September 30, 2014
Culottes
Since realizing that white jeans are a veritable a closet staple (see here, here, and here), I've now decided to add white cropped culotte pants to the mix. Never thought I'd be into something so 90s. But then again, I have been rocking the denim vest and plaid a lot lately...
September 27, 2014
Caring For Dyed Blonde Hair
Since going blonde, maintaining my new hair colour has been a top priority so I thought I'd share some of the products I've been using lately.
I was especially excited to find the UK brand Pro:Voke Touch of Silver at my local London Drugs when I went on the hunt for a purple toning shampoo. The star of the line, Touch of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo, deposits violet colour pigments on the hair to neutralize brassiness (it's basically a temporary hair dye) and really does leave my hair noticeably brighter and blonder. However, because overuse can result in a weird purple tinge, I've been alternating with the Daily Maintenance Shampoo to prevent fading/dullness and the Intensive Treatment Conditioner to help add moisture back into my bleached hair.
Every few weeks, I apply the Fekkai Technician Color Care Luxe Color Masque (also available at London Drugs). As the masque is very rich, I concentrate on the ends of my hair to avoid weighed down/greasy roots and leave the product on for 3 minutes before rinsing.
Styling-wise, I have still been doing my typical waves most days. To add volume, I spray on OSiS+ Volume Up and set my curls with OSiS+ Session Extreme Hold Hairspray. This hairspray is awesome because it doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy and the formula protects against harmful UV rays, which can wreak havoc on colour-treated hair.
When I'm going for a straight look, the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brightening Oil Elixir adds some much-needed shine while also acting as a heat protectant. This product was recommended to me by John Frieda's new Stylist Selections Tool, which I had the opportunity to play with at an event last week. If you're confused about what products you should be using, give the tool a try -- it custom recommends a product combination to take you from shampoo/conditioner all the way to styling.
I was especially excited to find the UK brand Pro:Voke Touch of Silver at my local London Drugs when I went on the hunt for a purple toning shampoo. The star of the line, Touch of Silver Twice A Week Brightening Shampoo, deposits violet colour pigments on the hair to neutralize brassiness (it's basically a temporary hair dye) and really does leave my hair noticeably brighter and blonder. However, because overuse can result in a weird purple tinge, I've been alternating with the Daily Maintenance Shampoo to prevent fading/dullness and the Intensive Treatment Conditioner to help add moisture back into my bleached hair.
Every few weeks, I apply the Fekkai Technician Color Care Luxe Color Masque (also available at London Drugs). As the masque is very rich, I concentrate on the ends of my hair to avoid weighed down/greasy roots and leave the product on for 3 minutes before rinsing.
Styling-wise, I have still been doing my typical waves most days. To add volume, I spray on OSiS+ Volume Up and set my curls with OSiS+ Session Extreme Hold Hairspray. This hairspray is awesome because it doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy and the formula protects against harmful UV rays, which can wreak havoc on colour-treated hair.
When I'm going for a straight look, the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brightening Oil Elixir adds some much-needed shine while also acting as a heat protectant. This product was recommended to me by John Frieda's new Stylist Selections Tool, which I had the opportunity to play with at an event last week. If you're confused about what products you should be using, give the tool a try -- it custom recommends a product combination to take you from shampoo/conditioner all the way to styling.
September 22, 2014
Proenza Schouler PS11
If you've been following my blog for a while, you know that Proenza Schouler's PS11 handbag has been on my wishlist for ages. In fact, I have even mentioned that my intention was to purchase it sometime this year. Well, I finally hit the checkout button a few weeks ago as a birthday present to myself. Let's all say "welcome" to my new PS11 Classic in Black... I'm in love!!
Tee: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Leggings: TNA (Aritzia) / Plaid Shirt: TNA (Aritzia)
Bag: Proenza Schouler (here) / Booties: Topshop (similar)
Sunglasses: Kensington Market (similar)
Bag: Proenza Schouler (here) / Booties: Topshop (similar)
Sunglasses: Kensington Market (similar)
September 18, 2014
MAC x The Simpsons Nail Stickers
When I was previewing MAC Cosmetics Fall/Winter collections last month, the one that really stood out to me was The Simpsons Collection. In honour of The Simpsons 25th anniversary (I can't believe it's been that long), this limited edition collection is currently in stores and centres around who else but the ever fashionable Marge Simpson?
