Best Lipsticks of 2018

Lipsticks are on their own level, am I right? At any given time if you open my purse you are bound to find a minimum of 7 lip products. I just have favourites for everything! I can't help it. There is no way I could incorporate them into my beauty round-up post since I am beyond addicted to skincare, too. 2018 served up a lot of lippies. Silky, shiny, plumping, matte, stick, tubes, pots, wands-- and the list goes on. In fact, I am spilling my purse right now to scour through them all to bring you the most used, the most loved and the most impactful lipsticks I tried. The shells may be cracked, dirty and fading, but that just means they are the best of the best, right?

Here we go, the best lipsticks of 2018:

Firstly-- A little lip prep:

Boosh Lip Plumping Balm
A perfect peppermint balm, natural and made with organic ingredients! I am hooked on this little stick. The peppermint is so invigorating and I love how hydrating the formula is (thanks to the beeswax). Recently, I've been trying out more lippies from Boosh (Dusty Rose is a serious contender for the best pastel pink!). I also love that Boosh is a local company and the products are produced with local ingredients. Plus, the container is aluminum and not plastic!

Buxom Va-Va Plump Shiny Liquid Lip
My go-to, no matter the shade! I did a whole video on these because I love them so much. The hydrating formula plumps your lips,  are long-lasting and they shine so magnificently without getting sticky or smudging. And I don't normally love a shiny lip, but something about these makes you feel like you're ready for the red carpet. Beg for Mauve and Boldly Go are two of my favourite shades. Apply the Buxom Big O for some serious plumping! I can't even count how many of these I used in 2018. A favourite, for sure!

BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Lipstick
This is my Buxom counterpart for matte lips. I especially love the silky smoothness of this formula. Luxe is a dirty pastel pink which is in my purse every single day! I can't get enough of the texture since it goes on like a cream but has a matte finish. They also smell like vanilla cake, which I am obsessed with. Even the red shares are so deep and long-lasting. Gen Nudes are also found in shiny versions, so make sure you're sourcing out the liquid lipsticks for the gorgeous matte finish.

Lipstick Queen Nothing But The Nudes
A more recent discovery for me which I love! And the name says it all... Queen is right! I first fell in love with the "Nothing but the Nudes" collection, which is the creamiest collection of nudes. The colour is rich and pigmented. This can be hard to come by with nudes as they are typically so sheer. I've been wearing "Hanky Panky Pink" all fall! I especially love how they are packed with vitamin E to make them hydrating and smooth.
Spoiler alert: The Rear View Mirror Lip Lacquer collection is launching Spring 2019, and prepare to fall head over hood (they are inspired by the feel of a new car)! I love how easy this application is, the lacquer glides on perfectly. You can line the lips and then fill them in all with the same stick. Lately, I've been loving "Little Nude Coup". These are going to be such a hot release for 2019.

Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip
Oh baby, do I love these, too! They are an amazing price point so you can literally stock your shelf. They recently came out with 5 additional bold shades which I have been loving. I always get asked what I'm wearing when I wear these. That is because the colour is striking, it is extremely matte, ultra pigmented and it does last hours. They contain rosehip and beeswax so they are super duper hydrating and long-lasting. Also you can't beat the angled applicator to really shape the lip.

I think matte was my go-to look this year...

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
No 1- Le Rouge. It is the ultimate, BEST red. The formula for this creamy lipstick is absolutely divine. My lips could be dry and cracking and the minute I apply this, all is healed! The staying power on this lipstick is also revolutionary. Eat, drink, sweat... it does not budge! Plus the gold sparkling case is an added bonus. Luxe, glam and worth the hype!

Do you need a little extra lip care? Check out my top beauty picks for 2018 for two lip must-haves!

Some of my other all-time faves are Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury, Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lips, NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment and L'Oreal Colour Riche Ultra Matte Lipstick.
S H O P T H E P O S T :

{ top left to bottom right: wearing PIXI, YSL, bareMinerals, Buxom }

BUXOM Va-Va Plump + Video

First of all, can we just laugh at my attempt of a swatch? I love how I'm like running out of space on my arm and going every which way to get all the shades in... lol. I tried. I also ended up with lipstick all over my shirt! Moving on... Are you a matte or a shiny lipstick kind of girl? The past few seasons we have been just FLOODED with matte liquid lipsticks and I didn't think I would ever go back to anything but matte. I love the matte look, how precise and flawless it is. But (and I can't believe I'm saying this), I am starting to really dig the wet, shiny look. It's the season of lip tints, gloss and shine, girls! I like it because it looks just a tad bit messy but natural and effortless at the same time. It says "oh, just a swipe on the go", doesn't it?!

{wearing BOLDLY GO}

Buxom is the latest to release the shiny goods and not only are they extremely pigmented and hydrating, they plump up your pucker! You know Buxom is queen of plumping and they packed these guys with peptides and hyaluronic acid to give you that luscious lip. Always start with the Big O. It's Buxom's plumping lip balm that basically enhances your natural lip colour and plumps to the max! It also contains beeswax for softening and menthol for cooling and adding in that freshness.

Back to the Va-Va Plump... Twenty shades of long-lasting, loveable lippies. They don't feel sticky at all and feel ultra luxe and hydrating. My faves? It's so hard to choose! I am obsessed with Honey Do and Beg for Mauve for my everyday nude look. Russian To You is the perfect pastel pink, while Pin Up Plum is berry-licious.  I just can't choose...

What do you think of the latest in shiny lipsticks? Do you think it's here to stay, or will you be headed back to matte?

Check out my latest VIDEO testing out four of the fab shades!

S U B S C R I B E H E R E !

S H O P  T H E  P O S T :

Products were given as a PR sample, however, all opinions are my own!

Summer Statement -- Bareminerals Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolor

I can't seem to get enough of matte liquid lip colours... especially when the colours are so bold and feisty. Has anyone ever described a lip colour as feisty? Well, the whole Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolor collection by bareMinerals is SO feisty! The boldest shades (10 to be exact!) of pinks, reds and berries to take with you on all of the summer's adventures! For me, liquid lips are so much easier to apply on the go, but I also prefer a matte finish, so when I dove into this new collection by bareMinerals I was hooked! Don't get me wrong-- I love a good lipstick, but there is something so effortless and simple about a swipe of liquid.

The formula of these bad boys is just like bareMinerals Gen Nude Collection. Since I had never tried any of the lippies from this collection I had no idea what to expect. I now feel like I need the whole line of Gen Nudes!! The felt tip and angled applicator makes for precise application, which is seriously key to get in the corners. And since I don't have 5+ minutes to apply lip colour, I can appreciate the fact that these have a built in primer to counter any bleeding. The texture is beyond creamy and get this... they do not dry out your lips! Trust me, I know how gross dry or sticky lip colour can get, but thanks to the moisturizing ingredients, your lips will feel silky smooth and light. Did I mention, they smell divine?! Like cookies!

I love that bareMinerals also released 5 new Under Over Lipliners to compliment the Statement colours. They really lock in the colour and help with the long lasting effect. One application lasted me through yesterday's date night-- pizza, a bottle of rose kombucha and extreme humidity. I noticed the inner lip area had lightened a bit, so to keep up with the boldness I reapplied. No big deal for me since the outline was still intact.  Luxe is the prettiest mauvy, pastel pink, Shameless is electric hot pink, Flawless is plum perfection and VIP is the ultimate in pinky red. I was having way too much fun swatching the shades and made a new piece of lip art. LOL. What do you think? So, frame worthy!

I'm wearing the Under Over Lipliner in "100%" with "VIP" from the Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolor collection. If lipstick is more your thing, bareMinerals also released 10 glossy shades of full coverage lipstick. Check out their Statement Luxe-Shine Collection.

Are you just as hooked on liquid lippies?! Will you try out the Statement collection? Let me know your thoughts.

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Holiday Red & The Perfect Accessory

This tree farm has been around for as long as I can remember, and I always pass by wanting to stop in and stroll through the tree-lined, wooden reindeer covered paths. It's the ultimate Christmas set up! This year I finally got around to checking it out and it was packed with families picking out the perfect tree. I had to fit in by wearing my Christmas best, and this outfit is the ultimate Christmas Eve or holiday party look. It's comfortable, classy, but also a tad glam.

Christmas time is the one time of year I really embrace red. I'm not really drawn to the colour any other time of the year (except for a bold red lip), but there is something about this time of year that gets me feeling all festive! And I love glamming up a holiday outfit with a swipe of red lipstick. It's the perfect accessory, and there really is a shade that works for every woman. I think I've finally found mine! It's this one by Charlotte Tilbury. It's a deep, bold red, which I love since it doesn't have any blue or orange tint to it. Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are beyond luxurious. They just make you feel sexy and sophisticated! The one from the Matte Revolution collection really emphasizes the shape of your lip, and it's super long lasting (which is essential). I used this velvety lipliner to really shape my lips and ensure it lasts for hours! Paired with some billowing, bell statement sleeves, that I have become obsessed with, and a gold clutch, it's become my go-to holiday accessory!

What's your go-to red? Do you have one?

SHOP THE POST:

What I'm Wearing:

Simons mock neck knit (similar), Forever 21 skirt (similar), Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Red Carpet Red and lipliner in Kiss 'n' Tell, Oliver & Piper earrings, Kate Spade clutch (similar), Topshop booties (similar)

Spring Beauty

Every once in a while I come across beauty products that I absolutely love. From skin care to make up I love trying new things, but when you end up picking up the same products over and over again you know it's time to share. Since it can be a tad intimidating to try out new products, especially when they are practically an investment, I'd thought I would break down some of my current favourites and hope to help you decide if they are right for you.

What: NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Whipped Caviar
Why I love it: The shade of muted plum was exactly what I was looking for. It goes on so smooth and stays on for a hours without drying out the lips. This drug store find is a steal and rivals my MAC lipsticks.

What: NYX Cosmetics Wonder Pencil
Why I love it: Concealer, eye brightener, and universal lip pencil. It's a trifecta of a pencil and the perfect evening clutch essential.

What: Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Face Palette
Why I love it: This 4-in-1 seriously does it all; highlights, contours, illuminates and adds a dash of colour. I had been on the hunt for a face palette for a while, and this one stop, lightweight palette sold me right away. I love that it is cream based which means I can apply it using my fingers (aka I didn't need to buy a fancy brush), and that the colour is completely build-able. I purchased #20, for light tones, and am amazed at how well it blends! I may not contour everyday however I have been getting so much use out of the highlighter and shimmer creams!

What: Shu Uemura Wonder Worker 
Why I love it: This hair product is a multi-tasker since you apply on towel dried hair and leave in for either air-drying or blow drying. I don't always want to blow dry my hair so I love that it styles and finishes my hair without the need of a blow dryer.  It leaves my hair so silky and soft, bonus- it smells divine!

What: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo
Why I love it: It's paraben and silicone free and doesn't strip the hair of necessary, natural oils. It leaves my hair super soft and the smells so light and fresh.

Have you tried any of these? I'd love to hear your experience.

What to pack: Las Vegas

After a busy Thanksgiving weekend I jumped into an even busier week of midterms, so it goes without saying that I am so, so excited to be heading to Las Vegas tomorrow! I will be attending the inaugural Life Is Beautiful Festival which not only incorporates music, but also food, art and learning. I'm just picturing an ample amount of food trucks, live music and some Cirque du Soleil acts taking over the Fremont Street area! I really can't wait to see how this comes together, not to mention how pumped I am to be able to mix up my wardrobe in a more glam meets festival kind of way. This is my second trip to Sin City (as an adult), so I thought I would put together some wardrobe essentials and all around tips on what to pack for the craziness that awaits you.

Vegas is the place to have fun with your wardrobe and accessories. I would say all sparkle all the time, but I can't forget about the bandage, jewels and leopard. This is the time to wear that bejewelled black dress you wore once on New Year Eve, or the gold sequin ensemble you have sitting in the back of your closet. With that being said, you can still stay within your comfort zone and true to your personal style by not letting the hype get to you while in Vegas, i.e.: I won't be the one wearing 6 inch heels and a full face of makeup at the pool. If there is one place where you can wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, it's Vegas. Just remember: show girl is a profession and you don't need anyone getting you confused with the dancers. 

Do not forget:

Lipstick- As you can see I love to accessorize with lipstick. If you are going out right after dinner lipstick is key to illuminate any outfit. For this trip I am packing my most vibrant, fun shades: Lady Danger, Hang Up, and Lady Gaga (all by MAC). 

Stick on bra- You may think you're not the type to get on a table and shake your tail-feather but Vegas can bring out the inner wild-child in anyone. Since I love anything with an open/detailed back, it is essential that nothing falls out of my dress. Also, stick on bras ensure your temperature is concealed. This may be Vegas but we can still be classy.

Bandages and insoles- It really doesn't matter how seasoned you are with high heels, your feet have seen nothing until you are walking the strip and dancing until sunrise. It's worth it to invest in a pair of flats that can fold and fit in a clutch- you will thank yourself. 

With all that being said, remember to have the time of your life (also to be safe), because there really is no place like Las Vegas. 

Follow along on Instagram for updates! 

Blush Blouse

It should come as no surprise that I am just as much a fan of wearing pastels in autumn as I am in spring and summer. First off, I adore the dreamy shades of mint, pink, lavender, peach and (sometimes) yellow, but I also love how they soften heavy fabrics and really bring out femininity in a different way for fall. Not to mention I can continue to wear my spring favourites! This pastel blouse has become a serious transition piece for me, and I have found myself wearing it quite often- to class, running errands, and even going out. Check out three looks below, and my tips for styling pastels in fall.