Wednesday, October 30, 2013

FOTD - Halloween Inspired - Lady Darkness


Halloween is just around the corner and if you are strapped for time or not sure what to do for a costume, here is an easy look that takes no time. To complete this look, I used my regular beauty products that I would use for any of the glam or everyday looks that I do.

The white face makeup that was used was the only product that was purchased, but the rest of the products I already had had at home to create this look.

Check out the products that I used:

  • White Face Makeup - Base 
  • Grey Ghoulish Shadows - Grey & Black Waterproof Eye Pencil
  • Ghoulish Accents - Grey & Black eyeshadows
  • Lips - Grey Waterproof Eye Pencil
  • Blood - Burgundy Lipstick, Vaseline and Black Liquid Eyeliner.
  • Black Hood - Black Shawl




Pretty straightforward, I used the white makeup to cover the face, then I used the makeup to create the shadows and the creepiness to the face.  Any of the natural angles of my face, I added the grey and blended out with my fingers.  Once the lips were greyed out, it totally completed the face.  The last touch was the blood on the lips and eyes, which I used the end of the eyeshadow to apply.  The products were mixed on the back of my hand.

Total Time: 15 mins.

Hope you enjoy this ghoulish look!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Sunday, October 27, 2013

FOTD - Fall Inspired - Perfect Look for the Weekend!



We relish for our weekends or our days off.  Mostly to finish off errands, relax, visit with family or friends, go shopping or to eat out.  

For the weekend, I usually like to keep my makeup really natural with a natural lip but I also like playing with bold colours, especially in the Fall! The season inspires fresh cheeks, bold lips and darker hues for eyes which looks great on everyone! It's also a great change from the neutral look. 


Here is my weekend look inspired by Navy's and Plums,  for whatever your weekend may hold!





Products Used:



1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5
2. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in 10 (Adds an amazing glow to the skin)
3. Vasanti Cosmetics Kajal Extreme Eye Pencil in Electric Navy 
4. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadow (LE) Fall Collection in 30
5. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Excess Mascara
6. Vasanti Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Cleopatra
7. MAC Blushes in Dainty (Soft Pink) and Passionately Tempted (Mid-Tone Magenta)
8. Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani in Plum 610




Always Smile :)  - Sand

Friday, October 25, 2013

Beauty Pick - Nails: OPI Black Cherry Chutney


The easiest way to change your look is amping up your nails.  As we get into the colder months of Fall, we are seeing gorgeous hues of Browns, Navys, Reds and Burgundy.

My favourite trend is the deep blood-hued nails! It reminds me of the 90's nail polish obsession that many of us had for an affordable nail shade called "Blackest Red"!  My current obsession is OPI's Black Cherry Chutney.

This is a gorgeous shade to wear for the season and a perfect compliment any Halloween Outfit or Costume that is vampire inspired! The photos do not do it justice, therefore, see the description below:

Colour - Deep Bordeaux Burgundy
Looks Like - Wine, Dark, Vampy, Deep Grape, Black Cherry
Coats - 2 Coats 
Finish - High Shine Gloss
Accents - Subtle Sparkle
When to Wear - Great for Fall, A night out and Halloween




Always Smile :)  - Sand

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

My TOP 5 DIY Skincare Tips!

If you are like me, you are constantly seeing the ads for skin care products. These ads are everywhere from our phones, the grocery & drug store, the subway, magazines and TV. 

The challenging part is how to filter through all these products that we come across and pick the few that will work and are cost effective.  

Therefore I wanted to share my top 5 DIY SKINCARE TIPS that will not break the bank, and can be found in your own kitchen!

1. Coconut Oil - Glowing Skin
Not only is this amazing for you to eat and cook with, but it's amazing for the skin.  The best multi-purpose product you can get. The fatty acids contained in Coconut oil will help to strengthen the skin's lipid barrier and leaves an amazing scent.
  • Helps to remove makeup
  • Use it as a Night Cream as the texture is rich which is great for a night treatment
  • A natural Lip Balm which will help to add shine and moisture
  • Body Moisturizer right after the shower to help seal in the moisture
  • Recommendation:  Grace Virgin Coconut Oil ($6.99)



2. Ice Cube Facial - Brightens and tightens the skin
This is a new tip that I recently came across on the great blog by Tia and Tamera . I use this tip at least once a week and I love the difference to my skin that I see immediately.
  • Helps to Promote Blood Circulation
  • Tightens your pores
  • Smoothes out your complexion as well as brightens
You take the ice cube and wrap it in Paper Towel.  Apply it on the face using a circular motion.  The coolness feels refreshing and soothing on the skin.


3. Cold Tea Bags - Great Eye Treatment
Tea bags have been a classic DIY Skincare Tip. It offers temporary relief, especially after a late night out or a night of no sleep due to a busy lifestyle. 
  • Helps to reduce darkness under the eyes
  • Reduces swelling and puffiness 
You must remember to boil the tea bags, drain and then refrigerate. Once cooled you can use over your eyes for about 5-10 mins.



4. Cucumbers - Skin Relief
Cucumbers have a high water content and contain Vitamins A, B and C. The Ascorbic acid present in cucumbers can help to reduce puffiness and swelling around the eye area. 
  • Slices of Cucumber can help to relieve skin affected by sunburn or windburn
  • Diminishing Wrinkles
  • Provides cooling and calming effects to the skin, especially on the eyes.



5. Shea Butter - Heals Skin
Shea butter provides amazing anti-aging benefits. It contains essential fatty acids that help to neutralize free radical damage and stimulates collagen production. 
  • Fades acne and scars
  • Helps to heal skin due to sunburns
  • Soothes skin allergies 
  • Fights to reduce wrinkles & stretch marks
  • Provides a protective barrier on top of the skin
  • Recommendation: Maiga Handmade Shea Butter ($7.99)


Hope you find these tips easy on the wallet and leave you with amazing skin!

Always Smile :)  - Sand