It should also come as no surprise to you that I was most interested in trying out Marge Simpson's Cutie-cles ($16.50 USD/$19 CAD). With a bright yellow background, these nail stickers feature many of our favourite faces, from Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie to secondary characters like Moe and Milhouse.
To achieve this fun mani, I decided to intersperse the nail stickers with a blue polish, AVON Gel Finish in Royal Vendetta, to pay homage to the show's iconic colours. Love the result!
It should also come as no surprise to you that I was most interested in trying out Marge Simpson's Cutie-cles ($16.50 USD/$19 CAD). With a bright yellow background, these nail stickers feature many of our favourite faces, from Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie to secondary characters like Moe and Milhouse.
To achieve this fun mani, I decided to intersperse the nail stickers with a blue polish, AVON Gel Finish in Royal Vendetta, to pay homage to the show's iconic colours. Love the result!
September 15, 2014
Softlips CUBE (& GIVEAWAY!) {CLOSED}
These Softlips CUBE lip moisturizers have been popping up at drugstores everywhere lately so I was super excited when Mentholatum sent me some to try out. Even better, they're offering a prize package for one of my readers too (read on for more details).
The CUBE lip moisturizers also feature 5-in-1 lip perfecting technology to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect, and add shine. My lips feel moisturized immediately upon use and I don't have to continuously reapply. Both Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss are pleasant scents/flavours, although my favourite of the two is Berry Bliss for its delicious fruity notes. At only $4.99 CAD, these are a great purchase for lip product lovers!
WANT TO WIN A SOFTLIPS CUBE PRIZE PACK?
Now for that giveaway I mentioned earlier... Mentholatum is kindly offering a giveaway prize worth $50 which includes 1 Softlips CUBE in Berry Bliss, 1 Softlips CUBE in Vanilla Bean, 1 clutch purse with a zipper chain wristlet, and 1 purse mirror.
To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me why you're excited to try the new Softlips CUBE and don't forget to leave an e-mail address so I can contact you.
For a bonus entry, follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: "I just entered to win a Softlips CUBE prize package from @alison_elle and you should too! - http://bit.ly/1wjWnnt"
Giveaway ends September 25 and is only open to Canadian readers (sorry!). Winner will be randomly selected.
Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss
Softlips is known for its "skinny tube" packaging so this new cube design is quite a departure from the norm. About 1 inch wide, they actually aren't that all that big but still might be uncomfortable if you're the type who likes to stash lip balm in your pockets. The product inside is spherical (just like eos lip balms), which I like since I find this shape easy to apply. Plus, I personally think the roundness is adorable.
The CUBE lip moisturizers also feature 5-in-1 lip perfecting technology to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect, and add shine. My lips feel moisturized immediately upon use and I don't have to continuously reapply. Both Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss are pleasant scents/flavours, although my favourite of the two is Berry Bliss for its delicious fruity notes. At only $4.99 CAD, these are a great purchase for lip product lovers!
WANT TO WIN A SOFTLIPS CUBE PRIZE PACK?
Now for that giveaway I mentioned earlier... Mentholatum is kindly offering a giveaway prize worth $50 which includes 1 Softlips CUBE in Berry Bliss, 1 Softlips CUBE in Vanilla Bean, 1 clutch purse with a zipper chain wristlet, and 1 purse mirror.
For a bonus entry, follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: "I just entered to win a Softlips CUBE prize package from @alison_elle and you should too! - http://bit.ly/1wjWnnt"
Giveaway ends September 25 and is only open to Canadian readers (sorry!). Winner will be randomly selected.
September 10, 2014
Blonde Ambitions
If you follow my Instagram, you may have seen that I recently underwent a bit of a hair transformation. Thanks to Celine at Hair Matters for getting me the blonde balayage I was looking for! She's definitely worth a trip to the Sunshine Coast (and yes, I did take a ferry just to get my hair done).
Tank: Club Monaco (here) / Pants: Talula (Aritzia) / Belt: Moschino (here)
Shoes: Prada (here) / Ring: Front & Company / iPhone Case: Lindiess
Nails: MAC Cosmetics in Girl Trouble
Shoes: Prada (here) / Ring: Front & Company / iPhone Case: Lindiess
Nails: MAC Cosmetics in Girl Trouble
September 7, 2014
Amie Skincare
If you're in the market for a new and affordable skincare line, you might be interested in British brand Amie which officially launched in Canada just last month. Specifically targeted to those with sensitive skin, the products contain no harsh chemicals or parabens. In fact, 95% of the ingredients used in each product are natural botanical/plant extracts, making the range vegetarian-/vegan-friendly (no animal testing here!)
