Beauty Look | #FOTD/#MOTD Yellow & Plum Lips

I am obsessed with dark lips, funny because there was a time when all I EVER wore were Nude lipsticks or brown tone lips.  I found that Yellow and Plum look really gorgeous together in fashion and work beautifully for makeup as well!

Even though I used bright yellow and a darker plum hue on the eyes, the look is very wearable and would look perfect for the season or if you want to switch up from the everyday or dramatic smokey eye.

Here is what I used to put this look together:

Eyes

Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette - Yellows on lid and Warm Plums on the Crease (See Pic)

Vasanti Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Cleopatra

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara

Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in #12 Smudged into Lower Lashline

MAC Eye Pencil in Smoulder in the Waterline

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro in Wedgwood for the Brows

Face

Luminous Silk Foundation in #6.5

Fluid Sheer in #4

Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Himalayas

Giorgio Armani Bronzer #100

Lips

Giorgio Armani #11 Lip Liner

Giorgio Armani Lipstick in #611 Plum (Fall Collection 2013)

I love colour and it was fun putting this look together, a nice pop of colour paired with a bold lips! More looks to come each week! 

Lifestyle | Some Positive Inspiration

Every now on then we all need a boost or a reminder of good things and positivity! We are lucky to find really cool inspiration and positivity very quickly, thanks to Social Media. I cam across a few that I love and check them out below:

Starting your day with fresh, clear and positive ideas will stay with you for the entire day. And for those odd bad days, end your day with looking, reading or doing things you love! Enjoy!

Personal | Angel Elijah

I am heartbroken.

I have never written a post like this before, but I really needed to share how I am feeling in this moment. My motto has always been to stay positive, move forward and "Always Smile", but to be completely honest, I had a really tough time doing that today. To smile when something tragic like this happens is nearly impossible, all I can do is mourn as all of Toronto is, the passing of 3 Year old Elijah Marsh.

I am not writing the details of the how or who or where or what, because that is not what this post is about. This post is to spread love, support and give thanks to the countless volunteers, neighbours, police and the hospital staff who did everything they could to find him and help him but sadly he passed away.

News like this spreads like wildfire and with Social Media, very quickly hashtags are developed and others will show support by visiting his makeshift shrine, which can only help to heal this loss. What I can do is send my prayers and love to the family and his loved ones who truly I have no other words for.

I also want to share the site that is helping to cover costs for his funeral: http://tilt.tc/X0yD

As sad as this news was, the only thing of comfort is the smile on that beautiful little angels face that is etched now behind my eyes and my heart.

Rest in Paradise Little one, the whole world loves you Elijah.

Beauty Tip Thursdays | How to buy the right foundation with no regrets!

Being a Makeup Junkie and in the industry for some time now, I knew all the places I need to go to as well as the people I needed to speak to when it came to makeup. I easily navigated through the isles and the numerous number of displays and through my own trial and error, figured out what worked for me.

However, not all women who shop for makeup feel as confident or as comfortable. This post covers all the DO's and DON'Ts when you shop for foundation for the first time!

If you say YES to any of the following points, then you may continue reading:

• You are not a makeup junkie
• You haven't enjoyed any shopping trips Sephora or Shoppers because makeup was not your thing.
• You have never worn foundation
• You are looking for a simple way to feel confident without looking heavy or overly done
• You feel intimidated by the Makeup Associates

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

DONT's

1. Judging by the bottle as being the right shade: The eyes can play tricks on us. What we see in the bottle may not always be the right colour. Therefore without trying it on, there is no way to be sure.
   
   
2. Colour Matching on the hand only: Our skin on the hands or inner wrists are always lighter than our face. Think about it, our face is exposed to the sun the most and therefore can be a totally different shade than our hands. The wrist will give you the wrong shade since it's undertone and overall tone can be different.
   
   
3. Not trying it on: This will waste time for you and will result in the wrong purchase. Most counters and brands will allow you to try the foundation from a tester before buying and also allow you to get a sample BEFORE you buy. So please be sure to ask vs. buying without trying.
   
   
4. Buying the same colour or product because a friend has it: Again this goes back to point 1, our eyes can play tricks. We may seem to be all the same shade but your undertones can vary from Beige, Yellow or Pink. Therefore don't buy the same shade unless you have tried it on.

