Colour Need Not Apply

I am practicing what I preach this winter. I keep posting inspiration posts with all black outfits and I have barely worn any colour at all since before the snow melted! I'm hooked!
I've been mixing it up with some white and grey, but colour has definitely taken a backseat in this winters wardrobe.

Here are some of my favourites:

* top - Joe Fresh * belt - thrifted * dress - thrifted, from Buffalo * pumps - vintage *

* sweater - thrifted, Club Monaco * bird brooch - vintage * skinny jeans - Forever 21 * belt - Jacob * riding boots - thrifted *

* cardigan - thrifted, Joe Fresh * tee - thrifted * flower brooch - Ricki's * skirt - Debbie's Vintage * pumps - Forever 21 *

* sweater - thrifted, Issac Mizrahi for Target * necklace - Le Chateau * skinny jeans - Forever 21 * belt - Jacob * boots - Le Chateau * 

Do you snuggle up in dark colours for the winter months? Or do you combat the cold with bright hues?

Lisa.xo

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Trim the Tree

Well it officially feels like Christmas in our house. I set up the tree and put up our Christmas decorations today. I even got The Boy (who can be a bit of a Grinch) to play Christmas music this afternoon!

Now I just have to start the dreaded shopping and put some presents under that pretty tree.

Lisa.xo

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Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Vintage Glory - Donald Street Location

Vintage Glory 380 Donald Avenue (between Notre Dame and Cumberland)
Facebook
204-942-7186
vintageglory09@gmail.com

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***** out of 5

Have you ever lost touch with a friend and then run into them somewhere and wonder why you stayed away so long? This is how I felt last week when I finally visited Vintage Glory's new location. If you're a long, long time reader of this blog you may remember my previous review of this stellar store when it resided in its Albert Street location. Some of you may also remember my heartbreak when the shop closed in 2011 to merge with the lovely ladies of  Rhymes with Orange. To me, this left a hole in the Winnipeg vintage scene and several holes in my closet - I began to buy more and more online as there was no longer a shop in town which seemed to cater to my vintage needs. But with Vintage Glory's triumphant return in the spring this year, all of that is behind us now. 

The new location is even more beautiful than the previous - Doug (the owner) has clearly spent many hours renovating and updating this space. It has plenty of vintage charm (I read the school house style lights on the main floor are from Doug's former High School, Daniel Mac); I might even say it boasts a bit of retro glamour - with it's high black painted tin ceiling and luxurious striped dressing room curtain. 
 The shop is merchandized impeccably with beautiful displays and an abundance of carefully curated vintage treasures waiting to be taken home. 

One of the features of this new location is the abundance of beautiful vintage purses and clutches provided by Doug's wife Lori. If you are looking for a show stopping bag to complete and outfit this is your place. Depending on the age and detailing of the purse, most hover around the $40-75 range. 

Please don't stop your shopping on the main floor, the new Donald Street location has a room in the basement chock full with more dresses, sweaters, blouses, menswear and an entire room dedicated to shoes!

And speaking of menswear, just as the Albert Street location was the best spot to buy men's vintage in Winnipeg, this location is no different: Leather jackets, chunky knit sweaters, military jackets and tux coats, bow ties and fedoras. Simply put, there is still no better place to buy men's vintage. 

The prices are still reasonable, but I did notice a slight increase in cost on my favourite items: dresses, suits, hats and bags. Despite this small hike in retail costs, this shop is still reasonable and affordable, especially when compared to online prices. 

Vintage Glory is a true sartorial nostalgia lovers paradise. It doesn't cater to one particular era, but carries anything and everything from turn of the century antiques to 70's disco era dresses - just like a good 'ole vintage shop should be. There is something for everyone. The store's 2 year absence from the Winnipeg vintage scene did little to diminish its impeccable qualities as a vintage store. A definite stop for anyone on the hunt for quality vintage in Winnipeg. 


