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4 Mascaras That Don’t Totally Suck*

October 21, 2019
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*In my humble and completely non-beauty-related-professional opinion!

Things I want a decent mascara to achieve:

1. The illusion that my lashes are at least slightly longer than their natural stubby state.
2. Added volume so that they don’t look as sparse as I sometimes feel they are, especially when I lose a bunch at one time and freak out about going bald.
3. As per the second point, a mascara cannot lead to excessive loss of lashes. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.
4. Not flake the f*ck out and spill black specs all over my face all day. My under eyes are dark enough, ya feel? I’m too awkward for tiny mascara clumps to be sprinkling onto my skin.
5. It must be waterproof in order to be long-lasting, but cannot be impossible to wash off. I can’t stand when a mascara won’t come off with my simple makeup removing routine.

I’m indifferent about slight mascara clumping. Sure, I don’t want it to look like I only have three fat lashes, but I also don’t need the illusion that I have no mascara on at all. I’m not ashamed of my reliance on the cosmetic. There’s no need to play hard to get with mascara. She knows she’s my #1.

In terms of application, I started using mascara primer a few years ago (thanks for the recommendation, Mom) and am forever changed. It helps keep my mascara on with vibrant colour and lots of volume. I find that it can dry the waterproof mascaras slightly (but protects my actual lashes from damage) so to wash it off, I gently use warm water and dab with my fingers to wet the lashes before using makeup remover and washing my face.

I know that mascara look, preferences, and even performance are quite varied, but below are some of my personal favourites.

best mascara 2019, alicia fashionista, vancouver beauty blog

LANCOME Grandiose Extreme

I received this little gem in a package from Nordstrom’s beauty counter when they opened in Vancouver and have been re-buying it ever since. The wand is quite small and curved with dual bristles but performs so well! It takes a few applications to get used to it, but the amount lift and curl achieved from this mascara is incredible! Use this one daily with the primer, of course.

SHOP THE LOOK: This Nordstrom set with primer and remover or just the mascara.

L’Oreal Voluminous Original

Give it up for the OG mascara of my adulthood. I started stepping things up and purchased the Voluminous primer to go with it and it’s amazing! This mascara is a great option if you’re on a tighter budget, even with the added primer cost, both products are cheaper than one tube of the other mascaras I’ve listed. It doesn’t quite measure up to my Lancome loves, but it does perform well for the cost and is a slightly more natural look than the others.

SHOP THE LOOK: Voluminous from The Bay or Walmart (US)

LANCOME Monsieur Big

I don’t know what kind of witchcraft Lancome does to make such amazing mascaras, but they get two of my four recommendations! Mr. Big is quite similar to Grandiose Extreme in terms of performance. The application is different though because it’s a chunkier wand. This is my go-to for a night out!

SHOP THE LOOK: The Standard Size or Mini Tube from Sephora

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir

Look, I really wanted to add this to the list because I had a tube of the MJ Velvet Noir and remember loving it. I wish I’d taken notes at the time because now I can’t remember exactly what it was like but I know that I went through the entire thing and remember thinking I would re-buy. I should probably just grab a mini tube of it to get reacquainted.

SHOP THE LOOK: Sephora Mascara and Gel Liner Set or Mini Tube (great to test out with) or Standard Size

As I mentioned, I am no beauty expert, so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them! I’ve seen positive reviews for some Benefit and Tarte mascaras, have you tried any? I’m super curious, it’s just always tough to veer away from what I know works. Also, I have tested out a few natural mascaras and so far none can even come close to the heavy mascara look I prefer, but if you’ve found any clean beauty mascara that adds hefty volume and/or length, please do pass that info along.

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March Favourites

April 3, 2019
alicia fashionista, bruush, best electronic toothbrush 2019

A bunch of random things that I’ve been loving lately!

This is not a sponsored post, but by all means, if any of these people want to sponsor me, I’m avail 😉 I was also sick with an attractive cough/cold for pretty much all of February and most of March, so I cannot promise that these favourites will be the most exciting of all time. God, I’m such a gifted salesperson.

My Brüush Toothbrush

I was in the market for an electric toothbrush and my friend mentioned that a friend of hers had started an electric toothbrush company (seriously, what are the odds?) and that she was loving her Brüush! I reached out and they were kind enough to send one and you guys, it’s SO good! The packaging is gorgeous, but it’s also incredibly functional. Has a 4-week battery and simple charging station, 2-year warranty, and comes with a convenient travel case. There are different settings, so I find myself brushing for a bit longer to utilize the ‘gums’ setting, as well as the ‘tongue’ option. I also use the ‘gentle’ setting in the mornings, as my teeth are sensitive after I’ve clenched my jaw all night. I love that the brush head isn’t round, so it doesn’t just spray toothpaste onto every surface in the bathroom. I didn’t realize how quiet it is too. When I was brushing my teeth at my friend’s place a few weeks ago, she looked at me with shock and asked how my electric toothbrush was so quiet. I just adore my Brüush and wanted to give this new company some love!

