my current glowy makeup routine -- minimal & easy /  by Candice Tay

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while but have only gotten around to it now. Life has been so full lately with two littles and I’m glad that I can give my complete attention and care to my family first. It’s been interesting to experiment with this slow content type of thing that I’ve been doing. I have enjoyed making content at a muchhh slower pace and one that is actually more fun and sustainable for me in this season of life.

Alright, let’s dive into the makeup look and products. I’ve always liked a very minimal and easy, glowy makeup look and my current products really haven’t changed much aside from a few new additions. The majority of my makeup products are by Merit Beauty and Saie, though I can’t go without my Salty Face Liquid Bronzer.

simple makeup products on white dresser

The foundation:

Funny I’m calling it the foundation because I don’t use foundation — simply because it takes a long time and I don’t like the feeling of it on my face. Over the summer I really enjoyed using the Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer because it’s got a very light, almost serum-like texture and it applies easily with a brush or fingers or those extra hectic mornings. Now that the wearther has gotten much colder, I am still usingg this product for a lightweight base for minimal coverage.

Adding the layers of glow:

I like to add a touch of glowiness to my skin with Salty Face’s Liquid Bronzer (“CANDICETAY” for 10% off). It’s my go-to product to add colour and life back to my skin, especially in the fall and winter months when I get less and less sun. It’s my absolute favourite and is again one of those quick and easy makeup products. I also love that it’s lightweight and has a serum-like feel to it. I put a few drops on the tops of my cheeks and then I buff it in with the Merit Brush No. 1, spreading the remainder of the product on my forehead and on my jawline.

Next, I add a quick smudge of blush with Merit’s Flush Balm. I really love these blushes for their quick and easy application. I always just use my fingers to pat in the product. They’re also easy to reapply throughout the day if needed.

To add one final touch of glow, I’ve been really enjoying Saie’s Glowy Super Gel. It’s very subtle but adds the prettiest glow to my skin. Sometimes I add it to my moisturizer and use it as an all-over product, and other times I’ll just use the smallest amount as a highlight for the tops of my cheeks and for the bridge of my nose.

Finishing off with the Brow Duo from Merit helps to complete my natural makeup look. If I’m in rush that day, I’ll just use the brow gel, but if I prefer a more defined look, I’ll use the brow pencil first to add more volume and colour and then I’ll finish with a few swipes of the gel.

*A note on the pencil: it is the finest pencil ever! I love how I can get really thin, hair-like strokes with it.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about these lip glosses. I LOVE the Saie lip glosses because they’re moisturizing, not sticky, and have a beautiful but subtle shine. I loved them so much I gifted them to all my friends last Christmas. They make the perfect little gifts, especially with the holidays coming up quickly ;)

Okay and that’s the finished look! I hope this was a helpful semi-tutorial/review of my current glowy makeup routine. I’ll leave a little round-up of all the products I mentioned down below so you don’t have to click around if you’re interested in anything. I hope you enjoyed and I’ll catch you in the next post :) Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to read!

Products Mentioned:

what to wear from summer to fall -- easy transitional weather outfits to try /  by Candice Tay

I feel like fall is going to be here in no time, so before the cold weather settles in for good, here are a couple of easy transitional weather outfit ideas. I think I’ll be referring back to these ideas myself because I often find this weather tricky to figure out. The temperature changes are so drastic and can be so cold in the morning but feel like a hot summer day by noon. Anyway I hope these outfits give you some inspiration for the next few weeks we have left of transitional weather.

Outfit 1 | Monochromatic, All black

When in doubt, I always go with a monochrome look. It’s so simple to put together and looks really elevated. One way to make a monchromatic outfit more interesting is playing with texture. Here I’ve paired a knit tank with some dressier pleated shorts and because I’m usually running out the door chasing after the kids I threw on a pair of crocs (I have been LIVING in these all summer long). For accessories, I went with a delicate gold pendant to highlight the v-neckline of the tank and some fun chunky silver hoops.

A moment for the knit tank: The Murmur Knit Tank from Harly Jae is new to me this summer and I just love how feminine it is while still be really understated. It pairs perfectly with these long pleated shorts but also goes so well with many other things in my wardrobe. The cotton material is great for the early transitional weather days.

Shop the look: Murmur Knit Tank, Black pleated shorts (similar option 1), Black pleated shorts (similar option 2), All Terrain Crocs Sandal, Chunky Silver Hoops

Outfit 2 | Olive Toned 2 Ways

Next is more of like a few variations of outfit one playing with that same knit tank top. This time I’ve paired the top with some cream, barrel leg jeans. I love the contrast of the black with the cream. I think it really makes the top pop. In the fall in particular, I really enjoy bringing out the earth tones in my wardrobe like these olive coloured mules. Mules are such a perfect fall weather slip on shoe. It’s so elegant looking but also so practical and easy to pop on and head out the door. I kind of created a bit of an olive sandwich by throwing on a light jacket. I basically live in this jacket during transitional periods because it is SO comfy and just pulls outfits together so well.

