Playlist: Black Excellence

June 10, 2020 No Comments

In place of June’s Favourites list, I will be sharing multiple posts spotlighting Black creators + businesses. Today and every day, Black Lives Matter.

There’s a conversation going on right now that we all need to be part of and it covers racism, discrimination, equality and basic human rights. Why, in 2020, are Black men, women and non-binary people still being treated as “less than”? Why must they live with a weight on their shoulders simply because of the colour of their skin? We need to say their names, know their stories and uplift their legacies: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin… and we need to recognize that there are far too many stories.

Change starts with each and every one of us. Over the past two weeks, the #BlackLivesMatter movement has spread internationally as people make their voice heard any way they can — through protests, signing petitions, educating themselves and their peers, lobbying government officials, and uplifting the voices at the heart of this movement. I want to do my part on this blog by amplifying my favourite Black creators and brands.

You may have heard several of these artists on previous playlists, but here’s your chance to get to know them better! Press play, check out the full tracklist and read more about three of my favourites below.

Playlist: Black Excellence — Full Tracklist

“Good as Hell,” Lizzo
“Do It,” Chloe x Halle
“In The Morning,” Jay Prince
“Chocolate.,” Kiana Ledé feat. Ari Lennox
“Eleven,” Khalid feat. Summer Walker
“The Worst In Me,” KAYTRANADA feat. Tinashe
“COFFEE,” Kelly Rowland
“When You Hold Me,” Braxton Cook
“Stormy Weather,” Tinashe
“Pretty Little Fears,” 6LACK feat. J. Cole
“B.S.,” Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R.
“Give Me A Reason,” R.LUM.R
“Addicted,” Jon Vinyl
“Happy Without Me,” Chloe x Halle feat. Joey Bada$$
“Savage Remix,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
“Sunflower Seeds,” Bryce Vine
“Midsection,” KAYTRANADA feat. Pharrell Williams
“Can I,” Kehlani feat. Tory Lanez
“OTW,” Khalid feat. 6LACK & Ty Dolla $ign
“Grinding All My Life,” Nipsey Hussle
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino
“If You’re Not There,” Reuben James feat. Braxton Cook
“Motivation,” Normani
“Die A Little Bit,” Tinashe & Ms Banks
“Boys,” Lizzo
“Boys Should Never Cry,” R.LUM.R
“FDT,” YG & Nipsey Hussle
“Hang on in There,” John Legend & The Roots
“Mad,” Solange feat. Lil Wayne
“Get Up, Stand Up,” Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Freedom,” Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Cold,” R.LUM.R
“All The Stars,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“Correct,” MNEK
“Think About Me,” dvsn
“Wrong Places,” H.E.R.
“I Want You,” Tayla Parx
“Build,” Justine Skye & Arin Ray
“Catch Up,” Chloe x Halle & Swae Lee feat. Mike WiLL Made-It
“Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” Stevie Wonder
“Self,” Noname
“Trip,” Ella Mai
“Making A Choice,” R.LUM.R
“Bigger Love,” John Legend
“My Line,” Reuben James feat. Col3trane, Jay Prince, Vula & Soweto Kinch
“Surfacing,” R.LUM.R
“Honeymoon Phaze,” MNEK
“Rocket Man” (Cover), CammWess feat. John Legend
“What If I (Still Feel),” R.LUM.R
“16 Shots,” Vic Mensa
“Moment,” Victoria Monét

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOCjeUHW-y/

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

May Favourites

May 27, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Redbubble, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

As the famous saying goes, the show quarantine must go on.

Let’s start this off with an important PSA: PLEASE keep socially distancing and wearing a mask and/or gloves. If not for yourself, do it for your immunocompromised friends, parents, grandparents and neighbours. The better we keep this up, the sooner we can enjoy our beautiful summer weather!

As you do your part, stay comfortable, entertained and feeling your best with my latest faves across fashion, skincare, music, spring reads and bingeable TV.

Fashion

* Face Masks *

The Weeknd Mask, $20 // DNCE Mask, $18.82

If you haven’t already, get acquainted with our newest must-have fashion accessory. As I said in my last blog post dedicated to finding functional and fashionable masks, there’s no reason your PPE can’t be cute and true to your style.

Since I won’t be front row at their concerts anytime soon, I’m looking forward to receiving the two masks pictured above to show my support for The Weeknd and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE. Bonus: Proceeds from The Weeknd’s masks will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music industry.

* Travel-Inspired Clothing *

Anthropologie, $80 // SIMILAR STYLES: Anthropologie, $188 (Hawaii/Aloha print); SHEIN, $17 (New York print)

It may be a total tourist move, but I love travel-inspired fashion pieces that represent my favourite cities.

