Beauty News: Balmshell Sale with Beyond the Rack!

Balmshell fans listen up! Balmshell and BeyondtheRack.com have teamed up to offer an exclusive sale starting today, March 31st until April 2nd. It takes minutes to sign up on the site and you instantly get to enjoy amazing deals from top designers and beauty brands! Tell your friends and you get to save even more money.

If you've been wanting to try Balmshell products then this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on their must-have glosses and lip/cheek stains. They have bundled their glosses and cheek/lip tints exclusively for this sale - it really is a steal! Some of my favourite glosses: Darling You Look Fabulous, Weekend In the Hamptons, and Yummy Mummy!

Avoid the sign up wait list and join Beyond The Rack through this invite link: http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B12799AB! Shop now before it's all gone! Happy shopping!

www.beyondtherack.com

www.balmshell.com

Makeup 101: Bridal Beauty Prep Checklist

If you're wondering why Makeup Junkie is featuring bridal beauty posts lately it's because my bridal season has begun! Some of you readers may be getting married or know someone that is and we want to help make your day a special one! 

Up until the last minute brides are running around making sure the last few details are in order. By that time, most of you are ready to pull your hair out and wishing you were on the honeymoon. In the midst of the madness, the bride tends to forget about herself. Check out Makeup 'n The Bride to read our Beauty Prep Checklist to help you get ready for the big day physically and most importantly mentally!

http://makeupandthebride.com

LG Toronto Fashion Week F/W 2010: VAWK

Yesterday, I had the awesome pleasure of working the VAWK show with the fabulous CARGO Cosmetics team! In case you aren't familiar, VAWK is the Canadian line launched by Project Runway Season 2 winner, Sunny Fong. The show was held at The AGO, a fitting venue for the theme of his line: structure meets disintegration.

The makeup inspiration was what I like to call "ice princess": strong architectural brows, pale creamy white eyes and lashes, frost bitten cheeks and paled out lips with just a smudge of red in the center. The lovely and talented Key Artist and CARGO National Artist and Training & Education Manager in Canada, Annesley, collaborated with Sunny to create this whimsical yet edgy look. 

 The fab makeup team with Sunny! L-R: Eunique, Sunny, Kristie, and Annesley

The makeup went through many variations before we got to the final look but the end result looked stunning on the runway! The hair, done by the fantastic team at Salon Daniel, was ah-mazing. The top was teased for volume, hair kept close to the sides and the back was pulled into a square bun. The excitement of seeing a bride in her wedding dress with the hair and makeup done was very much the same feeling after the models were in their outfits!

1st look

 2nd look, lip colour is applied just to the inner center of lips

After the first run-through, we realized the lips just didn't translate. The natural day light was also washing the models out and the colour on the cheeks needed to be bumped up a few notches.

3rd look, applied more pink blush to the apples and made the lips stronger and less defined

The final look! Lots of pink on the apples, strong white shimmer on the cheekbones, and red lipstick smudged in the center with clear gloss over top

The look was created using all CARGO Cosmetics. It was my first time working with CARGO's Oil-Free Foundation and I absolutely loved the coverage. Skin was still properly covered yet had a luminous finish. The pouch packaging is especially handy for transporting and even more perfect if you're a makeup artist. Another product I fell in love with is Catalina blush which I will have to pick up! In the tin, it looks like a soft pink but don't be fooled! This colour has a lot of pigment but is definitely buildable. This was the blush used to create the baby doll pink cheeks on all the models.

Funny guy - he actually stooped down to my height! 

The show was fabulous and Sunny was an absolute sweet-heart! His talent and humble attitude is inspiring and I was so happy to be apart of the show. I was glad to work with Annesley and Eunique again and to finally meet the uber-talented artist, Kristie Stoodley! Working with a great team just makes working shows that much more fun. 

A few of my favourite pieces

Loved the jewelry pieces!

What did you think of the makeup look? 

To view more pictures from the show visit my gallery here. Check out more VAWK coverage from BlogTO!

www.vawk.ca

www.cargocosmetics.com

Skin Care Skin Care Skin Care!!!!!

