Makeup Must Haves

Clockwise from L to R

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion:
It's unlike any moisturizer I've ever tried, and I have ridiculously dry skin.  It's the perfect base under foundation.
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream:
I use this stuff when I don't want full makeup.  It's light and has a built in moisturizer.  It's a little oily, which is perfect for dry skin, and I follow with a translucent powder for a matte look.
Mac Studio Fix Fluid: 
Recommended by my bestie.  This stuff makes your skin look flawless and hides fine lines.  It's worth spending a little extra on good foundation.
E.l.f Studio Blush:
A basic blush that lasts all day.
N.Y.C. Liquid Eyeliner:
Goes on smooth and stays on and at $3, it's a steal.
Maybelline Baby lips Lip Balm:
Silky deliciousness, 'nuff said.
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer:
I bought this approximately 3 years ago and there's still lots left.  Yay for never-ending products.  This shit covers EVERYTHING.
Maybelline Lash Stilleto:
Holy long lashes... this mascara rocks.

e.l.f. Makeup Review

     I know it's not quite Hallowe'en yet, but it's about to get scary up in here.

     I recently impulse bought a tonne of e.l.f products online because, one; how convenient is it that I needed new makeup the same day my mat. cheque got deposited into my bank account, and two; C probably won't want to go to college anyway, so who's needs a savings account...totally kidding.

     I tried not to over do it, but everything by e.l.f is super inexpensive, and let's eyeslipsface it, sometimes I buy a lot of something that I don't need just because it's on sale.  After a week of obsessively checking the mailbox, so that I could get to my loot before the hubby did,  it showed up in my living room this morning, in the hands of a not so impressed looking man.  Sorry! but not that sorry.

So $43.00 and some free shipping later, and here's what I ended up with...

I haven't been this excited since I fit into my pre-preggers skinny jeans!

Because I need this many brushes, because I'm a professional... no, but they were $12.

Pumped about this high def powder.

Mineral Infused Face Primer ($6)  :  blah blah mineral whatever.  This primer is a gel.  I put it on after my usual Nivea moisturizer.  It basically soaks up any left over oil from your moisturizer and leaves your skin feeling silky.    

Flawless Finish Foundation ($6): I used a foundation brush to apply this foundation using upward strokes.  It was soft and matched my skin colour.  It also didn't leave my skin too dry like I find to be the case with most foundations.

High Definition Powder ($6) : My usual powder is Make Up Forever HD from Sephora ($32).  This powder is so similar that if you switched the container I wouldn't know the difference.  It gave me the matte look that I love.
 

This is Fun!

 I'm horrible at doing eye makeup and this is everything you need for a smoky eye look and it's easy!  The eyeshadow blended well, the eyeliner was foolproof, and the mascara was pretty decent and not clumpy at all.

Nude Nail Polish $2.00 and Ballet Slippers Lip Gloss $3.00

I love nude nail polish! This polish goes on amazing for a cheap $2 deal and with a decent top coat I'm thinking it will last.  They have a sweet assortment of colours too.

The Glossy Gloss goes on thick, but I like that occasionally because it lasts.  It also smells amazing.

This is where it gets scary... 

WARNING - some images may be disturbing.

Dear lord it hurts to look...

That's better! minus the weirdo grin

The smoky eye look is more for a 'Tequila Tuesday' night out.  There are a few other "get the look" sets that are more natural and day time friendly... you know... for 'Sangria Sunday' afternoons.

Note:  I'm pretty sure I woke up with some sort of flu this morning, hence the pale, clammy undertone to my skin.  I guess I picked a bad day for a trial run, but you get the point.  Also, e.l.f did not sponsor this post in any way, but if they would like to give me some free stuff for saying all kinds of nice things about their products, I probably wouldn't turn it down. :)

xo,  Kiara

End of Summer Salads

     I'm so sad that summer is coming to an end.  This has been the best summer of my life and we've had so many good times with our friends and family.  These are my two go-to summer salads. They're delicious, super easy, and perfect for summer afternoon BBQ's.

Broccoli Salad

 The Goods:

• 10 slices bacon
• 1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I use olive oil mayo)
• 1 cup sunflower seeds

How to Make It:

1. Bake bacon on a cookie sheet until crispy. (this is by far the best and only way to cook bacon)
2. In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds and bacon.  In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise. Pour over broccoli mixture, and toss until well mixed. Refrigerate for at least two hours.

     Sometimes I make this one vegetarian if I make it as a side dish for us at home.  But come on, everything is better with bacon so I wouldn't dare deprive my friends.  This is the only way the hubs will eat broccoli and he LOVES it.

     It's especially good the second day, once the broccoli has time to soak up the dressing. YUM!

Oriental Salad

The Goods:

• 2 bags of coleslaw mix
• 6 green onions thinly sliced
• 1 cup salted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup slivered almonds (toasted)
• 2 packs of Oriental Mr. Noodles (noodles only, put the seasoning aside for the dressing)

Dressing:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (I use extra virgin olive oil because it's healthier, but it does have a stronger taste than vegetable oil)
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packs of oriental seasoning from the Mr. Noodles.

Directions:

1. Combine coleslaw mix, crushed Mr. Noodles, onion, sunflower seeds, and toasted almonds ( I toast them in a frying pan on the stove with a little butter).
2. Mix dressing and pour over salad if you're serving it within 20 minutes, otherwise leave the dressing off until you're ready to much.

     I just made this salad yesterday.  My mother in law gave me this recipe when P and I were first dating...it's pretty much the best salad ever and it's always a hit.

xo Enjoy,   Kiara