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

   

Post Gym Essentials

I'm the type of girl that loves to workout midday. Because of my freelance schedule that usually a possibility, if it isn't...then I get my butt into the gym in the evening. 

But anyways for those of you finding yourself choosing between the gym and something else because you know you will have to look good for it? After having these essentials in your gym bag, choose no more! Look fresh after the gym without carrying your whole makeup bag!

These are a few of my favourites. 

GOSH Fresh Up! Dry shampoo, spray it into your roots & bangs if you've got them. Run your fingers through your roots to make sure all the product is spread out. You'll notice your hair go back to it's original state of voluminous & no sign of grease to be found!

This next one I find to be a GENIUS, it's roll on perfume! I'm very picky with perfume senses, I don't like anything too sweet or strong. The one I'm currently carrying is Torry Burch's perfume. It's perfect and the packaging is pretty too!

All natural Bite Lush Lip Wipes are wipes I cannot live without! These beauties truly get your intense lip colour right off in just ONE swipe. I love wearing intense lip colours but obviously at the gym, it looks ridiculous and wiping with a dry Kleenex just leaves your lips in a stained mess. Then when your done at the gym and want to reapply your lip colour it'll look fresh again.

Last but not least is Arbonne's FC5 Mattifying Powder. Great after the gym because it soaks up oils and because it's light green (green cancels out red) it tones down your red face from all that running and lifting! ;)

This is what I carry with me to the gym and it keeps me looking and feeling fresh!

Nomadic Beauty

How I became an ex procrastinator

As an ex chronic procrastinator I've adapted the phrase "JUST DO IT" 

Why?! Because the longer you procrastinate the more things pile up & the more things you've got to think about in the long run. This past year have adapted these habits (not perfectly yet, but I’m getting there) and I’ve definitely developed a better quality of life. Here are some ways to help you get things done. 

Wake up. Make a list. 

I know how this might sound! But wait a minute,

I'm serious. Take 5 minutes in the morning to figure out what you can

get done that day. 

Instead of keeping all that in your head, here are a few

ways you can organize these:

      - Plug it into your phone calendar and set reminders

      -Write it down in your notebook, where you can cross things off as you get them done

      -Download the app "Anydo", it reminds you to plug things in and set reminders

Create a morning routine.

Create a morning routine that you enjoy. 

Buy a really nice mug that you will look forward to drinking your morning coffee or tea from.

Wake up early enough so that you’re not in a crazed frenzy getting ready to leave your house.

Eat a breakfast you enjoy.

Blast the radio to get you pumped for the day. 

Remind yourself of things that you enjoy and see how you can incorporate them into your

mornings.  (working out, reading, dancing, ect)

Create a schedule. Your schedule.

Once a week, sit down and organize your week.

Give everything that you need or want to get done space.
Create space. Plug it into your calendar.Set reminders. If you want to workout out 4 times a week,
write it into your calendar, if you need to get your laundry done on Sunday, write it into your
calendar. This has helped me tremendously at staying organized and getting more things done in a
day than I thought possible! 

It’s a beautiful feeling!

Stop scrolling.

It’s a sick disease nowadays, it’s a time killer, but also a killer of time. 

Although I claim to mostly use social media for my work and research, I still get caught “late 

night browsing”. That half hour you just spent scrolling looking at other people’s lives? Well 
you just wasted your own when you have been getting things done or ahem sleeping? It’s nice to stop
thinking for a bit but try to start monitoring how much time you actually 

spend “browsing” social media. You might be surprised. 

Keep your promises

But don’t punish yourself when you don’t get around to doing them.

What I mean is that sometimes we like to put a lot of things on that list to get done, and

sometimes we can’t get around to doing all of them. And that’s ok. Don’t dwell on it, just 

reschedule it for another day. And make sure you get them done next time. 

Just do it.

If something small pops up in your day and you have time for it? Just do it. It’ll be out of the

way and one less thing taking up space in your brain. Getting things accomplished is so

fulfilling! You should try it!;)

Wishing all you more quality over quantity in your beautiful lives!

Nomadic Beauty

Winter. One Easy Step to Protect Your Skin.

