Category Archives for Makeup & Skincare
Tutorial: The 1 Minute Princess Bun
It’s easy and requires no tools, pins, heat styling, or hairspray. You’re welcome.
This is the simplest, quickest updo hairstyle in existence. All you’ll need is your hair, a few fingers, and a thin elastic headband. Yup, you don’t even need a brush. (more…)
Halloween 2013 Costume 2: Audrey
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite classic films. It stars Audrey Hepburn and takes place in New York in the sixties. Plus, it’s so beautiful and romantic. What’s not to like?
For this year’s Halloween costume, I decided to dress up as Holly Golightly, Audrey Hepburn’s character in the film. It’s one of Audrey’s most iconic roles – and outfits. (more…)
Halloween 2013 Costume 1: Belle
Update (2018) – there’s a newer, better version of this costume here!
Look. I know that Halloween is supposed to be about all things spooky. But the thing is: there are so few times we get to dress in costume, so when Halloween rolls around, I use it as an excuse to go all-out as one of my favorite fictional female characters. I guess that’s more cosplay than Halloween. *shrug*
Usually there are two opportunities per Halloween to dress up, so I reuse last year’s costume for one of them, and come up with a brand new costume for the other. Last year I went as Hermione Granger (a repeat from the year previous), and Belle, from Beauty and The Beast.
This year I did Belle (in her blue dress) and one other character. But you’ll find out about her in a few days. ;) (more…)
My Nightly Skincare Routine
This is probably my number one most requested post. Some of you seem to think my skin is flawless, and while this is extremely flattering, it’s (unfortunately) an illusion created by the use of makeup & good lighting.
I’m fortunate enough not to suffer from cystic acne or any other skin disorder, but my skin isn’t perfect either. I have blemishes all the time!
With that said, here’s my nightly skincare routine. (more…)
Sephora Makeup & Perfume Haul
I’ve been very, very bad.
But in fairness to me, this haul was a long time coming. I checked my blog archive, and I haven’t done a Sephora haul since the end of April! (more…)
Tutorial: The Perfect Red Lip
Whether you’re going for a classic pin-up look, or just want to spice up your makeup, the perfect red lip is a staple.
I love wearing red lipstick on days I’m feeling a little drab. There’s something about it that just lifts up your spirits and changes the way your carry yourself. (more…)
Yes To… Drugstore Hauls
Drugstores are a dangerous place for me. I always end up browsing through the aisles, knowing there’s something there I should be buying. And in the process of searching, I end up finding a few other things.
Yesterday was just such a day. I went in to re-purchase my favorite lip balm, and went out with my bag stuffed full of drugstore goodies. (more…)
Product Rave: Airbrush Legs
I have had this stuff on my shopping list since forever, but somehow always manage to forget to buy it when I’m at the drugstore. Last week I finally bought myself a can, after hearing and reading so many rave reviews of it. (more…)
The Hit List: Best Red Lip Products
Ah, the red lip. A statement of femininity for decades. I love wearing a red lip, both in the evening and even during the day sometimes, to perk myself up when I’m feeling a bit drab.
Here are my top picks for red lip products, from pencils to lipsticks to glosses, and everything in between. (more…)
4 Deceptively Easy Updos
Fancy-looking updos can be daunting. And if you’re a hair novice, many of them, while beautiful, are just a little bit too complicated to replicate.
But never fear, Sara is here! (hee hee.) Here are four simple as heck hairstyles that take under five minutes each. All you’ll need are a handful of bobby pins, a clear rubber hair elastic, and maybe some hairspray if you need the style to last. No heat, styling tools, fancy combs or equipment required.
Tutorial: Berry Stained Ombre Lips
If you’ve ever longed for natural-looking flushed lips that look like you just devoured a bushel of blackberries, then this tutorial is for you. (more…)
Tutorial: My Everyday Soft Cat Eye
I’ve gotten a ton of requests to do a tutorial on my everyday eye makeup, so here we go! This soft, slightly smokey cat eye is the eye makeup I do pretty much every day (though sometimes I skip a few steps to save time), both for daytime and evening.
I find this style of eye makeup most flattering, because it isn’t too obvious but makes your eyes look bigger and more awake, and your lashes fuller.
It may seem like a lot of steps at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can bang this out in under five minutes. (more…)
A Gatsby Affair
Tonight I went to see The Great Gatsby – my most anticipated film of the year. Baz Luhrmann is one of my all-time favorite directors, and Carey Mulligan one of my favorite actresses; so when I heard the two were coming together on this project, I was thrilled. (more…)
My 10 Favorite MAC Lipsticks
I love MAC lipsticks. They’re good quality, long lasting, come in a range of colours and textures, and make up the majority of my lipstick collection. I do use (and love) a variety of other brands, from drugstore to high end, but I thought I’d share my top 10 best MAC lipsticks. (more…)