Ole Henriksen Balance Collection

Well, I have finally done it. I’ve adopted some sort of a skincare regime. I’ve started off small and just do cleansing and toning every now and again, but that’s a vast improvement from my humble beginnings of doing nothing. I keep a Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser and Pore Balance Facial Sauna Scrub in the shower and use one or the other each time I wash my hair. Then I apply the Toner and Hydrator after my shower which leaves my skin feeling tingly and hydrated. I’ve really liked the collection, but I want to remind you that skincare is really different to everyone, so what works for me might not work for you. But, if you also forget to cleanse/tone yo face, I highly recommend the shower trick. It’s like a mini at-home spa treatment once a week!

The Vionic Joey Sneaker

When I was finally feeling better from my initial February cold, I was out walking Reg and somehow threw my back out. I’d never done that before and it was absolutely terrifying. I painfully crawled over to Adam, who was having a nap, and when he woke up and asked what was wrong, I burst into tears. That feeling of your spine not being able to support your body is one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. I learned what to do though and was feeling better again by the end of that day. What this long-winded story is about, is that ever since I threw my back out, I have been wearing only my arch supportive Vionic Joey Sneakers. I liked them for travel last year but was such a white Vans loyalist that I didn’t really sport them beyond trips. Now I’ve worn them every day for the last month and they’ve been great. Ahh, the joys of ageing. If you have any other orthopedic shoe recommendations, I’m all ears!

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Wilderado

Adam and I went to see Mt. Joy at The Imperial last month and it was a great show. If you don’t already know Mt. Joy, their debut album is dope as hell and you should definitely go listen if you’re into Indie Rock/Americana/Folky Blues. What surprised us, though, was how much we fell in love with the opening band, Wilderado. They don’t even have an album yet, just EPs of greatness and plenty of Spotify plays. I. Can’t. Stop. Listening. Over and over again, all day long. It’s like I’m possessed. I swear the lead singer made eye contact with me during their set (though Adam claims he did with him as well LOL) and it was so intense, maybe he cast a spell on me?! If you’re yearning for, dare I say, Americana early 2000’s Coldplay vibes with some Folky Fleet Foxes-worthy harmonies (?), go listen and become obsessed like I am so that we can bond over their sound, okay?

These Perfect High Waist Denim Shorts

You may have seen these bad boys on my IG stories yesterday, but I have more to say, so here we are. I happened to see them on the TOPSHOP website at the beginning of March and I have stalked their Vancouver location just waiting and waiting for these beauties to arrive. From first glance, I just knew they were the high waisted denim shorts of my dreams and I was bang on. They’d already sold out of the lighter denim at my local store, but luckily I was able to try on the black denim. I love them so much, I ordered them in the lighter denim as well. I love how they’re loose in the leg and hips, but the paperbag waist keeps a sexier silhouette. You’ll be seeing these for the next few months, so prepare yourself.

What have you been loving lately? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Glossier Products I’m Obsessed With

February 15, 2019
glossier, no makeup look, what to get at glossier

What the heck is Glossier and why is everyone talking about it?

NOTE: This is not sponsored or affiliated Glossier at all. I’m just a fan! This post does, however, contain affiliate links.

I know that some of you have been Glossier supporters for years, and rightly so. Me?  I was a huge snob, ignoring all the buzz about it and not bothering to understand what made it different than any other beauty brand. But, last month I was listening to the episode of How I Built This with Emily Weiss and learned her story. I was very intrigued by the concept of a cosmetics brand that was powered by the people, so on my first day in New York City, my gal pals and I beelined it for the Glossier flagship store.

You all know my love for a natural, no makeup makeup look and you guys, GLOSSIER WAS PRETTY MUCH MADE FOR ME WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

The store itself was incredible, the experience is a must if you’re ever in LA or NYC, or if they pop up in your city. Also, the price points were better than I’d imagined. It’s a miracle that I didn’t leave with one of everything, honestly.

What I love about the products that Glossier is creating, is that they’re very light, but most are super buildable. The following 4 products are ones that I’ve seamlessly added to my everyday makeup routine and have been using daily for a month now. They are:

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Beauty

4 Shaving Tips For Summer

June 29, 2018

Goodbye razor burn, hello smooth legs 👋🏼

In April, I had back to back beach vacations and it was such a dream come true.  Winter had only just ended, so my skin hadn’t had sun exposure for at least 6 months.  And though it was wonderful to live in a bikini for 3 weeks and feel the heat of the sun, I came home with painful razor burn, in-grown hairs, and tan, but extremely dry and flaky skin.  It’s a lot for your skin to handle increased shaving, the chemicals in pool water, and daily sunscreen application, and truthfully, I didn’t do much at the time to help combat the effects of that.

There were some tough lessons to learn, but I have since implemented really subtle changes to my shaving regime and my skin has never looked or felt better post-shave!

