Purchased & Reviewed: Diorskin Star Weightless Brightening Studio Foundation

The sh*t I went through in order to find a new foundation was annoying. Usually a trip to Sephora for me (and 98% of girls everywhere) is like eating chocolate. The experience is marvellous, the simple purchase of the product is thrilling and the guilt you feel afterwards is inevitable.

I currently use a couple of different foundations but was starting to run out of my Urban Decay Naked makeup and wanted something similar in terms of shade, weightless-ness and coverage. I didn’t have a lot of time last weekend so I mistakenly had a “beauty advisor” grab me the new NARS Luminous Weightless Foundation for me. A rookie mistake made by a professional. I was flat out disgusted with myself for being so trusting. I mean, sure it’s my second home but you don’t fart in front of your extended family – you don’t ask others to pick a foundation match for you. It’s science.

Long story short – I tried it on the next day and cried because I looked like Tan Mom. Traumatizing. Definitely a far cry from the usual high I feel after making a purchase. Obviously I took it back and shamed the girl for giving me makeup which would look beautiful on – a black girl. I believe the shade she gave me was Syracuse. I’m a Stromboli. See? Insert active bitch face here.

After all this distress and outrage I consulted with Sephora’s in house makeup match program and found something I could get cozy with.

Behold.

I chose 031 – Sand because it’s a perfect match for my skin. I’m blown away. Let me break it down for you.

Packaging: Elegant and sleek, as most Dior packaging is. The bottle is 30ml and the method of extraction is pump based. I like that because it gives you a nice amount instead of a dollop of foundation that you don’t need and end up wasting because it’s smothered all over your brush and/or fingers.

Formula: This formula is specifically designed to brighten otherwise dull looking skin. In no way do I believe that my skin is dull but a little brightening never hurt nobody. It helps in regulating melanin production in order to boost radiance and get rid of dark spots. It also contains liquorice extract which helps increase your skin’s microcirculation which in turn, reduces redness. The smooth application is what did it for me. So weightless, it practically glides on (and no signs of streaking or cakey residue). It covered up any and all blemishes (I had a couple breakouts thanks to that dismal time of month and you’d think they sprinted off my face). The end result was practically flawless. No cakiness, smooth and blended, and a significant brightening factor. Floored.

Price Point: It’s $50CDN. It’s definitely higher in price but I’m finding all brand name face makeup is. I was expecting it to be a little pricier because it is Dior but after trying it out it’s definitely worth it for me. There are a lot of foundations you can get for a little less but something that boasts so many significant attributes, it’s appropriate.

Verdict: Yes. No – Yasssssss. The formula does just what is claims. My face was flawless in the end. The pump gives you just the right amount of product, the coverage is insane, and it feels feather light on your face. If you’re looking for a medium yet build able, weightless coverage with a formula that brightens and  rids your face of imperfections this is it.

You can get it at Sephora and Nordstrom.

If you try it, let me know your thoughts!

xo

Purchased: Zara Electric Blue Strappy Slingbacks

Prologue – I have been trying profusely to find a pair of electric blue strappy sandals comparable to these Sergio Rossi caged pair I’ve literally been losing valuable sleep over. I first saw them on one of my favourite heavy hitting style bloggers – Maja Wyh, and everything about them was ingrained in the vast space I reserve in my brain for shoes. This love affair started last Summer and since I’ve been disappointed with the selection of similar choices. Especially since the Sergio Rossis have been sold out wherever I do find them. I had hung my head and had already begun allocating funds to invest in a different pair, you know, to appease the pain, when I came across these….

I had straight up given up hope in ever finding a pair that even came close to what I wanted. I was in Zara this weekend to return an online purchase because in my excitement I had accidentally purchased 2 of the same item. (This happens when there’s a sale, combined with a gross lack of care when it comes to double checking the final amount after the transaction is completed.) I mean, the heart wants what the heart wants right? The rest is filed under minute gnat like detail.

Back to the story – So here I am, admist a huge sale and tons of zombie like shoppers with sweat stains under their arms (and other unsightly areas) and I decide to suck it up and take a quick jaunt around the store just in case there’s something that will catch my eye.*

*Side note: There is ALWAYS something that catches my eye. I am a magpie. There is no way I was leaving empty handed.

