EmiliaStyle: February 2016

February 2016 Favourites| Beauty

2016

February has come and gone and I'm quite happy to be one step closer to Spring/Summer weather. This month has been full of extreme cold and relative warmth...I'm sure I'm not the only Montrealer who feels slightly confused ;)

On a brighter note, I did get a chance to discover some new products and rediscover a few old loves.

I'll start off with my beauty favourites which remained quite simple but ones that I used everyday. First up is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (soft beige). My skin hasn't been acting up as badly as it had in the past, so I've been reaching for this lighter coverage. It's lightweight enough that it doesn't feel heavy on my skin but it still covers enough to correct any imperfections or redness.

These are basically the two things I've been wearing on my lips everyday this month. Firstly, I've discovered the powers of nudes. I'll probably go into more detail in another post soon, so keep your eyes peeled ;) So I fell in love with how this NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Stockholm" is a mix between a nude and a pink. It also doesn't dry out my lips all to much where I feel I need to let them recover for a few days after wearing the product.

The other lipstick I've been wearing is M.A.C's "Only You". I love how I can apply this and just forget about my lips. I don't need to worry about it patching or wearing off in the middle. It's great for on-the-go and honestly, you don't even need the help of a mirror to apply it.

This is a rediscovery of a past favourite. The Urban Decay Naked Basics palette has been my go to this month. I can create classic smokey eyes or just use "W.O.S" all over my lid on days when I'm in a rush. The black shade is also perfect when I want to define my eyes but don't want a harsh, perfect line from a liquid liner.

I've recently gotten back into painting my nails. There was a period when I always got my nails done and that completely destroyed my real ones. So I've been letting them heal. However, I've slowly gotten back into painting them and have had a lot of fun doing so. This Essie shade in "Tuck It In My Tux" has been one of my favourites. I think white nails are fantastic... they make me think of a white, pretty winter.

These finally favourites are evidently not beauty faves but rather the random pieces that have made my life a little brighter. Firstly, these Skinny Dip Cat headphones. I first saw these in some of Gabby's Vlogs and immediately fell in love. So when they were finally available in North America, I knew I had to pick up a pair. I'd just like the say that for the price, ($49), the are great quality. They also sit perfectly on my head and don't always fall off. I tend to wear them at home when I'm doing work and there perfect for staying focused.

My burgundy hat as also made it into the mix because I've found myself reaching for it quite a lot this month. I love how I can throw this hat on, on the warmer days, and my outfit automatically looks 10 times better. It's also been great for when I'm too lazy to do my hair and I can just cover it with the hat and go on about my day. Score.

The laptop case doesn't quite count, since I got it about 2 days ago, but I couldn't resist because I've been in love with this theme foreverrr. I know everyone and their mother has a case like this but I haven't been able to stop smiling since opening up the package Thursday morning.

That's it for this month! If you've made it to the end, good job! I hope you've enjoyed :)

Have a lovely weekend and I'll be back on Tuesday for March's 1st post <3

Emilia

08:42
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Favourite Single Eyeshadows| Beauty

Beauty

It comes as no surprise that I'm a sucker for eyeshadow palettes. So while I tend to invest in those, I do have a few single shades that I can't see myself parting with. I don't always like when my eyeshadows are individually potted because then I can't quite visualized how to pair them with other shades. However, most of these are perfect on their own...which is fantastic when I'm running late and need to leave ASAP.

First and foremost, we have this stunning iridescent gold shade. I think this is a stunning colour because it can pair nicely with a smokey bronze look but it also looks amazing on its own. I'll put this all over my lid and it gives a pretty finish with an even sparkle. Perfect for the days you don't want to go heavy but you still want a little shimmer.

| Burberry Wet & Dry Glow Shade- Gold Pearl|

This next shade is perfect on night out. Again it's got plenty of sparkle and suits well with a smokey eye. I've also found myself using this on top of my winged liner to enhance the look even more. I love how pigmented it is, so it works nicely on top of so many different darker shades.

| L'Oreal Ultra Concentrated Eyeshadow Colour- Flashback Silver |

The Make Up Forever eyeshadow creams are one of my favourites. First of all they aren't drying at all and secondly, they last all. day. long. The longevity of these is pretty unbelievable. This is a gorgeous rose gold shade that works really nicely with a winged liner. If you want to wear it on a more casual day, it also pairs nicely with a brown one. The only side note I'd add is that it sets with a "wet" finish, so if you aren't a fan of that look then it may not be the best for you.

| Make Up Forever Aqua Cream- 13 |

This is a very similar shade to the other eyeshadow base but slightly darker and a bit more bronze. I like pairing this one on its own with a lengthening mascara and it gives a very simple and pretty look. It also works really well with purple eyeshadows if you want to smoke it out. Finally, it also works great with an aubergine liner, it gives great depth near the eyelashes.

| Make Up Forever Aqua Cream- 16 |

Now I know I'm cheating with this duo, but I just couldn't get myself to take it out of my pile. These colours are so pretty paired together and you can wear them very casually or for a lot of definition. I love that the shades have some orange, gold and bronze pigments to them- they aren't typical brown tones. I've used this with a very light hand to create some natural depth to my eyelid. However, you can also use these with a heavier hand and really work at blending them properly to create a great smokey eye.

| Nars Duo Eyeshadow- Isolde |

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favourite single eyeshadows? And are there any brands I should try, that I haven't quite mentioned?