Lisa.xo

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Inspiration: Dita Von Teese - Winter Chic

As we settle into winter I have been fighting the urge to hibernate in jeans and long sleeve t-shirts layered under sweaters. Chic, cozy, winter dressing is possible and who better to gain inspiration from than Dita?

Here are my pics for chic winter dressing via the Queen of Burlesque:


I LOVE this look - particularly because I am smitten with the resurgence of the tea length skirt this winter. I would, of course, add tights to this outfit.

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Surprise, surprise, an all black outfit. I would wager that nothing Ms Von Teese is wearing in this photos is actual vintage, but look at the power of a curled 'do and a red lip - it adds instant old world glamour to black sweater and skirt.

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It would be blasphemy not to include a look with a great coat - since in my part of the world it's the fashion item most people see in the winter when you're out and about. As far as I'm concerned you MUST have a great winter coat and co-ordinating accessories. It's a fashion saver for any manner of outfit. I love this military inspired coat paired with thick tights and pretty shoes.

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Lisa.xo

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Outfits: My Dream Coat and a Quick Hello

Hello!! It's been a week or so since I've showed my face 'round these parts. I've been busy with lots of things.

Work has started up again. We open officially in a week. I'm currently working at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre on this show(they have a strict social media policy, so that link is all I'll be posting in regards to this project -it's fantastic though and if you live in Winnipeg I highly recommend it). So, as usual, work is keeping me pretty busy.

This past weekend I was interviewed by Shaw TV Winnipeg as part of a new series featuring Winnipeg bloggers. That was incredibly exciting! We did some thrift shopping and then shot some clips at my house too. I will be sure to let you know when the episode airs and post a vid or a link! Many, many hours were spent scrutinizing my outfit...let me tell you! haha!

Otherwise, it's been business as usual - trying to juggle time with friends and family with my busy work schedule, as well as trying to keep the "blogger guilt" at bay as I found myself too busy to post.

Oh! And the snow has finally settled in to stay here. So I finally got to wear my Vintage Dream Coat. Big smiles over here about that.

click the image for a larger view

Black Wool Beret: thrifted

Vintage Dream Coat: thrifted, Value Village

Best Purse in the Whole Damn World!!: thrifted, Value Village

Black Tights: ?? had them so long I can't remember..

Black Booties: G21 - Walmart

Lisa.xo

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Minxy Vintage: How to Customize and Wear Vintage Clothing. A Review

I can't remember now how I first heard about this book. Probably some random internet meanderings...needless to say I read about it, curiosity took over and about 20 minutes later I'd ordered it on Amazon.

Aesthetically, it's a beautiful book. Lovely textured hardcover and glossy pages filled with stunning photos. It even has a little ribbon bookmark. A pretty book worthy of any coffee table.

I have mixed feelings about the content, however. It is beautifully written - somewhat flowery, somewhat conversational. But I would argue that this book is more inspirational rather than a "How To" book as the title claims.

The book is separated into chapters, each one dedicated to a different type of clothing to be re-invented: dresses, wedding wear, jackets and coats, tops and blouses, skirts etc...
Each chapter begins with a double page spread called "Work in Progress" showing a few of the items before Kelly customized them along with sketches and notes about the work to be done - kindof like a scrapbook or inspiration board. The following pages show Kelly modelling her  custom work in beautiful photos alongside a personal story about each item and a quick overview of the work she did to  customize each piece.

I was disappointed that there were not before, in-progress and after shots of each piece. You only get to see styled, editorial "after" shots of most of the items and in some cases it's difficult to see what the piece looks like due to the nature of the photograph. For the clothing featured with before photos in the "Work in Progress" section I had to flip back and forth to compare - which I found a bit annoying.
I also couldn't help but wish for some more details - photos, step by step details etc. - about how she revamped each piece. I found her descriptions quick and a bit of a tease - I wanted to know more!

