Five Secrets to Lip Perfection this V-Day

Treat your lips to a little TLC and prep your pout for its busiest day of the year: Valentine’s Day! Nourishing lip care will have your peckers looking more kissable than ever, and here are my secrets for obtaining the perfect pout.

1. Always BUFF your lips before applying any product. What works best to exfoliate your lips? I use an old toothbrush.
   
                                                
2. MOISTURIZE your lips on a daily basis for instant hydration. My go-to product is Thursday Plantation’s Tea Tree Lip Balm. This magic stick not only moisturizes lips, but also helps to prevent infections and cold sores. The 100% pure tea tree oil works as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent, while shea butter keeps your pout soft and supple. Consider this stuff lip care GOLD!
   
                                        
3. PRIME your pout to ensure long lasting colour and shine. Primer works great for smoothing out the surface of your lips before applying product. I use MAC Prep + Prime Lip as a base underneath everything from stains to gloss.
   
                                    
4. LINE your lips with a pencil to create a barrier for your lip colour, and keep it from bleeding. Since I tend to wear lip gloss more than lipstick, my ultimate go-to product is Cargo Cosmetic’s Reverse Lip Liner. The skin-tone liner is applied to the outside of the lip and blended out, creating the perfect lip line.
   
   
5. Grab a tissue and BLOT your lips to get rid of excess emollients and colour. This step is essential for Valentine’s Day, since you don’t want your product rubbing off on to your sweetie!

22 January Permalink

Product Test: KORRES Natural Skin Care

I was recently introduced to KORRES, a Greek company dedicated to implementing eco-friendly production methods and natural materials.

KORRES uses entirely herbal extrac­tions and home­opatic reme­dies found in Athens, employing Nobel Prize winning research to produce their range of organic hair and skin care products.

For the past few weeks I’ve been using a number of KORRES products, including the brand’s best selling Quercetin and Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle creams (which just happen to be clinically proven, natural alternatives to Retinol).

I couldn’t help but notice how quickly I fell in love with this brand! Here’s what I thought of some of the products:

Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Creams (Night and Eye)
Despite the lightweight texture of these formulas, the night and eye creams go on feeling entirely opaque. With less than a dime-sized amount of product, the cream goes on smooth and easily, leaving my skin feeling completely hydrated.

Basil Lemon Body Butter
My absolute FAVE! I legit haven’t stopped using this stuff since I opened the bottle. This moisturizer is lush and nourishing, with hints of shea butter, quince extracts, and almond and avocado oils. The fresh citrus scent is an added bonus!

Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum
I’ve always been weary about brightening creams, and I tend to leave “line smoothing” in the hands of my makeup primer. Since using the KORRES Wild Rose Serum, I’ve noticed a slight change in the pigments surrounding my eyes. This product works well for what is does, but don’t discourage the use of H2O when it comes to hydrating your complexion!

It’s not often that you come across an effective skin care line that not only employs organic materials and production methods, but also lives up to its promises. If you’re looking for an all-natural, organic alternative for your beauty regime, don’t hesitate to take a look at the KORRES skin care collection.

8 January 12 Permalink

DIY Glitter Nail Polish

Instead of searching to find the perfect sparkly laquer, why not whip up a batch of your own personal shade?

Switch up your nails with a dash of shimmer courtesy of this DIY recipe.

                                                                         www.suchprettythings.typepad.com

This homemade recipe is easy to do, while allowing you to personalize your blend. Follow this basic DIY tutorial to create a shimmery polish customized to your liking.

Tools:

• Loose glitter
• Half a bottle of clear nail polish
• Tinted nail polish (optional)

Directions:

1. Purchase some loose glitter in your desired shade from your local crafts store. The smaller the glitter is, the more opaque your nail polish will be.
2. Choose a nail polish shade that compliments the colours of your glitter. Mix some of the enamel right into the clear nail polish to add depth. Doing this will also help make your polish more opaque.
3. Funnel glitter into the clear polish, until 3/4 quarters of the bottle is full
4. Shake up your homemade blend to reveal a shimmery new shade.

3 January 9 Permalink

Celebrity Style: The Undercut

 

Consider this my official ode to the undercut. Faded, styled, or simply shaved, this hard rock hair style is my favourite look of the season. P.S. I have one.

     Some noteworthy celebs rock this hard-hitting style, and I’m not just talking about the members of Arcade Fire. More and more females are taking the plunge and shaving the sides of their heads in the name of fierce fashion.

     This side-swept style is undeniably daring, but with the right attitude and confidence anyone can pull it off. Cassie and Mel B cut straight to the scalp, but leaving a little more hair looks just as great.

     Edgy designs and punk rock shag make working this hairdo a funky feat. Despite what you may think, shaving the side of your hair will not result in a lack of styling options. Playing around with length and design can be fun and creative. Take advantage of your short section before letting it grow out for good.

     Since getting my undercut I’ve played around a bunch with designs. Check out some of the work done by Dwight Evans Murray from Miami Fades:

     …and then there was that time I let my drunk friends shave my head. Good times.

