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Tuesday 31 May 2016

A Birthday Gift of Bridal Makeup

Hi, everyone! If you've been following the blog or my social media the past few months, you may have heard that I'm getting married in October! I am trying to be as low-key a bride-to-be as possible, but when it comes to my wedding day makeup, I want things to be perfect. I have already created my custom bridal lipstick at the Bite Beauty Lip Lab, which I could not be more thrilled about. It's just about the perfect berry shade! Wanting to add some other special treats to the mix, my sister suggested that she buy me a couple other pieces of wedding day makeup for my birthday this year. It was such a thoughtful idea and I of course obliged! 


Given that my lipstick is already chosen, I honed in on searching for a flattering, romantic pink blush that would complement the lipstick and wear well throughout the day. I also decided that my "something blue" would be a nail polish, so we set out on that hunt as well! 


Our first stop was at Sephora, where I knew there would be no scarcity of blushes. I was originally thinking of choosing a Too Faced Loved Flush blush (the heart-shaped compacts seemed so wedding day appropriate), but the smaller Sephora we were visiting did not carry them. Since this idea was exhausted, I decided to look at brands who I knew made quality, long-wearing blushes. Upon scanning through the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush options, I quickly knew I had found my match! There on display was the most beautiful rosy pink blush with a name that could not be any more appropriate- Blushing Bride! I actually did a happy dance when I spotted it, as I knew the neutral, mid-tone rosy hue would be flattering and complement my berry lipstick perfectly. The shade name was truly icing on the (wedding) cake! 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blushing Bride

For the nail polish, we popped into Shoppers Drug Mart. I was keeping my eyes peeled for a soft, yet truly blue shade that would be visible on my nails without being to garish and that would also be a pretty pair with the berry-toned bouquet I'll be holding. After a bit of back and forth, I opted for a gorgeous robin's egg blue in Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Dream Boat. I loved that it had a cheeky romantic name and a flirty hue to match! 


Overall, I could not be happier to add these two goodies to my wedding makeup lineup. My cheeks and fingertips will at their most flirty and romantic, and demure- just the type of bride I aspire to be!

Thanks again to my lovely sister, Karen, for the thoughtful and beautiful gift!

Also, let me know if you'd like to see any more bridal makeup-related posts- I'd be happy to share my makeup trials with you! I'd love to get your feedback :)

What kind of makeup did you wear/would you like to wear on your wedding day?

Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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Saturday 28 May 2016

Birthday Makeup!

Hi, everyone! I was pondering a more profound, professional, witty title for this post, but eventually decided that sometimes when it comes to birthdays, a quick exclamation is sufficient! Yesterday was my thirty-third birthday (still getting used to that; odd-numbered birthdays always tend to make me feel older) and it was one heck of a great day. It started with some Birthday Yoga from Yoga with Adriene, while burning the scented candle that I won from Lisa Eldridge. Namaste, indeed! I then had some Skype time with my family (including my niece, who is now very proficient  at blowing kisses. *Heart melts*), then headed downtown for some shopping time with a friend! She was looking to treat herself to some new makeup goodies, and we all know that makeup enabling advising is one of my favourite hobbies! I then met up with my fiance (that word also still sounds weird!) for some Chinese food, then home for a relaxing evening. Couldn't have asked for a better day! 


Given that it was my birthday, I wanted to do some festive, colourful makeup, yet given that my destinations were the mall and a super casual restaurant, I didn't want to go full-on crazy glam (though I realize it would have totally been within my birthday girl rights to do so). I opted for some warm, shimmery eyes, coral cheeks, and a bold orange red lip.


