Best of Beauty

Well. I'm back to my blog. It's been a really long time but I've decided to try yet AGAIN to blog more. along with the rest of the hodgepodge projects I seem to keep forgetting about. So. Beauty products. Now I'm the type of person who has a lot of makeup but doesn't actually wear a lot. I have been called out on this by many of my friends. As an actor I use a lot of makeup for shows but I also love experimenting and trying new looks. And I thought hey why not share what I love with the internet? that's what blogging's all about. So here are a few of my favourite things:

{1}- They're Real mascara by Benefit. So I got a sample of this in a birthday package from Sephora. and I love it. Unlike almost every other mascara I've used this one doesn't clump at all, makes my lashes look longer and voluminous, while still being subtle enough to wear daily. I only need one layer, and it lasts. You can buy the mini samples from Sephora for $12 (I live in Canada so it'll be priced differently) but my sample has lasted me FOREVER so if you want to save money buy the mini.

{2}- Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine. My friend was using this, and recommended it so I grabbed some. and holy cow it works wonders. I picked the lightest shade, and it doesn't only smell delicious, but it makes my lips ridiculously soft. I have actually noticed a difference. It's very moisturizing, and rich, and as the name suggests buttery. The darker shades have more pigment, so if you're looking for colour go for darker, but I cannot get enough of this stuff. It's a bit expensive ($16) at Sephora but it's worth it. trust me.

{3}- Lust Gorilla Perfume by Lush. I love Lush. Everything just smells so amazing, it's natural, handmade and just brilliant. I picked this scent up because it's cheap ($10) and I already owned the Vanillary version of this perfume which is also amazing (think vanilla cupcakes in a solid perfume). The perfume is small and easy to carry around and reapply throughout the day, and you can use just a little bit and it's pretty strong. It doesn't last very long, but solid perfumes are cheaper for that very reason. This one smells like jasmine and rose, very floral and sexy. And I can't get enough.

{4}- Mac Powder Blush in Cubic. So I was given this blush by a friend and it is gorgeous. It's my favourite because it's not too bright, perfect for everyday use. It's a soft rosy colour, with a satiny finish, so it's not very shiny and it blends really nicely. Mac products are a bit expensive- blush is listed as $21, but they are well worth it, and will last you for a good long while.

{5}- Rimmel Apocalips. I just picked this up the other day after watching beauty bloggers recommend it forever. It just came out in Canada and it is amazing. I bought Galaxy which is a light purple pink colour and it is brilliant. It's a gloss but it glides right on and isn't sticky. The colour's bright and bold and it stays on, even after drinking and eating. You barely feel it on your lips which is my biggest problem with most other lip glosses, which make me feel as though I've just slathered honey all over my mouth. You can find them at most drugstores; I picked mine up at Shoppers Drugmart for about $10, but sales also come and go so keep an eye out for it.

{6}- Butter Nailpolish in Fiver. I grabbed this at the airport when I had a bit of extra cash and it has been my favourite colour. I have a thing for mint, and other pastels, but Butter has loads of colours and the pigment is great. I put on two coats and it's nice and thick. it's along the pricier side, about $15 but I've loved it so it was worth it.

{7}- Top Shop Lip Crayon in Gold Digger. I know it's a lip crayon. But I use this baby for my eyes. or maybe mine is an eye crayon... not sure. Either way it's the perfect metallic gold with shine, and it's super creamy so it's slides right on. The only down side is that it wipes off really easily, so if you touch your eyes a lot, use a primer or a setting spray. But it's really bold and highlights your eyes in just the right way. I love it. Never thought I'd be one to wear gold, but surprisingly it doesn't look tacky or cheap at all, especially blended with shiny bronzes for a metallic smokey eye. I bought mine on sale for $4, but check Top Shop as they probably have more.

{8}- Kate Moss Rimmel Lipstick. Oh my god. This is one of the best lipsticks I've ever used. It's amazing especially for a drugstore brand. The red line is matte and the black line is long lasting finish. I have at least 4 shades and I love them all. In the reds I especially love 08 and 16 both pinks but one is darker and a bit dustier, which is great for everyday, while the other is a brighter pink that is very similar to the Viva Mac lipstick. Both are very creamy and stick true to their name and last a long time. In the matte I adore 107 (Thanks Zoella for introducing me to it!), which is a dark plum red, a shade I never thought I would pull off, but I LOVE it. You don't feel it at all on your lips, and the colour lasted me for hours. It's the perfect matte, and only $4 (on sale currently). These are more affordable and awesome quality so definitely stock up.

{9}- L'oreal True Match Concealer. These little babies are awesome. They really do blend with your  skin tone and despite gaining a wee tan over the summer I have still been able to use my regular shade. They do a really good job of covering blemishes, and under eye bags, and blend well if you need to cover up scaring or a patch of acne. Another drugstore brand they're pretty affordable and again the tiny  little tube means you can bring it with you anywhere.

So these are just some of my favourites at the moment. If you have any favourite beauty products or little secrets let me know cause I'm always on the lookout. xo.

