Haul || H&M, MAC, Drugstore..

I recently picked up a few odds and ends on a little mall trip and thought I'd show you all :)

Shoppers Drug Mart

❤ 2 x Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara - my all-time and only favourite drugstore mascara, and it was on sale ;) so I stocked up, obviously

❤ Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 17 - again, it was on sale, and I'm on a quest for work friendly neutrals that won't wash me out. This one is a pink-nude.

H&M

❤ Mirrored Phone Case - this case is so cute! ..however it tarnished two days after having it on. VERY disappointing. I love how it was mirrored.. I'm not that vain, am I?

❤ Earrings - they were on sale for 3$.. I couldn't refuse, easy as that

❤ Change Purse - with getting lots of change in tips from work I really needed a coin purse for my change, this one is super cute and so soft, I'm in love

❤ Purple Cross Body Bag - another sale item, 15$! I love the colour of this bag as well as the size and amount it holds. I find myself reaching for this bag almost everyday

❤ Silver Statement Necklace - I was lusting over a similar one at one of my other jobs which was three times the price, so when I saw this on sale you bet your bottom dollar I snatched it up!

❤ Patterned Shorts - H&M always has the cutest shorts; majority of them being in the 15$ price range. When I saw these I loved how they could easily be dressed up or down. Hoping to have a styling feature on these babies in the future!

❤ Loose Basic Tanks - I got this shirt in three colours; the striped, black and white. Great basics and wonderful for layering, and at 5$ you can't go wrong! They're so lightweight and breezy. Loved them on my trip to Boston!

And from MAC I picked up three lipsticks:

BRICK-O-LA: an orangey/pinkey/browny red.. if that makes sense. It looks different on everyone, I swear! A girl I work with said it looked brownish red on her, but on me it has orangey tones sometimes, and pink tones others? I don't even know.. either way, I'm in love with it. I love it as an understated, less bold, everyday type red!

REBEL: I've previously owned (and loved this one) but then lost it ages ago on a night out.. I finally repurchased because I missed it THAT much! It's a gorgeous pink/purple and it looks so different and beautiful on every skin tone!

SYRUP: I've heard rave reviews about this one, one of those 'your lips but better' colours which I really need more of for work. This lipstick has now become a staple for me, and I find myself reaching for it most work days.

Brick-O-La - Syrup - Rebel

xLB

OOTD + FOTD || 7 February 2013

I'm obsessed with my disco pants.. so glad I took the plunge and bought them. Can't stop wearing!

❤ Alphabet Shirt - American Apparel
❤ Disco Pants - American Apparel

❤ Lips - MAC Russian Red
❤ Face - MUFE HD foundation, Smashbox bronzer, Nars orgasm blush, MAC MSF in lightscapade
❤ Eyes - MAC Carbon shadow, Smashbox full exposure mascara

xLB

MAC Presents.. Archie's Girls!

As you may or may not know, MAC has finally recently launched the Archie's Girls collection! It's currently available online, and will be hitting counters in North America on the 7th, then will be en route internationally next month.

The line originates from the Archie comic books from America starting in the 40s. Even as a child I recall these being all the rage, so they definitely still circulate quite a bit.

In the comics two girls, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, are after Archie's affections. The lines are translated from their personalities in the comics, and into the cosmetics range. Betty is the sweet girl-next-door, whereas Veronica is more on the sexy/ sultry side. These are reflected very well into the MAC range.

For Betty's line think pinks and corals, where Veronica's is more reds and plums. That being said, I was definitely more into the Veronica range.

Some of my personal favouites of the collection were:

Caramel Sundae Eyeshadow Quad: Four shades of eye shadow in Cheryl Chic, Dreammaker, Caramel Sundae and Showstopper. 52$ CAD

Pearlmatte Face Powder: Available in Flatter Me (Peach/Coral-y) and Veronica's Blush (Pink/Silver-y) I'm definitely going to need to swatch to make an ultimate decision! (But I'm leaning more towards Flatter Me) 35$ CAD

Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner: The packaging on this is so cute, I can't not get one! Available in four shades; a blue, bronze, black and purple. They have a bit of shimmer to them, so again, definitely going to need to swatch first. 20$ CAD

Lipsticks: Betty Bright (Light Vibrant Peach), Daddy's Little Girl (Midtone Pink Violet), Ronnie Red (Bright Red) and Boyfriend Stealer (Blackened Plum). The last three being Veronica's shades, hers are definitely the favoured for me. 20$ CAD

The brush kit also gets on honourable mention, because the brushes are so cute with the little hearts, but it was a pretty basic set of brushes I already own plenty of instead of the more per say different brushes I'm looking for to expand my collection.

If had to only choose one thing it would definitely be the eyeshadow quad; I've been on the hunt for the perfect neutral palette and I think this will do the trick! Runner up would be the Daddy's Little Girl lipstick. Gorgeous!

