Oh how I've changed

I thought I do a more personal blogpost tonight.  I love seeing pictures of other bloggers throughout the years...seeing how much a person can change.  I know I don't have nearly enough pictures to show all my changes through the years...lol.  I seriously went through a goth stage, but I have no pictures:(

As you can see I wasn't the cutest kid...I had a huge mouth and big red lips.  In grade 5 I thought it would be a good idea to cut all my hair off, EVERYONE thought I was a boy.  It was horrible lol...girls in my class had crushes on me till they realized I was a girl...never again I swore...would I ever cut ALL my hair off.

Ah highschool, I'm about 16 here...I went to the tanning beds everyday...horrid I know.  I worked out like crazy and I dyed my hair blond.  I wore tons of bronzer and barely any other makeup.  I was really trying to fit in and failing horribly.  Highschool wasn't my greatest moment, I got bullied a lot.  Girls would call me horrible names and throw things in the cafeteria.

At 18 I went through a bit of a punk phase. I listened to skater music and pretended to skate...I also took up the bass guitar.  My makeup consisted of heavy eyeliner a la Avril Lavigne...and I thought it was cool to wear a bra strap around my neck.

I dyed my hair black when I met my hubby.  We moved in together after two weeks he proposed at 6 months, and we were pregnant within the year.  I gained a ton of weight in the beginning of my first pregnancy...there came a point where DDD bras were not fitting:(  I didn't really care so much for makeup back then, brown and gold eyeshadows and bronzer.

After having my daughter I thought I would try to look more like a mum.  I cut my hair once again the angled bob that everyone was doing, and didn't dye it.  This is my natural hair color:)  I wore pretty simple makeup just eyeliner and blush.  I loved my hair this way but my hubby hated it...lol.

And here I am pregnant with my son, thats my mum and my brother in the background.  With my son I didn't gain any weight but in my stomach...look at that thing its like a beach ball.  My hair was still short and simple, so much easier to do in the mornings.  I wore my regular jeans my entire pregnancy but just didn't button the top button...haha.

After my son was born I let my hair grow, I missed long hair.  And dyed it dark brown.  I just had to add this picture in here.  These are 2 of my sisters I have 6, but this is totally our personalties...haha its very hard for me to be serious in a picture.

This summer, I did my first ever 'bikini photoshoot'...at 25 after 2 kids.  I was pretty terrified, especially since the lovely model with me is a pro cheerleader/ballerina and 19....:P  She is probably one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen in real life.  This is pretty close to what I look like today, minus the tan...I am white as a ghost come September.  In the 2 years since my son was born my hair has gone from my jaw to near my belly button.  I am very lucky it grows so fast.

So there you have it...I wish I had more interesting pictures, but in the last 2 years I haven't changed all that much.  I've definitely gotten better with makeup...my eyebrows no longer look like I colored them in with a sharpie and I finally gave up the winged liquid eyeliner.  I'd love to see pictures of you guys when you were younger:) XOXO Charis

Ebay Favorites #2

Every thursday I have decided I will post my Ebay Favorites from the week, some great deals I've found online:)  Here's this weeks top picks.  If there is something you guys would like me to find please comment below and I'll do my best to include in next weeks picks:)

Lipstick Organizer

Deer Ring

Sideways Cross Necklace

Leopard Bag

Heart Stockings

Skull Shirt

Spiked Shoes

Fringe Boots

Nyx FOTD

Thought I'd share a little FOTD I did last week, using my new Nyx items I got from Cheryl's Beauty Blog sale.

This is pretty similar to my everday look, as far as the color palette, but was much simpler and quicker to do:)  I did a strong eye, so I downplayed the blush and lips.  As usual I am wearing Revlon PhotoReady foundation in Shell...applied with the foundation brush I got in my Ebay 24 piece brush set.

