Style Love! Black and White Spring 2014

Graphic black and white was all over the spring runways for Toronto World Master Card Fashion Week, and there's a reason it's been a huge trend for a while now!

This combo is always flattering, and appropriate for anything and anywhere.  A crisp white t-shirt and cropped cigarette pants are a clean and modern look. The key is a good fit with these pieces.  The shirt should be skimming the body, as should the pants.  Too tight will pull in the wrong places, and too loose will add extra bulk. The length of the pant is best when either at the ankle or an inch or two above.  Keep the leg tapered too!  Otherwise, its flood territory!

Black and white are also a great backdrop for spectacular accessories!  The blue in the necklace pops like nobodies business against the white.  Add a structured clutch and some d'orsay flats for some cool factor!

I personally can't wait to say Sayonara to heavy boots!  My feet don't enjoy socks.  They rebel at every turn! 

It's almost over!

Almost......

 

Donna Xoxo



Soft And Pretty Radiant Orchid Eyes! Some Lancome Love

I always find this time of year can be a little awkward as far as makeup goes.  I'm sooooo over winter, but I still have to wear boots and heavy sweaters.  I just cant rock a turquoise eye look and a furry boot at the same time! 
I really want to though!
Instead, I'm going to do something soft and pretty.  Thank you Radiant Orchid!
Along with Pantone's exclamation of this year's colour, came a myriad of purple shades!
Just in time!

 

 

I started with Lancôme's Brightening Palette in Lavender Grace.  I applied the base colour all over, and the shimmery lilac shade on the lid.  For a contour, I used Lancôme's Colour Design Zip Me Up since I wanted something with some warmth to the shade.  I went back to the palette for the liner.  It's a really pretty violet which I applied close to the lash lines just to anchor the whole look.  A little definition, not drama, is what I'm after!

I did a sheer rosey blush, and a soft hilight for a glowy finish to the skin.  I used L'Oreal's new Extraordinaire liquid lipstick in Purple Prelude for a sheer mauve stain on the lips.  I really like the new hybrid formula lip gloss\balms that are hitting the shelves these days!  I'll be talking about this in a post soon.  I have to get a Maybelline Elixir in my arsenal first so I can make a more informed discussion.  (I'm so full of it, I just want one, really!  Whatever gets me through the day!)

 

Just to switch it up a bit, I added some bubblegum pink shadow to the lid, and changed the lip to a sheer petal pink.  The shadow is Lancôme Colour Design in Makeover and the lipstick is Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour in Air Kiss.  Pretty too, non?



Ladies, if you haven't used Lancôme shadows, you have to do it immediately!  They have such a great formula!  The texture is smooth with an ah-may-zing colour payoff.  The price point is only a bit higher than a MAC shadow, and the texture is worlds apart.  It's really worth it to take a look next time you need a shadow.

What do you guys do to cheer yourselves up when winter feels like it will never end?

And, yes, I'm having my hair coloured this weekend.  The grey is out of control!  It's terrifying how little brown is left under all the red!  Next time you see me, I'll be my fiery redheaded self again.

 

Donna Xoxo



Nude Lips, Olivia Pope Style

I'm a bad blogger guys!
I've been all over the place for the last month, which is why I've been a bit MIA.  Last week I was helping a friend look after her two boys, which are two and a half and three months old. 
Parenting is hard!
I figured I'd have time to post, but Holy Hell, it was non stop!
It was so much fun, though!  Those boys love me like nobody's business, and I cant even begin to explain how much I love them!
During nap time, I discovered the tv show "Scandal" and Olivia Pope.
Where have I been all this time?
How have I not been strung-out on this for years already!
Just watch it and try not to be obsessed with it.  All the intrigue, damaged people and debauchery!
Let alone the fashion!
OHHHH MMYYYY GGOOODD!
I'd sell a kidney for a third of that woman's wardrobe.  (If I had one that functioned, that is.)
If I can't have Olivia's style or creamy glowing complexion, dammit, I can have her lip colour!

