Late Summer in the West Village

September 7, 2016, 7:54 pm

≫ Next: Versatility Always Wins

≪ Previous: Hélène in the Helen Dress

$

0

0

Never mind the fact that the West Village is likely the most magical neighborhood the entire magical city of New York, but it by default make for the most perfect backdrop for a pit stop with ol' camera. Walking through those streets literally makes you feel like you're on a movie set.

As summer comes to a close and a hint of fall can be sniffed out in the air, the city blocks feel even more enchanting than usual with the brownstones looking extra cozy from the inside. While the weather hasn't turned just yet, it's safe to say that autumnal rumblings can be felt, and it's ever so sweet.

Soon we'll be begging bartenders for hot toddys, figuring out what we want to wear for Halloween and complaining about the days getting shorter, but for now, we still have September.


Details:
Helmut Lang tank
Vintage Levi's shorts
Marais USA shoes
Céline bag
Click to shop:

---

Versatility Always Wins

September 19, 2016, 7:15 pm

≫ Next: Glossier Girl

≪ Previous: Late Summer in the West Village

$

0

0

I'm a city girl through and through, but I enjoy a good nature frolic. And since summer is lingering around late this year, I thought I'd give this ensemble a share because I've been living in this dress for the past few months, at both the cottage and back home in NYC. Why? A few very simple reasons.

First of all, it's ridiculously abundant in material, and voluminous threads are pretty much the only thing I can stand to wear come hot weather, so there's that. Secondly, while I'm usually averse to busy prints, this boho pattern and color scheme just spoke to me and I feel very at ease in it (that's one of the most important things about style, ladies!). And finally, there's the fact that even while this dress could seem a little over-elaborate, it's actually incredibly unfussy and versatile.

Best of all? I'm planning on wearing it right into fall during that transitional weather period I love so much.


Details:
Emerson Fry dress
Sol Sana sandals
Longchamp bag
Ray-Ban sunglasses

Click to shop:

Glossier Girl

September 27, 2016, 7:18 pm

≫ Next: Je T'aime Brooklyn

≪ Previous: Versatility Always Wins

$

0

0

If you follow me on Insta, then you've likely seen the announcement I made approximately 3 weeks ago about my latest side gig at Glossier.

That's right, your girl is officially repping this ever so cool, social media savvy beauty brand that caters to every modern gal's needs, this one included. There are so many reasons for why I love this brand, primarily because the branding is so on point, but also because their business model is based on actual crowd sourcing from their Instagram community. I meannnnn. The products are unfussy (my fav!), uncomplicated (Avril-approved!), affordable (happy bank accounts!), and actually fill a need that somehow hadn't been met in this oversaturated market - a no-makeup makeup, skincare first approach.

In fact, you can see how enthusiastic I am about Glossier in the photos below. And no, I did not cut my hair, the pics are from a year or two ago... Should I cut it again? I digress.

I've been using the line since it launched 2 years ago, have tried the vast majority of the products, and I can attest to my own obsession. I don't know about you, but for me, a friend's recommendation is all the validation I need when it comes to trying skincare potions or makeup. Which is precisely why I'm taking this role of beauty guru for the every girl very seriously: I can tell you with full honesty what works.

Shop through my Glossier profile to see what my personal favorites are, as well as to get specific recommendations on the items I deem particularly magical, and also to see a video of me being slightly awkward while chatting about beauty.

Let me know any questions or if I can be of any assistance!



Shop through my profile!
Shop through my profile!
Shop through my profile!

Je T'aime Brooklyn

October 3, 2016, 5:06 pm

≫ Next: Bare Legs, Long Sleeves

≪ Previous: Glossier Girl

$

0

0

There are fewer things in this life that I like more than pins. You know what I mean- they're fun, jazzy, playful, they tug at my quirky side, I could go on. Best of all, the more pins you have, the more you can mix and match. Plus, you can basically put them on anything: shirts, sweaters, bags, hats, jackets, or, like me, jeans, why not.

