This week feel like it got the best of me but here we are on Black Friday and while I’m not quite ready to crack open the piggy bank this year, there are some items here and there I’ve got my eye on. Anthropologie is forever a store I will raid come Black Friday – Cyber Monday after having some time to peruse home favourites, cozy jammies, sparkly accessories and more. The gilded mirror is one I have in a few sizes and would purchase 100x over if I could!
J CREW: 50% off with an additional 10% off with code, FRIDAY
Manic Mornings with Panasonic
For all my corporate girlies out there, we know how crazy the mid-week routine can get. Between work, commuting, the gym, networking, catching up with friends and more, we will take any and every chance we can to save some time in our routines. For me, that can look like taking a minimalist approach to my skincare routine, packing a breakfast to go or picking out my clothes the night before. One of the biggest time suckers is the process of washing, blowdrying and curling my hair, so I’m sharing a nifty hack I use to help extend the life of a blow dry and buy me more shut-eye in the morning!
When it’s day four of a blowdry, and I need to get another 1-2 days out of my ‘do, I always reach for this trusted combo to save me a few hours in the morning or evening. We all know the drill for using dry shampoo, but I like to apply it on my hairline and then in three separate sections to the left and right of it. I’ll even go along the back of my neck if I’ll be wearing my hair in top knot.
Rather than letting your fingers do all the work, this is when you’re going to want to reach for your Panasonic Ehna67 Hydrating Nanoe Salon Hair Dryer. Be sure to add the Oscillating Quick Dry Nozzle and hold the hair dryer at medium heat along your hairline and everywhere it’s applied. I have been using this hair dryer for weeks and can attest to how great it is. The hair dryer has two-speed settings and three heat settings so you can customize these settings depending on what your need is.
I love that the quick-dry nozzle moves back and forth, which helps dry your hair faster and avoids those ouch-induced hot spots we’ve all suffered from time to time. Directing the heat where I need it also ensures that my beach waves aren’t bogged down from unnecessary blats of heat. This also works to ensure my dry shampoo gets worked in quickly so I can hit the road that much sooner. The Nanoe technology is a dream, in my opinion, as it gives me a boost of shine – something I always find to be a struggle when adding dry shampoo to the mix.
While it’s not an accessory I reach for, the full-sized diffuser can also be added as an attachment for my curly-haired girls. The Panasonic Ehna67 Hydrating Nanoe Salon Hair Dryer offers salon-quality styling from the comfort of your home.
With Black Friday specials around the corner, be sure to keep this product bookmarked – it’s a must have for your busy morning routine!
This post was sponsored by Panasonic. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own!
Striped Jumpsuit
I love a good blue and white stripe moment so when I saw this jumpsuit online from H&M, I had to pounce. Sadly, it has since sold out but I’ve found some great options that I’ve linked below at various price points. I often forget how much I love a great jumpsuit moment switching gears from the office to a networking event or even date night!
With reopening plans in full swing in Ontario, I know I’m not the only one slightly panicking about all of the things I need to get in order before I emerge into society again. From waxing to pedicures a haircut and everything in between, my weekends are about to be booked up with beauty appointments, never mind dinner dates!
Thankfully, I’ve been turning to some of my favourite hair products during the lockdown in order to keep my most recent hair colouring appointment (we’re coming up on 5 months now) and haircut (over a year!) in fact! My source for salon-grade hair products has been Beautysense.ca for the past few months. I love that I can grab some of my favourite brands such as Oribe, Kerastase, Amika, Olaplex, MALIN + GOLETZ and so much more.
While I frequent the website for access to my favourite hair care products, you can also snag makeup, skincare and other items with their one-stop-shop site for all things beauty. The website has over 4,000 products available! For example, I haven’t had the chance to snag it just yet, but I’ve had my eye on this Coola Mineral BB Cream + SPF combo product to achieve the perfect – and safe – summer glow.