 

 

 

Olivia always wears a lip colour which is a pink toned nude.  Hers tends to be slightly more matte than the lip I have in the pic, but I needed to add some warmth to the lip crayon I'm wearing as a base so I added a sheer gold gloss.  It perks the colour up a bit, and gave a nice sheen to my dry old-lady lips.
The product that is used on Kerry Washington on the show is Clinique's Chubby Stick in "Whole Lotta Honey".  Here I have on Pop Beauty's Pouty Pop Crayon in "Rose Romance".  It's a full coverage creamy matte stick with a good wear time and soft feel.  The gloss I added was Dior's Crème de Gloss in "215", which is a sheer gold-taupey shade with small multi-coloured glitter particles.  I love that the glitter gives off more of a sheen than a sparkle.  As far as wear time goes, it's not bad for a gloss!  I like this formula quite a bit!

 



 

I`ve never really been one for a nude lip, but I`m a massive fan lately!  It`s a versatile look that can be as great with a soft eye and sculpted cheek as it is with a dramatic eye.  I think we`ll be seeing more of this on me!
Do you guys do the nude lip thing?  Any tricks to pull it off to share?
More importantly, do you guys watch Scandal?  I'm only half way through the second season, and I'm dying to see what's coming!

Donna Xoxo

Bene-Brows! Run, Don't Walk, To The Benefit Brow Bar!

When is the last time you were in love with your eyebrows?

Just want to look and touch them all day long kind of in love?

If right now isn't the answer, then you need Sephora and Benefit's Brow Bar in your life. 

My brows are good. They're extremely low maintenance, and naturally have an ok shape. Where there are thin patches I can fill in. 

Like I said, good. Not great. 

Today, I have great brows!

Look at those babies!

I went to Yorkdale Mall Sephora last week to see Kelly at the Benefit Brow Bar. There was a promo on that had a wax and tint for $23.00, which is the price of a wax. I may never go anywhere else!

The service starts out with a "Brow Mapping" which shows the ideal shape of your brows and how to get there. The shaping was quick, and thorough. Kelly knew her business, and was adorable beyond belief!  It was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. 

As we age, our brow colour tends to fade, so a tint was the best idea ever!  It doesn't just make them darker, but it gives the brows a fullness as well. 

I was finished off with a quich touch up with "Brow-zing" and I was off to the races!  I've mentioned Brow-zing before, and I still love it just as much as the first time I put it on my hand!  There is just a touch of auburn in this product and also in my tint, so there's no stark difference between my hair and eyebrows. 

Love it!!!!

Have you guys ever had an amazing eyebrow story?  Ever tried a tint?  I want to hear your story!

Donna Xoxo

MaskerAide in 2014. Lets Hear It For Plump, Moist Skin!

I've missed you guys!  It feels good to be upright and functional again!
So, how's everything?  I hope 2014 has been good to everyone so far!
I have made a decision about this year.  I'm going to make some changes. 
I'm stuck in a style rut, I'm turning 40, and I recently found out that I have Lupus.
Because of my condition my nails, hair, and skin are all dry like the Mojave.  I've also gained some weight, which has sent my confidence down a deep, dark, cold hole in the ground.
I want my soft, glowy skin and hair back!
I want to be brave with my style choices again!
So, I'm going to get these things
And, you're all coming to get them with me!
This is the first post in a series that is going to show us all how to make 2014 healthier, prettier and braver for all of us!
Why shouldn't we look after ourselves?  It doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming!
Unless, that's your thing.  If it is, then knock yourself out!
Alright!  First things first!
Let's get our dry, flaky winter skin under control!

                                             

 

 

 Masks are essential for skin health!  I use them regularly, so I was immediately interested in getting my hands on a MaskerAide sheet mask!

What makes these different than other masks, is the feel of the product on the sheet.  Every MaskerAide mask has Argan Oil in the formula which lends a beautiful richness to the serum-like feel.  Other hydrating masks tend to feel fresh and creamy.  While comforting, I just don't feel as plump after the other masks.  The hydration really did last for days after the initial use!

The application couldn't be easier either!  After a good cleanse and exfoliation, remove the mask from the package, place the mask on your face and reeelaaaxxx!  After 10 or 20 minutes (I really recommend 20.  A little nap never hurt anybody!) remove the mask.  You can rinse if you want, but I suggest just massaging in the serum that's left on the skin.  It feels delicious!  Let everything soak in for a few and follow up with the rest of your routine!  I will say that it's best done at night, or on a day where you don't need makeup.  A little shine is going to happen, ladies!

