How I Style My Lazy Days Hair & Makeup: Photo of the Day

Hi Everyone,

This week turned out to be a particularly busy week for me and I felt like I never had a chance to just sit and rest. In these pictures I am going on day 6 of my crazy schedule and my fatigue is reflected in these photos. When I have days like this my hair gets put on the back burner, especially when its grey and raining for four days in a row. What's the point of getting my hair primped and perfect when its going to frizz or drop or do both in less than an hour from when I step outside? This is my famous hairdo that I wear often when I'm not sure what do to with my hair. This style is easy and looks like I spend some time and effort on my appearance. I achieved this look by doing a touch of backcombing to the crown of my head and then pulled the sides loosely back and secured with a tiny clip and pushed the clip in an upward motion to secured it in a 'puffed' position. Most of the time I don't even add hairspray because it can weigh my hair down even more. This is a sweet hairdo for a Sunday brunch or a hot date on a Saturday night. Its very versatile and all you need is a rat tail comb and a small clip or bobby pins.

The same goes for the makeup I'm wearing. When I don't feel like putting effort into my face I apply thick, winged black liquid liner to the upper lash line and then I add generous coats of L'Oreal Telescopic mascara. Then I apply neutral eye shadow in the crease such as MAC's Malt or Kid, pinky/white eyeliner in my bottom water line so that I appear more awake, a touch of contouring on my cheeks and a neutral or nude lip color, such as MAC's High Tea or Delish lipstick or Revlon's Nude with a tiny bit of lip liner and some clear gloss or MAC's Love Nectar gloss.

There you have it, Nadia's version of lazy day makeup and hair. I still can't believe that I get loads of compliments on this style because people are under the false impression this style of hair and makeup take a long time to do when in fact it doesn't. Is spend a total of 15 minutes on my hair and my face. I usually need on average 45 minutes to style my hair and put on makeup. I'm including the multiple interruptions from a 2 & 4 year old.

Thanks for stopping by.xx

Swap Items from LovePeaceandLipGloss

Over the last month I have been getting to know Gina from YouTube's LovePeaceandLipGloss and I am smitten with this gal. She has such a unique style that you don't see too often anymore. She smart, funny, and one hot mama of three adorable children. Did I mention her hair, OMG! look at that hair. Its gorgeous and I like the fact that she lets it all hang wild. I remember one of the first conversations we had I mentioned that I have an urge to stick my fingers in her wild mane and she told me that I should do that at my own risk and that she wasn't responsible for any lost items. I nearly fell of my chair with laughter. She is a breath of fresh air and I think we must have been related in another life. We could talk for hours, literally!

Gina was able to pinpoint my taste so well that I was surprised and she sent lovely makeup from NYX, Milani, Prestige and Jane, which included two sets of gorgeous earrings, all in a beautiful velour makeup case. She also added another makeup bag but that's not in the pic because I forgot, its already in my purse. As always, the card that was included is my favorite part. Thank you Gina.

If you haven't heard of this beauty who is so generous and kind-hearted please check out her YouTube channel and subscribe, LovePeaceandLipGloss. Thanks for stopping by.xx

Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm Review & Photo of the Day

I'm sure many of you are enticed by the ever talented duo on YouTube known as Pixiwoo. It appears the Chapman sisters have the midas touch and any product they categorize as 'bloody good' we run to the stores and wipe out their stock. I am no different and I gobble up every tidbit of info they throw our way. After watching their videos I discover that I have made a list and the anticipation of running to the makeup counter the next morning seems almost unbearable.

This time was not any different as I find myself a couple of days ago at Sephora's asking a beauty consultant about a new product that I wanted to have a look at, the Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm. At first glance it looks like a regular lip balm except it has a hefty $32.50 price tag! After I quietly mumble a curse word under my breath I approach the lip balm to have a closer look. It has no scent, no color and no need for it to make its way in to my purse and go home with me. My, my, how things can change with a swipe of color across your lips. Lorraine, the beauty consultant told me the day she was wearing it she sold 5 tubes of this stuff. This news causes me to raise my eyebrow. After careful disinfecting I try it on and the color turns pink and then more pink withing 15 seconds. Basically, within 30 seconds I was at the cash with Dior Lip Glow in tow and a sample of the Dior Nude Foundation. I have no will power and I admit it.

