BLACK FRIDAY | 20% Off All Weekend Long

Cause I know how much I love a good deal, I thought I'd share this with you all! All Bella-Bijou Jewellery will be 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2013 until Monday Dec 2nd 12pm PST.

Sale is open worldwide and ships worldwide!

Check it out: www.bella-bijou.com 

BANISHING BLACKHEADS | What Finally Worked for Me

Let's just start this post by saying, I never starting using this product to rid my face of blackheads, but rather to help smooth and resurface my skin after having a horrific allergic reaction back in June. Since then, it has almost completely rid my nose, sides of nose and chin of those pesky black spots, and quite frankly I couldn't be happier! 

CLASSIC RED | The Matte Twist

I've never been the girl who feels confident in red. Everyone has always told me "oh with your fair skin and dark hair red would be so pretty" but I'm telling ya, it just doesn't work. Which leads me to my next point which is, when Autumn rolls around and reds start popping up in all the Fall and Winter cosmetic lines, I feel a tad left out. Until I stumbled across this little twist that has made me look at red in a whole new light...

THE PRODUCT TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT | Illamasqua Hydra Veil

A few weeks ago I got my paws on this after going through a generous sample given to me from the lovely lady working at my local Illamasqua counter. I knew I was going to buy it after the first time I tried it - hows that for impressive? Even more proof of my love? I just took my bestie to buy it for herself, telling her she NEEDED it in her life. Yep, I don't kid around when I love something.

BLUSH WORTHY? | Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes

A couple years ago Tarte released their line of Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blushes, and let me tell you, I was instantly intrigued. Blush always seems to be the first thing that disappears on my face, so the 12 hour claim was most certainly something that piqued my interest. I picked one up as soon as they were available in Canada, and folks - it was love at first blush!

IT GROWS BACK | Long Hair Chronicles

I've had long hair as long as I can remember. Call it a security blanket, call it safe. It was both those things. As I've gotten older (eww) I've noticed it just doesn't look as full and lively as it once did, and it's really started to both me. The ends were looking stringy and ratty and it was heavy. Forget styling it too, my long super straight mop was just there. So I did something about it.

WHAT MAKES IT "HOLY GRAIL" ?

You've no doubt heard the lingo before - products in the beauty industry being referred to as "Holy Grail" or "Holy Grail Status". These terms have been around long before the days of Youtube and Blogger, but what exactly is a Holy Grail product, and how does a product reach such status?

SEASONAL STAPLES | L'oreal Infalliable Shadow in Amber Rush

This summer was the season of bronze and rose gold for me. I was all about the single shadow+liner sultry look; A look I plan on rocking right through Autumn.

LATE TO THE PARTY | Bourjois Color Boost in Peach on the Beach

Every once in a while I catch myself a little late to the show, so to speak on new products and releases, only to kick myself a bit for not giving in sooner. Bourjois Color Boost definitely fits that bill. 

THE MATTE MANI | Yay or Nay?

I've recently become a little enamoured with the idea of matte nails. Something about being able to get two different looks out of the same polish (glossy vs flat) really appeals to me, so when I saw L'Oreal's The Matte Velvet Top Coat the other day, I knew it was a must try! 

HEALTHY GLOW | Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector

That oh so coveted healthy glow. As a dry skinned girl I've dreamed of that skin that just radiates as if it was lit from within. Let's face it, while I don't have to worry about blotting my skin every hour having dull lack luster skin isn't exactly youthful. And while highlighting products can give that gleam, sometimes I just want something that can give my entire face that glow - not shimmer or shine, just glow.

THE UNDERDOG | Makeup Forever Face & Body Foundation

Quite often when it comes to foundations I take my recommendations from my favourite bloggers, youtubers and friends. I review and search swatches tirelessly before even hitting the counters. What can I say, I like to shop prepared so I don't get (too) sidetracked when I do head out. 

With the Makeup Forever Face & Body, I didn't even know I needed until I stumbled across it in my local Sephora. It was love at first swatch.

MANI MONDAY | Essie's Watermelon

After seeing a few of my favourite bloggers sporting Essie's Watermelon varnish, it quickly made it to my "to buy" list. A juicy pinky red, I could easily see this polish feeling at home any season so a scurried off to the store to pick it up pronto. 

