple bag. 

*I say anybody with a * because you can't sub it out to match all skin and brow tones. It is perfect for me, 3 is my usual Benefit shade. I think 3 works well for blondes and light to medium brunettes, and red-heads. 

For the Better Half

With "Because Its You" ($90 for 1.7 oz) for her, and "Stronger With You" ($90 for 1.7 oz) by Georgio Armani for him, these partner fragrances are delicate, strong and romantic. With notes of raspberry accord, rose absolute, and vanilla bean accord, this perfume is sweet, happy, and perfect for gift giving 

For the Timeless Classic

Daniel Wellington watches have become a staple in my outfits over the last few months and its not hard to see why. With endless combinations of bands and faces, its easy to create your perfect watch. I love how easy these are to pair with my outfits. Personally I love a classic leather strap with their rose gold finish. 

Featured: Classic Petite St Mawes 32 mm Rose Gold ($169). Use code ALANNAVICTORIA to save 15%.

For The Girl Who Loves Glimmer & Shine

Swarovski recently launched their Remix Collection. With a whole bunch of pretty, stackable bracelets to choose from, these remind me of charm bracelets for adults. Availiable in silver, rose gold, and gold colours, I think this is one of the few times that I am going to fully embrace and encourage mixing metals. I am particularly in love with this bracelet with an infinity symbol, black crystal, and faith phrase ($89). You can purchase multiple to stack, or connect together to wear as a necklace. 

I always wear my Swarovski Remix Rose Gold bracelete with my rose gold Daniel Wellington watch. I love how they look together! Check them out together here. 

For the Shoe Addict

A perfume shaped like a stiletto? Good Girl by Carolina Herrera (80 mL for $148) looks stunning on a vanity, and smells so good. With top notes of sambac jasmine and tuberose crystal, and other notes including almond, cocoa and coffee, this scent is rich and inviting. I love that the spray "nozzle" sprays the perfume as a fine mist. 

I was lucky to win this perfume in a Dave Lackie Twitter giveaway.

For The Starbucks Fan Girl

Starbucks recently launched a collection of Swell bottles featuring Liberty London Fabrics. You can read up on the details here. They retail for about $45, though I got mind on sale for about $36. With several pretty prints to choose from, I was most interested in "Edenham Coral", from 1994. I love that these highly functional water bottles are so cute, and such a great way to express personality.

For The Girl Always Drinking Tea

David's Tea always knocks it out of the park on their limited edition seasonal collections. I love their Winter Favourites ($26) for gifting because not only is it easy to wrap, but it is a real crowd pleaser, with 12 teas to choose from. This is a great gift for somebody who is adventurous with their tea, or for somebody who you know likes tea... you just don't know which ones! I also want to give an honourable mention to the Rustic Mug Tea Set ($32). I helped my boyfriend purchase this for his mom for Christmas. With two beautiful mugs, and 50g of their popular Organic Cream of Earl Grey tea, it was a no brainer. I know she is going to love it! (Fingers crossed that she doesn't read this post in the next few days!)

For Mom

My mom is always looking for neutral, matte brown eyeshadows in an easy to use format. The Sophisticate ($66) eyeshadow palette by Charlotte Tilbury is a beautiful collection of four finely milled matte shadows that make creating an every day eye easy. Add to that the fact that Charlotte's products always feel like pure luxury, and you have a formula for an easy gift to give to your mom (or mother-in-law!).

For Millennials 

While the moms in my life are always reaching for their neutrals, the younger crowd in my life are all about warm rich coppers, and burnt orange. Marc Jacob's Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette ($64) contains seven beautiful eyeshadows ranging from neutrals to warm shimmery copper to hot pink. I love the burnt ember looks you can create with this palette and the endless opportunities for creativity.

For Fenty Fanatics 

Rhianna entered the beauty world by storm with her Fenty Beauty launch this fall. My favourite product in her collection are her Match Stix Trios ($67). With a contour, highlight, and shimmer shade trio for Light, Medium, Tan and Deep complexions, Rhianna has taken the guess work out for matching these little beauties. Their packaging is a bonus, as is the fact that they are magnetic!

Light collection featured. 

