MVPs of 2017
Travel, skincare, makeup and books. Yup, that’s been my 2017.
They all represent some form of self-care.
Travel has allowed me to learn about myself, explore new cities and try new things – food and adventures. 2017 included gazing at and hiking up a volcano, zip lining through Costa Rican forests and swimming in a waterfall. It included views of Lac Geneva, paragliding across the Swiss Alps, and meat fondue!
Skincare has built my self confidence. I’ve now done over 100 days makeup free at work. I try to wear minimum makeup when I can for meetings and will still throw on the whole gamut for bigger occasions.
Makeup has been fun to explore. Since taking better care of my skin, I haven’t had to wear that much makeup so I started to get curious about bolder makeup, fit for times I wanted to glam up. I’m talking about dark lipsticks, even a new metallic pink one I just got.
Books. Ah my love for books. Reading a book is like engaging in a deep conversation with someone who has so much I can learn from – and for those of you who know me know how much I love conversations.
So with that being said, here’s the breakdown on some of my favourite things from 2017.
TOM*fw Industry VIP ticket – I’ve been going to TOM*fw since its inauguration in August 2014. It was the first time men’s fashion was being recognized in Toronto in a runway style fashion show. I met one of the Board members who has since become a wonderful friend and has successfully made TOM*fw a consistent part of my fashion week agenda. It will always be one of my favourite events in Toronto highlighting Canadian designers and a pop-up shop that showcases local brands. In addition to having an excuse to wear my craziest outfits – because that’s what fashion shows are all about – I’ve had the chance to meet industry movers and shakers and hang out with friends, this is one pass I truly covet every year.
Flying Tiger USA grey wool storage basket – got this chic minimalistic storage basket during my October trip to NYC as I was walking down Madison Avenue. The store reminded me of all things Japanese I loved during my trip there. The basket also got me curious as to if I could wear it as an accessory, which I have tried.
Clinique Moisture Surge – this gel cream is so hydrating for my thirsty winter skin. The size is perfect to take on the go. One of my favourite skincare discoveries in 2017.
Dior Illuminator – the only and best illuminator I have ever used. To be fair, I was hesistant to use illuminator until I tried this one. It works like magic and is light. I stopped thinking about illuminators once I tried this one and just made it a part of my daily skincare routine.
Bite Amuse Bouche Decadent Lip Stick – while this lipstick is much bolder than the ones I wore at the start of 2017, it made me more open to bold reds. It also got me even more excited of the Bite Beauty brand. Stay on power is great and the colour is full-bodied.
Chloe – this scent brings back a sense of calm. There’s no moment surrounding it but it will always be one of my favourite scents. It’s a floral and feminine favourite of mine. Talk about a scent that can uplift my mood anytime.
Charming Charlie ‘Trust the journey’ bracelet – picked this bracelet up during October’s trip to NYC because I loved the message. It reminds me to be patient and keep working at my goals and that good things take time. I was also excited that the bracelet fit my skinny wrists! Low cost, high sentiment.
Rupi Kaur’s The Sun and Her Flowers – poetry unfiltered. Can’t wait to immerse myself in this one.
Costa Rica Forgiveness Moon Rock on cord – I picked this necklace on a walk down the main road in Santa Teresa. The owner picked moon rocks and made it herself. It felt good to support a local business and I loved that the rock I picked symbolized forgiveness. As people touch this rock, I’ve been told to recharge it in the moonlight.
Narsissist Liquid Blush – best accidental blush that I ever purchased. The application and feel of this product converted me to love liquid blush. Can’t wait to get my hands on Orgasm next.
Chapters – I hope heaven has a bookstore like Chapters. Yes, I’m putting the whole store on this gratitude list.
Gucci Envy Me fragrance – picked this one up from the duty-free on one of my trips a while back and finally opened, used, loved and finished this one this year.
& Other Stories – I picked up these asymmetrical earrings when in Milan this August. The heart pendant necklace was a gift from a friend, who saw me fall in love with the delicateness of the minimalist heart. It also means more to receive this from a friend who will always be around rather than from a relationship that could end, which means the sentiment of the jewelry dies with it.
Pixi Face Rose Oil blend – super hydrating rose scented. All the hydration in a fun rose scent!
Deciem – more hydration at a ridiculously low price. Yes, everything here.
L’Occitane – another one of my favourite scents. The Neroli and orchid hand cream shall be forever a treat for my senses.
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream – working with this brand for three years was a lot of fun! It changed my professional life and also my personal skincare routine. I use CeraVe cleansers and moisturizers on the daily. And while I no longer work with the brand, the skincare lineup will for ever be in my heart…and on my skin.
Glossier – a gift from my friend as a wedding souvenir in October. Talk about a practical souvenir, this lip salve is the best thing to use after exfoliating my lips, especially in winter.
First written by me on madderandshade/wordpress on December 31, 2017: https://madderandshade.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/bts-mvps-of-2017/
Reposted on this final madder and shade site in 2018