a few of my favourite things

As promised, here are some of my absolute favourite, must-have beauty items. Apologies to my male readers. The next post will be about Rambo 3 or something like that. I'm not trying to pull an Oprah, just to pass on my (ahem) well researched findings.

I have had a lifelong love affair with makeup. From the day I first busted into my mom's lavender vinyl makeup bag in the 80s to my present-day habit of roaming makeup stores to relax, my obsession is a strong one. So, after trying lots of products on myself, my friends, and my photography subjects, I have come across some real goodies. These are a just a few of my highly recommended products.

1. L'Oreal HIP (high intensity pigment) eye shadow

When it comes to vibrant, easily blendable eyeshadow, MAC and Makeup Forever generally reign supreme over the wimpy pigments of drugstore brands. Recognizing that a demand for bright and bold colours has returned, L'Oreal introduced its HIP line. The eyeshadows are comparable to those of MAC for a fraction of the price. The colour selection isn't huge, but L'Oreal plans to release new colours seasonally. I like this product because I can get a crazy coloured shadow I will only wear occasionally for a lot cheaper than I could at MAC.

2. Nars blush in Orgasm

I had heard about this blush for years, but I only bought it this past weekend. Every writeup I came across called it "the most universally flattering shade of blush," and beauty editors and bloggers seem to agree. I like this product because it gives the look of a natural flush and it has a great gold shimmer mixed in with the neutral pink.

3. Smashbox Photo Finish primer

By no means do I use this product every day. I use it when I want my skin to look flawless (porcelain doll-esque, I swear) for a special event or photo. The cosmetologist I first bought this from told me that Smashbox photo studios designed all of their makeup products to mimic the effect of airbrushing, to minimize the amount of post-editing/photoshopping that needs to be done on their portraits. This primer fills in large pores, fine lines, dimples, scars, and generally smooths out the face. It also provides a silky base for foundation and blush. Again, this is a special occasion only product for me (I'm slightly afraid of becoming dependent on it otherwise) but it yields pretty magical results. I like this product because it makes skin look absolutely, almost eerily flawless.

4. Benefit Hollywood Glo

Made by one of my favourite cosmetics companies, Benefit, Hollywood Glo purports to give an old Hollywood sheen to the complexion. You can either put it on under foundation to give a subtle glow, or over top on cheekbones and temples for a pink-gold shimmer. I like this product because it makes people look so pretty.

5. MAC fluidline in Uppity

All of the MAC fluidlines are gel eyeliners to be applied with a small brush. They go on smoothly, set really well, and stay on for a long time. The gold is just so cool and looks amazing on dark skin. If you are pale like me, I suggest applying it over a medium to dark, matte shadow. I like this product because it is easier to use than liquid liner, and it looks amazing for a night out.

6. Cover fx foundation

This stuff is intense. It will cover anything, and stay put. It's much too thick for everyday wear, or for applying all over the face (unless you feel you need heavy coverage, have intense rosacea or uneven pigmentation that you want to cover up) but it is great for covering splotchy redness (my worst enemy), zits, or anything you want to hide. I would suggest dusting a light layer of transluscent powder over top to set it, as it tends to maintain its creamy consistency on your face. I use my (clean) fingers to apply it, as the sponge it comes with doesn't seem to blend it very well and the heat from fingers helps it blend smoothly. I like this product because I can count on its endurance to cover up zits or redness for a long time.

7. Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain

This is my favourite product of all time. I love the look of lipstick, but hate the gross feeling and the constant need to reapply. I have tried long lasting lipstick in the past, and liked them, but a lot of them contain phthalates, which are harmful chemicals. Random fact: a UK based study that was released last year reported that women who wear makeup every day absorb up to 2 pounds of makeup into their bodies every year. Makes you kind of want to go organic, eh? Benetint is a rosy stain that colours your lips and cheeks lovely dark pink. It stays on all day and if you layer it you can get a nice berry shade going. I like (love) this product because it looks great on everyone and stays on a long time.

8. Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals i.d. foundation
After reading about the entire Bare Escentuals line, I was intrigued by the company's promises for the foundation: it goes on extremely lightly giving the feeling of wearing nothing at all, and that it is "so pure you can sleep in it." A sassy salesperson at Sephora showed me how to apply it (tip a tiny amount of the powder into the lid, swirl the brush in the product, tap off excess, and "buff" onto skin in light, circular motions .

When I first tried it on myself, it seemed as if nothing was happening. How could such a small amount of product do anything? After a little more "buffing," all of a sudden my skin looked even and clear. The blotchiness was gone! I used a small eyeshadow brush for additional coverage under the eyes and on any blemishes. I had Brian look at my face in the unforgiving daylight to see what he thought. He said it looked like I wasn't wearing makeup, and was less "cakey" than my usual liquid foundation. I like this product because it is light and very natural looking.