For the #HairGoals Goddess

IGK has taken the hair world by storm this year. Their Friends With Benefits Texture & Shine Kit ($42) includes a full sized Beach Club texture spray, and travel sized Smoke & Mirrors and Mistress. Not only do these products smell amazing -- Beach Club is my favourite -- but they work well and have fun packaging. A great gift for the ladies in your life whose hair always makes a statement, or for the ladies who are looking to try something new!

Learn more about the brand in my blog post! 

For The #LongHairDoCare Goddess

I have very very long hair, and people always ask me how I maintain it. Of course I don't use heat often, but I am religious about using hair masks. I am a big fan of the Kérastase Nutritive line, and their deep conditioning mask ($47)  is a favourite of mine.

Read my full thoughts on their line here. 

For the Flirty & Fun Gal

A sexy gift for your partner, or a fun gift for a friend the ORA 2 by Lelo ($239) is designed to simulate oral sex. Availiable in a selection of fun colours, this sleek gift has a variety of settings to choose from. Enjoy trying new things with your partner as you usher in the New Year!

Are you done your holiday shopping yet? What is left on your list?

All products were sent for review except for the Good Girl scent which I won in a Twitter giveaway, and the Swell bottle from Starbucks, that I purchased for myself, because, hello, its stunning. 

Huda Beauty Mauve Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette | First Impressions + Review

Huda has released two (that I know of) large eyeshadow palettes retailing at $85. $85. While I know I can rely on her for some fantastic liquid lipsticks, I was not ready to invest $85 (plus tax) on an eyeshadow palette, but I was curious. Thankfully Huda has satisfied my curiosity by releasing four new, affordable, smaller palettes. Keep reading for my first impressions of her new mauve palette.

Retailing for $35 CAD, and sold at Sephora, these palettes are small but compact. The palette its self is smaller than I expected. However as you can see, the shadows are really close together, so there is no wasted space. The palette its self is firm cardboard with a mirror. I was happy with the packaging and think it would be great for on the go. I picked this palette up on a bit of a whim while in store, and am so glad that I did!

I was most attracted to the Mauve Obsessions palette. With six mattes and three shimmers, this palette is advertised as "dusty rose" and "plummy". I think that is very much true of what you see in the pan, however I found that on me it pulled very very very pink. So pink that while I loved how fun and bold it looked, my boyfriend hated it. As in, he hated it so much that he asked I not do my makeup like that if we were going out.

Given that the palette is called "Mauve Obsessions" I was expecting the palette to be more, well mauve. To me, this palette is very pink. But enough about the colour, let's talk formula.

I was very impressed with the blend-ability of these shadows. The mattes did not feel chalky, and the shimmers added so much dimension and shimmer. I think that it would be difficult to create a bad look with the colours in this palette. I like that the palette feels balanced. There is a neutral base, two transition shades, three shades that could be eyeliners or deepen the crease, and then three shimmers to add that extra pop. I love that I can create a pretty look with this palette without having to reach for another palette.

To get this look (that I wore to work, and got lots of compliments on!) I started by applying the cream shade all over my lid all the way up to my brows. I then used the middle brown-taupe shade in my crease, followed by the top left burgundy shade in my outer crease. I applied the top middle pink shimmery shade on my lid, and then added the left middle "foiled" metallic on the centre of my lid. I finished it off with my favourite liquid eyeliner.

I was really happy with how these shadows applied, and that they lasted all day. I am already eying their smoky palette (...not that I need another neutral palette). I want to keep playing with this palette to see how I can go bold without going so pink. I kind of love how the pink looks with my green eyes, but in my heart, I am such a neutral girl it isn't even funny.

Have you had a chance to try these palettes yet? Which one is on your wishlist?

Purchased with my own money.

Blogmas Day 15! Publishing on December 16th at 12:30 in the morning, but I had a busy day and am hosting a Christmas party tomorrow night (today night?) and had lots of cleaning and baking to do. Crazy that Christmas is only 10 days away!!

IGK | New Kid On The (Hair) Block

IGK Hair basically appeared out of no where, at least, as far as I am concerned. It seemed like just one day that they were at Sephora, at IPSY's Gen Beauty, with Influenster, and in my ipsy bag. I have not seen a ton of bloggers talking about them, so I am excited to share with you my thoughts on their products after playing with them for the last four or so months.