Let me know in the comments!< <3

Emilia

15:24
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A Powerful Glow| Beauty

Beauty Blogger

I think it's safe to say that I love the glowy finish to my makeup. Even when I want to stay basic, I like to use a highlight. I definitely find it makes me look and feel more awake. Just a little bit of glow makes an entire makeup look feel refreshed and vibrant.

So after saying all this, it's only natural that I discuss some some of my favourite highlight and contour palettes.

| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette |

This palette is what got me hooked on highlighters. The middle shade is absolutely beautiful and when you combine all three, you end up getting the most beautiful bronzed glow. As is clearly evident, I've used this palette to bits. So while it's been a little more then a year since I've had it, I don't see it leaving me anytime soon.

|Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizing Veil |

This is the newest member of my collection and while it is only a sample, I'm tempted to go out and purchase the full sized version. This gives a beautiful finish without seeming too much. I like to use this one when I'm going for the "no makeup" makeup look. It gives a very natural finish that defines the cheekbones but doesn't overpower them.

| Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze & Glow |

This product needs no explanation. I have yet to find someone that doesn't like it... This palette is what got me really intrigued by Charlotte Tilbury (her products aren't easily accessible here in Canada). This duo was definitely used A LOT this summer and, these days, I tend to reach for it on nights out. It's one of the most pigmented palettes I own so it works really well when I want to go for a more defined look.

| BeccaXJaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in "Champagne Pop" |

The BeccaXJaclyn Hill highlight is perfect because it has a gorgeous rose gold undertone. This one, as well, is extremely pigmented, so it isn't one that I'll grab for everyday but it definitely fits the bill when I want to have a little more fun with my makeup.

| Kevyn Aucoin Contour Book: The Art of Sculpting |

I think I've learnt the most about contour and highlight from this palette. I know that's probably silly to say but there is a reason why Kevyn Aucoin is the master of the contour. My favourite shades have been "Brighten" (top left), and "Sculpt (bottom right). The "Celestial Powder" is also gorgeous but it is very similar to the middle shade of the Hourglass palette.

| Laura Mercier Daring by Day Palette, shade "Meringue" |

The final highlight I've really enjoyed using is "Meringue" from my Laura Mercier palette. I didn't think much of it when purchasing the palette- thought I'd just use the eyeshadows. However, I have realized that the highlight shade is amazing. Whenever I use the palette for my eyes, I end up sticking with the highlight because it just works really well. I like that it has some pink undertones, which means I can get away with not using a blush. It's not a heavy shade but if you're just going with a simple look that day, I think its a perfect addition.

Well there you have it! My favourite highlight shades in my collection <3 If you've stuck until the very end, thank you.. I appreciate it :)

I hope you have a gorgeous week!

Emilia

16:11
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Weekend Style| Fashion

Aldo

13:53
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Winter 2016 Everyday Makeup Routine| Beauty

Beauty

I like taking my time in the mornings so that once I'm out of the house, I'm fully awake and ready to get things done. My makeup routine is part of that, meaning I don't rush through it and it is one of my favourite parts of the morning.

Honestly, my makeup, my coffee and my music is whats gets me through these early hours.

So, I'm constantly playing around with my everyday makeup. I tend to base my makeup around my mood or outfit. These days, I've been going for a variation of this look because it's pretty simple and perfect for school.

I've noticed that on full days out of the house, a primer is key so that my foundation stays on as long as possible. I tend to go for more medium coverage foundations and will really work that into my skin so that I avoid using as much concealer as possible. It's not always possible (thank you acne prone skin...) but on most days this is the one I reach for. I then use some concealer to cover my dark circles and any other blemishes that are still noticeable. I also like to use a brightening concealer to give me a bit more glow since the foundation is quite matte. I'll then finish with a little bit of powder to maximize the longevity and make sure the under-eye concealer doesn't crease.

| The Body Shop- Insta Blur Eyes | YSL- Shocking Mascara | Laura Mercier- Daring by Day Palette)

My eyebrow routine is pretty standard, I like to use eyeshadows for it and these are some by M.A.C (wedge and espresso). I combine these two colours, to get as close to the real shade as possible. I have to use an eye primer since that's the only way the powders will stay on for more then a few hours. I then apply a matte base (bottom, far-left) and will add a little bit of definition with a darker tone (top far-right). I also like to apply that darker colour to the bottom lash line. I finish off the look with a very voluminous mascara because I love the look of thick, long lashes.

| Kevyn Aucoin- The Contour Book | Nars Blush- Sin |

I've begun to experiment a bit more with blushes. To be completely honest, it's not something I wear everyday, but I am trying to work it into my routine. I do think it gives more depth when shaping your face but I'm not always sure it works with my already rosy-cheeks. I have, however, had a lot of fun with this contouring palette. It's been fun learning new ways of contouring without changing the shape of my face and simply enhancing my features. I've particularly loved using the brighten powder (Step 3).

| M.A.C - Only You | Dior- Lip Polish |

Finally, for my lips, I've put down my berry shades and have been reaching for something a little more subtle. This is one of my favourite combos atm. Both the lipstick and the gloss pair beautifully together and they give my lips a pretty shine without looking overly plump or unnatural.

Well if you've made it all the way to the end, Congratulations! I didn't realize this was going to be such a lengthy post. Anyway, I' hope you enjoyed the post and do let me know what your go-to makeup routine looks like :)

Emilia