Category Archives: Beauty

Review: HANA Titanium Ionic 1.5″ Flat Iron

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The awesome folks over at Misikko sent us the awesome HANA Titanium Ionic 1.5″ Flat Iron with all the tools to help us with our hair woes. Included was a heat-proof pad and storage pouch, to prevent burning of countertops (in case you set it on a plastic-y tablecloth). It’s handy when you’re done using the flat iron and need to put it away quickly while it’s still hot.

Justine’s hair is naturally super straight, in search for the natural kinks and waves that Chris has!

 

 

We normally use hair straighteners that have ceramic plates. The plates change colour when the iron is hot. New to titanium straighteners, we consulted the instruction guide and found that there is a red LED indicator light (see above picture) that starts out as a steady/still red light. It blinks when the desired temperature is reached. If the light is off but the switch is set to On, the iron is decreasing temperature to a lower setting. Good to know!

We timed the heat-up time and the straightener took about 1 minute, 30 seconds to go from 0 to 370 degrees.

Once heated up, we got iron-happy and used it to add curls to Justine’s pin straight hair, and straighten Chris’ kinks and waves.  The plates are very smooth,which allow for the hair to glide through without any tugging.

Overall, the HANA Titanium Ionic 1.5″ Flat Iron performed well and we appreciate that it maintained its heat throughout its use. The adjustable heat dial allows users to choose a temperature that best suits their hair type. Hotter if your hair is healthier, cooler if your hair is damaged. It heats as low as 140 degrees fahrenheit to as hot as 450 degrees fahrenheit. Despite the hot temperatures that it can reach, it is energy efficient at only 38 Watts. It also has a 360 swivel cord to prevent cord tangling and accidents caused by cord tangling.

The heat up time may be considered too long for some people in the rush in the morning, but we found it is an improvement from our early experience with drugstore flat irons that took 5-10 minutes to heat up (and sometimes they wouldn’t heat to desired temperatures!). It is a great iron for those who are making that jump from drugstore irons to salon-quality irons.

Thanks again to the folks at Misikko!

Colour whirlwind

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I hope I’ve drilled it into your brain by now that my love for fashion actually originated from an undying devotion to make-up art.  So yes, this will be another one of those posts where I go on and on about the artistic inspiration I find in strawberry sundaes, Mozart’s piano concertos, sunflowers petals, the laughter of children and silver unicorns.

Just kidding.  I did want to show you this look though.

 

I wore this to play a music gig involving an awesome musician from Hong Kong who does rock and electropop.  Quite genre-appropriate, don’t you think?  Can you believe that it was my brilliant counterpart Davis who came up with this colour combination?  I should ask for his input more often.

 

If you’re in Toronto and want some makeup done this summer, give me a shout!

I am wearing..

Brows: Shu Uemura Hard Formula in Seal Brown 02
Eyeshadows: Some pink eyeshadow from Inglot, MAC Rule (orange), MAC Copperplate (grey), MAC Blanc Type (off-white highlight), MAC Satellite Dreams (purple), Lise Watier Duo Shadow & Glitter in Smokey Silver
Eyeliner: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
Lashes: Ardell #120

snap CRACKLE pop

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I find myself frantically trying to wear all my velvet items as often as humanly possible before it gets warm again.  Oh yes, you remember correctly, I was also the wuss who complained about the cold weather just a few weeks ago.  I can’t seem to make up my mind about many things in life, including the following:

I picked up this bottle of China Glaze Crackle (Cracked Concrete) a couple of months ago when the collection first launched.  These work the same way as OPI’s Black Shatter if you are more familiar with that product.  The nail polish, once applied, will automatically “crack”, revealing the base colour you wear underneath.  To be honest, I only purchased it for novelty reasons.  I actually didn’t like most of the pictures I saw online.

