Belated post

Why have I disappeared from this blog????????????

Because I am currently living in Amsterdam for the month of April, specifically till May 3rd. So before my departure from Toronto I was prepping as well as working pretty much everyday. Maybe had 3 days off for all of the past 4 months. Doing freelance makeup, The Brow House and keeping up with my fitness served me barely any time to blog and get inspired. Along with tax season.....don't get me started about that!

I know that's pretty rad right? So I've been here for a week taking it pretty easy, let's face it as much I love my job(s) I'm a nomads, love to travel and needed to experience new people and new places. So I've done all the touristy things and literally just roamed the city. Can I tell you something, I still haven't experienced mediocre food? Seriously, everything is so good. Not only that I live in the best damn area! Steps from the farmer's market, a walk away from a super cool coffee shop called Coffee and Coconuts (a featured blog on that later) and so close to the city centre you can smell it! (not literally, figuratively) Literally dream location for me! #manifestyourdreamlife

After a week of being here, I'm doing a couple of shoots this weekend, WOOHOO! Super psyched to be working with a talented team. And to be living out one of my many passions of doing makeup & hair.

I've had "me time", traveled, explored. I feel amazing, I even reconnect with a friend I haven't seen in 4 years! It's been amazing so far, I know it's only getting better!

Stay up to do follow my Instagram Nomadic Beauty, as I am always posting, not a an IG fan? That's ok you can follow me on Facebook Founder of Nomadic Beauty Blog and Services!

Sending Love & Hugs! Some awesome blogs coming up soon!
Nomadic Beauty

Why Veil Complexion Fix?

For a day to day basis I don't see the necessity of wearing layers of makeup on your skin. My philosophy is to use makeup as a tool to enhance your natural beauty, not to cover it up. So why am I raving about this concealer?

Why? Because it's not JUST a concealer! It's the holy grail! Ok, ok maybe not the holy grail, but it's pretty freaking awesome. 

Benefits: 

- Hydrating

- Soothing 

- Improves under eye circles

- Brightens dull complexion

- Improves uneven skin tone & colour

- Weightless coverage!!!

Veil Complexion Fix uses Lightfast Technology, which means it bounces off light on the area that you apply it on. Which I love because as a lot of the population, I have hereditary indents (not dark circles) underneath my eyes, that can get exaggerated when I'm tired and/or don't drink enough water.   Regardless they are always there, no amount of cover up can help. So this bounces off light on the area so that it's not as noticeable.

"The ultimate brightening, soothing, and hydrating compound. Our proprietary blend of three key actives is found in all our skin care and color products. It targets melanin production, interrupting its development, preventing additional dark spots from appearing, while calming, soothing, and increasing moisture levels not only on the surface but deep down to a cellular level - leaving skin texturally smoother, refined and more even over time."

I find this product perfect for all ages, it's so light & easy to blend. You can use your ring ringer or my favourite is to use the Mini Beautyblender to blend out product. The one thing you do NOT want to do is rub the product in, you want to lightly tap the product until it is nicely blended. 

You can check out my FULL video on how to apply it on my YouTube channel Nomadic Beauty

   

Beauty Monday: December Favourites

During December I've had some products really stood out! Here they are!

1.  My number ONE is Benefit's High Brow highlighting pencil. Great for highlighting right under your brow for some height as well as in the inner corner of your eyes to brighten up!

My number TWO is Urban Decay's Eye Primer is perfect for your holiday shimmers! Keeps your shadows in place all day & all night! If you feel like going a little bit more natural for a day, this is perfect to apply alone, along with some mascara.

My number THREE is Makeup Forever's Limited Edition Studio Kit, this is a fun one! I love this for the holidays! And you can totally rock these colours for January & February. It comes with some nice natural ones and some really nice fun ones! It even comes with a booklet of which colours to combine for makeup newbies!

These are my top 3 favourites for December! If you'd like to find out about my whole list of December Favourites check out my video here:

 

"These boots were made for walkin'...."

Yes, yes they were!!!

Why I love these boots:

~ COMFORTABLE (I can totally see myself dragging around my makeup case on public transit in these bad boys)
~ All leather:) Not a fan of plastic boots....or smelly feet
~ Sophisticated with a side of edge
~ Wide heel for stability

I was walking around Yorkdale Shopping Center Monday evening with no intention of purchasing anything. (If you haven't been there in the past year and are looking for a good shopping haul, I suggest you stop by.)When I spot the Steve Madden store and walk on in. Spot these boots, ask for my size & they fit like a glove, so I can't say no.
The sales associate I was dealing is was very charming and good at conversing which made the experience even better!

