Wednesday 30 December 2015

Looky Eyes 3D Mascara Review*

*Press Sample


Asian lashes are a condition born by many. Mascaras that work for others fail to lift, to curl, or to volumize. The pile of options only grows as each new mascara falls into the 'natural lashes' euphemism and even the most adamant of sales pitches are no match for short straight lash hairs. The Looky Eyes 3D mascara* ($26CDN at Rexall, Pharmasave and Value Drug Mart) has some serious claims which might change that around.

Monday 28 December 2015

Deciem Hylalmide SubQ Eyes*

*Press sample
Deciem Hylamide Subq Eye serum review

Has everyone and their mom talked about this lately? Deciem has been getting a lot of blogger love lately and I was sent the Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advance Serum* ($35CDN, 15ml) to try. I've noticed a bit more under eye baggage and I've been using eye creams a bit more regularly.

Friday 25 December 2015

Merry Christmas!


Hey dude,

I hope you're spending the Holiday season with the ones you love and that its a time filled with warmth and happiness! Merry Christmas!

Jenn

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Holiday Lip Considerations (ft. Essence Long Lasting Lipstick and XXXL Shine Gloss)*

essence-wear-berries-on-the-catwalk-true-love-big-night-out

Two lip considerations for the holidays:
1) Long lasting color through all your partying needs
and/or
2) High shine on the lips.

If this is you, and why wouldn't it be, there are two ranges in the Essence line that you might want consider.

Sunday 20 December 2015

Perfect Holiday Nails

*Press samples
Sally Hansen Fool's Gold, Dior State of Gold nail polish manicure, holiday look

If there was every a time for sparkly, the Holidays would be it. Though I may tread carefully with glitter on the face, glitter on the nails always works but even more so when the weather dips low and the streets are twinkling with lights.

Friday 18 December 2015

PSA: Ornamental Beauty


Have you considered the perfect combination of foliage confectionary that would say, "YES this tree is SO ME!?" 

Wednesday 16 December 2015

LUSH: Salt and Peppermint Bark Shower Scrub*

*Press Sample


Pumpkin Spiced Lattes (and everything else) have reached near "Rite of Passage" status during the Fall and Winter months but personally, I've always enjoyed Peppermint Mochas much more. I also enjoy Peppermint patties, peppermint tea, and peppermint chocolate so I was bound to enjoy the scent of LUSH's Salt and Peppermint Bark Shower Scrub* ($9.95CDN).

Monday 14 December 2015

Sephora Stand Up and Shine Brush Set*

*Press Sample
Sephora Stand Up and Shine Prestige Easel Brush Set Review

If anything can be taken as a given during the Holidays, it would have to be acts of overindulgence and a plethora of make up brush sets for purchase. Sephora puts those two things together in its massive Stand Up and Shine Prestige Easel Brush Set* ($163CDN, 12 Brushes, valued at $320USD) where you can overindulge in beauty tools.

Saturday 12 December 2015

My Crazy Life (ft. Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette)*

kat von d mi vida loca remix palette swatch review

My life, is crazy.

When I think about all the events that lead up to today, I know that there were pivotal events. A few years ago, running a blog was the furthest thing from my mind. Blogs didn't even exist in my frame of reference of feasible activities. A few years ago, the opportunity to partner with brands and to test out products would have sounded unreal, and yet that's what I do, for fun, multiple times a week. The course of my life has been unexpected and my life is crazy.

Thursday 10 December 2015

Video: Whistler Vlog


In this video, I:
- realized vlogs are hard to do.
- try my best to showcase a place I love.
- made you watch me talk with David. Sorry.

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Other Ways to Style Barrettes (ft. Sephora Quick Fix Hair Barrettes)*

*Press Sample
sephora collection quick fix hair barrettes office party, jingle and mingle, winter soiree

My friends, let's consider the barrette. Simple in nature, these hair bobbles pin back ponytails, add pizzazz to hair dos and generally improve tidiness by 10x.  But a barrette is not as simple as it appears. This hair accessory is suprisingly multi-use. Here are some ways to style barrettes that have nothing to do with hair. 


Sunday 6 December 2015

Leaning Cool - Dior Eternal Gold*

*Press sample
Dior 5 couleur state of gold 576 eternal gold eyeshadow palette review swatch

Warm eyeshadows draw me in much more often than cool toned shadows but Dior's Holiday Palette in Eternal Gold ($70CDN) has been a change from my regular choices and its partly due to the shadow's performance.

