September Favourites!

Hi Dolls,

I know this is late, to be honest I almost forgot to post this because I'm excited to post other things. But, there's no way I could not post my favourite's from last month and feel okay about it. Sorry its a little late, but I'm a little OCD about these things.

Last month with the introduction to Fall, along with that came so much fun and opportunity to be had - in both life and beauty. I absolutely love Fall, even though I am always super-reluctant to let go of Summer, I love Fall colours, how the Fall changes the scenery around us and most of all - the Fall Holidays! Fall is always like a new start for me, new things are always afoot and I wanted to give myself a good head start and introduction to Fall (and maybe a little boost to get my Fall Bucket List done - To read my list, click here). September, I felt was a fabulous way to do just that!

Here's what I loved most in September:

A little tidbit about me that you might not know of -  I LOVE the Wizard of OZ and anything related to it (ie. books, movies, TV shows, theatre, etc). Since the last week of September marked the 75th Anniversary of the movie production, I thought it only wise to pay tribute with this cute manicure. I used this Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish to achieve this Ruby Red Slipper inspired look with a cute yellow brick road detail (for the complete tutorial, click here). I had so much fun with this manicure, can't wait to do it again! Hmm, costume ideas! ;)

Another manicure that I absolutely loved was my Maven Manicure this past month, I felt with the help of this gorgeous dark plum colour it helped me get back in touch with my dark side! That's another thing I love about this season, you cant help but feel kinda creepy-vampy-sexy in a way, and dark colours definitely do that for me! Such a rich, dark colour that kicked me into Fall mode, which I needed to be honest (for the full September review and manicure tutorial, click here). Excited to keep up with my new found darkness, I can't wait for my October box!!

Speaking of beauty subscriptions, last month I had signed up with a new type of beauty subscription and got to share my first bag of goodies with my readers! I signed up to Ipsy's Glam Bag subscription that, like Julep's Maven program, sends out a box/bag of goodies for you to try and love (to see my first Glam Bag from Ipsy, click here). I love this new program and the community on the site! Come find me, I'm MakeupMasochist, of course!

One of the items I was really excited to get with my Ipsy Glam Bag, was Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner Pen. I had heard such great things about this brand and since I love this type of eyeliner, I knew I had to do a review for my lovelies (to read my full review of this product, click here). If anyone reading this loves eyeliner pens, than you definitely need to read my review on it and try it for yourself. I'll make sure to leave links at the bottom of this page for more information and don't forget to leave me what you thought of this eyeliner in the comments box below! It's a staple in my collection now and for all my makeup looks, I looove it!

My favorite makeup pieces that I used last month were definitely the pieces I purchased from MAC's 'Indulge' Limited Edition Collection (to see my Indulge haul and swatches, click here), and I had posted one of my favourite ways to wear my babies from this collection. There were so many pieces from this collection to work with and so many looks that could be done, but I'm a sucker for purples and gold together, and this look was on rotation most often (to see my full look and read the tutorial, click here). MAC's 'Feed the Senses' Lipstick is still one of my everyday favourites and I deeply regret not getting backups of this colour. So pretty to wear with any makeup look! <3_<3! Did you love this look? I think its perfect for Fall!

I decided that this month, I would skip out on some of the collections that MAC put out there, since most of what was introduced is permanent now anyway. Their 'Retro Matte' Lipsticks, Pro Longwear Eyeliners, Paintpots and Lipliners, are all AMAZING and GORGEOUS, but since their permanent now, I figured I would take my time to collect what I really want (and save my money for some upcoming huge LE collections that I'm dying for! ;)).

Since I was missing a Limited Edition Collection from MAC and showing my readers some makeup porn from my hauls, I thought a good way to fill the void was to go shopping at an exclusive MAC/Estee Lauder/Clinque Sale. Every 3 months, Estee Lauder and all the brands under their umbrella, hold a sale here in the east end of Toronto. This is a 'by-invitation only' event and I was lucky enough to get my paws on some tickets to go. I got some great beauty and hair products (that I am currently reviewing for future 'Rant or Rave?' posts), but my favourite items that I purchased from that sale were my MAC brushes (to read my haul, click here). I bought the '205' & '184' Fan brushes, these were my biggest scores of the sale! I love my new brushes and these babies have found a special place in my kit!

