Deal Alert | Sephora Sale Section

Sometimes when I am bored I check out the Sephora Sale section.  When I checked it out today there were loads of new items including brush sets, Tarte cheek stains, OCC lip tars...you name it!  I've included two screen shots, but its well worth your time to go check it out!

If I was going to buy something it would be the Ole Henriksen set.  I love his products, and need some minis for travel!

Happy shopping!

To check out the Sephora Sale section click here!

The Path To Rouge Renewal

When I made Rouge status last year at Sephora it was a fluke.  An expensive fluke, but still a fluke.  It was a new program and I had no intention of spending $1000 at Sephora in one year (let alone 8 months!).  But being at the top has its perks, and now that I'm Rouge I don't want to go back!

This year I managed to renew my Rouge status in about May.  But now that I have almost everything a girl could want, I'm not sure how I will get there again!

This may be premature, and a bit silly, but here is my wishlist/plan t renew my Rouge!  This year I will be doing a fair bit of travelling, and am looking to build a permeant travel set of makeup to cut down on the stress of packing up every week.

Spending $1000 before taxes a year means spending $83.33 per month before taxes.

My Wish List:

TARTE Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush $42

I have heard great things about this brush!

Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush $26

I use this brush daily!  But I am working on building a permeant travel bag and this would be the perfect addition.

Glamglow Bright Mud Eye Treatment $76

One sample got me hooked!

TARTE Lipstick in Plummy Rose $19

The perfect "my lips but better"

Ole Henriksen The Works Kit $60

Necessary for my permeant travel set

Bite Agave Lip Mask $30

Necessary for Canadian winters.

TOO FACED Teddy Bear Hair 5 Piece Brush Set $79

(Or another brush set)

Necessary for my travel set.

Hourglass Ambient Blush in Mood Exposure $41

<3

Bliss Fabulips Pout-O-Matic $58

Tried it.  Love it.

Maison MArtin Margiela "Replica" Flower Market $115

If happiness had a smell...

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette $67

Mark Jacobs Twinkle Pop in Stardust $35

Bite Agave Lip Mask in Champagne $30

To wear during the winter

Clinique Cheek Colour Balm in Amp'd Up Apple $24

For my permeant travel set.

In total my wish list comes to $702 meaning I need to wish for another $298 worth of makeup.  But by the time you account for picking up a new foundation when I run out and my skincare, making Rouge again shouldn't be an issue.

I won't be buying these all at once.  For example, fragrance is 3x the points (usually) around Mothers Day.  Those Bite Masks though...I need those ordered on January 1.  Of course, my wish list will grow and change as new products are released and as promos are on.  But this is my starting point!

Beauty Packing for Weekend Getaways

This weekend I took a little getaway back home to Toronto to celebrate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary.  It was really great to see my family, and of course, be back in my own bed.  I've got two more weeks of my internship before I go to Boston with the BF, and then move back to Toronto to start school and possibly my new job!

I always idealize getting on a plane with a tiny, perfectly packed piece of carry on luggage with a minimalist makeup bag of the essentials.  One of my good friends managed to do that on our last trip together and she looked just flawless.  Meanwhile I was lugging a massive bag looking miserable.  I love the idea of appearing to be such an experienced traveller that I have got it down to a science.  Alas, I never seem to achieve my goal.  

I am a chronic over packer.  I always think of "but what if"and end up packing way too much.  Umbrella? Well what if it rains? Bright blue eyeliner? You never know.  Maybe I'll go to a party! Heels that are too high for regular use?  But what if I go to the party with the blue eyeliner? This necklace because its pretty!  And this one incase the other one doesn't match! 

This year I have taken countless weekend trips and two international vacations.  With my trip to Boston fast approaching I decide to take this weekend getaway as an opportunity to pair down what makeup I pack.  I will be the first to admit, I did not do as good of a job as I would have liked, but I made significant improvement from what I usually pack for a trip.  I would say generally I pack twice as much as what I brought for the weekend.

My Makeup Bag:

My Weekend Essential Packing List:

Skin Care:

Daily Moisturizer with SPF

Night cream/oil

I recommend going to Sephora and asking for samples of your two favourite products before travelling.  Honesty is the best policy.  I generally just approach a cast member and ask for a sample for a weekend trip because I am trying to pack light.  Almost every single time they say yes. If they say no you can go to the dollar or drug store and pick up some little craft or cosmetics jars.  Packing samples saves room in your beauty bag-- especially for a weekend!

