Holiday Makeup - Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Yesterday I had uploaded my newest video to my YouTube channel (which you can view here) on the holiday makeup I've been wearing lots this holiday season! I am loving all the glittery eyes and red lips that are showing up in my subscription boxes but I know for me that it just isn't something I would feel comfortable wearing. I came up with a look that is simple yet still festive.

Using only a few eye shadows it is something that is easy to achieve and I chose to stick to more neutral and plum toned colours. I used the Urban Decay Naked palette as it is my favourite out of the 3, plus a lot of people seem to have the original so I wanted to use something that most people own!

I really hope you enjoy this video and feel free to share, like, and subscribe! It would make my Christmas day :)

Love,
Kyra.

Holiday Makeup - Merry Christmas!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to finally own this foundation. I have wanted it for a year now but was waiting until my next trip to the states to pick it up. So while I was in Las Vegas early November it was the perfect time for me to pick up this beautiful foundation - and I did the day I landed!

Skin Foundation is definitely a light to medium coverage depending on how you apply and how much product you use. I tend to go for the light coverage side and I use the Multi Task brush by Real Techniques or if I want extra light coverage, I'll use a Stippling brush by Sigma. If I want more of a medium coverage I will go in with the Buffing brush by Real Techniques or even my BeautyBlender.

I love how light weight this foundation is and how it feels as if I'm not even wearing anything! I always wear it with the Becca Ever Matte Poreless Perfecting Primer to give  this foundation a more matte look. I find when I don't use a mattifying primer under the foundation I tend to get pretty shiny, which isn't a look I enjoy!

I use the shade Porcelain and it works great for me! I had been colour matched to the shade Cool Beige but when I brought it back to the hotel and applied it, it was just a *hair* too dark. I could easily get away with that shade but I am so crazy about my foundation matching perfect that I decided to pick up Porcelain instead. Plus I like how this shade is less pink than Cool Beige was!

Overall I'm really loving this foundation and it checks all the boxes for me (ideally it would be a matte foundation but my primer helps to give it a matte look!). If you do have/decide to purchase this foundation remember to shake it really well before you use it!

I hope you give this a shot if you're into light foundation coverage like I am. :)

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Today's Makeup | 12.13.14

For my first day of the holiday break I decided to go the soft pink/romantic route for my makeup. Thank goodness my exams are all over! I can finally relax and take some time for myself instead of being surrounded by highlighters and textbooks.

This makeup is a look I really enjoy and is something that I can quickly do in less then 10 minutes if I'm in a rush, like I have been today! This gal has to get to work!

I've been really loving the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in the shade Porcelain for an everyday foundation. It provides a light coverage and still allows my skin to shine through - it's a winner in my books! I've then been setting my foundation with the Laura Mercier Transplant Powder, which has been okaaaay, I'm not hooked yet. I find when I itch a spot on my face and then look at my finger tip I can see makeup...which doesn't happen when I don't use this powder!

To bronze my skin I use the Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in the shade Antigua. I'm loving this blushing-bronzer. The pinky shade of it really looks very natural on my fair skin and it does provide a nice bronze.

On my eyes I used the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette - I've been so hooked on my MAC palette I haven't used this beauty much recently! My go-to eye look is using Strange, Limit, and Nooner. A simple matte everyday eye that I love! I did apply the MAC Black Track Fluidline and did a small wing, but I forgot to add it in the picture! On my lashes I've been using the L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara and it's been giving me lots of length and volume!

To finish off my soft pink/romantic makeup look I used the YSL Lipstick in the shade Nude Beige (also called #1 but lipsticks without names are boring!). This is a lipstick I don't wear enough, especially for the price! It's very similar to MAC's Creme Cup, but I prefer the soft & buttery-ness of the YSL one a lot more.

And that's everything! What makeup did you wear today?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Today's Makeup | 12.13.14

November Favourites

Good morning! Late last night I posted a new video on my YouTube about my favourites products (and person!) from the month of November.

I hope you choose to watch my video and if you do, you can click HERE to get straight to it. :) Make sure you switch it to HD so the quality is a lot better!

 Also a huge thank you to MichelleNwin for subscribing to me on YouTube! I've been watching her for ages now and I have loved each and every one of her videos. I had a huge fan girl moment when I got the email saying she had subscribed! I hope you subscribe as well. :)

November Favourites

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

When I first heard this blush palette was being released I was counting down the days until it was available at Sephora. I was so tempted to set an alarm for 3:00 AM and rush onto Sephora.com to order it straight away... I talked myself out of doing that and thank god because it didn't sell out as fast as I thought it would!

Whilst I was in Las Vegas I knew I had to pick up the stunning Hourglass Ambient Lightening Blush Palette. In Canada it retails for $67.00 and in America it is $58.00, a hefty price tag! I also bought it while the Sephra VIB 20% sale was going on so I was able to save a few dollars.

I am so impressed with the high pigmentation of these blushes and although it was very expensive, I know it will last me ages. My current favourite blush is Mood Exposure, the "plummy-er" shade of the three. I think it is so perfect for the colder months and really does provide a nice glow - as all three do! I know as the temperature warms up I'll be reaching for Luminous Flush (far left) and Incandescent Electra (middle) a ton. I also love that they put in a limited blush (Incandescent Electra) exclusive to the palette, makes it a special blush!

