dear diary {new feature alert}

I've decided to add a new feature to my side column, Beauty Diary. Not only does this allow me to keep track of what I buy but also lets my readers see what type of beauty products I'm interested in. Have a great weekend! Also, as usual feel free to comment:)

kisses xoxo

Monica

(image: photobucket.com)

Spring it up with Stewart+Brown

If your looking for great wear for Spring check out Stewart+Brown, a company which recycles left over surplus fabrics, uses organic cotton and hemp canvas. Not only are they Earth friendly but 1% of all sales go to non-profit, non-governmental environmental and social welfare organizations. Earlier this month they held a contest and although I didn't win they did like my idea.


stewart+brown tee - by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

(photo credit: Stewart+Brown)

Time to Toss & get Organized

If you remember owning a Caboodles similar to the one on the left than your probably as old as I am. Now if your still using that same Caboodles than you seriously need to revamp your makeup stash & quick. Just please tell me your not still using that same old lipstick...if you remember Revlon's Toast of New York or MAC's Twig lipstick than you clearly are from my generation. Anyhow, time to toss that old makeup & get yourself organized. By being organized you also spend less moola because you tend to remember what you own & where you put it. And in these frugal times its time to use up what you own. Quite frankly I'm guilty too! Really how many nude lipglosses can a gal own? Putting my hand up & don't ask...too many to count. Not only is hoarding makeup taking up space but your old makeup is also hoarding bacteria. I like to keep my makeup stashed away in my vanity in my bedroom. It also means that its kept away from the humidty of the bathroom where bacteria loves the wet & humid environment. Below is a timeline guide to how long you should keep your makeup. Another rule of thumb is if it smells funny than its NOT funny to put on your face so time to TOSS! Also, there are many products that are 'organic & paraban-free' these days & these last much less.

Mascara-One to six months

Lip balm-Three months in a pot, one year in a tube

Liquid and Cream Foundations-Six to 18 months

Concealer-Six to 12 months

Pressed powder-One to two years

Loose powder-One to two years

Eyeshadow-One year

Eye and lip pencil-One year

Blush-Six to 12 months

Lipstick-12 to 18 months

Eye cream-One to six months

Sunscreen-Between one and two years

Cleansers-Six months

Toners-One year

Moisturizers-From three to 18 months

Body lotion-Three to four months

Deodorant-Ingredients are most effective for one year

Shampoo and conditioner-Up to two years, but bacteria can invade products kept in the shower and decrease shelf life.

Spice racks are a great storage solution for nail polishes plus you can paint the wood finish to match your vanity. Utensil trays are also great for storing those square makeup compacts or palettes (i.e Bobbi Brown, Vasanti Cosmetics, Scott Barnes palettes which by the way I'm sad to announce will be discontinued).

These above plastic drawers are one of my favourite storage solutions. I keep samples & store just about any cosmetics in them. IKEA also makes cute metal storage units, look for them in their Office department section.

Great place to look for these storage solutions are in the Home, Office, Craft department sections at your local Target, Wall-Mart, Zellers, and Michael Craft stores.

(source: walkaboutmag.com, photos: target.com, Caboodles.com)

bringing Glam back to the Oscars

Here are my top fashion pics from the Oscars! Although I didn't watch the show (I was in bed because I was a bit under the weather) I couldn't resist putting up some of my favourite gowns. In no particular order here they are:

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino Couture

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

Marisa Tomei in Atelier Versace

Freida Pinto in John Galliano

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain Couture

(photo credit: style.com)

the boyfriend's closet {Fall'09}

Although I'm not crazy about posting fashion that's two seasons ahead of us, the fact is the fashion World is ahead therefore here's a preview from New York's Fashion Week. the "borrowed from my boyfriend's closet look". What are your thoughts? Do you think that we can get away with borrowing our boyfriend's blazer, tuxedo jacket, etc.? Or going into the women's department & purchasing a blazer/tuxedo that just "looks" like its borrowed but is more tailored?

From New York's Fashion Week (Fall'09 Ready-to-Wear) collections:

Tracy Reese Fall'09 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Derek Lam's Fall'09 Ready-to-Wear Collection

(photos: style.com)

Catching Up

Hi Darlings,

Sorry I've been a M.I.A lately. I completely missed Valentine's Day so here's a kiss..muah! I seriously need to get a laptop (I did wish for one). With my job (read about what I do here) I'm always away from home. Being holed up in hotel rooms & not being able to blog is time wasted & boring sometimes...well except for the fact I get to catch up on old America's Next Top Model re-runs. Contrary to what most think about my job its not always glamorous! And not all destinations are exciting, especially when your in the middle of nowhere. Anyhow, any help on choosing a laptop would be apreciated:) I don't want a big screen, just something small & light enough to travel. I do use my home computer for most projects therefore it would be more to surf the net & blog when I'm away. I'm liking this one by Dell.

Any suggestions?

