Nudist

If there is one thing you purchase this summer make it a pair of nude heels.

I cannot express how happy I am with my recent purchase of a pair. I have never owned a pair of nude shoes and since purchasing them I don't know how I lived without them! They match any outfit, they make your legs look longer and since the heel on mine isn't too big they are also comfortable! I can wear them out at night or to work.

Seriously the best purchase you will make all summer.

Believe it or not, the pair I got were from Zellers! I was on the hunt for some cheap summer shoes, hitting all the regular stops: Zellers, Wal-Mart, Payless.... when I found these nude Alfred Sung Classic Pumps at Zellers for $29.95. They also come in metallic and black (pictured below). The ones I got are at the bottom of this picture. Receive compliments on these puppies every time I put them on.

Loving the nude heel look as much as I am? Let me know!

Summer Leg Ready

I've got good news and bad news.... The good news is , warm weather is finally arriving!!! and the bad news is that your legs are so pale they would blind innocent bystanders. I am so excited to dig into my sun dresses and skirts but first I need my secret weapon. If you know me well, you probably know about my love for Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray..... and you also probably use it now because I made you try it and you loved it too.... Your welcome!

This product is like foundation/bronzer for your legs. Genius! It provides coverage and colour to make legs look tanned and flawless. Covers up veins or bruises while bronzing and some also provide some sparkle for nights out. I've used this stuff on my legs, my arms, my stomach.... And my friend who is a makeup artist admitted to using it on her face once when she ran out of Dior AirFlash (side note: I'm not sure if it is recommended for face use haha).

The trick I found to applying it (to make sure it looks natural and fully blended) is to spray it on your legs or in your hand and then apply lotion to your legs as you blend the two together.

I then let it dry before putting on clothes.

Warning: be careful when wearing white because it could show up.

Happy strutting :)

xo

Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation

It's amazing to me how often new products and new cosmetics companies are showing up these days. Because of this, it is rare that I use the same product for a very long time. There's always something new that I am dying to try which means I am constantly switching up my foundation, my mascara, my lipstick, my blush, all in search of new favourites.

Even with all this variety there is one product that has stayed consistently in my makeup bag for years now which is my Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation in two shades, "Ivory" and "Buff". Yes, I carry around in my purse two shades of the same product. I like to apply the lighter powder to the bottom half of my face and the darker powder around my eyes and forehead. I also need a darker shade for when I have a spray tan and the lighter shade for when I am au naturel (aka very very pale).

This powder provides a great amount of coverage while still looking natural. It also has staying power and is great for removing any shine. The price point is a little more then I'd like to spend on a drugstore brand powder but I still end up always restocking because it's just that good :)

I've tried other pressed powder but they never compare.

Have you tried a great pressed powder? What would you recommend?

Special Thanks

It has been a very crazy/busy last couple of weeks with some pretty major changes going on in my life. I recently started a new position at a Public Relations Agency in Toronto which I am SO excited about! I then quickly found that getting up at 5:45am, driving to the go-station, taking the train, then the subway, working untill 5:30 (at the earliest depending if there's an event after work) then taking the subway, train, and sometimes a bus back to my car, and then finally getting home around 8:00pm at the earliest was not a schedule I could keep for long. Not to mention how ridiculously over-priced the train and subway are!.... I'd rather be spending my money on living somewhere more convenient. So, I immediately started searching for a summer sublet which I was lucky enough to find :)

As of Thursday I will be moving into a condo downtown for the summer. Needless to say I am terribly excited to be spending the summer in the "big city". I will be so relieved when I will have a 5 minute commute to work instead of over 2 hours!

If there's one thing I've learned from taking the go train it's that I am terrible at crossword puzzles and I'm amazing at Sudoku.... somehow they have become the highlight of my mornings.