Makeup:

Face Primer

Foundation

Powder

Under eye brightener

Blush*

Bronzer*

Highlighter*

Eye Primer

Eyeshadow

Eyeliner

Eyebrow product

Mascara

Lipgloss

*These three products can be replaced by the Naked Flushed palette.  It comes in several shades each with a blush, bronzer, and highlighter.  There is a palette to suit almost every skin tone!  I caved and also brought a new cream blushI recently bought.  Next time I am going to do my best just to bring the palette.

I tend to have a foil sample or two of foundation primer to take on vacation.  I also always ask for a foundation sample before travelling, or make my own.  Together this really cuts down on packaging.

I recommend bringing a good general mascara and a neutral set of eyeshadows that can be easily built up.  For a day look I love just using Stila Kitten.  For the evening I was able to use a darker purple I brought to add some pop.

I recommend an under eye brightener for when you get off the plane.  Given I was going direct from the airport to dinner this was life saver!

Brushes/Tools:

Kabuki brush

Foundation brush

Blush brush

Bronzer brush

Eyebrow brush

All over shadow brush

Dome shadow brush

Mini eyelash curler

Compared to how I usually travel this weekend was a marked improvement!  I will even note that there were several products I did not use.

My overall tips:
-Pack samples where possible
-Pack small palettes where possible
-Reconsider the electric blue eyeliner
-If you don't wear it regularly you won't wear it on vacation

What makeup do you pack for vacation?

Happy & safe travels!

July Favourites!

Well its already August.  And my July favourites aren't up.  Sorry-- its been a crazy busy weekend for me.

These are my favourites for July!

Living Proof Prime Spray

I bought this because I really enjoy Living Proof's Style Extender line, but found the primer in the tube to not quite be right for me.  I picked up this mini for $15, thinking that if I liked it I could pick up the full size for $24.  I have been spraying this in my hair after towel drying it for the last week or two and have been happy with the results.  I find it keeps the frizz down and my style in place.  I will be picking up the full size when I run out!

Lucky Lucky Lavender by OPI

Read my full review here.  In short, I love how bright and pretty the colour is and how long lasting the formula is.  The best of both worlds!

Urban Decay Sin Pencil

I rediscovered this pencil in my make-up collection last week and have been using it as a base.  I love it!  I love every shade in Urban Decay's Sin line (eyeshadow, primer, and now pencil).  Its a super flattering champagne shade that looks good on almost everybody!  I use it when I'm in a rush on my whole eyelid.  If I have a little extra time I pop a deeper shade in my crease.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow

Read my full review here.  I love how easy to use this product is.  Also-- its the perfect colour match for my blonde brows!

Becca Beach Tint Blush

I love this blush!  At first it was hard to apply, because its both bouncy, creamy, and powdery.  But once its on it is a stunner!  I love how it is both a highlighter and a blush.  #love

Swan Princess - This Is My Idea

The Swan Princess was one of my favourite movies as a child.  Earlier this month a friend and I were talking about long blonde hair and a life long ambition to look like Odette.  Well, fast forward to talking about how awkward Prince Dereck looked and the lyrical genius that is this song "Will result in lower taxes"...I've played it more often than should be okay for a 21 year old over the last week.

The Bachelorette Not Picking Nick

www.people.com

I don't know what it is about Nick but he always seemed off to me.  He never seems quite right.  I always felt that he was "playing the game" rather than being there for Andi.  Which, I know, I know, this whole show is a game, but he just seemed like a player.  While Josh wasn't my favourite (I was rooting for the farmer!) I was really happy she didn't sign up to marry Nick.  You go girl.  Even better?  Nick isn't the next Bachelor.

And finally, some pretty flowers growing outside my door!

Happy July!

What were your favourites this month?

What's in my Purse?

I am guilty of having everything but the kitchen in my purse.  For work I have a large black purse that is basically an endless abyss.  Macbook, wallet, makeup, notebook, and 1001 odds and ends.  Today at lunch I stopped at Shoppers Drug Mart to grab a diet coke.  On the way to the diet coke I saw a beautiful little purse sitting on the top of the clearance section.  I grabbed it and took it to the cash.  Normally $65 it was on sale for $20.  The fabric on this little mint bag feels high quality, and it looks adorable on.  Both cute, but professional.  This is more of a weekend bag for me.

This bag is made by PinkHouse.

Now, onto the contents:

For a perfect summer weekend

Rayband Sunglasses

I love how sharp these sunglasses are.  By far my favourite style.  Since I bought these last year I haven't bought another pair.  In the summer when it is bright out I always end up squinting my eyes.  To help prevent early wrinkles I invested in a quality pair of sunglasses.  

