Sunday Riley - Are you ready to change your life?

I'm a lover of all things beauty.
That translates from music, to art, to dance, to anything that makes you feel something. Makes you feel any kind of beauty.

But I'm also a downright dirty make up addict.

I was experiencing some pretty blah skin during the winter months and just felt rather dull and out of place. My coworker was pumped to tell me about this new oil she'd tried and was in love with.
Alright, I bit, I had to at least KNOW.

That's when Sunday Riley entered my life.

But let me tell you a bit about MY skin before we even move into me telling you about this magical product.
I'm 33 [hey there fine lines, crows feet and 11 lines! When did you join the party!?]
I suffered from acne as a teen [who the heck didn't!?], still get hormonal breakouts.
I have combination skin; Which means I have a rather oily T-zone and pretty normal cheeks.
Because of this combo skin situation, I also have enlarged pores that like to make sure everyone can see them on my nose.

 

Sunday Riley Luna Oil  

This is a dream in a bottle. 

Firstly, here's what it does:
It's a retinoid oil that is going to help reduce visible pore size [nothing can actually change the size of a pore - if anyone tells you different, they're liars], it helps with hydration, fine lines, wrinkles and brightness.

It helps with inflammation,redness and calming the skin; meaning that it can help to relieve certain types of dermatitis and eczema - not to mention containing a great aromatic that actually helps you relax to settle in for that great nights sleep.

How the hell do I use it?
After washing your face and drying, apply 2-3 drops to your hands and massage into the skin. It will turn clear once it's absorbed [no smurfing here!]. Remember to always press oils into the face rather than rubbing them in- you're going to be more out of the product and your skin will love you more! 

There are a ton of other things in the line that I'm excited to try out - but this knocked my socks off.
I woke up with my skin feeling softer than I'd ever felt it. Like I was made out of silk. My makeup applied much smoother and more even and I didnt' have to use as much colour corrective as I normally do since I had seen a huge reduction in my usual redness.

Just a tip...
And just a tip for anyone who is ever concerned about uneven tone, or is using any kind of anti-aging product that contains a retinol/retinoid ingredient - be sure to wear sunscreen daily. [you should be anyway!] but it will make your skin more photosensitive. 

And yes, I know, you also just took a gander at the price. $131 is a bit up there, but keep in  mind that you're using a very little amount to get a great result.
Still not 100% convinced this is an oil sent from the gods?
Stop into your local Sephora, they'll be happy to make you a sample to try out.
I guarantee you'll be back to buy it once you see the results.

Things No One will Tell Fat Girls

Ok, Here goes....

I'm FAT.
F
A
T

*deep sigh of relief*

I've never been able to say that - really SAY it.

I began following the body love movement much later than I should've. I might have saved myself a bit of grief had I just realized that there are other women out there [other PEOPLE - this is not exclusive to women] who found themselves thinking and saying the same things I have my entire life.

It actually started with Tess Holiday.
I saw a photo of her on a random trending site and had to take a second look.
Oddly, I found myself mortified by her. By the fact that she could stand there, in all her glory, looking the way she does and give zero fucks.
Deep down, I was more envious than I could ever explain.
I pride myself on being strong, and loud and open to just about everything - but the reality, I'm still avoiding photos - deleting those that are from the "wrong" angle [which is most] and saying "Do I REALLY look like that?!??!1" When I do see photos.

A few months ago I was with my mother shopping during a visit at Forever 21.
We edged into the Plus Size section and found that feeling of being embarrassed that I was shopping in that area. Why? I don't know - I wear those sizes!!!!
My mother picked up a bathing suit [a two piece] and says: "Does a girl who wears this size really think she should be wearing this anywhere?!?!?" and laughed.
The hurtful thing?
I just bought that same swimsuit - in that size & wore it on my vacation to Mexico.

But don't hate on my mother.
She struggles with self body hate.
She is in constant recovery from a lifelong battle with anorexia.
A fight that she almost lost when I was a child and was a whooping 75lbs at 5'6

But I don't want to talk about that.
Not right now.

I want to talk about how I just finally picked up Jes Baker's book:  "Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls
I've only a couple of chapters in and I find myself saying "YES! GOD YES!" so many times.
It's as though she's in my head - understanding every thought - every time I slouched and tried to disappear in a crowd. Every time I passed up opportunities to do things I by all rights should've done.
Men I should've dated. Ug. So much wasted time!

But no more.

If you are a girl who has ever had issues with self love; hated her body for being her body and just wants to get off the diet culture and fall back in love with life - READ THIS BOOK.

I'm ready for change.

Septum Piercings- the "new" trend?

I first got my septum pierced in 2003.
I got one done and said "what the hay!" and did it a second time.
Since that time I have sported a double septum.

