Jan
01
01
A Step-By-Step Lip Lining Tutorial
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Imagine this. You’re putting the final touches on your makeup: you overline your lips before dabbing on a coat of gloss. No, it’s not 1998. It’s 2021 and you’re on trend! That’s right, lip liner has made a strong comeback, but it has evolved the same way all of the “makeup comeback” trends have. Here's how to tap into the new art of lip lining.
There are three different uses for lip liner.
To Define The Lips
This is, of course, the most obvious function of lip liner. It's an effect that can be done differently, however. Use liner after you've applied your lipstick for a more natural look that blends together. The liner will also glide more easily over your lips after you apply lipstick, making the line of your lips less harsh. You can add a gloss on top afterwards for a bit of shine, and you've got a nice, natural look. A great example of this technique is Lana Condor.
For the bolder among you, you can also line your lips first to create more depth and give you the perfect pout. Use a darker colour of liner to really get that three dimensional look. A really important tip for this technique is to start from the corners of your lips and draw up towards your cupid's bow. This really helps to lift the face. The key to this technique is proper blending, using a lip brush to sweep the colour inwards, towards your mouth. Finally, apply your gloss or lipstick over top to create that defined, yet blended aesthetic. We're in love with the way Lily Collins does this look.
To Use As A Primer
Did you know you can actually use liner as the base of a look? This requires filling in the entirety of the lips with liner, then applying lipstick. This is a great way to get your lipstick to stay polished all day, rather than having to frequently reapply, since the lipstick will adhere to the liner. If you're going for this look, you're going to want to use a liner colour that is similar to your natural lip colour. If you go too extreme with it, you can muddy the colour of the lipstick you put on top.
To Reshape Our Lips
Right now, "overdrawing" is all the rage. It's a huge trend to draw outside your natural lip for a plumper pout. The key here if to focus on the middle of the lips, using your natural cupid's bow as a reference, and extending up past the natural peaks of your lips. You want to make sure to keep the corners of your mouth relatively unchanged, so as to avoid an unintentional duckface. When you get to the middle of your lips, tuck them in a bit and only overdraw a little - it goes a long way! Finish this one up with a lighter-toned lipstick. The queen of overdrawn lips is of course, Kylie Jenner.
Let us know what type of lip you like to wear, and if these tips helped you!
Jan
01
01
Two Unique Décor Looks To Spice Up Your Patio
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Is it time to update your outdoor living room? Are you starting from scratch and need some major inspiration? Perfect, because we've got two stylish looks for outdoor summer décor!
Look 1: Beachy Bohemian
This look works because there isn't a juicy bright colour that hasn't been used. The direction was decided from the color palette of the vibrant pillows. this means the colours work well together because tonally they're all a similar colour value - rich, sunny and bright. The metal side table and rug carry on this color theme. To get the more bohemian and beachy vibe that we're going for, we've thrown in a some faux wicker furniture, which is a hot trend right now!
The tray and melamine plate were from the same collection, which guarantees that everything will work together. This is a great tip for beginners: if you aren't sure which colours will work together, let someone else do the work and buy pieces that are part of a collection. Of course, no bohemian paradise would be complete without plants, so it's also important to incorporate those. It’s a great time to bring your indoor plants outside and give them a little vacay outdoors when the weather is good.
Finally, you want to include some shade for when it really starts heating up. Umbrellas of every size and style are a hot commodity this season, and are selling out fast. A good weighted base is majorly important, so your umbrella doesn't end up making a guest appearance in your neighbour's yard. You also want a durable shade fabric that won't bleach-out and that can survive the occasional hose-down if it gets dirty, so look for durable fabrics like Olefin, or high quality brands like Sunbrella.
