Beauty favorites #04
February 12, 2021
Today I have a lot
of gems I'm very excited to show you, always on the clean skincare and makeup side of the force ! A concealer, a blush which doubles as a highlighter and is a perfect dupe for the Chanel Christmas limited edition, THE only makeup brush you need, an awesome toner and a great moisturizer !
Collagen powder : a tasteless health & beauty supplement
January 16, 2021
When it comes to superfoods and sprinkling some good stuff on top of food or beverages, taste is a MASSIVE deal breaker. I do want to pack nutrition and vitamins, but do I want to sacrifice the beautiful taste of my morning coffee ? Not so sure.
(spoiler alert : nope)
But here comes collagen powder.
What is collagen ?
Collagen is a protein, the most abundant one in our bodies, representing a third of our total protein count.
It is found in all soft tissues (skin, tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles), therefore supplementing with collagen will improve the quality of all of those tissues. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but as time goes on, we produce less and less. The reason behind wrinkled skin is due to collagen loss : we don't produce as much collagen as we used to, which means less and weaker connective tissues, responsible for saggy skin. For example, UV rays and smoking accelerates the process of collagen depletion in the body, this is part of why those two are linked with premature aging.
What is collagen powder ?
It's basically a powdered version of gelatin, which can be extracted from fish and meat (technically, the processing of bones, tendons, connective tissues etc), therefore collagen powder is not vegan.
On the 'bright side', collagen is extracted from the bits and pieces that we don't eat, therefore it's a way create something out of the meat/fish industry wastes. (I'm not a vegan, I eat little meat and fish, but I do believe that if an animal is going to be killed, I'd rather see everything used so that it was not in vain)
There are vegan options hitting the market right now though, since researchers found a way to produce collagen from bacteria, therefore even vegans can have it. The vegan option isn't just as mainstream.
How to add it to your diet ?
Collagen powder usually dissolves in all types of beverages, whether hot or cold. Dissolving it in hot beverages is a tad easier though !
The taste is VERY minimal, it barely tastes like anything, which is why I've been loving it so much. You don't have to 'force' yourself to have it since you'll probably won't even notice the taste, and if you do, just spread out your daily dose more throughout the day.
You can add it to soup, coffee, tea, smoothies... I usually go for two teaspoons a day, in my morning coffees.
Why is collagen powder good for you ?
Collagen powder is basically pure protein.
It contains all of the 9 essential amino acids, which makes it a complete and balanced protein. If you're struggling with adding more proteins to your diet, like I do, this is a super easy way to add some : one scoop of 10g of collagen powder contains 9g of pure protein.. and nothing else !
People trying to build muscle mass will love it since it's so easy to add to any food or beverage.
Since proteins also help with feeling full and keeping blood sugar stable, I have been loving it as part of my diet as I am a VERY sugar-sensitive person.
Collagen is responsible for the health of your skin, but can't be absorbed and used by the skin itself : the molecules are simply too big, that's why taking it orally is best way to go. Those collagen anti-aging creams are not worth it ; you want to pack on the moisture and nourishing properties when it comes to anti-aging skincare (with a side of antioxidants), but if you want to do your skin a favor, simply add one or two scoops of collagen powder to one of your daily beverages !
Since it is helping with the health of all kinds of connective tissues by increasing the renewal rate as well as the quality of those tissues, it is also recommended for people with joint pain/issues, anyone healing from any type of injury or surgery, but also individuals suffering from acne !
I have noticed it helps with the scarring, improving the old scars, including the icepick type (tissue scarring from severe acne, resulting in smalls dents on the surface of the skin). Again, it's not working miracles, but I found that it does help, at lot, along with MSM supplements.
I linked a couple products below, but you can find it pretty much anywhere : health stores like Whole Foods, iHerb, supplement shops and even Amazon. Just make sure you pick a grass-fed or organic option :)
Take care & much love,
Millie
Charcoal sticks : design & eco-friendly water filters
December 17, 2020
If you're looking to purify your water without having to invest in an ugly and/or expensive water-filter device, those charcoal sticks ARE the perfect option.
