New Haircut!

After a lot of talk I finally did it. I cut my hair. And not just a trim. I cut about a foot off. It was getting really long, if you remember.

This photo of Gretchen Mol in The Notorious Betty Page was my inspiration. I knew I wanted to keep my bangs, but it was time to lose some length.

source

Here's my version.

The best part is that I have a fabulous new hairdresser. Winnipeg's premier rockabilly and vintage hairstylist Kelly O. Her and I totally clicked. I adore her. AND she made my hair look freakin awesome!! My bangs have never been better behaved. 

If you insta, follow her @hairbymisskellyo. If you want to book an appointment she's at Salon One 11. 

I thought I would, but I don't even miss my super long hair. It wouldn't hold a curl and was nothing but straight and long. Now that my hair is much shorter (in comparison!) I've been curling it every day. Plus it looks and feels so much healthier.

Leopard Print Cardigan: Joe Fresh

Black Tee: Forever21 - thrifted

Vintage Mink Brooch: Value Village

Lisa.xo

My Beauty Regime: Applying the Face

Yesterday I posted the products I use to cleanse my face morning and night.

Today I'll be sharing my favourite makeup products! This is my daily arsenal. I never leave the house without makeup on - at the very least a light sweep of foundation, blush and mascara. Wearing makeup everyday makes me feels good. It always makes me feel polished and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

I've always loved makeup. I remember begging my mother to let me wear it in junior high. I can still remember my first green Cover Girl pressed powder compact.
In the 90's, when I was in high school I wore thick black eyeliner with a wing everyday.
In university I was still sporting thick black eyeliner, but had stopped tanning and was obsessed with a milky white complexion set off with bold eyeshadow that matched my outfit. Blues, Greens, Yellows, Golds and Purples...you name it, I had wore it. I spent hours painting my face to go out dancing. And Halloween was my favourite - every costume had elaborate makeup.
It wasn't until I was in my mid 20's that I started refining the more muted, vintage look like I wear today. Nude shadow replaced the bold and lipstick became my new friend.

These days I wear the same look - with varying degrees of "glamour", so-to-speak, every day. And even though I'm not experimenting with colour the same way I did 10 years ago, doesn't mean that I love makeup any less. I still enjoy getting ready for a night out and spending time applying a perfect face.

Primer

Benefit "that gal" Brightening Face Primer (buy it here)- I'm a firm believer in primer, especially as I get older (And I happen to be out of it right now - hence the stock photo). 

In my opinion, there is nothing that can replace a good primer if you want your makeup to have all day lasting power. I apply it to my eye area every day (works wonders for keeping my shadow from creeping into the fine lines), but if I've got a full day where I don't want to be reapplying my face every 2 hours I applying it all over. 

There are lots of primers out in the world at varying price points, but this is my go-to. I like the light consistency, the smell and the bit of shimmer. I wear it on my face by itself if we're headed to the beach and I'm not wearing any makeup (ok, so there is one example of me leaving the house without makeup...but it's the only time) - it gives my face a pretty glow. 

Foundation

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (in N15) (buy it here) - I apply my concealer with clean fingertips to any spots and around my nostrils (I do this because I have a bit of redness there and foundation never covers it properly. For a truly flawless finish I find that applying concealer to this area is a must everyday). I do this before foundation and touch up after foundation on problem areas again if necessary.
The trick to concealer is to apply only to the problem area (the redness of a pimple for example) and blend the edges. If you can't do this precisely with your fingers, then I would suggest using a thin tipped makeup brush.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (in N3) (buy it here) - Next is foundation. I love this pressed powder/foundation from MAC. It's a two in one! And its constancy offers several applying options. For a heavier base, I use the sponge located in the bottom compartment of the compact (I'm sure to wash it weekly to avoid bacteria buildup!). Or for a lighter base I use a big fluffy brush to dust the powder all over.
Even applied heavily, this foundation doesn't feel cakey or dry.
I only have one beef about this foundation. It reflects light - which makes you look glowy and lovely in person, but can sometimes make my face look ghostly, weird and washed out in photos taken with a flash.

Quick sidebar: I love MAC products. They are worth the money, in my opinion - particularly in a foundation or concealer for a fair skinned girl like me. Before I made the plunge into buying department store foundation I struggled to find anything in the drugstore that would match my skin tone. And if I did find one I usually had to start from scratch when I ran out because the line was no longer available. Not only did the MAC staff help me with a colour match, I now can walk in, ask for my colour and walk out stress free! That's worth it's weight in gold in my books!