Products used in this look:
Bee & Willow Home Elmridge 3-Piece Wicker Outdoor Bistro Set. Bed, Bath & Beyond
W Home Palm Leaf Dinnerware Collection. Bed, Bath & Beyond
Crivello Yellow Area Rug, Wayfair
Hayley Iron Side Table, Wayfair
Distinctly Home Beach Vibe Patio Cushion, Hudson's Bay
Distinctly Home Sunset Patio Cushion, Hudson's Bay
Distinctly Home Round Wood Tray, Hudson's Bay
Distinctly Home Palm Leaf Patio Cushion, Hudson's Bay
Distinctly Home Outdoor Double Old Fashioned, Hudson's Bay
Distinctly Home Melamine 9" Abstract Salad Plate, Hudson's Bay
Arren Williams x Hudson's Bay Ponti Beach Towel, Hudson's Bay
Rattan Hurricane, Ceramic Planter, Vintage-look Bamboo Plant Stand, Homesense
Distinctly Home Umbrella, Hudson's Bay
Look 2: High Contrast Chic
Our second look is more monochromatic and modern. The black and white for the outdoors evokes the 1930's and Coco Chanel in the south of France. The fabric here is a mix of greys in a linen mix, simple enough to work with colour if you wanted, but even hotter with a mix of different patterned cushions. And for this look, it really is the pattern play that makes it look so fun and playful. There are also touches of natural elements in toss cushions, the ottoman, the rug and the nesting tables.
Ambient lighting is always a mood-maker, and so important for outdoors. This look has a rechargeable LED lantern that works indoors or out, and has adjustable light levels and a 7-hour battery time. For the umbrella, we went with this stripe-y statement piece. Of course, black and white works with this look, but it also comes in navy and white for a more nautical vibe.
Products used in this look:
Distinctly Home Delano Patio Club Chair Set of 2, Hudson's Bay
W Home 9-Foot Striped Cabana Umbrella, Bed, Bay & Beyond
Destination Summer Resin Umbrella Base, Bed, Bath & Beyond
W Home Solar Large Metal Lantern in White, Bed, Bath & Beyond
W Home Cabana Melamine Dinnerware Collection, Bed, Bath & Beyond
Tubicen Portable LED Table Lamp, Amazon
Jackie Indoor/Outdoor Throw, Renwil
Hosta Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Renwil
Fannie Indoor/Outdoor Table, Renwil
Gerwig Indoor/Outdoor Ottoman, Renwil
Domino Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, Renwil
Distinctly Home Cabana Patio Cushion Black, Hudson's Bay
Arren Williams x Hudson's Bay Spiro Beach Towel, Hudson's Bay
Grey Rope Planter, Aztec Ceramic Planters, Matte Black Lantern, Homesense
Jan
01
01
These Are The Hottest Nail Trends Of 2021
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Nails are not just about grooming and self-care anymore, they are about self-expression. They can also be one small way to bring some fun and joy into our lives. To stay on trend, we're bringing you the latest on what's hot this spring, from nail shape to design.
Nail Shape
Our go-tos of the squ-oval and the almond shape are still definitely trending this year. If you like your nails short, definitely opt for a squ-oval look, and if you like a touch longer, almond-shaped is you friend.
However, the biggest shift in trends this year is the square nail! We’re seeing celebs Billie Eilish, Rihanna, J. Lo and Kylie Jenner sport this look. This differs from the "coffin style" nail, which is more tapered, but doesn't go so far as to be a harsh, boxy look like a 90's square. The square right now is a bit more elevated due to it's softened and slightly tapered edges. If you love a square nail, it’s important to remember that to showcase this style it must be worn at a longer length. If not stick to squ-oval or almond.
Quick Tip: To keep these babies clean, leave a scrub brush by your sink and give them a once-over frequently.
Nail Colour
What’s spring without pastels? 2 very popular shades this season are periwinkle blue and soft lavender. You could also try an unconventional shade like a sage green for a more interesting look. Brighter shades are also super hot this season. Yellow is one of the Pantone colours of the year, so why not try a bold cheerful colour like this one. If you like a bit more traditional, the classic hot pop of pink is back with this 80's inspired shade, and looks gorgeous on all skin tones.
For those who love classic tones; try something a little different. Vintage vibes like toffee nude tones will be new, but still within your comfort zone. If you love reds go for this cinnamon, terracotta shade. Last but not least, if you’re seeking a little sparkle in your life, you can’t go wrong with a metallic silver.
