Tag Archives: spring

haul: getting juiced with bite beauty

Much like I am with gorgeous men, I can’t resist a pretty lip gloss.

Perhaps it was the doing of the mimosa I had at brunch, but after one glance at that Bite Beauty Lip Shine, it was all over my kisser and it was spectacular!

The Canadian brand, Bite Beauty, is a collection of lip products that are infused with the super-antioxidant resveratrol (which is found in the skin of red grapes), food-grade colours and organic shea butter. In the Lip Shine specifically, there is as much resveratrol as you will find in five glasses of red wine (without the hangover, naturally). It truly is beauty that’s better for you!

I picked up the Lip Shine in Pink Grapefruit ($20) which is a soft pink shade with a lot more colour than I anticipated. It feels nice and light on the lips and doesn’t have that tacky/sticky feeling which I personally dislike. My dry lips were nourished and hydrated thanks to time-released jojoba beads and the lack of petroleum in the ingredient list.

Check out how gorgeous it is!

This is the beginning of a beautiful glossy love affair!

You can find this and other products by Bite Beauty at Sephora retailers and at sephora.com

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Filed under Bite Beauty, hauls, lips, pink looks, reviews, spring, swatches

launch: marcelle bb cream

Inspired by the trends in Asia, I’m pleased to share with you that Marcelle is releasing an amazing new beauty and skin care product that is sure to make its way into your makeup cases. I had the chance to see and feel this at the Annabelle/Marcelle Beauty Premiere event in November and ever since, I’ve wanted a tube of my very own. An 8-in-1 multi-benefit beauty balm, BB Cream is a moisturizing skin care, tinted corrector and makeup base that enhances your natural beauty.

The Eight Multi-Benefits are:

  1. minimizes the appearance of imperfections and pores
  2. evens out skin tone
  3. replaces primers by providing an excellent makeup base
  4. mattifies skin and controls shine
  5. offers immediate and long-term hydrating benefits
  6. soothes and calms the skin
  7. protects from premature aging and environmental stresses
  8. promotes skin regeneration

Ideal for any age and skin type, BB Cream comes in two shades (light-to-medium & medium-to-dark) which works on a variety of skin tones due to its self-adjusting pigments. The fact that it’s hypo-allergenic as well as oil, paraben and fragrance free make this perfect for even sensitive and oily skin types.

The minute I had the BB Cream in my possession, I had to put it to the test. Although I’ve been blessed with decent skin, without a little foundation, I do have some slight redness and uneven tone. There are three ways to use Marcelle BB Cream. The first is on cleansed skin as a corrective tinted moisturizer. The second is to use it alone or over your moisturizer to unify your complexion. Finally, use it as a makeup base under foundation for total coverage and improved staying power. I opted for the first.

The before and after photos were taken in natural light and are untouched.

I instantly noticed a difference in how supple my skin felt and how even my complexion looked. Please know that this is ALL the BB Cream’s doing! I have no concealer or foundation on. Heck, I didn’t even apply any moisturizer! It’s like I’ve been Photoshopped! I have a feeling this is the beginning of a beauty-ful love affair.

You can get your hands on your very own tube of BB Cream as of February 6, 2012 when it’s launched at pharmacies and mass retail stores across Canada.

—————————————————-
Marcelle BB Cream
$22.95 CAD – 45mL
www.marcelle.com

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Filed under foundation, Marcelle, product launch, reviews, skincare, spring, swatches

behind the scenes: davines woman shoot 2011

Okay, I know it’s been what seems like an epic hiatus from blogging.  Many apologies for my absence. The summer has brought on many blog posting obstacles such as an overwhelming amount of bridal work, teaching, general summer shenanigans and a phenomenal photoshoot for the Davines Woman competition.

It’s no secret how much I love and respect all my colleagues and am always finding inspiration in their craft. It’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to collaborate with them on a photoshoot and construct makeup looks that synergize with the beautiful hair they create. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite “behind the scenes” photos that I snapped in between contributing my makeup expertise on set.

Mark E. in perfection mode.

Santo doing final touch ups on the lovely Katie.

Katie looking like a glowy goddess thanks to MAC Strobe Lotion.

Working my makeup magic on Sam.

Photographer Giuseppe Fuda guides Sam on striking a killer pose.

Katie getting cheeky.

Sam looking like a retro beauty.

And now for the final shots. I am so proud of these photos. The shoot was awesome and the energy was beyond fun.

