Current makeup faves

Fall is always a transition period for me. Even though it's my absolute favourite season in terms of fashion, on the beauty side, it tends to be a bit more difficult. If I could be tanned all-year long and have access to sunshine, I would be the happiest girls in the world. It seems a tad ironic, I love the fall weather for layers but need the summer sun for that glowy skin. Well, when you bronzed skin disappears, you need to find new ways of feeling "bronzed" again. These are my current must-haves in the makeup department. As you can see, it's not much but it really does the tricks.

1. Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom in Purple Tulip: A cream blush in a fall hue that gives the perfect glow.

2. Clarins Fix' Make-up: I've been spritzing this everyday once my makeup is done and it leaves my skin with the perfect complexion while holding my makeup on for the day.

3. CND Vinylux Weekly Polish: Natural white neutral nails always for the win.

4. Clarins Instant Light Complexion Illuminating Base in Golden Caramel: Litterally, the perfect way of cheating a bit on your tan. I use a very thing layer as a base and then apply my tinted moisturizer. 

5. MUFE Pro Bronze Fusion: Bronzer must be my fave makeup product and this MUFE is the perfect hue to achieve the natural bronzed look. 

6. Caudalie Vinoperfect tinted moisturizer: My current personal fave, I can just slap it on with my hands and it gives me the perfect amount of natural coverage. 

What are your current fave makeup products?! Would love to discover some new products <3

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L'automne est toujours une période de transition pour moi. Malgré le fait que l'automne est ma saison préférée en terme de mode, côté beauté, je trouve cela plutôt difficile. Pourquoi? Et bien, si je pouvais avoir une bronzage à longueur d'année, je serai la fille la plus heureuse sur la planète. Tout ceci peut sembler très ironic, j'adore l'automne et sa température, mais j'ai besoin de rayons de soleil de l'été pour garder mon teint de rêve. Au moment où mon bronzage disparaît, j'essaie toujours de dénicher des moyens pour repousser le moment où j'ai presque l'air d'un fantôme. Voici mes astuces du moment en terme de maquillage. Comme vous pouvez l'observer ceci ne consiste pas en beaucoup de produits, mais je crois vraiment que "less is more". 

1. Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom - Purple Tulip: Un blush en crème dans une teinte très automnale est une bonne façon d'aller chercher une apparence radieuse. 

2. Clarins Fix' Make-up: Je spray ce produit chaque jour à la fin de mon maquillage et ma peau a automatiquement une superbe allure et mon maquillage reste en place toute la journée.

3. CND Vinylux Weekly Polish: Je ne peux me passer des couleurs neutres pour l'automne. 

4. Clarins Éclat Minute Base Illuminatrice: Selon moi, la meilleure façon de tricher et d'obtenir un beau teint. J'utilise ce produit comme base et j'obtiens automatiquement une bonne mine bronzée. 

5. MUFE Pro Bronze Fusion: Le bronzer est vraiment mon produit maquillage chou-chou et ce dernier me donne le teint naturel parfait, sans avoir l'allure d'être revenue d'un voyage dans le sud. 

6. Caudalie Vinoperfect fluide teinté: Mon produit préféré du moment, car je peux l'appliquer très facilement avec mes mains et j'obtiens un teint uniforme. 

Quels sont vos produits de maquillage préférés du moment?! J'adore découvrir des nouveaux produits selon vos recommendations <3

 

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Get summer ready

1. Exfoliate your skin: I've been recently using this Caudalie Cabarney Scrub all over my body right before a good day under the sun and my skin feels so soft. An exfoliating scrub helps get rid of dead skin and prep your skin for the sun. 

2. Hydrate your hair: In the summer, I'm all about hair masks. I spend almost every weekend in the pool and I make sure to bring one while on vacation. The sun, the salt and the chlorine can really damage the hair. I tried the Shu Uemura Shusu Sleek hair mask last week at an event and my hair had never felt so tamed and soft. Make sure to treat your hair at least once a week during the summer to keep them healthy and shiny. 

3. Beachy Waves: More on hair. Nobody wants a very polished look during summer. It's all about the beach waves and the natural look. I have naturally curly hair but sometimes they are too curly and I need a little help to take it all down. The KISS InstaWave has a very unique system but it sure works on short hair and helps me create the beachy look. 

4. Bring out the brights and pastels: I always turn to Essie and the FormulaX by Sephora for my choice in nail polish colours. They both have an amazing variety of colours and they remain a long time on the nails. My summer choices : Bikini So Teeny by Essie and Potent by FormulaX Sephora.

