GETTING MY GLOW BACK

 
Winter Skimcare.jpg

After what seemed like an endless period of super-heavy makeup, I, for one, am happy to see that skin is back in in a major way. Various makeup brands have been releasing more lightweight products that are geared towards enhancing natural skin, most notably Rihanna’s FENTY and blogger-turned-mogul Emily Weiss’ Glossier. I say dewy, fresh-faced looks will be the trend this summer, and I’m sooo here for it.

I’ve always been diligent about taking care of my skin and I’ve stuck to pretty much the same routine since I was 15: hydrate, moisturize and sun protection. I’ll add that I’ve been very fortunate to have always had naturally dewy, glowing skin but these days, it seems like my tried and true skincare regimen is just not cutting it.

 For the past few months I’ve noticed by skin has been quite dull and just...blah! And right after I turned 30 at that! Mind you, the winter months tend to be particularly harsher on skin, especially here in the land of eternal winter. Having said that, I do feel like my skin is not just as...fresh as is usually is.

Are my days of youthful skin over? Not a chance! I’ve decided to give my skincare routine a bit of a switch-up. Here’s what’s been helping me to get my glow back, just in time for spring!

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced NIght Repair

night repair.jpg

This night time serum works while you sleep to help the skin’s natural renewal process and reduce signs of aging. This cult classic had a brief stint in my skincare routine but now it’s here to stay. I pat a dime-sized amount into my skin before bed then follow with my night time moisturizer. After a couple of uses I can see a difference in how radiant and supple my skin looks after waking up. Love it!

GLAMGLOW Flashmud Brightening Treatment

Glam glow.jpg

I feel like this brand has been making the rounds on social media which was why I was initially hesitant about trying it. Well you can add my name to the long list of fans because...it works. For me, at least. I noticed brighter skin after only 2 uses of this product. It also leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth and silky.

OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum

truth serum.jpg

I’ve been using this day time serum for about a month now and I absolutely love it! I’m a huge proponent of Vitamin C in skincare so this product was right up my alley. It’s loaded with Vitamin C which boosts collagen production; it also has antioxidant properties which help to prevent premature skin aging- yes please! I also love that it’s non-greasy and gets absorbed into the skin really well. I top this up with my day time moisturizer.

MARCELLE HYDRA-C ENERGIZING GEL

I’ve been using Marcelle products for about 14 years now. I love that it's a Canadian brand, and I just love the simplicity and efficacy of their products. Which is why when I decided it was time to switch up my moisturizer for something with a bit more punch, I knew I wanted something else from the Marcelle line. I chose this moisturizer because, again, it’s loaded with Vitamin C and E to really keep the skin hydrated. I also love the gel consistency of the product which is absorbs easily into the skin and leaves it feeling so refreshed. My only qualm about this product is that it doesn’t have SPF – but it’s so light that I can easily add my La Roche Posay SPF 60 on top and I’m good to go!

What are your winter skincare faves? Let me know in the comments. 

 

 

WINTER WONDERLAND

gold-and-black-outfit
zara-gold-top
holiday-party-montreal
holiday-party-look
black-lace-skirt
black-dress-lace-sleeves
black-dress-slit
embellished-black-clutch
black-party-dress-lace-sleeves

It's not winter for another 10 days or so but it sure feels like it in my neck of the woods. And I'm none too thrilled. What can I say, I'm an island gal through and through. I am, however, super excited for the holidays! I feel like everyone is just so much happier around the holidays and there is such a festive atmosphere as it gets closer to Christmas. Of course, the holidays often entails a lot dressing up and a lot of spending. I decided to forgo the spending part (at least on holiday party outfits) and dug around my closet to put together a couple of holiday party looks and voila! Two perfectly party-ready looks that cost me zilch! Ok, the gold top I got from Zara on Black Friday but it was an absolute steal at $30 with a 30% discount! Couldn't pass that up! 

What do you think? Yay or Nay? Let me know in the comments!

Love, A.

 

FALL LUST LIST

I seriously can't believe it's almost mid-September already! I feel like the summer flew right by! As much as I'd like to hang on to summer for just a tad longer, I'm kind of looking forward to fall. The crisp air, changing leaves, and stylin' and profilin' in some gorgeous fall pieces. I've put together a few key pieces  to help me transition those staple wardrobe pieces into fall. I'm loving deep, rich colours, comfy knits and suedes.

What items are you adding to your fall wardrobe? Let me know in the comments!

