My Beauty Must-Haves!

Can we talk about skincare and make-up today?

l've always had problem skin for as long as I can remember. I even had a love-affair with Proactiv for a while, which lasted about six months and then started to irritate my face.

After trying PH balanced products (like La Roche-Posay's Effaclar) the glycolic acid toners like Murad's Clarifying Toner and spending from $5 on scrubs to $100 on treatments, I discovered Boscia.

It's working, you guys.

So, I put together my beauty must-haves, the things I can't do without, from cleansing, to minimal make-up to a full face for a night on the town.

I LOVE Boscia's clear complexion kit because I have sensitive skin that breaks out easily. The kit has been wonderful; it includes the cleanser that you use to wash your face, followed by the spray tonic, then the treatment and finally the moisturizer. I've found it doesn't irritate my skin and has a mild, clean scent.

So after I used that, I of course, wanted to try everything else Boscia had to offer, and absolutely LOVE the black mask - not only is it so fun to peel off, but it really tightens and tones.

On occasion I like to use the Boscia clarifying detox mask, which is a clay mask that I found really took care of excess oil, which was great for my T-zone.

My favorite primer to use is Laura Mercier's Hydrating primer which is water based, not oil based. The oil-free formula didn't feel as good as this on my face.

After this, I like to use a little bit of concealer under my eyes and problem spots. I have tried a. lot. of. concealers. My go-to now, is Dior's Nude, in Honey. Goes on light but stays put and doesn't feel greasy or cakey.

Next, for full foundation coverage for parties and such, I recently discovered (thanks to my sister) MAC's Matchmaster SPF foundation. It glides on easily, blending easily, stays matte all day. I wear it in 6. The SPF coverage is a bonus.

To apply foundation, I use Cynthia Rowley's Beauty Blender, which I found at Marshalls for $5.99! You can find many variations of it at Target and online, and it looks like this. Makes blending a breeze.

For blush I absolutely love NARS in Torrid. Two of my besties use the same shade and we are all very different in skin tones. It's a pretty shade which I think works for winter and summer.

As an all-over powder, I like MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium. I apply it using a great buffing brush from Eco Tools.

If I do a highlighter for my high cheek bones (or lack thereof) I adore MAC's Gana Frost which was a limited edition when Mickey Contractor (Bollywood's most sought-after makeup artist) did a line with MAC. I also like Benefit's High Beam.

For eye make-up, when I do a cat-eye, I rely on Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner - it's waterproof, and really stays put!).

For a smudgy smokey eye, I love using Urban Decays eye liners. They're all so beautiful.

Dior's SHOW is the.best.mascara. I've ever used. Makes my lashes look really long, and doesn't clump.

If I do eyeshadow, I prime my lids first, with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It's so easy to apply, just a dot on each lid really helps shadows stay put.

And if I'm going for a really dramatic evening look and want to darken my brows, Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil is my go-to for a fuller brow. Love having a brush with it!

Can we talk lipsticks for a second? What are your faves? I've recently fallen for MAC's Party Line, perfect for a Wintery look.

After all the fun and games, if washing my face doesn't do it, and even if it does, I go to Korres. LOOOOOVE KORRES!! These wipes work really well and smell so refreshing. And the Pomegranate Toner really picks up dirt and makeup but feels gentle and doesn't dry my skin.

TELL ME, what are some of your beauty-faves?

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Longchamp

Neiman Marcus recently celebrated the launch of their Longchamp shop with festivities hosted by Lani. I was honored to be asked to photograph all the fun and fancy; easy to do when surrounded by luscious bags, macarons and champagne! Lucky Mariah won the Veau Foulonne tote in Fall's much sought after shade...take a look...Join me at the Longchamp party!

NYC: Paul Mayer Spring 2013

While in NYC a few days ago, I got to take in Paul Mayer's Spring 2013 collection of cuter than cute ballet flats and sneaker style shoes, all in Mayer's signature soft and flexible leathers with adorale prints and cut-outs, some with adjustable bows (love!).

Meeting Paul was a highlight, and tasting his delicious "Titou's Gazpacho" was a true delight; the recipe of which is also available in his latest lookbook, that combines the designer's pretty shoes with his own recipes!

If I'd had more time, I could have spent the rest of the day there!

"Our shoes are modern classics. They’re an addiction. They are truly forever timeless."
----Paul Mayer

Happy Valentimes!

One of my favourite childhood comic books growing up was Tin Tin. That, and Archie comics. Needless to say I was pretty excited about the Tin Tin film (incredible btw) and was happy to see this V-day storefront display at Boston's Black Ink on Charles Street. 

I'll take an "I heart Tin Tin" cup over chocolates and flowers.

And, I leave you with a clip from a very funny Valentine's Day episode, from 30 Rock. Have a good one folks,  I'm off to get my hair did! 

