Purchased & Reviewed: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

I really wanted to abstain from saying this but – my brow game is #onfleek.

Not that I was housing a husband and wife caterpillar family on my forehead or capping a sharpie every morning – they’re just more pristine than they were before. Why are they so pristine? So perfectly filled in? Anastasia. Duh. I feel like she should throw a couple bucks at me for the mayjah review I’m about to give on the Brow Wiz.

Packaging:  Akin to her sleek but elegant packaging and casings, it comes as a slim pencil, longer in length than some others because of the spooly on the other end. The pencil is cased with a long cap on one end, with the spooly capped by a shorter cap on the other end. Love how stealthy it looks.

Ease of Use: For beginners, this pencil is a godsend. The retractable tip is purposely sharp yet nubby enough to blend so that you don’t fashion yourself with a permanent look of consternation. Once you’ve filled in what needs a little extra you brush and blend the color and your brow hairs into place with the spooly. I like using a little bit of brow gel with it just to keep everything in place, but as I’ll explain next, the formula of this pencil barely requires anything additional.

Formula: I honestly wasn’t expecting this pencil to be any different from others I’ve used but I admit that I was foolish for thinking so. Anastasia is the brow queen for a reason. The pencil mimics your natural hair and doesn’t budge unless you’re purposely blending it in. It gives off an almost waxy finish without being waxy. Whhaaat. Yes. The short fine tip ensures you don’t get any harsh, blunt lines ‘a la teenage years, ‘a la putting makeup on while drunk, ‘a la I accidentally shaved off my eyebrows. Oh, and did I mention Anastasia is cruelty free? I got love for those who got love for little creatures.

Verdict: Yes. Everything yes. No room for criticism here. The pencil is a two in one. It’s a tool that everyone should have in their beauty arsenal. It’s perfect for filling, lengthening, drawing in, pretty much everything wrong with your brows will be made right with the grace of Anastasia.

You can get yours here and here.

*I have dark brown (they’re changing names right now but you should be able to find a shade that works for you – there’s tons that will suit any brow).

**I know the contrast between the pencil and background is almost minute. Whoops.

xo

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Wear Me: Spring Shoe Game

Me saying that I have a thing for shoes is like a junkie saying they don’t mind snorting coke. Tis a blatant misrepresentation.

I feel that a good pair of shoes can instantly lend a hand to an otherwise simple outfit. And c’mon, when you’re fashioned in black, grey and white all the time, you need something to stand out. I chose shoes. I’ll wear a white tee to it’s last threads but pair it with 50 different styles of shoe. Instant revival.

When I’m watching my spending (I know – hilarious, but humour me here), I limit myself to a shoe purchase a month. I’m not talking Louboutin or Valentino, but a pair or two from Zara are what I like to call thrifty and right now, underhanded. Whatever.

Anyway, I have my eyes on these styles that are big for Spring. I’m one of those assholes that wears strappy sandals in the dead of winter so nothing is safe from my vice-like grasp. If you can get away with spending as little time as possible traipsing around outdoors then why not go HAM on an open toe? (I’m talking to you East Coast).

One of each please.

The Espadrille

The espadrille is timeless. It’s the perfect relaxed shoe to throw on with a springy dress, a pair of cutoffs or skinnies. It’s the close relative of the flat, one that resides in Southern California. I find that most are pretty comfortable too – so you don’t look like you’re enduring the highest form of torture while walking through the mall. The mall is a happy place, The two just don’t mesh well together.

Soludos Classic Leather Espadrille Sandals/65

Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Mara Espadrille/195

Shopbop

Valentino Rockstud Leather Espadrille Flats/895

Nordstrom

The Gladiator

I feel that this style makes an appearance every year during the warmer months. You can’t go wrong. It’s feminine, trendy, and will do up the simplest of outfits. Rebecca Minkoff vamped it up last year with her runway versions and I don’t see why you can’t take that same vision to the streets…

Free People Sunever Gladiator Slip on Sandals/85

Free People

Zara Leather Gladiators/159

Zara

Stuart Weitzman Caged Up Suede Gladiator Sandal/535

Neiman Marcus

The Flatform

Calling all former lovers of Baby Spice and asian women who are known to pair them with fanny packs and sun visors. I’m only kidding. Kind of. I owned a few pairs of these in the late 90’s for sure. Now long gone, along with my smiley face jewellery and Sailor Moon memorabilia, these b*tches have found their way back from the depths of your high school wardrobe. I’ve picked the ones that I wouldn’t mind wearing. I’ve purposely left out the 5 inch sandals made of scuba material. I really didn’t think I could stand mentally transporting myself back to Grade 10.

Shoe Cult Frequency Flatform/29

Nasty Gal

Jeffrey Campbell Aurelia Flatforms/110

Shopbop

Stella McCartney Lindsey Wedges/368

Stella McCartney

The Slide

The slide is probably one of the easiest shoes to slip on (duh) and pair with just about anything. Grasshopper legged girls are clasping their hands with glee while ones with half the height may be a little weary with this particular type of footwear. Either way – there’s a style that’ll be easy to work with. I’ve pulled a few designs that give off a nice range…these aren’t your typical slip on sports sandals.

TopShop Pool Sliders/15

TopShop

Kaanas Susu Two Band Slides/79

Shopbop

Vince Orion Flat Leather Slides/195

Intermix

The Nude

For me, “send me nudes” refers to shoes. If I could only pick one shade of shoe to wear it would be nude. It’s flattering, natural yet chic, and goes with absolutely everything. Nude is definitely my go to when black is feeling too vampy for me. Spring 2015 agrees….

