Mini Haul of the Week + DIY Jewellery Organizer

Part 1 - The Haul

Let's face it, it's been a tough year with having to tighten that financial belt.  But if you come across a good deal and it fits within your budget, you are winning! (Can't help it, I know that term is over used, but it's the one thing from that Actors' ordeal that made me laugh, that and tiger blood).

Moving right along, I picked up three earrings from Ardene, that were 3 for $10, check them out below:

If you are looking for some great, fun, and inexpensive jewellery for the Xmas season, it would be worth a visit, especially since they have some great deals going on for December.

Part 2 - DIY Jewellery Organizer

One big challenge with Jewellery is organization.  I am sure that at one time or another, we have experienced the frustration of having to untangle necklaces from one another, or trying to find a favourite pair of earrings, because they got lost in the drawer.

One option is to purchase jewellery organizers; however, if you want an easy option that you can put together, then I think I have an option that works!  

Here is what you need:

- Cork Board
- Thumb tacks
- Paper Clips

Most of these items you can find around the house.  The cork board was something I inherited, so no cost there, the other items I found in the house.  For hanging your necklaces you use the Thumbtacks and for Earrings you use the Paperclips, see the pics below:

Nice and easy!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

FOTD - Magenta Cool

Here is a fun FOTD I did.  I used bright blues for the eyes and extended it up and away from the lower lash line, and paired with the bold pop of a purple/magenta toned lip.  For the cheeks, I added a highlighter for that extra glow and a pretty bold pink for the cheeks to balance it out.  As always, Black liquid liner and tons of Mascara!

Enjoy!


Always Smile :)  - Sand

HOTD - Hair of the Day - Beautiful Brunette :)

That dreaded time has arrived when you know it's time to colour your hair.  You avoid the mirrors, try not to notice the colour shift in your part, or ignore the damned sparklers.* 

*The pesky greys that tend to sparkle throughout your dark hair.  The only time I hate the "bling" factor, not terribly cute :)

Due to our current financial climate, I am certain every beautynista is cutting back or choosing to be picky with  their beauty related purchases and routines.  I have limited my salon visits and opted for in-home colour treatments, so far so good!

My hair was getting quite flat, dull and dark.  It was in need of a boost.  Normally, I have opted for dark colours or hues for Winter and brighter tones for the Summer...this time I opted to go lighter.  I used L'Oreal Superior Preferences - True Brunettes Collection in shade TB63 - Ultra Light Brown.  This product is intended for DARK Hair.

The process was:

• Apply the colour from length to ends,
• After 20 mins, apply the colour to the roots,
• Wait an additional 10 mins and follow rinsing and conditioning instructions. 
• Result:  Amazing!

Here are the before and after shots:

Flat, dark brown hair  vs.  Bright light brown

The process and instructions were typical other than switching around which parts I coloured first, but I realized after the colour had developed, why the order of which section you did first made sense.  The colour develops very quickly and the results are seen instantly.  Therefore, its important to follow the instructions to the minute to avoid any errors.  The next time I colour, I will opt to do the touch-up option. 

I would highly recommend this colour product and line, I have always been pleased whether I want to go lighter or darker.  This line is recommended for dark hair and will do what it suggests. 

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Fall/Winter Faves :)

Summer is officially over! Fall is a great season of crisp air and changing leaves, but it does bring with it cold and windy days and drier climates indoor.  As a result, our skin can suffer.

Here are some products that I am using for the transition from Fall to Winter.  

1.  Nivea Visage |  Light Moisturizing Day Care with SPF 15

I am a Nivea girl through and through.  One of my earliest Childhood beauty memories is using the Nivea cream from the Nivea navy blue tin and that great scent!  I appreciate the fact the product is a lighter formulation which is great for my oily skin.  Plus it protects with the added SPF 15!

2.  St.Ives Elements | Fresh Skin Olive Cleanser

Olive oil and oils in general are quite popular in skin care lately.  I have been a fan of the St.Ives scrubs and when I came across this Olive based cleanser I wanted to try it out.  My skin feels amazing after I use this product.  Lightly scented and non-drying, the skin feels refreshed.

3.  Jamieson |  ProVitamina A - Retinal Renewal Night Cream
I love this creamy product as it absorbs into the skin at night and you wake up with glowing skin.  It helps to reduce the signs of aging and your skin will appear brighter with dedicated use.

4.  Maiga |  Shea Butter with Lavender
I came across this product at the St. Lawrence Market.  There were many variations available but I liked this version to use at night.  The lavender scent helps with a restful sleep and the Shea butter melts into the skin.  I use it on my hands, elbows, knees and feet.  A must for the pending winter months!

