The Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited

The Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited is a new discovery to me. Shu Uemura is quite a known brand with a high standard for quality, but counters can be hard to come by depending on where you live. Thankfully though, the brand has a great website that allows you to browse through all their products and they also offer great samples when you use their weekly promo code. This is how I discovered this lip gloss, it is a mini one I received along other samples when I made a purchase.  

I have the shade RD 20 C, which is a clear red gloss, the formula is gel-like and offers a lot of shine. Even though this isn’t an opaque gloss the red tint still shows up on my lips and does for a bit of natural looking color. I was pleasantly surprised by how long-lasting the formula is without being sticky. The gloss apparently has "3D elastic gel", which gives the gloss a high shine level, whilst remaining light on the lips.

The Gloss Unlimited comes in 19 colors and 4 different finishes: clear, glitter, shimmer and artist shade (modulator colors), they retail for 30$. 

This product was a very pleasant discovery and I might be tempted to pick up a full size one when I’m done with my sample. They are not the most inexpensive of lip glosses, but they are a great and reliable product for everyday use.

Have a look at the Shu Uemura website for more information on this gloss and their products selection. You can also stop by a counter if you want to see them in person.

My September Issues Picks

For anyone who loves magazines, this is probably the best time of the year. September issues have just hit the shelves, so I felt obligated to stop by my favorite shop and have a look at all the new offerings.

In past years, I used to buy pretty much every new fashion issue that came out, I am now much more reasonable. To be honest I’m not sure picking up 6 different fashion issues is worth it because at the end of the day, ads will be the same and if you don’t like the articles or the layout of the magazine, reading it won’t be the fun experience it should be.

So today I thought I’d share with you my favorite picks amongst the September issues. These are all the American versions of the magazines, we typically get European issues a month later in Canada. Also the newest Vogue has not been released yet but I’ll be sure to pick it up as soon as it’s released, it’s a classic after all.

This year I really took my time to have a close look at all the magazines and came home with only 2 (I felt quite proud). The first one is InStyle which is one of my all-time favorite magazines. I love the layout, all the articles are short and easy reads, you also get a mix of high-end and more affordable fashion. Obviously this issue is all about new fashion and beauty trends, but it also marks 20^th anniversary of InStyle. This means a look back at past issues and great moments of the last 20 years. To add even more to the nostalgia, Julia Roberts is the cover girl (as well as a guest editor). This brings back so many good memories, as I loved her older movies and seeing her again makes me really happy.

Vanity Fair is the other magazine I bought, it offers beautiful pictures with their 2014 international best-dressed list and as always you can expect great feature articles. I haven’t had a chance to give this one a proper read yet, but the article on Natalia Vodianova as me yearning for some quality bedtime reading.

Do let me know which magazine you are currently enjoying and which ones you plan on picking up. 

I Love Star Trek?

I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t seen the original Star Trek, not the TV show or the movies. I just assumed they wouldn’t appeal me, maybe because they’re a bit old, I don’t know, but boy am I glad I discovered this universe.

All I knew about Star Trek were tidbits of information I gathered from watching The Big Bang Theory. I could not tell you what pushed me to watch it, but one day I decided to rent the 2 most recent Star Trek movies: Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, both directed by the amazing J. J. Abrams. The movies don’t feature the Original cast, instead they star Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana who all do a fantastic job at capturing the essence of these iconic characters.

I won’t go into detail of the plots, but know that each movie is fun, witty, full of action and will keep you on your toes. They are some of the best movies I have seen in a long time, they are visually STUNNING and you can expect quite a few good laughs. It’s something I believe both guys and girls would enjoy and, if your parents were fans of the original series, it makes a great family night movie. I re-watched it with my mom and it was amazing to connect over something of her past we could both enjoy.

In case you want to have a look at them, I’ll leave the links to the trailers below:

- Star Trek

- Star Trek Into Darkness

If you decide to purchase them I urge you to get the Blu-Ray version, it really does the special effects justice. You can find Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness on Amazon, they're also available in stores for about the same price (15 to 20$). 

2016 cannot come fast enough with the next installment of this series. 

Dior's Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in Météore

Bronze eyeshadows are said to enhance blue eyes, I find them to really just look orange on my very fair skin and the color does not really do much for my blue-grey eyes, except distract from them. The Dior’s Diorshow Fusion Mono eyeshadow in Météore (#661) is in my opinion the perfect bronze shadow. It has a golden sheen and there is definitely a copper tone to it, but what differentiate it from other shades and makes it so special is that the color is anchored in a brown base.  

The base brown really makes this shade wearable, it doesn’t look orange or clash against my skin or eye color. The formula is described by Dior as a “gel-foam”, the texture feels kind of foam/mousse-like and it glides on very easily, which I assume is the gel part of the formula. It is a long-wearing shadow and last all day on me (I do use a primer underneath it), there is no fading.

I usually just apply it with my fingers, it is a very pigmented product so this allows me to get a sheer wash of color. Using a brush or the sponge applicator that comes with it will give you a more pigmented look (the sponge is great to use the product as a liner). The formula makes it very buildable so you can achieve different looks with it or go from day to night easily.