I did my first Weather Warrior while I was sick.  My skin was dry and dull and angry when I started out.  Let me tell you, it was happy and comfortable after.

There are five different types of MaskerAide masks.  They cover pretty much every skin need out there, and are safe for all skin types.  If healthy, fresh, alive looking skin is what you're after, MaskerAide is for you!  At $5.99 they're a huge steal.

This was such a good start to my "Year of New Donna"!

I can't wait to share my journey with everyone, and take you with me!

I'd love to hear what you guys think about all of this?  There's some pretty exciting things coming up, so brace yourselves Ladies and Gents!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

                   *This product was sent for consideration, however, all opinions are my own!



 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

My Big, Fat, Flu Life-Savers.

I'm a baaaaad blogger. 

I've had a horrible flu for almost two weeks, so, I've been MIA. 

My concentration is that of a first grader, and I'm not loaded with wit. 

I did, however, want to drop in to say Hi. While I'm here, let's talk about the three things that have been saving my life since I've been sick. 

When you're sick and exhausted the least appealing idea in the world is having to go through the whole procedure of washing your face, but it can get really grimy between pillowcases and Kleenex. The answer is a good cleansing cloth. Something gentle, but effective, like the Willa cloths above. I also love the Yes To Cucumbers cleansing cloths. So soothing, and easy!

A good lip conditioner is your BFF when the flu hits!  The rise in body temp dries everything out, so grab something extra emollient. My all time favourite is by a brand called Qtica. It's only sold in salons, unfortunately, but if you see it grab it!  Until then, try Polysporin Night balm. These both have the feel and texture of an ointment. That's the trick right there!

Last, but not least;  

How can we even talk  the flu without bringing up Neo Citrans?  Speaking of which, I really need one!

I'm also going to show off my couch partner, Annie.  Without my girl it would have been so very dull!  

This face is a little bit of Heaven, no?

What are your go-to's for when you're under the weather?

Donna Xoxo

How to Look Fresh and Pretty On Cold Days Like These.

Winter is officially kicking our asses!
We have been covered in six inches of ice, as well as blasted with -40 degree temperatures.
We now know that a Polar Vortex exists, don't we!
Holy Hell, I wish we didn't!
I am past the point of needing to look chic when I go out the door.
Winter, you win.
I will have hat-head, which for a short haired girl is BAD with a capital B.
I will not compromise on wearing the right makeup, though! Thankfully, I don't have to!
Weather like this is the best time to bust out a flushed cheek and a pretty lip!
The trick is prepping the skin, and using the correct products.

Hydrating, waterproof, and illuminating are your best word friends during a cold snap.
 A rich moisturizer will protect your skin from wind burn, regardless of skin type. (Don't forget the SPF!  So important!)  It's usually best to avoid a full coverage foundation and go with a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  Go for a smooth, even finish that's dewy.  A little concealer, and that's all she wrote! 
Skin gets so dull when the temperatures drop.  That's when a cream or liquid hilighter comes in handy.  Put some life back into those cheekbones!  You already know I love Pearl by MAC, but Joe Fresh makes some great ones!
Cheek colour is wonderful in the winter!  It's the perfect time for a pretty pink flush!  Benefit Posietint is my fave cheek product right now.  I love the sheerness of it, and the fact that it DOES NOT BUDGE!  Hugely important when you are wind-blown and partly covered by scarves and misery.
A waterproof and smudgeproof mascara is mandatory right now.  I learned that one the hard way!  I wore  a terrible mascara one cold winter morning on my way to work.  I had to wear my sunglasses on the bus at seven in the morning like an idiot, to cover rivers of black running down my face.  Charming, I know.  Since then, I have been rocking L'Oreal's Double Extend Mascara religiously!  It gives ma-jah length and volume to lashes, as well as wears through everything!  It also comes off really easily.  If that isn't the best thing ever, then I don't know what is!
Let's keep with the bubblegum pink flush for the lips, shall we?  I'm in love with Benefit's new Hydra-Smooth lip colour!  It has shea and mango butters for smoothness and hydration.  This feels spectacular, and leaves the prettiest sheer pink velvety finish.  Layer the Posietint  under the lipstick to up the intensity, and wear time. 

What are your best tricks for the winter?

Donna Xoxo