Adorning my right denim pocket in this ensemble is a combo of my trusty fresh pins and my new fav, the Je T'aime Brooklyn pin from Amika, a Brooklyn-based hair care company. Not only do they make rad products for all your follicle needs, but they're also releasing a super cute set of custom pins.

And just like that, I was both advertising my love for my 'hood and funkifying my getup. Whut whut.


Details:
H&M top
Levi's jeans
Marais USA shoes
Céline bag
Warby Parker sunglasses


Photos by Apneet Kaur


Click to shop:

Bare Legs, Long Sleeves

October 16, 2016, 2:58 pm

≫ Next: Autumn Leaves & Lessons in Layering

≪ Previous: Je T'aime Brooklyn

$

0

0

Sure, we've now passed the mid-October mark, but the temperatures have been so clement that I would still literally be able to wear this late summer getup today. One of my favorite combos to don as the weather cools down is a long sleeve under shortalls, or just generally bare legs and covered arms. It's that magic weather sweet spot that the Northeast region just gets so well throughout the month of September, which has extended into October this year.

I'm conflicted about autumn's delayed arrival. Here's why.

While just like everyone else who hails from this geographic area, I'm longing to wear chunky knits and to sit cozily by a fire place with a glass of red wine. I'm dying to admire the changing foliage on brisk walks, followed by a hot toddy in a cavernous bar. I'm craving outfits composed of multiple layers and wrapping myself in thick blankets when I'm watching TV on my couch. Alas, this unusual warm temp is not allowing for of it, but I cannot fathom complaining about it being too hot when in a mere few months I know that we'll all be huffing and puffing about the cold, wishing for spring.

So I'm going to keep enjoying the warmth while we have it and wear things like long sleeves with bare legs... but once Halloween is over and I can finally shamelessly blast the Christmas carols, the mercury better start dropping!


Details:
Cotton On top and shortalls
Maryam Nassir Zadeh black mules
M.Gemi suede slides
Ray-Ban sunnglasses
Shore Projects watch
Click to shop:

Autumn Leaves & Lessons in Layering

October 24, 2016, 2:37 pm

≫ Next: Style Strategies

≪ Previous: Bare Legs, Long Sleeves

$

0

0

We waited a long time for autumn to make its arrival this year. As you know, this brought on a very acute case of internal conflict. And then instead of gradually getting cooler, we just sort of got punched in the stomach this weekend thanks to a serious mercury dip. Talk about fall fail.

Luckily, I was able to pay the ol' homeland a visit right on foliage cue, and Mother Nature's work paired perfectly with the multitasking layers I had no qualms about piling on. I have to admit that as much as I talk a mean game about disliking cold weather, I'm at my style best when I can layer. And that's spoken like a true Canadian, thankyouverymuch.

To cap off this post, I offer these final words of wisdom: choose an outer layer that's nice and oversized to ensure roominess for what's underneath. That's the one and only rule to follow when you're layering!


Details:
Zady striped shirt
ASOS jeans
Alexander Wang boots
Levi's jacket (men's)
Brixton hat
Warby Parker sunglasses
Bottega Veneta bag
Click to shop:

Style Strategies

October 31, 2016, 6:58 pm

≫ Next: Never Not Together

≪ Previous: Autumn Leaves & Lessons in Layering

$

0

0

Do you ever find yourself feeling uninspired by your wardrobe when standing before your closet in the morning? Of course you do, we all do. (If you don't, name yourself at once and spill). I'll bet you this is how the scene plays out: huffing, puffing, pacing, changing a million times into every single item you own to finally just end up throwing on pieces that you feel less than stellar in. Does this sound about accurate?

Allow me to bestow upon you the knowledge you need to overcome such a predicament. In fact this is a very scientifically proven fail-safe strategy (note the sarcasm) that I've come to employ more often than I should: when in doubt, go monochrome. Whether your hue of choice is black, navy, red, brown, white - don it from head-to-toe and feel your style conundrums dissipate for at least 24 hours.