I have never owned one of these blushes before and I am so happy with the amazing quality and pigmentation of them. If you haven't added this stunner to your Christmas wishlist, I strongly recommend you do!

What are your thoughts on this blush palette?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

21 Facts

Photo taken wearing the Dior Star Foundation in Shade 010

To celebrate turning 21 on November 7, I thought it could be fun for you to get to know the writer behind Kyra's Beauty Bag a little bit better...here are 21 facts:

1) My family has had a total of 6 dogs, currently we have three! Zeus, Ava and Lily
2) I got my blackbelt in Karate when I was 9 years old
3) Before joining Karate I was taking ballet, then quit since I saw my older brothers doing Karate and I wanted to be like them.
4) I used to try to like the same things as my older brothers so they would think I was a cool younger sister: video games, Blink 182, Green Day, etc..
5) I've been wearing the same perfume for 4 years - Marc Jacobs Daisy. (review is HERE)
6) I attend Camp Otterdale for 9 years as a camper, and I've been on staff for 5 years
7) My staff name is Nikon, I wanted to be a photographer (in high school) and the camera I used/still use is a Nikon!
8) I really dislike unpainted toe nails
9) I have a huge celebrity crush on Scotty McCreery & Niall Horan
10) I feel as if I have a huge heart and am very caring about peoples feelings
11) I can easily watch hours of TLC's Say Yes To The Dress
12) I purchased my first car at 19 with my debit card!
13)  Elephants are my favourite animal and I have several elephant related things in my room. You may even be able to notice some of them as fillers in my photos
14) I'm absolutely terrified of whales. I don't like seeing photos, hearing their sounds, or even saying the word!
15) I hope to be able to visit the ever-so-beautiful Greece one day
16) Although I hate Whales, in Planet Earth the water DVD is always my favourite
17) When I was young I used to be obsessed with Backstreet Boys. My favourite member was Nick Carter - probably why I love Niall Horan so much!
18) I met my boyfriend Ryan whilst we were doing a life guarding course at the summer camp we both work at. (Related to Q.6)
19) I've recently discovered that I'm really interested in planners and decorating them with Washi Tape
20) I got my G1 Drivers license two years late - at 18. I now have my full G drivers license and am hopefully buying a new car in April.
21) People always pronounce my name wrong. It's spelt Kyra but pronounced like Keira Knightley's spelling!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

21 Facts

Huge Sephora VIB Sale & Las Vegas Haul!

FINALLY the VIB sale happened and I was so lucky to be in Las Vegas while it was going on! I picked up so many items that I've been wanting for a long time and I can't think of anything more I would have wanted to add!

You can watch my huge Sephora VIB Sale haul here! I hope you like it and I also really hope you choose to subscribe!

xx, Kyra.

Huge Sephora VIB Sale & Las Vegas Haul!

Sephora Wishlist: Las Vegas

I'm leaving for Las Vegas on Sunday and I am so insanely excited to buy some beauty products! I've been saving my pennies for this trip and I actually haven't bought any beauty products in AGES because I knew I was going on this trip. Everything in the USA is always so much cheaper then in Canada so it is always such an awesome time for me to stock up on new items! I strongly doubt I'll be able to buy all of these products, but if I get a few off my list I'll be happy!

On my Sephora wishlist:

- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

- NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder (or Pressed..haven't decided yet!)

- Tarte Lights, Camera, LASHES Mascara

- Smashbox Photo finish Colour Correcting Adjust Primer (travel size, hoping to help with my rosy cheeks!)

- BeautyBlender with Solid Cleanser (am I the only one in the beauty world who hasn't tried this miracle sponge?!)

Sephora Wishlist: Las Vegas

Twenty First Birthday Makeup

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS! I love my friends birthdays, family members birthdays, and obviousssssly my birthday! Today is my 21st birthday and I was so excited this morning after I came home from a massage (thanks mom!) that I really wanted to film my birthday makeup look.

I chose products that make me feel special and especially make me feel like ME. I wanted to be comfortable and confident today and this makeup look did it for me. I had a really wonderful birthday and I am even more excited to celebrate for a week in Las Vegas this coming Sunday!

You can view my birthday makeup look and see the products that I truly love by clicking here. I really hope you like it and I hope you choose to subscribe to my channel!

It is now 10:16pm so I have 1 hour and 44 minutes remaining of my birthday...a glass of champagne anyone?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Twenty First Birthday Makeup

 If you read my blog posts or watch my YouTube videos you'll know that I love minimal makeup and always wearing light eyeshadow...well...my mom is the opposite! My mom came into my room one morning asking for a deep dark smokey eye that she could wear and bring out the blue in her eyes. She wanted to use all her makeup so that she could recreate this look on her own time.

I love LOVE love how the makeup turned out and I think she looks so good! I have never used the Naked2 palette before but I know that it is something that my mom loves, so I was slightly nervous to dip into it for my first time!

