The longer I've been a consumer, the more I've come to realize the importance of supporting smaller, locally based brands. In addition to the fact that there's typically a great story and a passionate, hardworking, most often female founder behind these companies, I also love that smaller brands tend to put a lot of heart and soul into doing fewer products really, really well. I first discovered Vancouver-based Luna Nectar maybe a year ago, shortly after I started regularly using lash serums. …
beauty
Natural Beauty Favourites
As someone who grew up with a mother whose beauty regimen consisted solely of moisturizer, cold cream, and a little bit of blush, I wouldn't exactly say that I was exposed to skincare and make up at an early age. When I got into my teenage years and early twenties, I began experimenting - mostly with make up - but not really caring about the consequences of what I was putting on and in my body. Nowadays, I prefer to focus on skincare as opposed to make up, and I've come to see it as a small …
Textured
Nothing at all against long, flowing mermaid hair, but ever since I went shorter late last year, I've been having so much more fun with my locks. I'd grown my hair out for years so it did take some courage to make the cut, but now that I've done it there's been no looking back. I love the way a shorter do adds dimension and interest to a look, and I personally feel much more "myself" with it.. not to mention I now save a ton of time when it comes to washing and drying it! For spring, I …
A Moment of Relief
You know that feeling of relief when you get to relax at the end of a full, busy day? Whether it's meeting friends for dinner, going for a run, or even just turning on Netflix, I've found that it's always necessary to have something to help you really unwind and rest so that you're ready for the next day. For me, this often involves getting into my PJs and hopping into bed with a cup of Trader Joe's Well-Rested and some beautiful cookbooks (I'm currently loving this one for totally accessible …
Nature Inspired
Hello, short hair! It's been years since my hairstyle wasn't past my shoulders, but after months of feeling like I could never get it to look the way I wanted to (plus that 45 minute blow dry time!) I finally decided to chop a bunch of it off. I know many who went short and instantly missed their long hair, but this girl is feeling no regret at all: I'm loving my lower maintenance do that also makes me feel more put together! In perfect timing, I was also recently invited to try out Matrix's …
Dressed in White
Happy Tuesday! I'm excited to share the last -- and arguably my favourite -- instalment of our three part floral bridal hair story today (see parts one and two here). This was definitely the most explicitly all-around "bridal" look we did, mostly because I'd actually planned to do my wedding day hair just like this and wanted it to be as true to the day as we could make it. I wore my wedding shoes for this outfit, along with a lace topper and skirt that loosely resembled the dress that was …
Flowers in Her Hair
Anyone who knows me knows that I can be quite particular. And once I know what I like, I tend to stick with it -- I'm that person who orders the same thing at a restaurant every. single. time. Every so often, though, it definitely pays off to move away from that and see the magic that can ensue. For the second piece of our three part floral bridal hair story (see look 1 here), my wedding florist Michelle created individual pins using astrantia and more Italian ruscus. And Jen, our hairstylist, …
Sideswept
When I first started thinking about my bridal beauty look, I decided pretty much right off the bat that I wanted to use florals or foliage in my hair in some way. However, I also knew that I wanted to go beyond the usual flower crown, since it's never really felt like my style. We'd hired Michelle Hodgson of Blossom and Vine Floral Co to do our wedding flowers, and when I told her this she took on the challenge to create three very different pieces for me to try out! To really bring her …
Everyday Glow with Estee Edit
Like many others, I was first introduced to Estee Lauder via my mother's make up bag. My mom has never worn much make up, but I have fond memories of visiting the department store with her in my childhood as she replenished her eye cream, lip balm, foundation, and blush during their gift with purchase promotions. As I started experimenting with make up in my teens, I naturally played around with what she already had and came to adopt a few Estee products into my own repertoire. I think my story …
Red Lips for Your Wedding: Yay or Nay?
If there's any beauty look that feels like my own, it's got to be a winged cat eye with a cherry red lip. This classic and bold look has been my go-to for years for whenever I need to get dressed up; no other make up makes me feel more 'done' and put together. So as I've been thinking about what to do for my wedding day look, this obviously came to mind first. However, it's come with a bit of a dilemma: a bold lip is typically not the best for longevity, and then of course there's the issue of …