Sunday Snapshots 05.

one. Like a broken record, school is hectic this week. I'm in my last few months of my degree & just want to be finished.

two. Yesterday I celebrated one of my besties 22nd birthday. Happy Birthday Kam<3 

three. From the picture you can tell i'm still loving 'Teenage Dream' by OPI/Katy Perry

four. I've started on a mission to read the bible in a year. So far so good!

five. I'm a little intrigued by the MAC/Wonder Woman collection. I know a lot of people are put of by the packaging but I'm not fussy. 

six. For all my new followers, welcome. I can not express how amazing it feels. The blog community has been so welcoming and warming. I have so much planned for all of you, more OOTDs, Reviews, Contests etc. If you haven't followed yet, feel free to do so to keep in the loop.

 seven. I got into graduate school! One huge weight lifted off my back!

Cheers, stay blessed!

xo.

You make me feel like i'm living a teenage a dream...

Katy Perry & OPI Collaboration

OPI has been collaborating with celebrities quite often these days: Justin Bieber, Serena Williams, and now Katy Perry. The collection consists of 5 polishes. I picked up one of the five. One being 'Teenage Dream" and have the hopes of picking up black shatter, another polish from the line.

Teenage Dream

Teenage dream is transparent cotton candy pink packed with multicolored glitter. The glitter comes in large, small, and medium chunks.. no discrimination here. It is the epitome of all things girly. Something Barbie or Hello Kitty would have on their nails.

excuse the cuticles, I live where heat doesn't exist.

The polish applies really easily, and goes opaque in about 2 coats. Once dried the glitters are definitely big enough to feel them on your nails. Think the texture of sandpaper, but not too harsh.  

Am I the only one who plays retro video games?

I can't stop looking at my nails as I type, its going to take some elbow grease to remove this polish. Glitter polishes are notorious for difficult removal.  But this is well worth the challenge.

Tip: Try taking it off with a piece of felt soaked in polish remover.

I have a hunch this polish may sell out just like Mad as a Hatter from OPI-Alice in Wonderland Collection.

Let me know if you guys pick up anything from this collection or any other polishes!

xo.

Sigma Sigmax Brushes Review

I purchased some Sigma brushes about a month ago and decided to add my opinion to the other opinions floating around in the blogosphere.

First, I have to hands down give Sigma koodos for their customer service. I purchased a brush when the company first came to my attention about two years ago. Later on the brush head came loose from the handle. It turned me off the whole company. When making an order for my new brushes I mentioned my past experience. Sigma kindly enough sent me a brand new replacement of the brush that was damaged. I was blown away by how easy it was. They are a company that definitely is set out to make their customers happy.

Brand new F50 replacement brush.

Sigma has come out with a line of three brushes called the Sigmax HD line. The collection consists of three synthetic brushes that you can buy individually or in a set.

Sigma has been compared to MAC brushes quite frequently. But these new brushes have no MAC comparison and are in my opinion amazing quality. In fact the F82- Round Top Kabuki  has replaced my MAC 109 for applying/buffing foundation.

Sigma F82- Round Top Kabuki

F82- Round Top Kabuki

Price:  

16$

Use:

I use this brush to buff in foundation and concealer. It is small enough to fit around the nose and under the eyes.

This brush creates flawless/realistic looking skin. It is perfect for cream and liquid foundation.

It can also be used to buff in cream blush to create a seamless application. No one wants to leave the house looking like a clown!

Note:

If you have dry skin, be careful not to over buff because it will only emphasizes dry patches on your skin. Make sure to moisturize well and this will be your best friend :)

F80- Flat Top Kabuki

F-80 Flat Top Kabuki

Price:

16$

Use:

I currently use this brush on my powder foundation days. I use a pressed powder and this brush allows for adequate coverage which can be hard to achieve with a powder foundation.

Note:

You can use any brush for whatever you want! The MAC 109 is not a foundation brush, it is advertised as a contour brush. The same goes with these brushes. Use them as you please to create you own desired looks.