DO's

1. Request a Colour Match: Always ask to be matched first and be honest with the Makeup Associate, let them know if this is a first time experience for you and you are not sure, this way it can be a positive experience for you.
   
   
2. Request a Sample: As mentioned above, most counters offer a Sampling Program, where they provide a sample or make one for you based on the colour matching consultation that you have had.
   
   
3. Checking lighting and time of day: The best time to test out a foundation for a proper colour match is during the day to early afternoon. Get your colour matched and walk around the mall with the foundation on, so you can see it in different lighting and feel 100% comfortable prior to purchasing.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HAND 

You may be asked a number of questions regarding makeup, some common ones are below:

1. What is your Skin type (Oily, Dry or Normal/Combination) 

You should know this before going in. If you are oily, you know you are from the start. This will help the associate recommend the TYPE of foundation for you.

2. Finish you are looking for (Matte, Semi Matte or Glowing) 

This will help you in the long run. Countless women will buy matte, but then find it wasn't the finish they wanted on their skin and wanted a glowing look. A glowy foundation doesn't mean oily, it means it will light reflect to give a radiant healthy skin finish.

3. Allergy concern

Most products go through various allergy testing but if you know you have a particular allergy or concern, please share with your makeup associate.

4. Why you are buying it (Night Out, Natural Look, Everyday Makeup or Vacation) 

Since the technology has improved with the development of Foundation, it has also brought to the counter various types of foundation. You can now get various coverages, SPF protection and skincare benefits all from your bottle of foundation! The best way I have seen this described is with Giorgio Armani, who has designed foundations to be a "WARDROBE FOR FACE". The idea that you have a variety of clothes for different occasions reflect in your foundation choices and options.

FINAL POINTS

• Colour Matching is a MUST. Let the experts try it on you, and see it on you before you buy.
• Buying on the spot: 110 % you should love it and if you are smiling, go for it!
• Did you know: You can be at least 3 different shades in 1 year from Winter to Summer.

I really hope that this post can help guide any of you who feel intimated or have never worn makeup before and are afraid to ask! Ask questions, do some research and it's makeup, so don't let it stress you but make it a fun experience!

Food | Spicy Whole Wheat Spaghetti Recipe

I love to cook all kinds of meals but my most favourite dishes that I enjoy to make are pasta! My all-time favourite meal is my Mom's version of Spaghetti! Her version is a wonderful combination of Spices/Meaty Sauce and the best part, super duper delicious mozzarella Cheese! It has everything in 1 pot!

Here is my healthy yet simple recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Whole Wheat Spaghetti
• 4 Medium Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Organic Tomato Sauce
• 2 Handfuls of Baby Spinach
• 2 Squirts of Sriracha Sauce
• 1 Onion
• Fresh Basil
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Sauce:
Finely chop onion and sauté in Olive Oil. Saute the onion for about 7 minutes until they go clear. Add fresh chopped garlic and 2 Squirts of Sriracha Sauce. Mix together. Chop Basil and add to the mixture. Then add your Tomatoe Sauce. Bring to a boil and remove from heat and cover with lid.

Pasta:

Boil your pasta according to package directions. Once cooked and drained, add the two handfuls of Baby Spinach into the Spaghetti and mix together.

Add the Tomato Sauce to the Spaghetti and mix/toss well. Once mixed, add the chopped tomatoes and you are done!

Simple yet perfect! Enjoy!

Beauty Look | #FOTD/#MOTD Sexy Navy using the ItsJudyTime Palette!

I had so much fun creating this look! I used the ItsJudyTime palette which I must say I was in my happy place when I first bought this palette. I love the options and versatility I have with this to truly create a million looks! I love Navy tones on brown eyes and wanted to create a sexy navy look. The look breakdown is below along with the pics!

PRODUCTS USED:

Eyes

ItsJudyTime Palette

Navy Blue - All Over Lid 

Bronze - Middle of the Lid

Gold - Inner Corner
Warm Matte Brown - Transition/Crease

Matte Vanilla - Brow Bone

Brows

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro in Wedgewood

Face

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #4 (Yellow Gold) mixed with Luminous Silk #6.5

Giorgio Armani Bronzer #100

Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Himalayas

Lips

MAC Cosmetics Angel Lipstick

MAC Cosmetics Lipglass in Posh It Up
MAC Lip Pencil in Spice

Navy is a gorgeous option for a smokey eye and pairs perfectly with bronzey/gold tones! Have fun trying this instead of black or brown and you will be in LOVE! This is a PERFECT night out look!

