Stroke of Midnight

The latest on beauty, fashion and lifestyle tips and tricks that you probably didn't know! Weekly and monthly features. Follow @strokexmidnight

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Top 5 Books You Must Read This Summer

I don't know about you, but something about lying down by the beach...or just in your backyard with a lemonade and a good book is just amazing. So in the nature of loving summer reading, here are 5 must reads recommended by yours truly.

1. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green. Let me just warn you now that this quick read is a tear jerker, however amongst those tears I couldn't stop laughing. You basically look like a nut reading this book, so do so in private. It's witty, entertaining and heart breaking.

2. Worst Person Ever - Douglas Coupland. Couplands work isn't for everyone, it all depends on your humour. If you're the type of person that would tell me that The Big Bang Theory is funny.. this book is not for you. It's the intelligent humour that makes this book a summer must read. I was crying from laughter with this one. 

3. Far From You - Tess Sharpe. This is the perfect book to get lost into when you want to stop thinking about your own life. It's all about love, loss and addiction - you'll think your life is a lot less dramatic after reading this one. 

4. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender  - Leslye Walton. I'm mostly recommending this one because it is so beautifully written and when you're finished, you won't stop thinking about it. 

5. Okay I lied, there are techinically 6 books I'm recommending and that is solely because these last two are not new, but they are probably forgotten. JPod by Douglas Coupland is my all time favourite book, I recommend this book to anyone and everyone because it is just so hilarious and meta you can't put it down. The second book, I only recommend to females is Skinny by Ibi Kaslik. It is indeed based on eating disorder, but it is more so about family dynamics and sisterly bonding. Both of these authors are Canadian and will leave you thinking about their writing for a very long time. 

Enjoy! 

Jaz xoxo 

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Top 5: Mascara

From drug store to high end, here is our picks for top products to get beautiful lashes!

#1 Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

#2 Essence

#3 Maybelline The Falsies

#4 Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

#5 Loreal Voluminous Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

Hope you enjoyed our recommendations! Let us know your fave Mascara!

XO

Jess

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How-To: Make the most out of your Summer

We're in the midst of the most beloved season and it's flashing before our eyes. Before we know it, snow will be on the ground and we'll be wishing the warm summer nights back. Fortunately, it's not too late! You can still make this summer the most memorable yet.

Be open to new things. Step out of your comfort zone once in a while, and say yes when new opportunities come your way. Learn to face your fears and try new experiences.

Relax. If you are a student, take advantage of sleeping in and getting rejuvenated, but let's not waste away your days either. Sleeping is just the thing to help you refuel for your next adventure.

Soak up the sunshine. Not only does sun provide you with a great dose of vitamin D, but it gives a certain glow to you. Whether your hitting up the beach or chilling at the cottage, take a second to appreciate the sunshine and beautiful weather.

Get away. Do at least one memorable trip that you will talk about for years. Over the past few summers, my trips to NYC and Florida were definitely the highlights and totally something worth working into your budget and schedule. This year, we'll see how a road trip to Osheaga in Montreal plays out. (...stories coming soon)

Surround yourself with good people. As you grow up, you begin to completely see your relationships with people differently. This is bound to happen as you mature, that's life. Summer is short,so spend it with the people who matter most and who will stick around through thick and thin.

Be positive. Don't fret about petty things. If someone tries to bring you down, brush it off. Why are you going to waste a moment of time being sad or angry when your could be out having the time of your life. Half the time, these things are misunderstandings or from people who aren't significant in your life. Just let it go.

Enjoy nature. There is always beauty around us, and we take it for granted. Take time to go for a walk, sit by the water or drive down the country roads. Canada is a beautiful country, learn to appreciate the things it has to offer.

Be passionate about something. Find something to invest your time into. Find a hobby you love and become a pro at it. Find a summer fling and you might just fall in love.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. There are a lot of things in my life that I have done, that looking back now I wonder what I was thinking. I'm not going to say I regretted it, because everyone makes mistakes and it has taught me an overwhelming amount of life lessons. Your mistakes make you into the person you are meant to be, take it at face value and move forward. You only get the excuse of being young for a short time, so might as well use it.

