In honour of Sibling Day

I sent this questionnaire to my sister Dayna, as she is another one of my biggest supporters of this blog. Even though I have known her for the 26 years of her life, reading her answers was so interesting to me and I learned things about her I never knew before. As sisters growing up together being so close in age, we definitely experienced so much together as children and adolescents and went through the same phases in life together. I would say Dayna was more of a tomboy than Princess Bri, but we did share many similar interests and loved all the same TV shows growing up. It’s so exciting to me how much she has shown interest in my blog and in makeup since I started this. One of the most exciting things that has happened to me this year (I don't get out much) was when after reading my post on the Wet N Wild lipsticks, she told me to go pick out some shades and send them to her. (She lives very far away from me). I had so much fun choosing colours I thought she might like. I’m hoping when I visit my family this year I will do a makeup shopping trip with her, complete with an inevitable trip to Starbucks of course.

 

 

When did you first start wearing makeup?

I think I only started wearing makeup when I was in late junior high or high school…I won’t count the clown face paint I wore when I was five. I started wearing real non four-dollar foundation after I met my friend Melanie at WSU a few years ago and she introduced me to MAC.

 

 

What is your favourite overall brand of makeup?

I have no brand loyalty outside of Apple…lately I buy whatever I can afford that won’t leave a hive or rash on my face. Foundation, I do stick with MAC though. Primer is usually Almay. Ok I have brand loyalty.

 

Where is your favourite place to shop for beauty products?

Besides primer at Kroger or the occasional MAC at Macy’s I actually buy no makeup. If people only knew how old the shit in my makeup bag was. Still rockin’ the Urban Decay Naked palette I bought in Ohio two years ago. And Forever21 lipglosses that are developing weird tinges of colour.

 

One product you can’t live without?

Foundation. Or my hair straightener. I resemble the love child of Weird Al Yankovic and Frodo without it.

 

Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?

I always like how Kate Winslet looks…Mila Kunis too. And Kate Middleton.

 

If you could go shopping with anyone, who would it be?

Kate Middleton. Mostly so I could convince her to be my friend. Or (this is insane)…Emma Swan who isn’t a real person. I love all her outfits. Or Michelle Money.

 

What is your one favourite all-time TV show?

Grey’s Anatomy forever. My cat Izzie Stevens agrees.

 

What is your “Happy Place”?

Anywhere I could have a bunch of rescued pit bulls and kitties running rampant around me. Or in a field with lavender and cows. #redneck

 

What is your favourite makeup product you have bought in 2015?

Well I didn’t buy it but I got a free MAC lipstick finally and I really like the shade. Kind of off purple/pink if that makes sense. About as subtle as MAC can get. (I asked Dayna what the name of the lipstick was and she said…. Snob. Victory!)

 

What is your signature look?

I’ve been rocking brown or brown smoky eye shadow for two years.

 

Favourite colour?

Purple or pink…

 

Any bad beauty habits?

I refuse to wax, shape, thread or color the lines of hair above my eyeballs. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

 

 

Dream job?

Dream realistic job – materials planner for Johnson & Johnson

Dream unrealistic job – run my own pit bull rehab facility

 

Lastly, what are 3 things you would bring with you to a desert island?

A razor …..a canoe I guess to row my way home and my Brita. Unfiltered water sends me into a tailspin.

 

 

Valar Morghulis

Winter Is Coming.

 

In three days that is. And no, it’s not the actual season of winter, although where I live that is entirely possible. Game of Thrones starts in three days and to say I am excited is an understatement. Game of Thrones is tied with The Sopranos as my all-time favourite television show. I am literally obsessed with it. To be honest, I was a closet Game Of Thrones fan for years. I was ashamed to say I even watched the show, much less loved it. I felt like I would be instantly judged as one of those Magic: The Gathering type people who hung out in wizarding stores playing Dungeons and Dragons. I also look like the last person on earth that would enjoy Game Of Thrones, or GOT as I called it to be elusive. I was hooked though. I love this show so much, I get emotionally invested in it. Too invested in fact. But I had a problem. No one knew I watched the show, or was a superfan. I had no one to discuss the events of the precious 10 episodes I devoured every Sunday night for 3 months of the year. I remember when a certain main character was killed off suddenly and without warning two Spring’s ago. I came to work on Monday in a fog, emotionally exhausted from my world that had come crashing down around me the night previous. As I settled into my office, I looked around at the other girls just carrying on, living their lives. LIKE NOTHING EVEN HAPPENED. It was then that I decided to divulge my secret, simply so I could talk with someone about it. Natalie was the obvious choice.