Friday 4 December 2015

FOTD #13: #THEFACESHOPholiday Look*

*Press Sample
THEFACESHOP Holiday Look

THEFACESHOP has some amazing products and this was the first time I tried them out. There are enough items in stores to get you holiday ready and here is a #THEFACESHOPHoliday look that I created.

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Brilliant Body Shop (ft The Body Shop Holiday items)*

*Press Samples


The analyst in me loves the holiday season. Not only are new things out but its a great way to notice a brand's marking strategy and the successful products of previous seasons. The Body Shop has an amazing assortment of body care options and their holiday items are just hitting stores. This year I noticed that they're promoting the "Frosted" concept which they had started graphically the year previous.

Monday 30 November 2015

Burberry Earthy Blush and Highlighting Luminous Pen*

*Press Sample
Burberry Earthy Blush and Luminous Pen Review

As far as I can tell, Burberry's Earthy Blush* has been surprising every blogger I've read that has used it. It's been sold out on Sephora's website for a while (thanks VIB sales...) and though it might not look like much in the pan, once applied, you will understand why you need this. Add on some of Burberry's Highlighting Luminous Pen* and your cheeks might be ready for about anything.

Saturday 28 November 2015

OPI Starlight Holiday 2015 Polish Collection*

*Press Sample


The OPI Starlight Holiday 2015 LE Polishes* ($11.50CDN each) have landed in stores and this year's theme draws from the stars and the range is full of glittery and cosmic inspired shades.

OPI Starlight Holiday 2015 Collection
OPI Starlight Holiday 2015 Collection
OPI Starlight Holiday 2015 Collection

Thursday 26 November 2015

Food or Flowers? (ft L'Occitane x Pierre Herme Jasmin-Immortelle-Neroli and Grapefruit-Rhubarbe Collection)*

*Press Samples
L'Occitane Pierre Herme Grapefruit Rhubarb Jasmine Immortelle Neroli collection review

The CBB recently worked on a campaign with a perfume brand where individuals got to choose scents in the line and I was overwhelmed with the number of individuals who chose food related scents. Well, the latest collaboration from L'Occitane with Pierre Hermé (of macaron and pastry making fame), gives you an option for both food and florals. Which would you choose?

Tuesday 24 November 2015

Burberry First Kiss Fresh Glow Lip Balm in Crushed Red*

*Press Sample
burberry first kiss fresh gloss lip balm crushed red swatch review

When Gummy first tried the Burberry First Kiss Fresh Glow lip Balms*, I was skeptical about these. But she's tried them, and I've tried them, and we both agree these are great!

Sunday 22 November 2015

Strange Conclusions with Thierry Mugler's Alien*

*Press sample
thierry mugler alien eau de parfum perfume review

An application of Thierry Mugler's Alien* ($96CDN, 30ml/ $98CDN for the 40ml LE 10th Anniversary Bottle) is nothing less than a bazaar scent experience. The amethyst inspired bottle houses an Oriental Woody fragrance that is as foreign as its name.

Friday 20 November 2015

Burberry Khaki Green

burberry wet & dry shadow khaki green swatch review

It's interesting that my tastes still change over time in leaps and bounds and not just by degrees. Maybe because I became comfortable using the more cool toned Dior holiday palette (review to come) or maybe for some other reason, but I'm liking the cooler tone of Burberry's Khaki Green ($33CDN, 0.09oz) eyeshadow even though I've traditionally favoured warmer shades.


Wednesday 18 November 2015

Life Lately: Words and Workouts



In this video I talk about:
- what I've been up to
- 2 quotes
- Kayla Itsine's Bikini Body Guides

What are some words that have meaning for you?

Monday 16 November 2015

AmorePacific CC Cushion Compact - 104 and 204*

*Press Sample


I've waited a long time to try out a cushion compact because I'm still getting through a lot of my foundations (and have given some away) but when you can sent an email asking if you're interested to test out AMOREPACIFIC's Color Control Cushion Compact* ($72CDN, 1x15ml)...welll, you don't say no.