I experimented a bit with a simple change up of the shoes to show you how easy it is to change the vibe of an outfit. With the mules, the outfit looks more sophisticated and refined, while with the chunky crocs, it’s the perfect casual outfit for every day.

Shop the look: Murmur Knit Tank, Cream Barrel Leg Jeans (similar option 1), Cream Barrel Leg Jeans (similar option 2), Olive Mules (similar option), All Terrain Crocs Sandal, Chunky Silver Hoops

Outfit 3 | Long layers

Fall is the best time for knit vests and I find I get the most use out of them during the early fall days so here are two more ways to style a knit vest. This one is a wool one so it’s a tad warmer than the cotton one styled above. I wanted to explore longer layers in these two outfits even though I typically love to tuck things in to create the illusion of longer legs. For this first look, I wanted the knit vest to be the star of the outfit so I kept everything paired back with the black pleated shorts, black crocs, and leather purse. I also went with a set of minimal gold hoops.

For a much more dramatic look with the vest, I paired it with some relaxed, wide leg pleated jeans. I just love the super dark wash of these jeans and the billowy silhouette. I went for a more casual vibe and kept the weight of the look more bottom heavy with my new balance sneakers.

Shop the look: Black pleated shorts (similar option 1), Black pleated shorts (similar option 2), Wide leg Pleated Denim, All Terrain Crocs Sandal, New Balance 530s, Gold Hoops, Black Sling Purse

Outfit 4 |Classic with a twist

I love a classic and timeless wardrobe so I thought I’d style a very classic outfit with a bit of a twist. Here is a fun take on a white button up and jeans look. I’m wearing this button up shirt from Power of my People. I love the subtle striped detailing in it that elevates the classic white shirt. It’s also not a shirt that is super oversized so I went with something more oversized on the bottom. I’m wearing a pair of dark wash, pleated wide leg jeans for that bit of a twist on this classic combination. Again, I’m sticking with some chunky sneakers to keep things casual but also give me a bit of added height. I stuck with chunky silver hoops and a black leather purse to complete the look!

So there you have it — a few transitional weather outfits to inspire you through the next few weeks! I hope you give these a try and let me know if you do. If you enjoyed this post, please let me know in the comments :) I’d love to hear from you.

4 ways to style a minimal black dress -- late summer to early fall /  by Candice Tay

Oh hey, it’s been a while since I’ve written a long form blog post. I’m slowly making my way back here and sharing some fun styled photos of a cute dress I received recently from slow fashion brand, Tradlands. They are an ethical, sustainable brand that I’ve had the pleasure of working with since the very early beginnings of my time as a creator on the internet. Today, I’m sharing 3 very easy ways to style the Birdie Dress for late summer days to early fall because I’m tired of summer weather and am so ready for fall fashion. I am itching to pull out my cozy sweaters again.

I have tried many Tradlands dresses in the past, like the coveted Nico Dress and the super fun Nell Dress and I can attest that their dresses are so comfortable, easy, and low maintenance. The Birdie Dress is no different. I love the easy-to-care for crinkle cotton material that can be machined washed and does not need to be ironed, because I’m at a stage in life where if I have clothing that needs to be ironed, I will most likely not be wearing it often. It’s also reversible and like all the other Tradlands dresses, it has pockets!

*This post is not sponsored but does feature gifted product and affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, when you shop some of the links, I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support of this blog!

Look 1

Here is look one — styled simply, as is, with the ties in the front. I threw on a beige baseball cap and matching beige socks (like a little sandwich) and then I did the socks and crocs thing. It’s comfortable, perfect for a summer day and easy enough to chase my kids around in.

Shop Look 1:

Black Birdie Dress (Size XS), All-Terrain Crocs Sandal, Le Bon Shop Ribbed Socks, Beige Baseball Cap (similar linked)

Look 2

When the weather starts to cool down, all you need is a good cardigan. That added layer just pulls together an outfit so easily. Another wonderful staple from Tradlands, is this beige cardigan that I’ve had for so many years. I love a ribbed, cotton cardigan that has just the right about of warmth for those early fall days. I kept the crocs for ease and I’ve really been liking that chunkier footwear style lately.

Shop Look 2:

Black Birdie Dress (Size XS), Cream Shelter Cardigan (Size S), All-Terrain Crocs Sandal

Look 3

I feel like early fall is the best time to wear knitted vests because it’s not too cold yet and just warm enough to have bare arms. I opted for this cozy knitted vest from Christy Dawn with the most beautiful button details and intricate knit pattern. To keep things casual with the footwear — crocs again. There’s a trend here.

Shop Look 3:

Black Birdie Dress (Size XS), Christy Dawn Dagny Vest (use code “CDCANDICE_TAY15” to save), All-Terrain Crocs Sandal

Look 4

I’m actually really excited to sport this look when it’s cold enough. I love the casual, laidback vibe but still really delicate and feminine with the dress and layered cropped blouse on top from Harly Jae. I love the different waffle texture it adds to the outfit even though it’s also a black piece. I went with the same beige ribbed socks and comfy New Balance 530s.

Thanks for reading my first post in a long time. I hope it offers some ideas for the next time you’re styling a black dress or maybe it’s getting you excited for fall?