You little minx.

Currently listening: Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson
Currently drinking: water
Currently feeling: excited for the holiday weekend

Katy Perry has been sharing some pictures on her twitter lately that has me drooling. What is it that has me reacting that way? Her nails!



I noticed they were by Minx right away. I might consider this just enough inspiration to stop biting my nails and save up enough money to have this done! If you don't know what Minx are, it's like a shrinkwrap for nails. They heat the material and apply it to the nail. They come in various patterns and colors! They are not long-term, but they are perfect for wowing people at a special occasion. I love the flowered pattern that Katy chose!

P.S.- Just a head's up that Monday is a civic holiday here, so I may not have time to post!
Also...Happy birthday to Harry Potter and JK Rowling! :D

July Favorites

Currently watching: Gilmore Girls
Currently drinking: water
Currently feeling: chilly

Time for a monthly favorites post!

1.MAC's Color Crafted Lipstick- Seriously I can't say enough good things about this lipstick. It's the perfect pink. Since it's limited edition, I might just pick up a backup!

2. Nikon D60. I have not put this down since I got it. I think it's one of the best cameras out there. I absolutely recommend it. Now I can't wait to take a photography course to learn even more!

3. My new wallet from F21. It's this wonderfully fab leopard and rose print.

4. One A Day vitamins for women. I started (finally!) taking vitamins daily last month. I can't even begin to tell you the differences. The best one is that my hair is feeling stronger. I have very thin hair and perhaps it's mental, but I feel like it's just a little bit thicker. We all should take vitamins daily! In today's society, fast food is all the rage. You have to get proper nutrients somehow!

5. Soap & Glory's Righteous Butter. I know I keep raving about S&G products, but I cannot help it! This is the best skincare line I have ever come across. This body butter is my favorite and makes my skin so soft!

6. Sephora by OPI's Mermaid to Order. It's such an unique color. It's on my nails right now!

FOTD

Currently watching: Goode Family
Currently reading: my Nikon manual
Currently feeling: full from dinner

I thought I would do my first ever FOTD (face of the day)!

Products Used:
Clinique Almost Makeup Foundation applied with a damp Sonia Kashuk blending sponge)
Clinique Perfectly Real makeup compact
MAC Refined MSF as a blush
Clinique Glosswear in Cocoplum (which I'm pretty sure has been discontinued)
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus eyeliner
Benefit BADgal Plum mascara
two shades of brown eyeshadow in my matte Coastal Scents palette

Obviously, you can do this look with similar shades of eyeshadow and a plum-colored lip product!

^Clinique gloss in Cocoplum and Benefit BADgal plum



^The arrows point to the two shades that I used. The colors in the first picture are more true to color.

Hope you like it!

Small Sephora Haul

Currently listening: Soulmate by Natasha Bedingfield
Currently excited: to see Ice Age 3 tonight!
Currently feeling: exhausted

I went into Sephora on Sunday and actually only came out around $13 poorer. Not bad!

I'm a Beauty Insider and if you're not one and you shop at Sephora, you should sign up too! It's completely free and you get some nice perks. For every $1 you spend, you get 1 point. For every 100 points, you get a deluxe sample (there is a choice of three each month). If you save up to 500 points, you can get a pre-determined full-size product.

Since this month's full-size product was not something I wanted to spend my 500 points on, I used 100 of them to get the Stella perfume sample. It's a scent that I've been wanting to try for awhile and this is a fair-sized product. And now I get to try it without any real commitment to like it. However, I really am liking it. It's not like any of my other perfumes and I'm thinking that it is a nice scent for a night out.

Another perk of being a Beauty Insider is that you get a free gift on your birthday! Last year I got a bottle of cupcake scented bubble bath. This year I received a trio of mini lipglosses. I have not really tried them out yet, but the red one is absolutely gorgeous in color.

The other thing that I got (and the only thing I paid for) was the Sephora by OPI's Mermaid to Order nail polish. This nail polish is fantastic for summer. It's a nice and shimmery blue-green color. I'm wearing it right now, but I won't dare show my nails at the moment. I'm a biter! :/ However, I have swatched it on sheet of white paper and it looks almost exactly true-to-life. It's fabulous and I will be wearing this often!

MAC Haul!

