Five Glossier Favourites

Let's be real, I love all of Glossier's products. They're incredible. But there are some products that I use all the time and have repurchased again and again. One of my top questions in my Insta DMs is what products people should try from the line. So I figured I would narrow it down to an edit of my five must-haves, and here they are!

We all know my obsession for the Milky Jelly Cleanser is too real. It's the love of my life and the product I have repurchased the most. It's just so good. The consistency is cloud-like, bouncy and silky and conditioning, but it gets your skin super clean. The cleansing agent is the same used in contact lens solution, so it's super gentle and you don't have to worry about getting it in your eyes. Basically, it's the cleanser of my dreams. My second most repurchased product has to be the Balm Dot Coms (as you can probably tell, I'm running low again). These all purpose salves are just perfect for everything, lips, cuticles, elbows, even brows. They're so so hydrating, but aren't sticky or gloopy. I actually have like 15 of these floating around on my nightstand, vanity, various purses, my car, my kitchen. I refuse to be without. I like all the flavours but the original and the Coconut are my favourites!

Speaking of hydration, my fave Super has to be the Super Bounce. If you're a Hyaluronic Acid freak like me, you'll love this one. Super Bounce is incredibly hydrating with Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid to plump, regenerate, and hydrate skin. This one is the silkiest of all three, and feels most like a typical serum (but it's still water-like and sinks into the skin effortlessly). Yes, other companies have recreated this combo of ingredients (which are still good!) but I find the texture of bounce to be superior. I'm also a face mask freak, and honestly the fact that I've actually finished one is a testament to how incredible it is. The Mega Greens Galaxy Pack is truly as Glossier describes it, a juice cleanse for your face. It balances skin and helps reduce inflammation, but also detoxes and leaves my skin feeling incredibly clean. It's a clay mask, but doesn't crack and dries softly, almost sinking into the skin. Including ingredients like Parsely, Spinach, Cress Sprout, and Kaolin White Clay help to clean and purify, while Avacado (it's a avacadoooo) moisturises and Bitter Orange Peel gently exfoliates.

I went back and forth a bit about which makeup product I love the most. I really really love Boy Brow and the Perfecting Skin Tint. But Stretch Concealer is a truly unique product and I can't be without it. Usually creamy concealers can be stiff or dry, but this contains elastic micro-waxes that blend the product into your skin seamlessly. This means coverage that looks like and moves with your skin. It's beautiful. This does also have a dewy finish because it's moisturising, but I just set with a little powder and I'm all good all day! (Or I just let it shiiiiine) It works on both dark circles and blemishes, but I also love using it all over as my base. 

What are your favourite Glossier products? Don't forget to shop my link glossier.com/reps/amelia (it'll get you 20% off your first purchase!). Thank you always for your support!
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Bathroom Beauty

I try a lot of products, sometimes I talk about them right away and sometimes it takes me forever. And sometimes, they're tried and true products that I just forget to talk about here. So, I thought I'd show you what's on my lil shelves right at this very moment. I probably won't go through every single product, but if you have anything you want to know about leave me a comment! These are the things I'm currently testing/always loving!

Obviously the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is the absolute love of my life. It's the most gentle, conditioning, perfect cleanser, but I've been using it a little differently lately! The French Girl Organics Rose Facial Polish is a powder exfoliant, and I've been mixing it into Milky Jelly a few times a week for an extra punch. Speaking of cleansers, I've been rotating quite a few recently. Namely the BioClarity Cleanser, Korres Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser, Korres Greek Yoghurt Cleanser, Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser, Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser, Recherche Beaute Cashmere Cleansing Balm and the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Trans-Clay Foam. Extra much? Maybe, but I just love trying out cleansers!