Over the past 12 years [did I really just say 12 years?], I've had many extra holes and allowed many to heal over. I've had everything your little mind can imagine - and mostly due to a few reasons; mainly the fact that I spent 8 years of my life in the body modification industry as a professional body piercer.
What do you do when you've got extra time? You get an extra hole.
Or so it use to go back in the day.

But over the past 12 years I've watched trends come and go but never saw septum piercing hit the pages of magazines like I have lately. Much like finger tattoos.
It was only a short period of time before many of my employees started sporting them as well - they were cropping up everywhere [I currently am an educator in the cosmetic industry]

But my feelings were changing a bit towards the look - and not because I've always been an outsider and now being "hip" made me feel awkward, but that I really found I disliked how it looked. Not just on others, but was starting to dislike them on myself.

I have spent years fighting the regulations set by bigotry in many different professions that see any sort of alternative look [including hair colour, tattoos and visible piercings] as unprofessional - hence leading them to believe that you are uneducated [clearly].
Eventually you get tired of swimming against the current.

In my current role I am always attempting to better myself and move further up that corporate ladder [whoever thought I'd be saying that?!] and in order to do that I have to acknowledge that saying goodbye to some pieces of myself might be necessary.
In the same light, does a few extra holes make me WHO I am? Do I require them to define myself as a creative and bold person?
It shouldn't be this big of a decision. I shouldn't be "scared" to remove them - but the reality is that I am.

I'm currently 32 years old and will be hitting the big 33 this fall - is it time?
Thus far I've been extremely blessed with my experiences and how much my work has given back to all the love I've given. The opportunities have been unparalleled to anything else I've ever done.
Though, during a sit-down discussion about my goals and my ambitions to where I plan to grow in the company, I realized that hard work isn't always what creates the winner. it's how you play the game and apparently I don't play it very well.

I'm not catty.
I'm not about to step on someone who doesn't deserve it to better my position.
I believe in celebrating others successes, not bringing the down.
I believe in sharing my ideas and standing behind them.

All these things apparently equaled that the people directly above me are going to make sure I never move up. Did it hurt? Of course. But I'm not the person to retaliate with being a bitch. I'll continue to work hard until someone above them sees it. Which they will.

But we're getting off track aren;'t we?

Is it time?
Do I remove them?
Do I lower my freak flag just a little on the pole I have it so highly flying from?

Suggestions from others facing some of these same thoughts would be helpful <3

Kat Von D Esperanza Eyeshadow Palette

Firstly let me start by apologizing for my absence. 

It's been a rough and busy winter. As for the busy part, I've found that designing and sewing have taken up a great deal of my time - these bustle skirts aren't going to make themselves!
But, I have picked up a TON of new things lately that I can't wait to talk with you about!

But lets start with one thing shall we?

If you've read my previous entries, you'll know that I'm a lover of Kat Von D's makeup line at Sephora. Not so much a fan of her tattoo work - which, I believe to be mediocre at best, but her makeup line knocks my socks off!
My interest in her life or anything remotely about her personally, has very little to do with my love of this off shoot.

There's been a ton of new, and exclusive, limited time products added to the line recently and I basically need them all!
Tattoo foundation is still one of my most prized possessions, along with Trooper eyeliner which I adorn every single day as my go-to for the best goth girl eyebrows in the world.

Her shadows have never let me down and I was excited when Esperanza hit the shelf.
The colours are stunning and can be worn by anyone regardless of tone, age or preference between dramatic or neutral.
They have great shades that speak to those of us who are begging for spring to come join us.

The Esperanza Palette can be purchased HERE

As with all releases, they come with some unique names and none that will equal any kind of trouble like "Celebutard" caused. That situation still makes me laugh to this day due to how bloody ridiculous it is. Someone was offended by the word "Tard" being used in the name. When are we going to start boycotting delicious CusTARD?! Get over yourselves, trust me, there's bigger things to worry about. But that aside..lets get back to the topic.

There are a few things that make this palette unique - it has a great mirror - larger than any in my current palettes and I LOVE that. The shadows are rich with pigment. There is a bit of fall out if you're working in a sweeping motion with them, but I prefer to press with these ones.
They're also infused with rose extract.
Rose extract has some great benefits for the skin and especially the lids. It's known for its anti aging properties, also it helps to sooth and moisturize the skin. All great things.

Another thing that makes this palette fantastic is the transformer shade. It can be worn on it's own or over another shade to turn it into a whole other level of awesome.

I highly recommend that you pick this one up while it's available because it won't last long - that I can promise!

I also strongly recommend that you get yourself a tube of Transformer Liquid Lipstick. Pretty much one of the coolest things out there right now to pucker up your pout.

Formula X Nail Polish

The love affair between OPI and Sephora lasted a very long 5 years.
It had its ups and downs, but mostly ups and after the introduction of OPI GelShine, they decided it was time to part ways.