ALL TIME FAVOURITES | Mac Eyeshadows

Mac is just one of those brands I know I can trust when it comes to eyeshadow. With way more hits then ever possible misses, I've amassed quite the collection. We wont count, ok? 

There are a few shades though that I've purchased again and again, or have made it into cult-never-want-to-use-it-up status. 

WIN BIG! | Win a $50 Bella-Bijou Jewellery Gift Voucher

Earlier this week I let you all in on the mystery of where I've been these last few weeks - working on a completely new website for www.bella-bijou.com. After many many late nights and hair raising stressful moments, I am thrilled to say it is live!

RECENT EMPTIES | Would I Repurchase?

Um Jaime, why are you blogging about your trash? I love these empties styled posts because they give an honest insight into a product that someone has used right to the last drop.
Here's the nitty gritty on a few of the things I have used up lately, and if they've reached repurchasable (not a real word, but should be!) status!

MANI MONDAY | Essie Beyond Cosy

I'm not normally one for glittery nails in the summer time - I usually tuck these types of polishes away for the winter when they just seem to glam up the dreary weather and pale skin. The other day though, I was in the need for a little perk up, so naturally I turned to my polish bin and picked out something with a little bit more oomph!

THE RETURN | Wherein I explain where I've been

You may have ( or more likely may not have) noticed I have been on a little hiatus from Girl Loves Gloss for the last few weeks. Not for lack of makeup love (gasp!) or post ideas, but rather because all my energy has been focused on a pretty big project I've taken on.

If you have been reading long the way with me, then you might know that in my day to day life I am a jewellery metalsmith. Yep, that means I play with hammers and torches and silver and gems all day. I sell my jewellery worldwide online, and after several months of planning and designing, then re-planning and re-designing I've finally jumped into the deep end of rebuilding a new website.

In the last few weeks I've worked tirelessly on it, designing and coding it all myself (pats self on shoulder for a job well done) and it has had me up most nights until the wee hours of the morning.
I am happy to say though that it is almost ready - only a few more days, and I thought I'd share a cheeky preview with you lovelies!

Amongst other cool features, I will be able to offer gift certificates, the option of creating a wishlist and it will be fully mobile ready. Plus there will be a lot of great info on there about my eco friendly practices and bits and bobs about me. Cool yeah?
Of course, you'll want to keep an eye on this space soon, since I will be planning something special for the big grand opening!

I can't wait for all my hard work to come to fruition - I love knowing that folks in all corners of the world could possibly be wearing something I've made!

For now though, you can expect to see this blog back to a regular schedule for all things makeup, skincare and beauty related. If you've stuck with me, many many thanks!
xo Jaime

MOST REACHED FOR: Mascaras

Ahh Mascara, my favourite cosmetic item. Period. I am always amazed how a person's entire face can change with a squeeze of a lash curler and a swipe of mascara.
I suppose you could call me a mascara junkie, over the years I have tried zillions, but there are a few I just keep reaching for. Best part? Not a single one of them is over $12.

MOST REACHED FOR: BRONZERS AND BLUSH

Blush and Bronzer is one of my favourite products to buy, wear and in general hoard. Over the years I have amassed quite the collection, and so many brands, but these are the ones that have really caught my eye over the others screaming to be used.

MANI MONDAY #4 | Red Carpet Manicure 188 Star Power

This past weeks manicure embraced neon in a big way! I picked this up in the store ages ago thinking it was a bright neon pink, only to find out inside the bottle it is actually a bright neon coral - even better in my books! New to gel polish? Some thoughts...

MOST REACHED FOR : MAKEUP BRUSHES

While I have no problem using the tools we were born with to apply makeup, aka your fingers, I LOVE a good makeup brush. There are just some I find absolutely essential to day to day like. Here's a list of the brushes I find myself reaching for on a daily basis, and which ones I'd be first in line at the store to replace if I'd lost....

WEEKEND EDITION #4 | Sunsets and Subtly

Sometimes I need to reel it in with the makeup. You see I actually really enjoy putting on a little makeup everyday; It's my time. Something about the ability to transform myself a little different each day has such amazing appeal. However, I do need to remind myself sometimes that less is more. Last week I posted my "Weekend Face" and I think I'll make it a thing - one day a week (at least) where I keep the products to what can fit in my hands.

INSTAGRAMMING WEEK #2

After enjoying a few of my favourite bloggers posting a weekly recap of their Instagram pictures, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon. If you haven't seen last weeks post, check it out here.