I've been trying out the rest of the Korres Wild Rose range and loving it! I got a set from Sephora (that doesn't seem to be there anymore, boo) with several of the full size products in it! So far so good, and the Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial seems to possibly me a miracle? Time will tell. The Pomegranate Moisturizer is also pretty great. I've been a little lazy in the face mask department lately, but the Complex Beauty Co masks are always ones I reach for. The Godmother is my absolute favourite, it's an enzyme mask that gives you the glowiest skin ever. Usually on mask days I use a pretty simple skincare routine, but can never ever be without my Kypris Antioxidant Dew or Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil. Actual game changers.

In terms of serums, I'm forever loving the Glossier Super Bounce and Pixi Overnight Glow Serum. Both, especially when used together, promise plumed up smooth skin. This week I've started incorporating the Sunday Riley C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. I'm going to have to do a Vitamin C Skin Smart post because this ingredient is a serious powerhouse. In the week that I've been using it I've already noticed brighter skin. And apparently it helps fade acne scarring incredibly quickly, my fingers are crossed! It isn't really a serum, but I've been trying out the Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil Essence. I'm not really sure what to think of it yet, have any of you used it?

Those are a few of the things I'm currently testing/using! What have you guys been loving lately?
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The Cream Eyeshadow Edit

I've become a cream eyeshadow person. If you'd told me that a few years ago, I probably would have laughed at you because I kind of hated them. But nowadays I'm 10000% into more minimal makeup and I usually can't be bothered with more than one shadow colour. Cream shadows just make it a million times easier. So these are my favourite ones!

I'm sure if you follow me on Instagram, you know I'm a wee tiny bit obsessed with Chanel at the moment. It's actually a problem. But their products have been calling to me! I fell in love with the Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Shadow in New Moon a few months ago. It's a beaaaautiful mix of burgundy and bronze and gold that looks stunning on the lids. The shimmer in it almost leans lilacy, it's really unusual. This formula is a bit more sheer with intense shimmer, but can be built up! I only got the Ombre Premiere Long Wear Cream Shadow in Undertone a few days ago but I really really like the formula! Undertone is a lighter warm-brown with an almost white gold finish. They're super soft and incredibly lightweight, and blend like a dream. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on these so far and I'm honestly shocked, I love it. I like especially that I can sheer it out really easily, or build it up. But, it does set and then it doesn't budge!

The elf Smudge Pots are similar in their creaminess, but they're almost a bit slippery (?) and more gel-like compared to the Chanel. This shade, Cruisin' Chic, has been a favourite of mine for a long time. It's a beautiful taupe that leans a bit warm. Despite the really light texture they last all day on me without creasing! Last on the lightweight side of the cream shadow world is this Burberry Eye Colour Cream in Gold Copper. I've never heard anyone talk about these, but when I found one at a bare + Beauty outlet I snatched it up. This is another icy gold that I'm sort of obsessed with at the moment. It's much more of a sheer wash of colour, but sets down and doesn't move. Definitely looking into more shades.

The MAC Paint Pots are much more dense, but the formula is quite easy to blend (especially in the more shimmery shades) and highly pigmented. They're excellent as eyeshadow bases, I specifically love Soft Ochre, or on their own! I personally find that they feel slightly heavier on the lids upon first application, so I typically press them in with my fingers so that they're blended out. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks are the loves of my life. They go on quite creamy, but once they set down they are done. They literally will not move. Some are a bit sheer, but most are very pigmented and transfer that way on the lid. I have a couple of the satin-matte shades, but the shimmers are my favourite! I love Goldstone, Sunlight Gold, and Dusty Mauve the most.

Do you guys like cream shadows? What are your favourite formulas?
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Best of French Girl Organics

A few months ago during the Anthro Day sale I picked up a few French Girl Organics products to try out. I'd seen them in stores before but hadn't heard much about them in the blogosphere. I fell in LOVE. But I don't have an Anthropologie super close to me, so I didn't play with any more products. A few weeks ago, French Girl reached out and asked if I'd like to try out some of their bestsellers. Basically took all of my self control not to respond saying "um hell yes."