Currently listening: Adele's 19 album
Currently doing: working on graphics
Currently feeling: indifferent

There's an offer for free express shipping on MAC's Canadian site that ends today, so I just had to take advantage of it. These are just the stock images of what I am getting, but I will absolutely do swatches, pictures, and reviews when I receive them in the mail. :)

Concealer. I actually did not get this to just use as a concealer. I actually rather like Benefit's Erase Paste for that. Though I will probably try this out for blemishes, as well! However, I have bright pink pigmented lips and I plan to use this as a neutralizer. I've heart that it is a great backup to MAC PRO's Lip Erase. That simply means that I will put this on my lips to cancel out the pigmentation, making it the perfect canvas for a nude lip and various other looks.

Mineral powder. I've been reading reviews about how great this powder is. I'm looking forward to trying it, as I absolutely love Refined! Since the color is completely buildable, you can use it as a foundation substitute or a setting powder. Not too shabby!

I'm the most excited to try this lipstick! It's part of the Color Craft collection and I've been seeing it around youtube and other various beauty blogs. It looks simply gorgeous! I'm a sucker for soft and pink lips, so I'm really looking forward to using it!

P.S.- New signature! ♥

Special Saturday Post!

I just want to announce that I have started a sister site to this one for my photography! :)

Feel free to check it out at:
Dreamy Daze Photography

Hold the Water

Currently watching: CFL football
Currently surfing: Flickr
Currently feeling: mad

This is a review for Batiste Dry Shampoo.

I bought two bottles at Sally Beauty. I got the original scent and blush scent. I've only tried the original so far. Now it could be that I am doing it wrong, but I'm not getting the volume that other people claim to get. I must say that it was great at sucking the oil up and making it look like I just washed my hair. I was just really hoping for a little extra volume for my thin hair. I will definitely use it again, though. I got them on sale for $5, so I think they are quite a steal of a deal!

The method that I use is best explained in Gemma's video. Check the video (and her amazing youtube channel) out!

XOXO ♥

In My Purse

Currently watching: Law & Order UK
Currently drinking: Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi
Currently feeling: lazy

Just another "in my purse" post!

That's my Juicy Daydreamer that I got for my birthday! Just click on the image to go to my Flickr and see notes on everything. Make a post of what's in your purse (and link me to it) or post in comments what you consider your top five things that you just HAVE to carry! :)

XOXO ♥

Struck by a High Beam

Currently reading: UK Cosmo
Currently drinking: Diet Coke
Currently feeling: creative

Here is my review for Benefit's High Beam!

This product is one of those that I took my time purchasing. I don't know why, but I had my eye on it for awhile and just never got around to buying it until a month or so ago. I read some reviews of it on Makeup Alley, which I absolutely suggest that you do before splurging on any makeup item. The girls there are great!

I rather like High Beam. It's an excellent highlighter. There are multiple ways to use it. You can mix it with your moisturizer or liquid foundation for an all-over glow and dewy effect. You can use it just under the eyebrows to highlight your brow bone. Personally, I use it to highlight my cheeks, right down my nose, and the part of my chin right under my lips.

For my cheeks, I draw two Xs. One bigger one near the nose and a smaller one directly down from the outer corner of the eye. Then, I use a foundation brush to blend it in going outward. Afterwards, I draw a slight line down the bridge of my nose and blend in. I use what's left on the brush and blend it in on my chin. Basically, you want to put it anywhere that the light will hit your face. This chart shows how I do it!

XOXO ♥

My Birthday

Currently listening: Summer Day by Coconut Records
Currently frustrated: with Kelly Clarkson's fanclub
Currently feeling: annoyed

I had a great time in Chicago and an excellent birthday! Here is where I'll show my birthday/shopping goodies that I received. :)

Things not pictured: Bumpits, Chicago souvenirs (pink Magnificent Mile mug and a ornament because I love Christmas ornaments!), Wisconsin souvenirs (a backscratcher and a magnet), items that I will be reviewing later (such as Chi hair gift pack, Soap & Glory soap, Batiste dry shampoo), camera case, a belt from Torrid, black mini-bow hair pins from Torrid, random soda that I can't get here in Canada, and a few other little necessities that I can't get here.

My first trip to an Ulta! I went in looking for a certain hair waver, which they did not have. :( To make up for my sadness, I got a big bottle of Chi Silk Infusion and a bottle of OPI's A Grape Fit. It's a beautiful purple!