Review on these shoes?! LOVE, LOVE LOVE! As a makeup artist my day off is obviously filled with errands. So I bravely put these beauties on praying they don't need breaking in. I was running around in them all day and they are OH-SO-COMFY!...AND stylish if I might add!;)

Although my style has evolved to a bit more on the conservative "good girl" side I always try to find a way to add some edge to my look on a daily basis with one item, because that's who I am. "Velvet paws hide sharp claws" - Polish proverb ;) 

I ended up pairing these booties with my Stradivarius low waisted light jeans, a silk earth green blouse from Dynamite and rose quartz crystal necklace!

Fashion Thursdays: Classic Knits & Plaid

I just checked out Stradivarius(click on the link to view November's lookbook) and I am totally digging this lookbook for November. A mix of classic knits (MY FAV!) & plaid, which I would have personally never put together. But after skimming through this lookbook I feel like I will venture out into that plaid world! 

 Here are two of my favourite images from the lookbook! I love how the makeup is keeped pretty and simply with some eye contouring & cheek contouring with great brows and lip that just enhances her natural lip colour. Although the November lookbook is a bit more "rough" looking, the makeup balances it out!

Definitely looks like a comfy but fashionable transition into winter!

Nomadic Beauty

Lips are stained AND hydrated? Yes!!!

BEAUTY MONDAY!

Having fallen in love with Josie Maran's products & brand, I LOVE their new Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain & Shine. I had briefly posted about it on my Facebook & Instagram.

I had barely had to touch my lips the whole day, just some extra gloss if anything. At one side of the stick you have a pen (stain) and at the other gloss. Lips were stained AND hydrated all day! You can find it in 6 different colours from nude to red. Perfect vibrant pigment for November.

Good Girl vs. Bad Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22OAQtEFOQ&index=31&list=UU7mg-R8sonGRbOtLYEsy4EA

What I like in this video is their take on "good girl vs. bad girl" because in truth all of us has a bit of both, ying & yang.

Love that Stradivarious gave the conservative look a bit of edge by mixing textures like knit & leather (my favourite!) and pumping up the makeup to give it an editorial edge.
The texture of the hair was also played around with keeping it in the same style (big waves) but giving them a bit more texture for certain looks.

While wearing something conservative, your makeup & hair can be bad ass and vice virsa. Try it out! Play around with your wardrobe, play with your makeup & play with your hair. What's life without a bit of plaisir???

Travel? Europe? Coffee? Yes, please!

Are you traveling through Europe soon? Love checking out new cool places to hang out? I do! Especially cozy coffee shops where I can get my work done answering emails, writing and designing.

Stradivarius has made a cool video on a few cool takes of coffee shops like; you can go get your laundry done and meet up for brunch with friends. Check out this beautifully shot video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLlD7pCANmo&list=UU7mg-R8sonGRbOtLYEsy4EA

Top Things To Carry In Your Purse For Fall

Now, if your like me and generally change your purse on a daily basis, I suggest having a small travel pouch that you can easily transfer from purse to purse.  It's a great time saver for an on-the-go urban girl.

First off, I recommend throwing in a lip balm, especially with the season now changing to colder dryer weather you might experience chapped  lips.  I love Arbonne's "Lip Saver", botanically based & paraben free!

Blotting tissues, are a great way to  touch up in between meetings, gigs or classes. Absorbing excess oil without disrupting your makeup. Remember, BLOT DON'T RUB. Although I don't recommend shopping at the body shop for skin care (read the ingredients) I have fallen in love with their blotting tissues. 

Mattifying Powder, another great way to touch up your makeup. After blotting with the tissues, just dabbing a bit of powder to keep your face makeup in place. Arbonne's "FC5 Mattifying Powder" works best, a pressed powder that comes in a compact with a mirror and sponge. If you are prone to redness this powder is perfect for you because the powder is lightly tinted green which cancels out any redness on skin.

Lipstick, of course if you've applied lipstick that day, toss it in. If it's a pink toned lipstick you can also use it as blush, just dab some one your cheek to liven up your face when nearing close to the end of the day. 

Visine, if you find that your eyes tend to get itchy or red when the dryer seasons arrive throw this little bottle into your travel pouch for a quick fix!

May this helps your transition into fall!

xo

Moderately Transitioning to Fall!

With the cooler weather coming, today I've busted out my booties and ripped jeans paired with an oversized sweater white sweater.

Going a bit back to the 90's to match the ripped jeans I've applied a subtle brown lipstick. And softened the look with a larger curling iron to tame my very textured hair. 

Perfect for a sunny day on the streets of Toronto, spent with an afternoon at a local coffee shop.