Do something because you can. When an opportunity arises, go for it. Jaz, myself and our friend Michelle went to a concert this past  weekend in Toronto. This only happened because I have a Groupon addiction and I thought The Fray would be reminiscent of high school days. We drank, we met new people, we jammed out and I'm pretty sure we're the reason this cute couple is engaged (not really). We finished the night eating McDonald's in bed watching 90s music videos. Nonetheless, it was an amazing night because we said, "Sure, why not!"

We would love to see how you are enjoy your summer! #MySOMSummer to share what you've been upto! We'll be giving away a summer prize pack to one lucky winner!

XO

Jess

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5 Summer Make Up Must Haves

1. Waterproof Mascara - Summer + Sweat + Beach....do I need to explain? My favourite one's this season is Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara and Make Up For Ever's Smoky Extravagant! 

2. Setting Powder - it's a random must have, but it is the best way to keep your make-up from slipping and sliding on those hot summer days! We love Cover FX's and Make up For Ever's setting powders the best!

3. Make-up Setting Spray - keep that look intact girl! I am absolutely obsessed with Urban Decay's Makeup Setting Spray, it's even oil controlled!

4. A fresh and clean eye shadow to brighten those beautiful eyes! MAC's Brule is my all time favourite (I've gone through at least 10 of them) and of course the Urban Decay Naked Pallet is a must have for a simple fresh look!

5. The perfect Blush - It's been said over and over again..but Nars' Orgasm is love for every skin tone!

Happy Summer <3 Stay Beautiful

xoxo

Jaz.  

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Do What You Love

About a month ago I decided to take a very big risk...I quit my stable, well-paying job, to follow my dreams. "I'm so happy for you" people would say to me, knowing well that they are secretly thinking I'm absolutely nuts. I definitely am nuts and luckily I have a "do what I want" attitude and could care less about what others think of my decisions. 

In the past month I was offered 4 new jobs, declined 3 of them, registered my own business and started helping my brothers with his (not that he needs any help). I couldn't be happier. I may not be making remotely close to the amount of money I was nor do I have benefits or a stable income, but I'm loving everything about my crazy decision.

I've come to the conclusion that sometimes you have to make crazy short term decisions to help you be successful in the long run. I know that happiness and positivity is what I want right now and a 9-5 desk job is not going to cut it. I need to do what I love and I will work my ass off to get there. 

Lesson here today ladies and gentleman...Do what you love and follow your dreams. As cheesy and cliche as it sounds, you're never going to live the life you want if you don't take some serious risks. 

xoxo

Jaz 

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5 Tips to Stay Organized in Your Twenties.

Write everything down - whether it's in an agenda, on your phone or on sticky notes, find what works for you and stick with it (pun intended). I personally keep an agenda that I write in daily, I also go the extra mile and put everything on my iCal as well (iphone/ipad users) this includes both work related and personal stuff.  

Label binders to keep track of EVERYTHING (folders will work too). I have a separate binder for my car, my bills, my receipts and any government letters. This is especially great if you are an independent contractor or own your own business. When tax season comes around you know exactly where to go, when your car needs to be fixed you know exactly where your warranty is. 

Make lists - grocery lists, to do lists...lists are your best friends. Remind yourself to go to the gym, to eat breakfast, whatever it may be it will help you remember to take care of your self. Don't forget to add relax time to that list! 

Prepare for the future - if there's an event coming up, make sure you have an outfit ready. Prepare your lunches in advance, create a savings account, prepare for rainy days. This will create less stress and chaos in your life and will make last minute errands a breeze!

Have a place for everything. In your car, in your house, in your room make sure everything has a specific place. If you buy something new designate a place for it. This will make finding those diamond earrings for your date a hell of a lot easier! 

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Why money should never be an issue.

As we grow older money is often what holds us back from adventure, happiness and opportunities. We either do not have enough money or are too busy working for our money to truly enjoy life. You spend all this time in school and then spend even more time working to pay off that school. Where exactly does your life fit in?