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at few of Amie's award-winning products and have really been liking them so far.
Radiant Dawn Exfoliating Daily Wash ($10 CAD) has been a refreshing cleanser for sleepy mornings with its green apple scent. The Vitamin E bursting beads are a little larger than I typically use with exfoliating cleansers but they thankfully don't feel harsh on the skin.
Spring Clean Deep Cleansing Mask ($12 CAD) is a deep cleansing mask that you apply for 10 minutes once or twice a week. I love a good mask and this one leaves my skin feeling nice and soft afterwards.
Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser ($12 CAD) is supposed to control oiliness and shine (so perfect for oily skinned girls like myself). I actually haven't really noticed a matte effect from using this moisturizer (maybe my skin is too oily!) but no breakouts either which is still a plus.
Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturiser ($12 CAD) is better for drier skin types. It's rich in rose extract, rose hip oil, and mallow, which makes for a super delicious scent combination.
Amie Skincare is available exclusively at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at few of Amie's award-winning products and have really been liking them so far.
Radiant Dawn Exfoliating Daily Wash ($10 CAD) has been a refreshing cleanser for sleepy mornings with its green apple scent. The Vitamin E bursting beads are a little larger than I typically use with exfoliating cleansers but they thankfully don't feel harsh on the skin.
Spring Clean Deep Cleansing Mask ($12 CAD) is a deep cleansing mask that you apply for 10 minutes once or twice a week. I love a good mask and this one leaves my skin feeling nice and soft afterwards.
Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser ($12 CAD) is supposed to control oiliness and shine (so perfect for oily skinned girls like myself). I actually haven't really noticed a matte effect from using this moisturizer (maybe my skin is too oily!) but no breakouts either which is still a plus.
Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturiser ($12 CAD) is better for drier skin types. It's rich in rose extract, rose hip oil, and mallow, which makes for a super delicious scent combination.
Amie Skincare is available exclusively at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
September 4, 2014
Mes Vacances: Montreal
After Quebec City, I headed off to Montreal which, despite its relative close proximity to my hometown of Toronto, I'd only visited once... and that was when I was 14. Obviously my visit was much different this time around.
With only a weekend in the city, my friends and I pounded the pavement quite a bit, making sure to check out typical attractions such as the Old Port of Montreal.
Climbing to the top of Mont Royal for a view of the city was also in order.
And what better way to top off a carb-filled girls weekend than with lots of chocolate, authentic Montreal bagels, and poutine? Yum!
With only a weekend in the city, my friends and I pounded the pavement quite a bit, making sure to check out typical attractions such as the Old Port of Montreal.
Climbing to the top of Mont Royal for a view of the city was also in order.
And what better way to top off a carb-filled girls weekend than with lots of chocolate, authentic Montreal bagels, and poutine? Yum!
September 1, 2014
OSiS+ Wax Dust
Think about this concept for a second: a hair wax that is actually a powder. Whaaaaatttt? Ever the innovators in all things hair, Schwarzkopf Professional recently launched OSiS+ Wax Dust ($23.50 CAD), a new product that is kind of incredible.
Like the popular Dust It, Wax Dust comes in a small 15 g shaker bottle. However, the powder inside is formulated to transform into a light creamy wax consistency in the palms of your hands. This means you get all the benefits of a wax while maintaining a dry, texturized style that's remouldable and without the heavy buildup.
To use it, I typically sprinkle a small amount of powder directly onto my hair and use my hands to work the product through, twisting strands to create texture as I go. It's important not to use too much product as it can get a little sticky -- particularly at the roots if your hair tends to get greasy. Wax Dust also has no discernible scent and blends in easily despite being white in colour so you don't need to worry if you've got dark hair like me!
Like the popular Dust It, Wax Dust comes in a small 15 g shaker bottle. However, the powder inside is formulated to transform into a light creamy wax consistency in the palms of your hands. This means you get all the benefits of a wax while maintaining a dry, texturized style that's remouldable and without the heavy buildup.
To use it, I typically sprinkle a small amount of powder directly onto my hair and use my hands to work the product through, twisting strands to create texture as I go. It's important not to use too much product as it can get a little sticky -- particularly at the roots if your hair tends to get greasy. Wax Dust also has no discernible scent and blends in easily despite being white in colour so you don't need to worry if you've got dark hair like me!
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