Michael Korres Wallet

This little wristlet was a gift from my boyfriend's mom.  It can hold my phone, my cards, and my money.  It also looks adorable. I love the pretty pink-purple colour and the high quality feel.

Chapters Bow Bracelets in Pink and White

Retailing for $18, I picked these up for $8 each on sale.  I love being able to toss these on while going from a casual afternoon to a fun evening!

iPhone Charger

I am always on my phone, so I drain the battery pretty fast.  Having a charger on me means when my friends need one I can lend a hand, and that I don't have to risk going home late at night with 2% phone battery.  Better safe than sorry!

Headphones

I love listening to music on my way to meet up with friends or go to the mall.  Also, its much easier to take a call with headphones.

Revlon Lip Butters

One of these is more of a stain and the other is basically just glitter.  These are great because they are neutral and go with almost any makeup look.  Perfect to touch up on the go!

Tampons

Better safe than sorry!  This little three pack is about $1 in the Shoppers travel section.  Better to always have one on hand than to not have it when you (or a friend!) needs one.

Coach Business Card Holder

Networking is everything.  The best thing you can do when you meet somebody new to add to your professional network is to trade business cards.  I love being able to take this sleek leather pouch out from my purse (saves fumbling time!) and trade it.  First impressions are everything!  You never know who you will meet.

Perfume Samples (Daisy Dream, Daisy Fresh)

I actually grabbed these two fresh and girly scent samples today at Sephora.  

Sunscreen

So seriously important. Sun care is so, so important.  Burns are not healthy in the slightest!   I keep this sunscreen mini on hand just incase I end up spending a bit more time outside than expected.  

What do you keep in your purse?

May: Favourites, Empties, and Wish List

Favourites

The Works Onion Rings and Beachhouse Sauce

I have to admit, I was never really an "onion ring" person.  Until my boyfriend took me to The Works for the first time last year.  Now we go about once a month.  Every time we order the Onion Ring Tower.  He likes to switch up his sauce, but I always ask for Beachhouse.  It reminds me of a garden veggie ranch, he says its a mayo, but whatever it is, it is delicious.  We had a pretty stressful day last week, so to make it better we went out for a nice lunch.  These delicious, perfect onion rings hit the spot.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

Shoppers Drug Mart

I envy those who can walk outside and get a nice golden tan.  I am really, really pale so this SPF 60 is my best friend.  Last week I forgot my sunscreen for an hour, and I got quite the burn.  At least when it gets better it will be a tan.  

Unique Graphique Rosa Notebook

$10 Papyrus

Last month I noticed this pretty little book while I was meandering The Path in downtown Toronto.  IT was $10.  It was floral.  And now, it is mine.  I love that when I have an idea to jot down, or a list to make that I can pull this little feminine book out.

Empties

Benefit: They're Real Mascara

I know, I know, one should only keep a mascara around for 3 months.  I have had this one around for...a while.  I love how it looks when its on, but I am not a fan of plastic mascara brushes (I love the big fluffy ones!) and I find the formula pretty tough to remove.  I have placed myself on a strict mascara no-buy since about December because I have a dozen mini mascaras, and four unopened full sized mascaras to get through.  I might re-purchase this one one day, but when I get through my mascara stash my first mascara purchase will be Make Up For Ever's Smokey Lash.  

Wish List

Yves Saint Laurent: Gloss Volupté #19

I was at the Bay a few weeks ago when I was handed two samples of 3 lip glosses.  I fell in love with the kiss-shapped applicator.  This gloss adds a nice glimmer to my lips and I can't wait to pick the full size!  In the winter I am all about lipstick, but this spring I can't get enough of glosses!  I really like that this one isn't sticky.  

Yves Saint Laurent: Touche Éclat #1

YSL has the prettiest, classiest packaging!  I love the look of this gold pen.  I have eyed it in store for months, and have tried it, I love how it brightens under my eyes and conceals evidence of my lack of sleep.  Maybe at the end of June I will take the $50 plunge.

Benefit: Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Lollibalm

I doubt this works better than any other tinted lip balm but it is so so so so pretty.  I love the packaging. I love that it is on trend with the colour of the year.  I love the colour.  I don't need it.  But I want it.

Update:  I tried it in Shoppers Drug Mart.  I love how it makes my lips feel however I didn't really notice it on.  Before I decide if I am going to buy it I am going to try one of those EOS sphere lip balms.