Lifestyle | #MondayFunday aka Family Day Weekend (The Coldest Weekend Yet)

In Toronto, how lucky are we that during the coldest, possibly the coldest weekend EVER, fell on Family Day weekend. I am far from a snow bunny or outdoorsy but if I was, I would have parked my a** at home, which is exactly what I did.

The thought of leaving the warm cozy cocoon of my warm house far outweighed my desire to go outside. So for my #MondayFunday* I did the following: (*Normally reserved for Sunday but long weekends are the exception!).

• Colour Coded my nail polishes (If you are Type A, you would love this).
• Shredded all the crap that has been on my desk for months (Do I need those expired coupons!)
• Finally folded my laundry. (Washed on time but never ever folded on time SIGH!)
• Cleaned out my Beauty Product cupboard (That was a mission and a half, do I need a crimper?)
• Ate a lot of Brookside Chocolate covered Acai/Blueberries (No, this is not fruit, me nuh care!)
• Read a few more chapters from Mindy Kaling's book: A must read!!

Now at this point you may wonder, where is the Family Day in all of this, well we ended up having our Family time on Sunday with Pizza and laughs. I was super glad that the weather did force us to stay in, chill out and re connect vs. being on Go Go Go mode all weekend. 

I hope you all had fun with your Family Day weekend and stayed cozy and warm!

Beauty Tip | Are you in a makeup rut?

Are you a slave to your Liquid Liner? 

Do you love BLUE EYESHADOW?

Can’t see anything on your lips but frosted or beige lips? 

Never wore blush?

Everyone has their go-to look that they have hung onto, regardless whether it was 10 years ago or longer.  It may be something we dabbled into when we first discovered our love for makeup, perhaps a signature colour of lipstick, a particular product or a certain way of wearing eye makeup etc.

I thought it would be fun to share some makeup idea swaps that may help to move some of you into a new direction of wearing a particular look or product, check it out below:

LIQUID EYE LINER

Discovered:  Circa 90’s and before then in Egyptian times.

Product used then:  Cover Girl Liquid Liner

• Swap Product:  Gel based Eye liners | Pen based | Soft Pencil
• Suggestions:  MAC’S Blacktrack Fluid line | Maybelline MasterKajal Pencil 

BLUE EYE SHADOW

Discovered:  Disco era and beyond

Product used then:  Flat/Matte blue shadow applied all over the lid

• Swap Product:  Metallic Eye shadows or Eye Pencils
• Suggestion:  Giorgio Armani Eye Tints | Makeup Forever Aqualiner Pencils

FROSTED LIPSTICK

Discovered: Circa 90’s in Pink tones. Revisited in the 90’s with brown tones.

Product used then:  Baby Pink Frosted Tone Lipsticks

• Swap Product:  Sheer Finish Lipsticks | Lip Balms | Lip Gloss
• Suggestion: MAC Lipglass in PRRR

BEIGE/BROWN LIPSTICK

Discovered: Popular in the 90’s (Think Cindy Crawford or anyone on Friends!)

Product used then: Revlon Toast of New York and any beige lipstick from MAC

• Swap Product: Beige/Brown has made a comeback but in more light reflecting finishes
• Suggestion: Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butters | Darker Matte Lip like Fast Play by MAC

PINK BLUSH

Discovered: Since the start of makeup when women would use berries to darkly stain cheeks

Product used then: Fruit and Variety of Pink Only shades of blushes.

• Swap Product: Sheer blushes in a variety of shades which work well with all skin tones 
• Suggestion: Cheek Fabric Powder Blush by Giorgio Armani | NARS Orgasm Blush. 

Hopefully there are a few swaps or new products that you can check out and incorporate into your day-to-night looks! Trends and technology in makeup is always changing so it's always good to check out what's out there and try something new! Be Brave!