I think we all need to get our priorities straight - yes you should obviously be making a living but you shouldn't expense your life for money. Ironic isn't it? I'm the first one to admit, when I see the number on my bank account getting smaller and smaller I have a panic attack and I freak out. I'm also the first one to admit that as long as I am able to support myself and pay my bills on time and still have a little cash left over to spend on myself or others, I am perfectly content with life. 

To be honest - that's how it should be. I think the best example I can give you is that the last few years of my Mothers life I was working 2 jobs plus an internship all while I was in School full time. Realistically, I would have been fine working 1 job and spending that extra time with my Mom. I was just always taught that money = happiness, when no money in the world could have bought that quality time with my Mother. 

Money should never be an issue and it should never discredit your dreams. Learn to say yes and figure things out as you go. That may mean an impromptu vacation or an extravagant night out or that purse that you've been wanting forever. Go for your happiness first. Think about the money after. (just make sure you have enough to survive)

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Post-Grad Blues

Sorry for the lack of posts, it has been a hectic month. From new jobs to new relationships to bridal shower planning - Jessica and I have been having trouble trying to fit in sleep in our schedules. 

But it's lifestyle Tuesday and I thought I'd attempt to inspire both our readers and ourselves to get back on track. 

First and foremost, congratulations to all those 2014 Grads out there! You did it! You made it through post secondary education like it's no ones business and no one understands how hard you worked except for yourself. Now enjoy your summer because unless you're lucky enough those post-grad blues will creep up on you. 

Come September, it will hit you that you are no longer in school and you will feel like your life has no purpose. Don't let these thoughts get the best of you. Finding a job in your field is tougher than finals and we all know how hard finals are. So let's take a second to come to the realization that you may NEVER find a job in your field and that's okay. The past 4 years of your life weren't a waste. You did come out of it as a different person, you had some good times and some really bad ones. At the end of it all employers take note of the fact that you made it through post-secondary - whatever you're major may have been.

I've recently realized that I am one of the only members in my family that is working in the field that I went to school for. It took me about a year to find a job but I found it and you know what...I don't love it. Sometimes I even dread going to work..to be completely honest I'm writing this blog at work. I love parts of it, I hate parts of it. Do I wish I went into a different field? Yeah.. a little bit. 

I know this article is sounding very pessimistic thus far, but this is where things change. We live in the "ME" generation - where everything is about us and that's just how it is and how it's going to be. Let's use this to our advantage. You may have post-grad blues, you may feel the need to find a job right away and you may have a plan for yourself. 

My advice to you is to really think about what you want, who you want to be and who you want to be with. Find what makes you happy and do it. Writing makes me happy, travelling makes me happy. What makes you happy? Spend this time to figure out what YOU want to do and find your own game plan. You might be broke for a while, you might lose some friends or some family but are they truly your friends and family if they don't want you to be happy?

Just spend some time to think. Have some "me time" and realize that you just graduated, you just spent the past 4 years of your life working your ass off for something that may not mean anything. Enjoy this time. You're more likely to get hired for a job you actually love doing when you forget everything else and just DO what you LOVE. 

xoxo Jaz. 

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Skincare Must-Haves

Skin is the biggest organ on your body and exposed to the most things, which is why it is so important to take proper care of. I might ramble on this blog, but I swear they will all be fair points! Wash your face every day and night! Use a fresh wash cloth to avoid any bacteria. I like use my clarisonic to get a suprr deep down clean feeling. Toner! Right now I am using witch hazel, which is affordable and good for getting rid of that extra dirt left in your pores. Astringent and other toners are fine too. Avoid anything too strong and stings the skin. Moisturize! After washing and toning and taking all the moisture out of skin, do yourself a favour and put some back in. Your body needs water to be healthy inside and out. Exfoliate! A couple of times a week do a light exfoliation do get the hard to reach dirt deep in your pores. Give yourself a facial! Whether its a mud mask or a sheet mask (which I'm absolutely loving right now!), treat yourself! I love Sundays to do this type of thing because it's my me day! Anyway, enjoy your day and treat your skin good. XO Jess

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Jessica's March Favs!