I made a stop at Target, because that store is a drug to me. I got a Sonia Kashuk blending sponge (review is coming!), 3 pads of post-it notes, 3 memo pads, a sheet of stickers, an ice pack because I have a clumsy husband who always seems to need one, a notebook, and a matching folder. I did get other things, but I doubt you care about snacks, a razor, Hello Kitty bandaids, etc. Ha!

So I got the item I wanted most! My brand new Nikon D60! It's love, it really is. I've been using it everyday!


As much as I would have loved to walk out of the Marc store with a new Faridah on my arm, I did show restraint. :) My last MBMJ tote that I got has been used constantly, so I thought it was time to get a new one. The best part of the blue one is that it has a top zipper! Do you know how hard it was to choose which color of totes to get?! I got the flip-flops for when I go swimming. And then there is the adorable lipstick pen.

My new (and first) Juicy Couture Daydreamer! It's huge. Not only was it the last one that the store had, but I also got it for a great price. Score!

One of my best gifts was the Harry Potter Exhibition in Chicago! It's the only reason we really went. It was so amazing. The best part? I got to sit in Hagrid's chair! The same one that you see Hermione sitting in during Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Yes, I told you I was an HP nerd. :)

I couldn't go to the Ex. and not get some souvenirs! I plan on wearing the shirt to the movie. I'm waiting to see it in IMAX 3D, so I have to wait until July 29th. I'm dying while waiting, obviously...but it's worth it. I also got two postcards, two bookmarks with a poster inside, a mug, and a sticker set (which has a sticker book and a Time Turner necklace inside).

It's hard to find a Sanrio store these days, especially decent ones. I picked up some little candies, a pack of notebook paper which I specifically got because it has macarons on it, and a gift pack that includes: a notebook, pencil, stickers, and candies. And I got a free magnet!

I got these two shirts through the Faith21 line at F21. I will be talking more about these and that fashion line later. So my fellow plus-size ladies, be on the lookout!

More F21 stuff! The one I went to was 20x better than the one here in Toronto, in my opinion. They actually had most of what I wanted in stock! I got a beautiful rose scarf which I'm infatuated with, a whale tote, three bow headbands because I obviously can never have enough bows, a navy blue beret, wood panel sunglasses, and a leopard-rose print wallet. I was looking for a different wallet but I just had to have this one the minute I saw it.

I love The Container Store! Last year when I went, I had gotten a lap desk but I used it so much that it was losing it's shape at the bottom. So I got a new one with a gorgeous damask pattern! I also got a new dry erase board for my refrigerator, two packages of things for canned drinks (a pump to save the fizz and little clips to help open the tabs), towel tablets that make little towelettes when water is added, apple scented paper soap, and Goo Gone!

Ok, I think that is all except for the stuff that I'll be reviewing later! I'm obviously broke now, but it was worth it. More later!

XOXO ♥

P.S.- Minor layout update! As much as I love purple, I think the new blue background is a little more suitable. :)

New Moon

Currently drinking: water
Currently thinking: about my cousin
Currently feeling: homesick

So maybe it's just me, but I actually prefer the posters for New Moon to the ones from Twilight. I think it is much better done. I find it to be a bit more aesthetically pleasing. What do you think? Which do you prefer?

Twilight:

New Moon:

XOXO ♥

Maybelline Pulse Perfection

Currently watching: Unwrapped
Currently playing: Sorority Life on facebook
Currently feeling: tired

Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara

I was afraid of this mascara at first. I was terrified of the pulsing, but honestly I could hardly tell how much it was vibrating (which happens to be 7,000 times a minute!). This mascara tends to do everything in one sweep. It fully coats your lashes, separates them, and curls them. I had no problems with it clumping. I normally purchase higher-end mascaras such as Benefit, but I put this right up there in terms of quality and outcome.

I have no idea where I have stored my before and after pictures, because I can't find them at the moment. I'll try to come back and update this post with them later!

