How on earth is it the middle of October already? This may sound crazy coming from a certified beach bum, but I can’t help feeling like fall may be my new favourite season... *GASP*. I know. But I have been thoroughly enjoying the crisp air, cozy clothes and binge watching Squid Game. Don’t get me wrong- I will forever be a Summer junkie, but there’s something about this October that is making me all fuzzy and warm. Perhaps it’s because I have my own home for the first time ever and I’m nesting!? I don’t know. What I do know is I have a new appreciation for fall this year.
I can’t help but reminisce on the past few months and launching the Jessica Gallant Beauty products. You all have made this experience the coolest, truly. I love seeing you wearing the JGB products and getting a spark of joy from shades like “Garlic Fingers” and “Lobster”. So, thank you. So freaking much. The summer was also filled with Bridal Makeup applications, and every single bridal party was an absolute joy to work with.
Now that the summer is long gone I’m back in school and my husband and I are expecting our first baby in December. Life’s about to get crazy. Although it has been pretty crazy since March 2020, hasn’t it?
I don’t know about you, but since that dreaded March barely anything in my life has been the same. As a member of the arts and entertainment industry, everything was shut down and my husband and I uprooted from Toronto to PEI. I lost my Musical Theatre gigs for the next year and a half, and I still don’t know what life will look like in the theatre/film industry once it’s “back to normal” (will that even exist anymore?), especially as a new mom.
The necessity to be creative, the necessity to pivot as everything was being ripped away from artists, and the necessity to keep pushing myself to learn and evolve. I still find it very hard to “look at the positive '' of COVID because of all the heartache it has caused an infinite amount of people, but I have to say that launching my products and committing to this business has been an absolute joy and eye opening experience. I had a huge appreciation for small businesses in my community before, but now it has opened my eyes to the rigorous work entrepreneurs and business owners put themselves through to contribute to their communities. I am enjoying this work so much that it makes me wonder how I will go back to “pre-pandemic” life. I have no idea how to do that. I essentially had to create a new life for myself, so how do you pivot AGAIN?? Deep thoughts for a Friday afternoon…
33 is one of my favourite numbers!
This pregnancy has been an interesting experience and I know that it will only continue to get more interesting! Feeling my baby shimmy my belly around makes my jaw drop, and trying to comprehend the fact that her little heart is beating inside of me is wild. I have two heartbeats in my body?! How cool is that! It’s nuts to think about and I don’t take it for granted in the slightest.
It also makes me wonder what life will look like after her arrival. Again, life changed so much because of the pandemic and now it’s about to change a WHOLE lot more. I have no idea what it’s going to look like, but I do know I have an amazing community of family and friends surrounding me, and I think community has become less of a priority to people in recent years. I want to be sure I remember that my community is here to support me and I want to continue to support them as this baby comes into the world.
Anyway- how are you doing??? Are you checking in with yourself? I find it grounds me and helps me remember that the world isn’t resting on my shoulders. We’re all living our own experiences and it’s important to get outside of yourself- but in order to do that you need to go internal and see what’s up in that brain of yours.
The holiday season is fast approaching and I have a new product coming your way VERY soon. Keep an eye out for that! The clock is ticking!
xo, Jessica
There are so many Instagram accounts, beauty brands, and weird makeup tips out there that can make starting your makeup journey confusing. Take a look at these simple tips for makeup beginners and you'll be off to the races!
Listen, makeup can be intimidating. You walk into a drugstore and there are thousands of products staring you down from the aisle. Do you know how much money I’ve spent by accidentally buying brown waterproof mascara rather than black regular mascara!?! It can be confusing! The best advice: start small. Here are some tips to creating a makeup bag that doesn’t freak you out every time you sit in front of the mirror:
Start with the SKIN
Do you wear moisturizer? Sunscreen? These are two staples that I would immediately tell you to put in your bag and to wear daily. As much as I love the sun, it is the number one damager of the skin. There are many drugstore brands that have great ingredients and work for all skin types that you can try so you don’t break the bank! Try a tinted moisturizer with SPF for your foundation base.
CONCEALER
Hungover? Tired? No fear! Concealer is here! Just pop a little under the eye and you immediately look more awake!
MASCARA
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara has been my go-to drugstore mascara FOREVER. It isn’t clumpy and does just the trick when I’m in a rush to get out the door.