Overall:

 Quite Simply, these brushes retail at a great price in comparison to other higher-end companies. The quality far surpasses the price. There is another brush in the Sigmax brush line that I do not own. 

Take a peep it here.

Remember ladies, brushes are your tools to achieve beautiful make-up looks, great tools make great looks. Invest in quality and I guarantee you will notice a difference! Keep 'em clean by using a mild baby shampoo once a week.

I may do an overview on my brush collection, interested? Let me know :)

xo.

Sunday Snapshots 04.

yes, this picture was taken same day as 'trend lips' post.

BURR

one. The weather has been too cold to function. I'm taking -17 celcius and when you factor in wind chill in the -20s. That is about -4 Fahrenheit! I'm just about sick of the snow also. Its safe to say I am indoors as much as possible and have been wearing not the most fashionable clothing items to keep me warm.

two.  Trying to pull together an outfit for a friend's birthday is not looking promising at the moment. I planned on wearing a skirt but the weather is telling me "no bueno". I'm thinking black lace now. Is that option even warmer?! So the quest continues...

three. I am currently hunting down OPI/Katy Perry Collaboration nail polishes. I NEED black shatter & Teenage Dream in my nail polish colection.

four. I head to a new hairdresser this week, hoping for a bit of a cut/style. I'll post depending on how it goes :)

five. I have a reading on corporate crime waiting to be highlighted, so with that I'm signing out.

Farwell.

xo.

Everything that shines isn't always gold

click to englarge

I woke up this morning feeling creative. I had gotten some MAC glitters from a friend & decided to experiment. Make-up is hands down my creative outlet. Sometimes I create looks that are wearable, other looks, I wouldn't dare leave the house wearing. 

The first picture was taken on my camera & then it died so I took the others in photobooth.

The glitter used is MAC 3D gold glitter, the way it sparkles in the light is amazing.

This is far from a day look but would look fantastic at a celebration.

Glitter & Glue FTW (lash glue that is)!

If you are going to attempt this look, don't even bother to do you foundation or skin first. The glitter gets EVERYWHERE. 

TIP: use tape to get the glitter of your skin, before doing face make-up.

Products:

Eyes

*Black eyeshadow base (you can use an eyeliner) all over lid

*MAC 3D gold glitter over lid

*MAC eyeshadow in Folie & Sketch for crease

*MAC Pigment in Dark soul for outcorner

*MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack as eyeliner for upper/lower lashline

*Quo False Lashes

*Duo Lash Glue

Face

*MAC blush in Raizin

*MAC Studio Finish concealer in NW50 for under eyes

*Clinique Perfectly Real Compact powder in 148(N)

Lips

MAC Lipstick in Half n Half

MAC Lipliner in Chestnut

 

Cheers!

xo.

FOTD: Quickie

Just a quick post before I head out. I have one class today as well as my interview for my grad program. Spent last night writing my statement of interest, say a prayer for me!

I deviated from my usual winged liner look and put something a bit more professional together. A simple neutral look as to not scare my future educators :)

Face

Foundation: Nars Sheer Matte mixed with MUFE Mat Velvet

Concealer: MAC ProLongwear - NW45

Blush: Raizin

Eyes

MAC Bronze mixed with MAC Romp

MAC Folie in crease

Liner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Lips

MAC lipstick in Half n Half

MAC Plushglass in Ample Pink

Well I didn't know I was that loyal to MAC!

I'm wondering how many people are going to tell me my earings don't match today :) I had a stud in the other ear purposefully.

Cheers

xo.

Trend Lips

The weather is cold outside, but it won't be for long. Which means I only have a bit more time to rock the dark lips. I love this lip trend, dark berry lips, they were all over the fall runways. The beauty of this trend is that it works for ALL skin tones. I decided to share with you some of my favorite berry lip shades.

Click to enlarge for better color representation.