EYES:
I primed her eyelids with the Urban Decay Anti Aging Primer Potion
I used the shade Bootycall on her brow bone and all over her lid
I then built up her crease with the shade Tease
Next I applied YDK all over her lid to darken up her eye shade (she wanted smokey!)
Then went into the outer corner with the second darkest shade called Busted, I kept building up this shade because I wanted it to be dark
On her lower lashes I used a pencil brush and applied Half Baked which really brought out the blue in her eyes
For eyeliner I used her MAC pencil eyeliner in the shade Buried Treasure
Mascara I first went in with Tarte's Gifted mascara but I'm thinking it's on it's 3 month mark as it was fairly clumpy, so then we went in with the L'Oreal Million Lashes mascara

FACE:
My mom isn't someone who wears foundation as she is getting ready for work before the sun is even up, although I did go in and apply a sample she has of the Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in the shade Light-Medium. Stunning foundation!
On her cheeks we used her mineralized blush by MAC in the shade New Romance. I want to buy this for myself!
I then went in with my MAC highligher in Soft and Gentle to the tops of her cheekbones.

LIPS:
I forgot to photograph the lippies we used, but I first went in with MAC Syrup lipstick and then went on top of it with Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.

My mom has had a hard time trying to find makeup that looks good on her more mature skin, so I hope that this look helps yourself or your moms for finding a flattering look or gives you some help!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Mature Skin Makeup & NAKED2 Smokey Eye

CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation Review

Last weekend I filmed a First Impression on the newest CoverGirl Foundation and I wanted to share it with you! I had worn it once (cue THIS post) for a few hours and didn't look at the end of the night how it looked, so I wanted to film a video with time checks and really see how it works on my skin type!

I really hope you enjoy it and I would also really like to thank you for watching and subscribing! I hit 100 subscribers recently and I know to many it doesn't seem like much, but I was over the moon excited when I saw I had 100 subscribers. Imagining 100 people sitting in a classroom watching MY videos...that's a lot of people!

You can watch my newest video HERE, and stay tuned for some Las Vegas hauls this November! Teehee!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation Review

Graduation Day Makeup

Now this title may seem like it was my graduation...but sadly it wasn't! I attended my boyfriend's graduation on Tuesday (also his birthday, woo hoo!) and I loved the way my makeup turned out.

I just filmed a CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation First Impression video that will be going up super duper soon. I did wear this foundation once before on Thanksgiving if you remember that blog post - but I didn't even think to check the state of my foundation at the end of the night so I really felt like I had never even wore it before! You'll hear all my thoughts on it in my new video, I'll post when it's up!

On my cheeks I wore my MAC blush in the shade Lovecloud. I'm so in love with the name, it's so gosh darn cute! For my highligher I used an old favourite - NARS Albatross. Such a stunning gold highlight that looks good on every single skin tone!

On my eyes I wore the Naked 3 Palette and used the shades Strange, Nooner, and Limit. On my lower lashes I used the shade Liar to give me a little bit of definition that wouldn't be as harsh as a eyeliner kohl would have been. A very classic eye look for me that I can't seem to get enough of! I applied the L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara to my top and lower lashes and then put my glasses on and my eyes were done!

On my lips I used the YSL lipstick in the shade Nude Beige. It's veeeeery similar to Creme Cup by MAC which I also own....but I do not like Creme Cup! This YSL lipstick applies so smoothly and looks stunning on the lips. I'm not usually a nude lip type of gal but this lippy I can't get enough of!

I then wore a cute outfit, put on a pair of heels and was off to Ryan's 19 seconds of fame as he walked across the stage and got that Firefighting Diploma! 

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Graduation Day Makeup

Dior Star Foundation Review

 I have been so excited to test out a foundation that has been oh so popular since it's release! I've heard such positive things and how it works on so many different skin types.
Watch the video I just recently posted on my YouTube channel to see if it worked out on my combo skin and if it is holy grail status!

You can view the video by clicking HERE.


 I added some photos of the foundation looking amazing on my skin after just applying. It literally looked and felt just like my skin! I hardly knew I was wearing it, during the video you will see how it held up and if I am still in love with it as I was when I first applied it.

Enjoy! xx

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Dior Star Foundation Review

MAC Fall Eye Tutorial

Hello and Happy Friday!

I just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel on a very simple fall eyeshadow tutorial! I used some of my favourite MAC eyeshadows and it's a look I've been wearing a lot recently!

You can view it by clicking HERE, I hope you like it!

I'd love it if you could subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more videos! I have so many ideas planned and I can't wait to upload a ton more.

I recently just got new (beautiful) glasses and I think I'm going to post a glasses eyeshadow look in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

MAC Fall Eye Tutorial

Today's Makeup | Thanksgiving | 10.12.14

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!

It has been a hot minute since my last post but I was feeling really uninspired and I didn't want to force a post or a video when I wasn't 100% there. I also just had 3 midterms last week which I was studying for all last week and the week before. Now I have a week of o exams until my next two midterms. School rocks!

I went for a simple makeup look for tonight's big dinner as I think natural beauty is very important to shine through!