Product Love | My Must-haves from Giorgio Armani Beauty

I recently looked at the Giorgio Armani collection and wanted to share the few items that are ideal staples from the line. Since Giorgio Armani is a higher end makeup line, this may help you pick the few items you may want to add to your own personal collection.

Here is the list and the gorgeous product shots below: 

1. #1 Eyes to Kill 4 Colour Eyeshadow Palette
2. #6 Eyes to Kill 4 Colour Eyeshadow Palette
3. #12 Smooth Silk Eye Pencil
4. #11 Smooth Silk Lip Pencil
5. #502 Scarletto Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick
6. Blender Brush

Smokey Eye Must-Have: #1 Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palette: For all of us, we always want the basic smokey eye and this particular palette allows you to do just that. A mix of silver/grey toned shades with the dark grey and black matte colours, you can create a soft to a very intense traditional smokey eye with this palette!

A Neutral Everyday Palette: #6 Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palette: Not everyone is comfortable with a dramatic eye makeup look and we all need an everyday palette. What I love about this one is that these colours look good on all skin tones! Also, you can wear this one everyday and make it more dramatic when you need to! A perfect starter shadow palette for anyone who is new to make up and the mini aspect of this compact make these quads perfect for travelling!

Everyday Liner that is a multi-tasker: #12 Smooth Silk Eye Pencil: A black eye pencil is a good staple to have, but having the chocolate version is also a must for many reasons! It provides a softer, diffused look to all eye colours and it's more comfortable to wear because the colour is not as dramatic as black. The smudger that is included gives you versatility as well. You can also use this pencil as a base for your eye shadow so that the shadow on top is more intense and you can CONTOUR your cheekbones with this pencil too!

A liner that can double as a lipstick: #11 Smooth Lip Pencil: This deep plum toned pencil is my obsession! The pencils are smooth and super pigmented so you can fill in the entire lips and not have to add lipstick. Keep it Matte or add a gloss on top and you are good to go, a great shade for the season!

Hydrating and Full Colour Lipstick: #502 Scarletto Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick: This colour is HOT! It looks great on everyone! This lipstick is a CC Lipstick which is Colour + Care, with Vitamin E and Shea Butter. It gives you smooth lips each time you wear it, a perfect shade to wear for a boost!

The perfect Foundation Brush: Blender Brush: This brush is my perfect tool to use with Luminous Silk Foundation. The rounded shape and the sable bristles leave a blended and smooth finish. I find that I use less product since the brush does most of the work! It really gives you a flawless and airbrushed look.

Be sure to check these must-haves out and add to your own collection!

Food | Penne Chicken Veggie Soup Recipe

One of the best things to have when you are not feeling well or on a super cold day is Chicken Vegetable soup. As a kid, we loved getting either the canned or the packet version of the soup. As I started to learn to cook for myself, I wanted to be able to make it from scratch whenever the mood struck. Here is my take on a classic Chicken Soup!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Bag of Penne Pasta or Noodle of your Choice
• 5 Carrots Sliced
• 6 Celery Sliced & Diced
• 2 Cups of Rotisserie Chicken - Shredded
• 1 Small Onion Diced
• A pinch of Thyme
• 2 Tablespoon Margarine
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon of Garlic or Fresh Garlic*Optional
• Water to fill 3/4 of Pot Used

Grab a Large pot and over medium heat add margarine. Add a piece of onion so you can gauge the heat of the melted margarine, but once you see the onion sizzle, add the onions, carrots and celery. Toss together and cook for about 5 mins.

Add the bay leaf and the thyme. Cook the vegetables until they are softened. Be sure not to over cook them.

Add the following seasoning (Salt, Pepper and Garlic). Toss together and heat for another 5 minutes. Now add the shredded chicken into the pot and combine the veggies with the chicken and mix well. Cover the pot with the lid and leave on Medium High heat for about 5 minutes.

Now slowly add water until the pot is 3/4 full. But you want to add the water, a cup or two at a time. Turn the heat to high. Each time you add the cup of water, you want to wait till that water boils before you add each additional cup. Once the last cup of water has been added, then wait for it to boil and then add your pasta noodles. Cook for the allotted time for the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and cover with lid. 

Voila!! Your grown up version of Chicken Noodle Soup = Penne Chicken Veggie Soup! This is the perfect meal for whenever you are feeling under the weather or nostalgic for your childhood!