My Beauty: Jillian Lansky

If you are a minimalist fashion fan and Canadian, you must already know Jillian Lansky of The August Diaries, the former Vancouver-based personal style and fashion blog. Her amazing style and effortless looking beauty, is why Jillian is this month’s My Beauty spotlight.

You can’t help but want to copy her entire style, plus she’s funny and honest. If you already follow her online, you will know that Jillian just moved to Toronto from Vancouver. Follow her Snapchat and Instagram account to see behind the scenes of her new life in the big Canadian city. Also, you’ll want to follow her for wardrobe updates, honest topics and video tutorials.

Her style hasn’t always been minimalist, it has only evolved to minimalist as of late, and frankly I love it!

Check out her posts on beauty, makeup and how she styles her hair. Keep reading for her answers to our My Beauty questions!

What is your daily skincare routine?
I take very good care of my skin, my mom taught me that. I always wash my face at night (I just use Cetaphil) and use Morelli Glycolic Acid pads to keep my acne at bay and follow up with Morelli retinol or vitamin C. In the morning I wear sunscreen. Every single day of the year. No wrinkles for me please!

Do you have any other non-beauty rituals that help you feel great?
Exercise makes me feel like a million bucks. I try to go running or to the gym at least 3-4 times a week.

Do you have any beauty “splurges”?
I splurge on my concealer. It’s called Clé de Peau Beauté and it’s by FAR the best concealer I’ve ever used. The stick lasts for over a year and somehow the colour works whether I’m tanned or pale.

Do you have any stories of regrettable beauty moments or experiments-gone-wrong?
One time a facialist over plucked my eyebrows. It was awful. Now I do them myself!

Do you usually wear makeup?
I usually wear a bit of powder foundation (with SPF- Jane Iredale) on my T-zone, concealer on any blemishes and under my eyes and some bronzer on my cheeks. If I’m going out I’ll wear a few coats of mascara.

Do you have any other beloved drugstore finds?
Cetaphil is my favourite. They make the best products for sensitive skin and are so affordable.

How do you change things up for special occasions?
For night I usually do a simple 5-min smokey eye. I’ve posted the tutorial here.

Over the years, has any product stood the test of time?
Clé de Peau Beauté concealer. Now both of my best friends, my sister and my mom use it.

What are your favorite lipstick colors?
I either wear none (just chapstick) or Ruby Woo by MAC.

How do you style and care for your hair?
Wash with Bumble and Bumble Surf Shampoo, use some mousse and air dry 80%. Then I’ll flip my head over and dry it the rest of the way and curl it. I finish by straightening the ends. I have a video tutorial by popular request!

Do you do any DIY treatments?
Nope, I think the pros do it better. Although I do do my own nails.

Are there any foods or drinks that help you look and feel your best?
I try to avoid sugar and processed foods during the week because it makes me feel better. But I definitely let myself have at least a few cheat meals!

I know you have a more minimal style, could you give us a minimal item you are coveting right now?
A Celine box bag! I’m currently saving up.

What about five minimal basics every girl needs in their closet?
– flattering and comfortable jeans
– leather jacket
– white t shirt
– a bag that makes any outfit look amazing (I like to invest in accessories)
– a signature piece of jewelry (I wear approx 13 rings a day 🙂 )

Do you always believe in less is more, or are there exceptions?
Again, it absolutely depends on the woman and her style. There are people who have a more is more approach (e.g. Olivia Palermo, Iris Apfel) who are incredibly chic, but that’s just not my style. Once you come into your own style, you’ll figure out what works best for yourself and your life.

Advice to women looking in the mirror and getting dressed in the morning?
Keep it simple and wear what makes you feel amazing! Clothes should make your day just a little bit better.

What’s always in your bag? What won’t you travel without?
My cell phone + chapstick. I’m that weird person who always travels with an eye mask, ear plugs and a neck pillow. But I always have the best sleeps!

Words to dress by?
Always, always wear something you feel comfortable in.

The staple you haven’t stopped wearing recently?
My denim shorts by Re/Done. They take vintage Levi’s and rework them in a flattering and modern way. Genius.

The one accessory every woman should own?
It totally depends on the woman! I love a great leather bag or jacket.

Advice to those wanting to start a personal style blog?
Figure out what makes you different. There are so many blogs out there, so figuring out your niche is so important in setting you apart. And be yourself! People don’t want to see the perfect highlight reel. I always relate to bloggers who share personal stories.

What’s your personal definition of good content?
Quality is much more important than quantity. It’s easy to get caught up in the blogging world where people pump out content, but taking care that your photographs are up to your standards and that your writing is insightful and error free is so important.

Last but certainly not least: do you have an overall beauty philosophy?
I think less is more. I would rather invest in my skin and wear less foundation and concealer than wear a ton of makeup. That being said, I love makeup and appreciate how beautiful and creative it is.

Thanks Jillian! Follow Jillian’s style on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

See July’s My Beauty with Alexandra Grant of To Vogue or Bust.