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

Makeup Looks for Saying Goodbye to 2013

Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and has been enjoying some time off.
Most of all, I hope everyone has their power back on!
What the HELL was that????!!!!
We lost power for about 36 hours, and after the first 10 or so, Ray and I were bored, delirious and freezing!  Even my poor doggie was cold!
We were pretty lucky though.  I can't imagine having to leave my home for a week, or going through that with young kids.  (I did however get a text from a friend, who has a 10 week old and had to pump breast milk in her Subaru.)
Now, to the subject at hand.
New Year's Eve!
No matter what you have planned, New Year is always an opportunity to be fancy!
Try something a little gutsy and colourful!
I have a few looks here that are fun!  A little colour goes a long way towards brightening your face, and making you feel confidant.
Go for it!!!

I love a smokey-ish eye in something unexpected, like turquoise.  It brings such an inherent sexiness to the look without being obvious.  I have a taupe and gold combo eyeshadow on the lids, and I also have black liner very close to the upper lashes and the lower waterline.  This gives some depth to the eye and makes the whole thing a little Rock and Roll!  For the turquoise liner I used a beautiful waterproof liner from ArtDeco.  I brag about this in more detail here.  I applied a heavy line of the Art Deco above the black on my top lid, and a nice  thick one along the bottom too. This is not the time to be subtle!
Add lots of mascara, a good dose of hilighter along with a pale, shiny lip and Sexy is your middle name!

We all know how much I love Lippy right?  Love the feel, the richness, the elegance!  There is no way I'd discuss NYE looks without offering an option which involves a bright lip!  I went with a fuchsia shade instead of red for a more unusual feel this time of year.  Red is classic, while this feels like a more modern choice.  The best thing to do while wearing a dark or bright lip is prep like a champ!  Too Faced Lip Insurance is an amazing primer!  It gives hours of wear.  A good lip liner is a life saver too!  Make sure it's waterproof, like Sephora's Waterproof lip liner.  Makes a huge difference!  After that, apply your lipstick from the tube, or with a brush.  I'm wearing Lancôme's Colour Design in Fuchsia Clutch.  It's a gorge satiny shade, non? 
All you need to go with this is mascara, brows, and a sculpted cheek!   HOOOOTTT!
Well, Happy New Year Guys!
Thanks so much for all of the support I've gotten from each and every one of you in the past year!  It means more to me to be able to write this blog than I can say, and I couldn't do it without you!
 I wish you all the best for 2014, and I'd love to hear any plans for New Year's Eve, or resolutions for next year!  An Occasional Redhead has a few interesting things coming up!

Donna Xoxo

Gift Guide For The Fancy-Ass Makeup Lover

I may be a little late to the gift guide party, as usual, but this is a good one!  

If there's a makeup afficianado in your life, or you want to give someone some hints for what to leave under the tree for you, these are Ah-May-Zing choices!

Try not to slobber while reading the rest of this post, it's not a good look. Not easy though!

First I have the Mac Masterclass Brush in Oval 6.  $50.50

This brush shape is like nothing that we're used to. The oval head has dense, synthetic bristles which are "perfect for buffing in foundation, blush, and powder" according to the MAC website.  

My Wishes:  I would LOVE with a capital L to use this baby to apply a BB cream and cream bronzer as a contour. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Diffused Light (one of six shades)  $52.00

This line of powders are faboosh because each one mimics the effect of different types of lighting on the skin. The finishes range from moonlight, or candlelight to a gentle morning sunlight and more. Sign a sister up!

My Wishes: Diffused Light mimics the light of a soft camera light, which softens lines, blotches, and redness. It also has a less sparkly finish than some, so you don't look like a knock-off Twilight vampire!

Yves Saint Lauren Rouge Volupte Lipstick 

Forbidden Burgundy  $39.00

I have been dying to get my paws on one of these beauties since they came out!  The formula has an SPF of 15, is intensely pigmented, and contains YSL's "Colour-Shine Complex" which leaves lips smooth, plump and radiant. All that and a light, yet silky texture. 

My Wishes: Had me at plump!  The colour is a rich and vampy shade of burgundy that still feels feminine too!  

I would adore whoever left these under my tree, or in my stocking!

Wouldn't you???!!!

Let my know your wishes!!