Mary Janes with Bows/39

Zara

Schutz Cadey Lee Sandals/180

Shopbop

Barbara Bui Fringe Suede Heels/945

Forward by Elyse Walker

The Mule

The mule came back this fall and is still on trend for the Spring/Summer months. If you don’t like teetering in a pointy toe then a mule is your match. They’re easier to walk in and versatile enough to take from day to night. It’s a nice transition shoe when you’re just getting familiar with a heel (what are you? 12?) Kidding, kidding.

Truffle Ely Peep Toe Mule/53

ASOS

Michael Kors Burnett Leather Mule Slides/395

Neiman Marcus

Maison Martin Margiela Open Toe Leather Sandal/424 on sale from 865

Forward by Elyse Walker

Laces

One of my favourite styles. A lace up heel is a shoe and accessory all in one. I like pairing mine with basic wardrobe choices otherwise the whole ensemble ends up being a little too trendy and busy looking. Whether they’re in flat or heel form, these are perfect for accentuating a pair of skinnies, a flowy midi skirt or fluttery shorts ad skin tight leather leggings.

Jeffrey Campbell Shay Lace Up Flats/165

Free People

Soles x Skin SJP Heel/204

Revolve Clothing

Christian Louboutin Impera Laser Cut & PVC Lace Up Heels/1295

Barneys

Detailed Flats

Flats can honestly never go out of style. There is always a requirement for a flat shoe. Ballet, menswear inspired, laced, or an intricate pointy toe. You can pair a flat with anything. Keep them clean – that’s my one pet peeve when it comes to flats. They shouldn’t be falling apart, scuffed up or flopping around your foot. A well worn, proper fit will always make you look polished whereas a sh*tty looking, banged up flat will always make you look like you robbed someone on skid row.

Kimchi Blue Elastic Cross Strap Flats/39

Urban Outfitters

Valentino Intrigate Mesh Flats/428

Forward by Elyse Walker

Isabel Marant Leo Snake effect Leather Ballet Flats/650

Net A Porter

I’m eyeing a couple of these for purchase once Spring is in full on beast mode. Use them as a guide line and your #ootd will be on point.

xo

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

Happy Weekend.

These are my favorite little things from this week.

Enjoy.

Favorite Product

Buxom Haute Pink Lip Deluxe Sample Set

I picked this as my free sample on a recent Sephora online order and wasn’t dying over it but figured that 3 almost full sized products for free was better than a one time use face cleanser in a annoying paper packet. This set came with 1 full bodied lip polish in Haute Pink Nicole, one full lip gloss in Sweet Thing  and a juicy lipstick in Mistress. I am ride or die for a matte lipstick so gloss just isn’t my thing – until I tried these. I used the lipstick as a base and layered on the lip gloss for a pillow lip effect. I wasn’t stumbling all over town for it but as the day went on I noticed that my lips had transformed to like, almost 3 times their natural size. Okay, twice. Twice their natural size. I didn’t realize until I started getting compliments on my lip plumping surgery. I now understand the allure of a good lip gloss. I went with just the gloss a few times afterwards and again, like the look for a more natural, my lips woke up like this appearance. This set definitely awoke a lip gloss wielding beast inside of me. Great.

Favorite Look

Laces

I’m really into adding a bit of detail to an otherwise monotone normcore outfit. Lace up sandals are the best possible way in my opinion. I purchased these sapphire coloured gems a few weeks ago from Zara and although they pinch a little in the back – I’m in love. So Sergio Rossi.

Favorite Purchase

Mess with the bull…

I’m a Taurus so it’s only appropriate that I festoon my surroundings with bull horns. The best part – horns and antlers are practically a staple in room décor. I was out looking for a bar cart a couple weeks ago and came across this masterpiece. For $14! What?! I was looking for the missing 0 let me tell you. I snatched that b*tch up quick. I love how it adds a little rugged, yet modern flourish to my table. The dimension is crazy.

Favorite Photo

Wildfox’s Gypsy Sprint 2015 Lookbook

I’m trying so hard to not make clothing purchases until the end of March, but this collection is making it beyond troublesome. The gypsy charm, combined with an innate girliess (like all things Wildfox) is killing me right now. And the lookbook is bonkers. You can check it out on Kim Gordon’s personal inspo site here.

Favorite Scent

Diptyque Amber

This scent is the newest addition to my Diptyque collection. I have a thing for a warmer, spicier scent and this was just that, but as usual had a nice little twist that I can’t quite place. Part of the Woody collection (I honestly believe that’s a typo on their site – as Woodsy is a little more appropriate here – we are speaking in terms of candles you know) – it’s counterparts are Feu de Bois and Cypres (which I have yet to purchase). It’s a warm combination of patchouli and vetiver, with hints of Tonka bean, citrus, aniseed and “mysterious incense.” I like how it invokes feelings of cozy winters and reminds me of woodsy cologne. I also like that I can close all the drapes and pretend it’s December 24th outside.

Favorite Look

Shrimps London

Oh. Yass. A designer line that that highlights faux fur. Shrimps London is the baby of Hannah Weiland who is a new London based designer with a background in art and textile design. Her inspo is modern art, and a mix of patterns and texture. The best part? Her lack of animal cruelty. The brightest faux you ever will see transposed onto clutches, her insanely popular coats, and outerwear. You can check out the collection here I can’t wait to get my hands on that rose and baby pink clutch bag.