So I tried it for the first time last night on top of OPI’s Birthday Babe (an aluminum-like silver), and I was pleasantly surprised.  I don’t hate it!  I am not completely convinced that I will use it a second time, but at least I haven’t removed it yet.

 

I am wearing..

Top: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21
Skirt: Hong Kong
Belt: BCBG

Purple dinosaur

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I am wearing..

Foundation: MAC Face & Body
Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion & MAC Gracious Me Shadestick
Eyeshadow: Some pink eyeshadow from Inglot, Young Punk Mineralized Eyeshadow, Purple from Ben Nye Grande Lumiere palette, MAC Yogurt, MAC Fascinating eye kohl
Brows: Shu Uemura Hard 9, Purple from Ben Nye Grand Lumiere palette
Cheeks: MAC Pink Swoon
Lips: Benefit Hollywood Roll
Lashes: MAC #2s

Tell me about your V day look!

What I do to my face every day

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I’ll just dive right in.

Lips

The most important thing I must put on every day, without fail, is lip colour. Even though I have full lips, the pigment in my lips looks less than alive and uneven. I use Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in True Vintage (the swatch on the website looks like a dark mauve but it is actually a muted matte red!) or Balistic (a brighter, truer red for special occasions). It’s also really cheap and Rexall often has it on sale for less than $4 a tube.

I always use Nivea lip balm. It is so basic and also nonsense-free. I found a lot of Blistex formulas stung my lips. I also don’t like using lip balm from a tin pot/tub because I don’t like using my fingers. I have gone through at least 3 of these tubes in a year. On the right is a USB key version of the lip balm, haha! I want that! I don’t know where it’s from, I just found it on Google search.

Cover up

I wear minimal to no foundations, but I have a big dark birthmark as seen here:

I use Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige to cover it up. It’s thicker than most foundations so I use it like a concealer and only on that area. I blend it outwards and I usually don’t need to apply it all over my face to “match”, it is very close to my skin tone already. It’s pretty expensive too, so I only use a little.

Moisture

I’m often recommended to wear sunscreen with my daily moisturizer but it stings my face and I still looking for an alternative for my sensitive skin. I previously used Nivea (which I can’t imagine how, because it is so thick and full of fragrances) and a bunch of others like Marcelle (a Canadian brand) until I settled on Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin. It’s a no-nonsense moisturizer that I can apply without being afraid of how it will react near my eyes. My only complaint is that it’s not moisturizing enough for the winter, but excellent for the rest of the year.

Eyes

I don’t wear eyeliner every day. When I do, I use MAC Cosmetics’ Fluidline in Blacktrack. Check out Chris’ post on the Fluidline here.

TIP!

I use an angled paint brush that I found at an art supply store. I have an angled brush from MAC Cosmetics but the bristles are a little scratchy and I find art supply stores to have  a biggest selection of bristle textures and thicknesses. I highly recommend checking out an art supply store for your makeup brushes. Just wash them really well before you use them!!

I think I have covered everything in terms of daily beauty stuff. I don’t wear mascara because I am usually pressing my eyes against a camera and I don’t like getting mascara gunk on the viewfinder pad. I don’t wear blush but sometimes I use a bronzer for the cheeks but I don’t think I use it often to really describe how I use it in detail.

CLEAN UP!

To remove all makeup, I use baby oil and remove the oil residue with baby wipes. I have always used this method. I have tried using makeup removers, wipes specially made for makeup removal, and I have reacted badly to them. They sting, leave me with pink eye, and so forth. I stick to the baby products and won’t deviate. They’re also super cheap when they’re on sale!

What are constants in your daily beauty routine?

I’d love to hear what you must put on every day and why? Out of habit? Makes you look more awake/perky? Reminds me of a particular memory?