Cheeks and Eyebrows

Benetint Rose Tinted Cheek & Lip Stain (buy it here) - I use this as blush. I've talked about this product in a previous post concerning its capabilities as a lip stain here. I would cry a million tears (or more!) if this stain was discontinued. I have always had a hard time finding a blush that looked natural against my pale skin. Some were too orangey, some were too pink. Benetint has serious staying power and looks pretty and natural.
The product is liquid and has a brush applicator (like nail polish). I paint an 'X' on the apple of my cheek and a 2-3 small vertical lines along my cheekbone. Then blend with my fingertips. I do one cheek at a time to avoid streaks and uneven drying.
It's easy to apply in layers if you want a bolder look, or apply it with a light hand for a barely there blush.

Annabelle Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown (buy it here) - I fill in my eyebrows every day. I'm a natural blonde and my eyebrows are a lot lighter than my dyed dark hair. I also like the way a darker brow frames my face.
The trick to a good brow is firstly, in good brow maintenance. I tweeze my own eyebrows and trim them into shape with small sharp scissors. There are plenty of good YouTube videos about this if you are new to it. I won't go into much more detail here.
The next trick is a good sharpener. Mine is from Ben Nye (buy it here). Be prepared to have to buy a new one once in a while - the blades will never be sharp forever.
I love the built in brush on this pencil. It means I can throw it in my purse for touch ups and have one less thing to cart around with me. It's also got good staying power - the crayon is a bit waxy and really sticks to my eyebrow hair. I've even worn it swimming and it hasn't moved too much! So I'm rarely worried about it sliding all over my face.
Otherwise, this is a pretty standard drugstore brand pencil. I go through one or two a month, so purchasing one at a lower price point just makes sense.


Eyes

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch (buy it here) - This is the best, most beautiful nude eyeshadow I've ever worn. Seriously. The colour isn't quite pink, or coral or beige - just the perfect nude - a bit of each. And it's not too shimmery - just enough for daytime.
There is nothing quite like MAC eyeshadows. The pigment is saturated and has great staying power.
I apply this shadow to the lid of my eye and just on the outside crease with an eyeshadow brush.

Quo Crushed Diamonds Highlighter - Okay, I'm a bit embarrassed to be posting this, but I bought this a few years ago and it has lasted me FOREVER! It's not available to purchase anymore. This highlighter was available at Christmas at Shoppers Drug Mart (Quo is their store brand) and I bought it.  I've used a few other products intermittently, but am now trying to use it up.
This product does double duty for me. I apply it right at the center of my eyelid over my eyeshadow instead of using another light shadow for highlight and then apply it under my eyebrow, above my cheekbone and in the inside corner of my eye.
I'm currently on the hunt for a replacement powder highlighter for when this one runs out. Any suggestions?

Revlon Eyelash Curler (buy it here) - After shadow and highlighter I curl my lashes. This is a basic model, I've had it for years and it's never let me down.
When curling my lashes I make sure to get as close to the base as possible and squeeze gently. You want a nice arched curve, not a 90 degree angle. I also tilt the lash curler towards my eye as I squeeze to get more lift.
If you found you've crimped your lashed in a square, take your fingers and coaxed them back down gently pressing on the crimped part and try again.

Annabelle Eyeshadow in Ebony (buy it here) - I use this black eyeshadow (it looks dark brown on the website) to tightline my lashes. (Go here for a great tutorial on how to tightline).
After curling my lashes I use a small straight lining brush to press in the powder.
Most days I leave it at this, skip eyeliner and apply mascara. Tightlining my lashes makes a huge difference on how my eyes look. It emphasized and fills in gaps when I use eyeliner and makes my lashes look fuller when I skip the liner.