Pre-COVID, I was supposed to spend the majority of this month jetsetting around Europe. 😢 When I found this Nice, France top while online shopping, I took it as a sign that I’ll be able to postpone my travels to when it’s safe to do so — and snap a picture of this shirt where it’s meant to be (and not in my front yard!).

Also, if you know me, you know I have a small addiction to buying anything and everything related to Hawaii — pineapple home decor, palm tree rings, you name it. I’ll take any excuse to spark my wanderlust and bring back those memories and feelings associated with paradise!

Let me know in the comments below which travel destinations you would rep!

Skincare

* Lip Sleeping Mask | Laneige *

Sephora, $13+ (or try Laneige’s Hydration-To-Go! Normal to Dry Skin set, also from Sephora, $38)

I always feared Laneige’s best-selling Lip Sleeping Mask was just an overhyped lip balm, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. To test it out for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a mini Good Night Kit to also score a sample size of their popular Water Sleeping Mask. The lip mask wouldn’t be an immediate repurchase for me as you can get similar results at a lower price point, but it’s a great gift to a friend or yourself (#SelfLoveClub). Bring on the smooches 💋

I’ll report back here and on Instagram @angelaaaxo with my thoughts on the mask!

* Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask | Origins *

Sephora, $17-$33

This Origins leave-on face mask is one of the best I’ve ever used. Formulated with avocado and swiss glacier water, it instantly moisturizes and smooths skin well into the morning, giving you a beautiful dewy glow without breakouts or buildup. I use it as a once-a-week treat, so the $17 mini bottle is a great deal.

* Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $29

I raved about First Aid Beauty’s Fab Faves line in my April Favourites post and it looks like I’ve found another personal holy grail. Toner is a recent re-addition to my nightly skincare routine and this FAB pick is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin. Also, can we take a minute to admire this visually appealing promo photo?

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

April Favourites

April 25, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Ardene, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

After six weeks of staying indoors, I must admit that I may be getting used to quarantine life. I can’t say no to sweats (especially if they’re tie-dye) and I’ve never been so caught up with my shows and movies. But with this current quarantine likely seeping into late spring or early summer, you’re probably in need of new recommendations for your work from home wardrobe, skincare, music library, booklist and TV nights.

Look no further than this month’s Favourites list below!

Fashion

* Tie-Dye for Days *

SIMILAR: Ardene, $7.74 *sale* // SHEIN, $27 (exact from Ardene, sold out)

I’ve tried out tie dye sweats in the past but never found the perfect mix of A) comfort + B) a cute print. Just in time for quarantine, I scored the jackpot at Ardene with this $12 pair that I could absolutely live in. As long as you have a nice top on, they’re perfect for your work from home video calls (or at least Casual Fridays).

* Rings *

SIMILAR: Pura Vida Bracelets, $20.45 *sale* // Pura Vida Bracelets, $17.53 // Pura Vida Bracelets, $14.31 *sale* (exact coin rings from Pura Vida Bracelets, sold out; middle rings from boutiques in Maui, HI)

I’m currently obsessed with rings and love the new set I picked out from the vibrant, beachy and Insta-famous Pura Vida Bracelets. My pineapple coin ring (pictured) came with “aloha” engraved on the inside (so cute!), and this palm tree ring is super dainty and stackable. Keep an eye on Pura Vida’s Instagram to hear about new sales — I got these rings for $5 USD a piece.

*** Loungewear, Loungewear & More Loungewear ***

In case you missed it, last month I posted a guide to quarantining and online shopping with six Canadian stores, all of which carry cozy, must-have loungewear. From sweats to sweatsuits and basic tees, you can score big on affordable and versatile pieces.

Read here: Quarantine and (Online) Shop With Your Fave Canadian Stores

Beauty/Skincare

If you’re reading this before April 29, you still have a chance to save up to 20% off the following products during Sephora‘s mega Spring Savings Event!

*** Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel | Saturday Skin ***

Sephora, $37

I didn’t know how little my past exfoliators were doing until I picked this up. My skin feels so smooth and every last pesky pimple laying under the surface has been drawn right out. I’ve definitely found a new holy grail product!

If any of you have tried Saturday Skin, let me know! I’d love to try out more of their products.

* SEA Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara | Tarte *

Sephora, $16-$30

I’m very picky with mascaras, but I’m a big fan of this Tarte mini. It gives the perfect buildable lash curl without smudging or flaking, and it’s clean, vegan, and cruelty and gluten free. I’m sold!

* Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna *

Sephora, $25

Once you try this lip gloss, you’ll see why it’s so quickly become a top pick. Besides the fact that it has the Rihanna seal of approval, these shades (I love FU$$Y and $weetmouth) provide all the shine without the stick. I can’t leave the house without a bottle!

* Fab Faves To Go Kit | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $40

Everyone loves a good gift set and this one is a must-have for skincare essentials, especially if you have uber-sensitive skin like me. For just $40, you get a trio of First Aid Beauty faves for clean, smooth skin — their Pure Skin Facial Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads and my personal top pick, the Ultra Repair Cream for intense hydration. They aren’t full size bottles, but the product goes a long way — and it’s an easy way to try out the line!

Favourites

March Favourites

March 23, 2020 No Comments

To say the month of March has felt like a never-ending series of curveballs would be a significant understatement. I hope you’re staying healthy, enjoying everything our fave streaming services have to offer and perhaps discovering a new hobby or two! Mine is apparently baking cakes with my mom. 🍰

The extra at-home time is also giving us all more opportunities for closet cleaning, skincare and adding to our playlists and watch lists. Steal some inspo from this month’s Favourites list below.

Fashion

* Patterned Cropped Jackets *

SIMILAR: Free People, $495 // Princess Polly, $37 *sale* // Princess Polly, $31 *sale* (exact from American Eagle, sold out)

Now that I’ve finally found my new go-to basic white tees from Topshop and Zara, I’m loving cute cropped jackets, especially in a fun style like a cheetah or military print. They’re perfect for spring and you can easily dress them up or down with perfectly-paired accessories and solid colours.

sense of independence boutique — (Photo via Sense of Independence Boutique)

*** Shopping Local ***

Major props to all the retailers I shop with who made the difficult but necessary decision to help flatten the curve and closed their doors early on. Now more than ever, it’s important to support small, local businesses and ensure they can get back on their feet as quickly as possible once this is all over.

Stay tuned for my separate post to get started with six of my personal faves!

Read here: Quarantine and (Online) Shop With Your Fave Canadian Stores

Beauty/Skincare

Let’s talk WORK FROM HOME GLAM! My skin is majorly thanking me for the toned-down day-to-day makeup routine. My essentials have become a brow pencil, eyeshadow, light swipe of mascara and a tinted primer.

*** Goof Proof Brow Pencil Easy Shape & Fill | Benefit Cosmetics ***

Sephora, $32

I wear shade 3 (warm light brown).

* Mono Pop Eyeshadow Palette *

Avon, $26

* Troublemaker Mascara *

Urban Decay, $23.25

* SOS Primer *

Clarins, $39

I wear shade 4 (green).

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

February Favourites

February 23, 2020 No Comments

With February being the unofficial-official month of love, there is no better time to share the many things I’ve been crushing on lately!

Check out what’s caught my eye in the worlds of fashion, beauty/skincare, music, movies and TV in this month’s Favourites list below.

Fashion

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angela McLean ☻ (@angelaaaxo)

* Floppy Brim Hats *

SIMILAR: Nordstrom Rack, $299 // Free People, $77 (exact from Aldo, sold out)

This impulse purchase from an Aldo in Pittsburgh a few years ago completely changed my fall/winter fashion game. Floppy hats, especially in a bold colour or shade like plum wine, are so cute and versatile and take any outfit to another level.

*** Free People ***

If you’re into boho-chic, fashion-forward clothing, listen up. I found the hack to shopping Free People for less: their online sale section! They have so many good sales and I’ve been finding items still new in store for 30% off or more online — and shipping has been free to Canada every time I ordered. Pro tip: You can also sign up to their email list for free shipping on your first order. Added bonus: Their customer service is incredible!

I’ve already worn their flowy Claudia Blouse (roughly 75% off) and got tons of compliments, and I have another shirt and hat I’m saving for the perfect photo opps. 😉

Beauty/Skincare

* Derm Renewal Cream with 10% AHA | G.M. Collin *

BeautySense, $74

Last month I recommended G.M. Collin’s Derm Renewal Booster with 10% AHA. Meet its daytime sidekick: the Derm Renewal Cream. The Booster is best suited for overnight use since it’s quite drying, while this companion product gives you the same benefits with added moisture. I have no problem dabbing a light layer of this on under my makeup and I really see the results when I stick to my routine!

*** Anew Hydra Fusion 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum ***

Avon, $29.99 (promo price down from $46)

My skin is very dry in the morning, especially in the winter, making it difficult to apply foundation or concealer without immediate flaking. Luckily, this hyaluronic acid serum has saved the day more times than I can count. I spread it evenly on my face and neck shortly after getting out of the shower while my skin is damp, take one more pump after breakfast if I’m having an extra dry day, and I’m good to go!

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