Working for a PR agency is a new experience for me. I feel like I've now officially covered the beauty PR spectrum. I started off on the editorial side, I then moved on to interning on a PR team, gaining experience working for a huge beauty company with a major focus on fragrance, and then took on more responsibility working in the PR department for cosmetic giant Revlon. I am now gaining experience working for a PR agency which will involve working with a variety of different clients (Beauty, Fashion, Jewellry,Vodka, etc. etc.)

Looking back, I truly feel so lucky to have had the opportunities I have had at 24 years of age. Working for such wonderful companies and with such wonderful employees has truly led me to a career path I love.

I am so excited to buy this months June Issue of Cosmetics Magazine where 4 people I have worked with in this industry are being honoured in the list of Canada's Top 30 Beauty PR Reps. I couldn't be prouder or more honoured to have worked with people that are some of the best at what they do. I have learned so much from working with these amazing women. They have inspired and taught me so much.

In a world where it is quite common for women to not have each others backs, or to put each other down, to not be there for one another as much as they are for men, or to always be competing with each other, I am lucky to have worked with women who have respected me, helped me and who have prepared me for this crazy industry.

Congratulations Ladies! If there's one thing I know first hand it's how hard you all work and how much you all deserve this recognition!

Thanks for everything!
xoxo
Amanda

"I don't have girlfriends that are inconsiderate to other women.

It's all about taking care of each other"

Summer Fragrance Picks : Part 1

Summer is upon us (I hope) and therefore it is time to once again bust out the sweet, flowery, fresh fragrances, perfect for a hot day at the beach, a night on the patio, or a hot date under the stars. I love applying fragrances that I haven't smelt since last summer which immediately bring a wave of memories floating back. Fragrance is such a powerful thing!

So here we go. The first post of my favourite fragrances for this summer. New and old, anything goes! First up: SJP NYC

This may just be the SWEETEST fragrance I have ever smelt. Therefore, I think you will either love it or hate it. But, since it smells so delicious I am betting you will love it. Just in time for Sex In The City 2 (which I am DYING to see), SJP launches another fragrance, which I think is her best yet. The bottle is very cute and fashionable.... but would you expect anything less from Sarah Jessica Parker? The fragrance is fruity, fresh, and sweet like candy. The top note of wild red strawberries definitly stands out. I'll be wearing this fragrance with all my little sun dresses this summer. A match made in heaven :)

For the Fellas:

My pick is Prada Amber Pour Homme. My all time favourite cologne. It's perfect for the summer time. Light enough to wear on a daily basis but it also wont easily fade (which is a bonus if you've been sweating in the hot sun). It somewhat reminds me of the fresh, clean smell of ivory soap, while still smelling very masculine. This cologne could make any man instantly sexier. It's delicious and only gets better over time after it's lingered on the skin for a little while.
Stay tuned.... More to come!

"Where should one wear perfume? Wherever one wants to be kissed" - Coco Chanel

I Love Me Some Pageantry

I'm a sucker for a Pageant... Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe!.....I always imagined one day I might attempt to be in a pageant. Maybe try out for Miss Canada..... untill I realized for most pageants you need to have a talent. At which point I always said "um ya, never mind."

I can't sing, the competitive dancing level I attained when I was younger has now been reduced to a few somewhat unfortunate club moves, I did learn how to play the piano but at this point the only song I might be able to remember by heart is Mary Had A Little Lamb.... which I highly doubt would turn up high scores from the judges.

So, instead I will just sit on my couch .... most likely with a big bowl of buttery popcorn....and watch and judge the pretty, perfect looking girls that have most likely been starving themselves for months and going through hell to look so magnificent! I give them alot of credit.

Last night I caught the Miss USA Pageant and I have to say I was rooting for Miss Oklahoma. After she showed up in this dress for the Evening Gown Competition I thought she for sure had it in the bag. This is definitely one of the most stunning gowns I have ever seen! But, I was wrong. She took second place. First place went to Miss Michigan. Yes, she is also gorgeous but, I thought her dress looked like a boring wedding gown, she tripped during her final walk and when asked how she felt immediately after winning she said "Ask me after I've had a pizza".... Really?...... And worst of all: she didn't even cry!!!! I'm not sure I have ever seen a Miss USA pageant where the winner didn't cry. Whats a pageant without the ultra cheesy ending with the winner bawling her eyes out, the running mascara, the ridiculous wave? I feel jipped!

