Jenn Hildebrand

Winter Skin Care Routine (’17)

Starting of #blogmas with something I’ve been asked a lot lately- my go to skin care routine. I’ve been super lucky (aka, blessed) to have reasonably unproblematic skin. I think the biggest factor to that being the amount of water I drink. I try to drink at least a litre of water a day to try and stay hydrated. I also love to moisturize like crazy. But, I also try to be diligent with my skin care and actually wash it.

So, with that being said, here are my current skin care picks:

Cleanser: My ride or die for skin cleansers is normally the REN cleansing milk… but lately I’ve been trying out the Saje Zen Cleanse. I started working at a local Saje store and figured it might be a good idea to try out their skin care products. And I must admit, the Zen cleanse is a pretty close second to my trusty REN cleansing milk. It’s super gentle on the face. It’s 100% natural. It’s made with avocado… and I love it.

Toner:  Rose Mist by Saje has been my new favourite find. It’s only made with water and rose oil. Rose is SO good for your face. It’s incredibly hydrating and what I love about this product is that I can use it as a final “toner” after I’ve finished my skin care routine AND I can also use it on top of my make up to bring  a bit of extra hydration. Win-Win.

Moisturizer: My skin is like the sahara desert in the winter time. I have flaky dry patches around my nose and along my scalp. I think most of it is due to my own health issues (yay bad thyroid… not), but I think it’s also because of the weather change. I’ve been using a BioDerma Hydrabio Moisturizing Serum. I love it. It’s not your typical serum meaning it’s not liquid-y. It’s thick and leaving my skin feeling extra moisturized. I love to use this under my makeup too and I’ve noticed that it lasts a lot longer with it on. It’s also great if you have super dehydrated skin like myself.

Eye Cream: Kiels Midnight Recovery eye cream has been my current find in terms of eye treatment. I never really know what the eye cream is doing to my skin, but I have noticed that my concealer has been applying better since using an eye cream. So – I’ll take it!

Night Cream: LiftActiv Supreme Night by Vichy was gifted to me by my mom after she realized it wasn’t doing much for her own skin. I have found it to be wonderful for myself. I love night creams and I wake up the next day with soft skin – so.. obviously that means I love the product more.

These are my current go to winter skin care products. I’m curious to hear what some of yours are?

J. xx

Healthy Hair – How I do it!

A question that I get asked a lot is how I keep my dyed hair nice and healthy. Simple: little to no heat and really ace hair products.

Here’s the breakdown:

– Wash –

Shampoo: Joico Colour Endure Violet  … I bought the biggest salon size about two years ago and it’s lasted me since this month. I love a good purple shampoo! It keeps my hair from going gross and brassy. Major note – I don’t (or very rarely) use drugstore shampoo. I find that it’s chalk full of sulphates which is no bueno for hair. The higher quality the shampoo the better!

Conditioner: Axis Salon Ree-hab Conditioner (Customized) … My hair stylist (who happens to be one of my BFF’s) is the genius behind my purple hair. She works for Axis Salon in Vancouver and customized my purple conditioner. I LOVE IT! My biggest pro? It smells like mint and leaves a tingly fresh feeling. It also moisturizes my hair like a dream.

– Styling – 

Leave-In Conditioner: Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner … Because my hair has lost a lot of it’s moisture due to the constant dying, I like to put as much moisture back into it as possible. This is my go to leave-in conditioner ( you can buy it at Sephora). It’s a small bottle but has lasted me a year. I only use a quarter size amount and run it through my hair while it’s still damp and brushed through.

Heat Protectant: Bumble and Bumble Prep … I spray this evenly over my hair before blow drying or if I want to curl my hair. I don’t always put heat to my hair, but if I do, this is my number one hair protectant.

Primer: R + Co Twister Curl Primer … Super lightweight with super cute packaging. If I have some extra time, I’ll take a quarter amount and twist the little waves in my hair. Plus, I got it for free from a hair salon contest so – win win all around!

Masque: Ouai Hair Masque … Talked about this before. Still love it.

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Okie – Those are my holy grail of products! What are some hair products you can’t get enough of?

J. xx

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* Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Shout out to my friend Simeon for the portrait shots!

 

Mikasa Beauty Brushes | AD

*Affiliated Links

When Mikasa Beauty reached out to me about their products, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try them. I love testing out new makeup and new makeup brushes! With spring here comes spring cleaning – out with the old and in with the new. If your makeup brushes have seen it’s last face, then it may be time to rid yourself of them and invest in some new, high quality (and affordable) brushes.

What I love about these brushes is their look and feel. I’m a sucker for a minimalistic black and white product. I’m also a sucker for Mac brushes, and these look the same as a Mac brush. My holy grail of eye brushes is the Mac 217 (which retails for $25 CAD). Mikasa has a tapered blending brush that retails for $12 (Half the price!) that works just as well. That’s a dupe if I ever did see one.

