Winter Rescue: my favorite winter beauty products!

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

If you're anything like me, you definitely struggle with the winter weather. I always find myself drinking a bunch of water, trying to combat the de-hydrating cold! Over the years I've also found several products that help keep my lips, hair and skin hydrated and today I've decided to share those with you! Enjoy!

Anti-static spray (here
Bounce "dryer sheets" (usa here, cad here)... located under the spray*
John Frieda "frizz-ease' leave-in conditioner (usa here, cad here)
Aveeno body moisturizer (usa here, cad here
Aveeno "skin relief" shower gel body wash (here
Dove 24h 'powder' anti-perspirant (usa here
Carmex lip moisturizer (usa here, cad here)
Chanel "hydra beauty creme" (here)
Lush "pearl" massage bar (usa here, cad here)

Hair
Anti-static spray and dryer sheets, are definitely unconventional yet successful ways at taming "fly-aways" and static in your hair. Just spray it on the ends of your hair (not too close), or gently "comb" the dryer sheet through you hair, and this will solve your static problem in a matter of seconds! I also use "leave-in" conditioner (specifically the one from John Frieda) for added moisture. Although I also use "regular" conditioner while in the shower, leave-in conditioner is a great way to add lightweight moisture. I like to spray it on my ends to combat static and cold weather induced split-ends.

Body
I absolutely love the Aveeno products in the winter! Aveeno products are great since they are of higher quality, reasonably priced and can be found at the drug-store! I use a larger bottle of the moisturizer on my body, and the one pictured above on my hands. I love the way that it dries and treats a variety of  skin related issues. I use it in combination with the shower gel, and my skin feels even more moisturized that it does naturally in the summer months!

I included my favourite Dove antiperspirant in the photo. I actually use this year round, however have found that it holds up great throughout the winter months! In addition, I've tried several antiperspirants but have always found that the Dove brand is the most moisturizing out of the typical drug-store brand.

I've recently taken a liking to Lush products. I was actually given this massage bar as a gift and have recently purchased others! This is essentially an extremely hydrating soap bar with a wonderful smell. I like to alternate this with Aveeno shower gel, and use it every other day.

Face
I have been using the Chanel "hydra beauty creme" for years, and it is hands-down my favourite winter moisturizer! This is a pretty standard Chanel facial cream, and works for several skin types. I have combination skin in the winter months and therefore certain parts of my face become horribly dry. This cream is very "build-able", which helps in terms of keeping my oily facial areas lightly moisturized and my dry facial areas heavily moisturized. Since it is easily build-able, I would say that it can also be used by those with normal skin and those with slightly dry skin.*

In the winter months I am always using some sort of hydrating lip balm. For this type of weather I especially like to use something "medicated" for added long-lasting moisture. The Carmex lip balm is a great option for winter hydration. I also like the chapstick medicated lip balm.

*Fun Fact: Many Chanel beauty products sold in the United-States are fabricated in the United-States, yet Chanel beauty products sold in Canada are shipped from France. For this reason many Americans purchase their Chanel beauty products from Canada for "authenticity".


What are your favourite winter beauty products?

Cold Weather Study Days

Friday, January 8, 2016



Blouse: Lia Rose (similar here)
Pants: Madewell 'skinny skinny' high rise jeans in "black frost" (here)
Vest: The North Face 'nuptse 2' down vest in "tnf black" (here)
Boots: Nine West "velika" riding boots (here)
Scarf: La Fiorentina "wool & cashmere" scarf (here)
Bag: H&M handbag (here)


Bracelet: Tiffany "return to tiffany bead bracelet" (here)
Ring: People's Jewlers diamond and sapphire ring (similar here)
Lipstick: Chanel rouge coco hydrating lipstick in 88 "esprit" (usa here cad here)


I  completed my undergraduate degree in Canada, so I have experienced my fair share of cold weather! I also studied in a pretty intense program, which consequently led me to purchase clothing that was both comfortable and warm! The outfit above consists of a typical outfit that I would wear throughout my undergraduate degree, in the colder months. 

I purchased this North Face vest and this tote from H&M on a whim, but instantly became obsessed with them and wore them often! I have worn the bag to death because I find that it is the perfect size to hold my laptop, a binder and my personal items, such as my wallet. In my undergraduate degree I usually drove to campus and parked relatively close to my classes, so I could get away with wearing a vest a majority of the time. If the weather was colder, I would often switch into my favorite French Connection wool coat (similar here... I usually order a size smaller in the "boyfriend" style coats/jackets). 

The boots above are by-far my most favorite casual pair. Riding boots are perfect for day-to-day wear, and definitely "fit-in" the university/college setting. In addition, the scarf I'm wearing above is also made of a quite versatile material that can be worn outdoors and indoors - I usually don't take my scarf off at school. I was never a fan of wearing sweat-pants to school and often opted for a dark wash jean such as this black one, and to pull it all together I would frequently opt for a nicer blouse. In the colder months my lip color would always be of a darker shade, and I always kept my jewelry quite casual as well - I like to wear a few small pieces of finer jewelry simply for their durability since, as a science major, I washed my hands frequently. I also often wore my hair up since I had to do a lot of laboratory work. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I look forward to checking in soon!


What are your favorite pieces to wear to school?


Sparkle in the New Year!

Friday, January 1, 2016


Dress: Aidan Mattox (similar here, long-sleeve version here)
Shoes: Aldo silver peep-toe pumps (here)



Clutch: Forever 21 (similar usa here, cad here)
Bracelet: unknown (similar here)
Earrings: unknown (similar usa here, cad here)
Lipstick: Chanel "rouge allure 99" (here)

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful year and I wish you many more fabulous ones to come! This year was rather monumental for me. I finished my Bachelors degree and I essentially supported myself financially in my first "real job". As I reflect on this past year I can definitely say that I have changed! I learned some valuable lessons and I really feel as though I took a big step "into adulthood".

Nevertheless, I wanted to share with you my celebration outfit. I definitely did not shy away from the sequins on this one, however considering the occasion, I feel as though I'll fit right in! I actually did not put on much makeup tonight, however balanced things out by opting for a bold red lip. I am looking forward to spending the evening with my fiancé and family and reflecting on our all the blessings that we have had this past year!

What kind of New Year celebrations do you take part in?