You should have seen me glance right and then left when I saw them. Like I was leaving a bank with 10.3 million dollars stuffed into a duffle bag.

Cue angels singing. (Or Fergie’s Labels or Love).

 Fine. They’re not leather and they’re not Sergio Rossi, or Aquazurra BUT they are damn good dupes. I didn’t have to convince myself or talk myself into making the purchase because I was too busy making sure no one else had their sights on them. I’d bless you with a couple photos of the first #OOTD but I didn’t get a chance to wear them out yet, and although the pajama look is hot, trust me – what I had on with them is nowhere near trend worthy.

I drove home with my mind frantically creating countless outfits where these would excel to their fullest potential. I can’t even. Really, so many options. I love the color, the “cage” is less cagey and more strappy bohemian – which I love (I find that a harsh cage look with this shade would cheapen the appearance.).

The 4 (and a bit) inch heel is a little high but I’m used to strutting around in a heel so I doubt it’ll keep me from wearing them to the supermarket.

Epilogue – I’m floored. So happy I found something to appease my thirst for the Rossi sandals. I do like to indulge in a designer shoe or 2 (or 6) and find the the quality is definitely worth the higher price but I had to have these because I haven’t come across anything – even designer wise – with this exact style. I like Zara’s quality for the most part – I have a bunch of different pairs that have held up really well so I am a repeat offender. I usually don’t purchase a shoe under a certain price point and I feel like that’s pretty pompous of me but hey, I’m a bit of highfaluting asshole. What can you do?

*You can get them here

I don’t want any of you to suffer when yore faced with the horror story or a pair being sold out so here are some similar styles…

(Scroll over the title to shop)

Manolo Blahnik Gori Cage Sandal

Madden Girl Raceyyy Ghillie Dress Sandals

Tamara Mellon Glow Metallic Suede Sandals

Sergio Rossi Suede Cage Sandals in Blue Cobalt – these are the pair that are sold out but I thought I’d include them just in case you hit gold in your online search.

Christian Louboutin Laurence Leather Cage Laceup Sandals

Schutz Erlene Lace Up Sandals

Jimmy Choo Gladys Lace Up Sandal 

Pierre Hardy Strappy Cage Sandal 

Sergio Rossi Antiope Blue Satin Gladiators

Aquazzura Beverly Hill Suede Lace Up Sandals

Aquazzura Sexy Thing Suede Sandals 

It’s so much easier to find pairs in neutral and black than it is blue, but there are tons more out there, these are just the ones I’ve come across.

Every day is Shoesday.

xo

Purchased: January Favorites

So much for my goal to act like a peasant last month. I can commend myself for not making as many clothing related purchases but as a treat for accomplishing that, I’ve bought myself makeup and decorative items. I’ll never succeed. And I don’t quite care. The fact that I’m making the attempt is enough for me.

Whilst mourning the lack of shoe, bag and clothing purchases I managed to accumulate some pretty impressive effects. So cutting through the chatter – these are my January purchases that were too good to not share. (I’d like to mention here that I should be ashamed but am not).

*I know it’s February 8th. Better late than not at all.

Makeup

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Polish in Milk and New Wave 

After my first Enamored polish, there was no way I couldn’t have just the one. My purchase justification rests upon the fact that this stuff is heavy duty. It lasted more than two weeks, and then some. And that’s mostly because I decided to change colors, not because it was chipping. I chose Milk (which you can only get as an exclusive on the MJ site here) and New Wave, which is available in stores as well, specifically Sephora. Milk is a really different shade for me. It’s an almost nude but a luminescent, truly milky finish. Kind of an iridescent pearl look. Very chic, and a really nice shade to wear day to day. It’s understated but definitely stands out. New Wave is the most majestic royal blue shade. It’s deep and carries some pretty major drama. I can’t wait for Spring to arrive so I can hook myself up with brighter shades like Shocking and Snap! These two are gorgeous Winter shades…

