*NEW* L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polishes for FW2015

One of the challenging question on Monday, besides "Can I not go to work?", is "What nail colour should I wear today?"  And L'Oréal Paris makes this even tougher for us with their new shades for this FW2015 season.

Dior 5 Couleurs Collector Palette in 576 Eternal Gold and 886 Blazing Gold

Featuring gold in the holiday collection is definitely Dior's tradition.  This Holiday, Dior brought out two Dior 5 Couleurs Collector Couture Colours & Effect Eyeshadow Palettes (CA $70 / US $63)—576 Eternal Gold and 886 Blazing Gold.



While still keeping the gold theme, Dior has created a subtle "grey-gold" shade in the Eternal Gold palette, which are complemented by a rosy beige, a soft white gold, a brownish purple and a glittery charcoal.  The shades are the cooler side, but since they're still quite neutral, it still flatters those with warmer skin tone—I've been using it every day for last couple of weeks.





Taking things to a more festive level, the Blazing Gold palette features a cranberry red, a warm light pink, an iridescent gold, a satin chocolate brown, and a warm charcoal with sparkles.  This is a great palette to that will take you from Thanksgiving to the Holidays.  If you forget the red, which I know it can be scary for some, it'll be a great every day quad too.

576 Blazing Gold on the eyes

Ever since they have updated their formula last year, I've been enjoying the Dior eyeshadow formula more.  It's much smoother and consistent in quality.  While I like using my brushes to apply eyeshadows, for everyday use, I don't mind getting my fingers dirty; and these eyeshadows are great for that.  They're very blendable, not overly soft such that the power would get everywhere.

As you might might be able to tell, between the two I like Eternal Gold more because it has a more versatile colour palette.  I like that I'm able to use it every day or create a dramatic look for all those Holiday parties.

Rest of the face: MUFE HD Foundation, Dior Universal Brow Pencil, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, Benefit Rockateur Box O' Powder, Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Fortune

What kind of holiday looks do you like to wear?  Let me know!

Until next time,





*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

You know it's almost the Holidays when Santa comes to town.  This past weekend, the annual Santa Claus Parade took place in downtown Toronto.  The man and I took this great opportunity to getting into festive mode.  Even though it was a beautiful day, it was still quite chilly, so I prepared myself with a chunky knit sweater and knee high boots with fleece inside.

Happy Mani Monday!

Every year Dior brings out these little pots of "gold", otherwise known as the Diorific Nail Vernis (CA $33 / US $27), for the Holiday season.  I'm not exaggerating or anything when I said "gold" because when it comes to gold nails for the Holidays, Dior knows best what to do.

Last year we went head over heels for the Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O’ Blushes, which features all, but one (Dallas), of their then current line up of their box o' powder.  The kit was sold out so quickly last year, it has done so well that they're doing it again... but a little differently this year...

In the Benefit Real Cheeky Party Blushing Beauty Kit (CA $54 / US $42), instead of BellaBamba, which sadly is no longer part of their box o' powder line up, they included the mini version of Watt's Up Highlighter, They're Real Mascara, and They're Real Push Up Liner, along with Dandelion, Rockateur, Sugarbomb, Hoola and Coralista.

Happy November!

November is a month of no long weekends (in Canada), it's cold, it's soon to be the Holidays but not yet... Long story short, it's not the best month of the year... Except, it the month when Sephora holds its annual Holiday Sale!  Depending on your status, VIB or VIB Rouge (i.e. your degree of beauty/makeup addiction), you get a certain amount of discount during the sale off your entire purchase (in the past, it's 15% for VIB and 20% for VIB Rouge).  For VIB Rouge, it starts this coming Friday, November 6, 2015!!!

Every year I take this opportunity to stock up on my vanity staples, while also purchase a few things that I'd like to try.  It's also a great time to get the holiday gifts ready.  So let's go over my shopping list / wish list this year for things to restock, things to try, and things to gift... and don't be alarm it might be a bit long... lol

Things to restock...