Donna Xoxo

Trend Trunk Blogger Fashion Week

Have you guys heard of Trend Trunk yet?
If not, go and look now!
We all have extra in our closets.  There's the top we couldn't live without, until we got it home and it didn't work with anything else in the closet.  What about the fantastic impulse buy handbag?  We all have things that are great, and in great condition, but we never use them.
That's where Trend Trunk comes in.

 

                                                                                                                                                                      

Trend Trunk is an online community where you can create a personalised "Closet" of items that are new, or almost new, for sale.  It's also a great place to grab some new finds!  You can browse other closets, create a "lust" list of your fave items, and shopping or selling couldn't be easier!  Everything is handled by the site.  So user friendly!
From December 9th until the 15th Trend Trunk is hosting the first "Blogger Fashion Week".  Every day several of your favourite bloggers and their closets are featured.  It's a great way to get to know a particular blogger better, and check out their style!  Some of the ladies featured are Elaine Atkins from Toronto Beauty Reviews, Anita Clarke from I Want I Got, Christie Ressel from Fashion Translated, and Sarah Francis from Real Life Runway to name a few of the ladies who happen to inspire me!
Here's a bit from the press release:

We have partnered with over 70 Canadian emerging and established bloggers (fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, family and more) to create Blogger Fashion Week which is happening until Dec 15th.  It combines fashion, technology and social media...with a bit of fun and shopping!

We've created something unique and the first of its kind in the world...right here in Canada!

Check out Trend Trunk here.
Let me know how you like it!!!!

Donna Xoxo








here.

Youthful Makeup. How to Look Like You Have a Dorian Gray Painting at Home (Thank You Benefit!)

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to be 40 in February. 
40!!!!!
I'm a little stressed out about it, but not too bad.  I seem to be holding up fairly well as far as my skin and appearance goes.  I may feel like an old bag, but I don't look it!
I'm going to share my makeup secrets here today.  Some of them, anyways!
A girl needs some secrets!
I decided to pull my hair back for the pic's so we aren't overwhelmed by the giant shock of fire-red hair!
Skin prep is the best thing for looking healthy.  A good primer, as I always say, will make all the difference in the world.  I had a friend give me a bunch of goodies from Benefit, and "The Porefessional" primer was among them.  This is a killer primer!  Great smoothness and texture!
Next, find a foundation that leaves the skin looking plump and healthy.  Doesn't have to be full coverage, as long as you have a nice canvas.
Concealer is your BFF!  The formula of the concealer is really important.  A nice creamy consistency for the eye area, and some redness is perfect.  I also use a creamy one for acne too.  Spot treatments can be drying, so a little extra emollient is ok!  Benefit's "Fake Up" is fantastic!  It covers like a dream, and wears comfortably.
I'm a big believer in setting powder.  Makeup wears so much better with a light dusting, light being the key word here!  The right powder will diffuse fine lines and dark spots.  Make sure it's a translucent, or brightening powder.  Mineral powders can have a nice luminosity to them too.  I'm in love with Benefit's Box O' Powder in Dandelion these days!  Its a gorge pink that gives a subtle glow!  You'll love it!

A full, well maintained eyebrow is also mandatory for a youthful look.  Make sure its shaped well, while keeping a natural appearance, and not too dark.  As we age, brows lose fullness, so we want to make the best of what we have.  Benefit's Brow-Zing is the perfect brow definer!  A wax and a powder give great colour and hold.
Did I mention mascara? Because lots and lots is good!  Non-smudging of course!
I can not emphasize the importance of blush and hilighter enough.  A good hilighter will light up the eyes and diffuse darkness when placed on top of the cheekbones.  A bright blush placed high on the cheeks suggests young, healthy skin.  a softly sculpted cheek is the best trick in the world!  I like a hot pink like Tarte Amazonian Clay in Amused.  It doesn't go on dry like most powders.

As for lip colours, go for something rosey, or berry tinted.  Don't forget the SPF!  I'm wearing Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rose, which is the perfect amount of colour to liven things up on the face!
All that being said, the real secret to looking youthful is prevention!  SPF and eyecream from the age of 18 is the best thing any of us can do for our skin.  Remember it's never too late!  And Sephora sells Benefit!
What tricks do you use to look healthy everyday?

Donna Xoxo