Lush Solid Conditioner in Jungle

Each time I went into Lush looking for a conditioner I looked right past this one. I didn’t think a solid could do much for hair restoration. I have always used conditioner in a liquid form, a true creature of habit. Anyway, I broke the product mould. I have been shamed by a solid conditioner. This is amazing. I made the purchase early in January and still have 70% of the little round bar left. The smell is so fresh and clean, as I find most Lush face/hair products to be. It doesn’t seem like much but when it’s worked into a lather (which is effortless might I add) the cocoa butter in it starts working it’s magic. It’s been known to slide onto hair easier and once it dissolves into the water it leaves your hair feeling like you’ve just performed an intensive mask treatment. No squeaky feeling, no dryness. Just soft, completely detangled, fresh feeling hair. It’s the cocoa butter, avocado extract, passion fruit & kumquat you’d like to send a thank you note to….here

 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Oh Miley and Infamous

You better believe I dropped everything to ensure I got my greedy little hands on these highly anticipated lipsticks. I had added the ones I liked to cart (Sephora online – because the stores didn’t have the full collection just yet) and clearly didn’t move my shaking fingers fast enough. They were selling out as I was browsing so I consider myself lucky to have scored these two shades. You can head over to the MJ Beauty website to look for yourself because out of the 20 shades sold online at Sephora there are only 7 currently available. Oh Miley is described as a Strawberry Spice and Infamous is soft peony. I have yet to receive them but I’ll make sure to do an in depth review before you make the purchase. I’m almost positive Sephora will be re-stocking online and in stores but until then you can make your purchase here. The selling factor? 10 hour stay put lipstick that coats your lips with a buttery, velvety pigment with just one swipe. And they stay moisturized with the effects of sea berry, cocoa butter and Meranti. I can’t wait to try these out. *Update – Check out my review, awe-struck is the lesser way to describe my reaction here

Decor

Faux Hydrangeas

I’m still annoyed that I’ve gone against my die-hard, adamant belief that fresh blooms are the only flowers you should be working with. I’ve always thought that faux flowers were tacky and too dollar store décor for me but I was wrong. I stand corrected – actually I sit corrected because I don’t feel like shaming myself to that extent. I’ve realized that it’s all in the style, the make-up, and the type of flower arrangement you pick. The more realistic they look – obviously, the better. I tend to lean towards hydrangeas, peonies and roses (when I do purchase fresh). They compliment any space, look elegant and fresh and are neutral enough to add a natural, clean focal point to the surrounding area. I ordered these from Amazon because I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for in any of the stores I went to. They look so real that I don’t feel like such a hypocrite every time I pass by.

Trinket Tray 

I picked up this little trinket tray from Chapters during their after Christmas sale. It was under $10. So necessary. Very Kate Spade. I like anything with a simple gold accent, especially against a white background. It’s easy to work into whatever décor you have going on, whereas I find a black base a little kitschy. I have it sitting on my bedside table – a nice catchall for my jewellery.

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are – Anne Berest, Caroline de Maigret, Audrey Diwan & Sophie Mas

Caroline wrote this book with her 3 girlfriends as a tongue in cheek guide on how to deal with the first world problems every fashion (and unfashionable) girl has. A blasé undertone. My favorite kind. Also, it looks really chic displayed on my vanity (admit it – this is an Insta-worthy read).

Strand Lights

I came across these at Urban Outfitters while Christmas shopping, but – because I was only making purchases for others, I held off until a few weeks ago. I first had the idea to string them around my throne bed, but realized I have a padded headboard which clearly didn’t support such a thing. (A downfall of tunnel vision shopping). I decided to string them around my vanity and I can confirm that said lights were a superb buy. Complete transformation. I like how they give the look of actual bare bulbs, but a softer more subdued version. I would love the real deal but these are doing a good job in tiding me over…

Clothing

Wildfox Teddy Sweater

It’s a teddy bear sweater. With swingy sleeves and a nubby material you can just wrap yourself in. C’mon.

Wildfox Superbowl Baggy Beach Jumper

I know I said I wasn’t clothes – shopping but this had to happen. My favorite brand comes out with a Superbowl capsule collection? It’s a no brainer. Really. I didn’t even have to enter in my info, just add to cart and purchase. I hope everyone experiences that simple pleasure at least 357426 times once in their lifetime.