If you are new to vintage, have some basic sewing techniques in your back pocket, find yourself falling for pieces with a bit too much wear and don't know how to fix them I would recommend this book for inspiration only. If you are a beginner seamstress, however, this book will not be helpful - Kelly is clearly a skilled seamstress and assumes the reader knows what she does. At times her 'restoration' instructions are too vague for even a intermediate seamstress like myself to follow.

So, in terms of a "How To" book it's a bit of a fail for me. This being said, I am not disappointed with my purchase. I found her ideas very inspiring - particularly how she dyes vintage clothing to make it new. This is something I'm now keen to try more of on different items. My favourites were a dyed wedding dress (see the centre image in the picture collage below), a dyed girdle and dyed cardigan.
I am also inspired to deconstruct dresses with too much wear into either a skirt and or a blouse (see the bottom left corner of the photo collage for an example of a dress made skirt in Kelly's book).
I already employ most of her techniques in regards to cleaning, repairing, re-beading, taking in and hemming - so this was nothing new to me. I have on occasion revamped a piece entirely, but I find it rather time consuming. Kelly makes it look so good though I'm considering pulling some half finished projects out of the closet for another round.

If you love beautiful books and are keen for some inspiration I would recommend Minxy Vintage. If you are looking for a step by step guide on how to alter and restore vintage clothing, keep moving, this book isn't for you.

Lisa.xo

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Inspiration: All Black for Fall

This fall I am obsessed with wearing all black - which is a sharp turn from my bright summer wardrobe.

There is just something about an all black outfit that is chic, easy and enveloping.

I love this girl's look - even though the fur isn't black. It's a nice touch and gives the outfit a focal point and a place for your eye to rest.

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Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Pintrest board Black is the New Black

Or peruse my archives Outfits: Black and White

Lisa.xo

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My Weekend in Havana

Ok, I didn't really spend the weekend in Havana.
The title is in reference to my Halloween costume - I went as Carmen Miranda!

I rented this costume from my former place of work: Harlequin Costume and Dance. It was built when I worked there and I have always loved it. I had a big party to go to last night. I wanted to wear a fun, vintage inspired costume and just couldn't get this one out of my head. I knew I had to wear it.
The jewelry and shoes were all bought by me for this costume.

Costumes usually inspire me to do lots of research and this one was no different. I didn't know much about Carmen before I decided to emulate her last night, but now I'm a big fan!

After some research I discovered my costume was inspired by Carmen Miranda's performance of 'Samba-Boogie" in Something for the Boys.

screenshots sourced here

More specifically, I remember the inspiration coming from this paper doll book that we had at the store. You can see my costume there on the left. 

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We had a great time at our party and my costume was a big hit! I'm already starting to think about next year! haha!

How was your Halloween? What did you dress up as?

Lisa.xo   aka. Carmen

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN! (Or, 5 Last Minute Costume Ideas You Can Grab from Your Own Vintage Closet)

Happy Halloween Everyone!

If you've been reading my blog for a long time you know that on holidays I usually post a themed pinup photo and a quick greeting.

unsourced via Pintrest

Ya, that looks about right...

I thought since Halloween lands mid week this year and it's likely most of you will be heading out to party this upcoming weekend instead of this evening. If you're still stumped in the costume department I thought I'd help you out with some easy last minute costume ideas you can throw together out of your own vintage wardrobe.

Mime
This is a classic, but a fun costume I think. It's a costume that comes with an attitude! You can be trapped in a box, pull on imaginary ropes and all sorts of other mime-y things!
This was an easy costume to cobble together. It's comfortable and recognizable.
You could pull out all the stops and wear a full white face, but if you're not into that, drawing a tear under one eye and some triangles around the other like I did with and eyeliner pencil will get the message across.

* Black and White Striped Tee * Black Pants * Red Neckscarf (could also be black or white!) * White Gloves * Black Flats * Black Eyeliner Pencil * Black Beret *

Sailor

Every good vintage loving gal has a sailor dress in her closet. I also happen to have a gob (name for the classic white sailor hat) in mine as well (I found it at Value Village one day and couldn't resist bringing it home). If you need one to complete your costume check your local Dollarstore or Halloween Party Store. 