 You can achieve this look with either drug store products or higher end. In the pictures I'm wearing Night Violet from MAC, with the Annabelle lipliner & MAC lipglass just in the center of my lips to make them appear fuller (best trick ever!)

With such a bold lip its better to tone down the rest of the make-up look. A simple winged liner is what I think looks best.

Out of all the products listed below Night Violet provides the deeper more intense lip color. On the other hand Most Popular is a sheer berry color for those who want to rock the trend but not full force. The Covergirl Lipcolor last ALL day, it requires minimum touch ups.

Some of the shades are LE but you can get them in blog sales or at CCOs. I got Night Violet in a blog sale, it came out with the Style Black Collection. Another option in MACs permanent line is Cyber.

(Left- Right)

MAC LE Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet

Covergirl Outlast All day Lipcolor in Burgundy

MAC Limited Edition Lipstick in Most Popular

Annabelle Lip Pencil in Bordeaux

MAC LE Hello Kitty Lipglass in Sweet Strawberry

(Left-Right) 

Covergirl Outlast All day Lipcolor in Burgundy

Annabelle Lip Pencil in Bordeaux

MAC Limted Edition Hello Kitty Lipglass in Sweet Strawberry

 MAC LE Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet

MAC LE Lipstick in Most Popular

Still I Rise

I've been on a little bit of a poetry kick, my poet of the day is Maya Angelou. Still I Rise has been the poem running through my mind. Its simply lovely. 

Sadly, the school slump continues on...

3 cheers for my hair co-operating today, its as if it knew I wanted to cut it.

 Ralph Lauren Vintage Men's Denim Shirt

H&M Lace Shirt

Kleenex in hand :)

Roots over the Knee Tribe Leather Boots

Love the contrast of feminine lace & a oversized men's shirt

This is another outfit post for a day at Uni. I'm going to try and do OOTD from various days to show a variety of outfits for different occasions. I had to wear real boots today since there was quite a bit of snow, which meant the Roots boots came out. They're supposed to be over the knee but my legs are quite long so they don't quite reach, shame. The leather on these boots are such quality, they're a little steep in price but more of an investment (can you tell I'm trying to convince myself).

Wilfred Jacket with cropped sleeves & high collar.

The black beaded bracelets are my new favorite pieces, custom made by an amazing designer. My brother and I have matching ones, its a little cute :)

 

Got some reviews written, will post throughout the week, Cheers my friends!

xo.

Clarisonic Review: Update

I've been putting off writing this update because I wanted to be uber sure that I gave an accurate review. I've been using the system for about 2 weeks now. Overall I'm very pleased with the Clarisonic Mia. Be for-warned this is a long wordy post, which is necessary to give a in-depth review.

What I wanted from the Mia:

• smooth skin
• glowy/radiant skin
• deep cleanse my skin
• work along with my skin care items to make them work better
• 1 million dollars (a girl can dream right!) 

What I got with the Mia:

• All of the above! Minus the million dollars of course

Overall Thoughts:

I have oil/combo skin, in the winter a bit drier on the cheeks. The clarisonic totally took care of the dry patches, with its gentle exfoliation. Overall it made my skin more balanced because it allowed my night cream to work more effectively by allowing it to absorb into my pores. Which in turn meant my dry patches were actually hydrated and banished! It has left my skin SUPER soft/smooth.

Makeup Removal

The machine works amazing at removing makeup. Ladies, it is essential to get ALL your makeup off at night. It will only causes breakouts & other skin issues. This system deep cleans your skin, the kind of deep clean that removes makeup even AFTER you've used a traditional makeup removing method (wipes, cleaners, oils etc.) I actually no longer feel 'clean' until I use my clarisonic to get everything off my face. I can really see those who suffer from acne and breakout benefiting from this.

The cleanser that came with the system to be honest was rubbish. I didn't like it at all so I won't be using it. I currently use it with Cetaphil but I am planning on using it with a cleanser that foams. I feel like it could be much more affective that way. I also place the cleanser on my face opposed to on the brush because I prefer that cleaning method.