Pick ONE Eyeshadow Palette to start
Why buy 239847023947 different eyeshadow palettes when you can have everything you need in one? The PEI Palette by JGB is perfect for everyday wear or going out on the town. Plus it’s super cute and has adorable shade names. You can use your fingers for quick application or a brush for precision.
LIPS
Find a colour that will wake up your face but also one that you can wear for a “no makeup look”. JGB’s PEI Lipsticks are perfect! Check out Nude Beach, Mom’s Favourite, Peony Pink, and O.M.G! You can also use this as an instant blush to add some dimension and warmth to your face!
BROWS
Brows shape the face. Grab a simple brow gel and fluff your brows in an upward direction for an easy, youthful pick-me-up.
There you go. An easy start to what can be a super complicated and intimidating feat (thanks YouTube and social meda, lol). You can shop now for the PEI Palette and the PEI Lipsticks HERE. Don’t forget to have FUN with your makeup application and make it time for YOU.
Thinking of visiting Prince Edward Island or already have that special trip planned? The “PEI Palette” was inspired by all the incredible sites and activities that are available on Prince Edward Island, so Jessica made a list of her top ten favourite things to do on PEI in the summertime! Copy and paste this list into your phone notes so you don’t miss these incredible activities the Island has to offer! You may even recognize some eyeshadow shade names from the “PEI Palette” ;) !
10. See a show a Trailside Music Hall
Trailside NEVER disappoints! This venue showcases some of PEI’s greatest musical acts. The vibes here are so electric and relaxing at the same time you’ll never want to leave. Located downtown Charlottetown, it’s also attached to a cafe where you can enjoy a pre-show meal!
9. Grab some garlic fingers
Never heard of Garlic Fingers? Then believe me, you’re MISSING OUT! This is a maritime delicacy that is a mixture of pizza and cheesy bread. There truly is no way to describe the delicious taste of a hot garlic finger though, so go try them!! Jessica is so obsessed with them that she even created a shade in the “PEI Palette” that is shimmery and gold toned, much like an oily hot pan of garlic fingers emerging from the oven. Is your mouth watering yet? Cuz mine is.
8. Village Pottery
Nestled in New London, this is PEI’s longest running pottery shop! If you want to add a splash of uniqueness to your kitchen, their custom pottery is what you’re looking for!
7. Blue Mussel Cafe in Rustico
This is one of PEI’s best family owned restaurants, situated directly on the water beside Rustico beach. It’s cozy atmosphere features some of the best seafood the island has to offer, and while you’re there you can explore one of the cutest towns on the Island, Rustico!
6. See a Ceilidh
Pronounced “Kay-lee”, this is a social gathering of traditional music, dance and song. You definitely need to witness some step-dancing before you leave the Island!
5. Pub crawl downtown Charlottetown
The city of Charlottetown is bustling with local restaurants and pubs. Head to the Old Triangle on Sundays to see a live fiddle band, then hop around to bustling locations like Nimrods on the dock, Fishies on the Roof, and Next Door for the best day of drinking and eating you’ll ever have!!
4. A day at Basin Head and Shirley’s for supper
Basin Head is known as one of Canada’s best beaches, and is especially known for its “Singing Sands”. You’ll have a blast jumping off the wharf, playing beach volleyball, and seeing the WoodIsland Ferry float by while you’re swimming in the ocean. After a sunkissed day at the beach, head to Shirley’s in Souris for a delicious platter of fish and chips plus a milkshake.
3. Book a Cordial Picnic
This is one of PEI’s hottest new trends. Cordial Picnics creates an oceanside, picturesque picnic that screams romance and is perfect for your instagram aesthetic. These picnics come in different themes for you to choose whether you have a bachelorette, birthday, an engagement, or just because! RUN to book with them!
2. Bonfire and Camping on the beach **Includes stargazing**
Grab your guitar and cozy up by a bonfire on the beach as the sun goes down. Make sure you set up your camping gear while the sun is still up, and set out some blankets for the most insane stargazing you’ll ever witness!
1. Inn at Bay Fortune
Three words. Chef. Michael. Smith.
This Inn features a 5 star world class restaurant on Fortune Bay. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. Everything you eat is farm to table, even the caesars!!
This list scratches the surface of all the magical things you can experience on PEI. Don’t forget to have some strawberries and biscuits, eat some lobster, and chat with some locals! Have a BLAST on PEI! Check out JGB’s eyeshadow palette, the “PEI Palette”, for an alternative experience to visiting PEI! You’ll love using shades named “Garlic Fingers”, “Grammie’s House”, and "Singing Sands"!
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