The best leave-in haircare products for fine hair
November 15, 2020
With my long, fine and sun-bleached blond locks, having a team of trusted allies to keep them alive is non-negotiable. Hair masks and overnight treatments are mandatory, but I usually use those pre-shampoo and rely on leave-in products post shower. The challenge here is to nourish and moisturize, without weighing it down. Here are my top products !
Fall2020 trend : leather
October 25, 2020 Toronto, ON, Canada
As fall is officially setting in, new trends are appearing in stores, inspired from the catwalks. Here is the the first one I spotted, and I can say : I'm VERY excited about it !
Clean tinted moisturizers : two favorites
September 16, 2020
Foundations and I are not friends. Tinted moisturizers on the other hand... I
LOVE the fact that those products have a low coverage + act as an extra-layer
of skincare. Here's a selection of my two favorite tinted moisturizers !
Beauty favorites #03
May 23, 2020 Toronto, ON, Canada
Clinique Pop splash lip gloss in Sorbet pop
In a desperate attempt to stop bitting my lips and a desire to actually start playing with lipstick again, I went for this lipgloss to add a bit of shine and a barely-there splash of color...AND HOLY CRAP. Say hello to plump, moisturized, healthy lips !
It was awarded in 2019 by Allure as Best Beauty and I can clearly understand why : to me, it's the best lipgloss out there. It truly feels unique in terms of comfort ! It's also non-sticky, very moisturizing with the perfect amount of sheen. If you like lip glosses, you HAVE to try this one.
This shade is an effortless pink nude that is the exact color of my lips, but I'd be very curious to try some bolder colors.
Alima Pure mineral pressed foundation in Teak
I never got over the fact that they discontinued my beloved loose mineral Contour powder in the shade Sombra (WHY THOUGH ?!), because it was the absolute best and also the only powder product that I've actually finished in my entire life. Literallly. I scrapped every bits for days hoping that there would still be some product left.. and then went on a mission (with tears in my eyes) to find it again.
Well, spoiler alert : that didn't work.
BUT
It happens that they have a specific shade in their pressed foundation collection that mimics contouring powder just as great ! The shade is called Teak and it doesn't have any warm or cold undertones to it : it is the perfect neutral brown. I've been a huge fan of their loose mineral foundation for years (the shade range is crazy, and it's the cleanest foundation I've ever came across). You might or might not know I nearly have OCD when it comes to what goes on my face because I got traumatized by severe acne... Well, this brand makes it onto my cheeks, eyes-closed !
I also like to use it as eyeshadow.
Zoeva Concealer buffer brush
I don't doubt that it would make a great concealer buffer brush, but I mostly use it for eyeshadow. When I do my eyes, I have to put concealer on my undereye but also on the entire upper lid because my skin is so thin you can actually see blood vessels peak through... And when I do use concealer, then I find my eyes to lack definition. My face looks flat and very meh. Therefore, to add definition I use a light neutral brown on the crease and outer part of the eyelid, works wonder !
I used to do this with the shade Naked 2 from the first Naked Basics palette, but it got discontinued (am I doomed or what ?). Now I use the Alima Pure foundation in shade Teak, as eyeshadow, to do that, and it's absolutely perfect.
Two in one !
The Ordinary Hemi-squalane
Even though squalane is an oil, it helps with dehydrated skin too by helping retaining more moisture. It's perfect for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, but because it's such a basic ingredient in a lot of beauty products, anyone can use it regardless of their skin type. It will only bring you some more glow and care !
The difference between both The Ordinary serums (squalane and hemi-squalane) is that the hemi version has a lower molecular weight ; it penetrates deeper in the skin and feels dry + more lightweight.
It's a good skincare product/ingredient because it's the basic of the basics, but the reason why I love it so much is because it makes my hair shinier and softer without weighing it down ! Add a couple drops, rub it in your hands and just go through your ends. It keeps frizz at bay and really conditons your hair... for 3$.
Yup.
