GRWM || Soft Gray Eyes + Bright Coral Lips

Hey guys! Here's a soft, pretty gray/silver eye look I got playing around again with the UD Naked Smoky palette, which I haven't used in ages! Hope you guys like the look.

Let me know what your favourite shade combinations are in this palette, if you have it! =D

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

WISHLIST || 15 things I'd love to buy right now || Beauty, Fashion, etc.

Hi guys! Just another fun post for you today; I thought I'd share with you a bunch of the stuff that has been sitting on my wishlists, some that have been there a long time, and some newer, but all great stuff! I've broken my list into three categories, as you will see below: beauty (makeup and skincare), fashion (clothes, shoes, and accessories), and other.

None of the pictures are mine, all images were created using Polyvore, because obviously I don't own any of these things myself, I just want to! And polyvore makes it super easy to put together product collages =D

Beauty

1. Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette || Pretty self explanatory... this palette is gorgeous, warm, and matte. And youtube seems to love it.
2. Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette || This is the chocolate bar palette that most appeals to me personally. It kust looks so so nice, with all those warm browns, and that gorgeous blue!
3. Foreo Luna Mini || I don't care about getting the newest one... I don't see much of a difference, and would be happy to accept a sale price on the older model!
4. Some Colourpop ultra satin lipsticks (Petit Four, Panda, Marshmallow, and Prim) || Yes, I am cheating picking several shades here, but they're so pretty!
5. Some NYX Liquid Suede lipstick (Stone Fox, Vintage, Soft-Spoken, Pink Lust, and Amethyst) || More cheating! Again, these are so pretty, I needs them all!

Fashion

6. Strappy Bra || I'm not set on a specific one yet, but I love the idea of these... and the one pictured above is from BlackMilk!
7. Converse All-Star Low-Top Chucks || Probably the classic black and white, which I've actually never owned in the hightops... I've had black and pink, pink, all black (including the rubber), and grey... but yeah, for the low-tops, I think I'd go with the classic thing.
8. ThinkGeek Spellbook Billfold || This is just so cool!! I've loved it since I first saw it! How fun would it be to feel like you're pulling out a fancy spellbook everytime you reach for your wallet?!
9. Alexander Wang Rocco bag (probably the rose gold or gold hardware) || This is the first huge ticket item on the list, though not quite the biggest. These are stunning, and so so cool! I love studs, I love black leather, and I looooove these bags! One day...
10. A long, flowy, summery skirt || These are so hard to find, for whatever reason... I like the long, flowy, crinkly ones that look like hippy skirts. And I live in these in summer and spring, because they are cute, comfy, and cool. I only have 2, I think, I can wear out, so I'd love another!

Other

11. One of my tattoos || There are two tattoo ideas that I have, but one is smaller and I actually know where I want it, pretty sure. I want a dftba tattoo (stands for "don't forget to be awesome" for you non-nerdfighters) on the inner side of my wrist. Not across the veins below my palm, because that creeps me the fuck out, but down the side, kinda in line with the thumb. If that makes any sense. ((For those wondering, my other tattoo is the quote: "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live" in a simple script-y font... but I have no idea just yet where I should get it.))
12. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 || I'm not even sure I have a good reason for wanting this, but I do, and I'm slightly obsessive about it! I think they're cool because they are a pretty impressive tablet computer running full windows, but with the addition of the keyboard-case, its like a fancy, special laptop. I think they look cool, the size is good, and they'd be great for doing non-intense things on my own device wherever I want, because it's pretty damn portable.
13. New camera (better battery life, better colour settings, possibly audio input.) || Now, I don't think the camera I film on now is all that bad in terms of quality—I think it offers pretty good sound and picture... but it only allows me to film in 10 minute bursts, and the battery dies completely after 1 hour of filming... sometimes as little as 40 minutes!! This is super annoying if I'm having a filming day, because I'll get through my makeup video, and then the camera dies. And it takes at least an hour to charge up so I can continue! So annoying. I'd love a big DSLR amazing camera, but that is so far outside my budget I don't know how to contemplate spending $1000 on a camera, so I'm currently eyeing the G7x.
14. Filming lights (softboxes or ring light) || I honestly think this would improve my image quality far more than a new camera. I currently film with a mix of natural light (when I can), a standing lamp, a reading lamp pointed directly at me, and the room lights behind me... And I usually look pretty yellow. Camera settings won't fix it. I'd love some good, white studio lights to help even things out.
15. New microphone for recording, voice-overs, and gaming/internet calling. || More for talking on the internet than anything else, but I would like to be able to capture quality audio for my videos, if possible. Right now, I film with the camera's mic, and play games hoping my old headset's mic will pick up from a couple feet from my face, because that headset is too broken to wear, but the mic still works. It's a pretty ghetto situation, not at all ideal. I'm not set on a Blue Snowball (pictured above), though, and am open to other suggestions, should you have any!