Another thing I love about these brushes is the feel. They are SO soft – and who doesn’t love a soft brush! It feels FAB on the skin and blends my makeup in lovely. Their site offers makeup sets that can go up to $90-$100.

Overall, I’d say Mikasa brushes are a worthy investment. If you would like to learn more about the brushes and cosmetics that they offer, click here.

ALSO! Mikasa was so lovely that they even provided a 25% DISCOUNT CODE. UM, YES PLEASE! I do love a good discount sale and if I can provide that to you, even better! At the end of your purchase, enter: JENNHILDEBRAND25 to receive 25% off.

Happy Shopping!

J.x

(Instagram: jenn.hildebrand)

Winning Winter Lips

Ok! Winter is almost here and I am so excited to pull out my favourite winter lipsticks. Sure – autumn and winter are practically twins when it comes to their chosen shade of red, there’s something about December that screams burgundies and plums. Alright, alright… I know the reason. It’s because December means Christmas and Christmas means Christmas parties and Christmas parties mean dazzling dresses and fun makeup… and so on and so forth. I think you get the picture.

Anyways!

I am a lipstick hoarder. It’s actually a problem. I should probably seek counselling or join a lipstick anonymous group. Either way, I’ve accepted it.  But even tho I can supply enough lipsticks for all the Victoria Secret models (Am I the only one excited for the fashion show to air??!), I found a few that stand out in particular. These are my absolute faves.

MAC Satin Lipstick in “Rebel” ($21)

This is my go-to lipstick for the past couple of years. I’m obsessed with this colour! It is a cream plum that isn’t too dark that you feel like everyone is staring at you, but just dark enough that you feel like you’re rebelling against nude lipstick. I love to pair this with eyeliner, a black fuzzy cardigan, and some black ankle boots.

RIMMEL LONDON (KATE) lipstick in “107” ($8)

When I want to wear an easy burgundy lip, I will grab my Kate Moss lipstick. Not only is it on the cheaper end, but the quality in colour and consistency is heavenly. I’ve recommended this lipstick to a few friends, and even convinced one to buy it for herself. Plus, I find that it’s really easy to apply this colour as opposed to some of my deep burgundy liquid lipsticks.

TANYA BURR COSMETICS lipstick in “Big Kiss” ($13)

It’s very rare that I purchase products by Youtubers or other bloggers… but if there’s one blogger that I always support, it’s Tanya Burr. I think it’s mostly because I want to be her BFF and bake all the sweets with her, but really it’s because I love the products she puts out. When I was in London back in July, I looked everywhere for her makeup. I don’t know if I was at the wrong drugstores, or if they were sold out, but I had a hard time searching. But then I learnt that I can order them online at FeelUnique – an online shop that ships to Canada. I picked up this lipstick as well as another in a coral shade, a couple of her lipsticks, and a set of false eyelashes. I must say, I love this colour! The packaging is to die for and this is the prettiest shade of red. Highly recommend!

These are a few of my favourite lipsticks for winter. I have a couple liquid lipsticks that I’m also loving at the moment. If you’d like to see a post on that, please let me know in the comments!

J. xx

Yes OUAI!

I have a confession: I am the biggest Kardashian fan. YES! I know. The Kardashians. I’ve found that people either love them or hate them, but I just absolutely adore them. One thing I admire (and envy) about them is their gorgeous locks of perfect hair. Their hair is absolute goals (as the kids would say). Now if you are in the loop with the K-Fam, then you most likely know who Jen Atkin is. She’s basically a hair goddess and the girl who is responsible for the Kardashians’s hair always being on point… mostly Khloe who has beautiful dyed blonde hair. I pretty much want to be Jen’s best friend. When I saw her hair line “Ouai” in the line up at Sephora, it was a no brainer that I would buy and test it out.

The verdict? My hair has never felt or looked better! It’s shiny and as soft as a baby’s bottom. I don’t think I ever want to try any other hair product line.

OUAI TREATMENT MASQUE:

I’m naturally a dark brunette and over the past year I had a blonde balayage.  I currently dyed it back to brunette and I can feel the processing in the feeling of my hair.. If you are like myself and have tortured your hair to get that perfect blonde, then you know that your hair can feel like hay. It’s not pretty and actually can be a big pain. I normally wash, put some conditioner in it and go. I’m not a hair treatment kind of girl. The only time I do have a hair treatment is if I go to my hair salon. But it’s really rare. I figured there would be no harm in trying the masque… and can I just say I’m so glad that I did?! My hair feels glorious.