In partnership with Schick and AVEENO, I’m sharing a few of these newly discovered tips and tricks, as well as my favourite tools to achieve a better shave and healthier skin.  All just in time for summer!

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My Favourite Red Lipstick ATM

December 14, 2017

I’m all about the classic red lip for holiday!

Even though the beauty trends have heavily leaned towards neutrals, nudes, and dusty pink lip colours (such a 90’s throwback), I am still such a sucker for a bold rouge, especially at this time of year.  The winter tends to turn my skin a pale, less glowy hue and a red lip can seriously pack a punch.  In fact, I’ve been known to throw on a rouge lipstick in a pinch if I happen to have no other makeup on and have to look slightly more put together.

I’ve cycled through many favourites, but at the moment I keep gravitating towards the NYX Pin-Up Pout in Lucy!  This cruelty free lipstick is well pigmented and doesn’t bleed or require a lipliner, which I greatly appreciate.  This one is definitely on the cooler side and has a slight pink tinge to it.  As I’m such a classic kinda gal, I love to pair it with either a winged liquid eyeliner or just lots of lashes without liner.  Makes the red lippie the star of the show!

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Holiday Look | Smokey Eye

December 5, 2017

I’m pretty sure it’s actually smoky not smokey, but the makeup world doesn’t seem to care 🤷🏻‍♀️

I roll my eyes at the guidelines for a smokey eyeshadow for brown eyes, as they always state that purple is the way to go.  As though I’m going to slather various shades of purple eyeshadow on my lids and head out for the night.  I think not!  As stubborn as I am about this, I have to confess something to you.  No matter what shade neutral shadow I apply to my lids, it inevitable turns purple!  Look at my lids!  We put brown and copper colours on my eyes and it all morphed into this silver/purple look.  I mean, I know I’m a rule follower, but for even my skin to follow suit.  I just can’t win!

Despite the colour change, it was fun to wear a more dramatic eye than usual to our girl’s night at Savio last month.  Melissa came over earlier and we took some photos and did these fun makeup looks.  If you don’t know my cousin Melissa, you really should.  We literally talk on the phone multiple times a day, every single day LOL.  She’s just getting back into blogging (it was actually Melissa who helped inspire me to originally start this site, so she’s legit an OG blogger) and she had a fun idea to do Blogmas.  Which means that she’s coming out with a brand new post every day until Christmas!  You should probably go subscribe and follow along, or at least give her an Instagram follow @melissa_cartier.  I know she’d really appreciate it!

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My Drugstore Ponytail Hack

November 19, 2017

Always aiming for maximum ponytail volume ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I have to say that teaming up with Goody has been so fun!  When we first kicked off our partnership, they sent a box of their products for me to play around with, which was all kinds of amazing.  I have discovered some new go-to accessories and wanted to share a recent favourite with you.  The best part?  You’ll have the opportunity to WIN a Goody Hair package to try out their accessories as well!  More details coming up on my Insta very soon.

Since I don’t wash my Mufasa mane on the daily, quick and easy styles for second (or third, or fourth) day hair are so important.  A ponytail is obviously a classic style, but I was so excited to discover a little Goody accessory that helps take things to the next level.  With the weight of my hair, a ponytail usually falls flat and the elastic slides down with any movement.  This little comb and elastic combo helps keep things secure and gives that fountain effect at the top for mega volume!  Though I have thicker hair, I did try it out on a friend who has thinner locks and it also worked well for her.

Be sure to check out my other favourite Goody accessories in past posts here and here!  There will also be a HUGE Goody Giveaway on my Instagram in the next few days, so keep an eye out for it!

 

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Vintage Curls Hair Tutorial

November 6, 2017

This hairstyle will be your secret weapon this Holiday Season!

It’s only November, but we all know that the 2017 Holiday Party Season is about to begin. And it really is the most wonderful time of the year! The extra hours with friends and family, all those fun, festive outings. The holiday parties are THE perfect excuse to wear lots of sparkle and even tacky sweaters. It’s the best!

In the spirit of the season, I’ve partnered with Shoppers Drug Mart Mane Essentials to bring you a glam holiday hair tutorial!  This simple, 4 step DIY style is the perfect look if you want your hair down and styled, but something with a little more drama than everyday curls.

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Last Minute Black Cat For Halloween

October 29, 2017

Fun Fact: It’s also International Cat Day!

It’s not just a Stranger Things Season 2 binge fest around here.  We also have some last minute Halloween plans for Tuesday.  Which, in fairness, aren’t crazy, as we’re going to my mother in law’s to help hand out candy, but I decided that dressing up would be way more fun.  Since there isn’t much time to get my life together before the 31st, I googled costume ideas with a black outfit base.  I remembered that I had this awesome black bodysuit that would be a great starting point to any last minute costume for the lazy.  I almost went for a Holly Golightly like this one, but it wasn’t cozy enough for greeting trick or treaters.  Instead, I came up with THE most original, never even done before Halloween costume.  Pretty sure I actually invented it.

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