12 July 10 Permalink

Luxe Box: Bringing Savvy Samples to my Doorstep

Following a beauty regime can be daunting in its own right. With so many products on the market, simply finding the right cosmetics for your skin can be difficult and expensive. Plenty of brands provide free product samples to try and cure our beauty blunders, allowing consumers to test products out before fully committing to them.
               

     The process of trying luxury beauty brands just became a whole lot easier. The Luxe Box is a subscription service that delivers a tiny box of beauty to your doorstep every month. Brands that have been featured in previous Luxe Boxes include Clinique, Stila and China Glaze. The company providing this chic little service is Loose Button, a Toronto-based start up that launched last year.
        

     I was introduced to the Luxe Box last month, and despite a lengthy Canada Post strike, I finally got my gift from Loose Button in the mail :) The beautiful packaging and luxurious presentation was adorable.

     I’m going to be honest, it kind of felt like my birthday.        

     The trendy little box contained three sample products: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Joico Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil and a shimmery Laura Mercier Eye Shadow. The package also came with a personalized information card, describing each product in detail with their retail value.        

     For $10.99/month, you can subscribe to the service and become a member to start receiving samples. The Luxe Box contains three to five “deluxe-sized” beauty products, which are larger than the standard sample size that brands normally distribute for free. Each box is tailored to its Luxe member’s personal beauty profile, containing information on things like hair colour and complexion.

     The Loose Button Luxe Box service allows brands to better target their customers, while the consumer benefits by getting only specific products that work for them.

     Sign up for the Luxe Box online by visiting the Loose Button website.

6 July 20 Permalink

Obsessed! Goody Spin Pin

One hair styling tool that has been around for ages and will never go out of style is the bobby pin. Now imagine a bobby pin primped and perfected into a hair-holding, style-stabling, and bun-bounding tool. 

     Goody’s Spin Pin is my superhero style accessory and I am totally obsessed. This cute little tool from the Simple Styles collection gives you perfect hair in no time, with minimal skill and effort.

     The corkscrew-shaped pin holds your bun in place all day, without having to deal with hairspray and a slew of bobby pins holding things together.

     To use the product, pull hair into a ponytail and wrap strands into a tight bun. Twist two Spin Pins into each end to secure the bun from both sides. The pins are simple to use and remove, without leaving behind any marks on your hair.

     The product is a little over priced but considering the results, I’d say its worth the money. My thick, long hair can never hold styles secured by bobby pins, but the Spin Pin has made the ballerina bun a lot more attainable for me and my wavy roots. This simple tool is a summer essential, creating instant updos and chic chignons.

LOVESIT.

4 July 5 Permalink

Product Review: VS Summer Fragrance Collection

The sexy staff at Victoria’s Secret Beauty were kind enough to send me samples of their summer fragrances. The collection features the Bombshell Summer scent that was introduced during the VS Summer Bombshell Tour.

     A great summer fragrance is fresh, crisp and flirty. This limited-edition collection consists of four sultry scents inspired by existing Victoria’s Secret fragrances; tweaked and tampered to become suitable for summer months. The retro packaging is bright and vibrant, designed to look and feel as sexy as it smells.

                       
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Summer
Juicy Grapefruit, Black Currant, Lily of the Valley
     This fun, spirited scent is the perfect combination of juicy citrus and pretty florals. The product goes on a bit pungent but quickly fades into a fresh, playful fragrance. The bright scent lasts all day long and I get nothing but compliments each time I wear it. Bombshell Summer is definitely the break-out star of this collection.

                                            
Dream Angels Heavenly Summer
Bright Peony, Coconut Water and Soft Woods
     I’m crazy about this fragrance because it’s soft and ultra feminine. The original Heavenly perfume is known for its romantic musk, but this limited-edition scent has just the right amount of tropical zest to make it entirely suitable for summer.

                                           
Very Sexy Summer
Forbidden Apple, White Freesia and Creamy Sandalwood
     In my opinion the juiciest of the collection, this perfume has a lush blend of sultry wood and fresh fruit. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely smelled sexy, but I found that this frisky fragrance was a bit strong and only suitable for after dark.

                                 
Sexy Little Things Noir Summer
Pink Guava, Mediterranean Jasmine and Musk
     This is my favourite fragrance of the bunch. Victoria’s Secret is known for its ability to make a woman feel sexy and when it comes to their beauty products, things are no different. Not only does Noir Summer smell irresistible, but the packaging is also way too cute. Who doesn’t love antique perfume bottle designs?

Eau de Parfum: $49 - $55
Body Mist: $25
Body Lotion: $20

     If perfume is too heavy for you in the heat, opt for your favourite summer scent in a body mist or scented lotion. The Victoria’s Secret Summer Fragrance Collection is available for a limited time until September 2011, exclusively at Victoria’s Secret stores and online at VictoriasSecret.com.

28 June 4 Permalink

2011 Summer “Haircessory” Trends

   
Feather Hair Extensions
     Feather extensions have been popular for months and this season has the perfect weather to unleash these lavish hair accessories. They are available in a number of styles, colours and sizes; quick and easy enough to apply yourself.