For the eyes I started with the Nyx jumbo eye pencil in Dark Brown all over the lid and blended it out using a synthetic brush (another from the Ebay set).  Next, I patted on some of the Brown nyx pigment powder, which set the pencil.  I lined my upper lid with a black gel liner and my waterline with a black kohl eyeliner.  Using a q-tip I blended some of the brown shadow under my eyes.  Two coats of mascara a dusting of blush, chapstick and I'm out the door:)

Products Used:

FACE

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation Shell

Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer Light

Rimmel Stay Matte powder Transparent

EYES

Nyx jumbo pencil Dark Brown

Nyx brown pigment

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips gel eyeliner Black

Revlon Colorstay eyeliner Black

CHEEKS

Nars Orgasm

LIPS

Burts Bees Chapstick

Hope you guys like this simple look, I love when makeup is easy:) XOXO Charis

OOTD Fade to black

Sunglasses gifted from my sis

Jacket Joe Fresh

Necklace thrifted

Sweater thrifted

Zara pants thrifted

Ardene's boots

My first attempt at an OOTD....I promise they will get better.  Once I get my new camera, and I teach my hubby how to take a picture of a person...lol.  I told him what I wanted pictures of and he literally snapped  3 quick pics...and handed me back the camera...I wasn't even ready for the first one:P

It was an incredibly beautiful day, here on the West Coast of Canada...around 8 celsius or 46 fahrenheit...depending on where your from.  That is warm where I live...at least warm for fall, so I wasn't bundled up in my parka and scarf.

It has come to my attention that most of my closet is filled with black clothes...shoes...etc.  Probably not a good thing since my hair is black most of the time and I am pale as a ghost come September, I need to get into some colors.  I like to mix textures and I'm loving gold right now, though it probably doesn't work well with my skintone.  Normally I'd wear a plain outfit like this with a bright lip, but today I stuck with the old brownish standby.

The best part about this outfit most of it was from the thriftstore...:)  Anyways hope you like it, and if you have any advice on how to make an average point and shoot take better pictures...PLEASE...please...let me know:) XOXO Charis

How to Shop at a Thrift Store

I've been wanting to write this post for awhile, pretty much since I started this blog.  I'm the kind of girl who loves finding a good deal, which is why I scour Ebay and search for online coupon codes all the time.  In my area there is only one mall with a few basic stores in it, so I do most of my clothes and shoes shopping either online or at thrift stores.  I've developed quite a knack for it, and thought I'd share my tips with you guys:)

First off scout out your area, you can search online to find thrift and consignment stores.  There are a few thrift store chains in Canada such as Value Village, LW (not really a thrift store, but they do carry clothing at discounted prices), MCC, Bibles for Missions, and the Salvation Army.  Then there are the consignment and vintage stores.

In my area my favorite is Bibles for Missions, since they don't have individual prices for similar items....all shirts are $3 all jackets are $5....etc. and they often have bag sales (fill a shopping bag for $5).  Thrift store shopping can be time consuming, it takes time to sift through all those clothes...I usually spend between 30 minutes to an hour.  You also want to dress comfortable, flat shoes and clothes that are easy to change in and out of.  Keep in mind that not all of these thrift stores have change rooms, so you may need to throw clothes on over top of what you are wearing.  Also be sure to grab a cart or basket if they are available...the last thing you want is to have 20 or so hangers digging into your wrist...I've done this before...lol.

The first section I head to is the accessories: jewellery, purses, scarves, belts etc.  They sometimes keep some of the 'nicer' accessories and bags at the front under glass.  When you find something you like, you want to make sure that there are no rips or stains, and all zippers and buttons are functional.

Next I check out the blazers, coats, sweater, and blouse sections...since I live in Canada I am always looking for cute coats and blazers since well...its bloody cold here most of the time...lol.  Make sure to check through all sizes...in coats, blazers, shirts, sweaters....pretty much everything you'd wear on the top of your body.  I've found that there is a huge difference in sizes of clothes based on brand and how old they are.  To save time I don't look at the t-shirts and tanks sections because you can get a t-shirt and tank anywhere for cheap, at thrift stores I'm looking for original finds.

Lastly I head to the pants, jeans, and skirts sections.  I leave these sections for last because with bottoms you really need to find 'your' size, and you may need to try the items on.  The other day I found a pair of Zara skinny cargos with tags still on for $3.  In the jeans section I look for jeans I can cut to make cut-offs, like the old highwaisted levi's.  Lately I've been searching for pleated maxi skirts, suede and leather skirts. With items like these as long as the waist fits you can get them hemmed or tailored.

If I have time I check out the shoe section, but usually I am disappointed by the selection, so I don't make it a priority.  Before wearing any of the items I throw them in the laundry or dryclean, since many thrift stores do not clean items...better safe then sorry.

