My Burberry Black

I've posted about the other iterations of My Burberry (see here and here), but the brand's latest perfume launch is something quite different.

My Burberry Black is inspired by the black Heritage Trench Coat (side note: Burberry trenches are so worth it; I have the classic in Honey) and is housed in a darker amber-coloured glass bottle with a dark-horned round cap inspired by the coat's distinctive buttons.

Do you also notice something cool about my bottle? It's monogrammed! Customers can personalize their bottles with up to three initials on Burberry.com or in select Burberry and wholesale stores. This would make a super special gift for someone.

As for the actual fragrance... I love it. Way more than the original, in fact. My Burberry has the signature rose scent which does carry through into this new iteration, but with additions of jasmine and peach nectar and base notes of amber patchouli. The result is less floral and more sweet which is what I tend to gravitate towards when it comes to perfume. If you prefer "candy" scents, this is a great alternative to My Burberry.

My Burberry Black is retailing for $102 CAD (50 mL)/$138 CAD (90 mL).

Konifer Boreal Wooden Watch

Wooden watches have fascinated me for the longest time (in fact, a few years ago I stopped a guy in the airport security line who was wearing one and we had a rather lengthy conversation all about his watch, haha). Naturally, when Konifer offered to gift me one of their watches, I was excited for the chance to finally try out this "trend" for myself.

You may have noticed that I rarely wear a watch so I opted for the Boreal design since it looks a bit like a bracelet. It's made with red sandalwood and maple and I love how earthy the duo-tone looks when worn. My wrists are quite small so I had three links removed, but the extra length means these should be able to fit a variety of wrist sizes. I also can't get over how light this watch is --  especially compared to my Michael Kors gold chronograph watch!

Dress: Lush (in white) / Vest: Talula (Aritzia) / Bag: Monserat De Lucca (mini version)
Bracelet: Alden Rae (in black) / Watch: Konifer (c/o)

FOTD: Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics & Natural Flourish Blooming Lash

Aside from Makeup Revolution, one of the other hot new launches I got to preview at the London Drugs Beauty Event (#LDBeauty) a few months ago was Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics. If the logo looks familiar to you, you might recognize it from the company's popular lineup of false nails and false lashes; and now they've released a line of makeup as well!

I received a selection of products to play with and decided to create a full face look since I haven't done one in a while.

On my eyes, I am wearing the Single Eyeshadow in "Insomnia" which is a shimmery copper shade. Kiss Pro Cosmetics offers a staggering array of single eyeshadows (literally every colour of the rainbow) and I was really impressed with the pigmentation and formula. Next, I used the Top Brow Sculpting Brow Pencil to shape my brows and then filled them in with the Top Brow Fine Precision Brow Pencil. The Fine Precision Brow Pencil is the closest dupe I have found to my fave Anastasia Brow Wiz and at half the price!

To add some dimension to my face, I used the Contour Kit in "Light". It features a highlighter, bronzer, and contour shade and also comes with a free brush. This kit is probably a little too light for my summer tan but a great option if you're on the paler side.

On my lips, I applied the Moisture Tattoo Lip Stain in "Pink Punk". In the tube it looks like it's going to be creamy so I was surprised once it was finally on. The result is a glossy pout that dries down to a natural-looking pink stain with wear.

To finish off the look, I decided to experiment with some falsies I received last week at the Kiss Fall/ Holiday 2016 Preview. This Fall, Kiss is launching a line called Natural Flourish Blooming Lash. All the lashes in this collection feature a 3-level variation on a single lash band to mimic the way lashes normally grow and create a more multi-dimensional look from the side when worn. Each package comes with adhesive and they do feel quite light and comfy on. I'm wearing the style "Jasmine."

Find Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics at London Drugs.

New Mascaras from Annabelle Cosmetics

Annabelle Cosmetics recently launched an entire "suite" of mascaras aimed to tackle basically any and every lash desire you might have which I was lucky enough to get a full preview of at the London Drugs Beauty Event (#LDBeauty) back in June. Have a look -- there's basically something for everyone:

First up, the BigShow Mascara (pink tube) is a classic staple in Annabelle's lineup that I've been using it for years. The formula adds volume and holds a curl in my straight lashes even though I typically have issues with non-waterproof mascaras. On that note, however, I'm obviously excited about the new BigShow Waterproof Mascara (blue tube)!

Next, the Lash Launcher Mascara has a dual length brush meaning you can use the longer length to get more definition and the shorter bristles on your bottom lashes or other hard-to-reach lashes.

If you're looking for both volume and length, not to mention a cool brush, then the Expandable Mascara may be for you (note: like the BigShow, this isn't a new release but has actually been around for a while). By twisting the cap, you can expand the brush for added volume or retract it for more length and definition. This feature is useful for getting at your shorter bottom lashes too.

Outlash Mascara has a unique 360° twisted brush which looks kind of like a spiral. It's supposed to separate and "fan out" your lashes for a more wide-eyed and dramatic effect.

Blast Off Mascara has a curved brush to get the perfect curled effect. Unfortunately these curved brushes don't work with my straight lashes since I have to curl them with a curler anyway, but this is a good pick if you've already got naturally curled lashes and want to enhance that.