My favourite moment and day in September was when my new nephew Marcus was born. September 4th, 2 days before he was due, he came into this world and has brought such love into our family. It was instant love that was more than we could have ever imagined it to be. We love you so much my little guy!

Those are my favourite things of this past September, and I think October had quite a month to follow! Lots of fun ways to get into the mood of the new season, how did you do it? What traditions or ways do you get into the Fall spirit? I would love to hear in the comments box below or send me your suggestions by email at makeupmasochist@gmail.com ! Don't forget to let me know what reviews you want to see first from the new items in my September posts, I'll have those up soon!



To make sure that you don't miss out on any of October's beauty and lifestyle activities, be sure to subscribe to my blog by inputting your email into the box at the top of this page! You can also follow my blog on Bloglovin', there's an icon at the top of this page or search my blog and follow! Follow me on Instagram (@fernonje) and tag me with #MakeupMasochist so I can see all the things you loved in September!




For more information on Ipsy and their Glam Bag: www.Ipsy.com

For more information on Julep and their Maven Program: http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/230456/

For more information and where to purchase the products mentionned, please visit:
www.maccosmetics.ca
www.jessesgirlcosmetics.com


Happy Friday!

xoxo
Ashley

Fall Bucket List!

Hey guys!

Well since I had a 'Summer Bucket List' (to see my Summer Bucket List, click here), I thought that I would make a bucket list for every season. Why not? Why should summer get all the glory?

I am happy to say that I completed 5 out of the 8 things listed on my Summer Bucket List, and I hope that I will do as well with this bucket list for Fall - if not better! I have sat down and pondered for awhile as to what I would like to accomplish in this festive season and came up with a few good ideas. Here is what I came up with, hoping I can cross them all off before Old Man Winter shows up.

1. Decorate the house with Fall and Holiday decor - We do have some Fall decorations from the past couple years, but they are mostly Halloween decorations that can double as Fall decor. This year I want to make the house more cosy and welcoming with Fall decor and colour. I love the warmth that Fall colours bring, and I am hoping it will do the same for the home. Granted, this item on the list also includes Halloween, so I will definitely be loading up my decoration arsenal for the kiddies this year! :[

2. Cook More - I've always known and understood the ideas and methods of cooking, however I have never really had an interest in it. Mostly because I have this weird phobia of smelling like food due traumatic experiences from my childhood and going home for lunch. Recently, I have taken a huge interest in cooking, and I have to give credit to some chefs on TV that are inspiring me to cook more and try new foods. I have already tried my hand at few dishes, but I want to incorporate more cooking into my everyday routine. I was thinking of starting a recipe/cooking series on the blog, let me know in the comments box below if that's something you would like to see in the future!

3. Start Christmas Shopping - People who know me, know I start my Christmas shopping early. Like October early. In fact, I already have my list ready and have some ideas as to what I am going to get for whom. I like to start early and shop online, as I find that stores have more deals and discounts on their online web-stores. Plus there's always special coupon/discount/promotional codes out there to make it even more of a bargain, you just have to look for them. Another reason I like to shop online for my Christmas Shopping, is because I earn cashback with Ebates.ca (I will leave a link for this site at the bottom of this post for more information on their 'Cashback' program)! And they like to double the cashback percentages for the Holidays, so take advantage and be done early! I know I will!

4. Try my hand at Pumpkin recipes - I already make some Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes around this time of year, every year for the past 4 years. People expect these cupcakes from me, but this year I want to hit them with a curve-ball and try my hand at a few other pumpkin recipes. Whether its a savoury or sweet, food or beverage, I will make it with Pumpkin! If you're a pumpkin everything lover, leave me your pumpkin recipes in the comments box or email me, and I would love to try! I will be posting these recipes in the future, so if your recipe gets chosen I will feature it right here on the blog along with the recipe master! Can't wait to see what you love to make with pumpkin!