For the base, I opted for my favourite foundation combo of late, mixing Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation No.10 with By Terry Light Expert Illuminating Flawless Foundation in Rosy Light. They create such a luminous, but long-wearing base! To further satisfy my goal of looking fresh and glowy, I swept generous helpings of Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop to the tops of my cheekbones, temples, and down the bridge of my nose. I then spritzed my skin with Tatcha's beautiful Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, which cut down the flatness of the powder I had used. For the cheeks, I reached for my favourite coral blush of the moment, the vibrant and beautiful Chantecaille Cheek Colour in Flair


For the eyes, I chose one of my all-time favourite palettes that I had not reached for in a while- Charlotte Tilbury's The Dolce Vita. I applied the shimmery beige shade all over my eyes as a base, the rusty colour heavily to the crease, and the deep brown to the outer corners for some definition. I patted the glittery copper all over my lid, which always makes me feel ultra glamorous. I didn't want to leave my lower lash line out of the fun, so I reached for Natasha Denona True Gold (from the Eyeshadow Palette 5 #10 palette). It added such a festive feel to the look! I lined my eyes with Chanel's Le Crayon Kohl in Rouge Noir and coated my lashes with a few coats of (dare I say) my favourite mascara, BeneFit They're Real


Choosing a birthday lipstick is a crucial choice (at least for this fiend), but it was fairly easy this time around. I opted for Besame Cosmetics Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine, which is pretty much the perfect semi-matte orange red. It's fairly new in my collection, but has quickly risen to top ranks in my stash. Everything about it is fabulous! 

I'm lucky to say that my birthday weekend didn't stop yesterday- I'm soon headed out to brunch with a group of my blogger buddies (which isn't specifically for my birthday, but festive nonetheless), then out for a pizza dinner with one of my oldest friends, with perhaps some shopping in between. I'm feeling like quite the lucky gal! 

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend as well! Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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Wednesday 25 May 2016

Look of the Day: Gilded Violet

Hi, everyone! If you peeked at my last post, you'll know that I've fallen quite smitten with the Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 #10. It's a stunning mix of plums and golds with a unique variety of textures and finishes. I'm always saying that I should play with purple shadows more often (I love the way they look with my brown eyes) and this palette gives me the perfect motivation! For today's makeup, I aimed to create an eye look with a perfect balance of boldness and wearability. A look that shows off the palette's bold hues without overwhelming my face. I hope you enjoy it! 


For the eyes, I started by applying Satin Skin, the mid-tone neutral brown of the palette, all over the lids, up to the crease as a base. I then swept Vintage, a shimmery neutral plum across the crease, concentrating it on the outer half of the eyes. For some extra definition, I applied Aubergine, a deep matte eggplant, to the outer half of the crease and outer corners of the eye, then added some serious sparkle by packing True Gold all over my lids. For a pop of colour, I used Nina's Orchid, a warm vivid violet, on the inner half of the crease and along the lower lash line. As a finishing step, I patted a small amount of True Gold to the centre of my lower lash line. I completed the eyes with a swipe of plummy liner (Chanel's Rouge Noir Le Crayon Kohl) and lots of BeneFit They're Real Mascara


For the cheeks and lips, I wanted to keep things neutral (to let the eyes remain the standout), but not washed out. I reached for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure, a killer neutral plum, adding touches of highlight to the high points of my face using Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop. On the lips, I used MAC's Satin Lipstick in Brave. It really is a perfect neutral- a touch of beige, a hint of pink, with a tint of plum. So, so good! 


Here's a closeup of the blush, highlighter, and shadow, followed by a full breakdown of everything I used! 


The Breakdown:

Foundation: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation No10 mixed with By Terry Light Expert Click Brush Illuminating Flawless Foundation Brush in Rosy Light
Concealer: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Light

Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder #011

Bronzer: The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in 02 Fair Matte
Blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure
Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Pearl and Champagne Pop

Brows: ecobrow Defining Wax in Sharon and Marilyn

Primer: 
Blinc Eye Shadow Primer in Light Tone
Eye Shadow: (from the Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 #10): Satin Skin (all over lid, blended up to the crease), Vintage (through the crease, concentrated on outer corners), Aubergine (to add extra depth to crease and outer corners), True Gold (packed all over the lid and on the centre of the lower lash line), and Nina's Orchid (above the crease, concentrated on the inner half of the eye and along the lower lash line) and The Body Shop Colour Crush Eye Shadow in Oh, Honey (as a highlight on the brow bone and inner corners of the eye)

Eyeliner: Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in Rouge Noir
Mascara: BeneFit They're Real

Lipstick: MAC Satin Lipstick in Brave


And a few more shots of the look:





Ah, golds and purples really are such a fun colour combination and the Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 #10 makes it sooo easy to indulge. These shadows really make me feel one part disco queen, one part ethereal fairy. Another dreamy combo in my books! 