     Many of the feathers used in salons are the same ones used in fish tackle boxes. Despite it seeming impossible, only a few tools are needed when it comes to doing this yourself. Most of the tools you need to apply the extensions can be found at your local craft store.

     If you’re weary of tackle box feathers, you can always buy your hair extensions online at websites like Fine Featherheads and Hair Flairs.

             
Braided Hair Headband
A plaited headband is a fun way to express your inner hair goddess. A braid adds depth and texture to your look, making it the perfect accessory to liven up a simple style. For a more earthy take, braid your natural hair and pin the ends together with a decorative pin.
     Sephora Collection and Kaboodle always have these braided headbands in stock.

22 June 3 Permalink

Music Festival Makeup: Bonnaroo Beauty

Music festival season is finally here!!
     ..and also responsible for the recent standstill of Blogged Pores. Sorry about that.

      
     For the past week I have been Bonnaroo-bound, basking in Tennessee heat and bathing in sink water - despite what you may think, it was actually quite enjoyable. I can’t describe the feeling of becoming one with dirt and embracing the sweaty, dusty environment for what it is. Bonnaroo or Bust! No time for cleanliness here!

     Regardless of my dedication to the music festival craft, I do write a beauty blog and I do like to feel refreshed. Over the years I have put together a list of Bonnaroo beauty essentials, which have gotten me through even the grimiest of times - mud fight, anyone? Here are my top picks when it comes to music festival makeup:

                                   
Cleansing Face Wipes
     Travel wipes are the best way to clean your face throughout the day. Choose a product that moisturizes your skin while gently removing grime and makeup.

                             
Waterproof Mascara
     Tennessee in particular is way too hot for any makeup, but if you do choose to wear product opt for waterproof whenever possible. Avoid putting mascara on your bottom lashes, since sweating can sometimes cause dark circles to appear.

                                  
Travel Nail Kit
     After the first few hours, you start getting used to the fact that your tan is actually just layers of filth. Looking down at your hands and seeing what’s caught in your nails, well that is a whole different story! This will come in handy for cleaning, fixing a split nail, or just plain old campsite primping.

                                  
Sunblock Stick
     I’m not promoting you go all Baywatch and layer SPF on top of your nose, but sunblock sticks can really come in handy when you’re far from your tent and need to re-apply. Use the stick on your most sensitive areas, like the face and shoulders.

                                         
Aloe Spray Gel
     Provide relief to sunburns with an aloe after sun treatment. I like to use the spray gel products to avoid any direct contact with the burn. Try putting aloe into a spray bottle with water for a refreshing way to cool down in the heat.

                                           
Moisturizing Lip Balm
     With outrageous heat and humidity, your lips can take a lot of damage. Avoid chapped, sunburned lips by applying a moisturizing SPF lip balm throughout the day. Watch out for pesky sun blisters too, I always bring a medicated cream just in case.

                           
Floppy Sun Hat
     Stay stylish and sun-conscious is by wearing the perfect floppy sun hat. Not only will it shade your face, but it also makes you look completely music festival chic.

                                      
Body Paint
     Come on, it’s Bonnaroo!

17 June 6 Permalink

2011 MTV Movie Awards Beauty Recap

It seems like forever since I’ve done a red carpet recap, but thankfully MTV stopped playing reruns of Cribs to broadcast the 2011 MTV Movie Awards last night.

     Summer events are always something to look forward to, filled with loads of bronzer and low maintenance hair. Celebs stepped out rocking some great summer trends that are easy to do, even in warm weather.

Beach Waves
     Consider this a go-to summer style. Flirty beach waves are ultra feminine and easy to do, making them the perfect low maintenance hairstyle for summer. These celebs wore the look with mid-length hair, but it also looks great with longer styles.

Ultra Long Hair
     It’s just about time to whip out your weaves because long, hippy hair is exactly where it’s at. Have some fun with your mane and embrace a natural wave - long, limp hair is never in style.

Half-up, Half-down
     This hairstyle brings the best of both worlds together, pulling hair away from the face while remaining long and sexy. Wispy bangs work well because they stay forward while the rest of the hair is pulled back, gracing cheekbones and framing your eyes.

Blunt Bob
     Tracks or no tracks, a chin length bob with full frontal fringe was spotted more than once on last night’s red carpet. Keep bangs thick and straight along the bottom so they sweep across the very top of your eyebrows.

                                        Favourite Look of the Night

Blake Lively
     A simple, sleek ponytail is perfect for Blake. This style was seen a ton on winter red carpets, but with summer in full bloom we can expect to see it a lot more often. For a cute twist on this style, try wrapping strands of hair around the base of your ponytail so it covers the elastic band.

                                           Worst Look of the Night

Amanda Bynes
     Let’s be honest, what’s an MTV red carpet without Amanda Bynes? Even if we haven’t seen her do anything since that stint in Hairspray, this girl likes to think that as long as you show up at social events you’re somehow still popular.

     Long hippie hair may work for Miley Cyrus, but just because you gained tween fame doesn’t mean you can do it too. Cut your hair, ditch the liquid liner and start looking for work already!

7 June 2 Permalink