Let me know if you have or have tried any of the things listed, as well as some of the things you've been dying to buy recently!

Thanks for reading!

HAUL || Collective Fashion & Beauty haul || May 2016

Hey guys! Today I just have a haul full of fashion and beauty stuff I've picked up over the last month or so! Hope you enjoy! Links to anything you want to find online can be found in the description of my video on Youtube!

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

GRWM || Fiery, Orange Sunset Eyes (ft. Shaaanxo palette)

Hey guys, just quick GRWM video playing around with basing an eye look around that rusty shade in the shaaanxo palette. I actually really like how it came out, so I hope you will too! =D

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

5 Reasons Why Vans Slip-Ons are the Best Shoes!

Hey guys! Today I have a slightly different, just for fun post for you about my favourite shoes of all time! Don't worry, this wasn't sponsored by Vans, though I wish it was... These shoes are just the best. I'm currently on my third pair; I've been wearing the same style for years, but I'd love some more! (If anyone knows anyone in Vans PR, could you let them know I'm totally down for a sponsorship? haha! =D)

Anyways, here are my 5 reasons Vans are the all-time best shoes!

1. They're easy to put on and take off!

Late? Shopping and need to take your shoes off to try on pants/dresses/new shoes? Going somewhere else you'll need to remove your shoes? These slide on and off, hands-free, quick and painless! No laces to tie or buckles to buckle!

2. They're super comfy!

They're flat! No stupid heels or platforms to trip on, just a little rubber to protect your feet from the ground. And they're squishy inside for added comfy-factor! I have wide feet, too, but these never feel tight or restrictive!

3. They're available in a huge range of colours & patterns!

You can get Vans to go with just about anything. Black ones will work with so much, the classic checker print is fun and a little punky, and then there are fun colours for spring & summer, or really anytime. Or get white ones, and if you're feeling creative you can customize them to your heart's content! (I buy mine from Zelen online, or their store in Downtown vancouver, but they're available tons of places! Check out Vans' site to see what I mean about selection!)

4. They're Fairly inexpensive!

They seem to range from $55 CAD for classic prints to $75 CAD for things with licensed characters. And $60 for a pair of shoes you can wear every damn day?! That seems pretty good to me, especially considering they last a good couple years of frequent wear! (I like to buy mine from Zelen shoes online or at their Downtown Vancouver store. For americans, you can get them at Zappos.com, among others!)

5. They're classic!

These are a great shoe to fall in love with because they aren't going out of style any time soon. Vans started making this style in 1979... this style is almost 40 years old!! If that doesn't scream classic, I'm not sure what does!

***

I love these shoes, and live in them as often as I can. I wish it were socially acceptable to wear these babies to interviews, formal occasions, and more jobs. They're the best, and I wish I had a pair for everyday of the week! As I said at the top of this post, I've had 3 pairs so far, and I will surely keep buying them forever!

Let me know what your favourite shoes are! Do you understand my love of Vans?

Thanks for reading!

TUTORIAL || Quick & Easy 15-Minute Makeup || Great for Beginners, School, & Work!

Hey guys! I posted a video with a similar concept ust over a year ago, but looking back, I didn't like how it turned out anymore, so here I am to update that look with something I think is far more flattering for more people!

I tried to use as many drugstore products as I could and limited the high-end products I used to make this more accessible to anyone who doesn't want or can't afford higher-end products. Let me know if you would like to see a high-end makeup look with a similar concept, and I'd be happy to do that!

Also, let me know if there are any particular colours or products you want to see me use. Your requests are always welcome. =)

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

What's In My Bag? || 2016

Who doesn't love a good, nosy look in someone else's purse? =P I love these videos and it's been a pretty long time since I filmed one... I feel like a bit of the stuff I do and don't carry is pretty different, so yeah.