Always Smile :) - Sand

L.O.T.D. - Vasanti's Kenya Lipstick + Celtic Lipshine :)

For my Lipstick of the day, I debated between my neutral/nude colour favourites and thought to try something a little deeper and bolder for the season.



Vasanti's Kenya Lipstick is the right choice for someone who is venturing slowly into the deeper hues, but not ready for the BOLD colours yet.  A great Plum shade for all skin tones.

I paired the Lipstick with Vasanti's Celtic Lipshine because I liked the subtle shimmery mauve shine on top .

Always Smile :) - Sand

Great Lash - Lots of Lashes :)

I am a huge Maybelline lover when it comes to their Mascaras.  Great Lash is a classic mascara that will always be a part of my makeup kit.  Kudos to Maybelline for not changing the classic packaging colours of PINK and lime green! What can I say, I am a sucker for Pink!

I came across this new "Lots of Lashes" version of the classic great lash at Shoppers Drug Mart, (my second place of worship :)  I was there to pick up a prescription and of course I HAD to visit the beauty section. 

My first impression on Packaging:

- Loved the bright bold display of the new Brush

- Was intrigued at the smaller size and shape of the brush

- It was Maybelline, and of course I had to buy it!

Pros:

- Easy to build your lashes up

- Lengthens and provides volume

- Buildable formula

- Smaller brush shape allows you to get into the inner corner (See comparison pic below)

Original Great Lash Mascara (L) vs. Great Lash Lots of Lashes Brush (R)

Cons:

- You have to be careful with the thickness of the formula

Before and After:

Final Thoughts:

I would recommend this product for all Lash lovers!  The small brush does provide an easier method to build lashes and great for lower lashes to get some impact.  It's a great update to the Classic Great Lash!

Always Smile  :)  - Sand

A loooooooooong hiatus but I am back! :)

Hello Beauty lovers!

It has been way too long since I have written a blog post.  Due to a much needed sinus surgery and taking the proper amount of rest and relaxation to recover,  I am back and ready to blog my face off! 

I have some great posts coming out this week:

• Top 5 Fall Items
• Mascara Review
• Two HOT new colours for the lips that I adore!
• Are you "Matchy-Matchy" or a "One and Only"?
• EOTD's
• NOTD's
• Lip Swatches and Pics
• Gradient/Ombre Lips

So much exciting stuff to share, review, ponder, and to love! I hope everyone has been well and happy :)

Always Smile :)  - Sand

NOTD - Gradient Nails - Blue to Gold :)

I have seen this nail trend on many lovely ladies and I always assumed that you have to go to the salon to achieve.  Tomorrow, I am attending an 18th birthday party and the outfit du jour, is a teal/bright blue Indian outfit with gold embroidery, therefore I wanted to have my nails look a little special vs. teal nails or gold nails.

Now I didn't want to spend any money and wanted to do my nails on my own.  I didn't want to opt for the typical one shade choice and wanted to combo the two, and I saw gradient nails on long nails and thought....could i do that....the answer is YES!

Here is the look and effect I came up with:

Makeup Sponges

China Glaze - Base Coat

China Glaze - Top Coat

Sally Hansen - Xtreme Nails in Strobe Light

OPI - Teal the Cows Come Home

OPI - Glitzerland

I am going to continue to work on more nail gradient tools and once I feel more comfortable I will share the step by step.

The look I was going for was sparkly disco ball in teal blue, I think I achieved that?  LOL...i had found this look for long nails but this goes to show you can also do this on short nails.

Always Smile :)  - Sand

FOTD - Smokey Champagne

Hey Everyone,

I haven't done many FOTD (Face of the Day) Posts, so here is one that I rocked for a Birthday Party I attended.  The look was fun to create, the eye and face details are below, along with the FOTD of course:

FACE:

Vasanti - Liquid Cover in V4

Vasanti - FaceBase in V4

MAC - Mineralize Skin Finish - Candlelight

Vasanti - Rockies Blush

Vasanti - Swiss Alps

EYES:

  Click here for the eye look

LIPS:

Vasanti - Sweden Lipstick

CoverGirl - Enchantress

NYX - French Kiss

Always Smile :)  - Sand

It's official...I am a NAIL POLISH Junkie :)

I can't help myself.  The look of the shiny bottles, the allure of the bright colours, to the variations on finishes, to fun things like "crackle", is it any wonder I am a Nail polish Junkie???????

Here is my latest fix:



How is this not the hotttttttttttttttest thing u have seen???

Name:  Colour so hot it Berns 

Name:  Glitzerland

I will post nail swatches this week, but in the meantime, please feel free to see the proof of this addiction below:

OPI The One that Got Away

OPI Nail Haul

Nail of the Day (NOTD) OPI Russian Navy

NOTD - OPI The Colour to Watch

Now that I see them all listed, I thought oh its only an OPI addiction but there are PLENTY of nail blogs coming up this week and I have collected Sally Hansen as well as China Glaze!

