Autumnal Suggestions

For the past couple of years, the Pumpkin Spice Latte indicated Autumn's arrival. However, I am not a fan of pumpkin or any gourds really. So for me, Autumn's presence means seeing berry coloured lipstick and knee high boots.

Books

I have a couple of goodies that I want to talk about for those grey days of November.  First, is a book that fits right in - colours are autumnal, right? The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Based off his blog https://markmanson.net/, Manson makes sense and is tuned in to what I believe. It's not a book telling you to not to give a f*ck, but to choose more judiciously about what you actually value. Sarcastic and had me chuckling to myself in public. Furthermore, so many people, complete strangers, would approach me just to say how awesome it is. Oh the things that connect people......

Beauty

Resurgence of the matte liquid lipstick. I thought their time had passed. But alas, not. More companies are still going strong with these bad boys. The one I think you should pick up is the holiday offering from Kat Von D mini lipstick set. The colours are nude in all ranges and a black. Who doesn't want a black?

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick $66 Cdn everlasting-mini-liquid-lipstick-set

In other related products, I love a rosy cheek for fall and winter, it looks healthy and fresh.. If your skin doesn't eat them, a liquid or cream product works best. Nars Liquid blush in Dolce Vita is beautiful as is the Makeup Forever HD Cream blush in 510.  Please excuse the actual indication of use with the cream blush on the right. 

NARS liquid blush in Dolce Vita $38 Cdn and Make Up Forever HD Blush 510 

This is also the time of year where our skin becomes dull looking. This isn't the spot where I recommend highlighting your face to the heavens, but instead suggest using great skin care to assist with that ashy and perhaps flaky skin. A good AHA like lacticor glycolic acid will help the skin turn over, which then allows for products to absorb better and make the skin look great. Using a Vitamin C serum will also aid with dull complexions looking brighter. My favourite AHA products are Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial with 25% AHA and 2% BHA (not available in Canada; however, The Ordinary has 30% AHA 2% BHA Peeling Solution for for $7.20 Cdn), The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% . As for Vitamin C, Drunk Elephant C-firma Serum is wonderful.

C-firma Day Serum $100 Cdn

Lactic Acid 5% $5.50 Cdn

https://www.drunkelephant.com/collections/shop/products/t-l-c-sukari-babyfacial

Taking care of the outside is important but for me, nurturing my inside is paramount. The grey truly affects my mood and energy, therefore this is a time where I need to take care of myself mentally, spiritually and physically. Yoga and meditation check off all the boxes. 

Thanks for coming by

M

xx

Skin Care Regime

The past couple of years my love of makeup is apparent with all the colours, products and trends I have posted or worn. Lately, my focus has been on skin care. As to the change, I do not know if it is to do with my ageing or the fact that without good skin, it does not matter what kind of makeup you put on your face, it will not look good.

When I lived in Korea, I was acutely aware of their products and how diligent Koreans were/are about their skin regiments. As a teacher, I would receive whitening products from Chanel and chastised for even a slight tan. I wished I would have taken advantage of their products, because Korean skin care and their "steps" are very much the popular choice and current trend.

Morning Routine

Currently, my morning routine changed from splashing cold water on the face and maybe some moisturiser, to thorough cleansing and moisturising.

Morning Cleanse -  Farmacy Green Clean, makeup melting cleansing balm




Toner-  Indie Lee Co Q10 toner,



Drunk Elephant C-Firma day serum,












SPF 30 (physical)
Moisturiser - Sunday Riley Tidal cream or Drunk Elephant La La Retro Whipped Cream. This last step completely depends on my skin's requirements. 

Night Routine

My night routine was one of always taking off my makeup, without fail.

Micellar Water (Bioderma Sensibio),













Night Cleanser -Nude Clarifying oil cleanser, then the same toner










Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial






or lactic acid 5% by the Ordinary











or The Ordinary 2% Retenoid Emulsion.










Then the DE marula oil or LaLa Retro Whipped Cream

With combination oily skin, I was concerned the aforementioned would be too much, but I feel my skin looks really bright and clear.

I also incorporate sheet masks. These are a great way to add moisture, brighten or tighten skin.

Canadian Beauty Brands

Looking at my makeup collection, it is heavily loaded in MAC's favour (still  Canadian???). I decided to look at other bits of my collection to see how much of it was from here. Afterwards, I felt it was time to give kudos to Canadian beauty companies and their products.

Canadian Brands

Cake Beauty - their hand cream and body lotion (Desserted Island) smell heavenly and work very well on the skin.  They absorb nicely = no greasy feel. Yay.

Cargo - cosmetic company, known for their HD makeup, mascaras and foundations. Personally, I enjoy their eyeshadows and Plant Love Lipsticks

Marcelle - one of Canada's drugstore skin and cosmetics companies. Their BB Cream is wonderful and my favourite out of all them on the market. 

Annabelle - great trendy based drugstore company. It offers palettes, great eyeliners and lipsticks.

Quo - Shoppers Drug Mart in house brand. It has improve its quality immensely. Known for its brushes, the brand also works with Orly for nail tools and nail varnish. 

Cover FX - this hardworking little company has made some great strides and products. I am partial to their Natural FX, Skin Prep serum and primer, and the original Cover FX cream foundation. Good for the skin and great coverage. 

Lise Watier - the madame of them all. Well known in Canada, Lise Watier has grown into a competitive company. I use the Portfolio and the Metamorfix (liquid transformer)

Ojon - this hair company has a loyal following. Their line helps with damaged, dry and chemically treated hair. Hard to keep on the shelves. I use the Rare Blend Oil.

M.A.C - everyone knows this company from Toronto. In the 90's, Estee Lauder bought them, but they still remain true to Canada. I have too many products to list. Eyeshadows, Lipsticks, Viva Glam and so much more. 

Other Canadian Companies include:

Neostrata 
Moroccan Oil
B. Kamins 
Fusion Makeup
Bite Beauty
Balmshell 
Joe Fresh
Lit Cosmetics
Face Atelier
Vasanti 
Yaby 
Beaute
Stellarti
The Ordinary
Deciem
Nude Stix


Do you think Canadian Cosmetic and Beauty companies have what it takes? What is your favourite Canadian Hero product?
Take care,
xo Megs