Mixed Tape Monday's #1

I love mixed tapes. The simple idea of putting together songs that go together or evoke a feeling is a lovely idea. While today's i-tunes playlists do essentially that, a mixed tape is a little more romanticized. So today's "mixed tape" is inspired by The Perks of Being a Wallflower (if you have not; read this book it is simply amazing, and do it before you see the movie because that's cheating.) The main character Charlie has a knack for picking songs (As does the author Stephen Chobosky) and real ones at that, which gives the reader something tangible to hold on to once the book is long over. So here's his own mix straight from the book:

Asleep by the Smiths

Vapour Trail by Ride

Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum

Time of No Reply by Nick Drake

Dear Prudence by the Beatles 

Gypsy by Suzanne Vega

Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues 

Daydream by Smashing Pumpkins

Dusk by Genesis

MLK by U2

Blackbird by the Beatles 

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

listen & enjoy. 

(P.S. In case you didn't read through my paragraph- that's fine. I didn't create this mix of songs or pick them they all come from The Perks of Being a Wall Flower. I take no credit, just want to share it.) 

Simple Pleasures

Recently I've started reading Harry Potter aloud to my younger siblings. The simple tradition has given us a chance to bond in a special way, and it makes me overjoyed to see them diving into the series that was and still is a big part of my life. I am still waiting for my Hogwarts letter. and so I urge you to take 5 min today and read with someone you love. it doesn't have to be aloud (although with children or young uns' this does work more smoothly) but just take some time to love, and to read.

Studyn' and how to do it Right.

Exams. Finals. Tests. yuck. If these words don't make you instantly hunch up your shoulders and feel that unwelcome suffocating feeling of stress, then I bow to you. For most of us however these words only bring unpleasantness and pain. Here are some of my personal tips to get through the preparation:

Dance Breaks. You've been reading that textbook for almost an hour and your eyesight has begun to blur. stop. go set the kitchen timer for 5 min, pull out your i-pod and hit play on your dance playlist (if you don't have a dance playlist I suggest you get to it). No one is watching you so feel free to shake it out, try those contemporary moves and get funky. Even a little bit of activity can help to relax your mind and prime it for soaking in more info.

Paint your nails. Sounds silly, but having one simple task to focus on for a little while can actually help you to focus and get you back on track. So crack open the nail polish, sit outside for a little fresh air and apply that new mint you've been dying to try. Not only do you get fresh nails, but you also feel more ready to get back to studying.

Writing, Reading, or Speaking?. Figure out what works for you. For me, I have to take notes, make study packages and write things down for it to solidify. Maybe it's reading through the chapters, or saying it out loud that will help you remember, but try different methods and find out which works best. trust me- it'll pay off.

Use what you got. Most textbooks will give you reading checks, or forms of mini quizzes or review. It might be a pain in the butt, but those are designed to test what you know and help you to apply the information. And similar questions may be on your test or exam. You can also ask your teacher or professor if there are any online quizzes or mock tests so you can see the kinds of questions you will be asked.

Space it Out. Alright, I'm kind of a hypocrite. I am infamous for cram studying the night before a test, and usually it turns out ok, but not always. The couple of times I've planned in advance, I feel much more confident going into a test, and therefore feeling less stressed and often get done faster. So spread it out. Do 10-20 min. of material a night. You can set your timer, and that way, you will end up remembering a lot more that what you try to stuff into your brain the night before. It also won't feel like so much to do or try to review because you've taken a little bit at a time.

Have a good Space. I always find I study better when I'm in a clean room. I like to tidy up before I start studying,  I make sure that I have lots of space to spread my books out, everything I need so I don't have an excuse to try to look for stuff just to get away from the books, and that I'm comfy. That goes for what your wearing too. I like to change into comfy sweats and a loose t-shirt, and pull my hair back with a headband. When I feel prepared and in a good space, studying feels easier too.

Take snack Breaks. Have some little snacks prepared, like a bowl of popcorn, pretzels, a nectarine or peach and some juice. Eating healthy (but still yummy) helps you feel more awake, where as eating lots of junk can make you feel sluggish and tired. So stop studying occasionally to get some grub and enjoy some free reading. But make sure to time yourself so you don't accidentally spend an hour eating and reading.

Powernaps. Some people can and some people can't. but if you can, set an alarm for 20 min and put your head down. Even just closing your eyes can leave you feeling more rested, even if you don't fall asleep.

Good luck amigos. and may the force of learning be with you.

Music on My Mind

Recently I've been scouring for new artists, and interesting music that's a little different from your average-run-of-the-mill hits. I've found some real gems which have been playing on my mind, so here are some of my current favorites:

Distorted Love by Shook ft. Ronika

Baby I'm Yours by Breakbot ft. Irfane

VCR by The XX

enjoy. 

Let's Try This Again

Hello again internet! Life has swept me up these past few months and it feels like I have done nothing but study and work and theatre, and more work which is good- but stressful. I was reading through other's blogs, and reminded myself of that little blog I started which I let slip to the back of my mind. I don't want to let it fall to the wayside, so I'm going to try and post more. Just more than I have. I got some great ideas to feature some recipes, music, photos and other stuff that I'm really enjoying, so I'm gonna experiment. And with that grand gesture, I'm back!

C'est la Vie Boutique

C'est la Vie Boutique

This is my new favorite store! Located on Main Street Near Community Bikes (Vancouver)

It is fabulous! Faustine Faure, the owner, has an amazing eye for fashion and her clothes are

immaculate and unique. It's a consignment boutique, but filled with vintage and designer finds,

in a great space. Her prices are very reasonable, the service is so friendly and the store is beautifully

decorated. I love it!