Have you tried any Natasha Denona shadows? What are your favourite purple and gold eye shadows?

Have a fantastic day and thanks for stopping by! xo


Monday 23 May 2016

Veracious Product Review: Natasha Denona Eye Shadow Palette 5 in #10

Hi, everyone! I've you've heard of Natasha Denona eye shadows, you probably know two things about them: a) they are insanely pigmented and b) they are ridiculously expensive. The brand's initial releases were incredibly beautiful shadow palettes that feature the most lovely selection of 28 shades each. Perhaps the prettiest eye shadow palettes I've seen! Problem is, these 28-palettes are $239 USD each. They actually offer a payment plan, which is another hint at their popularity and their price. Although the value of the larger palettes is actually pretty good (less than $10 per shadow, and they're top-notch), when makeup products are much more than $100, I just can't pull the trigger. As such, I thought Natasha Denona shadows would be forever beyond my grasp. That is, until I spotted the newer Eyeshadow Palette 5s at IMATS! These 5-pan palettes from the brand are $48 USD each, a price that felt much more do-able. So here we are! 


The Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5s come in white plastic packaging with a clear portion on the front that allows you to see that shadows inside. The packaging is by no means luxurious, but feels sturdy enough and is also quite sleek and compact. There are an impressive 13 palettes in the collection, including colour palettes from blues, to neutrals, to pinks. Each of the shadows in the palettes are individually named and are 2.5g each (MAC shadows are 1.3g each).

I had a terrible time choosing which palette to buy, as each and every option was beautiful with at least one truly standout shade in each. In the end, I opted for #10, a stunning mix of golds and purples. 



The shades in palette #10 are:

Satin Skin- a neutral mid-tone brown with subtle silvery shimmer
Vintage- a mid-tone cool metallic plummy neutral
Aubergine- a matte, deep eggplant purple
True Gold- a glitzy, glittery cool olive gold
Nina's Orchid- a semi-matte, vivid warm lilac

Here are swatches of the shadows on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone), using fingers and no primer underneath (first in natural light, then under my artificial bathroom lighting). As you can see, they are beautifully pigmented! 



And here is a look I created during my first go-around with the palette. I focused True Gold on the lids, Nina's Orchid on the inner crease, Satin Skin on the outer crease, and Aubergine and Vintage on the outer corners of the eyes. These aren't the clearest photos, as I took them with my phone (there will be a proper Look of the Day using this palette in my next post), but hopefully they give you an idea of how the shades work so nicely together! 



So the swatches look great, but how do they wear? How is the formula? Here's a full breakdown:

Pros:

  • As expected, these shadows are all beautifully pigmented. The matte shade (Aubergine) is the driest, least vivid of the bunch, but still builds up nicely
  • The shadows wear true to colour all day long with barely noticeable fading over the course of a 12-hour day
  • All of the shadows are incredibly blendable and smooth
  • The variety of finishes in the palette allow for truly endless, multi-dimensional combinations
  • The glittery shade (True Gold) is incredibly pigmented (how many times can I say pigmented in this review, seriously!?), which is rarely the case with glitter shadows
  • The packaging, though basic, is sleek and functional
  • Natasha Denona products are not tested on animals! 
Cons:
  • I experience a great deal of fallout when applying these shadows, so I always have to do my eyes before my base when using this palette (which is not my typical order). Luckily, there is very little fallout throughout the day after initial application. 
  • Some might expect more luxurious packaging given the near $50 price tag!

Fallout aside, I could not be happier with this palette! The shades are unique and vivid and all work wonderfully together. The wear time and pigmentation are top-notch and the glittery shade does not irritate my eyes whatsoever. Despite the bold hues in #10, the two left-most shades can be used to create an everyday neutral look and all you have to do is add a pop of True Gold or Nina's Orchid to transform a look into something special! So while I will probably never bite the bullet with the Eye Shadow Palette 28s, I can definitely see more Palette 5s in my future! 

If you're interested, you can check out Natasha Denona Eye Shadows on Beautylish, here

As I mentioned above, you can keep your eyes peeled for a Look of the Day featuring this palette on Wednesday!