My intention was not to purchase the Lip Glow because a lip balm is a lip balm is a lip balm, but not for $32.50. Nonetheless, I've worn it religiously for three days straight and I can see the product already depleting. The color is nice and when pairing it with a gloss over top, its gorgeous. This balm does not stain your lips it tints them. For staying power I rate this product a 6.5 or 7 out of 10 for endurance. This tube is going straight into my Flight Attendant uniform because up in the air its very dry and we're constantly applying lip moisturizers. You should see the stash of lip and hand products in our purses! I'm hoping to find a dupe for this product so this won't hurt my wallet.

In the meantime, I snapped a few photos of myself wearing the Dior Lip Glow on my lips and nothing else. Its actually really pretty on but at this rate it might get to the bottom of the tube within two weeks. For that reason alone, I'm not sure if I will repurchase this product. This is my intention at least for this week.

Hopefully this was helpful and thank you for stopping by.xx

MAC Face and Body Foundation Review & Photo of the Day

I've been using MAC's Face and Body Foundation or about two years now and it is one of my main go to foundations for summer. I typically prefer medium coverage in a foundation but, in hot and humid climates I prefer a lighter, more natural coverage and an oil-free, water based foundation. This particular product is great because it has buildable coverage for the face and body, meaning if you apply your foundation and find its too sheer just apply more on top until you get the coverage you desire and it still won't look heavy. Also, you can use a darker shade of foundation on your legs and body and rub it in and you get instant color. The Face and Body foundation is very easy to blend and its long-lasting. The consistency is almost water like when squeezed out from its nozzle tip but it quickly disappears into your skin once blended (see pic 2).

I use this foundation on brides quite often because it applies easily and can be manipulated depending on the type of applicator you use, whether it be a sponge wedge, a 187 or 190 brush or even your fingers. I love applying this with a drop or two of MAC's Strobe Liquid or Benefits High Beam, both of which add an angelic, sheer highlight to the face and shoulders, and collar bones, without looking powdery. You can even pour this liquid into an airbrush gun and it works perfectly. Although this foundation is very sheer looking it delivers professional results and it photographs beautifully.

This foundation is available in a wide range of colors and comes in a large 120ml bottle. Its only sold at MAC Stores and available on the MAC Pro website. Next time you are in a MAC store make sure to ask for a sample. As a side note, I have never experienced an acne breakout while using this foundation.

The picture above is of the shades I normally take with me to bridal or special event gigs and the other picture is of myself wearing the foundation. Here is what else is on my face:

Foundation: MAC Face and Body Foundation shade: C2, Powdered T-zone with MAC Blotting Powder Medium-Dark

Concealer: Laura Mercier Cream Concealer in shade #2

Blush: Rimmel Lipstick in Airy Fairy #070

Eyes: Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten all over lid

Upper Waterline: MAC's Brown Border Kohl Eye pencil

Mascara: Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Black

Lips: Rimmel Lipstick in Airy Fairy #070 and NYX Goddess of the Night Lipgloss in #155 Perfect.


Thanks for stopping by. xx

The Style Diet

Many of you that subscribe to Blogger and YouTube have undoubtedly heard of the beautiful, lovely and talented
Anna Saccone, who is the creator of The Style Diet. She is a fashion design student who did an internship last summer in Munich for Ralph Lauren. She also did a photo shoot for TK Maxx this year and she is a dead ringer for Brigitte Bardot. I am so lucky to have gotten to know her in the last little while and I now consider her my friend.

Anna has such a flare for fashion and can put together a look that is worthy of being on editorial pages in a fashion magazine. This girl can style you without even breaking a sweat!! She's a natural and can probably put together the perfect outfit by just listening to someone without having to see a picture of them. What a wonderful gift to have. However, that isn't Anna's only gift. I am most impressed with her generosity, her kindness and her sincerity, not to mention her million dollar smile. She's too nice damn it! She recently sent me some lovely accessories from Ireland and I have been wearing them with almost every outfit, which by the way, takes me forever to select. When I'm in my car stopped at a red light and I look at my bracelet or touch my earrings I always smile because it reminds me that she took the time to pick something out for me. Thank you Anna.

If you haven't already, please check out Anna's blog: The Style Diet and subscribe to her YouTube channel by the same name. Anna's
'How to Wear a Scarf' video on YouTube has already started a trend and has spawned multiple video scarf responses. Check her out, you won't regret it. Anna honestly cares about helping people feel their best by accentuating their best features and always tries to offer fashion advice which will not leave your bank account high and dry.