Anyway, don't believe my word for it. Listen to what my friends have to say!
Katelyn says:
"When looking at the packaging of the product, it is very simple black with gold writing, however the way the font is used, bolding PULSE makes the product stand out. I was a little skeptical before using the product; the whole vibrating wand was a little intimidating. I have never used a product like this before. It took a little getting used to, figuring out how to hold your hand as well as the button at the same time. I found the actual product amazing. It was a creamy texture with a shiny gloss finish. It lengthened to the point where it looked like I was wearing false eyelashes. The formula wasn’t clumpy at all and separated my eyelashes beautifully. I did find though, for a “perfect” look I needed to apply two coats. The removal of the product was easy; I used a make up wipe as I normally do and it came off without a problem. The only problem I did find with this mascara was the length of the wand is a little long. All in all, I thought that this mascara was fantastic and I will definitely be purchasing it."
Katelyn's results were (left = before, right = after):

Melanie's results:

Sana says:
"Okay, so the first thing I noticed when I swiped the first coat of mascara on my lashes is that there was a lot of product. Which unfortunately, meant a lot of clumping. However, after a few tries, I got the hang of it and my lashes were nicely separated and thickened. BUT don't swipe too much because then you get an overload of mascara on your lashes.
The vibrations did make my eyes water a bit, but only in the beginning. It's a strange sensation but it's very easy to get used to and feels pretty good! The bristles on the wand were thin and I was really happy that I only had to swipe one time to get all my lashes coated. It definitely beats the other mascaras, where I had to swipe at least 3 times (center lashers, then inner and outer ).
In terms of effectiveness, I do think the vibrations helped disperse the mascara evenly. You just need to use a light hand, rather than heavy because you get more than enough product with a gentle swipe. A heavy hand would just clump the lashes together. Another thing to watch out for is the drying time. Wait at least 30 seconds before you blink or do anything else.
The mascara formula is quite heavy and if you blink too fast (like I did), you end up with smudges under your eyes. Even though I curled my lashes beforehand, I thought that Pulse Perfection definitely gave my lashes a pretty curl. It's about 7 hours later and my lashes are still going strong! Now, this formula is non-waterproof (I don't even think there is a waterproof one out yet) and that means it's really easy to take off. A few rubs with eye makeup remover and it's gone! But because of that, don't go around sobbing with this mascara on or you'll have racoon eyes.
So in the end, I loved the effect of Pulse Perfection. It separated, volumized and defined very well, it has good lasting power and does not flake throughout the day. I'd definitely buy it again! But I'll probably only wear when i go out at night; since my lashes are already long, 'pulse perfection' gives it that special oomph! That doesn't work well for the office. ...ah screw it, i'll wear it anyway :D Verdict: 8/10"
She gave the product to some of her friends that said:
"This mascara did everything that it said it would. I found that it made my lashes look thick , long and full. It was easy to wash off but at the same time it didn't melt. I found that it took a bit of practice to avoid clumping. But with the vibrating feature it was easy to even the mascara. I thought this product was great and I would definitely buy it again. I liked the way that Maybelline's Pulse Perfection made my eyelashes look more defined."

"Maybelline’s new Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara is good, if not better than the other mascara I have used. The vibrations of the mascara were surreal at first but it’s something you have to get used to. This mascara separated and lengthened the look of my lashes, while the intensity of the colour made my lashes really stand out. There was more than enough product on the applicator brush that I was able to do both my eyes, but applying too much did cause the lashes to clump a bit. The mascara is easy to take off as it is not water proof. For the price (around $15), this is definitely one of the best mascara around and certainly a better deal than Lancome’s oscillating mascara. I loved the result and would definitely continue using this product."
To see Sana's results and pictures, click here.
Christine's review and pictures can be found here.

“Matchstick is looking for feedback from anyone who may have seen my posting about Maybelline's new Pulse Perfection mascara. If you click on the link below and complete the survey, you will be helping them by donating $2.00 to the Redwood Women’s Shelter, please Click Here to take their short feedback survey.

For every survey that is completed, Matchstick will make a $2 donation to the Redwood Women’s Shelter (theredwood.com).

Your time and feedback is greatly appreciated.”

Survey is located HERE.. If you have tried this product, read this post, or are thinking of trying it, please take the survey! :)

XOXO ♥

Hiatus

Currently doing: packing!
Currently thinking: I'm forgetting something
Currently feeling: stressed

Sorry guys! I did not get around to posting yesterday because I'm really busy this week. Between a birthday dinner planned for tonight, packing for Chicago, booking travel plans, etc. etc....I'm worn out emotionally and physically.