Have you been tempted by Natasha Denona shadows? Are you a fan of purple and gold eye shadows? What's been your favourite eye shadow palette of late?

Have a fantastic week! xo


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Friday 20 May 2016

Currently Obsessed: Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

Hi, everyone! During my late teens and most of my twenties I wore sunscreen every day. I knew it was  key strategy for keeping my complexion wrinkle-free and I had a go-to SPF moisturizer that made sticking to a sun protection regimen easy. But then the formula of that moisturizer changed, I became increasingly interested in higher-end and natural skin care, and my skin got annoyingly sensitive and breakout-prone. Taken together, these factors caused me to let my religious sunscreen use fall by the wayside. Sunscreens started feeling like another uncomfortable layer on my skin, especially as I'd tried several supposedly light sunscreens that left me a greasy mess. Being stringent with sun care was no longer appealing! But when Tatcha released a new facial sunscreen last year that promised a weightless texture, anti-aging properties, and pore-minimizing qualities, I was instantly intrigued! Let me introduce you to the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35.**


I know that a book's cover isn't the most important factor, but Tatcha's packaging always blows me away. The attention to beauty and detail really adds to the special feeling of using the product. The Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen**, like other Tatcha products, come in a cardboard box with a wood-like motif, gold lettering, and blue detailing. 


Inside the box is a beautiful blue and indigo print that includes the story behind developing this product. Tatcha explains that this sunscreen was born from a mix of historical exploration as well as scientific research. 


The internal packaging further explains that this sunscreen is inspired by the geisha's skin care ritual that included formulas to both perfect and protect the skin form the sun. The Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen** was designed to mimic this tradition, while being weightless on the skin, offering anti-aging properties, and including natural ingredients to reduce the appearance of pores. Like many other Tatcha products, this sunscreen also includes their proprietary Hadasei-3 Bioactive Complex, which touts antioxidant protection as well as skin nourishment and protection from UV rays. 


The ingredients reveal that the sun protection elements are Octisalate (a salicylic acid-based ester that blocks UVB rays) and Zinc oxide (a traditional mineral sunscreen). The formula also includes natural extracts like wild rose, algae, silk, green tea, and licorice, as well as more typical skin care ingredients like glycerin and various forms of silicones. 



Outer packaging aside, the sunscreen itself comes in a light blue squeeze tube with metallic gold lettering. 



The first thing I noticed upon squeezing the tube was was the texture of the sunscreen was quite thick and creamy. This concerned me at first, as many such creamy formulas feel heavy on my skin. But given that some fluid sunscreens have actually been among the greasiest I've tried, I kept an open mind! 


Upon applying the sunscreen, I immediately noticed a few key elements. First, although the texture feels rich at first, it sinks into skin incredibly well, leaving my complexion hydrated and soft but not at all heavy, shiny, or greasy. Despite the higher SPF, I found there to be a very minimal white cast, just enough to calm down the redness in my skin slightly. The sunscreen also has a very light, elegant rose scent that is in no way overpowering. Quite lovely, actually! 

Here I am, having just applied a fairly generous amount of the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen.** As you can see, my skin doesn't look shiny or white. There is some redness in my complexion, but this is not due to the sunscreen at all- it's just how my skin rolls! 


After using this sunscreen several times now, I have to say I'm properly impressed!! In addition to the amazing texture and scent mentioned above, the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen** also works incredibly well as a makeup base and, while I do not think it minimizes oil, it definitely does not increase oiliness throughout the day one bit. I'm not sure about pore minimization, but it does smooth the texture of my skin very well, with a mild blurring effect. It also has not broken me out at all, which says a lot given how finicky my skin is! The only downside I can spot is the price- at $68 USD, it is quite the investment!

Overall, this is a completely lovely sunscreen that feels luxurious on the skin while not adding any weight, oil, or irritation. If you've had terrible luck with sunscreens in the past like I have (or would like to do sunscreen geisha-style- who wouldn't?!), I would definitely recommend giving this a try! 

What is your favourite facial sunscreen? Do you wear sunscreen daily? Have you tried anything from Tatcha?