Beat the Blues by Me Me Me Highlighter: Photo of the Day

I was lucky enough to do two swaps with some gorgeous gals from the UK, Amy-Louise, aka as lipgloss86 and Elizabeth, aka as lizzclare. They both sent me a product that is called Beat the Blues by Me Me Me Iridescent Complexion Illuminator and Enhancer. Thankfully, Amy-Louise sent me the shade No.1 Sun Beam which is a light golden colour and Elizabeth sent me shade No.2 Moon Beam which is a light pinky colour. I am very happy with these products because you can apply it on your eyebrow bone, the inner corner of your eyes, lightly over the bridge of your nose, or in the shape of the letter 'C' from outer corner of temples down to the top of your cheekbone and on your cupid's bow above your top lip. This product is very versatile and buildable and you can even add a drop or two of this into your own foundation for a subtle all over glow which is great for an evening out and you want a light and luminous glow. Mix some into your body moisturizer and apply it on top of your shoulders and on your collar bones for an added touch.

Beat the Blues is suppose to be comparable to Benefits High Beam and you know what, it is and its half the price!! I wish this product was sold where I live. In the above picture I mixed the two Beat the Blues shades and added some on my cheekbones, bridge of nose and the top of my lip. The pictures below includes the swatch for both shades. The bottle on the left is Shade 1, Sun Beam and the swatch is on the top of my hand and shade 2, Moon Beam is the bottle to the right and the swatch is the lower stripe on my hand. Thanks for stopping by.

Its Friday and Its Spring!!: Photo of the Day

Hello All,
I was feeling particularly skipper this morning, considering I survived my first week returning to work and it wasn't so bad. Isn't that always the case, we think that some event is always worse than it really is? Anyways, I've let my Flight Attendant bun down and let my wild hair (literally) down and shook it out. I saw this top that I am wearing at Winners and I had to have it, I love all the colours in it and its feminine and flowy. There is a sash at the bottom of the top that ties at the side.

Winners is another gold mine in Canada and although its hit or miss, each location has its strong points. For example, one Winners might be known for its shoes selection, another its jewelry, another its purses or housewares...you get the idea. Winners is similar to TJ Maxx in the US because its actually owned by TJ Maxx. Basically, if you look hard enough and have the time and a bit of luck on your side you can dress like a million bucks head-to-toe, decked out in designer duds all for between $100-200. That's not bad at all. I've scored Furla leather boots which I saw in Rome or downtown Toronto for mucho bucks. I've seen Coach purches, Roberto Cavalli and Gucci sunglasses, and even Seven jeans for $19.99!! And of course, one of my favourites that cost over $200, Fly London and Betsey Jonhson shoes. I even picked up a houndstooth A-line fall coat for my daughter by Citizens of Humanity for under $20. Everyone shops at Winners because there are treasures hidden deep inside.

I you live in the Toronto or GTA area or anywhere in Canada for that matter and you found a treasure in Winners please let me know, I love to hear of the great buys that others find in Winners.

My makeup is the more or less the usual:

Foundation: Laura Mercier colour Nude

Blush: Jane in Soft Mink

Contour: Chanel Bronze Universal

Eyes: Art Jam Paint Mac, Annabelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown, Mascara Clinique High Gloss in Black, Eyeshadow Stila in Kitten, Contour colour in Dark Edge (ltd edition) and Blackberry both Mac

Lips: Lipstick Mac in Faux and Gloss is Mac in Mimmy (HK collection)

Thanks for stopping by!

How I Style My Curly, Wavy, Frizzy Hair with Moroccan Oil: Repost

**Note** This is a repost of an article I originally posted on March 31, 2009. I accidentally deleted this post from my blog and decided to repost it.


My hairdresser introduced me to this product and I'm hooked. I can't live without Moroccan Oil which is an oil treatment for all hair types. It is such a versatile product that it can be applied to wet, damp or dry hair and then style hair as usual. Moroccan Oil is even great on your skin during the summer when you want your arms, shoulders and legs to have that beautiful sheen and it smells heavenly. The company doesn't advertise or promote use on the skin but I've been using it in that way. I add a drop or two of this stuff to my body moisturizer and its like magic! I even use to soften my cuticles and maintain my manicures. A tiny amount go a long way.
Moroccan Oil has a somewhat nutty scent with a touch of suntan lotion scent but not quite. The scent is very unique. This product absorbs instantly into the hair and creates a shine and keeps on conditioning well after its been absorbed into the hair. You just need a tiny, tiny amount of this product and rub between your palms and apply lightly all over your hair. Instantly your hair becomes so soft its incredible and its a great heat barrier for those straightening and using hot rollers. I use this product as a mixing medium together with mousse and section my hair and then twist (see pics). After my hair has dried I apply Moroccan Oil again the next day to the ends and where I feel my hair needs it. This product is not oily at all. I've tried BioSilk and I do not like that product at all, way to slippery and if you use too much of it that's it, your hair looks oily.