ZOORA @ APPLE, Boston

Last night was the launch of Zoora held at the Apple store on Boylston Street in Boston. 

We last met Aubrie and the Zoora team at Bradley and Diegel salon on Newbury for the test run of the site.

This time, the beautiful finished website was unveiled and the designer gowns were paraded in front of Apple's giant logo on the 3rd floor. The turnout was grand and everyone is so excited for Zoora to take off!

The website is up and running but the offical launch is on January 30 2012 with Trunk shows taking place in February. 

(Caught on cam: Boston Bloggers A Stylized Hysteria and Scorpion Disco)

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Everyone knows that Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with luxury.  Opulent yellow diamonds, shiny sterling silver and that iconic (and trademarked) shade of blue.  

So when I was invited for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to celebrate the opening of the new Tiffany & Co. location at Chestnut Hill Mall, two things immediately happened, a) Holly Golightly came to mind and b) I said YES.

The jewellery sparkled on our clavicles, fingers, wrists and ears, the mimosas overflowed, and the quiches were just perfect.

It was a lovely way to have breakfast and now that the bar has been set so high, my coffee will never be the same.

Thanks to Patrick McGuinness, the director of this Tiffany & Co., Stephanie, Sheryl and the other lovely associates who assisted us in trying on all sorts of spectacular jewellery and to the lovely ladies at PANcomm, Taylor and Kerri for the invitation.  Also, thank you for the gorgeous coffee table book.

Some other dolled up Boston Bloggers were in attendance (a few of whom I met for the first time!), including Marissa of The Well Appointed Catwalk, Julie of JQ Lounge, Martini of Beyond Boston Chic, Naina of Style 'N, Lani of Mon Petit Chou Chou, and Annalise of Quarterlife Lifestyle. 

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Uprinting Business Cards

The lucky winner of 250 die-cut business card from UPrinting on Fashionhogger is ABBY - Congratulations! Thank you to Uprinting and to everyone who entered!



Congratulations to LEI ANN who entered on PHOTOHOGGER and won!  :)

Tiffany & Co. Fall 2011 Leather Collection

Have you guys seen Tiffany & Co.’s new fall leather collection? 

I am swooning over the fantastic textures, prints and colours.  Just yesterday, I painted my nails a Tiffany blue, thanks to China Glaze's "For Audrey" nail polish.

Here's a sneak peek from the look book. 

Among my favouries are the Tiffany Avenue Shopper, the versatile and celeb favourite, Reversible Tote and the amazing clutches.   (Images via Tiffany & Co. )

Vacation with Tiffany's

Getting ready for our trip to Amsterdam with this brilliant Tiffany-esque (actually called "For Audrey") nail polish. And speaking of Tiffany's, have you seen Tiffany & Co.'s Fall Collection?  More on that tomorrow!

(photo credit: photohogger)



 

Pilcro

Are you a cords person? I am not.  They simply do not work for my height or shape, I find them entirely too bulky making me feel as though I can't move freely.  Jeans on the other hand, I love, especially skinny jeans as they make me look taller. 

That said, you may like Anthropologie's new Pilcro collection of coloured jeans and cords in varying shapes and sizes from Serif, Stet and Superscript.  I do love the colours. 

Et Voila!  Prices range from $88-$118 (via Anthropologie)!

Thomas Sabo Bracelet + Charms

Sorry for being MIA, but I just moved from Toronto to Boston and things have been hectic to say the least.

As a going away present, my lovely girlfriends got together and secretly planned to buy me a Thomas Sabo Charm bracelet along with individual Thomas Sabo charms and some from Swarovski!  Stunning.  When they presented each charm to me, I was to guess which charm came from which friend. 

Thomas Sabo bracelets are gorgeous and the charms are simply spectacular.  With such fine detail and brilliant colour and stones, they're little treasures you can wear alone or all together on the bracelet.

The Swarovski charms are beautiful little things, sparkly and sweet, exactly what any girl would love to have in her collection.

Ladies, wow!  I am truly touched.  It's something I will treasure forever.  Thank you so much.  I miss you!

(All photos taken by Alicia, thanks girl!)

Patchwork

As seen by SART on Rue du Renard, Paris.  Love her leather patchwork skirt.  Don't you? 



Here's a vintage one available on Etsy for $45USD - isn't it gorg?



More patchwork skirts.  (Images via Pinterest)  Is this something you'd wear ladies, or only have on your bed at home?

Versace for H&M

Are you excited for the latest of collaboration with H&M? This time, it's Versace, coming Fall 2011. There will be 40 pieces for women and 20 pieces for men plus shoes and accessories.

Will you be standing in line when it launches?  Have you ever stood in line for any of the past collaborations? Lanvin?  Mathew Williamson?  (Images via Pinterest)