Have a wonderful day! xo

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**This product was sent to me as a PR sample for consideration and review. All opinions expressed are 100% authentic and my own! 

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Veracious Product Review: Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms

Hi, everyone! If you read my last post, you'll know that I was lucky enough to attend a Nudestix event last month where we got to preview some exciting new products. Among the offerings were the Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms**, multipurpose pencils with a moisturizing, glossy finish. The beauty world has been so saturated with matte lipsticks of late and, though I wholeheartedly love a matte lip, the emergence of more hydrating, sheer, glossy formulas for summertime is kind of like a breath of fresh air! I am ready to fully embrace more hydrating lip products (as are my winter-worn lips), so the Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms** caught my attention right away! 


As with other Nudestix products, the Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms** feature crayon packaging housed in reusable metal tins that also include a handy sharpener. 



Each tin also features an insert that tells you more about the brand and the product. Nudestix promises that these new pencils are ultra moisturizing and feature glossy, saturated colour with a unique gel formula. They are composed with over 30% plant oils for serious hydration as well as Vitamin E for antioxidant protection. They tout a smooth, non-sticky texture that stays fresh and luminous all day long. 


The two shades I was given represent a bold and a nude option from the range. First we have Wicked**, a saturated slightly cool berry. It's not quite red, not quite vampy- and very wearable! Next we have Posh**, a peachy nude with very subtle plum undertones. It also has a more metallic, almost frosty finish, which makes lips look very plump and luscious! 

And a quick note- Posh only looks different here because I used it so much before photographing it (bad blogger, true lipstick fiend!) that I had to sharpen it :)


Here are swatches of both on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms in (L-R): Wicked and Posh


Here I am wearing Wicked on both my cheeks and lips. As you can see, it can actually be sheered out quite nicely on the cheeks, while offering bolder colour on the lips. 



And here I am wearing Posh on lips and cheeks. It's a bit lighter of a shade than I'd typically wear on my cheeks, but it really gives a lovely glow! And on the lips, it's one of the best nude shades I've tried. 



So how am I loving the formula? Here's a full breakdown of the ups and downs: 

Pros:
  • The texture really is smooth and comfortable- glides on easily and totally non-sticky!
  • These do feel quite hydrating both on the cheeks and lips
  • The colour is truly buildable- they can be layered for bold colour on the lips, but sheered out very well on the cheeks
  • The glossy finish makes lips look incredibly full and moisturized
  • These blend out very well as a blush, for a sheer, even application
  • The wear time is quite good for a glossy product, especially on the lips. These wear well for about 4-5 hours before a touch-up is needed
  • These are vegan and cruelty-free!

Cons:
  • Given that my skin is on the oilier side, these do not wear all day on me as a blush. They look good for 4-5 hours, then begin to fade (but do fade evenly!)
  • I always prefer a twist-up packaging to those that need manual sharpening 


Overall, I am quite smitten with these little pencils! The texture is smooth, glossy, and comfortable and is especially flattering on the lips. So perfect for summertime! The wear time as a blush isn't the best on my oily skin, but should be just fine for those with drier complexions. And I was pleasantly surprised to find how well a darker shade like Wicked blended out naturally on the cheeks! Also, Posh has totally stolen my heart- one of the pretties nude shades I've come across in a while. Makes my lips look so juicy and lush. Who doesn't want that?! I really think fresh, glossy formulas will be making a comeback and perhaps overthrowing the matte lip trend (or at least making a strong bid) this summer. I'm so ready to jump on that glossy lip train! 

If you're tempted by the Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms, you can find them at Sephora and Beautylish

Do you like to use lip/cheek crayons? Are you gravitating towards glossy formulas for summertime or will you be sticking to mattes this year? Are Wicked and Posh your kinds of shades?

Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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** These products were provided to me as PR samples for consideration and review. All opinions expressed are 100% authentic and my own! 

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Nudestix Lippies and Lattes Event: New Releases + Love is Louder!