GLAMGLOW Stay Sexy Clearing Set (CA $76 / US $69)
Every year I would get their "Gift Sexy" kit, which usually does not have the full size Supermud, which is my fave.  But this year, they have this Stay Sex Clearing Set that features both Supermud and Supermud Cleanser, both of which I use religiously, so this seems like the perfect set for me.


Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (CA $60 / US $52)
I am currently 2/3 way into the Jumbo size.  It has been a staple in my routine for the past year and a half.  I can't see myself not using it, at least for the next year.  But I'm still debating if I should get the jumbo 2oz or just get the 1oz.


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (CA $27 / US $21)
My brow routine staples, which I always have a backup or two.  It has a tiny retractable tip for detail work.  It also has the best spoolie brush for brows, which is better than any other stand-alone spoolie brush I've tried, for brows anyway.  The best thing about it is probably the colour match for me (I use Ebony), until I find a better match, I'll always be restocking it.


Estée Lauder Little Black Primer (CA $27 / US $24)
This is a life changing mascara.  It separates my lashes, thickens and lengthens my lashes, and stays on all day (and also makes other mascaras stay put).  I don't know what it is but the formula is quite different than anything else I've tried on the market.  I do like to pair it with another mascara to achieve the most fluttery lashes.


Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara (CA $36 / US $28.50)
I haven't had this mascara for maybe a year, and I miss it.  It does a lot on its own, giving my lashes more volume and length.  But I'm very curious to see how well it works with the Little Black Primer.  Maybe it'll give me false lashes effect!

My short vacation is officially over.  It's time to get back to the grind and catch up on life.  There were sniffles everywhere when I was in NYC, so I knew this would happen—I caught something :/.  Whilst fighting this cold, it seems like a good idea to talk a bit about the skincare I used during my New York trip.

Happy Back to the Future day (aka Future Day)!

Today is October 21, 2015 and this post is posted on 10/21/2015 07:28, which is the exact moment when Marty McFly travelled to the future to save his family in Part 2 of the Back to the Future trilogy.  I remember watching the movie as a kid (over and over again because they always replay it) and was captivated by the out-of-this-world storyline.  Everything from Doc's DeLorean time machine to the Marty's self-lacing Nike and Hoverboard wowed me.

Being a big fan of the movie, I have to dress for the occasion.  So I pulled out my BTF tank from Forever 21, paired it with an oversized 90s flannel, leggings, and Chuck Taylors.

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter (both @eeenricaaa, so is Snapchat), you may notice that I’m currently in New York.  I’m visiting a friend here and it’s quite exciting to be back in one of my favourite city.  I’m really looking forward to explore NYC and, well, EAT!

I’m not the type of person that travel light when it comes to my makeup.  This time, though, I really tried to condense it and only bring stuff I would actually use on this trip.  If there’s anything I need though, there will be a Sephora nearby XD.  So let’s take a peek into my travel makeup bag before I pack it.

Makeup bag: SEPHORA COLLECTION The Vacationer (not shown)

Prep

Primer #1: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Primer #2: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
Eyeshadow Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eye Depuffer: Benefit Cosmetics Puff Off!
Eye Brightener: First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Brighten, Depuff and Smooth

Face

Foundation: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Macadamia
Concealer: Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen in 02 Wake Up Call
Under-eye Setting Powder: bareMinerals Broad Spectrum Multi-Tasking Face in Well Rested

Cheeks/Contour

Setting Powder/Bronzer/Blusher/Highlighter: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit
Cream Highlighter: Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Cream Bronzer: NUDESTIX Bronzing Pencil in Earth/Golden
Cream/Gel Contour: Rodial Eye Sculpt

Eyebrows

Brow Pencil/Brow Liner: BCL BROWLASH EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Greyish Brown
Brow Gel: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in Medium/Deep

Eyes

Cream Eyeshadows: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold & Cocoa
Powder Eyeshadows: Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 - Plush Shadow in The Lolita 206
Mascara #1: Estée Lauder Little Black Primer
Mascara #2: tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara
Pencil Liner: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon
Liquid Liner: Kanebo KATE Super Sharp Liner in Black


Looking at the list, it might seem like a long list.  I guarantee you, all of the above, plus my skincare, fit into my makeup bag with room to spare.  I do find myself not using eyeshadow as much because I’m always running late lol.  But I’ll try to use it when we go out for a nice dinner.