I will be the FIRST to tell you that I am TeRrIbLe when it comes to advise on skin care. I am learning as I go but there is SO much I don't know. There IS, however, a guy on YouTube that is GREAT and has some amazing tips for ya'll!!! Click HERE and soak it all in!!! I learned a TON!!!

In My Kit: Bridal Beauty Must-Haves

Want to know what my kit essentials are when getting the bride ready for her special day? I like to carry a few primers with me for different skin types. Since most weddings happen in the summer, a must-have primer for me is CARGO blu_ray High Definition Mattifier! 

Check out Makeup 'n The Bride to see why this is a must-have in my kit!

www.makeupandthebride.com

Adelyn Shop Dot Com

I am in LOVE with this girl!!! Her name is Kim and she is incredibly talented, reasonably priced and classy (all things I love!) I bought two things from her collection and here is some exciting news!!!!!! Kim is going to be making something CUSTOM as part of my giveaway once we reach 100 followers!!!!! One of you will be the lucky recipient of her gorgeous collection. Which from her site do you love the best? Whooooo's exciiiiited?????? wish I could win... =)

Makeup 101: Bridal Beauty

Photo credit: www.kevinlamphoto.com

MU: Joy David-Tilberg

Wedding season has begun! My bridal beauty philosophy has always been radiant, flawless, timeless and naturally you but better. You don't want to look back at your wedding photos ten years from now and think, "What was I thinking?". 

Trying to decide on the right look for you can be difficult. Many look at the celebs for inspiration, but in the end you want to decide on a look that will suit you. You also want makeup that isn't fussy and will need multiple touch-ups throughout the day. Keep in mind, your wedding makeup will be a bit stronger to compensate for lighting in the photographs. So, don't be alarmed if you're wearing more blush than usual. A skilled makeup artist will know how to make those cheeks pop while making it appear like you're glowing from within. 

Check out my sister site, Makeup 'n The Bride, for different bridal looks. Learn how to achieve a glowing, blushing bride look in my latest post featuring the lovely Lauren from LIFT Beauty Boutique!  

To view my complete bridal portfolio click here. Don't forget to join the official Makeup 'n The Bride Facebook Group for tips and beauty updates! 

Evolution

So I have this dArLiNg friend in Virginia..."Hi Anna!!!" =). She sent me something that I thought needed to be shared. I, myself, have had troubled with self esteem and not fitting in when I was younger especially in Jr. High. I was pushed and made fun of for not being pretty enough and for SURE not wearing the "right" clothes. As Cher says in Clueless, "The wounds of adolescence can take years to heal." Boy do I EvEr think that's true. As years have gone by I have learned to accept who I am but of course I still wish I could change a few things....why? Because I see people on magazine covers, on the red carpet and ads on TV. The more I have been working in the industry however, I have been seeing all of the "work" that goes into making them look the way they appear to us. She sent me a video so that you can see the unrealistic touches that are made to make someone look flawless. We all know it's done but I think seeing the process will help the rest of us give each other a break. I especially love this one named "Evolution" and "Amy" Let me know what you think.

Starlet Series Rockin' it like Madonna

One of you lovely ladies out there sent in a request for this beautiful Madonna look:

After way too many problems with technological difficulties, and retake after retake, it seems as though the third time really is the charm (even if it may cause severe eye rolling):

I hope you like the tutorial, after watching other tutorials I realized I'm quite long-winded and tried to just get straight to the point. If you have any questions or would like me to explain something further just let me know.

*Disclaimer: I realize I say the word "Okay" way too often in this tutorial, I'll work on it.*

I Heart You

So, do you remember the blog I was making for you? Ya know, the blog that praises all of your accomplishments...you...yes, you sitting there at your computer screen.I feel that since starting this blog we have all been on a journey. Whether you have just joined or were the first, we have all become part of the "Classy Family" and I appreciate you. I am really proud of all the pictures that are sent to me so appropriately the blog address is imsoproud.blogspot.com =). Just click HERE to see all the pictures you have sent after trying a tutorial or to see special guest tutorialists. Also, if you have done one of the tutorials, don't be afraid to take a picture and send it in!!! I really do LOVE seeing you and hope to see more photos. Thanks Ladies!!!!!

Starlet Series Kim Kardashian Take 2

"My Colors Are Blush and Bashfull"...Who Knows the Movie?????

