July 8, 2013

Embellished

After many long hours, my new apartment is finally starting to come together... which means I can actually start enjoying summer and all the activities that come along with this wonderful season. Like weddings! Thankfully this Chi Chi "Regina" dress came along at just the right time as I'll be attending one at the end of the month.

The embellishments were what caught my eye immediately - I just love the variety of beads and gems. The pattern also acts like a built-in necklace which means I won't be loaded down with heavy accessories at the end of the night. After all, you know how sweaty those dance floors can get!

Dress: Chi Chi (c/o) / Heels: Mossimo (similar) / Clutch: Rachel Zoe (similar)
Bracelet: Fine Finds (c/o) 

July 3, 2013

Insta-Beauty: AVON Fiji Paradise, Lise Watier Something Sweet & Sun Destination, Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa Masks, London Drugs Fall Cosmetics Preview, and Philosophy Turn Back Time

In reviewing some of my recent Instagram snapshots, a common theme emerged: beauty, beauty, and more beauty. So without further ado, here's a product-themed round-up!

Summer collections, as I mentioned in this post, have been simply amazing this year and AVON Fiji Paradise is no exception. I've especially been loving the All-Over Face Powder (a gorgeous gradient blush) and the new Speed Dry+ Nail Enamels (Teal Appeal is the perfect pedi colour).


Lise Watier, one of my favourite Canadian brands, has also been churning out some really interesting products lately. Their new perfume, Something Sweet, is a gourmand scent that's actually quite fresh at the same time. The fragrance is exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart, with a roll-on set to be released next month. Rounding out the collection is the adorable macaron-inspired Sweet Lips lip balm which comes in three flavours: Berries, Chocolate, and Pistachio. Yum!


To keep my Hawaiian tan alive, I've been using Lise Watier's limited edition Sun Destination Collection. The Sun Bronzing Powder is gigantic and reminiscent of some much more expensive Guerlain bronzers, plus the Illuminating Bronzing Gel mixes well with makeup bases to give a nice glow.


Montagne Jeunesse, a drugstore staple brand, has been my go-to for skin pampering lately. The new Clay Spa masques are infused into natural bamboo fabric to allow for deep cleaning without the typical mess (once you're done, the clay gently lifts away with the fabric). Supplementing these masques is the new Exotic Fruits collection, which contains "freshly squeezed" ingredients and smells delicious.


In addition to testing out all of these wonderful products, I've also been busy attending a few fun beauty events/product launches. Here's a peek at what I've been up to...


London Drugs Fall Cosmetics Preview

London Drugs sure knows how to throw a party, as those of us invited to their Fall Cosmetics Preview quickly found out. Whisked away on helicopters, we were flown to a private airplane hangar where we got the scoop on the upcoming product launches at London Drugs (trust me when I say there's a lot to get excited about).


Representatives from many different beauty brands were present to give makeovers, tips, and demos. We also got a chance to play with the new products before they even hit the shelves. For a beauty blogger, this was seriously like being a kid in a candy store!

Here are just a few of the things you can look forward to seeing at London Drugs over the next few months:

Mineral Fusion nail polish, NYX, Maybelline

Revlon Skinlights, Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza, Maybelline Fit Me Stick Foundation, Layla Pro Nail Polish, Annabelle Twist Up Lipstick


Philosophy Turn Back Time

Last week, I also attended the launch of Philosophy's latest product, Time in a Bottle. This age-defying serum is formulated with a breakthrough DNA renewal complex and high-potency vitamin C8 activator (which you mix in yourself using a mini funnel). I'm consistently impressed with Philosophy so I can't wait to try out this product.


Phew, that was a jam-packed post! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more of my beauty updates - my username is @alison_elle.

July 1, 2013

FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel: Canada Day Nails

HAPPY CANADA DAY! I wish I could be BBQ-ing and relaxing today but unfortunately I have spent the entire long weekend packing/moving, making countless trips to furniture stores, and trying to come up with a suitable organization system for my new apartment. So stressful. So not fun.

But hey... at least my nails are showing a little spirit!

Layla Pro in GB31, Essie Blanc, AVON Nail Art Enamel in Reviving Red


I've clearly been on a bit of a nail art streak lately (see my recent pastel rose & stripes manicure and nautical nails) so when the Fashion Magazine Beauty Panel was challenged to create some patriotic nail art, I had to participate. Check out the full post here.

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