5. Do more Fall activities to be more active - Of course, no Bucket List of mine would be complete without a healthy lifestyle change. I love the fall for getting active, its not stifling hot and you don't feel bad on missing out on any Summertime fun because of working out. I want to get out more, maybe start running or start taking some sort of class - yoga, Pilate's, etc. to help keep the pounds away. God knows I need the help, holidays are super dangerous for gorging and packing on a Christmas turkey on your behind! Hopefully with the mix of cooking my own (healthier) meals and being more active, I won't have to make a 'New Years Resolution' to lose the holiday weight I gained. Here's hoping.

6. Fall DIY project - Now that the weather is cooler and I am not outdoors as much, I want to use the time I have now to make at least 1 DIY project this fall. I want to do a Fall Decor project to help me with the first item on my bucket list, or a Winter decor project to get ready for the next season. It doesn't necessarily need to be a decor DIY, I am also looking into Fashion and Beauty DIY. As this was an item on my Summer Bucket List that I did not get to accomplish, this will have priority on this seasons bucket list. Can't wait to get to it and show you what I come up with!

I decided to keep it a little shorter this season, as Fall is super-crazy busy for me. I have a ton of birthdays, a wedding coming up in November, plus other functions and fun that I want to try and fit in between. So I decided to keep it a little more reasonable, not to set myself up to fail or get overwhelmed with too many tasks.

Do you make bucket lists, like I do? What's on your bucket list this Fall? Do we have similar goals, or what would you do different? I would love to hear in the comments section below! Don't forget to leave me your favourite pumpkin recipes to try and if I use your recipe, you will be featured along with the dish - right here on my blog! Send me your recipes by email at makeupmasochist@gmail.com or leave me links in the comments box below!

Here's the link for Ebates.ca and their Cashback program, why not earn a little money on purchases you will make anyway!?

http://www.ebates.ca/referrer?referrerid=9rYc9220M%2Bk%3D

For more Fall ideas and Bucket Lists, please be sure to subscribe to my blog by typing in your email into the box at the top right of this page. Don't forget you can also follow my blog on Bloglovin' - search my blog and follow on Bloglovin' or click on the icon at the top of this post. It's a great way to read all your favourite blogs in one place! Follow me on Instagram (@fernonje), I post more pictures there daily so you can get a glimpse of my reality. Don't forget to tag me #MakeupMasochist so I can see all your Fall posts - food, fashion, makeup - everything!!

Gotta get to it! Checking them off as I go!

Happy Fall!

xoxo
Ashley

Sephora Haul! - Fall 2013 Edition

Hello my beauty-holics!

We girls love our makeup and beauty products. We also love to be nosy! I love getting to know what beauty products friends and colleagues love to use, use everyday, not love so much and what's in their makeup bags and collections! Admit it, if you love makeup - you love snooping in your frinds makeup bags to see what goodies you find or what's in the big shopping bag in their backseat! It's ok, it's human makeup junkie nature.

I love to shop at Sephora and I especially like to shop online, I find that I receive way more samples and there are tons of promotional codes to apply to get free goodies or discounts. I usually buy every 3 months or so, especially if I am replenishing products that I use most frequently. Here's what I got from my most recent shopping trip on Sephora.com.

 Wen 'Sweet Almond Mint' Healthy Hair Care Kit (3pc): I cannot tell you how long and how bad I have been wanting to try Wen after seeing the informercial so many times on TV. The reason I have waited so long is because I had quite the stock of shampoo and needed to get through those first! When I was about half way through my last bottle of shampoo, I got online and ordered the 3 piece kit to start. This comes with the 'Cleansing Conditioner', the 'Replenishing Treatment Mist' and the 'Re-Moist Intensive Hair Treatment' - everything you need to have healthy, beautiful hair. I'm so excited to try this and will do a full review of the system, I'm LOVING the scent so far!

