Category Archives: Uncategorized

November 23, 2011 · 10:30 am

haul: my imats goodies

This year at the IMATS Toronto, I surprised myself at how much wallet and self-control I displayed. I really didn’t need too much going into the trade show, so most of what I ended up purchasing was for me rather than my kit. I mean really, why should my kit get all the fun ALL the time?!

So here it is in all its humble glory – my official IMATS haul!

I have always wanted to try this cream by Embryolisse. It seems it’s constantly being raved about by YouTubers and makeup artists alike and there was an incredible deal offered where you got two tubes for $40. I went in on this special with fellow beauty blogger and gal pal Stefania from Trucco Treat. I’ve been using it for a week now and have been pretty impressed so far. I smell a product review in the future!

I really didn’t need anymore brushes. Anyone who has ever laid eyes on my brush belt knows this is a huge understatement. Somehow (and not surprisingly) I managed to display a lapse in my willpower at the bdellium booth. Their affordable yet well made brushes were successfully tempting. I couldn’t possibly walk away without trying something from the brand. Enter the 787 eye blending brush, which is now one of my new favourites for buffing in concealer.

The LA Splash Splashproof Base was on my ‘must buy’ list from the beginning. I was on the hunt for a reliable glitter base and this affordable goodie came with pretty amazing reviews. At $6 per tube, I nabbed two just in case I loved it too. I used this for the first time this weekend and was blown away with how well it adhered glitter to my lids.

I’m not new to the world of OCC Lip Tars and all the awesomeness they embody. I have quite a few of these in my kit already and love them, so I decided to treat myself to a tube of a shade called Hoochie to the tune of $10. This super bright magenta fuels my need for sexy lip hues that are as subtle as a punch to the face and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Oh false lashes, how I love thee! I just couldn’t help buying a few of these Red Cherry lashes to add a little glamour and flirt in my life. For $3.99 a set, I figured four pairs was enough to satiate my lash itch.

The lovely folks behind the New Jersey-based brand Nurturing Force were kind enough to give me a little package to try out. In it was their Blot Out Offensive Shine Cream which acts as a dual HD primer and a mattifying cream, as well as their Lavender Blotting Papers. I  can’t wait to give these a try!

Lastly were my purchases from the Make Up For Ever booth. The Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector intrigued me. Seeing as I suffer from sparse brows, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect product to give me the illusion of a fatter eyebrow. Then I indulged in Aqua Creme #10, a brilliant golden tangerine shade that is designed for the lips and cheeks. I was actually disappointed that this shade wasn’t suited for the eyes seeing that was my initial motivation to buy it. Nonetheless, I’m quite pleased with my purchases.

So there it is, my fellow beauty junkies! My haul from this years IMATS. I did minimal damage but left with some great deals and a handful of great products. What did any of you get at the show?

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April 5, 2011 · 9:48 pm

books: beauty lit

Other than lipglosses, eyeshadows, powders, brushes and pretty much ALL makeup, another thing I like to collect are beautiful makeup books. There is always a never-ending supply of inspiring images and tricks of the trade by individual beauty pros. Sipping on a cup of tea and flipping through those glossy pages is a guilty pleasure I indulge in quite frequently.

Sometimes as a makeup artist you get immersed in the hustle and bustle of your job and forget to stop and check out what others are doing in your field. Sharing and inspiring one another keeps you on top of your game and helps you educate yourself in new or different techniques in the makeup world.

Here are a few of my favourite reads:

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin, (1999)

This late makeup genius was a visionary in the makeup world. Despite being published over ten years ago, these pages are filled with transformations that STILL blow my mind. This book is a staple for any makeup lovers collection.

 

 

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown, (2008)

An amazing manual for all levels of makeup application. Has a fabulous breakdown of how to create a flawless complexion and even a section on how to break into the ‘biz’.

 

The Beauty of Color by Iman, (2006)

This book is a celebration of women of colour. The photography is gorgeous and features a great selection of looks on celebrities and real women. Makes a fantastic coffee table book!

 

Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris, (2008)

This book by one of Australia’s top makeup artists features gorgeous step-by-step guides to create luxuriously high fashion looks. The photography is done by noted fashion photographer, Steven Chee and is nothing short of a visual dream.

 

Makeup Masterclass by Jemma Kidd, (2009)

Jemma Kidd has created a stunning book that is a joy to read and be inspired. I love how she breaks down high fashion makeup looks for everyday wear. Filled with tips, tricks and step-by-step techniques, you can tell why so many aspiring makeup artists are choosing Jemma’s popular London school for their training.

 

About Face by Scott Barnes, (2010)

Scott Barnes is a celebrity makeup artist with a fabulous technique to creating a gorgeous face. In this book he breaks down his transformations on real women and the results are breathtaking. I absolutely love his approach to highlighting and contouring. Definitely a must read!