Lemme know if you have done a video or post like this! I want to see more pretty bags! =D

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

REVIEW || Vichy Normaderm Skincare Line

Hi guys, I'm back with another skincare review for you today! I was sent the Normaderm Skincare line from Vichy to test out and review for you. I was definitely looking forward to testing out this line because it is meant for acne-prone and sensitive skin types, which sounded right up my alley. I do get occasionally zits, especially on my chin and cheekbones, but a lot of products targeted at acne prone skin are far too harsh and drying, so I went into this hoping for a product that could clear up my problem spots wthout drying out the rest of my face! Although these products were sent for a review, this post isn't sponsored, and all of my opinions are honest and completely my own, as per usual!

So here's a look at the line. It's a simple, three-step system; just a face wash, toner, and moisturizer:

There are other products available under the Normaderm line, but these three are what they call the "Complete Normaderm Program." Also, Vichy products are paraben free and hypoallergenic, which is pretty great.

Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel

Obviously our first step is cleanser! First I just want to point out what a gorgeous colour that bottle is! The product inside though is clear, don't worry, it isn't full of green dye.

This cleanser claims to be soap and alcohol free, and to remove impurities and excess sebum without irritating or over-drying. It contains salicylic acid (to unclog pores), glycolic acid (anti-bacterial properties), and LHA (smoothes skin texture and promotes skin renewal), which makes it sound harsh, but I found it surprisingly gentle. Whether I use a small amount or a full pump (which is a lot of product!), I never find this dries out my skin, or makes it feel tight after washing.

It does have a delicate scent, nothing over the top. I don't think it would bug many people. I love that this cleanser makes my skin feel fresh and clean without feeling like my skin has suddenly shrunk over my face! I will certainly continue using this product in my everyday routine. This cleanser retails for $19.95 on Vichy.ca.

Purifying Pore-Tightening Lotion

Step two is the toner. This toner is meant to tighten enlarged pores, mattify, and help reduce breakouts.

This product has the same three key ingredients as the cleanser: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and LHA. It has a delicate scent, like the cleanser as well, but it seems much harsher at first sniff, which just makes sense for an astringent product like this. This toner does have alcohol in it, which can be a bit drying, as well.

Personally, my skin found this toner to be a bit harsh following the cleanser, but it didn't burn like some other toners have done, so I feel like it is effective without being too much. That said, I don't use this on a regular basis, only when my skin is feeling quite oily, or if I have several breakouts to deal with. If you have particularly delicate skin, you may want to use this product only on the area right around any zits, instead of all over the face. Also, do not use this on your nose if you're sick and your nose has dried out! That did burn and it was not fun. This product retails for $19.95 on Vichy.ca.

Corrective Anti-Acne Treatment 24H Hydrating Lotion

This product again claims to reduce acne, pore visibility, and to mattify skin. Alongside salicylic acid and LHA—which Vichy claims help to unclog skin without irritating—this product also contains phe resorcinol (depigmenting properties when combined with LHA) and "Air Licium™ technology" (Vichy describes it like this: "Ultra-light aerogel helps reduce sebum production and pore visibility, giving the skin a soft focus mattifying finish").

When paired with the other two products, I did find that this product burned a little on my skin. I think three products in a row with the same anti-acne treatments is a little much for me. When I have used this moisturizer paired with a different cleanser and toner—or even just with micellar water in place of the toner—it hasn't caused the same burning on my skin, and I have quite liked it.

This moisturizer does also have a bit of an unusual texture; I found that it felt quite thick to spread on my skin, but once on, it never feels heavy or greasy to me, and it pretty nice. It has the same clean, delicate scent as the other two products, and sinks into the skin quickly. I'm not sure it leaves the claimed mattifying effect, but it isn't oily or greasy looking either, just fresh and clean. Like the cleanser, I will continue to use this moisturizer. It retails for $29.95 on Vichy.ca

***

To conclude, I was pretty happy with this range, though they did seem to work better for me separated a bit, and not used one after the other. My least favourite step is the Normaderm toner, as I found it a little harsh. I may continue to use it from time to time on particularly bad skin days or on particularly bad blemishes, but it won't be a part of my daily routine. The moisturizer and cleanser are far kinder to my skin. I think the moisturizer makes a good day-lotion and base for makeup, especially, and I like to use something without salicylic acid more at night, and the cleanser is a great everyday cleanser in my opinion, as it is both clarifying and gentle.