What are your must-have items inside your travel makeup bag?

Until next time,





*Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Leaves are turning, the sun comes up a bit later than before, it's officially sweater weather.  Fall is definitely my favourite fashion season, because you get to layer, but it's not too cold yet for mini skirts.  But if you know me, I often go with cozy and comfy clothing, because it makes me feel at home even when I'm outside (I'm a hopeless couch potato).

So I'm excited to be pulling out my chunky knit sweater from boxes and wear them... Starting with this number...

Bucket bags have taken the fashion world by storm in the past few seasons and it's not going anywhere.  The highly coveted MANSUR GAVRIEL bucket bag still has a long waiting list in store and still sell out within a day upon release.  It's still a hot commodity.

Time to get your cardio in... Shopping that is! @MANSURGAVRIEL relaunches today! I love my regular Black/Flamma bucket & Rosa/Rosa mini bucket! #happygirlhappybag

A photo posted by Rica | The Office Chic (@eeenricaaa) on Mar 19, 2015 at 5:53am PDT

You might have seen me worn it all over my Instagram.  I can't help it.  After using them for over a year, I absolutely love the MANSUR GAVRIEL bucket bags.  Its simple design makes it appropriate for many occasion, which I appreciate.  The pop of colour is inside the bag, so it's subtle enough but it does make an impact.

But if the MG bucket bag is not your cup of tea, there are also many kinds of bucket bags available on the market right now from ZARA to J.Crew, from Baggu to Mackage.

Every Fall, I fall into the same pattern of loving everything burgundy and crimson (haha).  I came to realized I start wearing anything that's in that colour family.  Case in point—I have been switching nail polishes, but they are all fall in the same colour range (haha)...

Puella Turtleneck Swing Tank (CA $68 / US $58) photo courtesy of Anthropologie

We've seen it all over runway (and all over the Kardashians' wardrobe).  I have to agree with Kim though, "I love turtlenecks".  Maybe not in the hot Summer, but I definitely love it in the colder months.  It's cozy, it's comfortable, and it's functional.  In fact, I already wore it 3 times in the past 2 weeks... Oops.

Let's take a moment and adore these Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato (CA $28) from the Haute Street Collection... again!  (Yep, been there, done that... right when it came out last year lol).  Along with the Haute Street collection, Shu released 4 shades that comes in a tube this time.  Come join the club and fall in love with them.

It's officially Fall time!  There's something about Fall that makes me want to change absolutely everything... about my wardrobe, my colour palette... everything!  It might be just the shopaholic in me talking.  I always say, the easiest way to change up your look is trying out a new lip colour.  While I was all about bright lipsticks and tinted lip balm this Summer, I'm ready to wear some dark tone neutrals for the colder seasons.  Here's my Fall neutral lipstick roster this year...

I'm guilty of sticking to what works and not being adventurous at times.  So when something just spark my creativity, I try to push myself to seize it right away.  That something is the Shu Uemura Vision of Beauty Vol.2: Haute Street Collection.

I was inspired by the Cool x Chic look by Shu Uemura, and I did my own rendition of it.  Everything was done with the Cool x Chic Eye Shadow Palette (easy to use as usual, it's the buildable kinda product) and Dual-Ended Eye Color Pencil (so creamy and opaque, and great as a base colour).

Here are two ways (out of many) you can wear this collection:

This past Summer has been weird.  It's hot, then rainy, then cold, and hot again.  We didn't get as much nice weather as we would like.  Nonetheless, we're now here, first day of Fall, Summer 2015 is officially behind us.

I go to Sherway Gardens a lot.  I like that it's close to downtown, there's a Holt Renfrew, a Sporting Life, a Sephora (like what more do I need lol)... I also like how the mall is natural light filled.  Except for the past year or two when they were under construction.  But finally, part of it is complete!  The North expansion is opening today.  I was able to get a sneak peek of the new wing last night.