This is another easy, comfortable costume. And as you can see, you don't need to be exposing skin and be "sexy". This costume is cute and is still costume-y enough. It's certainly better than showing up to a party without a costume! 

For added effect, I drew an "tattoo" anchor on my forearm with a black eyeliner pencil. Sailor inspired temporary tattoos would be fun too!

* Sailor Dress * White Belt (optional) * Peep Toe Pumps * Gob Sailor Hat * Black Eyeliner Pencil *

Mother Nature
This costume is up for interpretation. I threw on a bright vintage flowery dress and pinned every flower brooch I have to it and wore green tights and shoes (which are a bit hard to see in this pic). I even pinned a decorative birds nest into my hair!
For the purposes of this photo I only applied a little green eyeshadow and some pink lipstick, but if I were actually going to wear this costume out I would go all out with my makeup. Bright eyeshadow, crazy coloured fake lashes, maybe even glue some leaves or butterflies to my face. I'd also spray my hair green to look like grass. Can't you imagine it?!

* Bright Flowery Dress * Layered Petticoats (optional, depending on your dress) * Green Tights * Green Shoes * Lots of Flowered Brooches and Jewelry * Long Gloves (green would be fun too!) * Decorative Bird Nest (optional) *

Ringmaster

This might be my favourite costume in the bunch - I will definitely be wearing this one year soon. 

I pinned the bottom of my jacket back so it looked more like a tailcoat wore a layered a thick elastic belt at the top of my jeans to get a high waisted look. High waisted black or red pants would do the trick too. Or shorts and tights. The options are limitless. 

For the blouse, go for something frilly so it looks like you've got a jabot. I pinned a sparkly bow shaped brooch to my neck. You could opt for any appropriate brooch you've got at home.  

And don't think you have to have a red blazer to rock this look. I think it could also work if you had red pants and a black blazer. People will get the idea. 

And if you're missing a top hat and want one on a budget, check Pintrest or YouTube for a tutorial on how to make one with felt or cardboard. 

My whip is simply a black leather skinny belt. I held the buckle in my hand. 

* Red (or Black) Blazer * Black (or Red) Pants * White or Cream Frilly Blouse * Wide Black Belt * Black Knee High Boots * Black Top Hat * Black Gloves * Sparkly Brooch * Black "Whip" (aka leather skinny belt) *

Leopard
Meow!
This costume would work just as well if you had a leopard print cardigan and wore some black pants. I happen to have a leopard print dress, so it was my number one! I paired my dress with black tights, black gloves and leopard print heels.
I didn't have cat ears (perhaps a surprise for a girl who just happens to have a top hat and a sailor gob in her closet! haha!), so I made these ears with a black headband and some cardboard I coloured black with a sharpie and taped to the headband. Worked like a charm!
Again, I went super simple with the makeup for this look and painted the underside of my nose with black eyeliner pencil. You could go super elaborate if you want or keep it simple like me. Your choice.
If you don't own any leopard print clothing, dress in black and go as a black cat.

* Leopard Print Dress * Black Tights * Black Gloves * Leopard Print Shoes * Black Eyeliner Pencil * Homemade Cat Ear Headband *

I had such a fun time putting together this post for you all! I hope you enjoyed it and its got you looking at your wardrobe with a new light.
This is the way Halloween is supposed to be.

Still need more inspiration? Check out some of my costumes from Halloween's past here. 
Or check out my Pintrest board Halloween Costume Ideas - Vintage Style. 

Lisa.xo

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Outfits: Reality

The Boy and I went out for an impromptu drink on Sunday night - he was having a rough day and needed to get out of the house. I was happy to oblige.