So I've been testing most of these for the past few weeks (and two products for several months) and thought I'd do a roundup post to tell you what I think. I originally purchased the Crème Lumière and Sea Spray and I love them both. The Crème Lumière is a super rich hydrating moisturizer that's surprisingly lightweight. It's got my beloved hyaluronic acid and a new-to-me super ingredient, pomegranate for anti-inflammatory purposes. It also contains evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil so it's definitely better (in my opinion) for dry/combination skin. The oils can also separate especially if kept in the sun so keep that in mind. The Sea Spray is formulated with Himalayan pink salt, French gray salt, coconut and neroli oil, and jasmine. It makes my hair super beachy and wavy without being crunchy or drying my hair out. But better than any salt sprays I've ever tried (ahem bumble and bumble).

I was pretty skeptical of the Sea Polish only because body scrubs aren't really my thing. You'd think I'd be as obsessed with taking care of the skin on my body as I am with my face but I'm just too lazy. So, the skin on my body is quite dry and scrubs generally irritate it. But the Menthe/Romain Sea Polish* is full of Shea and coconut butters which make it insanely moisturizing. The salt crystals are quite rounded making the exfoliation gentle. I honestly really love this, but my complaint is that for the price I just go through it too quickly. The other body product I received was the Lumière Body Oil*. This one I was skeptical of as well because I love my Nuxe oil, but it's quickly getting up there. It's a bit easier to get in the US, but it is also pricier. I love the spray on my Nuxe so the dropper on this is a little annoying and hard to get used to. But the way it sinks into my skin and deeply hydrates makes it so worth it.

The Rose Lip Polish* is probably the product I see out there on Instagram the most. I was expecting it to be similar to the Lush lip scrubs, but it's actually pretty different! Its full of super hydrating oils and butters like the rest of French Girl's products. Definitely moisturizing, but feels less scrubby than other products I've used (not necessarily a bad thing tbh). The Remedy Roll-On Oil- Cuticle* is a surprise favourite, the packaging is genius. It makes it so easy and tidy, especially to throw in your purse and use on the go. The combination of oils smells incredible but isn't overpowering. It's intensely hydrating but sinks in really quickly, win win!

The absolute star of the show for me is the Rose Facial Polish*. I'm normally against physical exfoliators, especially on the delicate skin on your face. But, these finely ground exfoliating powders are actually kind of awesome. Basically you put a dime sized amount in yours palm, mix with a bit of water, polish away, and rinse. I've found that it also works really well mixed with Milky Jelly Cleanser! It's packed with antioxidants as well as anti-bacterial lavender and patchouli leaf. This leaves my skin baby soft, taut (not tight), and absolutely glowing. Plus, for $22 and the tiny amount you use it's a whole lotta bang for your buck. If you buy one thing, buy this. I'm in love.

A little bit of background on French Girl for those of you who don't know: it began on Etsy in 2010! The products are all made with exclusively organic, wild-crafted and sustainable ingredients. They're also entirely vegan! The line is full of luxurious products that I feel like kind of elevate (is that too bougie?) my every day. I'm kind obsessed with everything French so I love using these simple but beautiful products.

Have you guys tried anything from the line? If you haven't are you going to try something?
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*Some products featured in this post were sent to me for consideration. This post is not sponsored and as always all opinions are my own.

Skincare on Trial 002

The past few weeks I've been trying a few things out and loving them, but haven't been able to work them into a post. So I figured I'd give them their own because I'm the boss!

My new friend Brennan (yes, that Brennan, squeal) gave me this wee sample of the Korres Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser and I quite nearly fainted. I'd been really wanting to try this line and have since ordered several of the products (arriving tomorrow!). Anywho, this is a creamy exfoliating cleanser and I have fallen in love. I typically don't like abrasive cleansers, but this is really gentle and so nice in the morning. Wild Rose is rich in Vitamin C and is super brightening. Obviously cleansers are on your face for about 15 seconds tops so those ingredients don't really do much, but I think the exfoliating beads help reinforce the brightness. The exfoliating agents in this are rice grain, cherry stone, and sugar all of which have round structures and won't cause micro tears in the skin yay!