Everyone's skin takes a bit of a beating in the area of hydration in the winter. Keeping your skin from flaking and getting dry has proved to be a bit of a challenge and taking a bit more time and effort with your skin care routine. Even when inside, the dry heat can be damaging.

Like an answer to my prayers, I came across some advice to use primer in the winter to protect your face. In the winter, I would normally set aside my primer because I don't quite need it because my skin isn't as oily, so my makeup stays in place all day without it. 

As my Torontonian readers know, the past couple of weeks have gone down to -20C, so it was the perfect time to test this theory. Before trying out this theory I would find my skin being more red, irritated and dry than normal because of the cold.

After testing this theory for a few weeks, to my pleasant observation, my skin isn't as dry as before & redness and irritation has drastically decreased. Yet temperatures are still in the minuses!

Everyone has heard of primers, but what are they actually for? 

Primers are used as a base to created a layer between your skin and your makeup for a smoother application, to increase your makeup's longevity and some primers absorb your skin's oils, have SPF protection and some contain antioxidants such as A, C & E or grape seed or green tea extract. 

Most primers are silicone or water based. Some are tinted for colour correction and others can leave you with a pearlized finish. 

It usually takes a bit of time to find a primer that works for you and your skin. I've had a lot of difficulty because more primers cause me to break out, because come can really clog your pores. But I've finally found one that works for me and I've never broken out from and it's Arbonne's Makeup Primer.

 

So there you are my Nomadic Beauty readers, a little titbit for Beauty Monday! 

Nomadic Beauty

Knit on knit on knit!

Feeling the chill today in Toronto -15C! Knit on knit on knit all day! Paired with my fav high waisted jeans from Guess!
On set on vintage shoot this morning.

Beauty Monday: Skin Care, Winter Time, Changing It Up

So the cold and dry air are finally here! Yay!

If you haven't changed up your skin care routine from the summer time you might notice your products might not be working so well for you.

That's because winter is a bit more harsh on our skin. Even if you have an "oily complexion" your skin might be needing a bit more hydration than you think.

Things you might want to consider:

1. You might want to stop yourself from washing your face in the morning. As long as you've cleansed your skin the night before from your makeup, oils, outdoor dirt & pollution that your face has accumulated from the day before, you really don't need wash your face in the morning since all you did was sleep. Therefore instead for grabbing for your face wash in the morning, just splash your face with lukewarm water to wash off the residue of you night cream, so that you aren't striping your skin of your oils. And then proceed with your toner & day cream.

2. Example: If your skin care products are for "oily complexions" you might want to switch to "combination" if your using "combination" you might want to switch for "dry" skin. Really just upping your level of hydration.



3. Once a week do a hydration mask.

4. If you're finding your skin is a bit more flaky when putting on makeup, switch out your foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. And set with a powder foundation if you want a bit more coverage, if your happy with the coverage of the cream then just set it with you favourite setting powder.

Beauty Monday: November Favourites!!!

November is coming to an end, so what better way to end it then to talk about some of my favourites from the month of November. So excited to share with you all!

My number ONE : Formula X Nail Polish, awesome for the on-the-go girl! No chip for at least 5 days. Why do I prefer this nail polish over Shellac or Gel? Because even after you take it off your nails are in perfectly good shape! No wear & tear which is my fav thing about it. It is a 4-step process, but don't worry, it dries super fast! It comes with a Nail Cleanser, Base Coat, Colour & Top Coat.

My number TWO: I did feature this mascara on my blog last week, but I couldn't help myself but post about it again! I absolutely L-O-V-E "It's A Long Story Mascara"! It help grow my lashes, my lashes are healthier than they've ever been & it coats my lashes beautifully! If you would like the full article on the mascara please click on this link: http://nomadicbeauty.blogspot.ca/2014/11/beauty-monday-batting-my-lashes-with.html
                                 


My number THREE: Arbonne's Tinted Moisturizer, as the seasons change my combination skin does become dryer. So before I apply my "Got You Covered Powder Foundation" by Arbonne, I dab a bit of this tinted moisturizer to help with the dryness.