*WARNING*

This post may make you blush!!! ; )
I got an email the other day asking some great questions about blush. I, myself have been looking into blushes lately and decided to share some finds from the store, mags and various sites =). You ready?????

Okay, first and foremost can I PLEASE just share my love affair with cream blush???It is perfect for the summer months, it's sheer so it doesn't look like you are wearing loads of make-up and it's great for a natural look. Rosy sun-kissed look for the beach anyone? The best thing about cream blush is that you don't need to spend a fortune to get great results!!! It's as if the rosy glow is coming from underneath your skin. It's great for older women ("recycled teenagers" as Grammy calls 'em) and those with dry skin. But one little tip from me to you...come closer....closer....dust just a touch of powder blush over it for staying powder. If you use more than a touch....what was the point of using cream? RIGHT?I also love it because it is so multi-purpose. Now, obviously the best use is to give your cheeks that extra glow when you're feeling washed out but you can also dab some on your lips as a gloss or on your eyelids for eyeshadow.

The two hottest colors of the season are actually rather subdued. Give dark, dramatic colors a rest and get a pretty, feminine look with blush shades and neutral nudes this spring.

Sugar Scape tried and tested the best on the market and here are their favorites:

Boot's 17 range. Their Get Cheeky cream blush is really easy to blend for a fresh natural glow and comes in three different shades to suit your face.

Also in the bargain end of blush is Rimmel's Mousse Blush, $3.49. Get it at Ulta!!!

It has an air-light formula and comes in two delicious sounding shades (they tried Peach Iced Tea, a peachy tone that is so on trend!). It promises to cool you down while it brightens you up. The water-based formula gives off a cooling sensation designed to keep your face refreshed and soft for at least eight hours. How COOL is that???

Maybelline's Dream Mousse blush in Dolly pink for $5.98 at Walmart.

Dream Mousse Blush uses advanced technology to air-whip the mousse, it feels virtually weightless and glides on quickly and easily creating a unique, silky texture without fading or creasing.

If you like to spend a little more on your make-up then they recommend this Blushcreme, $18.50, from Mac.

MAC artists are the masters when it comes to luxury and this blush is no exception. The luxuriously soft and creamy blush tenderly flushes the cheeks or brings them into full-blown rosy bloom. It blends really well and gives a vibrant, dewy fresh, slightly shiny look to the cheeks.

Also in the expensive end of the market is this cream blush. You can find it on Amazon but I haven't seen it on the Benefit website.

The lightweight-blendable formula dries down to a perfect silky powder finish. Benefit's sheer cream blushes give cheeks a perky pinch of natural color, there are three shades in the collection but with names like Ooh... Hush! and Shhh!

REMEMBER too that till the end of the week Wet N Wild is on sale at Kmart and their blush is GREAT!!!

WHEW...what a list eh? Okay, now that you know of some great products, how does one apply blush and what shade for what look? In my opinion it is all about preference. I would never tell anyone what color NOT to wear but maybe what color and color combo would look best for whatever look they are going for. If you are looking for the most natural blush color for your face there is one fail proof test. Check out your face when you come in from a cold day. Not only will you see your natural color but where to apply it as well.

It's always a good idea to have complimenting cheek and lip colors. For example, red lipstick and apricot blush might not be the best option. Stick to these matches: Red lipstick: reddish or pink blush. Rose lipstick: rose blush. Pink lipstick: pink blush. Coral or apricot lipstick: peachy toned blush. Brown toned lipstick: bronze shades of blush with the same undertones as the lipstick. I guess, just don't look like these girls k?If you are unsure of where to place your blush, smile big to find your natural cheek. Then simply brush on your blush while you are smiling. When you apply your blush, use sweeping upward strokes for flawless application.

