7 Day No Wash Challenge ft Klorane

*Press Sample

The wonderful Klorane lady (aka Celebrity hairstylist Caroline Bufalini)  told me that she hadn't washed her hair for 7 days and only used Klorane dry shampoo.  7 DAYS! Caroline's hair looked and felt clean  but I was still very skeptical. So I OBVIOUSLY HAD TO TEST HER CLAIM.... All the photos are with my 7 day hair.

The Watch Edit

Have you seen the number of watches that have randomly popped up on social media? I definitely took notice of the Daniel Wellingtons out there but I balked at paying $200USD for a random fashion watch brand that seemingly came out of nowhere. At the end of the day, watches are investment pieces and I want to buy from a brand that been around for a while. 

I have to admit that the increasingly #instafamous flat faced menswear watch is very appealing to me so I attempted to find more affordable options from reputable watch makers.

Nexxus Caviar Complex Therappe and Humectress*

*Press Sample

Scent is linked to memories and I will forever link some people to the scents they wear.  Aside from nostalgia inductions though, scents aren't so important to me.  Its a plus to have a nice smelling, whatever, and the scent usually gets some initial thumbs-up/thumbs-down reaction, but generally scent isn't a real priority. But let me tell you something, Nexxus Rebalancing Therappe Shampoo and Restoring Humectress Conditioner*...smell. great.

Kinda Suprisingly Great

*Received as Press Sample

Since I play with so many different skincare and color items, I try not to rave too frequently about things. Being a little discerning helps to separate the good from the great. Lately there has been a few things that have left a more than positive impression and are worth mentioning.

Because You Go to the Gym

All of life's activities seem to have their own accompanying barrage of necessary stuff . Going to the gym means having a few specific items just to make the experience livable. Here are some of my gym necessities.

Lessons from Aunties and 'Too Matchy Matchy' Lips and Nails

*Press Sample

As an Asian, I'm overflowing with Aunts-that-Aren't-Aunts along with Aunts-that-Are-Aunts. See an asian women. Oh, she's your mom's friend? Congrats, you've just accumulated another 'Aunt'. There's an upside to having this massive stockpile of aunts. Depending on how bold or outspoken they are, sometimes you can learn a few things from them.

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara

I admit that sometimes I'll throw money at a problem in the hopes that it will go away. Put enough money in and you're bound to find a solution. So for the longest time, I didn't believe that any drugstore mascara would give me my desired length and volume, and shelled out the $$$ for higher end options (which haven't always worked either). 

Estee Lauder Little Black Primer*

*Press sample

Estee Lauder is launching the Little Black Primer ($27CDN, 6ml). Promising to tint, amplify and set, this primer can be used before mascara to help set and amplify or after mascara application as a water-resistant topcoat.

In the Moment #29: Estee Lauder Spring/Summer Preview

You guys know I already love these...

Quinoa Egg Bake

In an attempt to mix up my breakfasts and to use up the stuff in my pantry, I looked up filling and relatively nutritious breakfast options. I used to eat granola with milk then transitioned to oatmeal but I've been needing a little more protein lately and this Quinoa Egg Bake  adapted from this recipe made for a couple of meals.

FOTD #10: 'Cause Sometimes Lashes are Fun*

*Press Sample

I don't use false lashes. The look is extreme and very...well, false. Once I came home from an event with falsies on and my brother, in a judgemental tone, said, "What's with your eyelashes? Is that your thing now?" A girl that needs to have her eyelashes on the daily, isn't the type of girl I am but there's something fun about the more outlandish pairs out there, especially for special occasions or beauty looks.

In the Moment #28: Vichy and #VichyWorksforME

Honestly, I should have taken a picture of the meatballs.

Vichy launched a new campaign and has reorganized how it will targets their audience in the digital age. They're emphasizing their online presence and are streamlining their product concepts into the #VichyWorksforMe compaign which has a nifty website and showcases 5 women across Canada whose skin stories will match with most common concerns (hola, here's Kaoru from Vancouver). 

When Maggie and I weren't stuffing our faces...

Veiled Beanies

I have been completely in love with the veiled beanie ever since I saw a DIY version on Style Scrapbook.  Probably inspired by Chanel and Giambattista Valli there’s something chic about the combination of the urban beanie and the feminine throwback of veiled eyes. Not a beauty trend but Chanel and Valli give us a good idea of how to wear veiled looks during the Spring 2015 runway shows.

Laneige Serum Intense Lipsticks

The Laneige Serum Intense Lipsticks drifted through my radar's periphery (as most things do) every now and again when I read reviews on the Korean cosmetic blogs I follow. It intensified when I watched "My Love from Another Star", when a rather neon orange color from the line was worn. So when my mom went to Asia last year, I asked her to pick up two of the shades, which I chose blindly off internet reviews.

In the Moment #27: On French Tossled Hair and Klorane

Photo Credit: Taha N. Muharuma 

We learned about the Klorane line of products at this event but what I really learned was a deep appreciation for the French. Celebrity hairstylist Caroline Bufalini took a break from her Paris Fashion Week gig to showcase the products and because of this I have finally interacted with a real French person who works in fashion and seriously, I was a little in awe after.

Marcelle CC Cream Golden Glow*

*Press Sample

The Marcelle CC Cream SPF 35 in Golden Glow ($30CDN, 30ml) is infused with 24K Gold. Infused with Gold! It promises a lightweight texture in a tinted cream format which diminishes dark spots and can be used as a moisturizer, tinted corrector, makeup base or sunscreen. 