“I-I have to tell you something. It’s really embarrassing. And I just need you to not judge me to my face. Wait till later to do it. It’s really hard for me to talk about. I have never told anyone. And neither can you.” My voice quivered as I quietly whispered to her in a corner shrouded in darkness and secrecy. Wide-eyed, she nodded and agreed, the possibilities of what may come out of my mouth running rampant in her head.

 

“I watch Game Of Thrones.”

 

I think she burst out laughing, probably relieved it was something so minor. (To her.) Upon my weeks (and weeks) of testimony discussing the show, (It came pouring out of me like a geyser. I was so excited I could talk about it with a real live person and not some freak on a forum. Wait, I went on the forum, so that made me a “freak” too. Whatever.) she had decided that she was going to give it a try. Well, she and her husband churned through all four seasons within a matter of a month, two at most. I had gained a partner in crime! We discussed it at great length, and sending eachother hilarious memes over text became a new pastime. Last year, another one joined our flock. I had some friends of mine over for dinner on a Sunday evening, and as the night went on it became clear to me they weren’t leaving my home anytime soon. 9pm came and it was then that I had to reveal my secret to others. The instructions came as follows:

“At 9pm I have something really important happening to me. I need absolute silence and absolute darkness. Not a syllable will be uttered. No getting up to get anything. You stay, silent and motionless on the couch. No questions. No talking. No texting. If you can adhere to these rules you can stay. If you feel you can’t, there’s the door.”

 

Maegen and Jordan are family to me and they were at first taken aback I turned into Psycho Bri, and then even more taken aback when they found out what show I was preparing for. But, they were really good sports about it and obeyed all my rules I shouted at them. Around Christmas time of this year Jordan expressed serious interest in starting GOT right from the beginning and catching up in time for the new season. I am happy to report my GOT wolfpack grew by one and he is now a superfan as well.

 

While the storylines are vast and plentiful, it’s not difficult to keep track of them all. I have never experienced a TV show so well-writted and visually stunning. April 12^th is the big day when Season 5 is premiering. And I shall be celebrating like a Lannister that evening. (GOT Ref… say what?!)

 

I guess my secret is out now.

 

 

Jump on that bandwagon

One of the “Products of 2015” in my world is the Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation. My friend Nicole is a staunch supporter of this foundation and she has been wearing it for years. She started wearing it when it was first launched back in 2010 as she needed something to help her with slight rosacea she was experiencing. It was actually around Christmas time of this year during a shopping trip with her and Natalie that we realized they wore the same foundation. About a year and a half ago Natalie went into a Shoppers and with the help of a beauty advisor, tried every single foundation they had. She hated all of them. Exasperated, she agreed to try the Clinique Redness Solutions as a last option, and instantly fell in love. Both her and Nicole wave that Clinique flag loud and proud, and constantly rave about the merits of this Holy Grail of foundation. I asked them both a series of questions because I was so curious as to why they loved it so much. It is to the point where you can’t even suggest trying another one, as they both Exorcist-style spin their heads around to glare daggers at me and hiss…. greatly offended at the mere suggestion.

 

Why do you like the Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation so much?

Nicole – The coverage is good, it goes on evenly and it feels so much like a moisturizer. I really love it.

Natalie – It’s not too heavy, which is a big no-no with me and gives you a dewy finish. I am all about a natural makeup look, and this gives me the perfect amount of coverage without leaving me feeling cakey.

 

What is your favourite thing, above all, about it?

Nicole – It covers my redness perfectly.

Natalie – It leaves me looking fresh and dewy.

 

How do you apply it?

Nicole – (In a hushed tone) With my fingers. This inspires a “spirited” debate between all three of us… ending with Natalie being so offended she started sprinting down the highway to Sephora, ready to buy Nicole a foundation brush. I kid. (Not really).

Natalie – With a flat foundation brush to apply the product on my face and then using my Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush I buff it into my skin.

 

What made you want to try using this particular foundation?

Nicole – I went to the Clinique counter and asked them if they had anything to help with rosacea. The lady showed me the Redness Solutions Foundation and I have been hooked on it ever since!

Natalie – It was the only one I liked after trying 37 different ones in the store and now I am obsessed!

 

 

Well…. I needed to see what the fuss was about for myself. During a makeup shopping trip with my friend Maegen we both decided to try this foundation and experience it for ourselves. We both bought it for the same reasons…. Maegen said she wanted to try it because Nicole loved it and I wanted to try it because these two chicks (Natalie and Nicole) would not stop talking about it. I should add…. Both girls have BEAUTIFUL skin to begin with. They don’t even need foundation whatsoever, they look like little porcelain dolls. So I was hesitant, because I look like the evil witch from Snow White without foundation on. I NEED heavy coverage. After purchasing it, I’ve worn it on a few lazy weekend days where I was just running errands and I really liked it. Not enough to trade in my Lancome Teint Idole (let’s not get carried away here) but I really liked how it felt on my skin. Nicole was very right, it feels like a moisturizer. And Natalie was also dead on in saying it gives you such a “fresh” look. If you have redness-prone skin and you are looking for a more “natural” look, then I think this is a great option for you. And it retails for around $33 so it’s a lot less expensive than most other high-end foundations.

 

Be right back, just have to break up a fistfight about makeup brushes between my friends.

A Clinique foundation sandwich with Lancome in the middle. I have hot friends.

 

Hello old friend

Since starting this blog, I have been very inspired to go through my makeup drawers and open new products I haven’t tried yet. Well, that was the intention anyway. Although I have been slow to try any new products lately, I have been rediscovering old favourites and falling in love all over again.

 

My Naked palette used to be a staple of mine. Excitement doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I got the call from Sephora that mine came in. I wore it every day for months after I got it, and hit pan on quite a few shades. When the Naked 2 palette was launched I quickly discontinued use of my beloved Naked palette and fell in love with its newer counterpart. Eventually I abandoned both palettes in favour of newer things and they sat for a long time, untouched and ignored. When I moved my makeup into my new storage unit in January I rediscovered so many things I had forgotten about, and the Naked palettes were one of them. About two weeks ago I pulled out the original Naked palette and fell in love with it all over again. The colours are perfect, mostly browns of varying shades and taupes. The texture of the eyeshadows is so creamy, velvety and the colour payoff is amazing. What I love most however, is that you can create a day to night look using only this palette. Recently I met some girlfriends for drinks after work and I was able to turn my more lowkey day look into a more sultry and glamorous look perfect for bellinis with friends using one of the darker shades on the outer corner of the eyelid.

The Original

 

Nars lipgloss in Turkish Delight used to be my go-to lipgloss, right around actually the same time as when I got the Naked palette many moons ago. It’s my signature shade of pink, and I used to wear it so much I actually had to repurchase it a few times. It was featured in magazines for years as a makeup bag staple, but it wasn’t until my friend Michele and I saw a picture in US Weekly of Audrina Patridge (of The Hills fame) applying it at a lunch at The Ivy in Beverly Hills using a Chanel compact as a mirror that we careened down the highway, desperate to get our hot little hands on both above mentioned products. (Our celebrity fascination knows no bounds). I had a few backups in my drawers so I have been wearing it for the past week or so and rediscovering it all over again. I will say, the smell and taste leave something to be desired. I like a good lipgloss that tastes good, or doesn’t taste at all and this one smells and tastes weird. And not in a good way. The MAC lipglosses are still winning this battle.

 

Speaking of Nars, I’ve also been using the Nars blush in Orgasm off and on for a few weeks. This is a shade that works on every skin tone, and is immensely popular because of it. I bought it for the first time almost seven years ago and I think I’ve used about two up in that time. It is another one of my “rediscoveries” as of late.

 

Givenchy Hot Couture is a popular fragrance, and for good reason. When I was getting ready on a weekend morning just this past one, I was in the mood to wear a different perfume than my usual one that day. I have collected so many fragrance rollerballs over the years, but I never wear them. I made it a point to grab one to wear that day and it ended up being the Hot Couture rollerball I chose. I kept catching the odd whiff of gorgeously scented fragrance throughout my day, and was reminded of what a beautiful fragrance it was. Another great rediscovery.

Ain't nobody messin' with my clique

Whenever I want a review of something or an opinion, it is not always the internet or magazines I go to first. I value the opinion of the people I know above all, really. I love the thrill of learning about the people I surround myself with, what they like and what they dislike. It is so fascinating to me. I would much rather see the contents of my friend’s bags than celebrities. I started an informal makeup-related questionnaire that I have asked a few of my favourite people in my life to complete and will be randomly posting them.

 

 

 

I met Natalie almost three years ago when she started at the company I work for. Upon our first meeting it became very apparent that our relationship could go one way, or the other. We had very similar Type A personalities which meant we would either get along well, or hate eachother’s faces. Fortunately for everyone in our vicinity, we quickly became friends. Quickly became close friends, actually. Over a short amount of time she became like a sister to me and with the exception of my son, I have never loved anyone in my life more than her. We have eerily similar pasts, have so much in common and joke we share a brain. We are extremely close, and have shared things with eachother we never have with anyone else. She is the most important person to me, and I have never had anyone support and love me unconditionally like she does. She helped me get though some of the hardest times in my life and has always been there for me, no questions asked. Whenever we are together we never run out of things to say, and can talk about absolutely anything and have the time of our lives just going to get coffee. She inspires me so much, and I love her with all my heart. I would not be who I am today without her guidance and friendship, and she is my biggest supporter. When I told her I was toying with the idea of starting this blog, her support never wavered and she has remained the most important opinion I have sought. Natalie is my very best friend and I am so grateful and fortunate to have someone like her in my corner. She and her family mean the world to me and I am looking forward to rolling up to Starbucks in our scooters when we’re 90 and as we like to say, “ready to f**k s**t up”.

 

 

 

 

 

When did you first start wearing makeup?

I’ve always loved makeup.  When I was 5 or so I would dig through my mom’s purse looking for something to try and sit and watch her do her makeup every day.  However… I would say I was 12 when I started wearing makeup.  You know…  purple lipstick and black eyeliner in excess.

 

What is your favourite overall brand of makeup?

MAC but I am a slave to my Too Faced eye palette.

 

Where is your favourite place to shop for beauty products?

Sephora… the bestest place ever!

 

One product you can’t live without?

Mascara

 

Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?

Kate Beckinsale – She counts right?!

 

If you could go shopping with anyone, who would it be?

Bitch is this a trick question?  You!  Nobody could share my passion for shopping like you can.

 

What is your one favourite all-time TV show?

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!

 

What is your “Happy Place”?

Glass/bottle of wine, stack of magazines and a hammock. Bye!

 

What is your favourite makeup product you have bought in 2015?

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes palette hands down.

 

What is your signature look?

I love wearing a little bit of everything.

Foundation, blush, black liquid liner, mascara and red lipgloss Voila.

Favourite colour?

RED (Surprise!)

 

Any bad beauty habits?

I must confess I don’t use under eye cream… I just use regular face cream which from what I hear is a big no no.  As well… I don’t wash my brushes as often as I should.  EEK

 

Dream job?

I love to dance so maybe a Dancer.  And no… not a pole dancer. 

 

Lastly, what are 3 things you would bring with you to a desert island?

My pictures….wine & music.

Diamonds in the rough

If there is anything similar to a real-life Hunger Games, Winners is it.

 

One of my “Happy Places” involves me slowly perusing the clothing racks and treasure-laden aisles of the Winners located near my house. It is my favourite location, and it is where I have unearthed many of my most prized finds. Winners purchases could be likened to “diamonds in the rough”. It is definitely not for the easily overwhelmed nor somewhere you can quickly pop in and out of. Searching for items requires time and patience. And some items of clothing are questionable, at best. Luckily, my preferred location is well-maintained and kept relatively organized which makes for an easier shop. If I could offer one tip to anyone who has never experienced Winners before, it is that you absolutely cannot go into the store with the purpose of finding a specific item. (Example: Jeans, a new winter coat, shoes, etc). You have to go in with an open mind and no specific demands.

 

Trust me. Winners can smell desperation.

 

There is another drawback as well. I have visited one location in particular that I purposely avoid because it looks like End of Days inside. Everything is on the floor. The clothing is strewn about and randomly located in strange sections, such as the housewares department. Complete nightmare. Organization isn’t high up on the priority list in quite a few locations. And it is everyone for themselves.