Bisous,

Alicia

ZARA JUNKIE

 
zara-denim-skirt
montreal-blogger
montreal-blogger
public-desire-wrap-around-pumps
ruffle-top

ZARA RUFFLE TOP (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR HERE)/ZARA DENIM SKIRT/PUBLIC DESIRE TIE-UP PUMPS

So if you've been following me on Instagram, you may have noticed that for pretty much all my style posts, I hashtag 'zara junkie' and that is because...well, I am a Zara junkie. I looooove Zara. I know it's good to switch it up from time to time but honestly, if there was any one brand that reflects my personal style, Zara would be it. I can always, ALWAYS find something there and they have such great styles and tailoring for the price point. I can get that luxe look without breaking the bank. AND they have amazing sales!  This sweet little top was a steal at only $9.99!

Bisous,

Alicia

 

 

DENIM CUTOFFS

 

ZARA DENIM CUTOFFS (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR HERE /MASSIMO DUTTI SILK SHIRT /NEW LOOK MULES/ANARCHY STREET SUEDE CHOKER (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR HERE)

Is there any one article of clothing  that says summer like the perfect denim cutoffs? I don't think so. I loved the juxtaposition of the frayed denim against this delicate silk button-down. These block-heeled mules pulled it all together for the perfect summery casual-chic look.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Drop me a comment!

 

DATE NIGHT: JEANS AND T-SHIRT

 

ZARA MEN'S T-SHIRT/FASHION NOVA JEANS/ZARA CROSS-BODY/MICHAEL KORS WATCH/ALDO SANDALS (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR HERE)/SHEVOKE SUNGLASSES

Last night Julien and I headed out for a well-deserved night on the town. We haven't been on a date since we got back Thailand. In February! We were so excited to leave the Bubs at home and enjoy each other's company and just feel like a young couple! I think it's so important to make time for date nights. Especially after kids! 

I opted for a no fuss jeans and tee combo - the consummate girl next door look. I styled it up with some nude heels, a cute cross-body bag, a chunky watch and my Shevoke mirrored sunnies that I'm OBsessed with. They'll definitely be in heavy rotation this summer.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Bisous,

Alicia

BEAUTY BASICS

If the layout of my blog is any  indicator, I'm quite the minimalist. Simple but effective is my approach to pretty much everything. My beauty regimen is no different. I'm a creature of habit so I find something that works and I stick to it. These are the staples of my beauty regimen that  keep me feeling and looking my best.

1. The fountain of youth elixir hasn't been discovered yet but good old H20 is as close as we can get to it. Water does wonders for the skin and the body, in general and as you know, healthy skin and a healthy body starts on the inside. I try to get at least 6 glasses in every day and I'm sure my water intake is a huge contributing factor to my clear skin.

2. I never leave my house without slathering sunscreen on my face. I am not about that wrinkle life! Not yet, anyway. I love La Roche Posay's SPF 60 which protects against UVA and UVB rays. I also love that it's so light and is easily absorbed into the skin.

3. As a child, my grandmother would give me a teaspoon of cod liver oil every morning before school. I'd just pinch my nose and swallow but little did I know the amazing benefits. I've been taking cod liver oil gel capsules for about 10 years now as a daily supplement. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids help to keep my skin looking supple and dewy among a host of other health benefits. 

4.  Exposure to the elements, stress and other external factors can leave the skin feeling and looking dry . A good moisturizer helps to keep the skin hydrated and dewy.  I'm a moisturizing maniac - I will never leave the house or go to sleep without applying my moisturizer. I've been using Marcell's Oil-Free Multi-Defense Lotion for about 10 years now. I've tried other moisturizers intermittently, but I always keep coming back to this one. It's super light, non-greasy and it has SPF. 

5. On days when I don't feel like wearing make-up but still want that 'beat' look, I just throw on red lipstick . I discovered MAC's Ruby Woo about 8 years ago and it's been my absolute favourite lipstick ever since. It's just so flattering on and it stays put, literally, all day. 

6. Mascara is a must for anyone who likes to keep their make-up simple but polished. I've been using Maybelline's Great Lash since I wasa teenager but it's still a staple in my make-up bag, If I need to go out and I look like something that washed ashore, which is quite often the case, I throw on a hat, a bit of mascara and some gloss and I'm good to go!

Hope you enjoyed this post! What are your beauty staples?

Love and Light,

Alicia

SPRING LUST LIST

Although we are more than a month into spring, it hasn't felt much like it in these neck of the woods. I was literally at my wits end a few weeks ago with the weather. There is nothing I hate more than grey skies so now that it feels like spring has finally sprung, I've got a little pep in my step and I'm looking forward to FINALLY shedding those winter duds.

I'm absolutely loving crisp whites, nudes and pastels and pops of colour for the spring. Here are a few items I'm planning on adding to my wardrobe this spring,