Anyone else catch the pageant? Who were your cheering for?

"If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain"

IF I WERE RICH

.......This dress would be mine

Camilla Belle at the Cannes film Festival

It's Beginning to Smell Alot Like Summer!

I'll admit it, I change my nail polish colour on a very regular basis. What can I say? I'm a girl of variety. One day jet black, the next a pretty pastel. All depends on my mood, my outfit, the weather, the time of the year.

My top pick for Spring nail polish is Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in "Gum Drop." This lavender/grey shade has been receiving tons of compliments every time I put it on. It looks great and smells delicious! I recommend applying two coats to get the most pigment.

I am in love with so many colours/scents from this new line! Scented nail polish is one of my all time favourite beauty inventions.

They are available for only $5.50!

The Beach scented Lime Green shade actually smells exactly like the Beach.... A mix of sand, sun and suntan lotion. The lime green colour isn't my favourite but the smell alone makes me want to wear it.

The Bubblegum scented bright pink is just a great colour.
For toes, try the greeny/blue Ocean scented or the bright Orange Pop Scented.


Another fav is the bright purple "Grace Icy."

Peach Smoothie

Cotton Candy

Which one's are you wanting to try???

In love with Clinique Bonus Time!!

I've blogged before about my love for Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. It hydrates my skin better than any other cream I've come across. Sadly I've been putting off buying it as I'm trying to save money and I already have alot of other creams that I can use.... which means I can't justify spending $50 on a cream I don't necessarily need.....

Well.... today that all changed.

It's Clinique bonus time and I just HAD to give in. I definitely do not feel guilty considering all the amazing free stuff that came along with it!

I purchased the 50ML of Clinique Moisture Surge which came with a cute makeup bag, Superbalm Gloss in Passionfruit (in a colour I will definitely wear) and All About Eyes.Because I spent more than $26.50 I also received the bonus GWP which also comes with a mini Clinique Moisture Surge!!! Also included: Self Sun Body Daily moisturizer, Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator, Lash Doubling Mascara, Lipstick in "Think Bronze", and another super cute makeup bag.

Sooooo excited about all my new free goodies. So glad I waited to buy my cream! Definitely worth the wait!

Meow!!

Lise Watier Feline Mascara HD is my mascara of choice right now.

It does such a great job in making every lash really black so lashes appear fuller and longer. The brush seperates beautifully making my lashes look like fake lashes.

It is true to it's Feline name. It is excellent at creating the cat-eye effect when applying extra mascara to the outter top lashes. It is also easy to remove which is key for me when it comes to mascara.

Example Below: (and yes, those are my REAL lashes, I get asked alot)

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others, for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness, and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." -Audrey Hepburn

The Lip Stain

I have recently become a very big fan of lip stains. Mostly because the warm weather is here and I have been trying to create a more "natural" spring-ey type of a makeup look. The lip stain is a great way to add some colour to your face without looking "made up."

There is also something really fun about applying what looks and feels exactly like a magic marker onto my lips... Makes me feel like a kid again.

My top pick is the new M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker in "Stylesetter"

The colour stays on longer and doesn't dry out my lips as much as other lip stains.

For a cheaper version of the same product I would go with Joe Fresh Lip Stain in "Candy"

I have also tried Covergirl Outlast Lip stains which I also recommend.

Both of these options provide the exact same look as the M.A.C. lipstain, you just may need to apply it a little more often. If the lip stain is drying out your lips, put a little bit of clear lipgloss over top.

Little Monkey

Doesn't Harley look pretty today in his new little muscle shirt?