I bought the Dr. Jart+ Trans-foam Clay in Refreshing Green during the VIB Sale because it just seemed so interesting. These are basically clay masks (there are three different ones) that turn into a cleanser once you start to wash them off. The green one is detoxifying and exfoliating! The French green clay brightens and removes dead skin cells and is supposed to help tighten as well. My skin definitely feels very very clean and smooth after using this, but without that stripping feeling. It also contains hydrogen mineral water and lemon grass, eucalyptus, and tea tree extracts to soothe the skin. Overall I really liked this, it was fun to use and had good results! It's also pretty inexpensive for a high-end mask and I'm thinking about picking up the other two.

The star of this show is the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Pore Cleansing Mask. I don't usually buy Clinique skincare because I always think it's a little boring (sorry Clinique). But I'm really glad I picked this up because it's incredible! Charcoal powder pulls all of the nasties of out your skin, and the mineral clay soaks up oil. Generally I find these masks too drying and a bit too clarifying, but this somehow leaves my skin super super smooth and clean but still hydrated? I'm always really suspicious of products that claim to be "pore minimizing" because that's literally not possible. Your pores are the size that they are and there's no changing that. I think refining though is a really good way to phrase it, my pores looked way less noticeable after using this!

What have you guys been trying out lately? Anything I neeeeed?
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Four Products for a Flawless Base

Usually I switch up my base routine daily, which considering the number of foundations I own is probably a good thing. But recently I've settled into a routine that's had my skin looking pretty perfect (if I do say so myself). So much so that customers at work have been asking me what I'm wearing on my skin and I have to whisper that we don't carry it in our store but here's where you can get it (lol sorry to my manager). Anyway, here are the four products and why I love them!

I'm a sunscreen person. Always have been, always will be. But it's so hard to find a sunscreen that doesn't mess with your makeup. Enter Glossier's Invisible Shield. I have a whole post on this here so I won't go on for too long. But basically it sinks right into your skin and is totally clear making it the perfect under-foundation product. in love (obviously). Don't forget to shop my link here or click the G in my menu bar to order (and get $ off your first order!). Onto the new queen of bases which has very very quickly made it to the top of my list. The Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Finish Foundation is definitely a mouthful but it's totally worth it. If you've been on the hunt for a skin-like foundation that makes your skin look even and beautiful you can just stop it here. It has a medium coverage and a quite liquid consistency that blends in perfectly. I wouldn't knock it upon first application, because once it sets down to its satin-y finish that is when you'll notice the magic. It really truly just looks like a second layer of beautiful healthy skin.

Because the foundation is a medium coverage, I use a little somethin' somethin' extra to over up my bit of acne scarring. That little extra is the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer. This little magic pot has a satin-matte finish that completely conceals my blemishes without looking dry at all. Thanks to hyaluronic acid and peptides that keeps skin looking plump, genius. That satiny finish is also somehow blurring? Don't ask me how but it makes my forehead and chin look photoshopped. Honestly considering buying another to use as a foundation (lol). If you're looking for something matte matte this isn't it, but I adore it. Speaking of adore, I'm so so happy I splurged on the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Palette because it is GORGEOUS. It adds the perfect bronzy sun kissed radiance to the skin in a smooth formula that is undetectable on the skin. I'm a fan of letting my freckles show through, but sometimes bronzer can make them look nonexistent. This one however somehow lets you skin show which is some kind of miracle (right?).

So those are my four favourite base products at the moment! Do you guys have any new foundation loves? As if I ever need another one. I'm also thinking about doing a post/video on my favourite high-end foundations so let me know if you're interested!
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Bright Lips For Summer

I'm not exactly the kind of person to branch out when it comes to choosing lip colours. In fact, I'm downright boring. I generally stick to nudes or dark reds and it rarely goes past that. But for some reason, this year I've been finding myself reaching for much more fun colours. Mostly sticking in the hot-pink-raspberry or red-orange category, but it's still branching out (right?).