Saturday 14 November 2015

My Burberry Eau de Toilette* - A Brief History Lesson

*Press sample
My Burberry Eau de Toilette perfume review

Certain thing have maintained their importance even as periods change; the Burberry trench is one such item. Through a brief google-fest, I learned so many interesting historic facts about Burberry and their trench coats. Though a $1500 jacket isn't affordable the My Burberry Eau de Toilette* ($80CDN for 50ml, $105CDN for 90ml) which takes inspiration from the house's trench is more easily attainable and a neat way to take part in some of that history.

Thursday 12 November 2015

Creamy, Too Creamy - Diorific Matte Velvet Lipsticks - Radieuse, Fascinante, Fabuleuse, Fantastique*

*Press samples
dior diorific mat velvet holiday 2015 radieuse, fascinante, fabuleuse, fantastique swatch review

I've come to the realization that there is such as thing as too creamy. The Dior Diorific Mat Velvet Lipsticks ($45CDN) in Radieuse, Fascinante, Fabuleuse and Fantastique come in an exceptionally creamy formula that, for all its advertised benefits, might just be too much of a good thing.

Tuesday 10 November 2015

OK, It Works (Really Well) - Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler*

kiss instawave curling iron review

I like my hair. I like my hair short. But sometimes (just sometimes) I wish I had long flowing hair that I could style every which way or into curls (and I know that David wishes that too). I received the Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler* ($69.95 CDN at Walmart) at a press function and was instantly skeptical. I was ready to call out "gimmick!" and set it aside but the Kiss reps told me that it the curler would work for short hair too

Sunday 8 November 2015

Deliveries and Purchases


Hey dude,
Haven't done a video in a while...so here's my first one back!
Just a short thing on what I've gotten in the mail and what I've purchased recently. I enjoy reading/seeing these posts from other bloggers so I thought I'd try my hand on one as well. 

Tell me what you think! Any purchases/deliveries lately?

Saturday 7 November 2015

Pseudo-Szechuan Eggplant and Chicken


Sometimes I have a few ingredients in the fridge and I don't quite know what I'm going to do with them. I saw some eggplant and chicken and I was feeling like something salty and spicy so I mixed up this impromptu not-quite-szechuan-but-trying dish.

Friday 6 November 2015

SPF Everything!

avon beyond color lipsticks spf 15 in the buff heat wave bitten review swatch

During my trip to Asia I didn't wear a lot of makeup because I knew that 40C weather with a humidity of 90% was a 'no-makeup' zone for me. Thick paint of make up? No thank! Sweat mixing in with my foundation? Gross. My preference hinged on two truths: puddles produced from the makeup that has slid off your face and more importantly the crispy skin look from sun burns is not attractive.  Truthfully, in such weather, sun protection is infinitely more important to me than 'looking pretty' but I was still happy to find that I could wear some lip color since the Maybelline Baby Lips have SPF 15. 

 I still find it difficult to find a light weight, tinted, moisturizing lip product with SPF and I really wish more companies would create such products. Though I have yet to really delve into Avon, I have to say I'm pleased that they have their Avon Beyond Color SPF 15 Lipsticks* ($12CDN, 3g).

Thursday 5 November 2015

Currently Reading #8: On Being Creative

creative writing, drawing and coloring books

It takes a lot to be creative. Unlike some artistic superstars out there, every word and photo for this blog is a hard fought battle where I have to pull, squeeze and wring from my brain the few drops of gold that are steeping there. But I still persevere and because I think creativity is a muscle, I have been playing around with some books to help me exercise that skill a little bit more.

Wednesday 4 November 2015

Much Better than Before - Dior Blazing Gold*

*press sampleDior Blazing Gold #886 5 Couleurs State of Gold Eyeshadow Palettes swatch review


I like to think that as I age, I get better over time and I improve upon my mistakes. Sometimes you wish that of some other people too and sometimes you wish that of prodcuts. Though the Dior seasonal eyeshadow palettes haven't been a hit with me, this year's Holiday collection which includes the 5 Couleurs State of Gold Palette in Blazing Gold* ($70CDN), is much different from more recent releases.

Monday 2 November 2015

DIY Makeup Storage Drawer Dividers


I think I finally have all the storage space I want to hold my makeup collection.