I purchased a pack of three (which can be found in the check out line at Sephora). After having a shower I slathered the whole packet over my hair and really focused on the ends where it’s been dyed the most. I allowed it to set for about 10 minutes (but if your hair is really hay-like and dry, I suggest allowing it to sit for longer), and then washed it. Unless I’m in a hurry, I don’t normally blow dry my hair. I’m a wash and go kind of girl most of the time. I sprayed in a scalp treatment and allowed my hair to air dry. Once it was dry, I was happy to see that my hair was super soft and looked healthy. The next day it felt and looked just as lovely as the night before. It also smells heavenly so five stars for that alone.

ALSO – The product smells glorious and luxurious and I want to bottle it up and spray it everywhere. I can’t stop smelling my hair! (It’s not weird, I promise.)

What are some of your favourite hair products at the moment? I’d love to know!

J. x

 

*Disclaimer: This is  NOT sponsored. All opinions are my own and have purchased the products myself* 

Top 6 Winter Skincare Products

Whenever the seasons change, I always notice that my skin changes with it. As the weather has gotten colder, my skin had become a lot more dry. This is usually when I start to switch up my skincare routine, and throw in a lot more hydrating products.

Here’s my Top 6 Winter Skincare… 

CLEANSERS:

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a good cleanser. My face has become noticeably dryer, and I’ve even been breaking out. A few months back I received a sample size of the Glam Glow: Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser. Now listen – this stuff is not cheap. The price ranging from $16 to $43 Canadian. However with that being said, I did notice a difference with this cleanser. My skin has felt a lot more hydrated. It’s a cream, almost mud like consistency, that changes to foam once mixed with water. It’s gentle on the skin – so if you’re sensitive, it’s great.

Another option: The Body Shop: Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash. 

TONER + NIGHT CREAM:

Over the past few years, I’ve learnt the importance of a good toner and night cream. If toning and night creams are not part of your nightly ritual, I highly recommend that you implement it. Lately, I’ve been in love with the Body Shop’s Vitamin E line. Their Hydrating Toner is incredibly gentle. I pour a little bit on a cotton pad and dab it on my skin after I cleanse. It goes on nice and it doesn’t give you that tingling feeling that some harsher toners do.

Moisturizing is so important. Whether it be at night or during the day, it’s one step that you can’t miss. At night, after I finish cleansing my skin, I like to lather on the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. It has a thick consistency and feels cool against your face when you apply it. In the morning, I wake up with the softest skin. I also make sure I pay attention to problem areas where it’s extra dry – like around my nose, eyebrows, and hairline. In the morning, I like to use a moisturizer as well under my primer before I apply my foundation.

Another option: Fresh Lotus Preserve Radiance Lotion by Fresh  – this was a recommendation that had been made to me when I did a makeover. My skin drank it up instantly and felt so hydrated. 

MASKS:

I’m a sucker for a good mask. I don’t know what it is, but I always find that my face feels so much better after I use one. It’s also a great tool when you want to relax. Slather on a mask and soak in a tub, and you’re on a one stop trip to relaxation station.

Not too long ago, I received a sample of the Hydrating Mask by Oz Naturals: Amino Herbal. It has Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and E. It’s super lightweight and gentle. It’s not one of those masks where you can’t move your mouth, making it a great everyday mask. After I wash it off, my skin feels baby soft. Afterwards, I lather on a night cream and I’m good to go!

Another Option: The Body Shop also carries a Vitamin E mask.

LIPS:

I don’t know about you, but my lips like to get all chapped when the weather changes. Summer, winter, it really doesn’t matter. Lately, I’ve been gravitating to the Nivea: Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia. It smells and tastes great (which is always a bonus), but it also makes my lips feel super hydrated. The plus side? It’s super cheap! You can pick one up at any drugstore. There are different flavours too. If you’re lucky, you can even get it on sale.

Another Option: Fresh- Sugar Lip Treatment... Okay, I know. Fresh products are not cheap for a lip balm. However, I’m obsessed with their products. I have this treatment in clear and in berry. They are incredibly moisturizing and they also come in tinted colours. How can you go wrong with that?

HANDS+BODY:

We can’t forget about our bodies! It’s so important to keep our bodies just as moisturized as our faces. I recommend the First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream. The smell isn’t my favourite, but I’m willing to look past it for how great it is as a product. You can use this anywhere, but I wouldn’t recommend your face. It’s thick so chances are it will clog up your pores. I’d suggest using a face cream instead.

Another Option: Soap and Glory – Butter Yourself  Can we take a moment to talk about how great this product is? It’s sweet scent reminds me of summertime. It’s very moisturizing and the smell sticks to your skin. You can pick it up at your local Shoppers Drug Mart (for those of you who are from Canada). 

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I hope that this will help you during the cold, dry winter months. Your skin will thank you later!

J.

