Friday, 31 August 2012

Most Worn Things: SUMMER EDITION!!!

With Summer gearing down to an end, I thought it would be kind of fun to narrow down some of my FAV products that I used this summer!  Not to mention all the YouTube videos floating around....yes, yes, I will be posting mine this weekend ;-)  But in the meantime, I thought I would hit pen to paper and put it on here for y'all.

The Tag:


1) Most worn nail polish

Without a doubt, my most worn nail colour was Essie's Penny Talk from their Mirror Metalics Summer 2012 collection.  It goes on absolutely beautifully and is such a gorgeous bronze colour with hints of pink pearl.




2) Most worn scent

I first discovered my Summer's favourite scent while at my daughter's preschool.  For a nanny, this lady looked pretty fabulous with her magenta lips and leopard wedges!  All I know is she smelled so heavenly, like Cupcakes and Coconuts, I just had to ask her what she was wearing.  She said  in a very strong Spanish accent "Cake", winked and walked away.  Despite the strange interaction, I was determined to track it down.  I found out it was a brand exclusive to Sephora and it was pretty reasonable.  I purchased the Cake "Indulge" perfume as well as the Hi-Light body lotion and have been in love ever since.  Even though I will be packing it away for the fall season, I will miss it's delicious and pretty scent. 




3) Most worn hair product

Without a doubt, I will have to say my Morrocanoil Light I purchased at a hair show at the beginning of summer.  Seriously, if this stuff wasn't as expensive as it is, I would consider bathing in it.  I use it when I get out of the shower, even before I wrap my hair in the towel, for kind of a deep conditioning effect.  I also use it after I have finished flat ironing my hair to add a beautiful shine and finish.  I don't know if it's just me, but I think this stuff smells AMAZING.  I even use it on dry patches of skin and my dogs pads of their feet!  Can't say enough about it....OBSESSED!!!


4) Most worn bag

This falls into the steal of the summer category!  I purchased my Baci Couture Oversized Brown leather purse from Shoe Company for $29.99!  I just love the feel and texture of this bag.  I adore that it looks glam with it's gold accents and trendy with it's subtle tassells.  Super big and tons of room made this the perfect bag for toting everything from sun lotion to my new little puppy, Owen!  Absolutely FABULOUS!



5) Most worn shoes

Sandals obviously!  I picked these lovelies up at Payless for around $25 and have worn them pretty much everyday.  It doesn't hurt matters that they match my Baci bag (above) perfectly!  Super comfortable and go with everything.  I think it's just fabulous that they look like a Gladiator sandal but not as overwhelming and adorned. 


6) Most worn accessory

I found a bunch of super cute accessories this summer, but my fav would have to be this Owl ring by Minicci.  I believe it was around $10 but looks like it's worth so much more!  I love the stretch band feature and the colours in the owl went well with my "bronze goddess" look this summer.  Not ready to put him away just yet ;-)


7) Most worn clothing item

Apart from the usual uniform of jean shorts, slouchy tee and Bob's, this dress from Old Navy got worn A LOT!  I could dress it up with a belt, heels and some bangles or dress it down with a pair of sandals and nude make-up.  Needless to say, I love this dress.  I purchased it for around $30 and have definitely got my money's worth!  I am a big fan of fabric and this felt just so comfortable and soft.  The tie-waist accent lent a very slimming silhouette, and who doesn't LOVE that!




8) Most worn foundation

Although I did test out quite a few new foundations and powders this summer, I have to say my favourite is still the Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Foundation/Concealer/Primer/Sunscreen.  I usually order mine from The Shopping Channel so I get a bunch of other products included for the same price!  I wear the colour tan and it looks amazing.  Super quick and easy to put on, your skin looks flawless and airbrushed in a matter of minutes.  The fact that it acts as a 4-in-1 really saves a lot of time as well.  However, the thing I LOVE MOST about this product is that it feels like you have nothing on!  Who doesn't hate going outside into the blazing hot sun with a foundation mask slowly making it's way south!?  Not me!  Great for your skin, you can practically sleep in this stuff!  But don't ;-)



9) Most worn blush/bronzer

For anyone that hasn't tried The Balm Cosmetics, you don't know what you are missing!  Yes, their products are on the more pricey side, but they are AMAZING (said in a singy cheery voice).  Aside from the adorable retro packaging, the colour payoff on all their products is fantastic.  I bought my Bahama Mama bronzer just a few weeks ago and am obsessed with it.  It really does make you look like you just got back from vacationing peacefully in the Bahamas for 2 weeks, no lie!  It is a very matte bronzer, which I prefer, and use it as a contour and bronzer (depending on the look of the day).  I picked it up from London Drugs for around $20.
 
 


10) Most worn lip product
 
If it weren't for my addiction to YouTube and one of my beautiful beauty guru's, Casey (itsbl0ndie), I would have never found this summer fav.  I have to confess, I haven't purchased a lipstick from Revlon since I was about 16 (I think the colour was Toast of New York-some of you may remember that one, lol) But gosh have I been missing out!  This colour is super moisturising and just the perfect soft nude.  It doesn't make you look all ghostly like some nudes tend to do.  I picked it up from Walmart for under $10 and if it wasn't the last one I would have bought at least 2 more!  Totally recommend this one.
 
 
 
 
 

11) Most worn mascara

A girl can never have too many mascara's, but lately I have only been using this one!  It's the Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara.  I was a little concerned about the flexible wand, as I usually like to be able to control the pressure, but I had no problem reaching every single lash.  It is a gel mousse formula which leaves your lashes soft and ultra lush, not sticky and spiky like some of its counterparts!  Really affordable, I picked this up at Shopper's Drug Mart for around $7.
 