The foundation I'm wearing today is a new purchase of mine - the CoverGirl Ready, Set, Georgous foundation in the shade 105. It's a very natural looking foundation with light-medium coverage and has a really nice skin like finish. For my blush I went with Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Exposed, a stunning rosy neutral. On my eyes I reached for my trusty Urban Decay Naked palette. I knew I wanted something very minimal so I chose the shades Virgin, Naked, and Buck. Virgin in the inner corner and on my lid, Naked in my crease, and Buck in my outer corner. I lined my top lash line with MAC Black Track Fluidline and added a small flick. I got new glasses yesterday (you can see them on instagram HERE) and I think the eyeliner flick looks so pretty with them on! For mascara I used the L'Oreal Miss Manga mascara, and on my lips I used my favourite lippy by MAC in the shade Syrup.

What makeup did you wear today? Happy Thanksgiving!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Today's Makeup | Thanksgiving | 10.12.14

Top 10 High End Makeup

I just uploaded a new video to my youtube channel on my top 10 high end makeup products!

As I mentioned in the video I tried to pick a product from each catagory - I just don't own a high end mascara! I've forever been a drugstore mascara kind of girl. :)

I hope you enjoy the video and please do subscribe! I've uploaded quite a few videos since being back from my summer break and I want to really focus on my blog and my YouTube. YouTube definitely takes a lot of time so if you could please subscribe to my channel it would honestly mean the world to me!

You can view this video by clicking the link here. I hope you like it!

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Top 10 High End Makeup

Hello ladies & gents!

I just uploaded my review and demo of the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. I love this product so much and I did do a review on here (my blog) in January - I had been using it for 2 months at that time and now I've almost been using it for a year! So I definitely have my opinions on it and I hope you enjoy the video. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel, make my day!

You can view the video by clicking HERE.

xo, Kyra.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint | Video

Share The Love: Instagram

Some of my favourite posts to read are always share the love blogposts. It's such a great way to find new blogs and for them to get a little love that day. Nothing I love more then making someone's day!  There are so many instagrams that I follow and I wish I could talk about all 137 of you, but today I limited myself to four. 

@thepinkdiary:

I've followed Sharon's blog at www.lovetpd.com for what seems like ages now and I have completely fallen in love with her Instagram to match. It is so feminine and girly which is completely up my alley! She has such stunning photographs of flowers, outfits, makeup, and just her life! I always get inspiration from Sharon and if you haven't given her blog or Instagram a follow yet - girl what are you waiting for?! 

@ellalogy: 

I love how Ellie's Instagram is simple and so pretty! All her items in each photo are layed so nicely and it is so appealing to the eye! She posts photos about beauty, teas, behind the scene footage of the blogging world, and she has amazing book recommendations! Again, her blog is another huge inspiration for me. 

@sophiemakeup

Sophie's Instagram is all things girly! Nails, makeup, hair, skincare and the odd stunning selfie thrown in once in a while. Her Instagram is so refreshing and girly that I can't not double tap each photo and watch a little white heart come up on top of each one of her photos! She always has such nice "extras" in her photos such as the flowers you see below. 

@marissalace

A well known beauty youtuber who I've loved for what seems like ages now! Marissa seems so real and like we could literally be BFF. She knows all there is about makeup and hair and I feel like I've learned so much from watching her! Her Instagram is so eye catching and girly - I'm in love. Her Instagram all together flows so nicely and when you're looking at her page you can't not get heart eyes! Marissa is drop dead gorgeous and she has some of the cutest photos! 

What are some of your favourite instagrams? You can follow my Instagram here @kyrasbeautybag

xo, Kyra

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Share The Love: Instagram

Fall Fashion Inspiration

 

As with most ladies right now - I'm so freaking happy it's fall! I was browsing the "Womens Fashion" page on Pinterest, as I've become so obsessed since getting it on my iPad, and I found two outfits that I essentially fell in love with. These two outfits are so me for fall and I am taking so much inspiration from them for my outfits now! 

I'm loving the all black outfit above with some loose curls and simple eye makeup with a berry lip. Does that not scream fall?! 

Makeup imagined:

- Matte skin (Jouer Matte Moisture Tint)

- Subtle highlighter on cheeks (MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle)

- Bronzed skin (NARS Laguna Bronzer)

- Winged eyeliner (MAC Black Track Fluidline)

- Mascara (L'oreal Telescopic)

- Berry Lips (YSL Rouge Volupte in Forbidden Burgendy)

For this above outfit I love the simplicity and how it is a little brighter then the all black first outfit. Again I would probably want my hair in loose curls - even though the girl with a messy bun photographed here looks awesome, my hair probably couldn't do that!
I'm loving the hat in this collage too, I'm all about hats right now and I really need to purchase one! I don't even own one but every time I see a girl wearing a cute hat I always give a mental props to her.

For makeup on this outfit I'm picturing:
- Natural looking skin (NARS Sheer Glow)
- Neutral eyemakeup (Urban Decay Naked palette: Virgin, Naked, Buck shadows)
- Average coating of Mascara (L'Oreal Miss Manga)
- A pop of colour on the cheeks (MAC Lovecloud Blush)
- "My Lips But Better" lip colour - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the shade Honey

What fall outfits are you loving for this season?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Fall Fashion Inspiration

First Impressions: NARS Foundations

 I've heard so many amazing things about the NARS Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow foundations. I received two samples of Sheer Glow and I actually owned Sheer Matte. I will say that for the matte foundation this is more of a "second" impression. I have worn it once before and then basically never touched it again as I had purchased it in the completely wrong shade - now I've started mixing it with a dab of moisturizer to make it that little bit lighter. Works like a dream!