The best piece of advice I can tell you, is to keep an open mind.  Some things may look horrible on the rack but once you try them on you can see the potential....and inspiration.  I've been inspired by many items I've found at the thrift store and have built whole outfits around them.

I love reading thrift store hauls on other peoples blogs, so I thought I'd do my own:)  I hope it was helpful.  Feel free to check out my thrift store haul video I made last week:) XOXO Charis

Ebay Favorites

I shop on Ebay quite a bit, and over time I have found some amazing deals and convincing knock offs. I thought I'd share a few things that have been on my wishlist for some time, that I've found cheaper versions of.  The links under the pictures will take you to the Ebay page for that item:)

Moschino Belt

Leopard Scarf

Studded Bag

Cross Ring

Harlow Necklace

88 Metal Mania Palette

Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots

Leather Jacket

I've been lusting over the Alexander Wang Rocco bag for some time now, but I can't really justify spending a ridiculous amount on a purse, not on my salary...lol.  I'm thinking of making this Ebay post a weekly thing.  Let me know what you guys think, and I'd love to hear other deals you've found. XOXO Charis

Cheryl's Beauty Blog sale

One of my favorite bloggers, Cheryl recently had her first blog sale.  She still has some stuff for sale so check it out here Blog Sale. I purchased a few things from her I'd been dying to try...mainly Nyx products.  There is only one retailer in my area that sells Nyx products and the prices are ridiculous...probably because I know I can buy it cheaper on Ebay or CherryCulture etc.

My package arrived a couple days ago....yay...always a great day when I get something in the mail, other then bills:)  I thought I'd share a few pics of my small haul with you guys:)

  

Three Nyx pigments (sorry no names)

Elf cream blush in Flirt

Five Nyx jumbo eye pencils from left:

Black Bean

Purple

Horse Raddish

Strawberry Milk

Dark Brown

She also sent this John Frieda Sample...which was super sweet:)

This was my first time ever purchasing anything from a Blog Sale, and it was a great experience.  Super  fast shipping and even when I messed up my own address and had to email her the right one, she responded very quickly.  I'm definitely looking forward to any future sales she might have:)

Halloween FOTD

Taken without flash

Halloween was a little hectic this year...between getting the kids ready and doing makeup for a bunch of other people I didn't really get to put a lot of  thought into my costume or makeup.  I was going to be Edward Scissorhands, but after realizing that I would not have enough time to do any extensive makeup I settled on a goth version of 'Little Red Riding Hood', after being inspired by Michelle Phan's tutorial.  Sorry for the pic quality, it was late and my camera really sucks...hoping I can get a better one soon.


For my costume I wore leather pants, a black flowy chiffon shirt (thrift store find) under a La Senza bustier, and a red circle scarf as a hood.  I also wore my clip on bangs as you can see, haven't cut them yet...but Facebook is telling me I should...lol.  I could also pass as a character from 'Assassins Creed'...which I kinda love.


For makeup I used a lot of golds, pink and black...focusing most of the color on the outside corner and lower lashine.  I didn't pale out my face at all, but the eye makeup and cheek contouring definitely made me look paler, which worked well for the look.  Once again my 88 warm palette saved the day, can't wait to order the other ones:)

Products Used:

FACE

L'oreal Bare Naturale Mineral foundation Light Ivory

Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer Light

Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder Transparent

EYES

NYX jumbo pencil Strawberry Milk all over lid and on lower lashline

88 palette:

light matte brown in crease

black outer crease and bottom lashline

dark gold bottom lashline

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips brown gel liner

Revlon Colorstay black eyeliner on waterline

CHEEKS

Joe Fresh cheek tint Cherry

88 palette:

light matte brown for contour

LIPS

Joe Fresh lip stain Berry

Burt's Bees chapstick

Duwop Twilight lip venom

Hope you like it, kind of last minute, but I'm happy with the turn out. I'd love to see you guy's Halloween looks and costumes:) XOXO Charis

Revlon PhotoReady foundation review

 

I've been trying to wean myself off of powder mineral foundations, mainly because I think they don't really go well with my skin type.  They tend to fade too quickly, make my oily spots more oily and my dry spots to dry.  I do have some high expectations when it comes to what I want in a liquid foundation.  Staying power is top priority, can't oxidize, must feel light on the skin, medium coverage, and oil control.  Before I spend top dollar on department foundations I thought I would test the 'supposed' best of the drugstore.  Revlon's foundations are highly recommended by the beauty community, and since I'm a liquid foundation newbie I thought I'd try the lighter of the bunch.