The Dior Fusion Mono shadows also come in a matte formula with neutral colors and the ones I have swatched were incredibly smooth and pigmented.

You can find it at Sephora for 33$ or at any Dior beauty counter. 

How I Managed to Drink More Water

I’m the kind of person that doesn't mind drinking plain water, I actually really enjoy it’s taste and find it refreshing. However I know many people don’t share my love and find water boring, which encourages them to turn to powder and liquid flavour enhancer to help motivate them with their water intake.

I understand the appeal but it also seems counterintuitive to drink something highly processed or full of sugar when you’re trying to be healthier. You can make flavoured water very easily by adding different fruits and herbs to your water. This is not something I feel a need to do, but I really think it is worth the effort in the case of lemon water. Yes it’s taste is pleasant, however the reason I do it is for the detoxifying properties of lemons and I find it has had the most incredible effects on my digestive system (I have had difficulties with it in the past).

I know lemon water is not ground breaking, it’s benefits have been claimed by many, but I still felt the need to mention it (in case any skeptics are reading this) and say that what you hear about it is true and you should give it a chance.

In the past few days I have really upped the amount of water I drink, I went from 2 liters to 4 liters and I can already feel a huge difference. Drinking more water gives you energy, clears your mind, I also find that my skin looks better and my sleep is more peaceful. The best way to do this I found is to keep a water bottle with me all day and write down every time I finish it. The action of writing it down really motivates me, it brings out my competitive side, making want to drink more. This desire to drink more is key, it transforms a chore into something you want to do and doing it becomes incredibly satisfying. Another tip is to be mindful of the water’s temperature, I find ice cold water harder to drink in large quantities, water slightly cooler than room temperature works best. Lastly start by fixing yourself an achievable goal, if you only have a glass of water a day, drinking 4 liters is unrealistic. You can start with 1 liter and gradually work your way to the amount that will benefit you most.

Hopefully this will give you the extra motivation needed to increase your daily water intake as well as try lemon water.

The Nars Multiple in Orgasm

The Nars multiple in Orgasm is one of the first high-end makeup products I ever purchased and whilst mine is getting old, it still works like a charm.

The pinky-coral color adds the most natural looking flush to the skin, it mimics an outdoorsy glow like nothing else I own. The color and glow really look as if they are coming from within the skin. Like the powder version, this does contain shimmer particles, but I find that they don’t transfer as much on the skin and the ones that do are not too noticeable.

You can also use this on your lips for a bit of color on the go, it won’t dry them out, but don’t expect any moisturising effect from it.

The best way to apply the multiple is to add a bit of product onto your fingertips and gently pat it into the skin (it blends very easily). On me, this last several hours and the stick form allows you too easily bring it with you in case you might want to touch up your makeup.

Whilst it is quite long lasting, during really hot summer days it can get a bit shiny (nothing some powder can’t fix) and after several hours it can slightly emphasize pores.

The Nars multiple come in a wide array of colors and also in a matte formula. You can find them for 46$ at Sephora, on the Nars website or at any stores that carry Nars products. 

The Summer Weather Shower Gel

Body washes are not something I like to invest a lot of money, sure I like a nice scent (that's when the occasional splurge occurs), but I also don’t want to spend a fortune on something I’ll go through quickly. The thing is, I’ve been kind of disappointed with the drugstore offerings, the formulas didn’t feel good or I got tired of the scent. This was all until I discovered the Nivea Water Lily and Oil shower gel, this is the perfect summer body wash.

The scent is light and fresh, it smells clean and a bit floral without being overpowering. This particular formula also comes in other scents (depending on where you live), but to me the water lily one was just perfect for this season. But actually, the best thing about this product is definitely the formula, it is a light pink gel with little oil beads suspended in it. Now don’t worry you won’t come out of the shower a greasy mess because this leaves no residue on the skin. It will, however, leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized, I don't even need a lotion after using it. This is a major plus seeing as I don’t like to put on lotion, especially during the summer. The weather is hot enough as it, I don’t need something something heavy and sticky feeling on my skin.

You can get this shower gel at the drugstore or anywhere else that might sell Nivea products. It retails for about 5$, but I have seen it on sale for 2,99$.

The Victoria's Secret Swimsuit

Shopping for swimsuits is not something I enjoy. However, I’ve recently been spending more time by the pool which made me very grateful for having taken the time to get a nice swimsuit I feel comfortable in.

I went to a Victoria’s Secret store last year and after trying on many different styles, I found the one.

The selection at the store is quite impressive and you can mix and match all the different prints and colors in tones of different styles. Another thing I really enjoy is how the sizing for bikini tops is in bra sizes, this takes all the guess work out of shopping and is GREAT if you are making an online purchase.

After wearing mine a few times, I can say the quality is great, the bottom doesn’t expend too much in the water (that’s a concern with lower quality ones) and the top feel very secure. It also washes really 

well and the colors have not faded at all.

At the moment, Victoria’s Secret has an amazing sale going on all their swimwear so you can get a new bikini for less than 50$. Go have a look online or in stores, I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.