Nail Design Trends
The 90’s is a huge inspo this year with bright and cheerful smiley faces and paisley bandana prints. We say Billie Eilish sporting this look on the red carpet recently. It's a look that uses bold hues and colour blocking to achieve that vibrant look.
If you're looking for something a bit more cute, remember that flower prints and spring go hand in hand. Think of bold 60's patterns and you're on the right track. Lastly, the bolder the better. Go with a different print on every nail, as long as it has some cohesion. Kylie Jenner slayed this look with this negative space nail art.
Is there anyway we can do these designs ourselves?
We're glad you asked! Even if you're not the crafty type, you can definitely achieve this look! Here's what you'll need:
- A black polish
- A white polish
- Your favourite sheer nude polish
- A blue polish (or any contrasting shade)
- Top coat
- A bobby pin
- A toothpick
- Tin foil
Jan
01
01
4 Fashion Trends That Make For Joyful Dressing
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There's something about warm spring weather that makes us want to put my best fashion-foot forward. So, if you’re ready to go from hermit to haute-couture, it's time to embrace joyful dressing.
What is "Joyful Dressing"?
We’re seeing a return to a joy of fashion. People are getting sick of wearing dreary sweats and loungewear, and excited to dress up again in colour and volume and print, even if it’s just to the grocery store. Here are some trends to turn the frozen food aisle into your Paris runway.
Trend 1: Voluminous Sleeves
One trend for spring/summer is the voluminous sleeve and we’re seeing it all over the runways and in every boutique. It’s all about drama and exaggerated shapes. An easy way to do this trend is to wear a blouse or shirt that has volume in the shoulders or a balloon sleeve. Just pair it with your favourite jeans. You can achieve this trend with any cut of shirt, even crop tops, just pair it with high-waisted jeans. The paper bag waist is the easiest as it’s super forgiving and comfortable. To dress it up you can really go extreme with it. Just crank the volume up to eleven!
Must-have Product: This black voluminous dress by Gemy Maalouf. It hits all the notes of high drama both in the balloon sleeve and voluminous tulle skirt.
Trend 2: Matching Two-Piece Sets
Matching loungewear sets have been all the rage over the past year. Who hasn’t seen the tie-dyed sweat pants and sweatshirt sets and the matching 2-piece monotone sweater sets that are happening now? A new take on that for this Spring/Summer is matching 2-piece sets in bright colours and prints – again reflecting that joyous fashion. Remember that cropped voluminous top? You can dress it up with the matching high waisted skirt. It's a stunning but easy and versatile look that can pair with other looks.
Must-have Product: This ‘picnic plaid’ two-piece set. It’s so easy and comfortable to wear. You can pair the top with high-waisted jeans or the skirt with a t-shirt for versatility or wear the trend as all one piece. So beautiful and easy for the upcoming warmer weather.
Trend 3: Brights
Now, bright colours are nothing new for spring/summer but we’re really seeing it in full force everywhere this season from casual to dressier pieces. A great way to do the bright trend is to pair a bold colour blazer over a t-shirt and jeans like this bright fuchsia blazer. You can even pair it with a band tee and wear the full suit to still keep it more casual. This is great if you’re working from home but still need to run out to get errands done or pick up the kids. As a dressier option we love the idea of a bright floral slip dress. Don’t be afraid of going bold with colour. Bright colours flatter pretty much all skin tones and really bring out that happy summer vibe.
Must-have Product: This super fun, bright chartreuse jumpsuit.
Trend 4: Maxis
Maxi dresses have not gone away this season, and again we’re seeing them in bright colours, prints and florals. This first one is such an easy, effortless kaftan style, you can wear this at home, wear it out and about or at a backyard get together. It has these voluminous flutter sleeves so we're sticking to multiple trends here! Flowy maxi dresses are easy to wear and very forgiving. Cinch it at the waist with a belt if you need more definition at the waist.
Must-have Product: This Monique Lhuillier maxi. Again, easy and effortless but formal enough for a dressier look.