My correct shade in NARS foundations is the shade "Deauville" which is described as "light with a neutral balance of pink & yellow" sounds about right to me! I have the shade Ceylan in Sheer Matte which is too dark and is described as light-medium with yellow undertones.

 I wore both these foundations for 13 hours each. I applied them at 8am and was ready to shower and remove all my makeup by 9pm.

Sheer Glow First Impressions:
- applied so beautifully with such a natural glow finish
- light-medium coverage
- I did apply Rimmel Stay Matte powder as I am a combo skin gal
- by noon my foundation was still looking great! I headed to the bus to go to school.
- by 4:15pm when I was done my day at school I noticed I was looking slightly shiny on my forehead and that some of the foundation had worn off on my cheeks and chin where my skin is rosy
- I blotted and reapplied powder once I was home after school and my foundation was back to looking like perfection
- By 9pm when I was ready to take my foundation off I had noticed it had worn off around my nose and again on my chin.

Overall: I found this foundation to be so beautiful, I understand the hype! I don't know if it is exactly the one for me as it did wear off in some places and I did look a tad shiny (which mainly looked even "glow-ier" opposed to oily). I think this foundation could work really well for me if I had applied a long lasting primer underneath. Overall I am really impressed and I am considering buying the full size version while I am in Las Vegas in November! I also noticed that it had clung to some of my dry skin around where my previous blemishes were. If you are someone with very dry skin or skin that has dry patches I would recommend using a thick moisturizer under this foundation to ensure no obvious flakes!

I've heard several oily skin ladies say that the sheer glow is their holy grail foundation and I can see why as it makes you appear glowy not oily - although on my skin it didn't last as long in certain places as I would have hoped.

The photo below is a picture I took on my iPad wearing NARS Sheer Glow foundation after I had blotted and reapplied my powder. I used the filter "PFX 5" on the app "Picfx" and then uploaded it to my instagram here.

NARS Sheer Matte Second Impression:
As I said I do own the full size version of this foundation but I had actually purchased it two years ago and basically hadn't touched it since. I had completely forgotten how it applied so it felt like a first impression to me!

- I mixed in some of my daily moisturizer to make it that little bit lighter to match my skin
- Again I applied it at 8 am and it looked FLAWLESS! I was so shocked. It looked like skin and my freckles were still visible but it looked amazing
- light - medium coverage, definitely buildable
- by noon when I went to school my foundation was still looking great and my bronzer and highlighter were still looking perfectly in place
- by 3:30pm when I got back to my car I noticed there was some slight fading on my chin and bridge of my nose, but nothing I was worried about. No oil showed on my blotting paper - this never happes!
- by 7pm I checked back in the mirror and I was so shocked to see I wasn't oily/shiny at all!
- by 9pm when I was ready to shower and take off my makeup I noticed I did have some slight sheen to my skin but still looked natural. Most of my makeup had worn off around my nose and on the bridge of my nose, and a bit on my shin exposing some acne scarring.

Overall: I was incredibly shocked by how well this foundation stayed on my skin and how I hardly was oily at all! This never happens! I usually like to blot and reapply powder once I've had my foundation on for 4-6 hours but with NARS Sheer Matte I didn't have too. I really loved this foundation and even decided to wear it again today! (I tested these out Thursday & Friday and today is Saturday!) I would definitely consider buying this again in the correct shade as it looked so good for so long! I didn't notice any dry patches around previous blemishes like I did with. The Sheer Glow which was quite a bonus.

If you're an oily skin gal and you want to stay matte for long - this should be your top pick!

I'm torn between which one to buy! What are your thoughts on NARS Foundations?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

First Impressions: NARS Foundations

Seven Happy Things This Week

Seven happy things from this past week:

1) This adorable burgundy top has been such a staple in my fall wardrobe. It's made with the softest material and looks so cute paired with my favourite leggings (here!) and a grey scarf. I find this colour to be so flattering on brunettes and in general it's a colour I always gravitate towards.

2) Wonderstruck perfume by Taylor Swift is perfect for the colder months and I've been loving every second I've been wearing it!

3) I've been having so much fun filming YouTube videos again! I've filmed a Today's Makeup video (view here!) and I have a MAC haul filmed & edited waiting to be uploaded.

4) On Wednesday I started my Outreach Massage Therapy program with my school and the first day went so well. One of my outreaches is in a pool where we work with our clients in the water (warmest pool in Ottawa! Score!) and the second is at the Hospital working with rehabilitation patients.

5) I bought an iPad! I actually bought this last Thursday but this past week I've used it so much in school and chillin' on my bed. Since I'm a student I got a good deal from the Apple Store on it and I'm sooo happy I took the big splurge on it.

6) MAC Patisserie & Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy have been my go to's this week for an effortless MLBB lippy. On my eyes I've been going so simple with a wash of MAC Jest, MAC Teddy Kohl eyeliner along my lash line and some mascara. I've been using Tarte Exposed blush and everything has been kept very neutral and simple. Loving it.