9. MAC eyeshadow palette
I've already talked about MAC eyeshadows. I love them. The thing I wanted to point out about the palette is that you end up saving money by buying shadows this way rather than individually. Whereas a single eyeshadow is $14.50 CAD, the palettes of 4 cost $45. I like this product because it saves me money and keeps my makeup bag more organized.

10. MAC brushes
I faithfully wait until the holiday season to buy my MAC brushes in the gift sets, because of the amazing savings. For example, this year I got a set of 5 brushes and a pretty gold case for $58. If I had bought the brushes individually, it would have cost me close to $150. I know $58 still might seem like a lot of money, but if treated with care these brushes will last a lifetime. They also ensure better distribution of the makeup, which will make your products last longer and save you money in the long run. A lower budget option would be the Quo brushes from Shoppers Drug Mart. I like this product because it makes makeup go on smoothly and precisely.

11. Rimmel kohl eyeliner
This is, in my opinion, one of the best drugstore products. I am also a huge fan of liquid liner, which never creases or smears and looks so retro, but does require a steady hand and some practice to apply correctly. For basic, every day wear or for a smoky eye, I love Rimmel liner. I like this product because it is cheap, creamy and blends well.

12. Quo brow powder and wax
Brows are often the most overlooked feature of the face. Nothing ruins a great face like bad eyebrows. To get a great brow, it's best to to fight your natural shape but to work with it. I have naturally thin brows with little to no arch. I envy people with dramatic arches, but I have learned through experience that I cannot pluck an arch into my measly brows. So, I define my natural shape instead. Powder works better than pencil because it stays put longer and tends to blend in with the brows more naturally. It also looks less drawn-on. Remember to use one shade lighter than your brow colour. I'm not advocating for the Quo version specifically, just for brow powder in general. I chose the quo one because it was affordable and had a good taupe colour for me. I like this product because it grooms the brows, which frame the face.

13. MAC blush in Peaches
As I've mentioned, MAC is known for its vibrant colours. This sunny, peach-toned blush is just so pretty, though it's best for lighter complexions. A cheaper choice would be one of L'Oreal's Colour Match blushes. I like this product because it is great for creating a clean, fresh, natural look.

the streets of philadephia

I will hereafter remember my latest trip to Philadephia as the time I nearly puked in my Sephora bag in the rental car on the highway.

Backing up a wee bit: Brian and I decided to take advantage of our free* weekend rental from Avis and head down to Philly for his sister's senior weekend. She plays college hockey, and the weekend featured the team's final home games of the season (and her career), as well as a lot of celebrations in honour of the eight seniors who will be graduating this year.

Now, not being much of an athlete** myself, I have never really had the opportunity to celebrate with a sports team of any kind, let alone an American college sports team. I was really touched by all the efforts put forth to make the weekend special for the players and their families. I actually got a little misty eyed while taking pictures of Brian's family standing on a red carpet on the rink while his sister's accomplishments as team captain were listed.

Then came the night's festivities. All of the players and their families (and me) headed to the local sports bar for dinner and drinks. I always forget how enormous American-size portions are, and yet, when a plate piled with enough food to feed me for days is placed in front of me, I ain't going to turn in away. Brian ordered this monstrosity of a meal for dinner:

Many, many American glasses of wine (read: double the size) later, I found myself dancing with all the proud hockey moms (Soulja Boy and JT being songs of choice), drinking from a tower of beer while feverishly entering a children's colouring contest, and later being weird enough to order Cointreau on the rocks at the hotel bar. Sick.

The next morning, Brian was unusually full of energy and excited to head downtown to do some sightseeing. I think the giant, cheese-soaked meal he ate made him immune to a hangover like mine. His sister was feeling low like me, and opted out of the daytime activities, only saying "OK, have fun, but make sure you don't get lost and end up in North Philly, West Philly, or some parts of South Philly."

Brian somehow convinced me to get in the car, and after a bumpy ride and the bright sun beaming in my eyes, I found myself dumping out my new makeup purchases and shoving my head in that Sephora bag, fighting the nausea with all my might.

Eventually the worst passed and I was able to enjoy the lovely weather and the downtown core of Philly.

Other trip highlights included:
- Tax-free shopping and dining in Delaware, which I just found out is the tax-free state. Makeup shopping has never been so guilt-free!
- Eating. A lot.
- Watching the Oscars in the hotel room. Sort of. Kind of a lacklustre show, but Brian and I had money on this year's awards, which upped the ante. He won $25. I was not so lucky.

On the note of Oscar fashion, I believe I'm the only person who liked Catherine Heigl's hair, Nicole Kidman's necklace and even Rebecca Miller's red bows on her dress (but only the bows). I do have a penchant for the tacky.

Another reading week has come and quickly passed. Stay tuned for review of my favourite new beauty products, coming as soon as I have a spare moment.