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Filed under Bobbi Brown, Books, fashion, inspiration, my favourites, photos, reviews, style, tips + tricks, trends, tutorial, Uncategorized

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March 31, 2011 · 12:04 am

event: lg fashion week – joe fresh style + bustle

I had the  opportunity to attend a couple of shows on Tuesday at LG Fashion Week in Toronto. It was a last-minute affair for me, but I grabbed my fabulous friend Mark, threw an outfit and face together and off we went.

I had never been to Fashion Week before and I was in heaven with all the beautiful and eclectic people that were in attendance. I was in people-watching overload! With a glass of vino in hand, I grabbed my spot in the VIP FDCC line to get into the Joe Fresh Style show.

Joe Fresh Style showed a gorgeous collection of neutral tones with pops of bright orange, jade and blue. Classic cuts paired with splashes of texture were a common theme. I wanted the orange wool coat the moment I laid eyes on it.

The hair was simple. Imperfectly straight and with a center part, it looked effortlessly beautiful. The makeup was minimalist chic. Fresh, semi-matte skin, natural yet groomed brows, sheer washes of gold on the lids and bronzed skin were the perfect complement to the collection.

The show was a full house and an absolute success! I still can’t believe that the clothes are so chic AND affordable. Amazing.

After the first show ended, I lined up immediately for the last show (and the most anticipated) of the night – Bustle. Running a fashionably forty minutes late, I was happy to finally get to my seat and enjoy.

The show started with a black & white video intro of a beautiful man driving to a northern lodge and dog sledding which transitioned into him heading onto the runway to start the show. Full of exceptionally handsome male models, I was impressed with the sexy yet rugged theme of the collection. The oh-so-Canadian medley of tailored pieces paired with casual chic were infused with plaid jackets, relaxed fit pants and knits. Models donned axes, snifters of brandy and posed with a sled at the foot of the runway to tie into the ski-lodge theme. It was certainly MORE than worth the wait!

What a fabulous way to spend a normally mundane Tuesday. I can’t wait for the next LG Fashion Week. I’m officially addicted! Look out!

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February 13, 2011 · 12:57 am

nails: zoya intimate 2011 collection

Spring is almost here. Soon all the snow will melt, the birds will sing and beautiful pops of colour will be celebrated.

This spring collection by Zoya is nothing short of pretty.  A mix of candied pastels and sexy metallics, these polishes bring a nice change from the dark shades of winter. My personal favourites are Gemma, Dove & Marley. Purples and grays will always have a special place in my heart.

TOP: (L-R) Caitlin, Dannii, Dove

BOTTOM: (L-R) Jules, Gemma, Marley

 

Here is the breakdown of what’s in this spring palette:

  • Marley – lightest baby lavender touched with a hint of gray-silver and a subtle pearl finish
  • Dove - soft, delicate light neutral gray with an opaque, glossy creme finish
  • Caitlin – smoky purple-tinged medium gray with smooth, opaque creme finish
  • Dannii – medium orchid purple with pink and champagne highlights and flecks of silver metallic shimmer
  • Jules – a sparkling neutral light taupe with gold, silver and champagne metallic shimmer
  • Gemma - light muted olive green with an overlay of blue and violet duochrome shimmer

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Filed under nails, spring, trends, Uncategorized, youtube, Zoya

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December 13, 2010 · 9:00 am

fotd: darkhorse

 

 

 

FACE
  • MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC20
  • MAC Select Cover-Up in NW20
  • BeneFit Powderflage Powder Concealer
  • MAC e/s in Brun + Wedge (mixed to fill in brows)
  • MAC Pro Studio Finish Powder – Gold (highlight)
  • Eva Garden Precious Minerals Bronzer
EYES
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • UD e/s in Darkhorse* (lid + lower lashline)
  • UD e/s in Buck* (crease)
  • UD e/s in Virgin* (tear duct)
  • MAC e/s in Blanc Type (brow bone)
  • UD 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero (tightline/waterline)
  • L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black
LIPS
  • Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm

* – from the Urban Decay Naked Palette

 

 

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Filed under brown looks, Eva Garden, FOTD, gold looks, L'Oreal, MAC, neutral looks, smoky looks, trends, Uncategorized, Urban Decay

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· 12:01 am

skin: scrub a dub dub

Scrub, polish, slough, buff, or exfoliate. Whatever you call it, most of us don’t do it often enough. Granted we might give our face some attention now and then, but what about the rest of our bodies!? What’s the point in putting a good moisturizer on your skin if you’re only putting it on the dead, flaky stuff? Ideally, we should be exfoliating once a week for normal skin and up to two times for extra dry skin types.

The best and easiest way to keep on top of this routine is to keep your chosen product in the shower. Apply the exfoliant on the body and rub it into the skin in circular motions from bottom to top towards the heart. Using this technique, especially on problem areas, can also help diminish the appearance of cellulite over time.

Here are some great options to get smooth!

 

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish

A blend of four precious oils and brown sugar are a winning combination to soothe and smooth.