5. It's gladiator time: Currently obsessed with all things boho and the gladiator sandal is no exclusion. I limited myself to one neutral color and this black option from the Gap. It's the second time I purchase shoes from the Gap and they are seriously comfy.

6. Prep your bikini body: Summer is the time to get that firm and soft skin. I've been applying the Vichy Ideal-Body Serum like water and I'm seeing a little difference on the texture of my skin. 

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1. Exfoliez votre peau: Depuis quelques jours, j'essaye le Gommage Crushed Cabarnet de Caudalie sur tout mon corps juste avant une exposition au soleil. Un produit exfoliant permet de bien nettoyer la peau et éliminer toute la peau morte. Une bonne préparation donne un meilleur bronzage.

2. Hydratez vos cheveux: En été, j'abuse de mes masques capillaires. Je passe presque chaque week-end dans la piscine et je m'assure toujours d'avoir mon masque capillaire avec moi en vacances. Le soleil, le sel et le chlore peuvent vraiment endommager les cheveux. J'ai essayé le masque capillaire Shu Uemura Shusu Sleek, la semaine dernière lors d'un événement et mes cheveux étaient tellement soyeux et bien bouclés. Assurez-vous de traiter vos cheveux au moins une fois par semaine pendant l'été pour les garder sains et brillants.

3. Beachy Waves: Parlons encore cheveux. Personne ne veut un look très polie pendant l'été. On veut toutes l'aspect naturel du look beachy waves. J'ai les cheveux naturellement assez bouclés et j'ai souvent besoin d'un petit coup de main pour maîtriser le look beachy waves. Le InstaWave KISS a un système unique et il fonctionne vraiment bien sur des cheveux courts. Il me permet de créer des boucles plus lousses, parfaites pour le look beachy. 

4. Sortez les pastels et les couleurs vives: Je me retourne toujours vers Essie et FormulaX by Sephora pour mes choix de couleurs de vernis à ongles. Les deux compagnies offrent de superbes choix et sont de bonnes qualités. Moi, un vernis qui dure deux jours, non merci! Mes choix pour l'été: Bikini So Teeny de Essie et Potent de FormulaX Sephora.

5. C'est le temps des sandales gladiateurs: Je suis présentement obsédée par tout ce qui est boho et les sandales gladiateurs en font parties. Je me suis limitée à deux paires cette saison, une de couleur neutre et cette paire de sandales en noir de chez Gap. C'est la deuxième fois que j'achète des souliers chez Gap et je suis très satisfaite. Super comfo et abordable.

6. Préparez votre corps pour le bikini: L'été c'est le temps de prendre soin de sa peau pour qu'elle devienne ferme et douce. J'utilise le Vichy Ideal-Body sérum comme de l'eau pour être certaine d'être prête pour la piscine et je vois déjà un petit changement dans la texture de ma peau. 

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Rimmel updates

I always love a good stroll in the drugstore because I can find some of my favourite brands such as Rimmel. Here is the latest in the Rimmel game. The Rimmel ScandalEyes Jumbo liner helps me perfect my winged liner and stays on all day. My current obsession : the Rimmel Provocalips 16hr Kissproof lip colours, you can wear them matte or add a bit of shine. What are your favourite Rimmel products?

J'adore me promener dans la pharmacie, car je suis certaine de retrouver mes marques préférées de maquillage tel que Rimmel. Voici les derniers candidats chez Rimmel. Le immel ScandalEyes Jumbo liner me permet de créer le look cat-eye parfait qui reste toute la journée. Mon obsession actuelle : les Rimmel Provocalips 16hr Kissproof lip colours , vous pouvez les porter mattes ou ajouter un peu de brillance. Quels sont vos produits Rimmel préférés?

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La Couleur Couture

Last month, I came across these new La Couleur Couture nail polishes in two perfect shades (#1971 & #1998), a grey and a deep purple for the winter months. La Couleur Couture is new to my nail polish collection and what I love about the brand is that they are cruelty-free, toxic-free and the colors are named after years, how original ! 

They lasted a good 5 days on my nails, which is very good in my game and they retail for 12.99$ at Shopper's Drug Mart. 

La Couleur Couture is the perfect stocking stuffer ;)

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Crazy for Burberry

Every time Burberry comes out with a new collection, I am on it ! Why you may say ? Apart the fact that I have an addiction, Burberry is the type of brand (for me) that I know everything will be good. I was hesitant on trying a new base product, because I like to stick to something that works without creating an issue such as breakouts, that can often occur. The Burberry BB Cream loved my face and my face loved the Burberry BB Cream, I chose the color Dark No.03 which is the perfect match. The Burberry BB Cream leaves a dewy finish and offers good coverage. 