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (buy it here) - Up until very recently I'd been using Annabelle's Liquid Eyeliner in Black, but wasn't completely satisfied - it was very water soluble and wouldn't stay put. I was stocking up my usual Benefit products and got this eyeliner as a gift one day. I was sold! It has amazing staying power, the colour is a deep, rich black and the pencil sharpens to a fine tip - perfect for applying a wing.
I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great waterproof eyeliner pencil.
When I apply my eyeliner I start in the middle of my eye and work outwards. I don't sharpen the pencil right away. I lay down a base line from the middle of my eye to the outer corner letting the line get thicker on the outer edge. Then I sharpen the pencil and draw in a thin line from my tearduct to the middle.
After that I sharpen again, if necessary and freehand the top of the wing from the top of the outer edge of the liner and fill in the bottom. When I go to match up the wing on the other eye I grab a hand mirror and look down while I draw and match the lines left to right. Never fails to work (got that tip from Dita!).
I don't line the bottom of my eye. ever.
I'm sure that's incredibly confusing with no pictures. There are dozens of great tips and cheats for perfect winged liner on YouTube and Pintrest. I've developed my own way after years of experimenting and practice. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black (buy it here) - I've tried a lot of mascaras in my day - expensive brands, dollar store, every make and model under the sun and I swear this is the best mascara I've used in years - especially for the price.
It does what it promises and separates every lash. After curling and tight lining - one coat of this mascara and bam! Almost like falsies (ok, I might be exaggerating here..but it's pretty good!).
When applying my mascara I make sure to get the wand right close to the base of the lashes and rock it back and forth and I sweep it to the tips. I dab off the excess product on the tip of the wand in a tissue and use the end to coat the lashes in the corners of my eye and the bottom outside lashes.



Brushes

A quick note about makeup brushes. I have a wonderful set of brushes from Sephora that I received for Christmas one year (similar to this one) and the silver handled brushes were a Christmas gift another year. But please, don't feel the need to go to a beauty counter and buy brushes. Go to an arts supply store and buy natural bristled paint brushes for a fraction of the cost. I have plenty of other brushes that I've bought at an arts store. There is no denying that some specialty brushes may have to be bought at the beauty counter, but common types of brushes will be available by this method.


Next I apply lipstick.
I've already addressed my favourite lipsticks in this post. So I feel no need to re-iterate here.

And that's it! Ready to meet the world with my face on!


What are your favourite beauty products? Do you love drugstore brands? Or are you fiercely loyal to brands like MAC and Benefit like me? 


Lisa.xo

My Beauty Regime: Prepping the Surface

I'm often asked about my skin care regime and what kind of makeup I use. So, like any good blogger, I thought it was about time I shared it with you all.

Unlike some hardcore vintage bloggers, I do not boast a regime straight from 1952. I'm a modern woman with modern needs. So what I slather on my face every morning is also modern.

I've decided to break this post into two. This post focuses on my cleansing routine and the next will be about my makeup.

Proactiv - I figure I should just address this right off the bat, since I'm sure that's the biggest surprise. I have been plagued with bad acne since I was in junior high. For years I had a prescription acne medication that eventually went over the counter which I still used up until this summer. Along with numerous other acne treatments. Most of them only treated surface acne and major breakouts. This past summer my tried and true medication just stopped working and my face revolted. I knew it was time to bring in the big guns.
I'd been thinking about trying Proactiv for over a year and finally took the plunge after a lot of research online. It's a three step method with a lot of extra add ons from the company if you're interested. I'm happy with the basics: Cleanse, Tone and Treat.
Plus my scrub brush, also from Proactiv. I use it nightly with the Cleanser after I remove my makeup.
I find that Proactiv has changed the way the skin on my face feels. It used to be quite oily, now it is drier, but feels softer.
Most importantly, I have noticed a difference in my acne. The blackheads and under-the-surface acne on my nose and chin have almost completely disappeared after a month. I'm still getting a few small breakouts in strange areas, but I'm hoping that will subside with more use and it's just my skin expelling some of the bad stuff as I use the treatment.
Overall, I'm really happy with this product line and will continue to use it. I'm able to wear less makeup on casual days - which is a first for me.

Pond's Cold Cream - I use this old school beauty product for makeup removal before I start my Proactiv regime. I have found that nothing works as well for getting off stubborn eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. I have an arsenal of facecloths dedicated for makeup removal and use a new one each night. I find that Pond's keeps my skin feeling soft and hydrated - not greasy at all.

Neutrogena Aglesss Intensives Serum - I have/had some pretty deep forehead wrinkles. I use this product to soften the lines on my forehead and around my eyes. I only use it in the morning before I moisturize. I little dab will do you! This bottle lasts me a long time.