7) The comforting scent of Bath & Body Works Salted Caramel candle has been warming my room while I get ready for school in the mornings. This is in the smallest size with one wick which I think is perfect because if this candle had 3 wicks it would be way too strong and I don't think I would like it as much!

What made you happy this week?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Seven Happy Things This Week

Today's Makeup | The Video

A few days ago I uploaded a video to YouTube for the first time in ages! As you can tell by my blog and channel "get ready with me" type videos/posts are my favourite! They're so casual and allow you to be yourself. I'm trying to grow my channel by uploading more. I already have another video edited and ready to go! I've written down in my journal a few video ideas that I want to make, and if you have any suggestions I would love to know!

You can view my video by clicking HERE, I hope you like it and please do subscribe! It would mean so much to me to know you enjoyed the video and will stay to see some more!

xo,
Kyra.

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Today's Makeup | The Video

Favourite Scents

I love perfume. Let me just get that out of the way! I love how they all smell so different and how they can make you feel so special. I've narrowed my perfume stash down to 2 plus one rollerball (that I'm going through like crazy!) and I'm loving only owning a few scents.

I used to own 7 or 8 perfumes and realistically that just wasn't practical for me! I probably wasn't wearing all those perfumes and I'm sure some of them had gone bad after having them for several years! The generalized shelf life of a perfume is around 3-5 years. I found that one of my favourites, Vera Wang Princess, had really smelled different and even the purple colour of the perfume had completely faded to clear.

Perfumes I got rid of: plus my thoughts
Michael Kors - Hollywood (literally smelt sooo amazing and I loved it, I just never wore it so I gave it to a friend)
Juicy Couture - Couture (this scent was not me at all, luckily it was only $20.00 at Shoppers Drug Mart! I also gave this one to a friend)
DKNY - Be Delicious (I was so obsessed with this! But I was almost done it and figured I've slightly grown out of the scent)
Dior - Miss Dior Cherie (My Aunt gave this to me and I wore it for so long but later decided it was too strong of a scent for my teen years when I received it) I am keeping the bottle though!
Vera Wang - Princess (still love this! Thinking about repurchasing it)
Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture (again this scent was so not me!)

Perfumes I kept:
Taylor Swift - Wonderstruck - with notes of Raspberry, Vanilla, Peach, Blackberry. I really love this perfume! It is heavier then my usual perfume scents but it is perfect for nights and I love the berry scents in this perfume.

Marc Jacobs - Daisy - With notes of Violet, Strawberry, Blood Grapefruit, Vanilla. 
There was no way in the world I could ever get rid of this perfume! My absolute favourite perfume in the world, plus Ryan gave it to me!

See By Chloe -  With notes of Apple Blossom, Vanilla, Musk, Jasmine. I've been hearing so much about the Chloe perfumes and I've been really wanting to try one but the price tag is definitely high so I decided to pick up the rollerball version for $30.00. I've used so much of this already and I am thinking about getting the full size when I'm in Las Vegas in November!


What are your favourite perfumes?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Favourite Scents

Today's Makeup | 09.05.14

As I had tons of extra time getting ready for my pathophysiology class this morning I wanted to take advange and squeeze in a blog photo taking session! 

For my foundation I used my favourite drugstore foundation, CoverGirl and Olay 2-in-1 Tone Rehab Serum Foundation. Long name but this foundation gives me such beautiful coverage with a satin finish that continues to look great throughout the day. 

For my eyeshadow I used MAC Jest (which has fast become one of my firm favourites) all over my lids, Blanc Type on my brow bone and inner corner, and Satin Taupe in my crease and outer V. I love the look Jest & Satin Taupe give me and they just pair so well together! I've also really been loving the shade Mulch from my mos recent MAC Haul. I then applied my Lancôme brown Kohl Eyeliner  on my water line and applied an even coating of L'Oreal Miss Manga mascara! 

For my eyebrows I used a new product of mine, this is the Eyeko Brow Liner which comes in a universal shade and WOW I'm in love! It's a felt tip and allows you to really mimic the look of real hairs. Definitely check out your local Sephora to see if you can pick one up! 

Lastly, for my blush I applied Tarte's blush in the shade Exposed to my cheek bones. I forgot how much I loved this rosy neutral toned blush. It really is great for sculpting and giving some dimension! 

What makeup did you wear today?

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Today's Makeup | 09.05.14

Reading List

I'm such a book worm and when my dad purchased a Kobo for me I was the happiest I could ever be! My boyfriends mom has put so many books on my Kobo for me to read and it has been so fun reading different genre's of books. I really loved reading all the books listed below and I hope you do too!

Before I Go To Sleep - S.J Watson
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn
Dark Places - Gillian Flynn
The Husbands Secret - Liane Moriarty
Something Blue - Emily Giffin
Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
The Fault In Our Stars - John Green
Wedding Night - Sophie Kinsella

Do you have any book recommendations for me?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Reading List

After Summer Big MAC Haul

I have been really loving MAC Cosmetics lately and have been buying their products like crazy! I love everything about MAC - their eyeshadows, blushes, packaging...literally everything! They have such a wide range of colours for lipsticks and eyeshadows, you will 100% find something that you like. They also have so many products ranging from skincare, makeup, and MUA essentials. Here are the products that I picked up recently...