2017 Beauty Favourites

I have not sat down to do a monthly favourites in a while, because honestly, my favourites don't really change much month to month, and using a product for a month after it is released isn't really all that hard. But yearly favourites? Those mean something in my book. I have sat down, scrolled my Instagram and my past blog posts, and looked through my most used makeup to identify my favourite products of 2017.

Benefit Holiday Sets | My Favourites for 2017

Every year Benefit releases beautiful holiday sets at a great value. You can always expect to see full sized favourites at ridiculously good prices. Generally speaking, Benefit prefers to package up full sized products and deluxe samples, rather than release all new products for the holiday season. Keep reading to see my thoughts on all of their releases (in Canada) this year!

My Sephora VIB Rouge Sale Haul | 2017

I don't often post hauls, but lately it seems that everybody is posting their VIB sale hauls, and well, I am quite proud of mine. Plus, as you may know, I am attempting to do Blogmas which means I need some new content up every single day this month, and well, let's be honest, hauls are easy to write ;)

Secret Santa | Canadian Beauty Bloggers Network

Every year the Canadian Beauty Blogger Network comes together for basically the best Secret Santa Ever.

The Best Stocking Stuffers for Her | 2017

Stocking stuffers are simply my favourite gifts to buy. There is something special about curating a delightful selection of goodies for somebody you love, where each item is selected with care. Its not about getting the biggest or most expensive gift -- its about getting a bunch of little things that show how well you know the giftee. I can't wait to one day have a family of my own to "help Santa" create stockings for. In the mean time, enjoy this gif guide that I put together with the ladies in my life (& me!) in mind!

Too Faced White Chocolate Bar | Swatches & Review

If you are anything like me, you know that family is everything this time of year. And how could I let the family be incomplete? With the original Chocolate Bar, Semi-Sweet, BonBons, and Sweet Peach, it would be simply wrong for me not to have White Chocolate? Right? Right? Okay well that si what I told myself.

The limited edition Too Faced White Chocolate palette retails for $59 (the same as all of their other Chocolate Bar palettes). Inspired by the White Chocolate Chip palette from last Christmas, this 16 shade, full sized palette includes matte and shimmery shadows, with 5 brand new shades. 

Pretty pastels and creamy nudes, this palette has everything you need for a soft and pretty look.With the exception of a pop of lavender, green, and black, this is a very neutral palette. It has the classic chocolate scent that their Chocolate Bars are known for, and is of course formulated with real cocoa powder.

Mint Chocolate, Glaze, Cake Batter, Exotica, Chocolate Syrup, Pearl Candy, Raspberry Rose, Indulge, Lavender Cake, Guilt Free 

Cake Batter, Exotica, Chocolate Syrup, Pearl Candy, Raspberry Rose, Indulge, Lavender Cake, Guilt Free, Smoked Sea Salt

Frosted Apricot, Cookie Dough, Sugared Raisin, Black Sugar, Banana Date

My favourite shadows in the palette are Cake Batter, Exotica, Chocolate Syrup and Frosted Apricot. As usual the metallic shades are perfect, the glittery shades chunky, and the matte shades very workable. I was not impressed by the fall out of Sugared Raisin when used in the following look:

MAC Lady Be Good liquid lipstick on my lips.

I used Glaze all over my eyelid up to my eyebrows. I then put Cake Batter in my crease, Lavender Cake on my lid, and Sugared Raisin on top of Lavender Cake. I was not impressed by Lavender Cake's pigmentation, and I found Sugared Raisin to be a bit chunky. 

I like the lighter neutrals in this palette for an easy every day look. I think if you are pale like me (hello 9 times out of 10 being the lightest foundation shade) that you will find this palette reasonablly flattering. That is, assuming you don't like anything dramatic. For anybody darker than me (which is most people in the world) it might be more difficult to make this work.

At the end of the day I am thrilled to have this palette in my collection, if only to complete the Chocolate Bar family. I can't say it is Too Faced's best work, but its pretty to photograph. 

Do you collect eyeshadow palettes? Have you tried this one?

I bought this palette with my own money.

Hello Day #7 of Blogmas! Wow blogging every day is time consuming. Congrats to all those ladies who get it done! I think my goal for the new year will be a more reasonable 3 per week!