Based in Quebec, BeautySense.ca has always fulfilled my orders in a short time frame and the product arrives within a few days. I’ve also enrolled in their BeautySense loyalty program to collect points on my order. With every purchase, you receive BS Points and these points can be used towards discounts, free products and members of the program are entitled to special offers not often marketed to the general public. You earn 1 point for every dollar and if you’re anything like me, the heat protectant spray, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray and dry shampoo purchases add up fast!
Today I’m walking you through the hair care routine I’ve been using with products from Beautysense.ca.
Shampoo and Conditioner: I truly believe that salon-quality hair care products are the key to ensuring your colour, cut and gloss last between salon appointments. I rotate between a few brands but Kerastase will forever be my go-to. I noticed purple shampoos just weren’t giving me the oomph I needed between appointments so I switched to the Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo. It neutralizes my colour, undertones the yellow and protects against brassiness. It also offers the Kerastase experience I know and love: my hair feels healthier and time between washes is often extended. I use the companion Conditioner product, Kerastase: Blond Absolu Cicaflash Intense Fortifying Treatment as a moisturizer, detangler and for shinier hair.
Anti-Humidity Spray: While my hair can stand up to some humidity, any kind of moisture in the air or rain in the forecast will undo any curls or beach waves. I use the Amika Anti-Humidity Spray on damp hair for an extra level of protection. I love that it doesn’t weigh my hair down!
Hair Spray: Whether I’m using a 1”, 1.5” or a three-barrel crimper, the Oribe Superfine Hair Spray is my holy grail. I have incredibly thick hair and find hairspray can tangle it and almost weigh down my curls. This product works wonders to protect my curls, ensure they’re brushable and it acts as a UV protectant. The texturizing spray from the line is another personal favourite!
Kerastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo: A new to me product, I am a woman OBSESSED. Not only does his massage great into your scalp to blend in roots (hello, it’s been some time since my last colouring session), but it also has a light and refreshing scent. Perfect for day 4 or 5 hair!
With so many great brands, product assortment and options, I highly recommend looking into Beautysense.ca for your next order of goodies. To give you a sampling, be sure to head over to my Instagram page where I’ll be hosting a contest later today and giving away a $200 gift card to the store!
This post was sponsored by Beautysense.ca
Sephora Fall Sale Picks
Face Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask: A new-to-me clean brand, this mask has become a new favourite. I’m often suspicious of clean beauty brands and their ability to get the job done but this always makes my skin feel refreshed, clean and dewy for the day ahead.
Tata Harper Waterlock Moisturizer: Pump it up! Actually though. I love the one pump function of this jar which makes the product last that much longer. You can also double this product as a primer.
Charlotte Tilbury Night Cream: I’ll switch to this in the dead of winter when my skin is literally flaking off. I find applying it 2-3 nights a week before bed makes the world of a difference.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Cloud Patches: I haven’t been reaching for these as often lately (hello Zoom filters!) but these were part of my regular routine M-F between early mornings, late nights, work events and everything else in between! I keep mine in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
Brows
Anastasia Brow Definer (Soft Brown): My microblading is starting to wear but with hesitation around COVID, I’ve been using this product to fill in some extra fluff into my brows.
Anastasia Brow Wiz (Soft Brown): This is my holy grail brow product and has been for years. Even with microblading freshly done, I love using this for some extra height to my brows.
Benefit 24HR Brow Setter Eyebrow Gel: I recently switched back to this product from a MAC eyebrow gel and forgot how much I love it. It actually holds my brow in place all day long and doesn’t leave my browns with pasty or flaky aftermath.
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer: This is a new to me product after a PR kit and I have officially fallen in love. I find this to offer more coverage as a tinted moisturizer (yassss!) but also leaves you with the most picturesque dewy finish. And a little goes a long way. I use the Natural Finish shade.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Brightening Pen Concealer: I’ve probably tried every concealer on the market and on my journey, left this option in the dust. I recently used an old pen I had in my bag and wow. No creasing, great coverage and the brightening factor is wow!