What Revlon says:

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup - for poreless, airbrushed skin in any light. Photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to erase every flaw. Complete, yet undetectable coverage. Soft, luminous finish. 

- Oil free

- Fragrance free

- SPF 20

What I think:

I was a little nervous, since this was my first time ever...EVER...using liquid foundation.  Even though I have watched countless Youtube tutorials on how to apply liquid foundation, sponge, brush, fingers.  I decided on using the foundation brush that came with the 24 piece brush set I bought off Ebay.  Its a nice size synthetic foundation brush.  

The foundation comes with a pump which makes it very easy to use.  I used one pump for my whole face.  It blended amazingly well and the one pump was probably more then enough for my entire face.  The color match was also very good.  I used the shade Shell which is the third lightest shade, usually I am the second lightest shade in foundations, for reference.  

I noticed that the foundation contains some sparkles or shimmer, which doesn't really bother me since I only noticed it on the back of my hand and not my face.  The coverage is a great deal better then my mineral foundations, which is something my mum noticed she said I looked like a porcelain doll, my skin was so perfect.  

The best part was how this foundation felt like nothing...like I wasn't wearing foundation...scores huge points with me:)  The wear was around 4 hours before I started noticing my oily spots showing through, but this honestly did not really bother me.  

The only real issue with this foundation...I found when I started taking pictures.  It makes me look like a ghost.  With or without flash I appear ridiculously pale in pictures with the Revlon PhotoReady foundation.

 

 Pictures taken right after application in natural light with flash

You can really see in the second picture the difference in color from my neck to my face, and let me assure you it blended quite evenly with my skin tone in natural light.

Pictures taken 4 hours after application

As you can see around the four hour mark, my oily spots started to shine through around my nose and cheeks.  But the foundation faded away pretty evenly as you can see there are no streaks:)

All in all... I think, despite how I look in pictures the pros outweigh the cons of this foundation.  I probably would repurchase PhotoReady again, just because I love how lightweight it feels, and the coverage.  If you have not tried this I recommend you pick it up for around $15-$20 CAD you really can't go wrong.  I'm excited to try Revlon Colorstay foundation since I've heard great things, get ready for a post on that:) XOXO Charis

My everday FOTD with the 88 warm palette

I know I said that I would be blogging everday, but unfortunately I lied....:( To make up for it I filmed a couple Youtube Videos...first ones ever.  I'll attach one at the bottom of this post, my clip on bangs and 88 palette rave.  I also point out the colors I used for todays look in the video.  The last few days have been quite busy, I made cupcakes for my daughters preschool Harvest Party and getting everyone ready for Halloween.  She's decided on being Princess Aurora from 'Sleeping Beauty' and my son is going as Yoda...super excited to take them out trick or treating, they are finally at an age where it will be more fun:)


I found a new HG product...seriously its amazing...drumroll...Rimmel stay matte powder in transparent.  This sets my makeup without looking cakey and keeps my face shine-free for pretty much the entire day.


Anyways since I'm kind of rambling I'll get to the point.  This is my everyday face, my new thing is using brown gel liner to define my eyes instead of black, I find it gives more of a natural look and compliments the green in my eyes.  For this look I used varying gold shadows and did a simple cat eye lining half of the lower lid.  If I'm emphasizing my eyes I like to keep the lips and cheeks minimal, so I just used chapstick and light handed blush.


This Fall the palette I am reaching for over and over again...is the 88 warm palette.  You can order them from Coastal Scents and BH cosmetics etc.  I usually just order them off of Ebay since you can find them for much cheaper, I only paid $10 for mine and that included shipping.  I love the wide variety of neutral shades, I'm big on the browns, coppers and golds.  So if you don't own it already I definitely recommend you pick one up.

Products Used:

FACE

L'oreal Bare Naturale Mineral foundation Light Ivory

Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer Light

Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder Transparent

EYES

88 warm palette: 

dark gold all over lid

light matte brown in crease and on bottom lashline
shimmery medium brown on half of lid

matte cream for highlight

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips brown gel liner on upper and half of lower lid

BROWS

Billie clear mascara as brow gel
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips brown gel liner

88 warm palette:

light matte brown

CHEEKS

Nars Super Orgasm blush


LIPS


Burts Bee's chapstick