400g –  $65.00USD

 

 

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub

This scrub’s ground rice and almond shell powder refine the skin and its creamy chocolate scent embrace your senses.

200ml – $20CDN

 

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Polish

This uplifting citrus blend jump starts your day while leaving the skin free of dead skin cells.

12oz – $36USD

 

Cake Milk Made Smoothing White Sugar Scrub

This ultra hydrating blend of whole milk, white sugar, coconut oil replenish and hydrate the skin. The scent of vanilla and raspberry is pleasing and pretty.

20 oz – $32CDN


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December 12, 2010 · 12:01 am

haul: urban decay naked palette

What can I say about the Urban Decay Naked palette…?

This little makeup collection is quite the hot item – and extremely hard to get a hold of. I had seen the palette in Sephora plenty of times and it was love at first sight. Alas, it was always sold out. I found a Shoppers Drug Mart that carried Urban Decay and yet again, they were sold out of this palette too. What’s a girl to do?

I put my name on the SDM waitlist and a little over a month later I got the phone call. Hurray! So now my friends I am the proud owner of the Naked Palette.

What you get is a cute package containing the palette of 12 neutral toned eyeshadows, a double-ended 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero & Whiskey, as well as a mini Primer Potion. All for $53 CDN!

Let’s take a peek – - -

(L-R) Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar

(L-R) Darkhorse, Smog, Half Baked, Buck

(L-R) Gunmetal, Creep, Hustle, Toasted

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Filed under hauls, my favourites, palettes, product launch, reviews, swatches, trends, Uncategorized, Urban Decay

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December 10, 2010 · 9:56 am

contest: Vasanti Cosmetics $100 Giveaway

Do you want to win one of two $100 prize packs from Canadian brand, Vasanti Cosmetics?

Here’s how!

  • Post your pic on the Vasanti Facebook page
  • Include in your post what products you are wearing from the line OR what products you would like to try
  • Once your pic is up, ask your friends and family to join the Vasanti FB page & get them to vote by commenting on your pic

It’s THAT easy!

Details: 
Giveaway closes Dec 17th at 5pm EST. 
You MUST be a Facebook fan and live in the US, CANADA or UK to qualify. 
Winner(s) can choose up to $100 worth of Vasanti products of their choice. One time redemption. Applies to all Vasanti products that are in stock. Prize must be redemmed within 2 weeks of winners being announced.
One comment per person, per picture will be counted as 1 vote only.
One entry per day and it must be a different pic each time

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December 9, 2010 · 4:33 am

trend: lighten up

There is nothing worse than suffering through the cold months with dull, lackluster skin. That, paired with a plethora of holiday parties, we may need some assistance radiating that sexy festive glow. The trends for the season are in full swing. We’re rocking those smoky eyes, perhaps sporting a bold lip or creating that perfect brow. I’m more excited about busting out my beautiful highlighting products to create the perfect makeup accessory to the Fall/Winter looks – and more importantly for my many nights out with family and friends.

There are plenty of choices for adding some ‘dew’ or ‘sheen’ to the skin. Liquids, powders, gold, silver and pink…variety is the spice of life.

These are some of my favourites.

BeneFit highbeam Luminizer

a gorgeous silver/pink toned liquid that adds a pretty sheen to the skin.

great on fair complexions

Smashbox Soft Lights

gives skin a hint of luminosity. looks pretty as a soft highlight in the tear duct as well.

 

MAC Pigment in Vanilla

a gorgeous shade of golden ivory. this multi-use powder is lovely on a vast range of skin tones.

beautiful on olive/medium skin.

 

NARS Highlight Blush Powder

don’t let this fool you. it looks really white but goes on warm and gives a lovely glow on all skin tones.

 

beautyADDICTS Express Glimmer Sheer

a cute highlighting duo. one side is a warm ivory luminizer and the other side is a jojoba gel to give an even more dewy finish.

the gel side can also be used as a clearish lip treatment.

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Filed under beautyADDICTS, BeneFit, gold looks, MAC, NARS, pigments, Smashbox, tips + tricks, trends, Uncategorized

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March 31, 2010 · 12:34 am

I Got An Award!!!

Hey darlings!

I am so stoked to have received a blog award the other day. The lovely Kali from The MakeUp Drawer bestowed this “Best Blog Award” to me. Thanks so SO much, Kali. You are a sweetheart.

I really love blogging about beauty and I am grateful for all my followers, supporters and all that inspires me to do this. I send out kisses and hugs to all of those folks. Thanks for reading this ol‘ blog and I will keep doing my thing as best as I can.

Cheers.


RULES

  • To accept this award, post it on your blog with the name of the person that awarded you and add a link to their blog

  • Pass on to blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great


  • Contact these bloggers and let them know you’ve awarded them


I have chosen the following beauty bloggers as recipients of this award:




Check out these blogs if you can. Awesome ladies who love beauty!

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