Hi, everyone! Nudestix is a brand that caught my eye from the beginning, since its launch on Cult Beauty before even hitting Canadian shelves. Despite the fact that I can be properly high-maintenance when it comes to makeup, there is something about the coolness and ease behind the simple pencil packaging that appeals to me. I also realize that, for the majority of women and men out there, walking into a Sephora is utterly overwhelming, so I totally appreciate a brand that tries to take the fuss out of the process! I've been super impressed with the Nudestix products I've used so far, so was thrilled to be invited to the brand's Lippies, Lattes, and Love event in Toronto a few weeks ago! 


The event was held at Terroni's Rosedale location, Terroni being perhaps my favourite Italian restaurant in the city. Their pizza is seriously incredible. I'd yet to visit their Rosedale space and I was really impressed by the chic, modern, yet warm decor. 


When I arrived at the event, on the restaurant's top floor, I was quickly offered a hot beverage and seated at a spot with some press materials for new products. Exciting! I read a pamphlet for the brand's new Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms as well as a teaser about a Nudestix release celebrating their Canadian roots. 



Shortly afterwards, the event's guests of honour arrived- the three women behind Nudestix! We were joined by Jenny Frankel, creator, chemical engineer, and scientist behind the brand, as well as her two lovely daughters, Taylor and Ally, models and brand ambassadors. They mingled and met with all of us and then did a presentation about their latest products and the vision behind their line. 



They talked about their new Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils (which I've raved about, here), including an upcoming limited edition release that houses the shade Royal, a stunning classic red, in truly Canadian packaging. A cute little poem was read that expressed the brand's dedication to their Canadian roots. 


We were also introduced to the brand new (just now in stores!) Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms, a summer release that promises smooth, non-sticky, moisturizing gel colour. The girls explained the concept behind the product and did some demos showing the ease of use and texture of these new goodies. 

During the chat and demos we got to munch on an absolutely incredible breakfast that included fresh fruit, frittatas, and Nutella crepes. So, so good. 


Then we got to play! There was a station set up that featured the entire range of products and we were encouraged to swatch, test, and experience everything. I chatted for a while with Jenny, who swatched for us her favourite shades and described some of the science behind the formulas. 



I was eager to test out the new Gel Colours, as I'm a sucker for a lush summer release. My faves from the bunch were Siren, the perfect bold glossy red, and Fate, a warm champagne that works wonderfully as a highlight. 


Wearing Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms in Siren on the lips and Fate on my cheek bones and down the bridge of my nose. (Ignore the lipstick on my teeth! ;))

I also swatched some of the bolder shades from the Intense Matte range as well as a few of the Magnetic Eye Pencils, which are among my favourite cream shadows on the market! 


And here is Ally swatching the full range of Gel Colours- such a lovely selection of shades! 


The final and most meaningful message from the event is Nudestix's involvement in the JED Foundation's #LoveisLouder campaign, a worldwide initiative to provide support and advocacy for marginalized youth. Love is Louder was born from a collaboration between the JED Foundation and actress Brittany Snow, as a solidarity movement to combat bullying, depression, and feelings of isolation in young people. The idea is that Love is Louder than hate, fear, anxiety, and mistreatment- louder than any inner or outer critic. As a psychologist and as someone who struggles with her own depression and anxiety, this movement feels very close to my heart! 

During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, Nudestix has paired up with Love is Louder, in that $5 from every purchase of their Lip + Cheek Pencils in Love and Kiss will be donated to the charity. The brand also encourages you to spread the word via their visual campaign- sharing a photo of yourself with the phrase Love is Louder on your palm and using the hastags #loveislouder and #loveislouderpics. You can read more about the JED Foundation here and LoveisLouder here


The event let us interact with the Love is Louder movement, posing with Taylor and Ally to spread the word. The girls were very open about their own struggles with depression and bullying, which was refreshing and inspiring. I have seen so many young people feel so ashamed of such struggles, so it's wonderful that the Nudestix girls are choosing so speak out!


I left the event with a souvenir Polaroid of our group photo, as well as a goody box full of new products to test- I'll be sharing some with you soon!


I had such a great time at this event; as a fan of the brand, it was a thrill to pick the brains of the its creators. I also fell in love with the new products and completely connected with their charity involvement. It's not everyday that you get to schmooze with makeup moguls while swatching lipsticks and eating Nutella! Sounds like heaven, right?!

Hope you're having a fabulous week! xo