In this instance I went for white, because the majority of my clothing happens to be in this color. It's that easy, ladies. Promise.


Details:
Rag & Bone top
Zara jeans
Chanel shoes
Levi's jacket (men's)

Click to shop:

Never Not Together

November 6, 2016, 4:38 pm

≫ Next: Fall Sunsets and Shades of White

≪ Previous: Style Strategies

$

0

0

If you watch my Instagram Stories, then you'll know that my dog Wally and I are rarely apart. In fact, he's made multiple appearances on this very blog, and while he doesn't have his own Insta handle, you can get your fill over on the #WallyFace hashtag. I even bring him to the office with me every day, making our time alone even more rare.

The bugger's a little high strung and he has his quirks, but we're attached at the hip and he's truly the best at delivering cuddles. That said, it makes wearing black - my favorite ensemble shade - a little problematic thanks to the trail that his abundance of fluff leaves behind. Either way, he's always the perfect compliment to my getups and I thought I'd remind everyone of how cute he is by including him in this blog post.

This outfit just wouldn't be the same without him. (Can you tell that he's used to having his photo taken?)


Details:
Levi's jacket (men's)
Zulu & Zephyr pants
Trash & Vaudeville Bowie tee
Vans sneakers
Brixton hat
Warby Parker sunglasses
Click to shop:

---

Fall Sunsets and Shades of White

November 13, 2016, 5:17 pm

≫ Next: Throw Away the Rulebook!

≪ Previous: Never Not Together

$

0

0

There's something quite special about autumn sunsets. Those bright rays highlight the season's cold tones, yet warm up the last hours of the day. It also always brings on the craving of red wine or a brown spirit of some kind, but I digress. I'm a firm believer that it's not because there's a chill in the air that you have to put away your whites.

In fact, I encourage you to wear them even more.

Maybe it's my rebellious spirit, or maybe it's just my style instincts always leading me against the grain. But I assure you, light colors in the fall is fresh af.


Details:
J Brand white denim jacket
Club Monaco top
Trash & Vaudeville vegan leather pants
Alexander Wang Anouck boots
Bottega Veneta crossbody bag
Click to shop:

Throw Away the Rulebook!

November 21, 2016, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: Glossier Face Serums

≪ Previous: Fall Sunsets and Shades of White

$

0

0

I've said it before (as lately as the last post) and I'll say it again: I'm not a seasonal discriminator when it comes to colors. In fact, I welcome straying from the rulebook. You know me.

There's nothing more boring in life than dressing according to rules! Women always ask me if certain things are ok to wear, and my first question back to them is (after double checking if the referenced garb is not in fact scandalous): Do you feel good in it? To me, that is forever the most important thing to consider when making fashion choices. That's basically what encompasses your personal style - how you feel in an ensemble should be the ultimate barometer.

So I say out with the rule book and in with the good vibes. And to me that starts with wearing head-to-toe white on a November day. Amen.


Details:
J Brand denim jacket
Rachel Comey jeans
Loffler Randall boots
Warby Parker sunglasses
Verameat necklace
Céline bag
Shop my look:

Glossier Face Serums

November 27, 2016, 3:03 pm

≫ Next: It's a Mauve, Mauve World

≪ Previous: Throw Away the Rulebook!

$

0

0

My status as a Glossier girl has already been documented and I'm super excited to share the following with all of you. Because not only do they have the most photogenic packaging, like, ever, but their products are also quite fantastic.

You can check out my all time favorites here but right now I'd like to chat serums. Even though they're currently out of stock, I'd recommend getting on the wait list. They come in 3 different formulas (because skin is temperamental, duh): Super Bounce, Super Pure and Super Glow.

Super Bounce is for when your skin is feeling tight and rough. A few drops of this guy will have it back in top shape in no time.

Super Glow is for when your skin is feeling dull. A few drops of it will reenergize it in a split sec.