#1 All of me by John Legend -if you haven't heard it, listen! Such a beautiful song! Just in love with it. #2 Covet Fashion- honestly this app grabs all my attention. Some people can't appreciate these things *cough* jaz *cough* but really it lets you go on a $50000 shopping spree and style cute themed outfits! I'm down with it. #3 Acne Solutions Foundation by Clinique- it has medium to full coverage and has salicylic acid in it to help fight blemishes. #4 Beauty Blender- Honestly, I don't think I could go to a regular triangle sponge to apply foundation again or even a brush. I've been using beauty blenders for about 2 years and they apply flawlessly while blending. Dream come true! #5 Michael Todd Acne line- I love the feeling of these products on your skin. They feel exactly as described, if that makes sense. The lemon toner is citrusy and refreshing, the charcoal cleanser is dark and cleansing and the jojoba charcoal facial scrub gets deep down and exfolates. Also included are an antioxidant carrot serun and kaolin clay mask. Sorry for the lack of posts, really struggling to have a spare moment for myself! Bare with us! We're here! XO Jess

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REVIEW: Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System

My skin has had serious winter blues and it was breakouts galore from forehead to cheeks so I decided to pick up the Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Starter Kit by Clinique. Now this runs for about $43 Canadian at Sephora for a sufficient amount of product for a starter kit. 

$43 is a little steep for me just for a starter kit but when I got it and started using it it seems as you don't actually need a lot of product on a daily basis. I can see this lasting for 2 months - maybe more. 

So let's start with the Cleansing Foam - I have my likes and dislikes of this product. I do believe it is helping my acne but with the help of the other two products in the kit. I do feel like I have to use a make up remover AND another cleanser before I use this product. When I use the toner I can see that there is still dirt on my face after using the product. However, your face does FEEL clean after using it and it is surprisingly not drying at all. 

Next in the kit is the Clarifying lotion which is by far my favourite product because I can physically see that it works. It's basically a medicated toner that unclogs pores and removes excess dirt and oil. One sweep and you can really see what the cleanser may have missed and your face feels fresh and rejuvenated right after using it. I have also noticed that my skin feels cleaner and a lot less oily throughout the day. 

Lastly, we have the oil-free clearing treatment. I like this product a lot just because it's also a moisturizer and it definitely reduces redness in the face as well as reducing excess oil. 

To conclude after using this kit for a couple of weeks now I really do see the benefits. I noticed that using all three products together my acne is cleared over night and my face has been acne free since. The only worry I have is the effects it might have after I am done using it - but it is definitely something I will be repurchasing. If you do plan on getting full size products I would recommend using a different cleanser (I like NeoStratas gel cleanser) and just buying the Clarifying lotion and Clearing Treatment. 

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Prioritizing our Lives!

Ahh...prioritizing is probably one of the most overwhelming things, especially in your 20s. Of course life gets more difficult as we gain more responsibility, but your 20s are when you start to feel those pressures most. 

I can totally relate to this right now, and to be honest, I'm not sure I have all my priorities in line, but I am trying. Recently, I started juggling a full time and a part time job, trying to maintain a blog and a social life. I fully admit, it has not been an easy task, but I'm slowly adjusting into this busy life. In the end, you have to really analyze if all of the things on your plate are necessary and if it is worth the benefits they reap.

The way I look at it is, I am young, with few responsibilities, so I am gonna work my butt off and make as much money as I can. Working hard now, will ensure that you move up the proverbial corporate ladder and be where you want when those responsibilities are in full swing as an adult. As much as you need to look at the "now" or short-term goals, you really need to look at the big picture. Ask yourself, is this job giving me the fulfillment of money, benefits, and opportunity? Look at this realistically, and don't mistake it with the feeling of entitlement if you haven't earned it. 