(photo: Dell.com)

Plan of Attack {Winter Faves}

winter faves - by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

This winter sure was a cold, snowy, slushy, and everything else you can imagine Season. OK so most of you that aren't from Canada believe that every Canadian Season is Winter however we do have four seasons:) And thank goodness for that! But this past one sure was a record breaking Winter & every beauty junkie needs her weapons of attack. Here are a few favourites from this Winter;

Brocato Splassh Daily Shampoo & Conditioner
Nivea Intensive Nourishing HandCream
Nivea Strawberry Lipbalm
Dove Deep Moisture Day Cream SPF15
John Freida Brilliant Brunette Satin Shine finishing creme
Garden of Wisdom Immortelle HA serum
Garden of Wisdom Honeysuckle Hydrosol
Garden of Wisdom Takrai Lemongrass Cleanser (this is a scrub cleanser, its not my daily cleanser. I use this 2x week & love it)
Utena Puresa Collagen Daily Care Masks (I buy this in Hong Kong or Japan, I only use them 1x a week) Blue package is the Collagen mask I use
LUSH Sympathy for the Skin body cream

What are your favourite beauty products for the colder months?

going the mineral way

I've recently been testing out mineral makeup and one company that was generous to send me generous-size samples was J.Lynne Cosmetics. Owned by Jessica Lynne Miller, hence the company name, Jess developed her own line of makeup after using "traditional" makeup that she found only irritated her skin. Thus, in 2005 she created J.Lynne Cosmetics based out of Arizona. Back in December Jess emailed me about trying out a few products:

On the list

Soft Silk Mineral Blush in shades-Bolero, Innocence, Virtue, True, Crush, Mamboo

Plush Velvet Mineral Eyeshadow in shades-Briar, Beach, Pier, Willow, Island

and Satin Pearls Mineral Eyeshadow in Sandstone

I really liked the texture of the mineral makeup, soft & blendable. There is no scent & she doesn't do any animal testing! Also, the makeup lasted all day.

For my colour reference I'm in MAC NC30 & the blush shades that looked the best with my colouring were:

True (lush copper coral hue),

Crush (rich, warm pink with rose/peach undertones),

Innocence (soft matte peach pink),

Bolero (warm peach with pink & bronze undertones)

As for the eyeshdows all of them worked well & were gorgeous, my absolutely faves were;

Sandstone (nude, neutral, taupe brown, shimmery),

Island (medium khaki brown, with muted green undertones),

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jess for her wonderful samples & that she was a real doll to deal with:) Very polite & fast-shipping! A real pleasure.

(photo credit & source: J.Lynne Cosmetics)

hands off

Who hasn't spend time in front of a magnifying mirror & 1/2 hour later wondered what possessed you to squeeze your pores as if your waiting for Mount Vesuvius to re-erupt. Unfortunately, your causing more damage to your skin than what you think was initially there. That blackhead or pimple which hasn't come to a head is not going to disappear once you've attacked their territory. But for most the satisfaction of squeezing or picking at your skin out weighs the outcome. I'm not a dermatologist nor imply that I am, therefore I won't go into the ramifications of touching your skin or repeat other sources, since the links I'll post are great sources no need to go into further detail.

Have a look & let me know what your thoughts are on the matter & if you are a skin picker/squeezer?

StopPickingOnMe

Compulsive Skin Picking

Although the above sites are focused on picking, I do believe that squeezing can lead to picking. In other words put that magnifying mirror away!

(photo:photobucket.com)

its all about the eyes {makeup~Spring'09 cont'd}

~At the Roberto Cavalli Spring'09 Show (above) makeup artist Pat McGrath's focus was on smokey, sexy eyes, nude lips, and "perfect skin."

Makeup used:

Max Factor ColorGenius With Minerals Foundation

Max Factor Erase Cover-Up

Max Factor MAXeye Liner in Night Club

Nars Cream Eyeshadow in inky black Zardoz

Max Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duo in Domino Effect

CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Pencil in Soft Blonde and Soft Brown

Nars the Multiple in Copacabana

Kevyn Aucoin the Sculpting Powder in Medium

lips with concealer & then CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss in No Care Bare

(credit: style.com)

~At the Lanvin Spring'09 Show (above) makeup artist Pat McGrath went for the, "It's unstudied chic, undone couture" look. Although I admire McGrath's work this was not my fave makeup look for Spring. It reminds me of Amy Winehouse's eyeliner and that's not a good thing. But to each their own & perhaps some of you might like this look thus the post:)

Makeup used:

Nars Eyeliner Pencil in Iceberg

Cover Girl LineExact Liquid Liner Pen in Very Black

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper in Extreme Blackout

Cover Girl Brow & Eye Makers Pencil in Soft Blonde and Soft Brown (eyebrows)

CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick in Pure Gloss

Max Factor Erace Concealer

Max Factor ColorGenius Foundation with Minerals

Max Factor ColorGenius Mineral Pressed Powder

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium

Glad to see some low-budget makeup was used I might have to pick up that CG gloss, Max Factor mascara, & CG eyeliner.

(credit: style.com)

ICE is back for the last time!

ICE Boutique Sale
Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON
(Avenue Road & Bloor St W)

EDIT: I happened to pass by this sale & seems that its no longer held at the Church but to the East of it (you can't miss it). An actual ICE Outlet store has opened however I'm not sure till when. Drove by yesterday (Feb.10th) & still there.

The message I received wasn't very detailed but it was clear that most items would be"up to 90%" off!! Also, this will be the last sale that ICE will hold in Toronto. Since I'm planning on going to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) this weekend I will have to stop by. Their last few sales haven't been "anything to write home about." Hopefully, a few finds will be found:)
For more info:
my past post here Kitson

Be Mine! Are you ready for V-day?

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Underneath the wrapping wearing something pretty always makes a girl feel special. Regardless if you have someone special, wear it for yourself. It's what inside that counts anyways.

Bijoux xoxo

(top: Victoria's Secret side-bow cheeky)

(Victoria's Secret-Pleated Satin Teddy)

(Victoria's Secret-Lace-Trim sil teddy) right-side