Essence Makeup Boxes | Review

Saturday 15 November 2014

Over the past few weeks I've been on the search for cruelty free makeup products and Essence was one of the brands that I came across. I've never bought anything from them before now and I must say I'm impressed. All of Essence's products are really affordable but the quality exceeds the price. 
When I first saw these adorable little palettes I thought they were too cute and since they were only $9 each I thought that I would give them a try. Im so happy that I did because I think they're absolutely fantastic! 








Each Palette includes 6 eyeshadows, a double ended applicator and 2 instruction cards tucked behind the mirror, one card for a day look and the other for night. 

Starting with the Bright Eyes palette.. 



This palette mainly consists of shimmery pink tones with a few neutral shades placed here and there. The eyeshadows themselves are very creamy and apply really nicely. The pigmentation is okay, there are a few that definitely show up but some of the shades are so light that they are barely there (they could be used as a nice highlight though). I don't tend to use a primer because I don't really see a difference between when I use one or not, but these eyeshadows really benefit from the use of a primer or base because it not only helps them last longer but also keeps them looking vibrant. 

Next is the Nude Eyes palette...




Pigmency wise I think this palette tops the Bright Eyes palette. All of the colours show up really nicely and blend beautifully as well. I'd once again recommend using a primer or base before applying these eyeshadows because with both palettes the eyeshadows last about an hour without a primer but with a primer or base they will last closer to three hours.

Conclusion : 
I think overall these palettes exceeded my expectations, they aren't perfect but for the price I didn't expect perfection. They are better than any drugstore eyeshadows that I have ever used in the past which were usually either equal in price or more expensive. Oh, and did I mention how adorable the packing is?! 
These palettes are definitely something to look into if you are just looking for something small to try out and mess around with, but if you're looking for something that will really become a staple in your makeup collection I might recommend saving your money and going for something a little larger and better quality (such as my favourite palette, the Urban Decay - Naked 2 Palette). 

But in the end, I will definitely keep an eye out for when a new Essence palette comes out! 






My Favourite Harry Potter Quotes | Happy Thoughts

Sunday 9 November 2014

After writing my previous post, I felt inspired to continue talking about Harry Potter because it seemed like a lot of you are Potter Heads as well ( not surprising). This month wasn't the greatest and I've found myself going to the same place that has always gotten me through tough times... Hogwarts. And by reading the series once again I've realized (even more so than I did before!) just how lovely and encouraging many of the things said in the books were . The thing I love most about the Harry Potter series is that it reminds you of what matters, love. If you have that then you are truly set. But sadly that has become a very rare belief and I find it very sad to think about. I don't think I'm the only one feeling this hopeless about school and my surroundings so I thought that these quotes might just help a few of my fellow Potter Heads out! So here they are, some of my favourite quotes from the Harry Potter series. 




1. Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
-  Albus Dumbledore 
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2. "Me? Books and cleverness. There are more important things: friendship and bravery."
- Hermione Granger 
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone 

3. Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness.
- Dumbledore to Voldemort 
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

4. Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain.
- Arthur Weasley 
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

5. As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all – the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.
- Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

6.  Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.
- Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

7. Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young.
- Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

8. Harry, suffering like this proves you are still a man! This pain is part of being human … the fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength.
- Albus Dumbledore 
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

9.I say there are spots that don’t come off… Spots that never come off, d’you know what I mean.
- Mad-Eye Moody
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

10. “You'll stay with me?' 'Until the very end,' said James.” 
- James to Harry 
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

11.  "Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now, students. If they can do it, why not us?"
 –Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

12. . "You're the weak one. And you'll never know love, or friendship. And I feel sorry for you." 
– Harry Potter 
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

13. “Things have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always the way we expect.” 
–Luna Lovegood 
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

14.  “It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.” 
– Albus Dumbledore 
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

15. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
- Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


I feel better just by reading them again.
Good luck everyone!


Platform 9 3/4 This Way...

Tuesday 14 October 2014


While I was watching TV last night I quite happily stumbled upon the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.  It had been such a horrible week that I felt this immense sense of joy when I saw that it was on.  I ended up watching the rest of the movie till it finished at 2 am, cried once again during Dumbldore's death and then had a good long bath. It was the perfect Saturday night. There's something about the Harry Potter series that always makes me feel so happy. 

