China Glaze - Let's Groove from Retro Diva

I adore China Glaze polishes. For the most part, they apply very easily, have a fantastic range of shades and the limited collections are usually some of the pretties and most creative out there. Plus, they're more affordable than OPI.

And did I mention gorgeous?

By far one of my absolute favorite purples. It's the most beautiful true purple, packed with violet and reddish shimmer that flashes like whoa in the sun. I thought this one was metallic, but no, it's just THAT shimmery.

Cargo - Blu-Ray Blush

Cargo is one of those brands that makes me happy to be Canadian. Started and run by a woman, committed to creating artist-level products that are nevertheless easy-to-use and affordable for the average consumer. (They are also cruelty-free and committed to offering the same level of quality with an ecological consciousness via their Plantlove line.)

Since this is brand that also caters to the professional, they also have a few products geared specifically to the HD market - their Blue-Ray line. Despite their pro applications, the items in this line are supremely user-friendly and would be key in anyone's on-the-go makeup bag.

I especially adore the blush.

It comes in two versions at the moment - Pink and Peach. The one featured here is the Pink. It is a light, neutral-to-warm pink with just a touch of golden shimmer. It has photographed a little cooler than it actually reads in real life.

This is not an attention-getting blush. It's not bright or vivid - when applied correctly, you shouldn't even be able to tell you're wearing any. And that's the charm. This is easily one of the most finely-milled blushes I have ever tried - it applies seamlessly and flawlessly, blending naturally with your skin. The effect is subtle and luminous, making look lit from within, not spackled with color. This is not the blush to select if you want drama, but for no-fuss application and a softly beautiful effect, this is perfect.

I do hope Cargo comes out with more shades, because the only downside to this blush is that it suits fair to medium complexions only. It is also 28$ CAD (27$ USD), which can seem like quite the investment, but it also weighs in at 8 grams. By comparison, a Nars blush is 4.5 grams, and costs 30$ CAD (26$ USD).

Sihaya Designs - Starflower Earrings

I bought these Starflower Earrings  from Sihaya Designs a while back. They represent my favorite aspect of her work - the mix of naturalistic elements and warm, burnished metals.
They also get compliments like crazy. On any given day I wear these, I get at least one for every two people I speak with. They are unfussy, but just so lovely.