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Nailed it.

“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.” – Carl Jung

Up until two years ago, the only times I ever got a manicure were for my best friend’s wedding I was standing up in and my own wedding. Fast forward to now, I get my nails done every two to three weeks. I have a nasty habit of picking the skin around my fingers (I know it’s gross) and found that getting manicures stopped me from picking because I never wanted to ruin the nails I paid for. Not only that, but I feel like getting my nails done is a nice treat for myself where I can relax and be pampered. I have never had acrylic nails, and continuously opt to have my natural nails painted using “shellac” gel polish, which lasts for around two weeks. My nails have never felt brittle or weak, which I know some people can be concerned about.

My favourite nail salon in Windsor is Lux-Tique Nail Boutique, which I have been going to for about two years now. The salon is clean and hygienic, and the staff is always so welcoming and nice. They have an awesome selection of colours, and the technicians are very talented and up to speed with the latest nail trends.

For my most recent nail appointment I decided to try something other than my typical red or pink and opted for the new chrome trend. This process takes a little longer than the regular gel, but the end result looks really unique and futuristic.

If you’re hunting for a great nail salon, I really recommend Lux-Tique!

What are some of your favourite nail trends? Be sure to comment below!

Beauty

Saving Face.

“Today I see beauty everywhere I go, in every face I see, in every single soul.” – Kevyn Aucoin

When people tell me I have beautiful skin, I often I find that I’m shocked rather than flattered. The reason for my reaction is because I have struggled with acne for years, and only lately has my complexion been the best I’ve seen it in years. So, yes, even in your thirties you get pimples. I thought I was supposed to start wanting to prevent wrinkles at this age, not trying every way possible to zap zits! In addition to taking an oral prescription for my acne, it’s important that I take care of my face daily to avoid any flare ups, and of course, to keep my skin looking healthy.

I start every morning by washing my face with Spectragel, then moisturizing with Estee Lauder’s DayWear. On special occasions I also use Estee Lauder’s Idealist serum to make my skin tone appear more even. If my skin is feeling really dry and flaky I use Cetaphil and it works like a charm to combat crusty skin, especially in blemish areas. At the end of the day, I remove my makeup with Aveeno cleansing wipes and Marcelle eye makeup remover pads. For the odd pimple, I prefer Clean and Clear, if I’m not already using a prescription topical cream.

What are your favourite skin care products for your face?

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes • Aveeno • $7.99
ESTEE LAUDER DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15 Dry • Estee Lauder • $44.50
Marcelle Oil Free Eye Make-Up Remover Pads • $11
St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub Apricot • $4.79
Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips Original • $7.49
Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, 1.7 oz. • Estee Lauder • $84
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream • Cetaphil • $9.99
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment • $8.99
Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes • Aveeno • $6.99

Beauty

Magic’s in the Makeup

“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” – Calvin Klein

I love makeup. I like buying it, I like wearing it, I like looking at how other people wear it. I starting wearing makeup around grade eleven, first experimenting with eyeshadow and lipstick. Now, several years later, I honestly feel more myself when I have makeup on. I don’t believe that makeup hides one’s true beauty, but enhances it. Makeup is a way to express myself, just like my clothing and accessories.

My favourite makeup brand is MAC. I find that their lipstick has staying power and their eyeshadows are pigmented and blend well. My CoverGirl compact is my best friend when it comes to concealer, but first I like to use a lighter foundation in the form of a BB cream. NARS blush in Orgasm has also been a go-to item for me for years; it’s pink/peach colour works well with my pale complexion. When it comes to eyeliner, I strongly prefer liquid, especially with a felt tip applicator. I have tried many mascaras, and lately I’ve been pleased with Dior. My previous favourite was benefit’s They’re Real, but I found that it dried out way too fast. Urban Decay also offers some really good products. I never apply eyeshadow without their primer, or spend a whole day out in the sweaty heat without their setting spray. As for tools, I have no complaints about Sephora and MAC brushes. My favourite lip gloss is made by YSL, and the reason I like it so much is because it’s not too sticky and the application brush makes it easy to apply.

What are your favourite makeup products?

Uncategorized

Halloween.

Happy Halloween from Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Oops! I mean, Ms. Plourde’s portable!

Channeling Julian from the Trailer Park Boys

Fashion, Travel, Uncategorized

Roman Holiday.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine

I recently got back from an amazing trip to Italy with my husband; it was exhausting, hot, and fabulous all at the same time. When on vacation, I honestly don’t pack as light as I should – I just have to bring at least one dress per day! I absolutely love wearing dresses, whether it’s at work, at home lounging, going out, or on vacation. I feel more comfortable in dresses than pants, and I just love the feminine aesthetics of a dress. Now, when in Italy, modesty is key when entering religious sites, so I made sure to pack not only dresses that weren’t too short, but also a basic shawl to cover my shoulders if needed. As for footwear, comfort is key. My husband and I do A LOT of walking when we’re on vacation.

I’ll be breaking up my posts according to location, as we travelled around the country for the 2 weeks we were there.

DAY ONE – ROME

Romantic boat ride in the Borghese Gardens

Dress: Lulus. Necklace: J.Crew Factory. Sunglasses: Karen Walker “Anywhere” (similar here). Lips: MAC in Brick-o-la

DAY TWO – ROME

At the Colosseum

Dress: Maison Jules via Macys. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Sunglasses: Karen Walker “Anywhere”(similar here). Bag: Chloe (different colour here). Necklace: J.Crew. Watch: Chanel J12. Lips: Guerlain KissKiss in Rouge Kiss.

DAY THREE – ROME

Stayin’ cool and modest at the Vatican

Skirt: Unique Vintage via Retro Glam. Top: Capezio leotard. Sunglasses: Karen Walker “Anywhere”(similar here). Shoes: Banana Republic (similar here). Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar here). Watch: Chanel J12. Lips: MAC in Crosswires

Stay tuned for Bologna, Venice, Vicenza, Padua, Verona, Lake Como, and Torino!

Uncategorized

Welcome to my blog.

Hello and welcome! After so many people advising me to start a blog, I have finally done so! As a 5’1″ high school philosophy teacher, I hope that I’m able to share some styling tips for petite professionals, as well as my love for dresses, travel, and of course, philosophy.

Enjoy!

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