Photographer: Giuseppe Fuda
Hair: Mark Ellerbeck (Aquilibrium Salon & Spa)
Makeup: Patty Kamarinos
Model: Sam

Photographer: Giuseppe Fuda
Cut: Santo Gradanti (Aquilibrium Salon & Spa)
Colour: Melissa Flaro (Aquilibrium Salon & Spa)
Makeup: Patty Kamarinos
Model: Katie

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Filed under beautyADDICTS, creative work, Eva Garden, fashion, gold looks, green looks, hair, inspiration, lips, MAC, Makeup Forever, NARS, orange looks, photoshoots, pigments, pink looks, portfolio shots, red looks, runway looks, Sleek Makeup, style, trends

fotd: acid brights

FACE
  • NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe
  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand
  • MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
  • MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe
  • Eva Garden Precious Minerals Bronzer
EYES
  • BeneFit Stay Don’t Stray Primer
  • Sleek Makeup Acid Palette
    • Magenta – lid
    • Neon Pink – inner corner
    • Purple – outer corner
    • Black – to deepen the purple
    • Kelly Green – outer lower lashline
    • Neon Green – center lower lashline
    • Neon Yellow – lower tear duct
  • Marcelle Power Volume Mascara in Black
LIPS
  • MAC lip pencil in Magenta
  • Eva Garden Brilliant lipgloss

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Filed under BeneFit, blue looks, Bobbi Brown, Eva Garden, FOTD, green looks, lips, MAC, Marcelle, NARS, pink looks, purple looks, Sleek Makeup, spring, trends

sleek me!

 

I am so excited to have in my possession two palettes that I have been eyeing for quite some time now. My lovely best friend, who lives across the pond in the charming UK, brought me the Acid and Storm palettes for my birthday. I can’t wait to start playing with these!

In the meantime, here are some sexy shots I took of these goodies so you can take a closer look at the beautiful colour range they have to offer.

[THE ACID PALETTE]

[THE STORM PALETTE]

Thanks oodles to Kristen for bringing these amazing makeup pieces into my life. You are the best! xo

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Filed under hauls, my favourites, neutral looks, palettes, Sleek Makeup, spring, style, trends

fotd: i love turquoise

Golly! It’s been way too long between blog posts. My deepest apologies to all my subscribers and readers. This month has been full of transition in my life. I’ve been working a lot and organizing/preparing my home for the arrival of a new roommate. I will definitely be back on track posting more frequently now.

Hope you enjoy this FOTD!

xo

 

 

FACE
  • NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe
  • MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW20
  • MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
  • MAC e/s in Brun + Wedge (mixed to fill in brows)
  • Eva Garden Precious Minerals Bronzer
  • Smashbox Soft Lights Powder

 

EYES
  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero
  • MAC e/s in Aquadisiac (lid + lower lashline)
  • Urban Decay e/s in Zero (crease)
  • Urban Decay e/s in Virgin (inner corner)
  • Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara in Black
LIPS
  • B&BW Liplicious Cupcake gloss in Red Velvet

 

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Filed under Bath and Body Works, black looks, blue looks, Eva Garden, FOTD, foundation, MAC, NARS, Rimmel, Smashbox, trends, Urban Decay

lips: Marcelle Rouge Xpression

I recently got my hands on the 9 new Rouge Xpression lipstick shades to play around with. This collection of rich neutrals and sassy brights are the perfect compliment to the hot looks for spring/summer this year. The colours apply beautifully and wear like a dream. They contain a maxi-lip complex to moisturize and hydrate the delicate lip area so you are more than smooch ready.

I have swatched the following 8 shades to share with you all. Unfortunately, I misplaced the Jezebel lipstick (which was a lovely mauve shade), so that last lonely lipstick is not included in the mix.

In any case, there is a shade for everyone in this collection to suit your every mood. From sexy to demure, classic to trendy – I hope you enjoy.

 

(L-R) Amore, Cleopatra, Paris Rose, Couture

 

(L-R) Romanesque, Attitude, Mauve Avant-Garde, Feline

 

  • AMORE (cream) – a cherry red
  • CLEOPATRA (cream) – a wearable violet-pink
  • PARIS ROSE (cream) – a sexy coral
  • COUTURE (pearl) – a brown with a purpleish undertone

 

  • ROMANESQUE (pearl) – a warm nude with a hint-o-pink
  • ATTITUDE (cream) – a cool fawn shade
  • MAUVE AVANT-GARDE (cream) – a dark-medium warm brown
  • FELINE (pearl) – a slightly pearly red-aubergine brown

 

My favourites: Paris Rose, Cleopatra, Jezebel (not shown) and Romanesque

My not-so-favourite: Attitude (it looked terrible on me)

 

marcelle.com

shoppersdrugmart.com

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Filed under lips, Marcelle, product launch, spring, style, summer, swatches, trends

brand: tokyo milk

I recently fell in love with a new brand that came into my work. The New York City based company, Tokyo Milk has got to be the most brilliantly packaged/marketed lines I have seen to date. It oozes with a vintage style that is appropriate for young and old, while offering a variety of fragrances, lotions, soaps and more for a decadent sensory experience.