 I picked up a stunning blush in the shade Lovecloud which also has the cutest name. Names on products always get me! (*ahem* Essie nail polish names.. *ahem*) Lovecloud is a satin finish and is a beautiful bright mid-toned pink. I apply this to the high points of my cheek bones and it gives me a stunning rosy-glow look. It's a very pigmented blush especially when I use my Sigma F40 so I make sure to tap off any extra before applying to my cheek bones. While I was browsing around in MAC my mom had purchased the lipstick in the shade Patisserie and I had fallen in love with it! I ended up buying it for myself the next day. This lipstick shade looks very different on both of us which makes it very unique! It's a Lustre finish which means it is very glossy and semi-sheer. On my lips it gives me the most wonderful "my lips but better" shade. Obsessed! Plus my boyfriend was a big fan of the way it looks: "It makes your lips look...shiny...and...full? I don't know how to describe it but I like it! I like it a lot!"

As I'm working on revamping my neutral palette I decided to pick up three shades I knew I would get a lot of use out of. The first eyeshadow swatched is the shade Jest. I feel like this shadow does not get talked about enough! It is absolutely stunning and I think it is everything I wanted Naked Lunch to be (My pan of NL has no pigmentation sadly!). Jest has a frost finish and is such a lovely peachy-pink shimmery shade. It does reminds me of Sin from the Urban Decay Naked palette but Sin is noticeably more pink. Next I got the eyeshadow in the shade Mulch. I've heard about and swatched this shade for years but it has never caught my eye like it does now! I've been really into the bronzey-plum shades (like MAC Sable!) lately and I think they look so nice against brown eyes. Lastly I picked up a Tanya Burr favourite - Charcoal Brown. She has mentioned in multiple videos that she likes using it in her eyebrows and as a crease colour - I love multi use shadows! This matte shade is described by MAC as a "muted taupe brown".

As mentioned above I am revamping my MAC neutral palette so I decided to purchase the empty quad palette to move my coloured eyeshadows into. It'll also be nice for when I travel since I can move shadows around and put in four neutral shades for the vacation. I then purchased a single palette as before I had the duo palette and I much prefer the look of the single with the clear cover. I'm loving the look of my neutral palette right now and I still have three spots to fill! I feel as if I have all the shades I need so I'm not too sure what three I'll choose to finish it off.

What are your favourite items from MAC?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

After Summer Big MAC Haul

I got the chop..

 

I don't often post photos of myself on my blog so for many of my readers you may not even know what my hair even looks like! I had long naturally wavy hair where the ends were getting quite dry from heat styling and not being trimmed in a year.  I got it cut yesterday and my hair went through a lot in one day... I had asked for a very subtle ombre where I wanted to still stay a brunette but have some caramel put in for a little more "oomph".  

I had brought in three photos so I knew that my hair dresser knew exactly what I wanted. When the colour process was happening I found it very strange that she had basically painted the lower portion of my hair with blonde hair dye, I was getting pretty darn nervous at this point! It went on for about an hour where she was applying colour to my hair - keep in mind that I had asked for just a small amount of colour since I did want to stay a brunette! When it was time for her to style my hair I could see very blonde/orange strands sitting on my shoulders... I was trying so hard not to freak out. When it was time for me to look in the mirror I was so scared because I knew this was not at all what I had asked for. The entire bottom half of my hair was literally an orange shade of blonde! It was awful! I was trying so hard to stay polite, I didn't want her to feel bad for what she had done as she was taking photos of my hair because I think she liked the way it turned out. 

I had gotten into my car and basically freaked out. I cried the entire way home and phoned my mom crying into her ear. I hated it so much! I was so shocked that it was the complete opposite of what I had asked her for and the photos I showed her.

 

When my mom got home she had texted our hair dresser and told her that this was a lot blonder than I was expecting and the hair dresser told me to come back over and she would fix it. She toned it back to brown (I don't exactly know how... I don't know hair terms!) and added some caramel highlights in small parts for the "oomph" I was looking for. After a scary first hair colouring experience, I finally went home incredibly happy with how my hair turned out. I had 8 inches in total cut off and some lovely layers put in. I love having my hair short and sitting where my collarbones are.

Now I'm off to do a hair mask to make sure my ends aren't super dry from the scary blonde dye job!

Have you ever had a scary hair cut/colour experience?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

I got the chop..

Brands I Love

With so many brands on the market it's easy to get lost someplace in the heavens of makeup. I've made a list of some of the high end brands that I think are definitely worth your money!

Urban Decay - I really love their Revolution Lipsticks (particularly the shade Streak) as their formula is so creamy and pigmented.  I own all three Naked palettes and I am head over heels for them. Again, their pigmentation is out of this world and each shadow is so easy to blend. Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Suspect, Snakebite, Nooner, Liar, and Mugshot are a few of my favourite UD eyeshadows!

Tarte - I'm sure you already know that I'm going to mention their Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blushes! I am so in love with these blushes and they are some of the greatest blushes I've ever tried. I love Exposed, Dollface, Captivating, and my absolute favourite is True Love. Tarte also has a lovely 12 Hour Full Coverage Foundation which has been raved about loads in the beauty world. All their products are natural as well as cruelty free and made with Amazonian Clay which really prolongs the wear time of your makeup.