My number FOUR: Totally in love with Josie Maran's Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil. This past month my lips have really taken a beating from the dry weather. And by that I've been trying to stay away from lipsticks that sometimes tend to dry out my lips. So that mean no to colour:( 

But with this Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil I could have a sheer colour while still moisturizing my lips!!! 

P.S I've become obsessed with berry!

My number FIVE: Ok, I CANNOT rave ENOUGH about Benefit's High Brow in Champagne! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Perfect to highlight right underneath the brow and when I need a quick fix in the morning or just have a day of running errands I apply this pencil in my tear duct area to give my eyes a bit more luminosity and finish it off with so mascara EST VOILA! Perfect makeup in 5 minutes. I think this fat pencil has become a staple in my personal makeup. 

That's all for my November Fav's! I'm curious to see what products I'll discover for December! Stay tuned!

Nomadic Beauty

Fashion Thursdays: Stradivarius Winter Collection 2014

Totally digging the creative direction of this video for the 2014 Winter Collection! You generally don't think of the beach when you hear the word winter. Beautiful contrast by the cozy clothes on the beach paired with laid back music that reminds you of summer.

I'm totally loving the laissez-fair attitude with the hair and makeup. When not having to primp during the holidays we all love to be comfortable & cozy, especially once February rolls around. Right? Although I will admit some of those outfits are meant for warmer European winters, but they're still awesome for this in-between season in Canada between fall & winter! Also great for layering up! Which all Canadians know is the best trick to staying warm!

Take a look at this wonderful video created by Stradivarius :

"Stradivarius presents a nomadic and elegant winter collection with a touch of chic sophistication. A proposal that takes place in a white sand virgin beach and little vegetation that highlights the beauty of simple and refined lines of a young, fresh and trendy collection
One more season the tandem of photographers Bela Adler and Salvador Fresneda immortalize the beauty of the models Tess Hellfeuer and Ymre Stiekema, who repeat as campaign protagonists of a winter season full of white, modern and stylish feminine silhouettes." - Stradivarius

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

Something loveable about Stradivarius

First off, let's start off with how much I love their fashion videos. I love film & I love fashion! Stradivarius's videos give you the best of both worlds with their artistic angles paired with models sporting their latest collection. All this with the music they accompany it with? How could you not love their videos?

So I watch their videos for inspiration...and of course pleasure. But one thing that really inspires me is that include the different countries that their stores are in. Stradivarius was started in Madrid, Spain and is now in 57 countries around the world! They interview fashion bloggers from different countries (not just Spain) & show you cool places as well. 

I love to travel & I love diversity! This is one of many reason I've fallen for this company.

Here are a few examples of their videos.

Fashion Blogger from Berlin

Fashion Blogger from Amsterdam

Photographer & Fashion Blogger from Madrid

Blogger from Poland

Enjoy!

Nomadic Beauty

Wool Jacket...something to keep warm with!

I love that Stradivarious has come out with a REAL wool jacket! Now. I know it's just 40% wool, but seriously this stuff keep you nice & toasty! 

I love this jacket because it's perfect for everyday wear & wraps around you like a blanket with a big hood to protect you from the windy city. Going out later? No problem! Throw on a pair of booties & lipstick you're good to go! You'll be kept warm on your way home.

Perfect for November weather, a good medium between your fall and winter jacket. And too be honest if you layer up, you can probably sport this jacket during some of the warmer winter days. 

This jacket is perfect for that on-the-go girl.

Check them out at http://www.stradivarius.com/es/en/

Nomadic Beauty

Benefits of eye cream, the difference between eye cream & face cream.

Regardless of how old you are, skin care is extremely important. Cleansing (especially at night), exfoliating (ONCE a week if you're under the age of 30), and of course moisturizing.

We all know about face creams and more or less why we should use them. But what about eye creams? What's the difference? Until I started using an eye cream I struggled with dark circles under my eyes. Now, along with proper sleep and hydration, I don't need to use concealer anymore!