*Nowhere near free. Try over $300.

** Save for my brief sojourn as a wannabe swimmer, in which I managed to be pity-inspiring enough to win "Most Improved" two years in a row.

what I returned home to after reading week

Also, this email from the government job I applied for:

"I regret to inform you that you were unsuccessful in obtaining the minimum level required to qualify in the interview process. For this reason, your application will not be given further consideration."

Yikes, what a week this is starting off to be! Things can only go up from here.

masters of procrastination

What is it about some people that makes them unable to work without deadlines? I am definitely one of those people, and even I can't explain my compulsion to do everything but my work.

Sample distractions:

"Since I'm at the library anyways, why don't I look in the theatre section to see if there are any books on theatrical makeup (there were) and then read about aging techniques, applying bald caps and how to do 1940s style lips?"

"Since I just happen to pass the drugstore on my way home from the gym, I suppose I should browse this month's magazine covers. Oh, Avril posed for Maxim? I wonder if she stayed 'punk' or tried to do the whole ladylike thing?"

"Since I'm on the computer anyways, maybe I will Wikipedia Dexter to see where I recognize that actress from. While I'm at it, I'll just follow these links and read about the characteristics of a sociopath."

"Since I'm in that Oscar pool, I should probably look at critics' predictions before I make my final picks. Yep, I will go with Julie Christie fo best actress. What did her hair look like in Dr. Zhivago again? A simple Google image search will answer that..."

And so continues the demise of my thesis.

Luckily, a bunch of us from the program have recently started "thesis club," a weekly meeting where we discuss our week's progress. I'm not the only one having trouble committing to my thesis. We discuss our infidelities, set deadlines for eachother, and decide on punishments for those who don't meet them. I get by with a little help from my friends!

I'm heading to Philadelphia this weekend for a reading week I shouldn't be taking. But next week is full of promise!

occasion for champagne

This past weekend I had a much anticipated visit from some of my best, and oldest friends. The ladies finally made the long trek to Montreal and we had a lovely time.

Living with a guy doesn't give me much occasion to indulge my girly side. Try as I might, I can't convince Brian to do face masks or pedicures with me. Imagine my delight then, when my friend Jonina showed up with a bunch of beer, cheese curds, Lays bbq chips, and a freshly-burned Britney cd to get the night started. That girl knows the way to my heart.


After a dinner at the Spirite Lounge (a crazily-decorated restaurant owned and run by the Vegan Nazi, see photo above), we popped open the champagne, blasted the slightly embarassing aforementioned cd and had fun with makeup and (big) hair.

It was way too cold to venture very far, so I settled for taking the girls to nearby Crescent street. My logic was that if one place wasn't fun, other bars were only steps away. Big mistake. Every place had a line-up. We were stuck with 3 options: 9 dollar pints at an overpriced pub, paying cover (gasp), or going to the only bar that didn't have a line but was very sleazy.

After one drink at the pricey place, we tried to go to one mediocre-looking place, only to turn away when the cover was $8. The bouncer who had just checked our IDs yelled after us, "Now I know there is no way you guys are 24. What 24-year-olds can't afford an 8 dollar cover?"

We can't, I guess.

So, begrudgingly, we settled for the notorious cougar bar which I won't name because it's name now makes me shudder. We had been on the dance floor for all of 30 seconds when creepy old men started circling us like sharks. Circling turned to ogling turned to groping. After some harsh words and a near fist fight with one particular creep, we got the hell out of there.

It was an exceptionally slimy experience. I just hope the girls don't think all Montreal bars are that creepy. They certainly aren't. I have never seen anything like that in my life. It was like we were surounded by a swarm of locust-like dirty old men. Yuck.

Apart from that, however, it was fantastic to get together.

forced hibernation

As the snow continues to fall on this city, I find myself once again sitting at my desk beside the window, staring out into the bleak, midday light.

Winter has hit Montreal hard this year. We have had non-stop snow and ice and sleet for weeks straight. Brian and I have called our neighbourhood "the ice planet" due to the way ice has crusted over the streets and sidewalks, giving the appearance of an icy, cratery moon surface.

People visiting from other Canadian cities are actually appalled at how poorly Montreal does at snow and ice removal. I have wiped out countless times, despite wearing boots that could brave the arctic.

Visits with friends suffer from short good-byes, as we all scurry off to our respective warm abodes. This past weekend we drove back from Vermont over a highway of ice, and held our breath as we drove past over a dozen ditched and overturned vehicles.

Winter is here in full force, and I am forced into hibernation, hunching over my laptop like a neaderthal over the fire in a cave.

talkin' 'bout my generation

"Some call this cohort Generation Y, others Generation Next. Both names are prosaic and don't do justice to this group's emerging record. The generation that made negativism fashionable was the Beat Generation 50 years ago. This new group is helping to reverse things. The Upbeat Generation works for me."