 

Probably the best Winners find within the past few years has got to be my North Face winter coat. I needed a new winter coat for several seasons, and I kept buying cheaper more frivolous coats instead of one that would actually do the job and keep me warm. It never occurred to me that I would find one at Winners, as I had never seen one there for sale for women before. I was there just this past summer and there, randomly located in the junior’s section, there it was. Basically, if there could’ve been a spotlight shining down on heaven on it, there would’ve been. It was exactly what I was looking for and literally the only one there. My size, the perfect colour scheme (navy blue with coral trim) and it was a fricken North Face coat for half the normal price. I was ecstatic.

 

My most recent finds were Fidelity jeans (I bought a pair from Aritzia for over $200 4 years ago),  an adorable Kaitlyn Bristowe style top, and another simple yet extremely stylish and comfortable nautical style tee.

 

May the odds be ever in your favour on your next Winners hunt.

March Favourites

Some of my favourite Beauty Gurus do their “Monthly Favourites” videos faithfully every month and every month I faithfully get excited about them. I borrowed some inspiration from them and have decided to feature that here on Shimmerette.

 

Lancome Dual Finish powder foundation in Wheat ll

 

I have been loving the Lancome powder foundation in Wheat II. I started using it two weeks ago and when I used it for the first time, I wasn’t blown away. The colour was slightly too light for my skin and the formula seemed too dry. However, it didn’t take long for me to change my first impression completely. Using the Dior powder foundation brush has made my application flawless. I. Am. Obsessed. Several times this past week I have caught myself admiring my face makeup in the mirror I keep on my desk at work. I do combine it with an application of the MAC pressed powder to bring it to my actual skintone. Can't say enough good things about the Lancome powder foundation. So happy I tried it!

 

MAC lipgloss in Snob (always have to have a backup...)

MAC lipgloss in Snob has also been something I have been loving. I have used this lipgloss for a few years so it’s nothing new to me, just something I have rediscovered and I have really enjoyed using this month. It’s my signature shade of light pink, and it is a pigmented gloss. Definitely not sheer. I found myself reaching for it quite often over March and it wears beautifully. Non sticky as well which is a must for me.

 

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter has been a definite must have for me. I needed a hand cream for my office that wasn’t scented. My hands and cuticles especially are on the drier side and I keep a few hand creams on my desk. Both of them are scented though, and I wanted something that I could reach for when I really wanted a simple deep moisture treatment. My friend Michele had put one of these in my Christmas stocking this year and I really liked it upon first use. It now reserved a place firmly in my little lipgloss bag that travels with me everywhere in my purse.

 

 

My favourite makeup brush this month is the Dior powder foundation one. Love love love. It goes hand in hand with my Lancome powder as probably the thing I am loving most this past month. I genuinely get excited to use it every morning. I love how compact the bristles are, giving me a completely uniform and full coverage. OBSESSED.

 

Loving New Girl this past month. I would watch the odd episode once in a while when I would catch it on tv, but not religiously. I was at Target recently and they are shutting down their Canadian operations, so they are in the process of liquidating their stores. I found Season 2 of New Girl for $6 and couldn’t resist buying it. I enjoyed it when I did watch the few episodes I was able to, so I was looking forward to a good binge sesh. It took me about two weeks to get through Season 2, as I watched a few episodes every night before bed. I bought Season 1 and 3 after finishing Season 2 because I enjoyed it so much. The writing is terrific, and I am obsessed with Schmidt. I laughed out loud at numerous points. Definitely recommended.

He looks friendly

 

The Jinx. I LOVED THIS. I never watched it “live” as it really didn’t pique my interest much. After reading a small blurb about it in Entertainment Weekly that described it as “addictive”, I made the decision to see what the fuss is about. I churned through all 6 hour-long episodes in 3 days on Shaw On Demand. Hauntingly chilling, I was hooked. I remember finishing the last episode (VERY DRAMATIC ENDING) and I called my best friend Natalie and sinisterly whispered to her “It’s done. It’s finished. It’s over.” It’s about the life and alleged crimes of Robert Durst. I highly suggest giving it a try.

 

Yes, I have a Tassimo. (Sorry Mom)

Tetley Orange Pekoe Tea. A definite favourite not just for March but for life.

 

Sugar by Maroon 5. Generally, as a band, I would rather gargle razor blades than listen to them. I physically can’t handle their music. But hot damn, is this song catchy. I dance around my house to this, have dance parties in my car where I blast this song and it’s probably the song of March 2015 for Bri.

 

This blog! I am LOVING putting this together and am always bursting with ideas. I also wanted to thank you for all your support. I appreciate it more than you know.