Tried & True Beauty Gem #2: MAC Pigment – Vanilla

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For an everyday girl:
This is one of the most versatile beauty item you can ever own.  Vanilla pigment is a finely milled loose powder that you can use on your eyes, cheeks, lips, even nails.  Don’t let its seemingly ordinary name fool you, this soft shimmery ivory powder is literally like magic dust – it enhances and highlights in the most beautiful way.  You will only need a very small amount at a time, so even with its multi-purpose function, a jar will serve you well for a long time.  The possibilities are endless!  Check out some ideas below..

For a makeup artist:
This is a great product to have for bridal work or any photoshoot, for that matter.  I usually scoop a little out of the jar and travel with a smaller container because a minimal amount will do the job.  This is a power tool for dry and dull skin, and looks gorgeous in HD.  Depending on how you apply it, it will work with a wide range of skintones.  Your kit is not complete without this.

Cost: $23.50CA/$19.50USD for a 4.5 gram jar (The one shown in my pictures is the old packaging)

Colour: It looks ivory (and boring) in the container, but it reflects a gold and sometimes pink iridescence.  It is shimmery rather than sparkly.

Texture: This powder is soft and easy to blend (MAC pigments all have different textures)

How:

  1. Overall eyeshadow wash: Just a sweep of this will give the lids a soft wash of colour
  2. Brow highlighter: Apply it right underneath your brow for an instant lift
  3. Eye brightener: Put your finger tips to use and dab a little in the inner corners of your eyes
  4. Cheek highlighter: Give your best smile and throw some on those cheek bones with a small blush brush or your fingers
  5. Moisturizer enhancer: Mix a little of this with your moisturizer to give a subtle glow (I don’t recommend putting this stuff in a foundation though.  Some foundations are already shimmery/glowy)
  6. Lip accent: Dab a little on the centre of your lips on top of your lip colour to create the illusion of a fuller lip
  7. Nail polish:  Mix with clear nail polish (small amount for just a shimmer, add more for opacity)

Cons:
1)  In terms of the packaging:  NIGHTMARE in a jar.  I’ll be the first to admit that I have spilled pigments all over the floor before, which is why I suggest you transfer some to a smaller container and refill as you go.  The new packaging MAC offers now is better as the opening is narrower.. but just be careful.

2) A word of caution: don’t overdo it.  A tiny touch will do the job.  Too much and you’ll look oily and sweaty.  It might not be noticeable when you put it on, but I promise it will catch the light as you move.

Show me a look:
This is a barely there look with a brighter pinky lip.  Vanilla pigment was used to brighten and highlight the skin.


What about other beauty gems?

Tried & True Beauty Gem #1:  MAC Fluidline – Blacktrack

Tried & True Beauty Gem #1: MAC Fluidline – Blacktrack

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For an everyday girl:
If you wear make up at all, I know you’ve heard of MAC’s gel liners.  Blacktrack Fluidline is a definite staple for every girl in the world.   In the realm of makeup, we call this an HG – Holy Grail!  I’ve used many brands of gel liners including Clinique, Bobby Brown, Stila, etc. and MAC no doubt comes out on top.  Blacktrack is a waterproof true black liner that is easy to work with, glides on smoothly and lasts all day.  If you’ve never tried a gel liner, pick up an angled brush and start experimenting!  Don’t fuss with the liquid liners anymore.

For a makeup artist:
Brides can cry and this liner will stay put.  It does not come off in little ugly flecks like a liquid would.  To keep the product in the jar clean, I use a spatula to scoop a little out and dip my brush into that.

Cost: $18 CAD / $15 USD

Colour: Matte true black

How:
1)  As a liner – top and bottom line:  Here’s a winged line that I do often.

2)  As a base:  The gel makes a great base for eyeshadows to adhere to.  Use a synthetic brush or your finger to apply a very thin coat before packing eyeshadow on top.  Check out how different these three duochrome eyeshadows look with Blacktrack as a base.  We describe an eyeshadow as a duochrome when it is two colours at once.  Talk about identity crisis, right.. From left to right, Club is a red-brown which flashes green, Vellum is a white which flashes light-blue violet and Stars ‘n Rockets is a purple-pink which flashes blue.  Blacktrack brings out all the undertones beautifully.