Anastasia Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara: I made the switch to this mascara from the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara last year. I found this to be less clumpy, product lasted longer and I achieved longer lashes.
amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: Doesn’t leave a ton of residue and works in relatively easy. I find one spray of this can normally buy me another 2 days out of my blowdry.
MoroccanOil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish: The best of the best when it comes to hairspray. It won’t weigh my hair down, I only need to use it once in a wash to set my waves and it smells great!
Additional Items
REPLICA Jazz Club: Adam and I both use this fragrance throughout fall and winter. A little goes a long way and I love that it’s a unisex scent we can both use.
Fall Beauty Favourites with Nordstrom
While a new season always means a new wardrobe change out for me, it’s also time to purge and swap out my daily go-to’s from my makeup bag. With a summer glow long faded, dry skin sweeping in and a light swipe of eyeshadow no longer doing the trick, these are just some of the items I’m now incorporating into my routine.
While I have my tried, tested and true products I often reach for, like the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Foundation and their Magic Cream, I love that I have been able to take advantage of the various promotions happening at Nordstrom in the month of October.
And of course, the Bobbi Brown Modern Symphony Eyeshadow Palette. I’m not usually one to reach for darker-hued palettes but the salesperson was raving about the different hues and how great the shades would work with my green eyes. We were heading out for date night that same evening so I figured, why not! I used this to create the smokey eye effect I’m sporting in today’s pics!
I’m sharing more behind the scenes in today’s Instagram stories and have included a detailed breakdown of my routine below!
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream: This product is a life saviour for dry skin in winter. I love applying before bed and in the morning, you wake up with perfectly dewy skin.
YSL Touche Eclat in Luminous Ivory: I haven’t touched this product in years but recently reached for it and now I can’t remember why or how I ever dropped it from my morning routine.
REPLICA Jazz Club: My go-to fall scent that I’ve started borrowing… ok stealing from Adam!
Thanks to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
Sephora SPRINGSAVE Sale
While I am proud to admit that my clothing purchases have been significantly down in the month of April, my beauty bag has definitely been working overtime. Despite having thoughts of going makeup free for quarantine life, daily video chats with clients and team members have me reaching for my daily routine. With items working overtime, I’m sharing what are some old faithfuls, new favourites and items I plan on snagging from the Sephora sale. While Rouge members have early access, VIB members can start shopping online as early as April 21. I’ve included the codes and details below:
Note: Quarantine acne has been no joke for me! I find sitting stationary for long periods of time has me touching my face more than usual but this Murad Acne Treatment has long been a favourite of mine to help zap zits!
Note: I’ll admit it, I’m a beauty snob when it comes to my hair products. The way I see it, with only 3-4 visits to the salon a year, it’s in my best interest to make sure I’m using the best at home. I’m excited to try the Kerastase Dry Shampoo. While Living Proof and Amika are currently in rotation, I still find myself having to heavily work in the product in my roots to avoid discolouration. It’s also not added here, but my life was forever changed years ago with the addition of the Dyson hairdryer to my routine.
Note: Not many of these items are new to me. I did make the change this year to a lighter foundation and this Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter option is a personal favourite. It’s definitely more dewy in person than it appears on screen but I personally love it.
Fav Buys of 2019
Replica ‘By The Fire’ Perfume: While this wasn’t my first Replica perfume purchase, I was searching for something that had warmth in the scent for the fall/winter months. The scent is as perfect as the name and has been my go-to morning spritz since September. I have a feeling I’ll need a restock by fall 2020!
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation: This was a new-to-me product thanks to a PR kit that started a love affair. I have shades 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the different tones in my skin throughout the year. This is a light coverage foundation (almost like a BB cream) that gives the ultimate glow. Most mornings I use this, concealer, a swipe up bronzer and I’m out the door!