The Glossier Gen G Lipsticks are awesome if you want to dip your toe into some bright shades this summer. Zip, a poppy red, and Crush, a bright raspberry pink, have quickly become favourites. They're quite sheer, and super easy, but can also be built up to a more pigmented lip. If I'm really feeling like adding a punch, Bobbi Brown's Art Stick in Sunset Orange is pretty incredible. The pencil formula makes it really easy to apply and the formula is creamy but still matte. I never thought you'd catch me dead in an orange, but this bright reddish orange just looks so chic. Especially when worn with only mascara and a nice even base. Très Parisienne.

Speaking of Parisian, I'm also a wee bit obsessed with the Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick in Parisian Red. These are a super rich, super creamy formula. Usually I'd be weary of such a bright colour in anything other than a matte, but this wears so so well! It's definitely more on the red side of the spectrum, with a hint of orange to keep it interesting. Last but not least in the line-up is the beautiful Rose Pop from Clinque. I immediately went and bought this after seeing Sam from Pixiwoo talking about this in a video a while back. Okay it obviously doesn't look as good on me as it does on her, but the bright raspberry pink is truly gorgeous (even if it makes my teeth look a tiiiiiny bit yellow ew). It's incredibly pigmented and again the matte formula is comfortable but wears really well.

Obviously I had to get that low saturation image in there because aesthetic, but here's what they actually look like! Do you guys bring in the fun colours for summer?
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Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen +

SHE. IS. HERE. And she is a game changer, believe me. Glossier has launched the Invisible Shield and I don't think I've ever been so excited in my entire life. If you've been reading the blog for a while, you know using a dedicated sunscreen is something I find non-negotiable in my skincare routine. I don't care if it's cloudy outside. You use sunscreen every. single. day. But I also know how difficult it can be to find a sunscreen that works for you. They're often heavy and greasy or have a white cast or don't sit well under makeup. Invisible Shield has changed all of this.

After two years in R&D, Invisible Shield SPF 35 Daily Sunscreen + has arrived and it is perfect. Invisible Shield is an innovative chemical serum-like sunscreen, not a psychical one. There are a lot of people who wanted a physical sunscreen, but those utilize mineral filters meaning a white cast (ew). Chemical filters also allow for the incredibly lightweight texture and the invisibility (duh). It dispenses as a cloudy, almost watery gel (think milky jelly but runnier), then blends completely into the skin turning totally clear! It smells divinely of orange by using sweet orange peel essential oil to cut through the typically sunscreen-y smell of the filters. Also the packaging. The electric lime stands out from the typical baby pink of other Glossier products, but that's on purpose! It's meant to stand out and to remind you...

Invisible Shield is your daily sunscreen. Meaning, you apply it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But keep in mind, this isn't a beach or sweaty activity sunscreen. It's legitimately to be worn everyday. Did you know that the glass in your car window only blocks UVB rays, not UVA rays? And that it's UVA rays that really cause the damage? (More on this later). And for those of you who think that the clouds protect you from the sun, think again. Up to 40% of the sun's radiation will still reach the earth on a totally cloudy day. So wear your damn sunscreen! Basically radiation will find you anywhere, in your car, in your office, on your couch. It doesn't discriminate. SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays (nothing filters 100% but this is pretty damn close).

The actives are Avobenzone (with Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate to stabilize), Homosalate, and Octisalate. Avobenzone protects the skin from UVA rays by absorbing them instead of blocking them (like a mineral sunblock would). UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin's dermis, where it can cause premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays on the other hand are what cause immediate effects aka sunburn (yikes). It damages the skin's epidermal layers, but also plays a lead role in the development of skin cancer. Homosalate provides mostly UVB protection, but also provides a narrow protection from UVA (which is why it's generally combined with another ingredient). Octisalate also protects the skin from UVB rays. 