Overal, I'd rate this collection a 4/5 because I really like how by having ranges from the two girls they really target two very different customer profiles. Very clever! Great collection!

xLB

Makeup Haul -- DEC12/JAN13

These were from two recent trips to both Sephora and Mac, I wanted to wait a bit before uploading so that I could test them out in my daily routine before reporting back to you lovely lot :~)

* I actually had some technical difficulties which resulted in this entire post being deleted after quite some time, so I apologize if it isn't as detailed as anticipated, out of sheer frustration :~( let me know if you want anything in more detail and I'll hop right on it! x

My lovely purchases from the first shopping trip :~) I did have quite a few gift cards to spend heheheheh

Here we have my much coveted MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (MSF) in Lightscapade; I'm obsessed with this! It's aimed primarily as a highlighter, It's a champagne colour with a pearl flex and blue veins, so pretty!

Nars Blush in Orgasm (32$); I don't know how I've never owned this blush seeing as it's one of the products/shades Nars is notorious for, but nevertheless, it's now mine! It's a peachy-pink with gold flex.. definitely a reoccurring colour in my collection. It's very pigmented and goes on rather well, although I only like a subtle amount of blush so this one requires quite a bit of blending for me, personally. Other than that, I loooove the colour!

Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream Palette in No1 (43$); Another product I've been dying for for quite some time. The first three are used for concealer, depending on your skin colour you can blend them and the like, the fourth is aimed at under eye circles and the last one is green to combat redness. I love the consistency of these, I do find the product ends up with a bit of oily residue on it after using it (in the packaging, not on your face if that makes sense..) aside from that, great product. 

Stila Convertible Color in Peony (33$); I've eyeing this one for quite some time, but I'm not too skilled in the cream blush department.. but after swatching one day in Sephora I decided to take the plunge, and I'm glad I did! It can be used for cheeks and lips. (This shade at least) it doesn't have a strong colour change on lips, just kind of one of those 'your lips but better' shades, then on the cheeks it gives off a nice dewy glow. 

Benefit Coral My World (15$); This was one of those purchases that I picked up while in the queue at Sephora. I've been lusting after Benefit's blushes for the longest time, but not quite enough to shell out the 36$, so luckily this came along! Included is the Coralista blush (~1/3 of the full size) and a mini sun beam highlighter. I actually have a set of three benefit tint/highlighters of the same size also picked up while in queue at sephora, and they've lasted me for over a year, so all thought it looks small, a little goes a long way. The blush is a coral/peachy-pink with gold flex, just how I like it ;~) and the highlighter is gold,  which is quite nice as it's different from the usual pearl shades I go to. Perfect for the summer, I love sets like these as they let you try some products and incorporate them into your collection for cheap!

 Clinique Chubby Stick in 15-Pudgy Peony (19$); I'd recently fallen in love with Clinique lip products, so I decided to try this; the fact that it was a super pigmented balm in a bright colour really caught my attention. I love this because it gives you the colour of lipstick, but with the moisture of a balm. It's not an excessively pigmented lip colour, however they do have an 'intense' range if you're looking for more pigment. This satisfies my pigment needs. I'd definitely recommend this, I'm in love. And of course, the colour I fell in love is coincidentally called 'peony' .. can you say meant to be? Or obsession ;~)

First here is the Nails Inc Special Effects Holographic Polish (12$); I've been dying to try a holographic polish for the longest time, so when I saw this I finally took the plunge and purchased. I've yet to try it, but I'm sure you'll see it in a NOTD post in the future :~)

Next is the fresh Soy Face Cleanser* (17.50$); I've been dying to try this cleanser for the longest time, so I was beyond thrilled when I received a sample of it!! I'm OBSESSED with the fresh brand, it's one of my favourites. I've yet to use this, but will be using it tonight for sure! SOOOO excited, eeee!

Here we have the fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex* (48$); This is another sample I received and will definitely be trying tonight as well with my soy cleanser. As stated above, I LOOOOOVE FRESH :~)

 

Finally, MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red (18$); Finally I've bought my very first matte finish from MAC, which is quite surprising as I really dislike glossy finishes.. I've been meaning to buy a red from MAC for the longest time so I was quite satisfied with this one! Deeper reds tend to look better with my skin tone, so it was hard to find one I liked but I'm in love with this one! YAY!

I know this was quite lengthy, but a haul is a haul, thanks for reading! Hope you're all having the happiest of happy new years! Cheers

xLB

Boxing Day Mini-Haul

Hello hello! Hope you're all having a lovely holiday, I know I am! So today being Boxing Day, and me being off work, I decided to wake up at the crack of dawn and head to my local mall! I'm not super into Boxing Day, especially with online shopping existing, so I wasn't up to driving far.