I love reading about everyone’s favourite monthly products. I usually mention mine in my Friday Favorites posts but there were too many this month. Again, sorry to my 2015 Resolutions. My bad.

x0

Purchased & Reviewed : Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme

I didn’t think I could get this excited over lipstick. Actually, on second thought – I have and I am. This highly anticipated Le Marc lipstick has garnered a huge amount of necessary hand clasping since it’s launch date was revealed. Now it’s here. Take a seat and let me lead you through the process I had to engage in, in order to obtain these.

9:16am – Get text from sister exhibiting glee and informing that said lipsticks have hit Sephora online.

9:16am – Accidentally choke on coffee and knock over a couple items while logging into Sephora account.

9:17am – Logged in and perusing with the focus of a CSI and the intensity of a fitness instructor.

9:19am – Realize that I am not the only one trying to make up my mind over which color to purchase.

9:20am – Full on panic as I find that lipsticks are selling out while I’m still trying to make up my mind.

9:21am – Tell 2 fellow employees to wait as I am trying to engage in a task that requires my full attention. Work comes second.

9:22am – Add my favourites to cart and purchase.

9:22am – One of the lipsticks in said cart shows as “currently unavailable”

9:23am – Frantically call Sephora customer service to ensure said lipstick was indeed purchased before it sold out.

9:25am – Customer service agent is unable to reassure me that said lipstick is indeed purchased. Advises me that I’ll receive an email if I was too late.

9:25am – Call her an incompetent dick in my mind.

9:29am – Receive email that all items have been purchased successfully and will be on their way to me soon.

9:30am– Work may resume, but not until I wipe the sweat and drool off my keyboard.

The emotional roller coaster was real.

After all that, I’ve satisfied the yearning.

Behold.

I honestly had a photo shoot with 2 lipsticks last week. I’m not apologetic in the least.

There is nothing stopping you from at least trying these out. Amazing.

See?

Packaging: True to Marc Jacob’s sleek designs for the whole line – these are so James Bond. Or should I say Bond Girl? Sleek, magnetic, glossy lids with a faux button on the front. The silver and black is classic enough for your vanity and futuristic enough to whip out for show and tell.

Formula: The formula was a huge selling point in the hype leading up to the launch. Rich and velvety (and I mean velvety – it’s not just fluff, I promise). It’s a matte creme texture (think a luxurious matte that doesn’t dry out), with the most pigmented color. One swipe = 10 hours – another monumental claim by the brand and this is what really drew me in. After trying it out for myself I can confirm with the utmost giddiness – that colossal profession is 100 % legit. I had to use tissue and cleanser at the end of the day. Credit the color boosting pigments which are “triple milled with hydrating ingredients” that leave your lips soft and plumped without that cakey feeling. Seaberry, meranti & cocoa butter. In your lipstick. Beyond ideal.

Wearability: Like I mentioned above, this stuff stays put. I wore Oh Miley! which is a deep strawberry red. I had to put some back into it when I finally decided to take it off (after my 9 hour day). Should have held out for the hour but I was already convinced. The colors are gorgeous and I purposely picked shades from different spectrums. I found no need for lipliner or gloss, but the accompanying liner would be nothing but complimentary.

Verdict: Score. I’m ecstatic that this lipstick lived up to my practically formidable expectations. The formula is what really seals the deal here. It’s a pricier lipstick but I can honestly say, the wearability, the durability, and the luxe packaging all make it worth the higher price point. I’m already sorting through my lipsticks to see which shade I don’t have so I can justify purchasing another.

Let me know if you purchase and which shade. I can’t get enough.

Here and here.

xo

Oh – and did I mention that I finally went to pick up my VIB Rouge card/welcome kit from Sephora – and found this little gem inside?

A mini version of the Rouge exclusive in So Rouge 10.

I heard this is by far one of the best offers so far…I ain’t mad at it. I had my sights on the full size but now I can take the savings and purchase another. (This is my version of rational thinking and I stand by it).