Olay 7 Signs of Aging Moisturizer - This is my daily morning and night time moisturizer. I use it after my Proactiv regime. Proactiv sells an oil free moisturizer, but I like the features of this one and using it instead of the Proactiv moisturizer doesn't seem to be a problem so far. This moisturizer treats fine lines, discolouration, reduce pore size and other magical things which I can't remember right now. I buy the fragrance free moisturizer - the scented one is very strong and makes my eyes sting. I also buy the one with 15 SPF when it is in stock at my drugstore (they seem to go through phases of not carrying it).

After I've applied my moisturizer in the morning I wait for it to dry a bit then start applying makeup. Which will be the next post, coming in a few days.

So there it is. Fairly straightforward, simple.

What is your beauty regime? Have you ever used Proactiv? 

Lisa.xo

Raising Eyebrows

I have a little secret...ok, well it's not really a secret, but I don't like people to know, or see.

I'm building this up way more than is necessary...

I have some brutally patchy eyebrows from over-plucking in the 90's. I pencil them in every day. Otherwise they look scraggly and bad...at least I think so.

Here's the pictorial evidence. And naturally, I've uploaded this photo and am thinking "Well they don't look that bad..." Cripes. I swear they look worse in person... really.

I finally decided to take some action last week and take care of them. I've only got foundation on in this photo, but my eyebrows (and eyelashes!) are looking halfway decent because I had them tinted at the salon last week.
Normally my eyelashes are non-existant without mascara and my eyebrows are much much lighter. The tinting darkened some of the lighter eyebrow hairs and have made them look fuller - which has helped in the patchy department. Now if I was a good blogger I'd have remembered to take before photos of my brows before the tinting...ah well...

Now here is the next big step in conquering my embarrassing brows (I can hardly believe I've posted this picture...I NEVER leave the house without filling in my brows and don't like people to see them) is this:

RapidBrow. It was recommended to me by the esthetician who tinted my brows. I literally left the salon and drove to a drugstore to pick some up. I set me back $40, but I'm hoping it'll be worth it. It claims to improve the look of eyebrows by 108% in 90 days. It's a mascara-like wand and a clear gel like substance that you sweep over your eyebrows twice a day - morning and night. You can use it over tinted brows (mine have been fine) and after it dries I'm free to pencil in where it's still patchy. Love that.

I've been using it now for almost at week (the pic above was taken on the first day). Have I noticed a difference? Yes. A little - there are small hairs growing where previously none were and have been since I was 14. I'm eager to see the middle of my brows fill in a little more. I've got a long way to go, but I'll post an update once I get one month in.

Anyone else try this product? Or something similar?

Lisa.xo

My Favourite Daytime Lipsticks

For a special event or for an evening out, I love a red lip. But day to day I feel a red lip is sometimes a little much. So I've found a few vintage-look friendly alternatives I'd like to share with you. 

In no particular order, here are my favourite go-to daytime lip colours:

Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain layered with Benefit Lip Balm

I love Benefit Rose-Tinted Cheek and Lip Stain! This is the product I use daily as blush and occasionally use on my lips as well. 

As a cheek stain it's unstoppable! Nothing looks more natural and has more staying power in this application. As a lip stain, it's got its issues - it tastes terrible, it is not long lasting and it tends to stain the  inside of your lips with much more pigment than the outside of your lips. However, with a little help - and this is where the lip balm comes in - it is great! 

The stain acts as a base, giving the lip balms' colour more depth. The result is a rosy pink, slightly glossy lip that works well with any look - day or night. 

And the gloss by itself is also lovely, just a more subtle hit of colour on the lips. 

Both of these products are a bit pricey - The cheek & lip stain at $30 and the lip balm at $20 (the Benefit website doesn't seem to be selling the lip balm anymore!! I hope it's not discontinued! I just bought a new pot recently at my local pharmacy..), but they last forever! I use the cheek and lip stain every day and buy only 2 bottles a year.

Here is the stain on my lips before the lip balm. I recommend careful application here. Take your time and concentrate the colour on the outer edges of your lips. 

You can see how icky it looks...it settles into the fine lines (eep!) around my lips and looks blotchy..

This is after the application of the lip balm over the stain. You can see here how the lip balm hides all of the imperfections of the lip stain and the result is very pretty!