Cons:
If you are very picky, I should warn you that the finish of Blacktrack Fluidline is actually slightly different from a liquid – it is silkier and softer.  The difference is not huge and you can easily build intensity by layering.

The product is prone to drying out.  There are two things you can do to prevent this:
1) Store the jar upside down (label facing up) at all times
2) When the gel looks dry, use a bobby pin and give it a swirl.  Add a drop of Visine if you need to, but just stirring it as is will revive the product.

Show me a look:
I did a classic winged liner paired with a matte red lip.

Flesh and Blood

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I find that applying lipstick requires a lot more attention that the usual lip balm or lip gloss.

I liken lipstick application to painting a piece of wood furniture. It must be properly “sanded down”, or exfoliated, and primed, before any colour hits the surface.

The shape of the lips also influences how a shade of lipstick compliments the rest of the face.  For me, a bright or dark red lip colour is overwhelming; it’s all that people see when they look at my face! Bright/dark red is definitely more suitable for those with thin lips, and it makes sense.  Thin lips need emphasis and full lips need less attention, to balance out the face.

Here I am with dark red lipstick (Lancome in “Edgy”):

Here I am with nude lipstick (Rimmel in “Nude Delight”):

Personally, I find the nude lipstick to be more suitable for my full lips than the darker colour. There’s something kind of 80′s about nude lips too, haha.


Hey come on, now!

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How do people capture outfits so beautifully?  I’m having the hardest time with getting full body shots.  This is why it’s wonderful to have friends with cameras who are willing to lend a hand.  I have to try to train Davis to use my camera.  *insert full evil laughter*

Thanks to my dear friend kChow for these!

Blazer: H&M (yo this was $5!)
Shirt: Ralph Lauren
Skirt: GAP
Belt: Hugo Boss
Booties: Guess

Fashion bloggers, who takes your outfit pictures?  Do you do it yourself?  When?  How?  With a tripod?  Timer?  Give me your smarts!

Weleda: Skin Food

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One of the most annoying parts about frosted Toronto winters is dealing with chapped skin.  We’re actually enjoying a rather warm winter this year, but the air is still very dry.  Not only does the office air cause my skin to be unbearably dehydrated, I also deal with a lot of paper on a regular basis, which further strips my hands of any remaining moisture.  I already own a lot of pretty-smelling hand lotions and creams (I love Crabtree!!), but recently I’ve been bitten by the organic bug.  I am slowly switching my skincare to more natural products, just so both I and my wallet can be more green..  I’ve seen Weleda’s Skin Food on many beauty magazines and forums with A+ reviews, so I decided to pick up a tube to try out for myself.  I got mine at the Nutrition House for $18.99 but I think you can find this any health food stores.

What originally caught my attention was its name – Skin Food.  Yes, I thought.. My skin needs food too!  It comes in a cute green tube with 2.5oz of product.  Yayaya.. it’s a tube of hand cream, what’s the big deal! The kicker is, this product can be used on hands, elbows, cuticles, heels, face and even lips!  Oh, all-in-one products, how I love thee!

Apply a small amount at a time and rub.  The consistency is the same as your regular hand lotion, except it’s richer and needs a bit more time for the skin to “eat it up”.  It has a citrusy herbal scent, not at all offensive to my finicky nose.  Here, I apply a pea size to my wrinkly and dry hand.  Stupid camera picks up the lines too well…!

After some rubrubrub, the skin is left with a healthy sheen until the product is fully absorbed.  Frankly I love the natural glow.  Look ma!  Lines no more!  Once the product sinks in, it doesn’t leave the hands sticky the way some thick creams do.  They feel truly moisturized and soothed, not silicony and slippery.

I’ve used this for a week on my hands so far and results have been stellar.  I will try it on my face (I’m so brave!) and report back shortly.