Linked above is the heavier molecular version of their plant-based squalane (couldn't seem to be able to link the hemi-squalane from Sephora for some obscure reason..). The hemi-squalane is twice as cheap :)
Neroli essential oil
I mentioned it in one of my latest article about essential oils I'm using in our diffuser, but I've recently added it to my face oil and it took it to a whole new level.
It smells AMAZING.
Pick your favorite base oil (in doubt, use jojoba since it's the closest to the oil our skins produce) and add a couple drops of neroli essential oil to it. I'd add one or two drops if it's for the face, probably something like five if it's for the body (both for 100ml).
It has great soothing properties, makes you feel good and smells so nice you'll actually be tempted to skip putting perfume on !
It smells AMAZING.
Pick your favorite base oil (in doubt, use jojoba since it's the closest to the oil our skins produce) and add a couple drops of neroli essential oil to it. I'd add one or two drops if it's for the face, probably something like five if it's for the body (both for 100ml).
It has great soothing properties, makes you feel good and smells so nice you'll actually be tempted to skip putting perfume on !
Hope you liked this selection !
Take care & much love,
Millie
Spring things
April 25, 2020 Toronto, ON, Canada
Spring has basically been virtual in Toronto this year. Because of this, I thought creating a moodboard of things that inspire me for this season would be more than welcome ! Tiny gems which will make you feel like spring just found its way into your home. Hope you'll like it <3
With much love, as always.
Flowy blouse - Mango
The pattern, the light fabric, the color...Everything about it screams spring, flowers blooming, romance and poetry. When a piece of clothing brings me so much inspiration, I have a hard time resisting : I feel like I'm buying a book in which I'll be the main character. It's inspiration for me to write a new story that I'd be telling you through pictures.
60 US$ - 36 € - 70 CAD$
Makeup brushes - Sephora x Sezane
The cutest makeup brushes I have ever seen, by far.I love how daily objects, when they are really pretty and/or hold a special place in your heart can brighten up your day each time you use them or lay eyes on them. Those would make any bathroom shelf the cutest thing ever !
Available on Sephora.fr only (Sezane is a small French fashion brand)
40EUR
Magic Luminizer - RMS Beauty
Glow, glow, glow.Currently very obsessed with any liquidy, creamy or balmy texture so this highlighter was definitely a must-have. I love how buildable and seemingless it is ; no cheap glittery effect or risk of overdoing it. I have the Living Luminizer (the first one the brand released) which has a more of a white/pearly shimmer, but I feel like the Magic luminizer with its beige tones would look more natural and give a slight sunkissed look.
38 US$
White baggy jeans - Zara
I love when a statement piece of the season is one that is effortless to wear, therefore loose white jeans are a blessing ! I love how they look modern, classy and classic when worn with design shoes like leather loafers or sandals. Comfortable, stylish AND effortless ? I'm in !
40USD - 30EUR - 46CAD
Gold window mirror - H&M home
There's no such thing as having too many mirrors in my opinion, considering how much they brighten up a room and make a space appear bigger ! I really like the window-inspired design and gold accents of that one.
Discontinued at the moment :/
Beige planter - H&M home
Another thing that reminds me of France I guess, whether it's the clay plangters from Anduze we have in our gardens in the South or the big jars that you can see in the Louvre at the Galerie des orangers, I am very much in love with that planter. While we try to stand away from plants for now since we know there will be a moving in perspective, I would love to use it in our bathroom as a toothbrush jar/holder in the meantime !
Discontinued at the moment too.. :/
Wood lantern - Structube
Somewhere between design and island vibes, it would look great on our dresser or on the floor in a corner of our bedroom where I stack books and canvas.
29CAD
Divine Duo Lip&cheek in shade 'b.lovely' - lilah b.
A beautiful cream multitasker with one of the cutest and designed packaging I've ever seen ! The color is a beautiful desaturated nude with warm tones, perfect for a sunkissed effect / bring a dash of color on the apple of the cheeks.With a clean composition, always.
46USD
ope you liked this selection and that it brought you some sweet spring vibes !
Take care & much love,
Millie
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