Starlet Series Kim Kardashian Take 1

Here is Kim on the cover of a Vegas Mag looking GoRgEoUs!!!!! I have gotten TONS of requests for this diva so here you go!!! =) Although I was inspired by this photo I just used it as "inspiration" and threw in some typical Kim touches, i.e. dramatic smokey liner and glossy nude lips. There will be two more looks I will do of hers so stay tuned!!! Are you guys doing these look? Send 'em IN!!!!!! =)

Products Used:
MAC pencil in Fascinating (white) along top lashline
Kohl's Shadow "Ice"on inner 3/4 of lid (I add more of this in the video calling it "silver")
MAC shadow "Vanilla" on brow bone
MAC pigment in "Melon" just in the center of lid
Coastal Scents Matte 88 Pallette bottom row 2nd from left (I refer to this as the reddish brown color)
Kohl's shadow in "Candied Walnut" over that
THEN to darken that take the 88 Pallette last row 2nd from bottom (SuPeR dark brown) to intensify crease
I use my Wet n Wild black liner to do water line and set that with MAC "Cabon" shadow
To contour I use Wedge from MAC and have NO idea why I keep saying Era!!!!!
MAC blush in "Tippy"
Lash Blast for Mascara
MAC lip liner in "Ginger Root"
MAC lipstick in "Fabby"
MAC lipstick in "Myth" just in the center of the bottom lip
MAC gloss in Viva Glam 6 (Fergie limited edition)
Bronzer is from Nicole Miller

Beauty Deal: Vidal Sassoon $25 Cuts!

Ladies (and gents), if you're looking for a new do for Spring definitely check out the cutting edge stylists at Vidal Sassoon! I thankfully have found THE hair stylist for me, but if you're still hopping from salon to salon this is a great way to test the waters. 

To get your $25 (plus tax) hair cut, book an appointment with one of the Sassoon Academy students. Don't worry - they are already-licensed hairdressers looking to learn new techniques. Please keep in mind, they are only looking for those wanting a new shape as opposed to just a trim. A student cut also takes double the amount of time as a regular cut so don't book in between appointments.

Book appointments at either 9:30am or 1:30 pm Monday through Friday (416-920-1333). Sassoon is located in the heart of Yorkville at 37 Avenue Road.

www.sassoon.com

A daily look

Hi! I'm new around here. My name is Monica Giles. I am a wife to one, mother of three, a hair stylist, lover of all things stylish and good friend of the awesome starter of this blog. I have no idea if anyone will read my posts or watch my tutorials but I'll be doing them once in a while anyway. It's kind of a fun way to spice up my life. A little creative outlet, if you will.

My first tutorial is my daily routine starting with my fave self tanner and ending with lipstick. It's a day look, so on the lighter side. Oh the editing has room for improvement but I'll work on it, I promise.

Disclaimer: I did the video in the early morning and I look oh so tired.

There's Smart & Then There's Kmart Smart...

Let's get to shoppin ladies. Kmart is having a sale for the rest of this week on Wet N Wild Cosmetics. Buy one get one FREE!!!!!! You could build up your lipstick supply, get eye pencils galore, I personally LOVE their bronzer, blushes, eye shadows....skies the limit. Go and get em!!! Save your money and STOCK your stash!!!!!!

Beauty Gone Bad Winner!

We all have beauty gone bad stories and although my eye infection was not a fun experience, I thought it would be great to make light of the situation by having others share their bad experiences and win some beauty prizes! Ironic right? ;)

I also wanted to do a give away that would fall close to my birthday which I celebrated yesterday! I am so thankful for all my awesome readers, some who I have had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you to everyone for sharing your beauty gone bad stories with the rest of the world - I hope you have recovered!

There could only be one winner and each of you had some awful stories! The one that really stood out to me was from Lena! I too have had bad experiences with plumping lip products but going into labour takes the cake! I thought it was a great story of beauty gone bad into a beautiful story of a new life being born! Congrats Lena! You have won a Makeup Junkie beauty prize pack of products from L'Oreal, Zoya, Milani, Benefit, CARGO, La Senza, CoverGirl and Maybelline! Enjoy your products! 

You can read about Lena's story here:

I've experienced beauty gone bad just once (thankfully) - I was sent a lip plumping product to review, and although I've used plumpers before, the combination of cinnamon oil and whatever other voodoo they put in this product actually caused my lips to swell, crack and eventually bleed. Don't know if it was the lip gloss or strictly coincidence, but I went into labour the same day :)


Funny - the product is now on shelves, but does not carry the disclaimer as I suggested: "May cause your water to break."

Thanks again to Lena for sharing her story! You will be contacted via email for your mailing address. Stay tuned for more contests coming up!