After considering the default blogger option (the 9 drawer Alex) I opted out for a two reasons:
1) more space means more unintentional hoarding
2) the tall set of white drawers doesn't fit in our bedroom

But I did end up with other storage that works. I stole a page from Zubie and recreated her desk for my own/David's space and opted for the shorter Alex drawer system (5 drawers) which I found off craigslist for $60. This gave me 7 drawers worth of space in a much more flexible configuration since we've tucked the Alex into the closet.

 Merely having space is but part of the equation. After staring long and hard into the depths of the internet for ideas on how to (as David puts it) making every inch of space as efficient as possible, I nixed the buying-plastic-drawer-compartments route, and chose the (somewhat) less expensive but more time intensive option of creating some DIY drawer dividers.

Saturday 31 October 2015

Mystical Forest Collection From Art Deco*

*Press samples

Misty autumn days in the woods aren't too common in downtown Vancouver. Rainy drenched autumn days are more likely but no matter because the Art Deco Mystical Forest collection is perfectly suited for those as well.

Friday 30 October 2015

PSA: The First Make Up Thing I've Been Excited About in a While

A photo posted by Jerrod Blandino (@jerrodblandino) on


SAY WHAT?!

Have I told you that I literally eat peanut butter (all natural with no added sugar pls) right out of the jar and in frequent quantities? I'm trying to tell myself it's not a problem but the pounds around my waist suggest differently.

Make up gods...make this palette worth it...make each shadow pigmented and buttery. Please and thank you.

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Dior Fix It*

dior fix it 2-in-1 prime and conceal review

Just fix it! If only it were that easy. I still haven't figured out the perfect way to conceal pimples. They're raised, usually have flaky skin around the perimeter and concealer seems to vanish so much faster on white heads or dried pimpled areas than they do on any other part of my face. I was hoping that the new Dior Fix It 2-in1 Pimer and Conceal* ($40CDN, 0.12oz) would be a good solution.

Monday 26 October 2015

Addicted to Blush Tag


I have 33 products that can be used as blush, 6 face finishing powders/highlighters and 7 bronzer/contour products. This doesn't count the blushes I have in palettes and the few blush things i have in the PR-to-test bucket. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! I'm not even that into blush....

Saturday 24 October 2015

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream* #lovingLaneige

*Press sample
laneige water bank gel cream review influenster

The Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream* ($42CDN, 50ml) is part of Laneige's Ultimate 24-Hour Hydration system and I got to try it out because of Influenster.

Thursday 22 October 2015

Decisions with Annabelle

annabelle smokey nude stay sharp and brow show review

Even in the depths of my purge and de-clutter mindset, a new product still manages to take hold within my collection and some of the latest from Annabelle have kept a surprising grip on their place in my makeup drawer.

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Currently Reading #7


For whatever reason stories and movies set in WWII are very interesting to me. Here the narration splits between two storylines, one of a young boy in the Hitler Youth interested in radios and engineering, one of a blind french girl who's father is tasked with transporting and keeping safe the most expensive diamond in the world. Though it might be a lengthy book (...if you consider 540 pages lengthy, I think its more medium length) the narration compellingly describes the experiences of Saint-Malo, France during WWII. The characters and their lives are touching and everything is so artfully detailed and described.

I shouldn't say that I'm currently reading this because I've been 'currently reading' this for a very long time. I absolutely love films and I bought this book in 2006 as a way to help me keep track of which movies I've seen and how they've contributed to cinema in some way. I love how this book is broken up by decades, starts with the very beginning of film (shorts, black and whites, no sound) and includes international films as well.  They update this book every year or so and as films get added on, other films are removed. I'm pretty happy to keep this first edition even though the films don't go past 2006 since 1001 movies is a lot and I'm not too concerned about watching the 'right ones'.  I'm about 14% done the list now. It helps that I've seen a lot of movies from the 30s-50s and some of the ones from the 20s too. 


Sunday 18 October 2015

Smelling like a Man Redux



Gym rats know that there's nothing quite like the scent that comes after an intense workout. The not-so-faint aroma of a hard days work mixed in with the sweat from weight lifting, added onto the diffusion of everyone else's gym smells is...something. It smells like achievement! It smells like glory! It smells like...you really need a shower. 

Friday 16 October 2015

Potions (Ft Estee Lauder Lip Potion in Not So Innocent)*

estee lauder lip potion liquid lipstick not so innocent review swatch

For a very brief moment in time, probably just a handful of weeks, I was very interested in the Occult. Not so interested that I started wearing pentagrams and breathing curses to my enemies but interested enough to take out some library books about the healing properties of stones and potions. 