Unfortunately MAC doesn't have sales, as I'm sure you know, but I had a gift card to use so I figured I'd drop in anyway.

First up I got a Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus. However she ended up giving me a natural instead of the MSF highlighter type thing which I was after, so I'm thinking about going back and exchanging once I got to another mall with MAC in it this weekend (while I'm at work). It's a really nice finish, but personally I don't see much of a difference between this and the SS Pressed Power with the exception of the 5$ price difference and 2g less off powder. Soooo exchange it is.

Next up I had to get a lipstick, me being me. MAC lipsticks are my absolute favourite lipsticks. They're so pigmented and so creamy and I find they have really good staying power and seldom bleed, which is my favourite thing. So this trip I got 'Girl About Town' which is one of the darkest pinks MAC has. It's a blue toned fuchsia which I quite love. It's also a creme finish which is my absolute favourite, I find they have the longest staying power and is very creamy and glides right on!

Next up, H&M. So I went into H&M totally expecting to score, however I was really disappointed in their sales. People at the mall I work at were lined up hours before the mall opened which I don't understand because the sales were absolute rubbish. I felt like I found more accessories than clothes that I wanted, so I only grabbed a few things because I don't need anymore costume jewellery.. but it's a weakness.

These necklaces were 7$ each and are super cute. They aren't long, which I like too. They come to around the collarbone area, I'm sure you'll see them in some OOTD posts once I get back into the swing of things and get back to school!

This sweater was probably my favourite score of the day; it was regularly priced for 30$ and I got it for 10$! It has a boat neck collar and is knit with flecks of shimmer. It's an off-white colour and has a dip hem. It also zips up in the back for about 4 inches. I lovelovelove it, it looks great with my legging type pants and I'm so excited to wear it next semester! 

Next up was Old Navy. In case you aren't familiar with Old Navy it's part of a group which includes other stores like GAP and Banana Republic. It's very budget friendly, I pretty much only go there for basics and the clearance section. Their clearance section is fantastic, so I'd recommend checking it out if you have an Old Navy in your area. I know when I was younger it was very 'uncool' to shop there, so I think they have a bad reputation, however I've noticed a drastic improvement over the past two years or so.

These are pretty ho-hum, just two basic tank tops. I use these types of tank tops a lot since I have quite a few sheer, billowy blouses so these are great for underneath. I got a black one and a white one and they were 5$ each from I believe 10$.

These were another score. Majority of their pyjamas were 70% which was i n c r e d i b l e. The owl ones are fleecy and are so comfortable, I actually got an animal print version for christmas. They were originally 15$ or so, and came to around 4.5$ which was awesome. The ones on the right I thought were so cute! The ones on the right are adorable as well, I am quite the pyjama bottom connoisseur, but prior I didn't own any plaid, oddly enough, so for around 3$ I had to get these! They also have a bit of glitter in them which I love. Unfortunately majority of the pyjamas they had were two sizes bigger than what I normally get, including these on the right. So they'll be quite large, but I'm only wearing them around the house, so who will even know!

I absolutely adore this dress. It's a purple coloured shift dress, and looks super cute belted. I scored this one for 10.99, from 30$ which was great! Again, another piece you'll be seeing shortly in an OOTD once I get back to school.

Last up from Old Navy were these flats. They were regularly priced at 24$ each, and I scored them for 12$ each, so pretty my BOGO free! The first pair are grey, and the second pair are leopard print. I actually own quite a few pairs of shoes from Old Navy because they always have such a great variety at such an awesome price. However, I have a hard time with fit of their shoes, I would be a half size if they did have half sizes, so most of the time their shoes are too tight if I go down, yet too big if I go up. And by quite a lot, oddly enough. HOWEVER these have the elasticized form which makes them fit like a dream! Obsessed with these shoes. They had them in so many colours, so I'm definitely considering going back for more!

Last up was a very exciting (kidding) score. I ended up getting a new filter for my water pitcher for only 6$!!! WOOHOO :D

So it wasn't too bad of a shopping trip, but still kind of disappointing considering all the boxing day hype. Forever 21 has a 30% off sweater online feature going, so I'm thinking of shopping online for some jumpers. Other than that, my boxing day shopping is officially done!

Did any of you brave the malls for Boxing Day shopping? Or shop online? If so, I'd love to see what you got x

xLB

Christmas Wish list 2012

Hi beauty bunnies!

Seeing as Christmas is only E LE V E N days away I guess this is a bit of a belated post, but I've really been in the Christmas spirit since learning I get to go home for more of the holiday break than I intended on (YAY!!) and I have a massive list of things on my purchase list, I figured I would do a christmas wish list for 2012!