It clearly affected me because this morning I seemed to have pieced together an outfit that could be seen on a student studying at Hogwarts.











White Collared Shirt - American Apparel
Black Sweater - American Apparel 
Skirt - Topshop
Shoes - Topshop
Socks - Topshop
Rings - Miscellaneous
Time Turner Necklace - Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Shop (London)



Happy Tuesday Everyone! 



ModCloth Wish List 1 | Fashion

Sunday 12 October 2014


ModCloth has been one of my favourite stores for a while now. For those of you who don't know, ModCloth is an online retro clothing store. I can't seem to find any other store that sells such a huge amount of retro and quirky pieces. It's one of the most unique clothing stores I've ever shopped at. Its so unique because there are many retro stores that sell the costume-type retro clothing, which are extremely fun but not particularly wearable for everyday, but ModCloth is different, their cloths are so beautiful and classic but can be dressed up or dressed down. My very favourite of items tend to be their dresses or the fantastic shoes they sell (their shoes are flawless!!!). I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourite items currently being sold at ModCloth, so here they are! 

Tell me in the comments if you would like me to continue with these Wish List posts! 



Photos Via ModCloth

Doll's House Sticker Book | Happy Thoughts

Saturday 11 October 2014

To me, there's nothing like a heavenly scented soap or listening to a new/favourite record.  Those types of small items are the things that will boost my mood if I've had a bit of a rough week ( like the one I've had this week). My mom knew I needed a pick me up so that lovely woman came home with this small gift for me; a doll house sticker book. I used to play with these types of toys all the time when I was a child. There were always stickers in my home. It's funny how this simple little toy made me feel so much better. Now, being someone who has felt sadness in her life ( like everyone else) , I understand that there are times in life when you'll need much more than a toy to make you feel happy or understood but at other times when you just need a break and a bit of positivity in your life, these are the types of things that I would recommend as a quick pick-me-up.

Now from what I can tell, there are two versions of this book; the original Doll House and the Victorian Doll House version. Both are just gorgeously illustrated and are so much fun to design. The books contain about 23 pages of rooms which you (or your child of course) can fill up with the furniture stickers they supply within the book. Its so much fun and you can make 'your house' so cozy and wonderful.  I can imagine people of all ages enjoying this book because it is definitely fun to fill up with stickers but it also takes you to a different place, a happier place. Its such a simple concept, but this small little toy seems to have brightened up my day.


What do you think, should I continue posting about little items of positivity and make Happy Thoughts into a series on my blog? Tell me in the comments!














I hope your day is going well!

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadian readers!!

My Autumn Coat | Fashion

Sunday 14 September 2014




Coat : Topshop $159

When I saw this coat I knew it had to be mine. I know it's not something that everyone will love but oh my goodness, I just adore it. Its so big and warm and the colour is honestly so cool, it's a mix of brown and army green almost an olive colour. It's also quite warm, I can imagine it being the perfect coat for autumn weather. The only thing I really wish is that it was a bit shorter; I'm 5"4 which I know is pretty short but this coat  reaches just above my knees which I find makes me look even shorter. But none the less I really don't mind and I've been looking for a coat like this for ages now and I'm just so happy I found it. It looks edgy but also really classic which is why It's so fantastic and unique. Although it did cost more than what I would usually spend on an Autumn coat I knew that it would last in my wardrobe for a good long time so I thought it was worth it. Highly Recommended!



P.s I know I have rad modelling skills.. ;) 

My Favourite Candle | Bath and Body Works

Sunday 7 September 2014



Ah, my favourite season is finally here. It was cool enough yesterday that I could actually wear a sweater outside.  SO HAPPY! I even got a chance to go into Bath and Body Works which is honestly a store I live in during the Fall and Winter... not a huge fan of their summer scents. But when I went in a few days ago I was reunited with my all time favourite candle, Leaves. It is the perfect autumn scent.  It smells like a combination of apples, cinnamon and the smell of Autumn when you walk outside (very specific, I know) . I like it because it's not too strong or overpowering and it also doesn't reek of cinnamon, its a good blend of scents. You'll soon learn in the coming months that I'm all about making my home as cozy as possible during Fall and even more so in Winter and this candle just makes everything smell so lovely and homey. You just want to cozy up under a blanket and read a good book when it's lit. Nothing beats it.