I'm trying to get real with myself about Outfit posts these days. I usually only want to take outfit photos of dresses or really cute/special outfits. As if you guys wouldn't be interested in the way I wear my clothes every day. The fact of the matter is that I really like to wear pants and right now my style is really about the mix: girly and edgy, vintage and modern with a touch of pin-up/rockabilly.
So in an effort to get past my own head games I'm going to start taking more outfit photos.

Here's what I wore out on Sunday night.

50's Cat Eye Glasses: were Grandma Cotton's

Black Bauble Necklace: Le Chateau

Black and White Striped Tee: Joe Fresh

Hot Pink Cardigan: Smart Set

Green Suede Belt: thrifted

Grey Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Green Spectator Pumps: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

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Wishlist: Sweater Weather

It's officially chilly here in Winnipeg. We have only had a few light dustings of snow this month - none of which stayed, but we all know winter is looming. 

In anticipation of snow I've turned my eye to warm sweaters on Etsy. 

I'm loving these ones right now:

buy it here!

buy it here!

buy it here!

buy it here!

buy it here!

buy it here!

Which one is your favourite?

Lisa.xo

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Outfits: Finally Fur

I always get excited for fall dressing. Cozy, warm layers and especially fur. I'm not picky either, I'll take faux or the real deal.

This cardigan happens to be of the faux fur variety. It is an oldie, but a goodie. I bought it new from Ricki's when I was in university and even though it's fallen out of rotation from time to time I've never ever been able to give it away. It's a great example of high street fashion mimicking great vintage style.

It's starting to get noticeably dark here much earlier and I'm so glad I opted to paint my dressing room white. It's making taking outfit photos indoors much easier at night.  

50's Cat Eye Glasses: were Grandma Cotton's 

Faux Fur Collar Pink Cardigan: Ricki's

Rhinestone Key Brooch: Rhymes with Orange

Black Jersey Dress: Buffalo

Black Plaid Tights: Ricki's 

40's Black Suede Peep Toe Slingbacks: Vintage Glory

Best Purse in the Entire World (goes with freakin' everything!): thrifted, Value Village

Need more daily outfit inspiration from Butterflies and Daisys? Follow me on Instagram! I post there almost daily!

Lisa.xo

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My Beauty Regime: Applying the Face

Yesterday I posted the products I use to cleanse my face morning and night.

Today I'll be sharing my favourite makeup products! This is my daily arsenal. I never leave the house without makeup on - at the very least a light sweep of foundation, blush and mascara. Wearing makeup everyday makes me feels good. It always makes me feel polished and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

I've always loved makeup. I remember begging my mother to let me wear it in junior high. I can still remember my first green Cover Girl pressed powder compact.
In the 90's, when I was in high school I wore thick black eyeliner with a wing everyday.
In university I was still sporting thick black eyeliner, but had stopped tanning and was obsessed with a milky white complexion set off with bold eyeshadow that matched my outfit. Blues, Greens, Yellows, Golds and Purples...you name it, I had wore it. I spent hours painting my face to go out dancing. And Halloween was my favourite - every costume had elaborate makeup.
It wasn't until I was in my mid 20's that I started refining the more muted, vintage look like I wear today. Nude shadow replaced the bold and lipstick became my new friend.

These days I wear the same look - with varying degrees of "glamour", so-to-speak, every day. And even though I'm not experimenting with colour the same way I did 10 years ago, doesn't mean that I love makeup any less. I still enjoy getting ready for a night out and spending time applying a perfect face.

Primer

Benefit "that gal" Brightening Face Primer (buy it here)- I'm a firm believer in primer, especially as I get older (And I happen to be out of it right now - hence the stock photo). 

In my opinion, there is nothing that can replace a good primer if you want your makeup to have all day lasting power. I apply it to my eye area every day (works wonders for keeping my shadow from creeping into the fine lines), but if I've got a full day where I don't want to be reapplying my face every 2 hours I applying it all over. 

There are lots of primers out in the world at varying price points, but this is my go-to. I like the light consistency, the smell and the bit of shimmer. I wear it on my face by itself if we're headed to the beach and I'm not wearing any makeup (ok, so there is one example of me leaving the house without makeup...but it's the only time) - it gives my face a pretty glow. 

