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?

New Music Friday, Playlists

Remix Realness — 25 Remixes You Need to Hear Right Now!

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Have you ever listened to a song’s remix and said to yourself, oh snap, this might be even better than the original?

Since many remixes feature groovy new electronic beats, added star power and dozens more unique touches, it’s easy to feel like you’re listening to a totally new song. For this month’s playlist, I wanted to spotlight a few remixes that have soared up my on-repeat list. Keep scrolling for the full 25-track playlist plus five standout songs!

“Good as Hell” (Remix) – Lizzo feat. Ariana Grande

I’d be missing an obvious golden opportunity if I didn’t say that this remix is good as hell! With two of the year’s biggest artists — Lizzo and Ariana Grande — joining forces, it was a given that this collab would be magic to our ears. Lizzo and Ari delivered it all and then some. Whether it’s the original or the remix, this iconic song will definitely be on everyone’s year-end playlists.

Playlists

August Playlist: Songs of Summer 2019

August 31, 2019 No Comments

I could go on and on about the power of music, but I’m always amazed how certain songs bring us back to different memories, times and places. I can re-listen to songs from my childhood and be instantly reminded of old friends, family trips and various celebrations.

This long weekend, as another wild summer comes to an end, I’ve been riding the wave of nostalgia with all my fave songs of the summer on repeat. Keep scrolling to check out my final ode to Summer 2k19 and some of the new memories tied to the tracks from this month’s playlist!

“Only Human” – Jonas Brothers

Happiness this summer truly began August 23, when the Jonas Brothers blessed Toronto with their long-awaited Happiness Begins Tour (my first of five shows that I’m currently set to see on this tour – don’t judge!). If I’m being real, the JoBros are one of my OG favourite music acts, along with Hilary Duff and Taylor Swift, so this comeback was truly a BIG deal!

This groovy, ’80s-inspired tune is one of my favourite songs from the new album and it’s even better live. In terms of the big picture, “Only Human” is one of my top picks for official song of the summer, tied with “Old Town Road,” “Señorita” and “bad guy” (mentioned below). Let me know in the comments below what you would pick as your song of the summer!

Playlists

February Playlist: Love/Hate Love

February 28, 2019 No Comments

Every time February rolls around, I’m prepared to be inundated with love songs thanks to that commercial holiday that falls on the 14th. Fortunately, I actually don’t mind love songs at all—in fact, would it be weird to say I love love songs?

I once had a conversation with an artist who pointed out that love is such a common theme across all musicians and musical genres because it’s the one thing that everyone can relate to in some way, shape or form. Even if you don’t have a significant other, you hold love for other people in your life—friends, family, your pets and, hopefully, yourself. Of course, love songs aren’t always about the happy parts of partnerships. But if you can’t relate to heartbreak, you can at least recall moments of deep pain or heartache and translate the meaning of those songs to fit your past experiences.

I definitely find that the most gut-wrenching, beautiful, honest and real songs are about love, so I wanted to compile a few of my faves. In this month’s playlist, enjoy three hours of tunes about love and being so over love (because sometimes it can all just be a little ugh).

I purposely ordered this playlist to reflect the entire cycle of love, from beginning, to end and back again.

Playlists

Playlist: December finds & faves

December 16, 2018 1 Comment

There are few things I love more than the holiday season. Picture this: being at home stress-free, laying on the couch with a blanket, some eggnog or hot chocolate, the fireplace channel on TV (works just as well!) and Christmas music in the background. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! (That’s been me every day since finishing school and I’m so happy.)

Don’t know where to start with the music? My December finds & faves playlist will be the perfect soundtrack to your winter days and nights. I included some of the latest hits from the year’s top artists, plus a wide variety of Christmas classics and new releases – it’s ideal for every setting!

Scroll on to listen to this month’s playlist and discover six must-listen tracks.