And last but not least, Supernova Mascara is the all-in-one mascara intended to add definition and volume, while maintaining a curl. Pick this if you're just looking for a basic mascara that will give you everything you need.

Find all of these mascaras and other products from Annabelle Cosmetics at London Drugs.

Rainbow Wall

A whole bunch of murals have gone up in Vancouver and this is one of my favourites. I pass it everyday on my way home from work and have watched over the past few weeks as it went from a few coloured lines to the final masterpiece of four prismatic rainbows (I'm only standing between two of them in these photos). I can't wait to go and explore more of our city's new public art!

Tunic/Dress: Free People (here and here) / Jeans: J Brand

Sandals: Roberto Vianni / Sunglasses: Quay Australia (here)

OPI Washington DC Nail Polish Collection

Although we're still in the midst of summer, the beauty world has begun churning out its Fall collections and OPI Fall/Winter 2016 is no exception. Created with the help of OPI's celebrity creative ambassador, Kerry Washington, the Washington DC Collection is an interesting mix of mostly cream shades.

I was so excited for this release and unboxed it the second it arrived in the mail but as you'll see from the swatches below, some are downright gorgeous while others are straight up ugly. It is, however, a big collection so there probably is something for everyone in here... unless you like glitters because there are none.

I was also a little disappointed with some of the polish names. OPI is known for its super creative names (remember OPI x Hello Kitty?) and I thought they could have done a better job with the names in this collection. Maybe it's because I've never watched Kerry Washington's show "Scandal" to get the references or maybe it's just the nature of this collection's theme.

Never a Dulles Moment is a bright taxi yellow. It was not easy to work with (I have yet to encounter a yellow that is) but the final result is worth it.

Freedom of Peach is a creamy orange. It applied well but as you can see it looks terrible on me. Yuck.

Yank My Doodle is a tawny coral/orange shade. Not my favourite but the "crelly" formula makes it a bit different from the other polishes in this collection.

Pale to the Chief is a neutral light beige. I found it a bit streaky but it otherwise settled okay as it dried down.

Squeaker of the House is a milky chocolate brown, slightly reminiscent of my old standby Sally Hansen Commander in Chic and is a clear staple shade for Fall.

Madam President is described by OPI as a "commanding red" but I have no idea why since it's clearly not red. In the bottle and on the nails it's a cool-toned dark fuchsia.

OPI by Popular Vote is described by OPI as a "cool apple red" but again I have no idea why. I think it's more of a berry cream.

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We the Female is a garnet cream. I'm not sure if I like this or think it's ugly... it definitely toes the line.

Suzi - The First Lady of Nails is an olive green. I think this will be hit or miss for some. I personally like it but it's probably not for everyone.

Stay off the Lawn!! is a deep jewel green, reminiscent of lush grass per its namesake.

CIA = Color is Awesome is a dusky teal blue. I like how inky it looks and can't wait to wear this in the Winter months.

Shh... It's Top Secret! reminds me a bit of an old favourite Essie Little Brown Dress since it's got some brown in it but it does lean more black.

In addition to the above shades which are being added to OPI's permanent collection, they've also released three limited edition "bonus" shades which you can get in full-size or mini versions.

Kerry Blossom is a plummy purple. There isn't anything particularly special about this (I swear I have at least 3 other OPI polishes that look almost identical) but if you don't have something similar, this is a good one to add to your collection.

"Liv" in the Gray is my favourite polish out of this entire release... too bad it's limited edition! It's described as a "dark grey" but on the nails appears more as a beautiful greenish grey.

On the other hand, you've got Inside the Isabelletway, which is a tan caramel. I personally think it's hideous. Not only does it clash with my skin tone, it just looks bad. Maybe this would work for others but it's definitely not for me.

MAC Vamplify Lipglosses in "Fab Tested" and "Tuned In"

Last Fall, MAC Cosmetics released their Vamplify Collection and you may recall that I absolutely loved it. The Vamplify Lipglosses are crazy pigmented, high shine colours that pack a punch and smell so good I want to eat them (like amped up vanilla cupcakes... can you say "yum"?)

Back again this summer, seven new shades have been added to the Vamplify lineup, and lucky me -- I was sent two to show you!

Fab Tested is a dusky rose and when worn, a very 90's-style brown shade. Tuned In is a rosey nude and perfect for a neutral "my lips but better" look. I can already see rocking both of these for Fall... in fact, they remind me of those popular Kylie Jenner lip kit colours except not matte.

Find the new Vamplify shades online and in stores until August 25, 2016.

Romp Around

Wow, can you believe it's already August? I'm currently recovering from the long weekend (mine was partly spent on the Sunshine Coast boating and BBQ-ing before heading back to Vancouver to take in the Pride festivities). The weather has been hot and it definitely feels like summer is in full swing now.

P.S. Check out my feature on this week's Getting Ready Report Beauty Interview where I talk about my top 5 beauty products!

Romper: Forever 21 / Sandals: Roberto Vianni

Bag: Monserat De Lucca (here) / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (here)