Also, I got the Burberry Concealer in Rosy Beige No.03 which is the perfect mix between a corrector and a concealer for me. A one step combo for those mornings I need some concealing action.

Finally, I can never refuse a good nail polish and if you mention navy polish in front of me, I am on it ! This Burberry Nail Polish in Ink Blue is the perfect transition color from summer to fall. There is something very classy about navy nail polish ;)

What are you favorite Burberry makeup items ?

You can shop my faves !

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Getting cozy with Essie

The perfect red polish to start the holiday season and the name is hilarious Essie Jump in my Jumpsuit. Essie is by far the brand that I can always rely on, in the sense that when I am looking for a specific color I can always find it.

L to R : Essie Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Ho - Essie Jump in my Jumpsuit - Essie Tuck it in my tux

I don't have to tell you that Essie is the bomb.com, make sure to check out the winter 2014 collection in store now. 

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Feeling Orange

This month, I've been all about the orange cheeks and the orange nails, maybe it's because of the orange leaves that have taken over our trees. For the complexion, my current crush has been Benefit's Majorette cream-powder blush that gives your cheeks the instant pop of orange. As for my nails, I just can't seem to shy away from this Maybelline ColorShow formula. I went a little cray on my last drugstore visit. Particularly, for this orange-hued coral-colored nailpolish in Pretty in Peach.

Orange has taken over, well, you know, it's my favourite colour, hence the logo ;)

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3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS

With this morning's colder weather in Montreal, I knew the period where I decked out my classic fall colors was approaching very fast.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try the new collaboration between 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS, an amazing range of nail polishes.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS collection features 8 limited edition shades including this gorgeous dark blue called Dark Room. The formula on this nail polish is so opaque yet so think and not gloopy. I am such a picky nail polish-formula-person, once it starts to thicken I throw it away. 

The 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS in Dark Room is the perfect addition to my fall nail polish collection. Let's talk about that brush; I have small nails but this brush allows me to swipe once and be done with it, it applies like a dream. 

The Dark Room color is the perfect blue denim and this is with 2 coats, I would've done it with 1 coat, very opaque formula.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim x NARS nail polish collection retails for 23$ and can be found at your NARS retailers (Sephora, Hudson's Bay and Murale). 

Did you start wearing fall colors on your nails ? 

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Sally Hansen : Miracle Gel

You can say Miracle all right ;p

I have a thing for pastels and this summer it has definitely become my weak point. Add a gel finish to the mixture and I am the happiest girl in the world.

Sally Hansen has seriously been on there A game recently and they have gained the top spot on my list with this new Miracle Gel Manicure formula. I always say that I love the lazy girl's product, well I'm not lying because I hate applying my mani and being stuck with my fingers in the air and not being productive, I just can't deal.

Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Formula is the key to my success ;) No lamp needed, no sitting down for hours on end. You just apply your favourite color, add the special top coat and within 5 minutes you are good to go. I love an extra shiny nail, so I also added my ultimate top coat to the mix and I have the perfect mani.

Basically looks like I just left the salon...no joke !

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An Ode to YSL Bleu Céladon

Bleu Céladon from the YSL Summer 2014 collection has been on my fingertips weeks after weeks and not only because I absolutely ADORE the colour but because the quality is just amazing.

The minute I first applied this colour, it was love at first sight ! What got me even more head over heels in love is the quality and the staying power on this nail polish. YSL La Laque Couture nail polishes are better quality than most of the high end nail polishes but the YSL #50 Bleu Céladon La Laque Couture exceeded all expectations. I applied this colours on a Sunday night and removed it the next Sunday, without one chip, the polish lasted a full week on my nails looking super sharp. 

I have never gotten this many compliments on my nails !

Run now to your YSL counter because this color is a limited edition and I'm sure many have already started a long-term relationship with this baby ;p

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Everybody wants a Trust Fund

A couple of weeks ago, I fell upon this new Montreal based nail polish company called Trust Fund Beauty and was immediately drawn to the name. I am a huge nail polish hoarder and this was definitely no exception. 

The company's motto is to bring out every girl's "inner rich bitch, no matter her financial situation". I think the best part is that Trust Fund Beauty is Vegan, Cruelty-free and is free of the Big 5 chemical ingredients present in most of the nail polishes out there (Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DPB), Camphor, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin). 