Super Pure is for those pesky breakouts that are just a part of life. A few drops of the potion will incur flawlessness in no time, especially if you concentrate your application on the problem area.

And now for the best news ever even though you can't order the serums at this particular time: Glossier is currently running a Black Friday sale that is on until tomorrow night (Monday, 11/28) - everything is 20% off and the shipping is free. It doesn't get much better than this.

So head over to my profile to shop with me, stock up on all your favs and take this opportunity to try some items you haven't yet. This deal is too good to pass up!

Hit me up with any questions about the Glossier products, always happy to provide assistance.



Shop with me on Glossier and get 20% off + free shipping off your first order.

It's a Mauve, Mauve World

December 20, 2016, 1:58 pm

≫ Next: A Muse and her Shoes

≪ Previous: Glossier Face Serums

$

0

0

My disdain for color has been documented enough on this blog for you to know, oh my faithful readers, that I don't often stray beyond basic neutrals with my garments. Folks, do not adjust your screen, these are indeed photos of me strutting my stuff in mauve. Gulp.

Yep, I've been dabbling with incorporating a bit more hues in my wardrobe. Because, let's face it, there's only so much repetitiveness one's eye can take. While this is a far cry from a neon one-piece, it's still a stretch from my regular programming.

And that's the moral of today's story, ladies: I encourage you all to step out of your comfort zones to see where else your style can take you.


Photos by Allie Mackin.

Details:
Darby Parker sunglasses
Être Cécile sweatshirt
Stelen Culottes
Loeffler Randall booties
Static Nails in Hard as Stone
Click to shop:

A Muse and her Shoes

December 30, 2016, 8:57 am

≫ Next: A Matt Bernson Muse Roaming Around Tribeca

≪ Previous: It's a Mauve, Mauve World

$

0

0

I'm really excited about this post for a number of reasons.

FIRST, this post is in collaboration with super rad New York City shoe brand Matt Bernson. You guys all know how much I love shoes, so this was a particularly heavenly match for me. I was super thrilled when they asked me to be one of their muses (!). Not only is it insanely flattering when a brand you like happens to also be inspired by you, but I can't think of a more apropos match as it relates to my love of footwear. My mother used to qualify my obsession as Marcosian, so, yeah.

SECOND, you can head to the Matt Berson blog right now to read a fun little interview I did with them about how New York inspires me and my favorite spots in the city.

THIRD, if you head to their website, you will get 30% off any pair with the code MBHELENE. I'm particularly keen on the Phantom sneakers, which I'm wearing here, and their Caspian bootie, which I'll show you in an upcoming post. Quick, the code expires January 30th!

And there you have it. Just me in my city girl sneaks, my best Beastie Boy getup (Shestie Boy?), roaming the streets of the city I love.


Details:
Matt Bernson sneakers - use code MBHELENE to receive 30% off your purchase (valid through January 30th)!!!
Isabel Marant jumpsuit
Zady coat
Warby Parker sunglasses

Click to shop:

A Matt Bernson Muse Roaming Around Tribeca

January 4, 2017, 6:56 pm

≫ Next: When Winter Attacks, Clarins Has Your Back

≪ Previous: A Muse and her Shoes

$

0

0

Last week I was introducing you guys to Matt Bernson, a Tribeca-based shoe brand. And as any shoe addict will tell you: one pair is just not enough. Which is precisely why I'm featuring this second pair, the Caspian booties. They're basically your perfect bootie, in the ideal height and the most scrumptious, versatile brown color, which is a welcome change from the regular go-to black.

And if you want your own pair (or any other Matt Bernson pair, for that matter), get 30% off on any purchase from their website with code MBHELENE. And also, check out my interview with them about all things style and my love of New York City.


