Skin Care Do's and Don'ts...

I have to admit, I’m a little obsessive when it comes to my skin. I only good quality products and have been known to splurge on them.

Making sure you take care of your skin properly is extremely important as it’s visible throughout the day, exposed to a lot and it deserves it!! Now, I’m not a professional when it comes to skin but there are a few things I know and have learned.

Always make sure you remove you makeup at the end of the day. I know, it seems like a no-brainer, but I know a lot of people who go to bed with it on and not only is it bad for your skin, but it takes all of 5 minutes to do. And after a whole day of wearing makeup, there’s no better feeling than going to bed with a fresh, clean face and it gives your skin a chance to breathe.

Going to bed with it not only clogs your pores but you increase your risk of acne because of the dirt that goes onto your skin.

Be sure to exfoliate your skin every 2 weeks, this removes any dead skin cells, and will leave your face feeling incredibly soft. Toning afterwards will balance your skins natural PH and help it remove excess dirt/product.

Make sure that you are using the correct products for your skin. Eye makeup removers, toners and moisturizers are available for all different skin types. There are also many different types of creams, serums and oils. And make sure you wear sunscreen, everyday. Most face creams and even foundations have SPF in them.

Eating the right food can also really help your skin. Blueberries, cantaloupe, dark chocolate (70% or higher, 1 or 2 small squares and I prefer it cold), and pomegranates have antioxidants, plus eating Omega 3 rich foods help keep skin looking healthy.  And drinking lots of water is very important.

Don’t pick at, or pop acne, as doing so can make them worse and even leave scars. Use the proper medicated acne products as directed.

I’ve recently starting using under eye cream, and I find that the results really make a difference. The area it self is very delicate and cream helps moisturize, reduce puffiness/dark circles and the look of bags!

Be sure to clean your makeup brushes as often as possible with a spray cleaner, as well as the holder.

This cleaner from Sephora is great. No need for any water and they'll dry in a few minutes.

Daily Brush Cleaner

Image Credit: Sephora

While I love facials, I can’t yet afford to get them so I make sure that I take care of my skin which isn't hard and the end results are not only rewarding but feel so good! 

New Product Alert

The only thing I love more than putting on makeup, is taking it off at the end of the day. I love a fresh, clean face and when I found this product, I was delighted.

On the days where you've spend all day outside, this is the product you need. It's a light mask that gently cleanses away any impurities that've gotten on your skin and in your pores throughout the day. Simply take a small amount (save the package, you will use it a few times) and apply it on your face rubbing it in. Count to 60 and wash your face as you normally would. Your skin will feel refreshed and it also helps reduce blemishes and shine...triple bonus!!

Sephora Pore Clarifying Mask

Image Credit: Sephora

Makeup Do's and Don'ts

Makeup is meant to be fun. Playing around, trying out different looks and discovering what looks good and what doesn’t. But it also means doing things properly to achieve the right look.

Working in the beauty industry, I’ve seen many girls committing no-no’s when it comes to makeup and I want to share what I think (and have been taught) are the correct ways. **Keep in mind, I’m not a professional but I do take tips from my favourite pro makeup artists***

Concealer is meant for small areas and should be half a shade lighter than your skin tone. It can be used under the eyes, around the nose, hiding any imperfections you see. Using a small amount, apply to which ever area you need and gently tap it into the skin. Make sure your fingers are clean.

Once concealer is applied, it should not be visible so make sure you blend.

The most basic product is foundation. But, there’s a big difference between just using it and wearing it properly. It should match your skin and now most brands have many different tones for all skin.

First, make sure your skin is cleansed with toner and moisturized. Next, depending on the type of foundation you have (whipped or liquid) apply it using the right tools. For liquid, you can use a brush or a cosmetic wedge. If you use a brush, make sure the bristles are natural hair, opposed to plastic for an even natural coverage and with a clean hand, apply a small on your wrist, adding more if need be. Same technique can be used with wedges. If you’re using the whipped, take small amount on your finger and apply it to your skin, blending. You can also you cosmetic wedges for whipped.

Working in a salon, waxing eyebrows for 4.5 years taught me a lot on skin, how it should be treated and how makeup should look. I found many ladies wearing thick, orange or beige toned foundation and heavy drawn-in eyebrows (which, made my job a lot harder).

Foundation should look natural, smooth and clean, not cakey or heavy and there shouldn’t be a “line” around your chin/jaw area, so proper blending is key. 

Filling eyebrows can be scary but I learnt that there is an easy and simple way to do it right. Using brow pencil in the same shade of your eyebrow hair, draw short, hair like strokes and use a brow powder to fill in gaps. Blend using a brush.

Eyebrows should look natural when filled in. You don’t want any harsh lines.

Bronzer should be used to give the skin a healthy glow, and used in the right areas to give slight contouring.

When it comes to mascara, you want it to look clean and natural. Don’t forget, eyelashes are very delicate so treat them with care.

With wearing makeup, remember one important thing. Less is more but you can always add if needed. Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty. 

Spring Trends

Spring is here!! I can’t tell you how happy I am about the fact that it’s finally getting warmer out.

There are so many things I love about spring, and that includes all the trends that are out there for clothing and accessories. Here are some of the ones I love and how to wear them.

Pastels. Soft colours with flirty fabrics. The trick to this trend is to not look like an Easter egg, to achieve this mix and match pieces with dark colours and fabrics.

A soft toned blazer, like pink, is great paired with jeans and a solid top. 

Smythe Bright Crepe Boyfriend Blazer

Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Go for a dress that can take you from day to night. Pair it up with dark pumps, or sandals and add a metallic clutch.

Rebecca Taylor Drooped-Waist Crepe Shirtdress

Image Credit: Neiman Marcus

White. I love wearing white. It’s fresh, clean and adds a new comfort value. Wear it with darker tones, bright or neutrals colours, and also white-it can be done!

Wear white jeans with a neutral top or patterned one.

Current/Elliott The Stiletto Jean

Image Credit: Current/Elliott

For those warm days, go for a white dress to keep of the heat and stay chic. Nude sandals with gold toned jewelry will finish off the look.

Catherine Malandrino Mixed-Laced Drop-Waist Sleevess Dress

Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Mix it up and wear monotone, two of the same colours in different tones or go for colour blocking, wearing two different bold colours together.

For monotone, wear a light blue top.

A.L.C McKay Short-Side Skirt 

Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

For colour blocking, pair a purple blouse and you have a great office look that's colourful!

Etro Straight Leg Pants

Image Credit Style Bop

Pair of teal blouse with a pair of black and white printed pants.

Signature

Image Credit: Equipment

Prints. Wear them with solids or another print; just make sure it’s a different one.

Mix and match a polka dot blouse with a strip skirt.

Equipment Brett Polka-Dot Long Sleeve Top

Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Wear a pair of bold blue shorts for a fun summer look.

Aruna Top

Image Credit: Joie

Keep it simple with a white blouse and blazer.

Isabel Marant Musk Tapered Printed Trousers

Image Credit: Lyst

Mixing neutrals may not seem like a spring trend, but it’s a classic. Navy, Black, White, Grey and even Beige paired together the right way is a staple that you will love.

A LBD ("Little Black Dress") will never go out of style.

Rag & Bone Nudie Tonal-Trim Dress

Image Credit: Neiman Marcus

The LWD ("Little White Dress") is the new LBD...

Theory Forage Fanya Dress

Image Credit: Shop Bop

Neutral pants paired with a colourful patterned blouse, brighten up an outfit.

Piazza Sempione Cotton Blend Cropped Trousers

Image Credit: Style Bop

Wear with a purple skirt with a white blazer.

Jersey Chiffon Top

Image Credit: Rebecca Taylor

Boyfriend jeans. The ultimate mix of comfort, style and chicness. I especially love distresses ones.

Option 1: Simple flats for a relaxed look.

Leigh Boyfriend

Image Credit: Hudson

Option 2: Wear a pair of pointed pumps for an extra chicness.

Rag & Bone Distressed Cropped

Net-A-Porter

Onto accessories...let's start with shoes.

I've talked about styles that are classic but when you take them and transform them into trends that are perfect for spring, it just makes them better.

While I love neutrals, metallics are the next step up. 

Jimmy Choo Anouk Metallic Pump in Silver

Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avennue

Change up a look with a bright sandal. 

Manolo Blahnik Cobras Suede Ankle-Strap Sandal

Image Credit: Bergdof Goodman

Get comfy. Go low, strappy with a chunky heel.

Alexander Wang Ariel Cuffed Leather Sandal

Image Credit: The Outnet

Look for bags that are multi-purposed. 

Totes that have straps give your shoulder a break.

Givenchy Nightingale 

Image Credit: Net-A-Porter

Clutches with addition straps are handy! (Get it...)

Valentino Rockstud Flat Wristlet

Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

I love jewelry in gold, silver or chrome to add freshness or an edge to an outfit. 

These are just some of the trends for Spring that I love, and what's great about them is how interchangeable they are. Mix and match them for any occasion and style. 

I have no doubt that these trends will go over into summer, but I'm definitely excited to see what's coming up next!

Inexpensive-Cosmetics Edition...

Cosmetics are always fun to play with. Trying out different looks, playing up certain features is all part of the fun. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it.

The great thing about cosmetics lines is they’re always coming out with new mascara, liners, lipsticks, etc. that fit whatever look you’re trying to achieve and I’m always trying out new products to see what works and what doesn’t.

The most important thing is you always want to make sure that you’re using the correct products for your skin type and tone. Everyone will have different preferences when it comes to their skin.

While there are many different brands available, there are a few specific drugstore lines that I use and prefer.

L'Oreal and Maybelline carry a wide variety of foundation lines for every skin colour and type, as well as different pallet colours of eye shadows, types of eye liner, mascaras plus lots of different lip sticks and glosses.

I also love Almay because it’s good for sensitive skin.

Don't be afraid to do research when it comes to products, to see how they work and what they do. It often helps when figuring out what look you're trying to achieve and it's okay to be picky when it comes to cosmetics, you want something you know will work.