Book Haul | Chapters

Wednesday 20 August 2014



My absolute favourite store to go into is Chapters. For those of you who don't know, Chapters is the Barnes and Nobles of Canada.  I went in recently and as usual I walked out with my arms full of books and I thought I would share them with you in this post. You'll begin to see a bit of a trend in my novel choices, I'm a major fan of mysteries, although I did purchase some other genres.. So if you're interested in hearing about some very cool looking books, keep reading!




1.  And Then There Were None
Agatha Christie
When it comes to mystery writers Agatha Christie is known as one of the best.  I'm a huge fan of her play The Mousetrap and the movie version of And Then There Were None and I was shocked when I came to the realization that I hadn't actually read any of her novels. So I knew that this was a must for this shopping trip.

2. The Thin Man 

Dashiell Hammett
I've been an devoted fan of The Thin Man movie series for years now, not knowing that they were based off of this novel! I absolutely adore Nick and Nora's relationship and can't wait to see what mystery they solve together.

3.The Norfolk Mystery
Ian Sansom
To be honest I was drawn to this book because I liked the cover art so much. It's a murder mystery, apparently set in England in the 1930s which is a fantastic decade for a mystery novel to be set in  (the 20s-40s are my personal favourite!) . It's also been compared to the Sherlock Holmes series so I thought I would try it out.


4. A Bitter Truth
Charles Todd
This book seemed interesting because it is set during World War I and is about a woman whom after a series of events finds herself on trial for a murder she didn't commit.

6. The House at Riverton

Kate Morton
Again, I was attracted to this book because of the pretty cover ( Yeah I know... I judged a book by its cover...). From reading the back of the book I take that its about a woman who as a young girl worked as a maid in a wealthy home where a suicide took place at one of the family's parties and now as a 98 year old woman she is questioned about it by a journalist and the mystery of the suicide becomes unraveled. Sounds cool right?


7. The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I've wanted to read this book ever since seeing it's magnificent movie adaptation that came out last year. I fell in love with the message and I can't wait to read this story in more depth and learn more about the characters.

8. The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck
I've been told that this is a book that everyone needs to read in their lifetime, so of course I have to read it.

9. A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
It's weird buying this book in August but it was on sale for $5 and it was such a beautiful copy that I couldn't resist.

Are there any books that you recommend for me to read? Tell me in the comments!


My Little Back Dress | Fashion

Monday 4 August 2014



Dress - Forever 21 - $18

So one of the things that I've noticed about my style evolution is that I'm starting to gravitate towards simple classic pieces and nothing can be more classic than a little black dress.  I love simple black dresses because I think that they are so easy to accessorize, for example, today I decided to make my outfit have a little more of a grunge vibe with my leopard print creepers. My wardrobe essentially consists of edgy pieces mixed in with really feminine pieces because that's basically my personality. I fell in love with this dress when I saw it, it's not something I would have expected to find at Forever 21 but I'm so happy I did! The fabric is quite thick and really good quality and if you look closely there are darts on the front and back in a stripe pattern that make it formfitting but also really unique. I got it recently so if your interested in getting it, it shouldn't be too hard to find. 

Tell me in the comments what your go-to clothing item is!