Details:
Matt Bernson Caspian booties - Get 30% off your Matt Bernson purchase with code MBHElENE
Levi's men's jacket
Reformation trousers
Need Supply boyfriend sweater
Ray-Ban sunnies
Céline bag
Click to shop:

When Winter Attacks, Clarins Has Your Back

January 8, 2017, 12:05 pm

≫ Next: Heroin Is Not Chic

≪ Previous: A Matt Bernson Muse Roaming Around Tribeca

$

0

0

You guys, I'm about to blow your doors off with this beauty post today. Because I come bearing skin salvation on this frigid January day.

We all know this to be true: one of the major universal skin woes experienced by every woman that lives in a 4 season climate is directly caused by cold weather. The wacky temperature plunges that occur once we get into the thick of winter can wreak serious havoc on a girl's complexion, especially so if you have sensitive skin like myself. And because I originally hail from the Great White North (that's Canada, fyi), I can unequivocally say that I've been dealing with this predicament for, well, all of my life.

And through the years, I've kind of become a pro at finding solutions. *clears throat*


But first, let's get deeper into what the problem is. Dry skin. Ugh, I know - it's the worst. Rough patches, dehydration, dullness. I've been through it all. And let's not get into how things just kind of get worse as you age, not to mention that it's all amplified through air travel, something I do a lot of. But while it can be tempting to hit the panic button when the mercury throws in a few fun thermic shocks here and there, the key is to remain calm and find crisis mode remedies.

And ladies, I have got the ultimate one - take that, Mother Nature.


The one thing the skin needs in dire times like these is a solid cure that will turn into a long-term solve.

My answer is the Clarins Hydra-Essential moisturizer and serum set. It remedies to all of the above thanks to its ability to activate the skin's natural hydration, as well as enables it to protect itself from all those insanely temperamental weather fluctuations. Not to mention that pesky pollution we expose ourselves to every single day, thank you New York City.


How's that for a major skin miracle therapy?

Now pair that with all your new year's good intentions of living a healthy lifestyle, and you and your complexion are off to the races.

I know mine is.



GET YOURS NOW ☺️

Photos by Ian Rusiana

---

Heroin Is Not Chic

January 11, 2017, 4:50 pm

≫ Next: Sweet Child of Mine

≪ Previous: When Winter Attacks, Clarins Has Your Back

$

0

0

If there ever was an important blog post, this is the one.

You see my t-shirt? It says heroin is not chic. In fact, it's straight up devastating. Did you know that drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US?

The heroin epidemic picks up steam every year and has reached monumental proportions. If you're not personally affected by the opioid crisis, than I guarantee that you know someone who is.

I feel privileged to have the podium to spread the word about this terrible thing that ruins not only the lives of those who fall victim, but that also destroys families and tears apart friendships.

Support the cause by getting your very own (and very chic!) Heroin Is Not Chic gear, by donating, or by reading up on it and taking action.

Because "there is no face of heroin, it faces us all."



GET YOUR HEROIN IS NOT CHIC GEAR HERE.
Photos by Yael Steren.

Sweet Child of Mine

January 24, 2017, 5:14 pm

≫ Next: My Favorite Things: Glossier Edition

≪ Previous: Heroin Is Not Chic

$

0

0

Well, if there ever was a 90s look to shoutout GnR, this is it. I always find the cycle of fashion fascinating, and I definitely would have worn this circa 1997, even though I was far more grungy at the time than what this ensemble conjures. In fact, I feel like this whole vibe is a proper marriage of the Craft meets Empire Records.

The trick with trend revivals is to reference the era of choice by incorporating modern updates. Costumes aren't cute unless it's Halloween, honey. For example: my vintage 501s, dark lip and newsboy cap feel throwback, but my sweater and boots properly anchor me in 2017.

Got a favorite decade to pull inspiration from?


Details:
Everlane sweater
Levi's jeans
Loeffler Randall booties
Brixton hat
NARS lipstick in LaPaz
Static Nails in Hard as Stone
Bottega Veneta bag

Photos by Allie Mackin.