It was a tough go in the middle with OPI colours barely gracing the shelves of the newly implemented Nail Studios that graced the entrance of most Sephora's & leaving patrons who were dedicated to certain shades having to scramble to get the remains of their beloved polishes.
But don't fret! All the while as the love affair was on the rocks and coming to a close, Sephora had a new love on the side.
But they weren't quite ready to let everyone in on what was up....

They started to give people a piece of the action last fall when Sephora X launched into flagship stores in Canada. Only 3 to be exact - one being Chinook Centre in Calgary. Also you could find it in the Eaton Centre location and on the West coast. Still, it didnt' get the reception they were hoping for.
Reason? It still had some flaws.
They weren't the power couple we were use to like Sephora and OPI.

After tinkering, and playing with shades and top coats it was ready.
Formula X was ready to be unveiled to the world.

The big splash won't be happening until October 10th officially, but some locations have it out and ready to go.
Where do I start when I try to describe the new colours?!
Here's a bit of a run down on what we're dealing with here:

*62 Classics
*31 Neutrals
*5 Colour shifters
*14 Xplosive Topcoats
*12 Luster Polishes
*11 Transformers Topcoats
*12 Celestials
*12 Electric neons
*5 Brilliant ultra sparkles
*5 Tinted translucent polishes
*5 Superwatts glitters
*5 3D sparklers glitter
*5 Holographics
*5 super ultra shiny chromes

Not to mention that they also have a Matte topcoat, a high shine topcoat, basecoat and nail cleanser.

Do you think I could walk in and see all this and resist!?!?!?!?!
Impossible! The prices aren't that bad, still more than OPI - Classics and Neutrals are going to run you $13CAD and everything else I believe is $15CAD.
All in all...not bad...if they're as good as they seem.

I resisted the urge to fill my basket with every single one and choose only two.

Mind you, I spent entirely too long choosing and almost drove myself [and strangers nearby] insane.
I left with "Need for Speed" which is a classic chrome and "Volatile" which is insane glitter topcoat. I think it was from the Xplosive line.

Here's the result from the "Need for Speed" with ONE coat:

Pretty impressive.
It's ultra high shine - almost looked like there was tin foil on my nails. The photos never do anything as much justice as I feel it deserves. 

Not only did it give me full coverage with one swipe, but holy hell did it dry fast!!!!
I'm use to sitting and waiting for at least 20 minutes before I can touch anything....a little under 5 minutes and I was good to go. Impressive!

But heck, there's no way I could just leave em like that....we need a little bling on there...

That's better!
It seriously looks like a disco ball the second light hits my nails!
Again, ONE coat! How is this possible!? 

Okay...I have to say, my love for OPI has officially been replaced. 

If you're a nail junkie like myself and you have more polish at home then you could ever possibly use - you need to at least see these. I can't guarantee you're going to be able to leave without at least one. 

CIATÉ Feathered Manicure

Oh Ciaté, what will you come up with next in the innovative world of nail art!?

I remember how the craze started last year around the fall when they released Caviar nail sets. Admittedly, they looked stunning...but good luck keeping them like that for 10 minutes after you did them. There would be tiny coloured balls bouncing everywhere and randomly plunking off my nails all day long. 
Needless to say, an hour or two later and it looked like complete crap. 

I played around with it a bit and realized if you owned a gel shine kit, you could actually "seal" in the "caviar beads" with a top coat and setting the polish. Good luck trying it with a basic clear topcoat - the rainbow caviar bled everywhere!
Unfortunately for me, I simply couldn't handle the grainy texture on my nails and proceeded to pick the entire thing off. 

Next in line were the Velvet manicure sets. 
Great idea, really, it was...until you washed your hands. Ever seen wet velvet or suede?I ended up using the loose "velvet" with a glitter adhesive and applying it as an eyeliner.
It looks stellar!

Then they graced us with the sequin manicure set - which was very similar to the caviar set in the sense that it had giant chunks of glitter that you adhered to the polish. Again, terrible texture and personally didn't enjoy the look. I just took the glitter and used it with my make up.
After that....the very colorfoil manicure set [don't you love the play on words there?]. These were a great idea and actually looked fantastic...if you were lucky enough to get a set where the glue either wasn't fucked up or dried up completely. I ended up just taking the foil pages and using them with the Lip Rock adhesive on my lips. It basically looks amazing.

"Corrupted Neons" kinda came and went and is still lingering around but no one really seemed to care a whole lot. If it was a "glow in the dark" type of thing that might be interesting..but black light? Where the hell am I going to be where there are black lights everywhere?
I'm what you would consider a goth gal - I'm not hitting up any raves any time soon. 
Oh yea...and there was those "chalkboard" nails in there too somewhere. Almost forgot about those guys. Cool idea, though I found the pen tips too large to do anything cool with. Gel pens worked about the same though.

And finally this fall, we've arrived at Feathered Manicures. 