One Of Those Nights | My Fears

Monday 28 July 2014

Oh boy. Its one of those nights when I just can't sleep... too much on my mind. I guess a lot of it has to do with school approaching soon (one last sacred month). I mentioned it before, but I go to an art school, which is magnificent but also extremely stressful. 
You know when you love doing something so much it's painful to think of doing anything else? That's me with my singing. My blog is brand new so you guys don't know much about me, but I'm a classical singer and I'm majoring in musical theater. It feels like I've been singing all my life. It's the one thing I'm really good at. The one thing that sets me apart from the rest. I'm not a straight A student nor am I a star athlete. I am a singer.
But you see, that's the problem, I don't think I could really enjoy doing anything else. Do you know how hard it is to make a career out of singing? It terrifies me to think about all the competition there is in this profession. I'm just some shy awkward teenager. I'm not out for blood. All I want to do is sing and perform and maybe just for a few hours take peoples minds off of their troubles. A lot of people hate musicals because they find them too "fluffy" or "corny" , but what they fail to understand is that that's the whole point of them. They're there to help you escape. I feel happy when I watch a musical because it's a symbol of positivity and hope. ( I know, I know, I'm generalizing. Some musicals are pretty depressing. But you get it, right?). 
But anyways, I will conclude with this quote. Now although it doesn't fit my situation perfectly I found it quite comforting and rather inspiring. I don't have a craving for greatness nor do I truly know if I'm destined for any. But that last half is what I loved most.  

Goodnight Guys <3 



My oh my, did I ever get a lot off my shoulders... 
Tell me in the comments what you think and if you have the same worries about your future :)




My Top Three Liquid Eyeliners | Product Adoration

Sunday 27 July 2014

As a devoted fan of winged eyeliner, I have tried countless amounts of liquid and gel liners, which has brought me to the conclusion that a lot of them suck...  But have no fear! I'm going to save you all some time and share my three favourite eyeliners, these are in my opinion the best of the best. I'm not a huge fan of gel liners, so I'll only be talking about liquid ones. I've tried high end and drugstore eyeliners and I really haven't seen a significant difference between them. Its a tricky business picking out the right one for your needs but if you're  like me and love winged eyeliner these are some to test out! I highly recommend them all! 





1. Rimmel - Exaggerate :    This is my all time favourite eyeliner! I've used it everyday for a few months now. I've re-purchased it, I've recommended it to friends... its fantastic! The best thing about this product is that the colour remains vibrant throughout the day and lasts for an incredibly long amount of time. It has a standard felt tip applicator, which I like because I find it gives me more control to create a precise line. 
You all have to try this! 

2. L'Oréal - Lineur Intense : What makes this product stand out for me is its shape. It has a very long top so it feels really comfortable in your hand when you apply it which helps make a very straight and precise line. This is another product with great colour payoff, it's almost a little glossy. It lasts all day without smudging or fading. Like all my favourite liquid eyeliners this also has a standard felt tip applicator. Recommended to those of you with shaky hands!  


 3.  L'Oréal - Telescopic : Now this is the eyeliner that helped me perfect my technique. It was the first really good liner that I used and it made all the difference! This is another liner where the colour payoff is magnificent. The felt tip applicator is slightly smaller than the other ones on this list which helped me when I first started using liquid eyeliner because I couldnt make huge mistakes, Every flawed line I made was small enough to be corrected. This eyeliner lasts all day but if you do mess up it's easily fixable with a Q-tip which is really helpful. Another great thing about this eyeliner is that it comes in a waterproof formula which lasts an incredible amount of time. This is a great summer liner;  highly recommended for those of you with busy days in the heat! 




What's In My Bag | Summer Edition

Saturday 26 July 2014

Hello everyone! I hope your Saturdays are all going well. So in today's post I'm going to show you my everyday purse and what I keep in it, because in a weird and slightly creepy way a lot of people (including myself) find these fascinating.

I know, I know my purse is quite small, but I really only carry the things I need... mainly because I'm too lazy to lug around a heavy purse. But nonetheless my bag is from Aldo and I absolutely love it because it matches so much and it's just such a classic piece, I've been using it everyday this summer!

Things I keep in my purse :
In order from top right to bottom left

Wallet - Cath Kidston
Lip Balm - EOS in mint
Hair Tie and Bobby Pins - Hair Tie from TopShop
Cell Phone - Iphone 5c
Lipstick and Lip Brush - DIY crayon lipstick
Glitter Pens - Chapters
Polaroid Camera - Fujifilm




The Perfect Welcome Home Surprise | Morrissey Box Set

Thursday 24 July 2014

Alright guys, so I was recently on vacation in Newfoundland (which was absolutely gorgeous!) and when I returned home, I found possibly the greatest surprise ever waiting for me in my bedroom. My World Peace Is None Of Your Business box set arrived in the mail!!! My brother was kind enough to open it for me and lay all the items out on my bed so that I could see them as soon as I got home. The box set included the CD (of course), the vinyl version, a t-shirt, some lyric sheets, a poster, but most importantly an autographed copy of Morrissey's Autobiography!!! I've just been staring at it all day... I actually can't believe I have it in my hands. I've been listening to the album on repeat. Morrissey never fails to comfort me with not only his beautiful lyrics but his voice as well, it's still as flawless as always. If you're interested in what all of this looks like here are some pictures:




What do you guys think of World Peace Is None Of Your Business?

Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protectant | Product Adoration

Tuesday 22 July 2014

  
Hello Everyone! So today's post is going to be about a product that I'm absolutely head over heels for! 


Oscar Blandi Heat Protectant

  I've recently been trying to switch up my hair routine in an attempt to make it stronger and healthier and one of the things I've been looking for was a really fantastic heat protectant and I've found it! The product I'm talking about is the Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protectant Spray. It offers up to 450°F heat protection but what makes it special is the fact that it contains keratin. After applying it to my hair it not only protects it from my heat tools but it also makes my hair feel so soft and look so shiny and healthy without making my hair oily (which is actually a very big deal with my hair... I swear it's either crazy oily or extremely dry). I'd really recommend it to any of you who are looking for the perfect heat protectant because I've noticed a huge difference in the texture and strength of my hair. It will definitely be an item I repurchase! 






My Top Acne Clearing Products

Sunday 6 July 2014

I don't know about you guys, but summer's arrival always means that my skin will break out. Luckily, I've found some magical products which clear my acne incredibly fast. I've been reaching for these products for some time now, and they have never failed to impress me. So here are my four most beloved acne clearing products:

1. Clean & Clear Blemish Treatment


This product is truly the best of the best. In my personal experience this product has been able to eliminate my acne within a few days.  It's definitely my go to product and I recommend it to all my friends who suffer from acne. Just a word to the wise... If you do plan on purchasing this product, make sure you don't pop or pick at your pimples before hand (though you shouldn't do that in general..) because this product may burn slightly after you apply it.  But all in all its the best way I've found of clearing up all those annoying spots!!



2. Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Scrub


I've been using this product for a while now and I find it especially helps to dry up spots (without drying your skin of course). I usually use this product at night before going to bed and when I wake up, the redness around my acne is cleared substantially if not completely and by the second night of using it the appearance is reduced dramatically. It truly is a fantastic scrub and what I love most about it is it's scent, I find most products geared towards acne have a very medicinal scent to them, but not this one! Its very fruity and fresh and extremely gentle too. Definitely a scrub worth trying!

3. Bioré Blemish Fighting Astringent 


Now before I begin talking about this product i'll start by saying I don't recommend it for people with sensitive and/or dry skin, its very strong and very drying. But if oily skin is one of the causes for your acne, this is the product for you. It helps control the oil and dry up your acne. I'd recommend to use it about every four days at first and maybe move to every other day if you find you need more.  


4. L'Oréal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution


This product is fairly new and I had been hearing rave reviews about it everywhere, so I thought I would give it a try; It's fantastic!! I must admit, I have been guilty of removing my makeup with only face wipes and then going to bed, but I've now added this product into my nightly routine and I've noticed a ridiculous difference. When I use this I go to bed with no trace of makeup on my face which is of course is the ideal scenario. Its extremely gentle and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and looking so bright! A good makeup remover is absolutely the most important step to help reduce breakouts, this is the best and most gentle one I have tried yet!


I wish you luck in your future battles against acne



Greetings

Monday 30 June 2014

Hello everyone!


As my first blog post, I thought it might be a good idea to introduce myself to you all, so here I go...


My name is Frances and I'm 16 years old. I go to an arts high school majoring in musical theater and I would love to continue music as a career in the future. Things that interest me include fashion, makeup, music and photography and I hope to be able to incorporate these and much more into my blog! I've wanted to start a blog for a quite some time now, and since I just began my summer break I thought this would be the perfect time to start! I hope through this I can interact with people who have similar styles and interests. 

I'm excited to start writing and I hope you enjoy reading!!

Talk to you later,

Frances 
  


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