Click to shop:

My Favorite Things: Glossier Edition

February 9, 2017, 5:18 am

≫ Next: V Is for Versatility

≪ Previous: Sweet Child of Mine

$

0

0

You guys probably all know by now that I am a Glossier girl😀👋 (click the link in the right hand side column to shop with me!). I talked about here and here, and I keep being excited to rep for a brand that I'm really, really keen on.

I do get a ton of questions about what my favorites are and requests for recommendations (keep 'em coming!), so I figured I would list a a few of my top products here with a quick explanation for why they're on regular rotation. Don't forget that when you shop with me you'll get 20% off and free shipping on your first order ☺️.

MEGA GALAXY GREENS AND MOISTURIZING MOON MASK
I'm obsessed with masking, it's true. I blame it on aging, but it's also part of my holistic approach. These 2 masks fulfill different complexion needs that will leave your skin feeling super happy. The Moon Mask is a shot of hydration that makes your skin bright and soft, while the Mega Galaxy Greens is purifying and vitamin-filled. I use both about twice a week.

MILKY JELLY
Confession: I was actually skeptical of this product before trying it. As a person who has been inflicted with not-so-great, ultra sensitive skin since I hit puberty (ugh), it takes a lot for me to stray from my tried and true cleansers. The slightest deviation can wreak immediate havoc. WELL. Let me tell you. This is my #1 favorite Glossier product of all time. It is simply amazing, I cannot stress it enough. It's soooo gentle, it removes eye makeup, which eliminates the makeup remover step, and it leaves the skin as soft as a baby's bottom and clear clear clear, bright bright bright (like a diamond! ok maybe not). I never break out when I'm using this cleanser, but more miraculous even is that I always get compliments on my skin, which, let me tell you is not something I ever thought I would experience. It feels great.

*NOTE: I must reiterate that this is my #1 favorite product in all of the line. I cannot recommend it enough!

BOY BROW
I have tried my fair share of eyebrow gels. Those things flake, or they're not thick enough and don't tame anything. Boy Brow is quite the opposite - it's basically perfect. The tint is not aggressive (I use the blond shade after I pencil them in with the Bobbi Brown brow pencil), and it provides long-lasting texture for your brows to frame your face as they were meant to do. This product is a game changer, especially now that they just came out with a clear version. Glossier answering all of your prayers, left right and center.

*NOTE: this is my #2 favorite product in all of the line. Can't live without it.

HALOSCOPE
I'm obsessed with dewy skin and that's exactly what the Haloscope shades provide. I use all of them, including this holiday season's Moonstone (sadly, no longer available). The Topaz is slightly more like a bronzer, which I use in the crease of my cheeks as an attempt at a dewy contour, and then slather the rest of my face angles in the the lighter shades. I also gloss it over my collar bone, by breast bone, and I can't wait to extend that to my arms once summer comes back.

BALM DOT COM
This universal skin salve is my ultimate salvation. Hehe. For real though, not only is it the most ideal lip goo to keep your pout soft and plump, but as its tag line would suggest, it's pretty universal. I smother it on my elbows, feet, hands and over my knuckles when they crack in the wintertime for an instant remedy. In fact, as a lip color, I like to use Haloscope (in whatever shade I fancy at the time, they all work), topped with balm dot com. My favorite flavors are the coconut and the rose. So good.

PRIMING MOISTURIZER RICH
Holy heaven scent sent! This cream is everything. It's über rich without being oily and overbearing, it has a soothing and oh so subtle lavender smell, it literally makes you glow upon application, and despite its thickness, it still ultimately preps your skin for makeup. That said, I do like to use it as a night cream. Did I mention it makes you glow?

I have other favorite in the line (see: Super Bounce + Super Pure serums, Perfecting Skin Tint, Stretch Concealer, Generation G in Cake), but what you see above are my ultimate must-haves. What you should get if you're only getting introduced to Glossier. Also note that I'm much more skincare-focused than makeup-oriented. As I mention in my intro video, I have a very holistic approach to beauty and skincare, and firmly believe that how you feel on inside is reflected on the outside. Treat yourself well and it will show on your face!