Also, who can say no to some crazy nail polish names like "What's a budget", "Big Spender", "Champagne Problems" just to name a few. 

Imagine giving out these names when someone asks you what's the name of your nail polish colour, I just can't wait ;p

And what's amazing is that they actual last a good 5-6 days on your nails without chipping !

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My Spring Fling

Spring is here, so that means I am bringing out the pastels baby ! 

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Nail of the Week : Chanel Dragon

 

In time of need : a classic red is always your good option !

 

Chanel's Dragon is the first ever Chanel nailpolish I purchased and that's where the addiction began.

I've had this particular nailpolish bottle for more than 4 years and it's intact. No gloopyness, as liquid as the first day.

 

 

I must admit Chanel nailpolishes are not cheap, they retail around 28$CAN and they do have a bad reputation of chipping after a couple of days.

 

I haven't had any problems with chipping with these nailpolishes, but I think it all depends on the color you purchase.

 

If you are going to purchase a Chanel nailpolish, you must either invest in a classic color or a color that no other company has replicated. For any other color, refer to your favorite drugstore nailpolish rack.

 

This year I want to broaden my horizon in the nailpolish world and discover new companies, I was thinking Deborah Lippmann and Butter London, but do you girls have any recommendations of brands or even specific colors that you know I would love, let me know !

Enjoy !

K

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InstaLuxury November Highlights !

This year the month of November flew by so fast I didn't even see it pass by. Here is a couple of Instagram pictures I took throughout the month of November.

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @lapiz_of_luxury

I will soon be back with a BIG SURPRISE !

I want to thank all of you for being so loyal and always coming and checking out the latest on the blog !

Love you all <3

K

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Nail of the Week : CHANEL Malice

Oh, what can I say, Chanel barely gets it wrong with me !

 

This month I was impatiently waiting for the Chanel Holiday 2012 collection, that I had evidently added to my Fall Makeup Wish list. I got the call from Ogilvy and I was there the following week. To be honest, I really only wanted to pick up this fabby nail polish, so I resisted for the Eyeshadow Quad but..... I might go back :)

 

Enough talk, let's get down to business !

 

Here is Chanel Malice !

 

Now Chanel rarely makes unique nail polish shades but this one hits the spot.

 

Chanel Malice is a dark vampy red that has the right amount of shine, nothing too glittery or sparkly, just the perfect amount of reflection with natural sunlight. It is hard for me to explain how gorgeous this nail polish is. You must think : ''Okay, this girl is cray-cray, it's just a regular burgundy nail polish'', but NO !

 

Once you see it in person, you will know ! This color will never go out of trend and can be kept in your collection for ages !

 

You should definitely take a browse at your Chanel counter, but don't blame me if you end up at the cash credit card in hand ;)

 

Enjoy !

 

K

 

 

 

 

 

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Nail of the Week : American Apparel Neon Violet

This week, I decided to spice things up and put away the vampy reds and the neutrals and go for a nice purple nail polish.

 

I don't know if many of you are aware, but American Apparel sells nail polishes, and to my surprise they have a really good finish and they remain on the nails for a good period of time. They have a wide range of colors from Pastels, to Classics, to Neons !

 

They are around 6$CAN and you can sometimes get them in a pack of three for a cheaper price.

 

Here is American Apparel's Neon Violet, a neon twist to a rasberry purple! 

Soon, I will post my Fall nail polish Favorites, any suggestions ?

K

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*UPDATE : Project 10*

It is now November and I come to you with the Update of the ''Project 10'' that I tried to respect during the month of October !

And ......Drum Rolls !!!!!

I DID IT !

I respected the rules and managed to get only 10 items, which includes clothes, jewelry, haircare, nail polish and beauty items.

Here is my little roundup for you guys !

1- First, I made a little trip to Dynamite, which is a clothing store, and I was invited to an event where 20% was offered ! Obviously, I couldn't pass it up ! I pretty much got only ''Peplum'' items, I purchased 2 peplum tops, very versatile, for a Day-Look than can easily be transformed into a Night-Look, with nice black leather-ish Jeans. Then, I got this fabulous Little Black Peplum Dress, LBPD, for a night out, which I will post this week as a fashion post on the blog !

 

2- I have heard so much of the Kate Moss for Rimmel lipsticks, so I decided to check out what the hype was about. I got the #10 and it is a beautiful blue-toned red color that has amazing staying power, and such an affordable price, approximately 6$CAN, very cheap !