Invisible Shield is formulated with water, a lot of water. The water gel formula means it disappears into the skin without drying alcohol or greasy ingredients. The active microcapsules store the UVA/UVB filters that break upon application releasing them! (This is pretty cool right?) You can see the little tiny bubbles when you dispense the product. What I think is the greaaaaatest thing about Invisible Shield is that it's full of antioxidants. A powerful mix of Vitamin E, Vitamin P, Broccoli, and Aloe Leaf extracts help fight free radicals which cause sagging and wrinkles (rude). Also it contains fermented yeast and vegetal extract. This sounds a whole lot like Marmite to me, but it actually creates an invisible matrix on top of skin that prevents pollutants from getting into your skin! Because you best believe free radicals don't just come from the sun, they come from everywhere. Smoking, drinking alcohol, fast food (ouch), and just the blinking air as well. Yeesh. Nonoparticulates in the air can be up to 20 times smaller than your pores. This means they can sneak in and cause dehydration, sensitivity, inflammation, fine lines, dark spots, and more. 

Obviously the only thing I can speak to now are the ingredients and texture, but I'm genuinely so so happy with this. It wears incredibly well under makeup or on its own. I've done a little video for you guys here if you want to see how it applies and what step in your routine to apply it! I was very lucky to get to sit in with the Glossier team to learn about Invisible Shield and received the product from them, but am going to purchase (several) backups today!

Don't forget you can shop my rep link: glossier.com/reps/amelia to get 20% off your first order! Thank you guys so much for supporting me and the blog by shopping the link!

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Top Picks : April 2017

I know I'm a wee bit late for a favourites post but life has been so hectic the past few weeks, so better late than never right? Between moving, finals, and going to New York (more on that soon!) I really haven't had much time to experiment with anything so I've been sticking to a routine. Not to mention all of my makeup and skincare was in boxes (still traumatized). But that also means I really got some use out of these products and really really love them!

I got the Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation pretty recently, but I've worn it every single say since. It's one of those bases that really makes you look like you have incredible, glowy skin. It has a light to medium coverage, so if you want to you'd still have to spot conceal. But it does even out the skin really beautifully. As far as staying power goes I personally find it lasts all day! I set it with a little bit of powder in my tzone, but that's all. If you have drier skin you'll love it, if your skin is oilier definitely use setting powder and maybe a spray but I think you'll still be able to use it. To add some warmth back into my face I've been pretty much obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow Palette. It is pricy, but so so so beautiful. The bronzer is the perfect not-too-warm shade and the highlight is a gorgeous champagne. The formula of the powder is super smooth, it never skips even on top of just liquids!

I've mostly not been bothering to wear eyeshadow, but if I do I reach for the Burberry Pale Barely Eyeshadow. It really is a perfect shadow for every day because it looks quite complex on the eye. It's a medium neutral-beige, but if blended onto the lid and crease looks like several different colours. The formula is also amazing and is soooo smooth. I'm in love. I switched over to the Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil and will never ever go back to ABH. It literally could be the same pencil and is only $12. Major win. For lips again, I mostly couldn't bear bothered. But if I need a little something something the Glossier Generation Gs are perfect. They're a sheer wash of colour you don't have to think about. I've mostly been sticking to Like, which is a gorgeous light pink!

I'm quickly developing a very dangerous addiction to the Chanel Le Vernis polishes. This shade is Organdi and is the most incredible nude colour. It's almost a bit of a rosy-pink and has a super full coverage. The formula of these is amazing which is why I can't seem to stop buying them! Last but not least is my beloved Kypris Antioxidant Dew. I am actually obsessed with this. Kypris is an all natural brand with the most beautiful products. Antioxidant Dew is a water based serum which protects the skin from pollutants and free radicals. It's super soothing and also hydrating! This is something I see definitely staying in my skincare routine. That's all I'll say for now because I'm going to do a Antioxidant post soon!

What did you guys love this month?
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