Hello Kitty by Sephora 'Minty' Nail Polish: If you know me, you know I love Hello Kitty with a crazy, childlike passion. So when I saw that they restocked in this colour AND it was on sale - I couldn't leave it in my basket. I like that this polish dried more on the green side as other polishes I have that are similar but more on the blue side. Love this colour of spring, stashing it away until then!

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray: I have heard such great things about this spray especially in how it helps reduce the appearance of pore size - which always interests me. This is described on the box as "Redness Reducing. Pore Minimizing. Oil Absorbing." - all things I want to hear about a prep spray! The vitamins in the product are not only supposed to prep the skin before makeup application but also improve skins overall appearance. I'm super excited to try this out, review for this will be posted once I give it a good trial run.

First Aid Beauty (FAB) Face Cleanser & Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer: I had spoken about FAB's Face Cleanser a few times before (here & here), and have been in love with this product from the first time I used it. It's great because it controls my acne without drying out or irritating my skin. Finding products for acne prone - sensitive skin can be tough, but since I loved the Face Cleanser so much I had the confidence to buy the moisturizer too. I had recently ran out of my day moisturizer and wasn't planning to repurchase, so I replaced it with the Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer hoping it would work just as well (or better!) than the Face Cleanser. I will be doing a review of this as well, lots of reviews to look forward to in the future!

Hello Kitty by Sephora Pen Pal Eyeliner in 'Chocolate Milk': Again, I mostly bought this because it's Hello Kitty and because it was on sale, but I also bought it because it's an eyeliner pen (I love eyeliner pen styles, see a review of one of my favourites here). It's a nice dark brown colour, which I don't have in my collection, especially not in the felt pen type. You guessed it!- a review will be posted on this too!! :):)

That's it for the products I actually purchased. If you're a frequent shopper at Sephora, you probably already know about their Beauty Insider rewards program. It's basically a rewards program where you accumulate points by making purchases and those points can be redeemed for deluxe sample products. Another great tip to get some free goodies when shipping online at Sephora is to Google 'Sephora Promotion Codes' and a list will come up of a bunch of different codes that you can apply to your purchase. You can only apply one code at a time, and some do expire so make sure the one you want is valid. Sephora always offers 3 free samples with purchase online, so that's also a great way to try out some products before buying the full size.

Here are the free babies I got with this purchase.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Eye Seurm: I had got this goodie for free by redeeming 100 Beauty Insider points with their Beauty Insider Program. I've never been able to get around to getting my hands on anything from this brand and I always wanted to, so I am happy to try this deluxe sample. But I'm really dying to try their highlighting and illuminating powders.













Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in 'Medium-Neutral': To get this baby for free, it took a little more research! As I mentioned before, Sephora online always has a lot of promotional codes out there in internet world - you just have to search for them. I found a great promo code, (it's unfortunately expired on Sept 30) and got this cute little Tarte Foundation. I've always liked to Tarte and really enjoy their Maracuja Oil (to see my review of the Oil product, click here), so I'm looking forward to seeing how this works for me!











Armani Code, Miss Dior & Marchesa Eau de Parfum and de Toilette: The other really big perk about shopping online at Sephora, besides the coupon codes, are the 3 free samples that always come with your order. They usually have a good mix of perfumes, makeup, hair and skincare product samples, but since I am still on the search for my new signature scent I chose these three. When it comes to scents I really have to wear the scent for a couple days or so to see how much I really love (or hate!) a perfume/fragrance. It's happened plenty a time where I think I like a scent on me, wear it for a full day or two and then end up HATING it! I can be pretty sensitive to perfumes, so I am also very picky about them. I'll keep you updated if any of these end up being my new signature scent!





Bottom of the box.

So that's it lovelies, everything that I got from my recent Sephora haul, some new stuff, some repurchases. Lots to try! If you're interested in a review on any of the products I've listed make sure to let me know by email makeupmasochist@gmail.com or in the comments box below! Do you have and use any of the products I bought? What do you love most about them? Do you have any tips and tricks? I would love to know!