MOST REACHED FOR: CONCEALERS

Carrying on with my Most Reached For series is the product we've all reached for at some point - concealer. Whether it is to cover up a spot or two, brighten dark circles or give that extra little coverage some of us need, no makeup bag is complete without one!

Here are my picks for my most used concealers - some hyped and some lessar known. 

MOST REACHED FOR : FOUNDATION

Continuing on with my Most Reached For series, today it is all about getting that flawless face with foundation.

I'll outline my 5 favourites that I keep going back to over and over, and the reasons why I love them.

MOST REACHED FOR: FOUNDATION PRIMERS

I thought I'd start my Most Reached For series off with the products I use first in my makeup routine: Primers. 

I know some people love them, some people don't find the need. Here is my breakdown on 5 that I love, and why there may not be just one perfect primer for you.

MOST REACHED FOR : JEWELLERY

I'm kickstarting a new serious here on Girl Loves Gloss - my most reached for products. I imagine myself updating this series on occasion when my preferences change, but I thought I'd start off with something I truly love, Jewellery. 

You may or may not have picked up on the fact that in my day to day life I am a jewellery designer and metalsmith. Which basically means I play with hammers and fire all day, which seems like quite the jump from a girly girl who loves makeup, don't it?

What it does mean is that I am a bit... err, picky about my jewels and baubles. It needs to sit just right, feel comfortable and be non intrusive in my daily life (hey, I play with power tools after all!) 

Let's take a look at my current favourite list of jewellery, shall we?

MANI MONDAY #3 | Essie Go Ginza

It's Monday folks, you know what that means - Mani Monday!

This week I have been loving my Essie Go Ginza... again (it seems this is getting heavy rotation in my nail basket since I bought it, but I can't help it, it is just too darn pretty!)

WEEKEND EDITION #3 | Haircut and Fuss Free Makeup

This weekend wasn't much of a weekend really for me. As I have mentioned when you work for yourself every day is pretty much a work day. Since I knew I needed to get orders by deadline, I was mostly stuck around the house. The results of this? A fuss free face. Pair that with a much needed hair cut ( it had been 6 months since my last!) and that was all I needed to feel put together!

NUDE LINER | MAC NC15 NW20 vs RIMMEL SCANDALEYES NUDE

DUPE - the word we all know and hope for when a product comes out that strains the ole wallet a little, or becomes famously elusive. I've often heard of it to describe the Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude pencil to the Mac Chromagraphic nc15 nw20 pencil. But is it really a dupe, or is it just similar? 

INSTAGRAMMING #1

I've seen a few other bloggers do a weekly recap of their Instagram photos, and I thought it might be kind of fun to make it a feature here on my blog. Here's what I got up to this week...

THE SKINCARE LINEUP

Up until this year, I truly was a cleanse and moisturize and go kinda girl. But then I had a horrific allergic reaction that left my skin beyond parched, horribly textured and downright nasty looking. A reevaluation of my skincare routine was seriously needed. After many hours scouring the amazing Caroline Hiron's blog BeautyMouth, I managed to come up with a routine that my skin has really responded well to. In fact, my skin looks better than it ever has. Ohhh bold statement, isn't that??

SUMMER SWEAR BYS

It's full swing summer here in Raincouver *cough* I mean Vancouver. We wait patiently for the sun to poke it's head out in this city, but boy oh boy when it does it is so gorgeous round these parts! Of course every year when that yellow orb in the sky does make itself known, it has me reevaluating my summer weather must haves. 

WORTHINESS vs APPEARANCE

Something that has come up many times over the years when I wax on about my love of makeup and more recently skin care is the question, "why do you think you need all that?" and in simple form the answer is always, "I don't need it"

EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL | Benefit's RSVP Creaseless Cream Shadow

You know that effortless shadow you reach for when you just can't be bothered to think up something new? That go to eye makeup you reach for when you are already 10 minutes late and need to get out the door right now? Perhaps you are looking for exactly that to add to your makeup wardrobe....

MONDAY MANI #2 | Maybelline Poolside

I've had my eye out for the perfect shade of pale blue polish for a while now. Something that wasn't too aqua or mint (got those!) and not a juvenile baby blue. When I stumbled across the new limited edition Maybelline Color Show in Poolside, I new I had to have it!