Now time to try all the products (with 20% off + free shipping on your first order) and let me know which ones are your favorite too. 🤗



GET YOUR GLOSSIER NOW WITH 20% OFF + FREE SHIPPING!

V Is for Versatility

February 12, 2017, 1:52 pm

≫ Next: Instantly Beautified With Clarins

≪ Previous: My Favorite Things: Glossier Edition

$

0

0

The best pieces you'll ever have in your wardrobe are the ones that can play multiple roles. Those are my personal favs because their versatility means that you can wear them on repeat without feeling repetitive.

That's precisely why I can't get enough of this Cienne dress. Is it a dress? Or a tunic? It's both! It can be worn with pants, layered over a shirt, on its own, tied in the front, or in the back. It's as much a summer piece as it is a winter one, case in point: these photos.

The kicker? It can also be dressed up or dressed down, making it pretty much one of the most perfect garments I own. Can't wait to wear it in the summer without long sleeves and some vans.


Details:
Cienne NY dress
Loeffler Randall booties
Get my look:

Instantly Beautified With Clarins

February 19, 2017, 5:27 pm

≫ Next: Lady in Red

≪ Previous: V Is for Versatility

$

0

0

As you guys know very well, I belong to the unfussy club. I hate it when things are too complicated, I really dislike complicated processes, and I am highly averse to anything finicky. Especially when it comes to style and beauty. Call me boring, but I like to think of it as pragmatic. And most of all, efficient.

Seriously though, riddle me this: why make things complicated when they can be simple? Exactly.

That's why I was super keen on this new project. Clarins challenged me to create a beauty look using some of their cosmetics from their #instantbeautyperfectors, the whole premise tying into looking beautiful and put-together when you just realistically don't have much time to dedicate to a huge makeup routine every morning.

It was without an ounce of hesitation that I promptly accepted the mission, duh. Rushing? No time? Still cares about one's appearance? That is my jam, yo!




It actually took me no more than 5 minutes to put this makeup look together, and the results were pretty darn fresh. First I'll give you a breakdown of what I used, then I'll show you the full reveal at the bottom.

Here's how it went:

1. Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch
I've never seen a cream like this, it was like a velvety concoction on my skin that fixed all of its visible flaws and made the application of foundation more flawless. Wow.

2. The Instant Light Brush-On Perfector
A concealer that also illuminates? Sign me up! Applied this under my eyes for a brightening look, which surprisingly (and delightfully) made me look more awake.



3. Face Contouring Palette
Full disclosure: I'm not the best at contouring. I always seem to get it wrong, and now I know why - I think it's all in the brush. This palette comes with a brush that has a shape I've never seen before, but it turned out to be the most ideal configuration to sweep your face from every angle. The compact has 3 colors: a lighter shade for illumination, a bronze shade for contouring, and then a blush color for your apples. Basically the perfect 3-part formula to add dimension to your face.



4. Supra Volume Mascara
Oooooohhh kayyyyy. You guys. I've been using this mascara for a couple of weeks now and it's a total game-changer. Take my word for it, I am absolutely obsessed.

5. Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
Last but ever so not least, a pretty peachy glimmery shade that comes in a cushiony stick for a flawless application to complete the whole thing. I felt oh so like a better version of little old me.


The combo of these 5 items are everything I love in makeup: natural, light, looking like myself only better, and super quick and practical to get me out the door in a flash in the morning. At night I would add a stroke of liner from the 4-Colour All-in-One Pen, which has 4 different crayon hues to choose from, one of them actually being a lip liner (how retro).

Here's how it all looked after applying all five above mentioned products:


Side note: I've also been using the Hydra-Essential cream that I previously talked about, every single day, and it's everything I've ever dreamed of in a moisturizer. My skin is super happy.

*Disclaimer*Clarins has generously provided the products for this sponsored post and I cannot wait to use them all up!


Get the products for yourself to experience how great they are: