e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick and Shimmer Gloss Review

I have a serious makeup addiction. Lip stuff especially. It's truly an illness....a fabulous illness, but an illness nonetheless! Elf is one of my favourite budget brands and I recently purchased a few of their moisturizing lipsticks from their Studio line and their shimmer gloss. I thought I'd share my impressions with you guys and show some swatches since it's pretty hard to come by Elf stuff in Canada.

Lipsticks: Cheeky, Wink Pink, Ravishing Rose, Velvet Rope
Glosses: they don't have names

LIPSTICK PROS
- They are quite moisturizing (all day moisture!)
- They have some great colours + the best tomato red I've tried out of all the drug store brands!
- They have decent pigmentation and staying power
- They cost only $3 each online (or $4 at Target Canada)

LIPSTICK CONS
- The online swatches aren't super accurate

GLOSS PROS
- They smell yummy!
- If you're going for a natural look, these would be good
- It was only $5 for 4 colours

GLOSS CONS
- They aren't very pigmented
- They feel kind of like a gooey balm, not really a gloss

So as I say in the video, I would definitely recommend the lipsticks but not so much the glosses unless you want a super natural look, which you could also get from a tinted lip balm. If you're looking to purchase online, www.eyeslipsface.com often has sales up to 50% of or free shipping deals, so check often! Not that you really need to justify spending the money. It's really worth it for the lipsticks!
                                                                       

Sunny and Sweet

Top: Joe Fresh / Shorts: Lux via Urban Outfitters 

There's nothing better than a sunny Sunday where you're free to enjoy a good old fashioned day of rest. On this day I went for a variation of my favourite classic and casual summer look, denim shorts and a girlish white top. I know that shorts can be very tricky when it comes to fit but here's my secret. My method for finding the right pair is always looking for something with a little bit of a high waist and also going one size up. I don't like the shorts to be too tight around the booty, but that's just me! Happy Monday Frockers!

Well Hello Summer!

Zara jeans / Garage top / Thrifted hat and sandals

Just hanging out in the sun after a nice brunch with my girl, Jackie. I went a lil crazy with the bright jeans and the colourful floral top but the summer weather calls for such vibrance. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Bouquet of Bloopers Take One

I was filming another video for you Frockers and while I was editing it, I realized...well I realized a lot of things. Number 1, I make a lot of weird faces when I talk. We'll call it charming and leave it at that. Number 2, I have a real potty mouth sometimes...and number three, I LOVE MAKING BLOOPER REELS!

I thought I'd share this with you guys before I post the real video (an e.l.f. moisturizing lipstick and shimmer gloss review). I actually like this one better.

                             
Happy Wednesday Frockers!        
                                                                        

Flower Power

Photos by Kyler Kelly

H&M top/J Brand jeans/Globo wedges/Aldo handchain/Orange Avacado bracelets/Vintage necklace/Old jacket & aviators

It's a day I look forward every year. My annual trip to the farmer's market to buy some blooms for my little garden. Maybe some folks consider the first nice day of the year to be the start of Spring, or the first day they can wear sandals. For me, Spring isn't here until I make that trip to the market and leave with an armful of the sunniest flowers. It's the day where I can finally be confident that the danger of frost is over. What a day!

And the perfect attire for a day at the market? This delightful circle crop top I recently got at H&M. The crop top trend is still going strong and I love the extra element of flouncy fun in this one! I'm sure I've said it before, but I'll repeat it again: if you're not so confident about your middle bits, pairing a crop top with a nice high-waisted bottom is an easy way for anyone to enjoy this fabulous trend, well into the summer.

Happy gardening!
                                                                     

The IRIS Experience

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the IRIS eye care center to perform a thorough eye exam and learn more about their products and services, particularly the new SPY Happy Lens sunglasses. Because I've never worn prescription eye wear or had any trouble with my vision, it had been a very long time since my last exam. I immediately accepted the opportunity and was amazed by the entire IRIS experience.

As I walked into the IRIS boutique, I was kindly greeted by Vincent, the optician waiting for me at the front desk. Without further ado, I was taken to begin my tests promptly, no waiting whatsoever. The first two tests were simple pre-tests performed by Vincent, the optician, who also made me fill out a quick questionnaire. The questionnaire serves to help evaluate visual demand in your daily activities, your eye health history and any hereditary diseases that may affect your eye health as well. I was then introduced to Josée, the optometrist, a lovely woman who was going to perform the remaining tests which made up the bulk of the eye exam. What's important to note is that an eye exam is not simply an evaluation of visual acuity, but rather, a checkup on overall eye health. Josée and I performed several tests together including the slit lamp exam, a refraction assessment, ophthalmoscopy, tonometry and a pachymetry test to determine corneal thickness.

The eye exam room at IRIS

When all the tests were completed, Josée was happy to announce that my eyes were in excellent condition and there was no need for any prescription. And now the fun part, Vincent brought me over to the display window for the SPY Optic Happy Lens where I was to choose my new pair of sunglasses.  The Happy Lens is actually a really fun new concept that is supposed to protect you from the sun's harmful rays but at the same time maximizing the transmission of the sun's "good" rays, those that improve mood and well, happiness!

Since I didn't find any in their display that suited me right, Vincent allowed me to browse the website to choose another model. I ended up choosing the Quinn model and I was told they would arrive in about a week. Throughout the week, Vincent called me to inform me of the progress of my sunglasses and then later informed me a few days later when they had arrived. An excellent service once again!

I've been wearing my new Quinn glasses with the Happy Grey Green Lens for over a week now and I particularly like the high contrast of the lens and the vibrancy of the colors as well. These are perfect for everyday use especially when I'm driving. Also I think they look pretty cool! Can't wait to wear these babies on the beach somewhere!

And now here I am looking happy in my new Happy Lens!

A big thank you to Melanie, Vincent, Josée and Maria from IRIS and Spy Optic for this wonderful experience!