WEEKEND EDITION #2 | Sunday Stars

Since I work for myself, standard weekends aren't really a thing - no day is free from a little work for me (hey, no rest for the wicked right?) But there are a few weekend traditions in the beauty arena that I have picked up and made habit of as of late.

TEN UNDER $10

If you are anything like me, you love a great drugstore beauty find, but find it a bit rare to find something that is not only affordable but also up to snuff when it comes to the quality. 

JUNE BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2013

Seeing as we are already in the first week of July, I thought it was about time I did a little recap about all the goodies I am loving this month! I have found myself reaching for these products over and over this month, and have also discovered some new skincare that has made a world of difference, especially after that nasty allergic reaction I mentioned here.

BASE BASICS | Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

When I talk to my makeup loving friends one of the first gripes of theirs seems to be creasing eyeshadow. Over the years I have tried my hand at many eyeshadow primers and bases, and NARS Pro-Prime has officially trumped them all.

PEER PRESSURE #1

{Left-Righ CW : Diorskin Nude BB Creme, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus, Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfecter in Rose Shimmer,  Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera}

Ooooh that sounds so dramatic doesn't it?? Peer Pressure!? I assure you I am not writing this post about the seriousness of doing things because others say you should, but rather about the influence of other's options when it comes to the beauty world. 

MANI MONDAY #1 | Essie Naughty Nautical

Happy Canada Day Everyone! Whether you are from my home and native land or not, I am sending happy thoughts of stronger beer and maple leafs your way today!

Today marks the start of a new feature - Mani Monday, where I plan on posting what's on my nails that week (if there is something on my nails)

WEEKEND EDITION #1 | Allergic Reaction Woes

It's the last weekend of June - gah where has the time gone? Welcome to the 1st Weekend Edition post, something I plan on writing weekly recapping my week and highlights from Girl Loves Gloss over the last 7 days. 

HAD TO HAVE IT | Stila's Gerbera

I don't know about you all, but I am a sucker for a pinky peach blush. And yes, let's acknowledge there is difference between peachy pink, and pinky peach ;-). Stila's Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream is something I had passed by in the shops for years, but only recently was I truly tempted to pick it up, in fact I had to have it, thanks to some lovely bloggers/YouTubers I follow {I am talking to you Lily, Anna and Alix!

CREAM BRONZER BATTLE | Chanel Soleil Tan vs Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Ever since the first time I saw the lovely Nic from Pixiwoo use the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base (phew, that's a mouthful!) in one of her YouTube videos, I knew it was something I "needed" in my life. The very idea of it suited me perfectly - one less powder product to pile onto my dry skin. However, something that really didn't suit me was the hefty price tag {$52 CAD}

THE LBL {Little Black Liner} | Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion

OK ladies (and guy-liner enthusiasts!) I truly feel having at least one black eyeliner in your arsenal is a must do, just like having that Little Black Dress. You can go from day to night with one swipe of sooty black goodness, but we have all had that nasty raccoon eye happen one time or another. Enter in Urban Decay with their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion.

BALMS AWAY | Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

If you are anything like me, you are or have been at some point in your life a complete lip balm addict. I have been cursed with dry, peeling and once in a blue moon cracking lips since I was young. Over the years I have discovered some lovely, and some really not so lovely lip products that have promised smooth supple lips. 

SHU UEMURA LASH CURLER | Non Negotiable Beauty Tool

Let's just start this post by saying I have been curling my lashes since I was 15 and I discovered that such wonderful devices existed. And since that time (ahem, we won't count the years, 'k?) I have almost exclusively been loyal to my Revlon eyelash curler. Until this year....

BEACH IN A BOTTLE | Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Perfume

Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess seasonal perfume. Add it to the ever long list of wants thanks to the blogosphere and youtube. I kept hearing little tidbits about this scent about how lovely and summery it was, but when Lily and Anna talked about it in this video, I knew it needed to be part of my life before I even smelled it. 

Being one of those people who actually loves the smell of sunscreen, this scent is a little of everything I want to smell like in life!

NYX BLUSH IN TAUPE - THE ULTIMATE CONTOUR?

Lemme guess, you've been using your bronzer to contour? Yep, so was I. For ages in fact, until I finally got my hands on this bad boy. Then I truly realized the difference between bronzing one's face, and contouring one's face, and why a product like this is so very different than bronzer.