Little Monkey, Big Attitude

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

I've always complained that there isn't enough feminine and girly clothes in stores these days.... What happened to flowy, pink, floral, and ruffles? Where are all the tea party dresses and twirly skirts? What can I wear when I want to feel pretty?

I've noticed in the last year or two that the clothes I have been longing for have finally made their way into my favourite stores and it's been getting better and better.
Perfect Example:
The new H & M Garden Collection.

I went into H & M yesterday and it was chaos surrounding this new collection and now I know why!

I narrowed it down and purchased this dress. It's adorable and for $19.95 you really can't go wrong!! And I did feel as though I was all set to go plant some beautiful flowers (hense garden collection).


Below: some other cute items from the collection. There are a number of items I have seen online that I adore, but haven't seen them in stores yet. Fingers crossed that they are on their way!

.... and just when I think my day can't get any better I walk by Town Shoes and come to a screeching halt infront of their Barbie by Town Shoes window display!!!! Was this collection made especially for me? The pink glitter. The gold heels and heart shaped peep toes.... Does girl world get any better than this?

Update: I have since also purchsed this dress:

Seriously! $19.95!!! Are you kidding me? :)

What I'm Loving Today....

I am loving Dove Ultimate Supreme Visibly Smooth Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant in "Nature Fresh." I recently purchased this deodorant and I have never loved the smell of a deodorant more then I love this one. It smells delicious!

Added Bonus: It is also hydrating and is supposed to help minimize the visual appearance of hair over time. I haven't been using it long enough to know if that is true but when I shave alot my under arms can become very dry, which is why I love that this deodorant feels very smooth and moisurizing. I'm anxious to see how this deo performs this summer. Bring on the heat!!

That Special "Something"

Awww poor Tenley.
Just finished watching the Season Finale of The Bachelor. Jake has chosen Vienna, leaving poor Tenley crying and confused.

At least she looked beautiful as she was getting her heart broken. That dress is to die for! Such a great colour and it hangs beautifully.

Now, I know nobody wanted Vienna to win but I have to admit, I understand why Jake picked her. I understand what he means when he says "There was something that just didn't feel right with Tenley" I myself have felt this way before.....when you know someone would be great for you, they are nice, attractive, would treat you amazing, but there's just "something" missing. It's hard to put into words what that "something" is but it's only in comparison to other situations where you felt that "something" that it all makes sense. There have been many times when I wanted so bad to feel something for a guy who I knew would be good for me. But you just can't fake that "something" no matter how hard you try. It's either there, or it isn't. I think alot of people settle for less because they either haven't felt that "something" before and don't know what they are missing, or maybe they are settling because they don't want to be alone.

Either way, I have never been a girl who could settle. In return I have spent more time as a single lady. I've learned that I'm happier being alone then being with a lover and feeling lonely.

When people settle they get bored, and when people get bored they cheat because there's "something" missing. Why not just be single if your not 100% into a relationship? Spare yourself and someone else alot of pain and wasted time.

Because you're not going to find Mr. Right while your wasting time with Mr. Wrong.



On a side note: I can't believe they picked Ali to be the next Bachelorette. I WILL NOT be watching that season. She was the most annoying girl on this season of the Bachelor. Brutal choice. All she did was cry about Vienna and then cry about her job. I want to see someone positive as the Bachelorette, someone who actually deserves it and wont be annoying to watch.

Birthday Beauty

Happy Birthday To Me!! Yup, it's that time of the year again. I am now officially 24 years old. All of a sudden birthdays aren't as welcome as they use to be..... 24 just sounds too old!!

I've posted pictures from my Birthday night out. Here I am with my hair curled and clipped up on one side.

I have lined my eyes with black M.A.C. Fluidline


I've also used Joe Fresh Lipstain in "Candy".

I received alot of compliments on this dress from Urban Behaviour. I love the pretty mauve colour and the bow on the shoulder is my favourite. Also, please note my new booties!! Found them 50% off at Spring :) They are exactly what I was looking for.

OH CANADA!