And, I am starting the Short Nail Revolution.  My nails are paper thin and don't grow and on occasion I will put on false nails, but in the meantime I love my shortness and am proud to rock all these amazing colours, so join me in this revolution!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

P.S. Please feel free to share in your own nail junkie experiences?? :)

Makeup By Sand @ 2011 Miss India Canada Pageant :)

On Saturday July 23rd, 2011, a very elegant and glamours evening, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, was under way for 16 excited ladies. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to apply makeup on 3 contestants for the MISS INDIA CANADA PAGEANT. This was a very fun and rewarding experience for me and I got to meet a great group of young women.

The venue, decor, food and the entire event was beautifully organized and it was electric! The vibe and love from the audience could be felt throughout the night.  I am sure the contestants were super nervous but once they were on stage, the positive love from the crowd sure helped them feel at ease.

I have posted a few pics of "my girls" below (Photos courtesy of Filmicafe):

Kerensa

Kajol

Rupi

Congratulations to all participants but of course, to the 2011 winner Akhina Mooken!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

HAUL - Bath & Bodyworks :)

I love fruity scented things and of course I love Bath & Bodyworks!  I love their anti-bacterial hand soaps and of course their bath related items too.  Here are the items I got below:



Nectarine Mint - Smells so amazing and suds up well

 

Passionfruit - Very fruitful scent :)

 

SweetPea - My ALL time fave scent!



Dark Kiss - Romantic scent, not as fruity :)



This is the creamiest and smoothest body butter ever! :)



If you haven't paid them a visit yet, please do, because the products are amazing and they always have great register deals as well, so you are always bound to find a lil' something!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

EOTD - Smokey Champagne

This past Saturday, the family was invited to a 1st birthday party.  So I wanted to keep the look soft and bold yet appropriate for the event. 

Here is the look I came up with:

Products Used:

Eyeliner - ANNABELLE Black Eye Pencil

Inner Corner to Middle - MAC Retrospeck
Outer Corner - VASANTI Brasilia E/S - Charcoal with Golden Sparkle
Crease - VASANTI Eiffel Tower E/S Duo - Matte Taupe
Brow Bone - VASANTI  Golden Temple E/S Duo - White Gold
Liquid Liner - VASANTI Cleopatra Liquid Liner
Mascara - MAYBELLINE Great Lash Big Mascara

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Super EOTD's!! - 3 Looks below :)

With so many events over the Summer with family and friends, I have done a variety of eye looks, but didn't get a chance to post them.  Here are the first batch below (I will post details soon).  If there is a particular look you like, please let me know, and I will share that one first!

Wore this look to my cousin's wedding :)

I love my blues!!! I also wore this look to my cousin's pre-wedding event :)

Great smokey brown with a pop of colour :)



Always Smile :)  - Sand

Summer Friendly Makeup :)

During this holiday weekend, I am sure that everyone will be outdoors and sometimes indoor makeup just doesn't quite work as well especially if you are lounging by a pool or attending a Barbecue.

Therefore, here are a few items that are my outdoor/summer friendly makeup:

1.  Eyes - Champagne Eye Shadow
Result:  A nice shimmery eyelid without it being over done.

Faves:  MAC's Woodwinked & All that Glitters

2.  Mascara - Anything Waterproof
Result:  Nice flirty, wide eyes
Faves:  Maybelline Lash Stiletto

3.  Lips - Pink Toned Lips
Result:  Looks easy and fresh!

Faves:  Avon LipGlaze, NYX Lipgloss in French Kiss , Vasanti Lipstick in Sweden

4.  Skin - Lightweight Powder & Glowy Skin Products
Result:  Will look more natural and not drip off your face :)
Faves:  MAC Mineralized Skin Finishes (By Candlelight or any) , Vasanti Face Base

Nice, easy, quick and simple! 

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Caribana/Carnival Series - Look 1

It's Caribana tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime......(I am aware of the name change but for as long as I remember it has been known as Caribana). 

In honour of this weekend's festivites, I have created a series of looks that I will be posting throughout the weekend, so be sure to come back and check them out!!!

This was so much fun to create, a masquerade ball with a butterfly effect.  I hope you all enjoy it!

More to come!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

CoverGirl NEW Lip Perfection Lipstick

I am in LOVE with these lipsticks! They provide amazing colour payoff AND luminosity! The lipsticks look and feels amazing on your lips.  I picked up a few shades from Shoppers Drug Mart, AND they were on sale, which was  a bonus!