While I’ve only gotten to see and play with a fraction of what Tokyo Milk has to offer, their website boasts a delectable catalogue of beauty goodies which I highly recommend you check out.

Of the products I HAVE tried, some of my favourites are as follows:

Parfum

$28

  • Dead Sexy – A ‘romantic & ethereal’ scent of Deep Vanilla, Exotic Wood, White Orchid & Ebony
  • Lotus Sake - A sparkling bouquet of Crisp Greens, Plum, Green Lotus, and Warm Sake
  • Le Petit – A gently opening fragrance of Lily, Peony, Vanilla Bean & Violet Petals
  • Kabuki – A sweetened citrus blend of Sugared Grapefruit, Lychee & Sweet Jasmine

Handcremes

$18

  • Let Them Eat Cake - The sugary decadence of Sugar Cane, Coconut Milk, Vanilla Orchid & White Musk
  • Gin & Rosewater - A beautiful balance with notes of Citrus Zest, Rosewood, Mimosa & Mandarin
  • Honey & The Moon – A subtly sweet blend of Honey, Sugared Violet, Jasmine & Sandalwood

Bon Bon Lip Balms

$10

 

  • Iced Green Tea - Candied lemon imparts a hint of sweetness upon delicate Mountain Green Tea, a refreshing drink for the thirstiest of lips.
  • Petit Fours – Our rich formula is imparted with the flavor of delicate pastries filled with caramelized Pear and candied Lavender Your lips will feel deliciously soft.
  • Honey Blossom - Sweet Clover Honey and decadent Poppy Nectar sweeten your lips for a coming kiss
Tokyo Milk – www.tokyo-milk.com
For those in the GTA East area, you can find select products by Tokyo Milk at Aquilibrium Salon & Spa.

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Filed under my favourites, product launch, reviews, skincare, spring, style, Tokyo Milk, trends

fotd: tattle teal

I had the supreme pleasure of getting some fabulous beauty goodies from Marcelle Cosmetics to try out. I am very excited to play with their new lipsticks and liquid eyeliner pens that are in hues so perfect for the upcoming spring season. As you may have noticed, I love me some bright colours (on the eyes AND on the lips) so I thought I’d give myself a little spring flavour to get me geared for the upcoming balmy weather.

 

 

 

FACE
  • Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in 04 Nude
  • MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW20
  • Benefit Powderflage Powder Concealer
  • MAC e/s in Brun + Wedge (mixed to fill in brows)
  • Eva Garden Precious Minerals Bronzer

 

EYES
  • MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
  • MAC e/s in Blanc Type (lid)
  • MAC e/s in Velour (crease)
  • Marcelle Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Teal
  • Marcelle Lux Diamond Liquid Liner in Silver
  • L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black
LIPS
  • Marcelle Rouge Xpression lipstick in Paris Rose

 

Be sure to stay tuned for some of my future FOTD posts where I will feature some more of the new makeup that Marcelle has to offer.

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Filed under BeneFit, blue looks, Eva Garden, FOTD, foundation, green looks, lips, MAC, Marcelle, Maybelline, spring, style, tips + tricks, trends

fotd: pucker up

♥Happy Valentine’s Day♥

 

 

 

FACE
  • MAC Face + Body Foundation in C1
  • MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW20
  • MAC Prep + Prime Finishing Powder
  • MAC e/s in Wedge & Brun (brows)
  • MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt (contour)
  • NYX blush in Pinky
  • MAC Pro Studio Finish Powder – Gold (highlight)
EYES
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • MAC Painterly Paint Pot
  • MAC e/s in Mulch (lid + lower lashline)
  • MAC Pro Studio Finish Powder – Gold (center of lid)
  • MAC e/s in Vanilla (inner corner + brow bone)
  • Maybelline Volum’Express One By One Mascara in Blackest Black
LIPS
  • MAC Lip Mix in White
  • OCC Lip Tar in Pageant


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Filed under brown looks, FOTD, foundation, gold looks, lips, MAC, Maybelline, NYX, OCC, pink looks, spring, tips + tricks, trends, Urban Decay