Numbers on MAC brushes

Just a quick tip for those of you that purchase or plan to purchase MAC brushes. The numbers on the side wear off pretty quickly and me, being the type A that I am, like to keep them there nice and orderly like =). A tip to keep them there is to take clear nail polish and swipe just a bit over the number and let it dry.

Who Do YOU Want To See?

Send in a picture or request in the comments of the celeb you would like to see. To find a picture (for those of you wanting to know) go to the Google search bar and type in the name of who you want to see. Then click on that image (full size) save it and send it to me by attaching it in an email.
Just leave a comment telling me who's look you love and we will "getter" done =).

Beauty Feature: Cargo Spring Must-Haves!

Spring makeup wouldn't be complete without a few must-haves from one of my favourite beauty brands, CARGO Cosmetics. If your beauty wardrobe doesn't consist of at least one CARGO product this Spring then head to the stores and stock up on these must-haves!

1. CARGO Dare to Play Eye Kit ($45 US/CDN): Essential palette for Spring! This is truly a value set that contains 3 eye bases, five metallic shadows, and five bright and glitter-filled eyeshadow shades to make the eyes pop. If you love colour you will absolutely love this palette. This was a big hit at the Hope For Haiti beauty benefit back in February!

Step 1: Select an eye base: Nude (no shimmer), Shimmering Shell and Soft Beige (shimmer). Apply a small amount from lash line to brow bone (use your finger or eyeshadow brush). I absolutely love these eye bases because the shadows not only blend better but they last longer too.

Step 2: Pick a lid colour: Shimmering Bordeaux, Rustic Copper, Teal, Popsicle Purple, and Sparkling Tea . You can use any of these shades all over the lid, in the crease or as a liner. To use as a liner, use a damp angled brush. These shadows are highly pigmented and feel velvety-smooth to the touch. They blend beautifully and don't crease or fade especially with the base. If you want to intensify the shadow even more, use with a damp shadow brush.

Step 3: Add a "pop" of colour to the lid and the inner corner of the eyes. I love this last step because it really gives dimension to the eyes. All you need is a little dab to the center and corner since it's pretty glittery. Also great for those days when you just want a sheer wash of colour. Choose from: Sparkling Rose, Seafoam Green, Iced Mauve and Champagne.

2. Cargo Blush in Key Largo and Laguna ($26 US/CDN): Hands down CARGO blushes have become a staple in my everyday beauty stash! I am so in love with these silver tins of richly pigmented blushes. The new blushes for spring have me swooning. I'm already a fan of Amalfi, but Key Largo and Laguna (repromote) are also a definite must this season.

Key Largo is shockingly bright in the tin but don't be scared off by this shade. Described as "tropical punch", it really does add a punch of colour to your complexion. Although the blushes are highly saturated, they are very easy to blend and diffuse nicely. To get a pretty flush, mix a very small amount onto brush and sweep lightly onto the apples of the cheeks. This shade is gorgeous against darker skin tones but fair skin beauties can use it too! Keep eyes neutral, swipe a sheer coral gloss on the lips, and let the cheeks be the focus. If you have a lot of redness on the skin then skip out on this shade as it will only enhance it.

Laguna is back by popular demand and now I know why. I've been searching for a bright orange blush that would warm up my skin. I love mixing this blush with bronzer for that ultimate summer glow. This is one shade that is universal. Again, only a little amount is needed. These blushes may be pricier compared to other brands, but the over-sized tins and saturated pigments will definitely stretch your dollar.

3. CARGO PlantLove Lipstick in Evangeline ($20 US/CDN): I'm already a fan of these all-natural eco-certified lipsticks. We've featured many PlantLove lipsticks on Makeup Junkie! I fell in love with Evangeline, a sheer vibrant coral cream, while doing makeup at a fashion show with CARGO. I am one gal that doesn't shy away from a lil' colour on the lips! It has become one of my fave lippies for Spring! Pair with greens, bronze, golds, and peach.

CARGO Cosmetics is available in independent boutiques, Sears Toronto Eaton Centre, Murale in Canada, CVS, and ULTA. 

Have you tried these spring must-haves from CARGO? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

www.cargocosmetics.com