If you are interested in picking up all three of these products at the same time, Vichy.ca sells them in a bundle for 25% off, which is $52.38... nearly $18 off the regular price.

Let me know what your favourite anti-acne product or skincare system is. Or if you've tried this one, what did you think of it?

Thanks for reading!

TUTORIAL || Dark, Warm, Smokey Eyes with the Shaaanxo Palette + 2 Lip Options!!

Hey guys! Today's video is another look with the BH Cosmetics Shaaanxo Palette, this time much darker, smokier, and a bit more nighttime. Though, as always, I think you can use this anytime if you like to wear a little more makeup sometimes =P

I paired this dark eye with my new beloved gray lipstick, which is the Smashbox Be Legendary Punked Matte lipstick. I love it, but of course you can pair this look with a nice neutral nude or pink, if you just cant muster the courage to wear grey lips out of the house! Before I show you the gray, though, I also show you the eyes with an orange lip for another option, so yeah, hopefully you can make this look work for you somehow.

Enjoy!

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

TAG || The Perfect Palette Tag

Hey guys, as asked for by a couple people on my Perfect Palette 2 Tag video, here are my answers to the original perfect palette tag! Link me if you've done this tag as well! Enjoy!

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

REVIEW || Essence Foundations & Concealers

Here's a big review video including each of the concealers and foundations that I was recently sent by Essence. If you haven't seen my Essence PR Haul yet, you can watch it here. So yeah, I'll be reviewing 2 foundations and 3 concealers from Essence Cosmetics!

As I said I'd update in the comments. I do still think the breakout might have been a hormonal coincidence, as I didn't notice any weird breakouts after using the Pure Nude foundation again.

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

REVIEW || Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Since I reviewed a shampoo/conditioner combo I wasn't super impressed with a little while ago, I wanted to share with you all the one I've been loving lately, and why I think it's so good!

What hair care stuff have you been loving, and what hair type do you have?

Click here to watch in HD, or watch below:

Thanks for watching!

HAUL || Vancouver CBB Meetup & Swap at Yew Seafood + Bar

Hi guys! Last Saturday I went to Yew Seafood + Bar downtown for a brunch meetup with a bunch of Vancouver members of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers network. We had food, obviously, as well as swapping a bunch of products, so I thought I would share my food (which you may have already seen on my Instagram), as well as my haul of fun new products to play around with!

First, here's a look at my food:

I got the fish & chips, which was really good, but quite expensive. The restaurant is pretty pricey over all, so this dish was $25. It's a lot bigger than it looks though... I couldn't even finish all my fries! The fish was really well cooked, not soggy or squishy, but still tender and tasty. The batter was really crisp, and not too greasy at all. The freies were good, nothing special, but certainly nothing to complain about, and I loved the lemon zest or lemon salt or whatever they sprinkled over the fish, because it gave a really nice citrus-y tang.

Also, I just need to mention, instead of how some restaurants give you bread while you wait for your food... at Yew they brought us pretty generous plates of mini sugar donuts and a strawberry sauce as an appetizer! Which was both delicious and adorable! I wish I'd thought to take a picture!

Anyways, after food, we dumped what we brought on the big table and everyone went around and picked out anything they wanted to take. There was so much, and I got a bunch of great things! Here's a look at the table!

I couldn't fit everything into my picture, but you get the idea. Here's what I got in the end:

I'm not going to go into everything in depth, because I've only slightly had a chance to play with most of the things, but you can look out for these items in future tutorials, grwm, etc... or feel free to ask for a review of anything you're interested in!

So I got:

• 2 temporary hair colours from Garnier
• 2 mini Clean fragrances
• DHC Primer (which is completely whited out in the picture!)
• Broadway Impress Nails
• Sephora eye brush set
• Chella brow pencil
• Body Shop lip & cheek tint chubby pencil
• Maybelline Cheeky Glow
• Julep Highlighter
• Maybelline Liquid Lipstick
• Joe nude nail polishQuo by Orly nude nail polish
• Essie fuchsia nail polish
• The Face Shop lashes
• Illamasqua Eyeshadow Quad
• Oldschool Urban Decay Lipstick
• Pur Blush Duo
• Urban Decay Ammo Palette
• Wet n Wild 8-colour eyeshadow palette
• China Glaze nail polish
• OPI pink metallic nail polish

Let me know if you've tried any of the stuff above and your thoughts, or if you live in Vancouver and have ever been to Yew Bar before! Thanks for reading!