 
 
 

12) Most worn eyeshadow

Just one word: NAKED!  Urban Decay's NAKED palettes finally made their way into my make-up collection this summer.  Long overdue if you ask me!  Everything from the packaging, to the selection of colours, to the pigmentation and longevity, these pallettes are a MUST for any make-up lover.  My favourite most worn colour is probably the colour Buck from the NAKED 1 palette.  It's a matte medium brown and just STUNNING!  You can purchase these at Sephora or off E-Bay (like me) for around $40 each.  Worth every penny and then some!

 
 
Thanks for reading my Summer Favs!  It was a lot of fun to write about and I look forward to recording my first YouTube video in the coming days on this blog.  Please don't forget to comment as well as Like my facebook page www.facebook.com/50ShadesOfFabulous.
 
Tiffany xo
50 Shades of Fabulous

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Blonde and Beyond: Caring for Blonde Hair

Blonde and Beyond: Caring for Blonde Hair

carrie underwood 2
 
Do blondes really have more fun? I believe so, although I am slightly biased on the matter ;-) I love blonde hair, I mean I have tried my plethora of shades and styles, but usually revert back to blonde in order to satisfy my inner goddess. The trouble with blonde hair though is it tends to act out more. Due to bleaching and highlighting, hair becomes dry, damaged and dull and requires a lot more care to look as sleek and shiny as our brunette counterparts.
 
Here are some tips and tricks to caring for your blonde:
 
Blonde hair is more fragile then darker shades and tends to look more dull and frizzy. Ensure you are using a good colour shampoo every day to not only preserve your colour but also ensure hair looks shiny and vibrant. I really love Kerastase reflection bain chroma riche shampoo.
 
To avoid dry, brittle hair, use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week, twice if you dye your whole head blonde. I have been using the Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask all summer and LOVE what it’s done for my blonde.
 
Brassiness has to be my worst enemy. Luckily I have learned ways to avoid it, like using a purple shampoo every week. I really like the one from Aveda, a little pricey but smells AMAZING and works wonders on eliminating brassy blonde.
 
To add vibrancy and luminosity back to your blonde, use a shine serum/oil such as Kerastase elixir ultime. Infused with a bunch of good-for-your-hair ingredients, your blonde will look ultra shiny and healthy without weighing it down and looking greasy.
 
Most of all, don’t wait too long between salon visits! Blonde hair is high maintenance, and although worth every effort, needs to be done on a regular basis to avoid the unintentional ombre effect.
 
Thanks for reading!!!!!! I LOVE hearing all of your comments and questions, keep them coming!
 
Tiffany xo
50 Shades of Fabulous

Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Hair Trends for Fall 2012

It's that time of year again....FALL!  Time to trade up the flip flops, bronzed skin and beachy waves for military boots, chunky knits and polished curls. 

Whether you are sad to see summer go (self confessed) or glad to embrace the cooler, cozy days of fall, here are the sexiest fall hair trends to get you there in style!

Fall Trend #1-Mega Volume


They say, "The higher the hair, the closer to heaven." and I couldn't agree more.  Big, Beautiful Volume is super sexy, fun and simple to achieve.  Seen gracing the catwalk at Chanel and Nina Ricci, this look checks all the boxes as far as trend goes.  Whether it's adding a little volume to a chic side braid or going all the way with mega watt volume and curls (above), this look will be sure to dazzle!  To achieve flawless supermodel curls, as pictured above, try using the Nume Curling Wand 32" after teasing and set with a finishing spray to hold.
 

Fall Trend #2-High Bun

 
I am absolutely loving this trend already!  Lauren Conrad hit the nail on the head with this super cute slicked back messy top bun.  Absolutely a multi-tasking hairstyle, the high bun is great for Day with simple matte make-up or glammed up at Night with a pair of crimson lips.  To best achieve this, pull hair into ponytail while head is upside down (find this helps with positioning better) and wrap hair around base.  Secure with bobby pins or a pony tail and finish with NuMe's Miracle Shine for super luminous tresses better suited for fall.
 

Fall Trend #3-The Sidepart

Elegantly chic and simple to do, this gorgeous polished style was a hit on the runways of Calvin Klein, DKNY and Alexander Wang.  If this look is totally new to you, you may have to spend some time "tricking" your hair into its new position.  While still wet, blow dry hair into place with the AMAZING Jenni Ionic Dryer from the Jenni Rivera Collection, focusing first on bangs, then the crown.  It is so important to use a good quality dryer that seals in moisture and cuts down drying time using infrared heat, after all this is your hair we are talking about people!!
 

Fall Trend #4-Bangs

 
Eyelash grazing fringe was all the rage for Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B show and Hollywood is quickly following suit.  Bangs are the quickest and sexiest way to vamp up a boring style and does miracles bringing the attention to your eyes.  An absolutely perfect way to welcome fall!  Although heavy bangs do require regular trims, the payoff is huge as bangs are an accessory in themselves!  Best worn with sleek, straight hair, use NuMe's Petite Flat Iron for effortless styling of small pieces like bangs and layers.
 
For more information on any products mentioned, visit numeproducts.com.
 
Want to learn more top trends, beauty tricks and fashion finds?!  Leave a comment below or subscribe to my blog!
 
Thanx Loves,
 
Tiffany xo
50 Shades of Fabulous