* Note: this is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Products that were samples were given to me by a paid monthly subscription called Ipsy. 

Springtime Make-Up Musts

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with my friend Hannah about make-up as we got ready for a wedding we were shooting later that day. As we rubbed foundation across our skin, contoured (well, at least I attempted to…) our cheeks, and pilled on the mascara (spider lashes are actually my favourite…), we shared with each other how much we love doing our make-up. As we were doing this, Hannah said something that really stuck with me. As a photographer, we spend hours and hours editing photos. We try to enhance the photograph and showcase the beauty that we’ve captured. That can be the same with make-up. We use make-up to enhance our already natural beauty. We take our time and try our best to “perfect” a look (and sometimes we don’t even need to do too much to it).  Just as we try to perfect a photograph, we do the same with make-up. Not only that, but it’s a great way to be creative… and I’m all for being creative!

Springtime Make-up…

I love all things beauty. I’m almost border line obsessed with it. Over the past few years, I’ve spent my free time watching make-up tutorials online, read blog posts about the latest beauty trends and how to perfect winged eyeliner (I’m still trying to perfect it. It’s an ongoing battle…). There’s something (almost) addicting about it. I’m not the kind of girl that can’t go out of the house without a full face of make up. There have been many times that I’ve left with only lip balm on and have been okay with it. However, when I do get the chance, I love to take my time with applying it.

As the seasons change, so does our beauty regime. In the winter, I find myself wearing heavier foundations and darker lips. Sometimes I’ll even throw on some eye liner and pile on the mascara. I find as the season get’s colder and the colours become richer, so does my makeup. But now that winter is long gone and spring has sprung, my make-up routine has shifted with it. I’ve found that my skin has become a bit dryer (I blame the weather…) and that I’m needing my skin to breathe more.

Lately, I’ve been reaching for my Nars Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska. I find that the coverage is light, allowing my skin to breathe. Even though it is a moisturizer, I still tend to wear a face cream underneath. Clinique Moisture Surge is my usual go-to, but it is on the pricer side. If you are on a budget, I’d suggest opting for Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream. It has a mattifying finish which will help your foundation last and it keeps your skin matte. I also recommend applying it with a brush. Not only does it give your skin a flawless finish, it also wont tug on your skin like your fingers will. I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

For concealer, I like to use two. If I have any spots or redness on my skin (usually around my mouth and my nose) I’ll use Makeup For Ever Full Cover. This concealer is intense. If you don’t want something that’s super heavy duty, then this might not be for you. You don’t need to use a lot of it either. Just a dab will do. I’ve had this for over a year now and it’s still going strong. For under the eyes, I use the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer. It’s amazing! I’m running low and will definitely be repurchasing it.

For bronzing (if I do feel up to it that day) I’ve been using the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer in goddess. I find that with this bronzer, it can work as a highlighter as well because of the shimmer undertones that it has. With the seasons warming up, I bounce from two different blushes – either a coral or a pink. Sonia Kashuk Blush in Sunset looks like it’s a pink but it does have coral undertones to it. Lately, I’ve been more leaning towards the Milani Baked Blush in Delizioso Pink. These blushes are super pigmented so you only need to use a bit on your brush. I tend to sweep it on the apples of my cheeks and leave it like that. Most days I wont even use a bronzer and just wear a pink blush. I find that it makes your skin look a lot more fresh for the springtime.

My brows are intense. So, I don’t normally do anything with them because they are already so dark. However, I do find that after I get them threaded, there are a few patchy spots. In that case I’ll go over it with a brow pencil but normally I keep them as is. However, I will take the Benefit High Brow Glow and highlight just below the brow line to give it a bit of a shimmer. I pair that with The Balm Nude Dude in Fit and bam! I love that Fit is a bronzy colour. I’m all for nude eye shadows, especially in the spring and summer. (Note: I received my mini nude eyeshadow in an Ipsy glam bag. You can’t purchase them separately… not that I know of at least.) I’ll then coat my eyelashes with some mascara – right now, I’m using Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (…it’s amazing, by the way!) and then I’m good to go.

For lips, I tend to lean towards more moisturizing lipsticks and glosses since my lips have been more on the dryer side. Right now, I’ve been using either Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm (could that be any longer?), Bare Minerals: Pop Of Passion Balm-Oil in Peach Passion, or Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Colour in Baby Lips.

Once I’m puckered up and good to go, I spritz my neck with whatever body spray I have on hand (Lately, I’ve been hooked on the PINK body mists), grab my sunnies, and head out for the day. What I love about this look is that it’s super easy to do, it takes literally no time at all, and it’s light. With the weather changing, I don’t want to feel like my face is melting off… because let’s be honest, that’s NOT cute. With this look, I don’t feel like that’s happening and my skin still looks flawless!

What are your springtime/summer must haves?

       

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