On Dry Shampoo*

*Press Sample

In highschool, I though dreadlocks were badass. Those twisted up, knotted, thick strands of hair told me, you were a rebel, you fought against the institution and you didn't give a damn what other people thought. Now, when I think of dreadlocks I cringe at what a tangled, oily, mess it could be and when people tell me that they don't wash their hair everyday, my eyes go like 0_o.

In the Moment #26: Sanuk

Sanuk's Fall/Winter 2015 lineup

I've never heard of Sanuk. Their entire philosophy is to create comfortable shoes for people who are "never uncomfortable" and to bring the "funk into functional". They are most well known for their Yoga Mat Sandals and their Sidewalk Surfers. The style is casual, in general very Cali-beach/boardwalk but they're some other more urban styles as well in their Kat Collection, the yoga ballet or loafers.

Real Techniques Duofiber Brush Collection*

*Press Sample

When the Real Techniques Duofiber Brush Collection ($30CDN) came out in limited edition, my eyes immediately zoned in but since I don't often care enough about chasing down LE items, I let it pass. Now its out permanently! Sometimes I get excited about a new release and want the item even before I know what to do with it. This was exactly the case with this brush set.

Look #2 with the Play 101 Pencils

Continuing to play with the Play 101 Pencils, here is another look; a good light spring option.

In the Moment: #25: MUFE Spring Launches

Usually beauty events land on weekdays. This comes with a whole set of issues related to coordinating work schedules, making sure the makeup is good through the day, carrying the big camera to work etc. Though rare, it's nice to have a weekend event and last Saturday, Make Up For Ever showcased their Spring launches in a really cool space in Toronto.

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF 25*

*Press Sample

Story of my blogging life but I've been sitting on this post's photos for a long time. Half the reason for the delay was because of the general specificity I like to put into my foundation reviews, a specificity which takes time and brain power. So if you will allow me, instead, maybe just this once, to do a less organized but still somewhat thoroughly job, here is the Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF 25* ($50CDN, 30ml).

Lush Solid Shampoos - Copperhead and Lullaby*

*Press Sample

David and I took a vacation down the Westcoast one summer via train. The train ride was awesome and everyone should take that route if they can. In Portland, Oregon we stayed with his friends and in an effort to pack light, I had brought a near used up LUSH Seanik Solid shampoo bar. 

Mind Worms: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

I know you know what a mind worm is. Maybe you saw something on Temptalia, maybe it was on a favorite blogs, maybe it was in a magazine. The source doesn't matter, the brain crevice embedding effect is still the same.

First it creeps up on you. Second, you start wondering if you need it. Third, you decide you don't but every other day or so you might be looking at online swatches again. Slowly it's all you can think about. Your heart pounds as you try to make the " buy or not  buy" decision.  3AM in the morning, you jerk wide awake and start googling reviews. JUST. ONE. MORE. REVIEW...ZZZZZ.

That product, that your consciousness has got a death grip on, has become a mind worm.

The Ones That Get Away

Gather 'round children, as I tell you a story of woeful regret. Sometimes these regrets stem from purchased items but to alleviate the anguish from Bad Ideas, those can always be returned, sold or given away to a happy friend who will volunteer as tribute. Arguably worse than the regret of poor purchasing decisions is the heart mashing anguish of letting a choice product slip under your radar.

Knocking Out a Moose ft. Angel

I know you can smell me when I wear Thierry's Angel. I know you can smell me coming at you for at least a block and I'm sorry if you're one of these people that can't take the amazing scent cloud that surrounds me.

Two Products and Three Steps to Volume without Heat*

*Press Sample

Look, I know that I can get whatever hair style I want (for my hair length). Give me a heating tool, maybe an hour or two extra in the morning, and I'm sure I can pull off whatever magazine 'do' we're all craving this moment. But let's be realz, whipping out a heating tool is a pain, and I don't feel like de-tangling wire cords that early in the morning.

My hair is pretty forgiving. I don't have problematic bed-head, short hair doesn't get too tangled and a bob is more or less easy to maintain.  But there are times when I just need volume.  It seems like all the volumizing products I've encountered need to be tempered by heat else your hair style falls flat in 2 hours.  Thankfully, I've finally found a working, no-heat, quick volumizing solution. 

Sheer Shadows for Color-phobes

It blew my mind one day when I heard a friend say "I like sheer eyeshadows more, anyways". Whats?!?!?! You mean you don't want vibrant, pigmented color all up on your lids? Not even with neutrals...? 

Error Error, does not compute.

Since not everyone is up for ultra pigment all the time and may want that subtle wash, here are some options from my stash to consider.

In the Moment #24: Graydon Clinical Luxury

Its always a nice treat to speak to the creators of brands. If they aren't the experts on the products, their developement and the results, who else would be? Blush Pretty invited bloggers to meet Graydon and her eponymous natural skincare brand last week and we all go the opportunity to see down and have a chat with her.

Verbal Vomit and Rimmel Provocalips*

*Press Sample

  

I can generally hold my own in public but as an introverted person (actually, an ISTJ), standing on the sides lines is more comfortable than exerting myself in the middle of any dance floor. But if my lips are willing to provoke attention in advance of it spouting profound commentary, I'm all for that.

In the Moment #23 : Dial and Got2B

As always, being Julie's  shadow has it's perks and I was able to see the new items coming out from Dial and Got2B last week.