Blank NYC Jacket: No surprise this made the list – it was the 3rd shade in this jacket from the brand. From work trips to weekened getaways, office wear or dressed up errands, these jackets are my FAV. After grabbing the burgundy and beige shades, I had some fun with this lilac colour.
Chanel Beige Flap: This was by far the most monumental purchase of 2019. Truthfully, the year of out 10th anniversary was a bit of a dud after our housing situation and between paying for renovations, lawyers and more – a gift just didn’t seem appropriate. Thankfully, just in time for our 11th anniversary, this bag became available at my local boutique and the timing just felt perfect! I opted for the beige medium flap in caviar leather with gold hardware. While the debate between the medium and large was enough to drive any shopping companion insane, I opted for the medium with hopes that it could work as day/night bag without seeing too much like a statement bag. I still LOVE it!
MAC Brow Gel: I stumbled upon this by accident while spending hours stuck in an airport. This gel is the only solution I’ve found to add length to my brows and holds them up for an entire day!
Loeffer Randall Penny Knot Mule: I had these on my wish list FOREVER and am so glad I finally pulled the trigger. I love pairing these with evening wear, skirts, jeans/blouses and so many combos. Not only are they a statement piece but they’re incredibly comfortable. I’m currently eying this pair!
Sam Edelman Loafer: I have these in 3 colour ways and I can’t tell you how comfortable they are. I’ve walked over 100K steps in one pair and had them resoled once as a testament to their durability. While the leopard print is my favourite, you can never go wrong with neutrals.
Club Monaco Plaid Jacket {also here}: I’m breaking up with black jackets for the winter season and this coat was just the item to convince me. See it recently styled here.
BaubleBar Ring: I wear this ring on the daily. The perfect signet ring, I find it makes the ultimate statement if you find stacking jewelry before heading out the door isn’t something you have time for.
Senreve Backpack: I changed jobs this year which meant transitioning from a drive to work to taking public transit in the city. Switching from a tote bag to a backpack was oh-so-necessary for my back and after searching for stylish options, this was the best option on the market. A few months into wearing it, I adore the bag. The leather is so sturdy, it transitions great from a backpack to hand-held bag and the different compartments are great at attempting to keep me organized. While I appreciate the safety functions it presents, my only complaint would be the lack of exterior pockets to access handy items like a wallet without needing to unclip and then unzip your bag. Do note a large sized bag is required for a 13″ Macbook.
Mason Pearson Brush: I was 100% shocked this wouldn’t live up to expectations and it proved me wrong. From brushing out fresh waves to teasing high-ponytails on the go – this brush is definitely worth the hype.
As much as I love the clothes, shoes and bags of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, one thing I always look forward to is snagging deals on some of my beauty brands or using the same to test out items I would normally never try. I’ve included some old favourites and new obsessions in the round up below with some notes below on why.
Old Favourites
Oribe Texturizing Spray: If I’m going to curl my hair on the same day as an event, it can often be quite bouncy and hold too much volume. I love this spray to help create more relaxed waves and turn day 1 hair into a day 2 look.
OUAI Rose Oil: This wasn’t a love at first sight product for me but after I started using it as a body oil rather than a conditioner for my split ends, I fell in love.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Set: I love snagging this collection for travel. The cream does double duty for both the face and eye area while Wonder Glow is my favourite throw on and go product for beach vaca glow.
Kiehl’s Day to Night: The Midnight Recovery Oil is a favourite of mine and a product I turn to in colder months for an extra oomph with my skin.
New Obsessions
Supergoop Invincible Powder: Since my summer makeup routine is pretty low key (tinted primer and some bronzer), I hate the idea of adding another layer of cream to my face. This SPF powder not only sets my makeup but also helps keep my skin uber safe.
Tom Ford Shimmer Oil: I have tested countless products this summer trying to achieve the ultimate glow for my body. This shimmer oil absorbs fast and has just the right mix of tint but shimmer for a classy look.