The skin around our eyes is much thinner than the rest of our skin, which makes it more delicate and prone to show signs of ageing. When the area underneath the eyes gets dark circles or puffy, it is a sign from our body that tells us we are dehydrated or not getting enough sleep. As a result, this area begins to age more quickly. Since it's the only place on the skin that doesn't contain oil glands, they need extra hydration, not only from drinking water, but topically as well. This is where the eye creams come in.

Eye creams contain more emollient than regular face cream (emollients help hydrate the skin and help keep moisture in). They also contain collagen, and antioxidants such as Vitamin C & peptides that aid in retaining collagen. You may also want to use an eye cream instead of your face cream under your eyes because some facial creams can contain ingredients that are too powerful for the delicate eye area. 

Tip: Apply your eye cream a few minutes before your makeup so that it can properly absorb into the skin .

I always recommend that you do research on your skin care products and make sure that they are safe for you. But here are two of my favourite products that I switch between:

I love the RE Corrective Eye Cream! Even though it's anti-aging it's still ok to use it under 30

It's a bit thicker & super moisturizing which I LOVE for the dryer/colder seasons.

I like this one for the warmer/humid months. It's not as thick but still packed with all the good stuff

& meant for the younger generations. 

Nomadic Beauty

Your femininity, use it & embrace it!

“...women were inspired by a mannish way of dressing, but today liberated women realize they can wear skirts and use them as a weapon.” - Oscar de la Renta

This is one of my favourite quotes by the late De la Renta. Why?   For centuries women have been oppressed & men ruled the world. Today, at least in the western world there's more "equality"...This is my favourite quote Because in today's day there seems to be confusion between what feminism means.  For me, feminism as a liberated and radiant woman!  The word feminism seems to have a negative connotation, often tending to an extremist point of view. However, everyone who believes in the equality of genders, is in fact a feminist.

"I think of feminism as a liberated and radiant woman!" - Natalia Solar, Founder of Nomadic Beauty Blog

About a decade or more ago women dressed in more box like clothing (shoulder pads, straight suits, loose clothing) to have more shape of a man as they entered the work force, mostly to get respect from their co-workers (men).

Now that women have a place in the work force & are respected (for the most part) we've relaxed and now it feels like there is an new age coming upon us that is encouraging women to embrace their femininity. This is something that I feel that Oscar de la Renta represented in his designs.

After his death, I spent an afternoon researching about him. The quotes and images that I found are very heart-warming.  His philosophy in his designs were for his designs to let the woman shine and not over power her. He understood the woman body and clearly understood & respected women.

His designs are classic, elaborate & detailed. The elegance is incomprehensible! As a creative consultant and professional makeup artist, my respect comes from knowing the sheer talent and skill level that is necessary to exude the kind of work Oscar de la Renta exuded.

I think a woman embracing her body is one of the most beautiful things to see, and obviously Oscar agreed with me too as he draped women in beautiful gowns that let them shine, which is my exact philosophy about makeup. Let the makeup make you shine, because the focus is YOU, not the makeup itself.  

Feminist or not, it is time for women to stop looking for ways to hide yourself. Instead, find ways to help yourself shine, things and ways to enhance you! You're a woman and you are powerful! Use it!

Deep down, no one wants to see a front, people just want to see the real you. Expression is everything.   So...WHO are you? Do you RADIATE who you truly are?

Most sought-after fashion designer passes. Quick read on Oscar de la Renta

"Mr. de la Renta loved women and you saw it in every design that he did. He honoured women's features, he honoured our bodies. He wasn't afraid to pull back and let the woman be the star of the look."-

Jennifer Garner

At the age of 82, Oscar de la Renta, one of the most sought-after fashion designers, had passed away Monday October 20 in his family home in Connecticut. 

To be honest, until now I didn't quite know anything about him other than many celebrities have sported his beautiful dresses on the red carpet. I spotted this photo on Instagram this yesterday morning and was  totally drawn to it. Not just from the charming photo of him, but mostly from the caption. Two very important & beautiful qualities for a woman to posses.

Reading a few of his quotes  has inspired me to dedicate the rest of the week to this classic designer. So here a bit about him and his life.