Having a social life may be affected by "more important" priorities, but should not be ignored. If you only work hard, with no play, you might just go crazy! Don't neglect yourself, just to earn an extra buck. I always think it is really important to take a little time to yourself. I have been balancing two jobs and already am itching to do something crazy, like a tattoo or vacation, but then this thing called logic kicks in. I take a step back, and make time for my friends and for myself. Go out for a drink or brunch! Buy yourself something nice or pamper yourself on your day off! I think this is key to a busy life. If you really have to, schedule yourself for "me" time. 

I apologize for rambling through this post, but the point is to take care of you, realize what is important, know where you want to be and make it happen. If things are really important to you, you'll find time to make it part of your life. Life does get busy, and we get caught up in our everyday lives, and our loved ones will be understanding of that. Reciprocate their understanding by making time for your friends and family. 

That's all for now!

Xo Jess

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On Being Happy

  I think "happiness" in today's society is synonymous with money, fame, fortune or even popularity. It's what you have compared to others. For those with the money, fame, fortune or popularity...are you really happy? I'm presuming the answer to be a big fat "no" and that's because there's so much more to life then these few unimportant factors. 

I think this is something that should be known across the board, you choose to be happy and you can't blame things in your life, people in your life or situations. It is all YOU. You decide if you want to wake up the next day and have a positive attitude. You decide if you want to go follow your dreams. You decide not to let your past affect your future. You ultimately decide if you are happy. 

I think the first step in becoming "happy" is admitting that you're not and realizing you need to make some changes in your life to turn this around. Unfortunately, there are people that take their own lives because they are afraid to admit their unhappy or they just decide they don't want to do anything to fix it. This is not okay. This is what makes this world such a crazy place. 

Happiness is somewhere in you waiting to unleash its magic, you just have to give it a chance to be a part of your everyday life. No one can make you happy but yourself. So that's a task for every one of you reading this right now. Find out what makes you happy, be your best self and let everything fall into place. 

As someone who has dealt with some very depressing things in my life - I find that having a goal and a dream is what makes me happy. Striving or longing for something and then finally reaching it is what keeps me going. What makes me even more happy is the fact that I can have a positive attitude 95% of the time and when that positive attitude puts a smile on someone else's face, I can't ask for anything better. 

Stay positive. Be happy and follow your dreams. No one else can do that for you. 

xoxo 

- Jaz 

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Travelling on a budget

Jaz | NYC | 2011 

Cheap & Travelling are two words I love to hear together and I’m the queen of saving as much money as I can when it comes to travelling from how you get there to when you get there to what you take with you. I drove from Toronto to California so I could go to Coachella and spent less than $1000 including the price of the ticket! If you want to know how to Travel on a budget but still have fun then continue reading! Here are 10 ways to save money while travelling:

1. Plan Plan Plan – As much as going on a trip on a whim is fun and exciting, it’s also VERY expensive. Have a list of things you want to do and see and list it in priorities, if it’s a roadtrip even list all the place you want to stop all the way. This is the best way to budget your expenses.

2. Groupon is your best friend. You can find Groupons in every city for all the fun things you could do at a MUCH cheaper price! My friend and I went to an amazing upscale restaurant in NYC for a fixed price thanks to Groupon!

3. Priceline – Driving to Coachella was a little difficult because we didn’t know when we were going to stop for the night or even where we planned to stop for the night. Priceline saved us from spending tons of money on a hotel that was just as good as ones we got from Priceline PLUS it ‘s great if you’re on a budget because you can pick your own prices.

4. Look up friends & Family! You never know how many friends or family you have all over the world and if they are willing to host then take that opportunity to spend your money on more important things like museums or splurge on an expensive tourist attraction

5. Speaking of tourist attractions...avoid them like the plague! Unless it's the love lock bridge in Paris (which I'm dying to see), tourist attractions are just a waste of time and money and you will most likely be disappointed! Do you research on the best spots in wherever your going or ask around!! 

6. AirBNB - now airbnb isn't for everyone especially if you are a very skeptical person but you can save  A LOT of money, meet some awesome people and this is a good way to know where all the local hot spots are. If you don't know what Airbnb is, it's basically a site that allows people to rent out their room or place to travellers. I have done this a couple of times and every time was an amazing experience. It's a great way to make friends if  you're travelling alone or with a buddy!