And my mug with the stain and lip balm. It's a hint of red, but not in your face like true red lipstick. 

MAC Cyndi Lauper Viva Glam Lipstick

I love this lipstick. I would marry it if I could. And what you see in this picture is all I have left people...   Waaahh!! And it's a discontinued Viva Glam colour. I went back and bought another after I bought this one and kept it in my freezer until I was ready to use it I loved it so much after I bought the first one. 

I've heard there are good 'dupes' out there for this colour and I will shortly be searching the universe for them.. I will bring back my findings. 

For $16 this lipstick is amazing! It is a beautiful coral pink colour (very vintage friendly). It is creamy and has incredible staying power. It looks good day or night and with any manner of outfit. 

I didn't want to waste any by putting it on to take photos for this blog post, so I an providing a picture of me wearing this lipstick from another post. 

So, unfortunately friends, you can't buy this one, but if you know of any good substitutes or you love this colour as much as me and want some company to whine with about it being unavailable please talk to me! 

And my new favourite:
Revlon's Colorstay Ultimate Suede

I saw commercials for this product and am always interested in a lipstick that promises to stay put all day, so I went out and bought myself one. This colour is 'Finale' (095) and shows very true to colour in these photos. This colour is a pretty close match to my MAC Cyndi, but it's a little more coral and less pink. 

This lipstick set me back $15 and was worth every penny! It goes on well and has great pigment and delivers what it promises! It actually stays all day! I do have to reapply once during the day, but that ain't a whole heck of a lot after eating, drinking and the occasional kiss from The Boy! We even shared a can drink the other day and he didn't walk away with lipstick on his face after! Impressive! 

Unlike other all day lipsticks this is a one step application - which I love. And you can wipe it off with a kleenex if you've mucked up. It's not so permanent that you need makeup remover to get rid of it. It does feel a bit waxy after a few hours, but I think that's part of the magic...it never feels dry though. 

Here it is up close and personal:

My only beef with this line is that there is no true red shade. This seemed to be the reddest shade available. I'd be over the moon if Revlon released a true red shade in this lipstick, but I'll take this one for now! 

And there they are! My fav daytime shades.

What are your go-to daytime lipsticks? Do you prefer subtler coral and pink shades like me? Or do you wear red day and night? 

Lisa.xo

Money Saving Beauty Tips

source

I am a thrifty girl (sometimes I use the word cheap, but in the wrong context this can get me into trouble...I kid...but thrifty does sound better doesn't it?). Being thrifty doesn't just apply to my closet, I also try to be thrifty when it comes to my beauty routine. Not so much that I deserve a spot on TLC's Extreme Cheapskates, but I do like to save money and avoid waste (if you have not heard of this show I urge you to click the link and watch a few of those videos...they will blow your mind!!). So now I'm passing the savings along to you!

Alternative shaving cream

Instead of buying shaving cream I use conditioner. More specifically the ultra hydrating conditioner I get in the box of my hair dye. I always have leftover conditioner when I'm done dying my hair and can't bring myself to throw it out. I find it makes my legs super soft and smooth for days! It's a product two for one! I save money by not buying foaming shaving gel and I stretch the dollar on my hair dye because I never throw out the un-used conditioner.
If you don't dye your own hair I think any rich, hydrating conditioner would be just as good.


Zit spot treatment

Lemon juice. Works better than toothpaste (In fact I've found that toothpaste doesn't work at all). I take a Q-tip and soak the end in lemon juice and apply it to the spot and let it dry. Doesn't get rid of a zit overnight, but it does reduce size and swelling dramatically and done over several nights can make a spot completely disappear. Lemons cost less than 50 cents each. 'Nuff said.


Stretching the life of your beauty products

All you need is a pair of scissors and a zip lock bag. Do you know what I'm gonna say? Yup, I'm one of those people. The ones who cut open their toothpaste tubes and scrape out whatever is left when I can't squeeze any more toothpaste out. I also do this with my face wash, moisturiser and anything other product I can cut open. When I'm done cutting it open I store it in a ziplock bag until I use the rest of the product. Honestly, you'd be surprised how much product is trapped in most containers...ok, now I'm a little embarrassed that I just posted that on the internet...
oh well...

How do you stretch your dollar? Any money saving tips you'd care to share?

Lisa.xo