Foundation

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (in N15) (buy it here) - I apply my concealer with clean fingertips to any spots and around my nostrils (I do this because I have a bit of redness there and foundation never covers it properly. For a truly flawless finish I find that applying concealer to this area is a must everyday). I do this before foundation and touch up after foundation on problem areas again if necessary.
The trick to concealer is to apply only to the problem area (the redness of a pimple for example) and blend the edges. If you can't do this precisely with your fingers, then I would suggest using a thin tipped makeup brush.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (in N3) (buy it here) - Next is foundation. I love this pressed powder/foundation from MAC. It's a two in one! And its constancy offers several applying options. For a heavier base, I use the sponge located in the bottom compartment of the compact (I'm sure to wash it weekly to avoid bacteria buildup!). Or for a lighter base I use a big fluffy brush to dust the powder all over.
Even applied heavily, this foundation doesn't feel cakey or dry.
I only have one beef about this foundation. It reflects light - which makes you look glowy and lovely in person, but can sometimes make my face look ghostly, weird and washed out in photos taken with a flash.

Quick sidebar: I love MAC products. They are worth the money, in my opinion - particularly in a foundation or concealer for a fair skinned girl like me. Before I made the plunge into buying department store foundation I struggled to find anything in the drugstore that would match my skin tone. And if I did find one I usually had to start from scratch when I ran out because the line was no longer available. Not only did the MAC staff help me with a colour match, I now can walk in, ask for my colour and walk out stress free! That's worth it's weight in gold in my books!


Cheeks and Eyebrows

Benetint Rose Tinted Cheek & Lip Stain (buy it here) - I use this as blush. I've talked about this product in a previous post concerning its capabilities as a lip stain here. I would cry a million tears (or more!) if this stain was discontinued. I have always had a hard time finding a blush that looked natural against my pale skin. Some were too orangey, some were too pink. Benetint has serious staying power and looks pretty and natural.
The product is liquid and has a brush applicator (like nail polish). I paint an 'X' on the apple of my cheek and a 2-3 small vertical lines along my cheekbone. Then blend with my fingertips. I do one cheek at a time to avoid streaks and uneven drying.
It's easy to apply in layers if you want a bolder look, or apply it with a light hand for a barely there blush.

Annabelle Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown (buy it here) - I fill in my eyebrows every day. I'm a natural blonde and my eyebrows are a lot lighter than my dyed dark hair. I also like the way a darker brow frames my face.
The trick to a good brow is firstly, in good brow maintenance. I tweeze my own eyebrows and trim them into shape with small sharp scissors. There are plenty of good YouTube videos about this if you are new to it. I won't go into much more detail here.
The next trick is a good sharpener. Mine is from Ben Nye (buy it here). Be prepared to have to buy a new one once in a while - the blades will never be sharp forever.
I love the built in brush on this pencil. It means I can throw it in my purse for touch ups and have one less thing to cart around with me. It's also got good staying power - the crayon is a bit waxy and really sticks to my eyebrow hair. I've even worn it swimming and it hasn't moved too much! So I'm rarely worried about it sliding all over my face.
Otherwise, this is a pretty standard drugstore brand pencil. I go through one or two a month, so purchasing one at a lower price point just makes sense.


Eyes

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch (buy it here) - This is the best, most beautiful nude eyeshadow I've ever worn. Seriously. The colour isn't quite pink, or coral or beige - just the perfect nude - a bit of each. And it's not too shimmery - just enough for daytime.
There is nothing quite like MAC eyeshadows. The pigment is saturated and has great staying power.
I apply this shadow to the lid of my eye and just on the outside crease with an eyeshadow brush.

