little miss n

When it comes to getting my nails ‘did. I’m pretty simple with them. I’m fortunate to be able to grow my nails long, so usually they are just au natural. I do however like to get pampered, so mani/pedi’s are always in order  - not only do I love the massage’s and the cuticle clean up, but the perfect application of polish is a treat, since I can never apply colour on so great myself. Now all the colours that have been available to me have been your usual shine coat, and even though I’ve been hearing about the trend of ‘matte’ nail polish, I had never actually seen it .. that is until today.

Randomly, Aritzia is one of the exclusive stockists (Henri Bendel and Kitson in the states are the others) to carry the ‘flatte’ nail polish line  by Knock Out. It goes on with a liquid shine and quickly dries to a matte finish. Although I tested all eight colours that are available so far, I came home with Powder (aka white) and  Calamine (aka light pink). The Flatte Black was great, but you definitely need short nails for that, as the shade on long nails looks like you’re ready to dress as a witch for Halloween. But for those sporting black nail polish these days, I highly suggest you switch to matte. Yes, it’s almost like a chalkboard on your fingers….

Just like the coveted little black dress, an essential for every girl out there is the perfect mascara. As one of the most ancient cosmetics known (having been used in Egypt possibly as early as 4000 B.C – thank you Answers.com), this cosmetic substance for the eyelashes is available in many different formulas to achieve thicker, longer, feathery, darker lashes and is available in a variety of wand applicators ranging from thick brushes to the latest trend of vibrating mascara.

For myself, I was fortunate to of been blessed with long lashes, however, I am always on the lookout for my number one makeup essential (right next to liquid eyeliner), the perfect mascara. I may have found the little black dress to complete my wardrobe, but I am still on the hunt for the number one lash enhancer.

My latest mascara purchase was suggested to me by makeup artist and friend, Andrea Tiller, while we were at the Sephora launch of their first Vancouver store. There were tons of mascara brands to choose from, but as recommended, I went with the Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash, promising to give the lash curl, volume, length and intense pigment. This is definitely one of the better ones I’ve tried. With a dense brush, this mascara delivers all that it says it is. I found I don’t even have to use an eyelash curler anymore!

This mascara is definitely on the top end of my list, but as I am looking for a mascara that will thicken intensely as well as do the above mentioned criteria, I will still be on the hunt. So as I write my blog I will continue to share my mascara explorations and let you know which ones make the cut and which ones flop, including some of the past brands I’ve tried.