NARS - the simple matte black rubber packaging makes me swoooon! NARS has some amazingly pigmented blushes and everyone should own a couple in their collection. A few of my favourites are Deep Throat, Desire, Sin, and of course the famous blush in the shade Orgasm. NARS is also well known for their Sheer Glow Foundation. I absolutely love the way this foundation looks on my skin. It has good coverage while still giving you a natural finish, a favourite of many!

bareMinerals - a brand I'm still new too as I only just started dipping my toes into their products November 2013. Their Matte Foundation quickly became a favourite of mine and I recommend it to all. It provides a good coverage and gives you a very healthy appearance - you won't look "flat" with this matte finish! I also love their Skinny Dip bronzer for any fair skin toned beauty lovers. Applied at the temples and cheek bones you'll look glowy and bronzed!

MAC Cosmetics - I can spend hours in Sephora not knowing what to purchase because there are just so many options while at MAC I can be in and out within 20 minutes! I love that about MAC, they have everything you need. My current favourite lipstick would Syrup but you can view all my MAC lipsticks here. I also love their blushes (can you tell I'm a huge blush lover?) as they are all so soft and pigmented. Mocha, Lovecloud, and New Romance are a few of my favourites. MAC always has fun limited edition collections coming out so be sure to keep a eye out for a collection you may like!

What are a few of your favourite brands that you love?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

--- youtube: kcrisppp

Brands I Love

Life Lately

I can't believe that summer is almost over! I have one week left at camp and it's going to be so sad for me to say goodbye. I've spent 14 summers there and I think I've decided that it (might be) my last summer. I will be graduating this April and then I have to take lots of exams next summer to become a registered massage therapist.

This past summer has been so great. The photo above is a picture that I took on a disposable camera while we were out on a sail boat cruising Otter Lake. It's been a great way to end my 14 years there and I've had so many fun memories that I'll be able to carry with me for the rest of my life.

I'm excited to get back to my normal routine and start blogging and purchasing beauty items again. I recently bought the See By Chloe perfume and OH MY it smells so wonderful. I've also really fallen back in love with the Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua foundation - the shade B30 is my perfect summer shade, otherwise I'm a pale B10.

I've read so many books while I've been at camp. Gillian Flynn is such an amazing author and I really enjoyed Gone Girl, Sharp Objects and Dark Places. Of course I had to read The Fault In Our Stars, it was amazing. I read it in probably 5 hours and I was crying so much by the end. I can't wait to see the movie!

How has your summer been?

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

Life Lately

Peach Pop

This stunning daisy blush is a pink-coral and has a warm undertone, my cup of tea! Maybe it's just me, but it looks like there may be very small gold shimmers running through this blush. The formula of these blushes are unlike anything else I own - they are creamy but also a powder, and the pigmentation is unbelievable! If you're looking for a high intensity blush two or three taps of your brush into this blush will get you the high pigment you're looking for. For myself I always just do one to two taps for a light to medium application.

I find that the finish of this blush is almost luminous in a way that looks just like skin on your cheek bones. I found it lasted long on my skin at around 8 hour wear time. By the end of the day it was fading and not looking as perfect as it did when I first applied it.

I'm really enjoying this blush and I do reach for it quite often! I purchased this blush for $24.00 at Sephora and I can't wait to pick up more of the shades in the range.

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

Peach Pop

Forever Repurchased

I've been reading Kate's blog over at Gh0stparties for what seems like years now and I always love her "Forever Repurchased" post. I decided I wanted to do one of my own! I also have a feeling that all of the products I'm about to mention are so obvious....teehee!

For starters - L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara and Superslim Liquid Eyeliner....absolute favourites. The mascara I've talked about several times in my Face Of The Day posts on how it lengthens my lashes like no other mascara ever has and leaves no clumps! The wand is small and slim and really gets close to the lash line to have a flawless application. The Superslim Liquid Eyeliner I've been repurchasing for two years now and it is still a firm favourite of mine. The applicator is very skinny (hence the name super slim...) and is so easy to get close to your upper lash line to draw your perfect flick. I've finally gotten used to doing winged eyeliner all thanks to this bad boy!

This is a classic kyrasbeautybag item...Tarte Blushes! There was basically no way I could have made this post without including a Tarte blush. They are some of the greatest blushes I've ever tried and they are the reason I started getting hooked on blush! My favourite is True Love but I would repurchase any Tarte blush over and over again.

Lastly is one of my favourite foundations ever - CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab Serum Foundation. My brother bought this for me for my birthday back in November (thanks again Gregory!) and I'm so thankful that he did. It is the most amazing drugstore foundation I've ever used and even beats some of my high end foundations. It applies so smoothly, has amazing medium coverage, looks like skin, lasts ages, and just an all around winner! Also I'm rather excited that I went from my usual shade 110 up to 120! If you haven't tried this foundation yet I strongly recommend that you do and I'm sure you will end up loving it just as much as I do.

---- twitter: @kyrasbeautybag
---- instagram: kyrasbeautybag
---- BLOGLOVIN' 

Forever Repurchased