Quo Crushed Diamonds Highlighter - Okay, I'm a bit embarrassed to be posting this, but I bought this a few years ago and it has lasted me FOREVER! It's not available to purchase anymore. This highlighter was available at Christmas at Shoppers Drug Mart (Quo is their store brand) and I bought it.  I've used a few other products intermittently, but am now trying to use it up.
This product does double duty for me. I apply it right at the center of my eyelid over my eyeshadow instead of using another light shadow for highlight and then apply it under my eyebrow, above my cheekbone and in the inside corner of my eye.
I'm currently on the hunt for a replacement powder highlighter for when this one runs out. Any suggestions?

Revlon Eyelash Curler (buy it here) - After shadow and highlighter I curl my lashes. This is a basic model, I've had it for years and it's never let me down.
When curling my lashes I make sure to get as close to the base as possible and squeeze gently. You want a nice arched curve, not a 90 degree angle. I also tilt the lash curler towards my eye as I squeeze to get more lift.
If you found you've crimped your lashed in a square, take your fingers and coaxed them back down gently pressing on the crimped part and try again.

Annabelle Eyeshadow in Ebony (buy it here) - I use this black eyeshadow (it looks dark brown on the website) to tightline my lashes. (Go here for a great tutorial on how to tightline).
After curling my lashes I use a small straight lining brush to press in the powder.
Most days I leave it at this, skip eyeliner and apply mascara. Tightlining my lashes makes a huge difference on how my eyes look. It emphasized and fills in gaps when I use eyeliner and makes my lashes look fuller when I skip the liner.

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (buy it here) - Up until very recently I'd been using Annabelle's Liquid Eyeliner in Black, but wasn't completely satisfied - it was very water soluble and wouldn't stay put. I was stocking up my usual Benefit products and got this eyeliner as a gift one day. I was sold! It has amazing staying power, the colour is a deep, rich black and the pencil sharpens to a fine tip - perfect for applying a wing.
I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great waterproof eyeliner pencil.
When I apply my eyeliner I start in the middle of my eye and work outwards. I don't sharpen the pencil right away. I lay down a base line from the middle of my eye to the outer corner letting the line get thicker on the outer edge. Then I sharpen the pencil and draw in a thin line from my tearduct to the middle.
After that I sharpen again, if necessary and freehand the top of the wing from the top of the outer edge of the liner and fill in the bottom. When I go to match up the wing on the other eye I grab a hand mirror and look down while I draw and match the lines left to right. Never fails to work (got that tip from Dita!).
I don't line the bottom of my eye. ever.
I'm sure that's incredibly confusing with no pictures. There are dozens of great tips and cheats for perfect winged liner on YouTube and Pintrest. I've developed my own way after years of experimenting and practice. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black (buy it here) - I've tried a lot of mascaras in my day - expensive brands, dollar store, every make and model under the sun and I swear this is the best mascara I've used in years - especially for the price.
It does what it promises and separates every lash. After curling and tight lining - one coat of this mascara and bam! Almost like falsies (ok, I might be exaggerating here..but it's pretty good!).
When applying my mascara I make sure to get the wand right close to the base of the lashes and rock it back and forth and I sweep it to the tips. I dab off the excess product on the tip of the wand in a tissue and use the end to coat the lashes in the corners of my eye and the bottom outside lashes.



Brushes

A quick note about makeup brushes. I have a wonderful set of brushes from Sephora that I received for Christmas one year (similar to this one) and the silver handled brushes were a Christmas gift another year. But please, don't feel the need to go to a beauty counter and buy brushes. Go to an arts supply store and buy natural bristled paint brushes for a fraction of the cost. I have plenty of other brushes that I've bought at an arts store. There is no denying that some specialty brushes may have to be bought at the beauty counter, but common types of brushes will be available by this method.


Next I apply lipstick.
I've already addressed my favourite lipsticks in this post. So I feel no need to re-iterate here.

And that's it! Ready to meet the world with my face on!


What are your favourite beauty products? Do you love drugstore brands? Or are you fiercely loyal to brands like MAC and Benefit like me? 


Lisa.xo

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