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog if you're looking forward to future reviews of these products, just input your email into the box at the top of this page. You can also follow my blog on Bloglovin', it's an easy way to follow all your favourite bloggers! Just click on the icon above, or search me on the app (MakeupMasochist) and follow. Instagramers! I want to see your latest hauls, make sure to tag me #MakeupMasochist and follow me for more (@fernonje)!

Happy Weekend!

xoxo
Ashley

Client Cases - Before & After: Shauna

Heyyyyy!

For the second installment of this hair and beauty series, here we have Shauna - my beautiful client from a few days ago wanting to do something new and fun with her hair. She was tired of her boring colour and style, so she came to me to give her a trendy ombré colour and cute bangs to go with it!

Here is Shauna before:

As you can see, she has some discoloration and splotchy-ness in terms of her hair colour, a lot of different brown variations and her ends were pretty ashy. Luckily her hair wasn't dyed previously with a darker colour or it would have been a much tougher job than it was. In terms of her style and cut, she has thinner hair and it was quite long with really dry ends. I knew I would have to give her a good cut and put a style back into it in a way where it would suit the bangs she wanted.

First task needed was to lighten the ends, so I started with sectioning her hair and started from the nape of her neck up toward the crown. I then took two inch portions from the larger sections and applied the lightener to the last 2 inches of her hair and wrapped it in foil. I continued this until I was done the larger section. I repeated portioning out sections and lightening the ends with every larger section until I reached the crown and all of her hair had foil tips on the ends. 

Once I finished, I went back to the bottom section at her nape, opened up the foils and brushed the lighter upward another inch and a half using a painting motion to blend the lightener into the hair. This is avoid a harsh exaggerated horizontal line across the hair. I re-wrapped the entire lightened tip back into the foils and I continued to do this for all the foils until I finished the bottom section. I continued upward, section by section, repeating to brush the lightener up and re-wrapping the foils higher and closer to her scalp than the first time.

Once I finished applying the lightener to the ends of her hair, I wanted to enrich her base colour so I applied a level 5 chocolate brown colour to her roots, in sections, and then applied it all the way down the hair shaft until it reached the foiled tip. I really wanted to make sure that I had gotten rid of the ashy parts of her hair and make her a warmer, cozier colour base.

After she was done processing, about half an hour, I washed out her hair, rinsing the base colour first before taking the foils out. This makes sure there's no colour 'bleeding'. After the first shampoo, I applied a toner to her lightened ends to take out any brassy colour and to even it all out, that only took about 5-7 minutes to process. Shampoo, conditioner and now she's ready for a cut.

I wanted to bring her up a couple inches to make her thinner hair appear and feel thicker, and because she has naturally curly hair I knew she needed layers - to avoid that lampshade silhouette that curly hair can have. I gave her long layers and cut off about 2 inches initially in a 'V' shape before putting in layers. She wanted what I call 'Doll Bangs', so I gave her some bangs to frame her face and I think it made her look so youthful and fun!

After cutting was done, I gave her a nice blow dry and styled her hair in big curls/waves to really show off the ombré. And voila! She was one happy customer and I couldn't have been more thrilled with the outcome! I think the combination of a young, trendy colour style with her bangs makes her look at least 5 years younger. The miracles of hair and beauty, right?

What do you think? Do you like how it turned out? Is there something different your would have done? Do you like ombré colour style or feel like you're over it already? I'm curious to know, so tell me in the comments box below! I was thinking of doing a tutorial on how to do ombré on others and yourself, if that's something you would like to see leave me a comment or email me at makeupmasochist@gmail.com to let me know!

If you like to see the process and transition of beauty and hair, like on my client here, be sure to subscribe to my blog to notified of more future posts like this one. It's easy! Just put your email into the box at the top right corner of this page, or follow my blog on Bloglovin'! For more beauty and hair posts, don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@fernonje) and tag me #MakeupMasochist so I can see all your makeup and hair photos!

Case closed! ;)

xoxo

Ashley