The product is described on CoverGirl website as a lipstick that:

- is enriched with Silk Therapy Complex,

- helps to sustain levels of moisture

- helps create soft, smoother, beautiful lips in just 7 days vs. bare lips

The Collection is presented in the following categories:

Browns
Nudes, Corals & Reds
Lilacs, Mauves & Burgundies
Pinks to Roses

I found that the application was very smooth and extremely long lasting, and very pigmented.  The only con is that these tend to stain the lip so use a very good makeup remover.  As for the change in lip condition, I haven't wore the shades long enough to see a difference on my lips yet, but will let you know :)

Check out the Lip Pics below:



Always Smile  :)  - Sand

EOTD - IIFA Inspired Look - #1

With all the media coverage, green carpet pics and news about the IIFA's, Toronto has been lit Bollywood Style.  In honour of IIFA and for those who may not have the opportunity to get "Green Carpet" ready with their own Beauty entourage, here is a GLAM look that is super easy to achieve:

Here are the steps to achieve this look:

Step 1
Primer (Use Primer or alternatives are Liquid Cover-Up, I used Vasanti in V3)

Step 2
Use a white shimmery colour on the inner 1/3 of the eye (I used Golden Temple, the lighter shade)

Step 3
Use the shimmery teal, on the middle part of the eye (Vasanti Lake Louise E/S Duo)

Step 4
Use the Matte Navy on the corner edge and blend into the crease (Vasanti Lake Louise E/S Duo)

Step 5
Any Navy Blue pencil to line underneath the eye and waterline

Step 6
Use the Shimmery teal with a flat liner brush and line underneath the eye on top of the pencil liner

Step 7
Use a highlighter shade under the brow on the brow bone (I used MAC's Rice Paper)

Step 8
Finish with Liquid Eye liner and Mascara

This look is great for the IIFAs, Party, Reception or a Special night out. 

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Lifestyle Post: Top "Anthem" Songs :)

I love music! I love how it can take you back to a single moment in your life.  Today I am specifically talking about songs that have an "Anthem" feel.  There will be a mix that I have posted but here goes:

#5 - Express Yourself - By Madonna

What can I say, this song when it first came out had a cool video, a great beat, and you wanted to learn the lyrics asap.  We didn't have the aid of the Internet to find the lyrics,you had to learn the words by hearing it over and over again, or you bought the Tape (Yes i said Tape!) or watch the video on MuchMusic, and in the process you would learn the dance moves :) ... I didn't care about the "explicit" imagery in her video, all I cared about was the message "Express yourself"!

#4 - Survivor - By Destiny's Child

It was hard not to love everything by these women, but this song had the perfect ingredients for what makes a great anthem! It was catchy, you could dance to it and the words you can identify with!

#3 - All I Do Is Win - By DJ Khaled

This is a great song!  I have this on my IPOD and I will re peat at least 3 times before I move on.  It is a must for anyone who wants to feel and get motivated so check it out!

#2 - Born this way - By Lady Gaga

How can this song not be on this list! This song makes me smile and yes, I will sing this loud and proud at any given moment!

Drum roll please..............................................................

#1 - Freedom - By George Michael

Hands down, one of the first songs I remember listening to and thinking I love the message and I love this song.   It was easy to listen to, to dance to and to sing along to.  Hands down my favourite all time anthem!

What are YOUR fave ANTHEM Songs? Feel free to share!

Always Smile  :)   - Sand

EOTD - Pink/Purple

Here is a fun look I created with Pinks and purples.  Great for brown eyes, check it out:

Products Used:

MAC - Paint Pot - Soft Ochre (Base)
Coastal Scents  - 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette
MAC - Rice Paper (Highlight)
Vasanti - Cleopatra Liquid Liner

Vasanti - Volta Eye Pencil

Maybelline - Great Lash Mascara

Always Smile :)  - Sand

A great contest at Beauty Reflections :)

Hey Everyone,

I would love to share this great contest by Beauty Reflections.  She has put together a awesome items for all you beauty & makeup lovers, check out the AMAZING contest giveaway below:

Beauty Reflections: It's Time! 350+ Subscriber Celebration Giveaway!

Good Luck everyone!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

EOTD - Chocolate Candy Bar Inspired Look

I am constantly inspired by so many things.  I am inspired by other Makeup Artists, flowers, fashion, art and music.  I love to discover beauty from the obvious and not so obvious things as well.

I love chocolate and 3 Musketeers is a classic candy bar favourite for me.  I am also a packaging junkie and therefore have always loved the colours they used from the silver packaging with the blue and red contrast in the lettering. 

Check out the EOTD below:

What was is your favourite chocolate bar? What are you inspired by?  I would love to be inspired by your suggestions!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Fun Eye Looks! :)

Here are some fun eye looks that I did, please check it out below:

I will be posting the products used soon!

Always Smile :)  - Sand