Oscar, was born and raised in the Dominican Republic to Spanish & Puerto Rican parents. As a young man of 18, he traveled to Madrid to study art. During that time he quickly became interested in fashion and started sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses and then started working along side Cristobal Balenciaga.

• In the 1960's he dressed first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy & many more after that
• In 1965 he started his company in 1965

Oscar de la Renta was known for his intricate, elegant evening wear & a fashion designer that was conscious of quality.

Here are a few of his wonderfully classic designs:

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???

Why I've fallen in love with Stradivarius?

From their cheekily worded t-shirts, to their wonderful high heels, Stradivarius is the ultimate store to go too when looking for something that's urban yet sophisticated & my favourite...practical! Being a makeup artist, you need practical items your closet!

Since 1994 "Stradivarius makes dreams a reality for all those girls who are too young to dress like their mothers and too sophisticated to dress like Teenyboppers."

http://www.stradivarius.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItxStandardCompanyPage?storeId=54009550&langId=-1&catalogId=50109552

What started as a family owned business with an innovative concept in fashion in Barcelona, Spain. It is now international with stores 877 stores in 57 countries! One of them is Poland and every time I go over I always stalk up on some Stradivarius goodies.

As they say they are for women between the ages of 20-35 (young professionals) you can find things to mix & match to dress up or down or go straight to formal. Not only affordable, but also good quality items is something I really appreciate.

I'm pretty sure that I've received compliments on almost every item that I've brought back with me from Stradivarius. Absolutely in love with their clothing, brand & philosophy.

Check out their lovely "Making Of" video!

Nomadic Beauty

"Types" of red?! Find out how to get yourself started on some rouge!

Let's scratch the "or" and replace it with an "&". It's a perfect day for a red lip and everyday is a good day for confidence! 

BEAUTY TIP: Not comfortable in red? Or think it looks awful on you? There are two types of colour undertones, "warm" toned and "cool" toned. Try a "cool" toned red like MAC's "Russian Red" (my fav) & you might just LOVE it! Let me know how it goes!

Why should I cleanse my personal makeup brushes??? + Clean: Organic Brush Shampoo Review

Whether you are a makeup artist or girl that uses makeup, you most likely have makeup brushes that need cleaning.

WHY do you need to clean your brushes??? 

Other than for hygienic reasons when working on person to person as professional, your personal brushes will build up bacteria. Any liquid makeup in your  brushes will build up bacteria and then cause you to break out because you are smearing that built up bacteria all over you face...I know, when I put it that way it can give you the creepy crawlies.

Now, you may say "But I only use powders" Well, your face has oils right? Even if your face is squeaky clean because you just washed it, your brushes will still pick up some of your natural oils. 

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from my clients is "How do I clean my makeup brushes?"

This video below is how I USED to clean my brushes. Shampoo (regular hair shampoo), condition (regular hair conditioner), and rinse with warm water. Which was a process in itself.

http://instagram.com/p/sBUc33pCB5/?modal=true

But last week I stopped by one of my favourite stores, Blur Makeup Room on Queen St. W and picked up a product called Brush Shampoo.

I tried it out today to clean my brushes after a busy week of shooting and bridal, I instantly fell in love with this product! I grabbed two containers of water, dipped my brushes in one to wet them, swirled them in the Brush Shampoo, then rinsed them in the second container. Left my brushes super clean without vigourosly massaging the life out of my foundation brushes. (Makeup artists, you know my predicament)  

All in all, why do I LOVE this product??? It get's all the makeup out of your brushes, it saves you time on your brush cleaning, it's organic & smell organic (smell like you've just walked into a yoga studio) & just makes life a lot easier! 

Where can you find this awesome product? At Blur Makeup Room http://www.blurmakeuproom.com/products/copy-of-clean-organic-olive-oil-brush-shampoo

Comes in many different delicious scents. Check it out!

Nomadic Beauty

Warm up with a bit of gold.

For today's chilly weather I put my hair into a "no fuss bun" & used my usual lipstick Makeup Forever's Rouge Natural Artist with Smashbox's Divine for a touch of gold.

Of course, sporting my combat boots today.