I was automatically intrigued.
I'm not sure if it was by the idea of having real feathers on my nails or if it was that this girls eye makeup was gorgeous.
Regardless, I had to see what it was all about.

You can get the whole kit for $25 CAD, which really is kind of a good deal since the kit comes with everything you need to make this happen...and again and again if you take the time to hit up a dollar store for more feathers or your local Michaels.

Here's what you get inside:

Despite it seeming like something simple, I still like to make sure I'm doing things by the instructions so that if I screw it up, I don't write a review blaming a product for not working properly when it's actually just me having done it incorrectly.
There's even a handy youtube video out there.

Base coated my nails.
Painted them a rather neutral shade [unlike me].

Applied the feathers. 

Cut em'

Filed em' 

and waited for it to fully dry. 

Then came the top coat. 

Now, this might seem like a simple idea, however, the feather is laying towards my cuticle. 

And I'm apply topcoat from my cuticle to the tip. 

Meaning, it's going against the grain of the feather. 

After struggling and feeling useless with my right hand [I'm right handed]. There's something that never crossed my mind about cutting with tiny scissors with the wrong hand. Luckily, I still have 4 fingers and a thumb on my right hand. 

This might be something to do with friends so they can help you. 

Anyway...here's what the end result was [and yes, this is the good hand. You dont' want to see the other one. Trust me!]

It's not bad.
I dont' hate it. 

I don't love it. 

I probably won't do it again. 

Now...to wait for the next cool thing to come through....
And off topic...any of you still rocking the newsprint nails?
I LOVE those!
Every time I do my nails like that I get nothing but compliments & a lot of "How do you do that!?" which I happily oblige them with the answer.
YAY for making friends with strangers!

Stila: Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow

There's something about Stila that always pulls me in - mostly it's because they usually are the first ones on the innovation train when it comes to products.

I started as a fan when I first tried the One Step Correct Primer. You could say I'm cursed with the ability to blush at the drop of a hat...or at least it can look like I'm blushing by the redness that often swallows my cheeks and nose. I loved the consistency, and what it did to even my texture, colour correct & even reduce the visibility of pores.

Then I was drawn to their new Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer. I'm not even sure where to start about why I love this. It's everything right there. The concealer in the correct shade [takes out the guess work and also forking over the dough for a separate concealer for those days you might need one]; which even has a tiny mirror in the lid!
The fact that the foundation is not delivered by a pump! It's actually a tiny spoon so you can scoop out just what you need and even get right to the nitty gritty at the bottom when you're just about out but are convinced there's enough for "one more day".
The darn thing even comes with a brush!
Awesome.

And then they released thier CC creams.
One of the best out there if you're looking to primarily address redness in the skin and aren't searching for something to even out hyper pigmentation [such as Smashbox's CC cream]. I enjoy the first application, where you rub the green onto your skin and watch the tiny pigment pockets turn it to a perfect shade. It's even okay for us oily folk.

But onto the real reason we're talking...the biggest and newest thing to hit the world of eye shadows.
Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow!!!!
When I first laid eyes on them, I was in love.
I hadn't even touched them yet and I knew they had to be mine.

What each package comes with:
ONE 0.07 oz eye shadow
ONE 0.06 oz special primer
ONE metal mixing pan
And you get it all for $42 CAD

You start by scooping out a tiny bit of the shadow which isn't a solid - it's more of a cream texture- and put it on the metal mixing pan.
Put a very small drop from the special primer and mix them together.
And BAM! You have this beautiful liquid metal right in your hands!

You can apply it dry without adding the primer if you like - but it'll be a more muted effect.

If you're looking for a more opaque effect, try patting it on with your fingers or with a small concealer brush. The primer not only turns your cream shadow into magic, it also works to provide a crease proof, waterproof finish.
It's also fantastic as a liner when applied with a liner brush...or heck, pop some on the your lips over a matte lipstick or stain [that's what I've been doing]

I know what you're thinking when you look at this - you're thinking the exact same thing I did - what the heck happens when all of the magic liquid primer is gone? Is this just a boring old glitter shadow then?

Can I purchase more magic primer on its own?
The answer to the question is no.
No you can't.
Very clever Stila....clever indeed...

But dont' fret! I've seeked out an answer and did a little trial and error [no, water will not work].
I tried a few different things - but the winner, by far...and even better than the magic primer you get with the shadow is Hard Candy's Show Girls Secret glitter adhesive

And it's yours....the whole freakin' bottle for just $5

You can get this amazing shadow in 12 different metallics and they're exclusive to Sephora.

And just to give you an idea of what they might look like in real life...on real skin without any fancy photography - just a silly camera phone - here you are:

The Colours featured above are:

                                                                                            Comex Platinum

Comex Gold

Metallic Merlot

Metallic Emerald

Kitten - nude pink