I have to do a post about yesterdays Canadian Mens Hockey Olympic Gold Medal game. Such an INSPIRING win! What an amazing game and moment for Canada. Also, what a way to end the Olympics!!!
I am a hockey fan, I enjoy watching leaf games and I have watched some of the Olympics but yesterdays game takes the cake as my favourite hockey moment of all time.
What an intense game! Down to the very last second. I really wasn't suprised when the Americans scored in the last seconds to tie the game. But going into overtime I was biting my nails in suspense. That game could have easily went either way.

Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere SIDNEY CROSBY to the RESCUE!!! I tried to send a text as soon as they had scored and I think everyone in the world had the same idea, the text would not go through. I'm surprised the cell phone companies systems didn't crash. If anyone was to get that goal I am glad it was Crosby. To see how happy he was and the celebration after and the relief I think every Canadian felt that we won was definitly priceless.

I can't get over how much Sidney Crosby has accomplished in his life and he is only 22 years old!!! A Stanley Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal? Talk about talent. Not to mention he is a total stud. A guy with that much talent and determination. Totally sexy.











Sidney Crosby is definitly pretty.

Ready for my close up!

I am officially a huge fan of the new Revlon PhotoReady Makeup foundation. For a drugstore foundation it really provides a great amount of coverage which is what I look for in a foundation. Too many foundations out there don't provide any coverage at all. This provides just the right amount, feels super light weight and it isn't greasy like some of the other high definition/photo makeup I have tried.

It contains photochromatic pigments that bend and reflect to illiminate the appearance of flaws. Contains SPF 20, oil free and fragrance free. Great little foundation by Revlon. There is also a powder and a translucent finisher in this line which are both a pressed powder. I'm going through a loose powder phase right now so I haven't tried them yet. When I do I will write about them as well.

Have a pretty Day!

Golden Globes 2010 Beauty Thoughts

This look is one of my favourites of the night. In a world where we are constantly striving for big, volumous hair Kate Bosworth proves your hair can still look fabulous without being voluptuous. The simple braid looks very elegant. The makeup is simple and girly. The rosy cheeks, berry glossed lip and groomed brows make this a perfect look for a date on Valentines Day!

Could this girl be any hotter? I don't watch Mad Men so to be honest I didn't even know who she was until now, but WOW! Major boob envy going on in my head. This hair colour is perfection on her and the red lips surprisingly are a perfect fit with this look. The simple colour of the dress allowed for the dramatic hair and makeup to totally work. A+

So I'm not the biggest fan of boy cut hairstyles on girls but man oh man does Jennifer Goodwin rock this style! She looked fabulous. The simple makeup and the perfect creamy skin really make the dress and the hair "pop." Dying to know what foundation she's wearing. I need!

Love Love Love Sandra Bullock! She seems to always look stunning. I love the hair style, the sultry eyes, and the shimmering cheeks.


To be honest, after seeing Blindside I think she should seriously dye her hair blonde for good. She looked absolutely gorgeous as a blonde.

I am a HUGE fan of Cameron Diaz. I'm liking the red lips with the red dress and the soft eyes. I just wish she had some hair around her face. Her hair pulled back like that is aging her.

I'm not understanding this look at all. The hair is really outdated, along with the lipstick. Someone missed the mark on this one. I do however like the eye makeup and the nicely shaped brows! This look reminds me of how you ended up looking as a little girl when you played dress up with your moms makeup and hair products.

Pretty Pretty! Kate Hudson can do no wrong. She always looks gorg. Not the biggest fan of this hair style but she still manages to pull it off. The eye makeup is my favourite. I'm naming this look the reverse cat eye! The liner seems to go down at the inner corner of the eye. Looks great in this picture. I'm anxious to try out this look.

All kinds of wrong! The pumpkin face is not a good look on anyone. She's gorgeous non-the-less but this look is not her greatest. I think she could have used a darker shade of lipstick and less peach on the cheeks. Also not loving the two toned hair.