This is my method of keeping my curly, wavy, frizzy hair somewhat tame. I call it beach hair. I don't like using flat irons because it always make my hair smell like its burning and that smell stays until I shampoo my hair even with those heat protecting products. Because frequent washes dry out my hair which is colored regularly and highlighted and the pain in the butt event that it is to straighten my hair which takes about an hour, I wash my hair every third day and keep it fresh in between with dry shampoo if needed. I'll go into more depth about my dry shampoo on another post. Basically, since using Moroccan Oil I've learned to embrace my hair texture and have learned to live with the hair that I have. I leave my hair to dry naturally and then I separate the twists when its completely dry. Leaving it to dry completely is the trick, u can't touch it until then. Moroccan Oil has saved me so much frustration from trying to tame frizz and it keeps my hair healthy, not to mention the money I save from not having to go for frequent blowouts at the salon. I've even gotten my mom and sister hooked on it.

I paid $37.00 for a 3.4oz/100ml container. As I mentioned before, a tiny bit goes a long way. The only disappointment with this product is its container. The container is made of a dark glass and the opening does not have a stopper so that when you pour product onto your hand you need to be very careful because it has the consistency of olive oil and will come gushing out. I poured my product into a jar with a pump and one pump does my whole head. If you try this product you won't be disappointed especially if you have frizzy, wavy or dull looking hair and if your hair is affected by humidity or flyaways. Just remember a little product goes a long way.

Shoppers Drug Mart Haul, Swatch and FOTD

Here is my recent Shoppers Drug Mart haul. The usual always happens when I go in there. I stop in for diapers, cotton buds, or a prescription and I come out with that plus makeup. Somehow I always end up 'just having a quick peak'. I can count on one hand how many times I've walked into Shoppers and left without taking a peak.

I bought two lipsticks from Rimmel, one is called Celeb and the other in Just So. Its spring and I was in the mood for Pink, the shade Just So is the darker of the two and its beautiful. I have actually mixed this lipstick with a highlighter and a drop off bronzer and applied to the cheeks of bridesmaids for a wedding gig that I did recently. It looked gorgeous. I'm wearing the Rimmel Shade in Just So in the first picture at the top. The picture does not show the lipstick's true colour which is a little more pigmented. You can see it better on my hand in the other pic (on my hand its the above swatch, Celeb swatch is below)

The other items are a Gel Bronze Sheer Translucent Color Oil Free from Bonne Bell, in Golden Tan. I use this in the summer as a mixing medium, works every time. To top it off if I really want to look fabulosa then I add a hint of Bonne Bell's Glimmer Bronze in Gold'n'Glitz on the top of my cheek bone with a fan brush. When I say a hint, I mean a hint or else you'll look like a shiny disco ball. Next to Bonne Bells Dr. Pepper LipSmacker which is a staple in my makeup bag these items are a must for me. I use them on myself and for makeup gigs depending on the look. Both products are very versatile and are under $10, making them very affordable.

The next item is from Annabelle which is a cosmetic line exclusive to Canada. The gloss I purchased from Annabelle is Le Gloss Lip Shine in Breathless Souffle. There glosses are pretty good and inexpensive. I'm wearing the gloss in the second picture from the top.

The last item I've swatched on the top of my cheek is the Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer and Highlighter in shade 310 light-medium. I don't really care much for the concealer but the highlighter is a transparent gloss that is sheer and very Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex in the City.

Hope you enjoyed this haul and swatch. I've been ill for the last three days and its taken its toll on me, excuse my sleepy expressions, I'm still on the mend. Also, if you haven't noticed already the background in these pics is weird because I'm in the middle of a large renovation and we're trying to keep the dust contained to one area so everything is sectioned off with plastic. So, if you were wondering why my background looks like a scene from HBO's Dexter, this is why.

Thanks for stopping by. xx