Stila Convertible Colour in Peony (33$ CAD)

I've been hearing wonderful things about this product for the longest time, and peonies just happen to be my absolute favourite flower, and the shade looked great so I took it as a sign to be meant to be! So this one is definitely at the top of my wanted list. It's a lipstick and blush in one that comes in 7 gorgeous colours. Peony is a muted nude-pink-brown colour. Gorgeous! I've heard it's highly pigmented, so I'm excited to try it out on my own. Hopefully you'll see a review in the new year!

Trilogy - The Weeknd (12.99$ CAD)

I've been meaning to buy this for SO long but never got round to it, so I hope Santa adds it to my stocking this year ;)

Kate Spade iPhone 4 Wristlet (70$)

I've wanted a wristlet/wallet/clutch type iPhone case for the longest time. I was looking into the Michael Kors ones  for the longest time but wasn't sold on a model/colour. Then I stumbled upon the Kate Spade ones and found exactly what I was looking for! This one is a gorgeous black patent and has a super cute striped interior. I also love the detachable strap feature and the embossed pattern on the front flap, lovely! Kate Spade always has the cutest and quirkiest tech accessories, I'd definitely recommend checking them out!

Juicy Couture WWF Necklaces (78$)

These necklaces are absolutely ADORABLE and stood out to me when Juicy posted them on their Facebook page. A little pricey for borderline costume jewellery, imo, however they do benefit a great cause, the World Wildlife Foundation, so I feel a bit better shelling out the money! The turtle one stood out to me first, it's gorgeous; look at those colours! And tigers are one of my favourite animals, so I had to add it as well! So cute, such a great cause!

Neiman Marcus/Target Collab - Carolina Herrera Travel Bags (39.99$ USD)

There wasn't a lot from this collaboration that I thought WOW I have to have! There were a few things, but some I just couldn't justify the prices on them. These stood out to me. After seeing them online I went to check them out in store and feel even more in love! The prints are way too cute (and also come in a matching stationary set). The interior of them is quite nice at all, and they don't feel the slightest bit 'cheap' which I was worried about. And there is some great detailing on these, like the ribbons and the zippers. Definitely going to have to pick these up! There's a lot from this collection I'll be grabbing if it hits sale/clearance. Overall, too cute!

Origins Super Spot Remover (13$ CAD)

I've read so many wonderful reviews on this product, so I'm just itching to try it! If it weren't for Christmas being so soon I'd be buying it next pay check! However, I shall wait.. It is pricey for such a small bottle, but it's one of those things where a little goes a long way, so it could last years.

Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette (43$ CAD)

Again, another product I've great reviews on. A lot of people have constantly been going back to this concealer set, despite trying plenty of others, which I quite like. I opted for No 1 instead of No 2 which I probably should be, because I feel I'd get more use out of the green than the purple, that's what it came down to for me. I'm really excited for this one, again, hopefully a review in the new year!

NARS blush in Orgasm (32$)

Now a question I've been wondering for quite some time now is.. HOW DO I NOT HAVE THIS ALREADY? I've sampled it a billion times, I love the colour, and it's pretty much a staple in anyone's makeup collection. I guess I've just never gotten round to buying it for some particularly odd reason, but nevertheless, hopefully come christmas 2012 it will be mine, at long last!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle (29$ USD)

Another product I've heard many wonderful reviews on. The mineralize products are all so beautiful too, I love the swirls in them.

Fossil Stella Resin Watch - Tort with Gold Tone (105$ CAD)

I have been lusting after this watch for quite some time now. I'm huge on watches; I wear one everyday. That being said, I have a really nice silver toned watch, but I don't have a nice gold toned watch yet (I like my watches to match the rest of my outfit/jewellery's hardware). That being said, I like how it's fairly neutral, so great for everyday wear.

That about sums up my most wanted list! I'll likely end up purchasing majority of these myself from christmas/christmas pay money. Because they are all things I've wanted for quite some time and feel necessary to my collection! Anyway, hope you all get exactly what you want and have a lovely time with your loved ones this holiday season!

xLB

FOTD | 4 December 2012

Hello hello my lovely beauty bunnies! Hope you're all well. Just a quick little FOTD post. All pictures are from my mobile hence the not so hot quality. BUT better than nothing right?!

Face:
❤ Smashbox Primer
❤ Makeup Forever HD Foundation (117)
❤ Sephora Concealer Stick
❤ Mac SS Pressed Powder (nw20)
❤ Smashbox Bronze Lights (sun tan matte)

Eyes:
❤ Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer
❤ Shadows from Urban Decay's Naked2 palette (Tease all over, Busted in crease, Blackout as eyeliner, Bootycall under brow bone)
❤ Makeup Forever Smoky Lash mascara

It's harder than you think to take close up pictures of your eye in good quality! haha

Some cheeky selfies ;)

annnnnd the grand finale!

xLB