 

3- I have spoken before about my love for the Phyto Hair Products and this product is Holy-Grail material, the PhytoLisse Hair Mask. I have super frizzy hair and this tames the hell out of them ! You apply this product after your shampoo, leave it in for 2-3 minutes and rinse it off. If you blow dry your hair right after, you get a fabulous effect, no frizz and sleek hair ! This hair mask is pretty costly at around 41$CAN but totally worth it if you have crazy unruly hair.

 

4-5 I cannot express enough my love for these 2 necklaces. A wonderful girl named Jenn makes these wonderful pieces and sells them on her Etsy shop called EllandEmm, and they sell out almost 5 minutes after she posts them. Her store is one of the most coveted Etsy stores in the Blogger/Fashion community and I will dedicate a full blog post to her store, since I have grown a certain addiction and I have accumulated a couple of pieces. Her jewelry instantly dress up a plain outfit such as a white t-shirt and jeans, and spices up a Little Black Dress for a quick outfit of the night ! If you can get your hands on her items, you definitely should and fast !

 

6- This is no shock, but I got another Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, this time in a more fall color ''Adore''. I will post a full review of these on the Blog in the upcoming weeks.

 

7- Once again, an Essie product, I just can't live without these polishes, every 2 seconds Essie comes out with a new collection and obviously I have to check it out. This time I got the color ''Don't sweater it'' a wonderful brown/gray that is a perfect fall color.

 

8- Last but not least, I got myself some Rocker/Biker Boots from Spring. These boots add an instant pick me up to any dull outfit !

 

 

So here it is, I DID IT, I managed to respect my challenge and made it through the month !

 

K

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NEW Essie Winter Collection : Leading Lady

All of you may know, that every couple of months Essie brings us a new collection, some good, some great and some average.

This winter Essie is bringing us a new collection that provides a mix of different shades from glitters to bright blues. I present to you Essie Leading Lady.

As you can see, these colors do not necessarily reflect winter, but the collection is an eclectic mix of colors ''a woman wouldn't necessarily wear'', hence the Independent woman connotation in the nail polish color titles.

The ''it'' color of the collection is ''Leading Lady'' which is the perfect color for the holiday season, a nice jelly red packed with red glitters

''Beyond cozy'' is the color I will definitely snatch up first. It is a beautiful gold and silver glitter that looks like foils on your fingers almost. Again, your perfect holiday polish !

Then, you have two blue toned polishes, one called ''Butler please'' that is a bright cobalt blue and ''Where's my chauffeur ?'' that is a bright turquoise.

Also, in this collection are two red toned shades called ''She's pampered'' and ''Snap Happy'' that are both colors that are not unique, but still classic.

All in all, this collection is something you would not usually see for a Winter collection, but in my opinion Essie nailed it just by giving us two nailpolishes filled with glitters that are still opaque and nothing like the Luxe Effects collection.

You can be sure that I will be grabbing that gold/silver foil nailpolish the minute I see this collection, and of course share some swatches with you !!!!

Enjoy !

K

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NOTW : Essie Sand Tropez

Every time I purchase a nude color nail polish it sits on my table for months, because I always find something better to apply that week.

This week with the release of the Chanel greige shade Frenzy, I decided to apply a shade that had never caught my eye before, but that is so popular in the Essie community.
Here is Chanel's Frenzy

And now, I present to you Essie Sand Tropez !

GREIGE is one of the ''it'' colors this fall, it's the perfect mix between a light grey and a light beige and makes the perfect ''office appropriate'' color to wear during the week.

A definite color to add to your collection, because it will never go out of style, it's a classic beige with a little twist and perfect for work !

Enjoy.

K

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*Project 10*

I decided to challenge myself this month. If you know me, then you know I have a slight problem with shopping......whether it's beauty, accessories, clothes, shoes you name it. I love it ! I love to shop for myself, love to shop for others, love to take others shopping, all of the above.

This month I will put myself to the test of PROJECT 10.

Project 10 means I am allowed to purchase only 10 items until October 31st inclusively.

Here are the Project 10 rules :

The 10 items include :
- all beauty products, unless I need to repurchase something I use daily. (Ex : face cream, drugstore    mascara, etc. )
- all footwear, shoes, boots, sandals.
- all nail polishes (drugstore or Chanel)
- any item of clothing (Ex : sweaters, pants, tops, leggings, and so on....)

I will share with you as the month goes on, the difficult choices I will have to make, in order to choose my 10 items.
You can be sure I will stay away from malls and Sephora :(

May PROJECT 10 begin !

Hopefully, I will survive..........but do I get a treat at the end ? :)

K

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