The Used

1.) Diorskin Nude, Natural Glow Radiant Foundation; 2.) Lush, Dream Cream; 3.) Lush, Eau Roma Water; 4.) Neal's Yard, Wildrose Hand Cream (sample); 5.) Neal's Yard, Rose Facial Polish (sample); 6.) Lush, Grease Lightening; 7.) Batiste, Dry Shampoo; 8.) Oilatum Junior Cream; 9.) Better You, Magnesium Oil Joint Spray; 10.) Lush, Fresh Farmacy Facial Cleanser; 11.) Lush, Full of Grace; 12.) Lush, Dirty Toothy Tabs; 13.) Lush, Ocean Salt; 14.) Rimmel, Precious Stones; 15.) Rimmel, 60 Seconds

Everyone, please take this opportunity to turn to the nearest reader and hold hands. This might get a little bit confusing and we don't want to lose anyone along the way.

Lipstick Parenting

My love of all things beauty related goes way back. I was one of those girls who combed through all the big women's magazines searching for the latest and greatest looks, miracle products, and special "it" products that would make me look my dazzling best. I somehow managed to stretch my morning ritual to an hour and a half (and that was on a good speedy day), to get ready for school.

And then one day, I graduated, moved out, got married and started popping out babies. As I had each kid, I spent less and less time putting on make up, taking care of my skin, or pampering my hair and nails. As my children have slowly gotten older and gained more independence, I'm slowly wading back into beauty/make-up land. I realized that somehow, parenting had sucked enough "me" out of the picture that it left me without a single lipstick or lip gloss. I don't even know how this happened people. That discovery left me dazed and confused until I found myself in the make-up department of a large store. I was so excited I was practically foaming at the mouth as I looked for the perfect versatile day to day lipstick and gloss. Forgive the cruddy lighting here. I'm figuring this out as I go. Consider this a lesson learned - bathroom mirrors and cell phones don't necessarily give the greatest pictures!

 

There's the final poorly lit result. I'm wearing Mac's fast play and Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss 436 Capeline Abricot. 

 Mac's Fast Play goes on very matte and dry. For me the positive to this is how long it seems to stay in place. It doesn't end up leaving a lipstick ring around my lips while the rest of it wears off. I hate that. If I want it to go on a bit smoother I pop on a little chap stick before hand but it's definitely not as long wearing if I do that. 

DiorAddict's Ultra-Gloss 436 is interesting. I love it's sheerness and a little bit goes a really long way. It makes me feel like I'm getting more value out of it than I expected. There's a really lovely gold shimmer to it that my camera phone just couldn't capture. Plus, it smells a bit like bubble gum to me.

My final better lighting shot for you guys.

Who knew parenting could have such a debilitating effect on my lipstick or my make-up bag in general? What I really want to know is what are your favorite go-to daily lipsticks?

Stylish Growing Pains

What was it like for you growing up and discovering your style influences? I had my head in the clouds and was busy dreaming away with my rose coloured glasses on. I definitely had my own distinct flavour of style developing and one of the big hitters that influenced me was Jackie Onassis. 

These boots were made for walking...

Ok, ok so I confess, one of these is a wedge and not a boot. I'm not a fashion expert. I just know what I like and if we can call Dior's 'Muse' a studded boot, then miu miu's leather oxford can be lumped in there too. Besides, it's too cute not to get a mention. Has anyone else spotted any boots they're looking to buy?

Ciao,

xoxo