The Perfect Up-Do's

I can't even count the amount of times I have rocked horrific up-do's. I look back at pictures and I can't stop laughing. At the time, I thought they were chic, timeless, and super on trend. Boy, was I wrong. I think that happens with everything though; fashion, hair, + beauty change and evolve that it makes the pictures you look back on seem out of date. What is cool now, isn't always cool a few years down the road!

Lately, the trend for weddings or events is very simple hair - usually left down, natural, and not fussed with. What happened to getting a really great up-do? I think if you do the proper research and find a style that works with your dress, face shape, and hair - an up-do can look really nice instead of leaving your locks free. I think the key to a good up-do is a confident hair stylist, do your research (so don't just pick out an up-do from a magazine or ancient hair book from the salon you just walked into for the appointment), leave your hair un-washed so that it is easier to manage, and lots of moveable hairspray.

Up-do's don't need to include 100 bobbi pins anymore. They can be simple pony-tails, braids, or top-knots. 

For your wedding are you wearing your hair up or down? What are your bridesmaids doing? 

How to achieve the messy hair look

I love messy hair. It is my absolute favourite look. Messy hair can look so good, almost as if it was meant to look like that. Hey, even Coco Chanel had untidy hair at times that formed dreads. It's true. So if Coco can do it, so can you!

Some options to acheive the messy hair look:

1. Don't comb your hair

2. Go to bed with your hair wet

3. Use surf spray

4. Tease your hair at the roots and ends

5. When using conditioner only do so on the ends and avoid the roots

6. Try not to wash your hair every day

8. Braid your hair for a messy wave

9. When putting your hair up keep it loose and pull pieces out

10. Just leave it

Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Beauty Resolution #2

So many times I mean to get a manicure or plan on painting my nails and then I run out of time and just paste a clear coat on my nails. Not this year, this year it's all about getting fun manicures! Yes, at times I am going to have to opt for a neutral nail (and this is actually on trend for 2013), but every now and then I am going to add some sparkle, metallics, and two-tone manicures into the mix! 

Seems like an easy resolution to tackle.

Yesterday, I wore lipstick in order to be in keeping with beauty resolution #1 - and what I have learned so far about lipstick is: You need a liner to go with it. It helps frame up the lip and make the lips more plump. I didn't have a liner for my lip colour I wore and it made my lips look a little wonky in shape. 

Image Source: Harper's Bazaar

Fashion & Beauty Resolution #1

It's a new year with new possibilities! I'm not one to make resolutions per say, but I do like to think about how I can shake up my fashion, style, and beauty when a new year presents itself. For the remainder of this week - I'm going to share with you my fashion & beauty resolutions for 2013.

My first beauty resolution is: WEAR MORE LIPSTICK

My plan is to wear lipstick more often. I'm not one who really ever wears lip gloss, chap stick, lip stick - I basically have been ignoring this area of my face with my beauty regime. This is the year that I am going to give it a whirl - I plan on trying different shades, brands, and any other lipstick variations that are out there!

I will report back on my faves, not so faves, and any other lipstick findings I may stumble upon.

Images: Harper's Bazaar

The key to beautiful a skin

I've always considered myself someone with troubled skin. I get cursed by black heads, zits, and often can't seem to keep my face balanced and under control. I've tried hundreds of products and nothing seemed to work. They either dried out my face, made my skin red, or had the reverse effect they were supposed to. 

Face and skin care is very important - and I am happy to say I am now a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. I even add in some exfoliating too! I am so thankful that Jacob & Sebastian exists in Toronto - because Joel (the owner) is very knowledgeable about face and skin care and introduced me to all the products above. 

Since I've been religiously using all the products above I am getting complements on my skin. Seriously, people have noticed the changes and I have too. I rarely get a break out, my pores are pretty much non-existent and my skin has gotten brighter. I've also converted a bunch of friends and they are experiencing the same results as I have.

Here is my regime:

Every morning:

I start by washing my face with the enzyme cleansing gel, then use a cotton pad to apply the aloe lotion to my face, then apply the oil-free moisturizer (let this set) and finish off with ceramide herbal eye cream.

Every evening:

I alternate between the enzyme cleansing gel & the Paul & Joe Facial Gommage (exfoliater) to wash my face, then use a cotton pad to apply the aloe lotion to my face and then finish off with either oil-free moisturizer or the Vitamin C Serum (this product is so amazing - all I can say is, BUY IT!).

Every day I use the MOR Basil & Grape body scrub. This scrub leaves your body so soft - but is gentle enough to be used daily.

Side note: At my engagement party I wore a tank top and every time someone brushed my arm from a hug or what not - they couldn't believe how SOFT my skin was & it's all because of this body scrub!)

To protect my face and body from the effects of the sun - I use COOLA products. They are mineral based and organic. They leave your skin feeling great, oil free, and protected when in the sun. These two products aren't cheap - but well worth it! 

There you have it folks! I have now told you my beauty secrets and the key to flawless skin. 

If you want to get on the bright clear skin bandwagon - go visit Joel at Jacob & Sebastian. He as two locations, one in the Distillery District & one at Queen & Bathurst.