CONS

 The only real negative I have about the machine is that it comes with a 'sensitive' brush head. I do not have sensitive skin so I feel like the brush is not as effective as a 'normal' brush head could be. I wish there was an option to choose which brush head you'd like to get when you buy the system. On a brighter note, after talking to Yinka via twitter I purchased a 'normal' brush head from ebay for WAY cheaper!

Caring for your Mia

The machine can be used in the shower since it is waterproof. My foundation tends to stain the white bristles so I clean it once a day with Dr. Bronner Peppermint soap. Its an all natural soap and gets the bristles squeaky clean without damaging them.

I also detach my bush head at night and store it with the cap on, bristles facing down, to allow the excess water to drain out. I've heard if you do not mildew can begin to form & that just opens another can of skin care worms.

Safe to say this has joined my skin care army!

xo.

Sunday Snapshots 03.

one. Yes, this Sunday Snapshot is faceless, I've been sick all week & will save you all the agony of seeing me at the moment.

two. The sickness also explains the lack of posts this week, I had quite a few planned out, that hopefully I will get out this week. I've been sick 2/3 weeks this month, can a girl catch a break?!?

three. I've been living in this sweatshirt all week, gross? Its been washed, I'm not that NASTY. I love it and not because Drake wore it, I was on it before he showed all of Toronto at J.Cole's Concert. It just simply a good ol' Canadian classic.

four. I've been wanting to do something different with my hair, urgh. When I feel like this I usually cut it. Even though I've been growing it out, I know i'll end up cutting it, only to regret it. Well, if I do there will be pics!

five. A friend put me on a nice little poem that I've grown to love, I'll leave you with that :)

xo

Dorcas' Diary: Momento Vivre

Sunset in Havana, Cuba. Take me back!

School is starting to get hectic, coupled with working part-time, church, and volunteering with an amazing Canadian beauty magazine, its safe to say I'm stressed. To add to that I'm working on preparing for an interview for my graduate study program as well as my statement of interest. It seems like its getting harder and harder to fit social time into my schedule. 

I love this quote, its Latin and it simply means "Remember to Live". Its  a great reminder to not get caught up in the destination but to enjoy the journey of life as I go along. I'm currently planning a graduation trip to Paris, Madrid, Lisbon & London. I'm very excited to see new parts of the world, besides London (was born there/lived there for some time), and take in new cultures.

xo.

"To be able to look back on ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice"

Lipstick NARS- Barbarella

The quote in the title is from poet Khalil Gibran. I love some of his work so you'll be seeing more of his quotes throughout the life of this blog. I love poetry in general and the vast interpretations that each individual can have to the same piece. For me this quote pushes me to enjoy life in its entirety so that when I look back I will have no regrets. What does it mean to you?

This is just an outfit from Uni the other day, really simple and comfortable.

Hope you week is going well!

I promise I own other shoes, I just LOVE these atm.

Hat: Roots Canada
Plaid Shirt : Roots Canada- Men's Shirt

Jeans: F21

Owl Ring: Aldo Accessories

xo.

Sunday Snapshots 02.

 

one. Sunday Snapshot take 2! This time its just one photobooth picture. I think I've decided to either do one picture of myself or one picture of something else that tickles my fancy each week.

two. I've been in love with wearing rings as of late, the bolder the better! Channeling my inner Olsen

three. School has started & oh em gee it is already hectic. I'm in my final semester of my Hon BA in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and I am READY to graduate.

four. On a brighter note, The Game starts on the 11th at 11pm on BET!

five. Spent some time with some great girlfriends last night, I'm so blessed with the amazing people in my life.

six. For the week, I'll have an outfit post as well as an update on the clarisonic, have a great week!

xo

I'd Catch a Grenade for You

Bruno Mars' song 'Grenade' seems to follow me wherever I go & is now stuck in my head. Three cheers for his marketing team!