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Sight and Honey*

L'occitane melting honey exfoliating sugars body scrub and  hand cream, review

Another charity campaign that's going on this month is L'Occitane's Shea Honey Collection for World Sight Day (which was on Oct 6th). I've previously explained my discovery of L'Occitane's support for people with visual impairments; this was a natural campaign for them to launch. Proceeds from this collection help the 17,000 women they employ in Burkina Faso who produce the Shea Butter that goes into L'Occitane's products. Purchase of certain items also help fund glasses for individuals in Burkina Faso.

Monday 12 October 2015

Reversa Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 30*

Reversa sun screen anti-wrinkle cream spf 30 review

My attempt to continue with sun protection throughout the year is still going strong and I've been switching in and out of different things but the Reversa SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Cream* ($45 CDN, 50ml) with 8% Glycolic Acid and UVA/UVB filters is in my rotation. 

Saturday 10 October 2015

Pink with a Purpose*

*Press sample
clinique cheek pop berry pop review swatch pink with a purpose breast cancer awareness month

For women, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Canada.
In BC, an estimated 3400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

This month you can support the fight against Breast Cancer, which affects women and men, through beauty by purchasing a Clinique Pink with a Purpose Cheek Pop* in Berry Pop.

Thursday 8 October 2015

Clarins' Breakout Star for Fall*


Clarins is launching some new items this Fall and from the bunch I received there were a few standout items which ought to be tried, especially the Joli Rouge lipsticks.

Tuesday 6 October 2015

The Thing...in the Bathroom*



The Thing, in the bathroom, has found you.
It waits and comes out when you are gone. It waits and comes out, out of the pipes, out of the bathtub, into your home.
The Thing, in the bathroom, is learning about you.


Sunday 4 October 2015

Rachel McAdam's Hair

dove advance hair series rachel mcadams tiff hair tutorial

Having short hair is great! It takes no effort to dry. It is reasonable tidy most days. If your cut is interesting enough, there's instant style without really trying. But short hair...can get boring and I don't have any idea how to style it. 

Friday 2 October 2015

Using Up the Buttermilk: Fried Chicken with Two Sauces


Finding a $5 waffle iron at a church sale means David and I can make and eat waffles but it also means we end up with a carton buttermilk that we need to finish. And what better way to finish it up than to make some fried chicken. 

I've never deep fried chicken before, partially out oil burn fears and partially out of the belief that I didn't have the proper kitchen equipment. But David told me we could deep fry in our cast iron skillet and that solidified our dinner plans that evening.

Wednesday 30 September 2015

Dior Rouge Dior for Fall - Nouvelle Femme, Continental and Unique*

Rouge Dior lipstick 542 nouvelle femme 753 continental 956 unique review swatch

Being able to see the full range of colors that come out during a seasonal line gives me an inside looking into how brand's make color choice. For Fall, Dior has launched some new shades in their Rouge Dior* ($42CDN, 0.12oz) line and Nouvelle Femme, Continental and Unique is such a nice, though safe, capsule of Fall shades.

Monday 28 September 2015

Testing Out Luxury Hair Products (ft Shu Uemura Art of Hair*)

Shu uemura cleansing oil shampoo essence absolue ample angora review

I'm not always convinced that luxury items are necessarily worth it and I'm not convinced that using oils in my hair is always a good idea. When I've used some hair products with oils, my hair is weighed down and greasy by the end of the day and adding on a luxury price...well, that seems like a risk to me. But testing out some of Shu Uemura Art of Hair products (Cleansing Oil Shampoo - Gentle Radiance Cleanser, Ample Anora Volumizing Light Foam, Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil-in Cream)* has shown me that oils can be done right and that oh man...luxury hair products can be so nice.

Saturday 26 September 2015

PSA: The Only Empties that Matter


I'm not saying that other empties don't matter, but the glory derived from the emptied bottles of shampoo, body lotion and cleanser pales in comparison to the unicorn magic glow that comes from finishing a makeup product. There is a still a special place in my heart that will rah-rah for you, as you make your way through everyday products but I think we can all agree, that the largest collective cheer (alongside gasps of admiration) come when we witness a finished lipstick or a finished eyeshadow.