Anyway, I won't bore you with details! I leave tomorrow morning for Chicago. I will not be back until Monday night. Therefore, I will not be updating again until sometime next week. Sunday is my 25th birthday and to celebrate, I'm going to the Harry Potter Exhibition. Yep, I'm a HP nerd. :) Can't wait to tell you about my trip and share with you what my birthday goodies will be! Until then, take care and best wishes!

XOXO ♥

June Favorites

Currently watching: The Simpsons
Currently excited: for my birthday and vacation!
Currently feeling: drained

I hope you all had a fabulous Independence Day. I did mean to make an entry, but the weekend got busy. I'm sure you were all to busy to stop in just to see if I made one. :P So it's six days into July already, therefore I have decided to not let this escape me. Here are my favorite products from the month of June!

1. MAC Lustreglass in Love Nectar- I've been using this a lot since I got it. It's a bit similar to NARS Orgasm, but there is a myriad of shimmer happening in this shade. It's perfect for a night out on the town! Review is here.

2. Sephora by OPI in I'm Wired- I am really loving coral this summer (and for the first time in my life since 1990!). This is a great coral pink color, which I love. I find some corals to be too close to orange and that could be why I never really liked it. It just took me finding the right spectrum of the color.

3. Sephora foundation brush- I use this when I wear my Clinique Almost Makeup. However, I also use it to brush in my Benefit High Beam. The brush is a nice shape and you can find many uses for it!

4. MAC MSF in Refined- Seriously, I cannot give this enough praise. I've completely fallen in love with this shade. Why does it have to be limited edition? WHY?! Review is here.

5. Benefit High Beam- I procrastinated on getting this. And by procrastinated, I mean I waited about a year to finally splurge. I am so mad at myself for waiting. This is a great highlighter. Review is coming!

6. Maybelline Pulse Perfection mascara- My review is coming on this! I was actually chosen by a company (Matchstick) to review this. So stay tuned this week! :) With it being on my list of June favorites, I think you can put two and two together to know that I was not disappointed.

XOXO ♥

Update Friday

Currently drinking: water
Currently listening: Walking On Broken Glass by Annie Lennox
Currently feeling: creative

New layout! After around three months, I decided it was time for a change around here. I loved the Gossip Girl layout (which is why I kept it around for so long), but sometimes I just want to see something new. :) So I hope you like the new look!

I added a new video to my youtube channel, as well. So if you have a youtube, come check it out, comment, subscribe...I'll return the favor. Unless you are going to be rude, which is why comments are only by approval on my channel. I don't put up with rudeness.

Friday Five

1. It's the last night of the world, and you've only just found out. What five things will you do in these final hours? eat a delicious last meal, cuddle with my husband, face a fear or two, pray, and visit family
2. How do you feel about our American Flag's design? I like it. Not sure what is not to like.
3. What pets have you had? Dogs, cats, a rabbit, two iguanas, some fish, and a snake.
4. What was the last activity you wore a wristband for? Hmm...I think it was for a football game last fall. It might have been something else, though.
5. What song changed your life? Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway. I relate to that song so much.

I might be making more changes to the blog later on. So don't be surprised if something changes!

XOXO ♥

So refined.

Currently watching: House
Currently doing: editing a video
Currently feeling: accomplished

MAC Mineral Skinfinish in Refined

This is my first MSF and I bought the limited edition shade Refined. It's gorgeous in person! Some stores still have them, so search around. It has some slight shimmer in it and perfect for summer. The great thing about MSFs are that they can be used as a blush, highlighter, and facial powder for an all-over glow. The way I apply it is with my Bare Escentuals Handy Buki brush and buff it in. That insures that you will get an even coating all over. I love this and I keep reaching for it ever since I bought it!

I wore it as an all-over powder today. This is how it looks. It's very silky and goes on smoothly. I have very dry skin and this really worked for me. I recommend other MAC MSFs!

XOXO ♥

Canada Day

Currently watching: Surviving Suburbia
Currently drinking: Diet Pepsi
Currently feeling: full from dinner

Today is Canada Day! This one is special to me, because even though I have been here to celebrate four others before this, I'm an actual Canadian resident this time! I got my Permanent Resident status two weeks ago, so I finally feel like the holiday applies to me. To read more about Canada Day, you can go here. :)

XOXO ♥