Though sweet & all I probs would never catch a grenade for anyone, that's sucide aint it?

...no dice. 

& plus The Situation has forever changed that word for all mankind.

Enough ramblings quick OOTD/FOTD from my first day of the semester at Uni.

Blogger seems to suck the life out of color, lips were a bit brighter  IRL :)

FACE:
Foundation: Make Up Forever Mat Velvet - 85
Blush:  MAC Superdupernatural [LE]

EYES:
Shadow: MAC Saddle with MAC Folie in crease

Eyeliner : MAC Blacktrack Fluidline

Waterline Eyeliner: Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes- Color: 24L (LOVETHIS! makes eyes look brighter/wider for dark skin tones)
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies- Blackest Black

LIPS:
Lipstick: Nars Roman Holiday

Lipgloss: MAC Sweet Strawberry [LE from Hello Kitty Collection]

LOVE the glow this blush gives! - Click to Enlarge.

Outfit

Cardigan from Zara's Mens Line

American Apparel Bodysuit

Zara Denim Harem Pants

Fossil Watch

Longchamp Le Piliage Tote

All the other pics turned out rubbish.

xo.

Clarisonic Review: Glorified Toothbrush?!

I had collected some monies from Christmas as well as a Sephora Gift Card. So I happily hopped, skipped and jumped to Sephora to pick up the Urban Decay Naked Palette. I got there only to be disappointed because it was still sold out! Because I am 'queen impatient' I decided not to wait and look for something else I wanted to purchase. I stumbled across this little beauty instead....

Part of the proceeds from the Pink Mia go to Breast Cancer Research

I saw the price tag and quickly hopped, skipped, and ran out out of Sephora. The Clarisonic Mia is priced at 189$ Canadian Dollars... really?! It is a face cleansing tool that is meant to deep clean pores and remove makeup 6x more than manual hand cleaning. The brush head actually vibrates when turned on and it claims to reduce pore size and visible wrinkles. It all sounded great but I needed to do some research. After stalking many reviews in the blogsphere and entering an internet coma I decided that I NEEDED this in my life. I mean there had to be some truth behind all the product raves... right?

Well I bit the bullet and bought it. Quite simply it looks like an oversized electric tooth brush. It comes with a sensitive brush head and a Clarisonic face cleanser. Different brush heads are available for purchase at Sephora. The Clarisonic comes in 3 models, the Clarisonic Classic, the Clarisonic Mia and Clarisonic Plus. I purchased the Mia because of the small size and ease for traveling... and OBVS because its cheaper :) 

The Mia in a nutshell:

• One button/one speed
• The brush head is the same size as the Clarisonic Classic
• Sonic action cleans skin without harsh chemicals
• Allows your skin care products to absorb better, which in turns makes them more effective
• Reduces fine lines and improve skin tone

I will start using this and make an update post, cross my fingers that I get glowy, smooth and soft skin from my new Mia.  If you're interested in the Clairisonic Plus Yinka over at Vex in the City is reviewing it.

Have you tried any of the Clairsonic products, if so let me know:)

OOTD - Outfit of the Day

 

 This is my first outfit post, my blog is predominantly a beauty blog. But I have some interest in fashion as well. I dress very simply/casually and love street style. This is an outfit from New Years Eve morning, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, you know the kind that makes you think you can parade around in a t-shirt even though it isn't that warm. You can't blame me, anything over 5 degrees excites me in December.

Vneck: American Apparel

Cargos: AE

Scarf : Roots Canada

Boots : Costa Blanca

Watch: Fossil

Cross/Owl Ring: ASOS/Aldo

 

A mini FOTD [face of the day]. Minimal make-up look.

FACE:
Nars Sheer Matte - Khartoum
Mac blush - Raizin

EYES:
Mac eye khol - Feline
Maybelline Falsies mascara - Blackest Black

LIPS:
Nars lip lacquer - Butter field 8

xo.