- Henry Aubin in the Montreal Gazette

Part of my thesis research looks at the increasing trend of "voluntourism" (a type of tourism that mixes volunteer work with sightseeing), and the generation that has both fed and gravitated towards the voluntourism industry, my generation.

People born between 1981 and 1999 are considered part of this generation ("Y," "Next," or even "Millenial"). Some of its main characteristics include ambition, a passion for social justice, and a desire to make a difference. According to Lisa Johnson, author of Mind your Xs and Ys: Satisfying the 10 Cravings of a New Generation, these traits have been fostered in the era of self-esteem-based parenting, and community-minded messages in school curricula. Basically, Johnson says, Generation Y has been taught that giving one’s time and abilities is more valuable than simply donating money.

BUT, and this is the main "but" in my thesis, voluntourism is not just about giving time and abilities. It is, largely, about money. A person has to have money in order to affort to be a voluntourist. To go abroad to some of the poorest countries in the world can cost thousands of dollars. Most international volunteering organizations such as Youth Challenge International require volunteers to do their own fundraising, the success of which is often dependent on the wealth and generosity of the would-be volunteer's contacts.

Although volunteering may be about free work, it is certainly not free to volunteer. Voluntourism, what journalist Laura Fitzpatrick has called "Vacationing like Brangelina," seems to be a privilege of the priviledged.

It still involves a choice, however, between heading down to Cancun for an all-inclusive week of booze and buffets, or spending more money (sometimes 5 times the amount) to volunteer in some capacity.

Who makes this kind of choice? Is it the tourist who, after glimpsing the poverty just outside the gates of her five-star resort, decides to take a less decadent trip as a form of atonement for the guilt of the wealthy? Is it the jaded traveller who has seen it all and searches for something more "authentic?" Or, is it simply a person who feels it is her duty to use his relative priviledge for an altrustic purpose?

Does our generation genuinely want to help, or do we just want pictures to make us look worldly on Facebook?

As much as talk about how our generation exemplifies The Age of Ambition kind of excites me, I wouldn't dare to say we are all revolutionaries.

Which is why the term "social entrepreneur," grates on my nerves. The idea of social entrepreneurs is wonderful: "those who see a problem in society and roll up their sleeves to address it in new ways," as Nicholas D. Kristof puts it.When Bono looked at the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and created the (RED) campaign, he became a social entrepreneur.

When people find a way to turn a social problem into a new business venture, they become social entrepreneurs.

This is great in theory, and often very successful in practice. Unite for Sight, for example, provides eye care and glasses for poor countries around the world. Social entrepreneurship wonderful when it accomplishes something, but awful when it is just a buzzword. It is at its best when people can find a way to make altruism into a functional business; it is a sham when people claim social entrepreneur status for social capital.

What I am most curious about over the next few decades, is what our generation will do with our altruistic impulses and all our effervescent ambition.

fighting the urge to hibernate

Since I always seem to be short on time, I am continually looking for ways to save it. The latest revelation I just have to share. If you at any point need to get your first Canadian passport, or renew an expired one, I recommend going through epass, which allows you to fill out the forms online (registering yourself in the system), print off the forms, and take them in to the passport office. By doing this step, you will save yourself hours of dreaded waiting time. When I walked into the passport office today there was a sign that said "Average waiting time: 2 hours." Because I did my forms through epass, I was in and out of the passport office in a mere 15 minutes. Many thanks to Peter, who recommended this time-saving step to me.

In an effort to streamline my daily makeup routine (or just to read more about makeup) I recently purchased the book Beauty Confidential by Nadine Haobsh. I am a fan of her blog, Jolie in NYC, which has great beauty advice, product reviews et cetera. Greedily taking in all of her knowledge gained as a former beauty editor, I finished the book in a day. I would highly recommend it for fellow beauty junkies, and for people looking to learn more about that superficial but beloved realm of life.




This past weekend, we hosted my 18-year-old brother and 5 of his (very tall) friends at our apartment. It was a little on the overwhelming side to say the least, but I think the young gents enjoyed their first time away from home sans moms and dads. As you can see above, they made short work of transforming our living room.

In between hosting guests, nursing my thesis research and working out, I have been baking a hell of a lot of pies, desperately trying not to burn the crust for once. Last week's pecan-chocolate-chip was pretty tasty, as is tonight's carrot custard pie. I'm no Martha Stewart, but at least I have a new hobby for these cold Montreal winter days.

When I do decide to venture outside, it's usually to a bar, restaurant, or weekly movie night (Tuesday nights are under 10 bucks for a movie, popcorn and drink). I can now say I've ordered a cheese platter, which I've always wanted to do:


...and tried maple creme brulee, which was fantastic.


And went skating at Parc Lafontaine on Sunday evening, to work off all the damn pie I've been eating!