7. Thrifting - I know a big part of every girls trip is the trip to the mall and after wasting tons of time and money on mall clothes that I know I can get back where I live I realized that thrift stores are the way to some awesome finds. You never know what you can find in other cities. Thrift stores are also every where so it's a great way to kill some time if you're waiting for a show to start or a tour to start. I once found an awesome Zara jacket at a thrift store in NYC for $12 bucks and I wear it to this day. 

8.Triple check your suitcase before you leave. Make sure you have ALL your essentials, some snacks and every thing you could possibly need on this trip. The worst place to spend money on a trip is in drug stores buying stuff you already had at home. So don't forget your toothbrush because those couple of dollars could buy you the greatest cup of coffee at the coolest coffee shop. 

9. Pack some money away - I like to have some money hidden in a suitcase and some on me at all times. This way I force myself to only have money for that day and ensure that I don't spend any that I'm going to need later. Speaking of which, make sure you separate your spending money with your necessity money. One of my biggest downfalls driving to California is realizing I had no money left for gas on the way back and had to resort to using a credit card...a BIG no no. 

10. Last but not least, if you want to enjoy your trip then don't' worry about buying things focus on enjoying the moment because you can't put a price on a moment and those count so much more than I <3 LA mug you have in your cupboard but never use! 

Safe travels everyone 

xoxo

- Jaz 

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A Gift Guide for Men

I know Christmas and Valentine’s Day has passed, but luckily because our commercialized world, there are other days of the year that require gift giving. So, whether your man has a birthday or maybe even your anniversary is soon approaching, I wanted to share a few ideas I had to satisfy the male species! For me personally, I go through a usual a checklist of generic gift types and see what my man potentially needs/ wants under those categories. More Affordable: ·Watch- I personally think watches are a must-have. We rely way to heavily on technology and sometimes it’s nice to go back to the Stone Age and actually read a clock. Okay, over exaggerating a little, but hey it’s become a piece of jewelry for men and woman. If he doesn’t already have a watch, go for something simple that he can dress up or down, I find a classic silver link watch good for that. If he has a collection, follow his tastes with previous, but be different at the same time. ·Underwear/undershirt- A man always needs some fresh briefs and undershirts. If his mom isn’t already stocking him up, go ahead and take care of your man. You are after all the woman in his life now. ·Hygenic products-Help your man stock up on some of his fav products. Stick it all in a nice leather toiletry bag, maybe even a new shaving kit. Men still appreciate hygiene, and if you know your man well, you’ll know what he likes. · Electronics- This is such an easy go-to for me! There are so many new gadgets for everything! You can pick him up a camera, hard drive, laptop, tablet, honestly anything and I’m sure he’d be happy! ·Hobby/collectibles- My guy is a big fisherman, so I know if I pick him up a new rod in reel he’d love me forever! Even if I didn’t put as much thought and picked him up a Bass Pro gift card, he’d love me for the excuse to go spend it! Learn his passion, and help it grow, he’ll love you forever! ·Clothing- not many guys go shopping for clothes on a regular basis, so go out and spoil him a bit with some new pieces to add to his wardrobe. Add some new kicks to the outfit to amp up your gift! ·Lingerie- Create a sexy night in for the two of you. Make him a nice candle lit meal with all his fav food! End the night with a bubble bath for two! ·Weekend Getaway- Plan a couple of days away for the two of you! If he’s a big snowboarder, hit up Blue Mountain. Big city lover, have a roadtrip to NYC! XO Jess      

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Jessica’s February 2014 Favs!

#1 Maybelline’s Baby Skin Pore Eraser

#2 Loreal’s Voluminous Mascara

#3 Got2B’s Guardian Angel Heat Protect

#4 Julep’s Bare Face Cleansing Oil

#5  Essie Nail Polish in Limo scene

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Found this pic breaking down the top 10 colours for Spring 2014! Seems pretty accurate to me! Some key things to look for this Spring include some pretty pastels, lots of black and white, metallics, hints of pink and even orange! More on this in 2014 Trends blog coming soon!