Mommy Corner: PTPA Media Summer 2010 Winners Announced!

If you're a mom and read my blog then be sure to check out the latest and greatest Summer 2010 Campaign Award Recipients from PTPA Media! Have you tried any of these products?

www.ptpamedia.com

Makeup Junkie Poll and CARGO Winner!

A big THANK YOU to everyone that answered our poll question and entered to win a YEAR supply of CARGO Cosmetics 3 Mascara launching Fall 2010! It's clear that the majority of you only get your makeup done for special events. It's always nice to know what encourages women to get their makeup done.

I apologize for the late announcement (don't know where the time goes??) but the winner is........

SHADOWY LADY!!!

Congratulations and we hope that you enjoy your new mascara! You won't be running out any time soon! You will be contacted shortly for your mailing address.

Again, thank you to everyone for entering the give away! I wish I could give a prize to everyone but there will be many more give aways soon! 

Celebrity Beauty: What Do You Think Of K-Stew's Lighter Do?

It's the eve of the highly anticipated Twilight Eclipse premiere so I thought a beauty story on Kristen Stewart would be fitting! Rave reviews of Eclipse have been buzzing all over Twitter so it's definitely on my to-see list! 

K-stew debuted her strawberry do for last night's Letterman appearance and I'm totally diggin' it. Her lighter locks make her skin look more peaches 'n cream and her eyes just pop so much more. Just days before at the L.A. premiere of Eclipse, Kristen still had her dark brown hair. I find her dark hair pales out her skin and the colour of her eyes just don't stand out as much.

What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? 

Photo credit: InStyle.com & JustJared.com

Guest Review: Urban Decay Star Dust Shadows

Urban Decay Star Dust Shadows ($20 USD): I was really excited to have the chance to test out Urban Decay's Stardust Shadows. To my surprise these shadows weren't pigmented at all, but UD does describe these shadows as "sheer wash of colour topped with teeny bits of sparkle...". While the packaging with its squeeze to open concept was uber cool and innovative, I was just not impressed with how sheer the colour was. I found these shadows not only lacked pigment but also had too much glitter and created fall out all over my cheeks - a definite pet peeve.

On a scale of 1 (being the least color) to 5 (being the most color) the pigmentation of Space Cowboy a simple beige color was about 2, Moon Spoon a silver shade was a 3, Diamond dog a grey/brown was the least pigmented so it was a 1 and Void a dark pewter was the most pigmented at a 4.

What I liked:
- The super cool and unique packaging.

What I disliked:
- The lack of pigment
- The glitter
- The amount of fallout

Overall, these shadows were a disappointment for me and did not live up to UD's top notch quality. I don't see myself reaching for these shadows at all even though I tried hard to love them. Sorry Urban Decay, you fell short with me on these Stardust shadows!

[Editor's note: To intensify the pigment use a cream shadow or use with a damp brush. This will also prevent fall-off. If using dry, use a firm shadow brush and pat onto your eyes rather than sweeping back and forth. This will help pack on more colour and will give less fall-off. If you like a glittery finish, mix with a transforming liquid for a sparkly eye liner!]

Have you tried these shadows? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

www.urbandecay.com

About Farah

"Mama Far" as she is called amongst her fellow Toronto beauty bloggers, is a talented makeup artist and founder of beauty blog, Faces By Farah. She is utterly sweet, warm and has the most gorgeous long hair! Be sure to check out her blog for great product reviews, beauty tips and her Sunday posts "You Go Girl/Boy!" where she features a must-know personality in the beauty, fashion and entertainment industry! Thank you Farah for your review! Stay tuned for more reviews from her!

http://facesbyfarah.blogspot.com

Beauty Review: Maybelline EyeStudio Color Plush Eyeshadow

I’m going to be honest I’m not one to carry many drug store brand eye shadows in my professional kit. But after using Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Eyeshadow I may have to reconsider. I was very surprised upon trying these shadows. They were extremely soft and smooth and blended easily on my eyelids. One downfall of being so soft was that I noticed there was some fallout while applying to my lids. So be sure to tap any excess off your applicator or brush before applying it on. 

All the palettes are available only in a shimmery finish so if you’re more into mattes then these palettes are probably not for you. One thing I love about these palettes is that they came in a lot of different color combinations so it makes it easy to use. They even have a little picture on the back of the palette of an eyelid done up with the shadows. This is great for those of you who are unsure of where to place the colors on your lid. 

Another nice thing about these palettes is that the pigmentation is actually quite good and if you’re the type to use an eye primer or base the color will stand out even more and look very vibrant. So whether you’re an everyday wearer of eyeshadow or a professional makeup artist (maybe mix with a matte shadow to make it more appropriate for photography) I think these are a great item to have in your kit. Below are some pics and swatches of the palettes I tried.

#100 Sunset Seduction

#90 Irresistibly Ivy

#80 Pink Persuasion

#60 Spirited Seas

#20 Saphire Siren

#30 Purple Icon

Have you tried any of these palettes? Love em? Hate em? Want 'em) Makeup Junkie wants to know!

www.maybellinenewyork.ca

Donna Marie is a regular Makeup Junkie contributor! Read about Donna here and be sure to visit her beauty blog, Makeup by Donna Marie. Must reads - read up on her beautiful bridal trials and fantastic product reviews! 

www.makeupbydonnamarie.blogspot.com

Guest Review: Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette

I’m a sucker for any palette with bright and unique colors in them. Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette ($32.50 CDN) has gorgeous colors in it ranging from a deep bronze to soft baby pink.

Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette:

“Clinique creates a new tradition in eye shadow for powder connoisseurs who want stay true, long lasting colour, with an emphasis on gorgeous texture. Colour Surge Eye Shadow offers six complementary multi-coloured eye shadow shades that can be mixed and matched or worn alone. Get swept away by a palette of superb shades in new Super Shimmer finishes.”

Palette under natural light

Palette with flash

The pros about this palette:
The first thing I noticed about the palette was that the shadows are very soft, no glitter & very little fall out. Also since this is a warm palette the colors went together well.Even a beginner would be able to create an effortless look complete with highlight, base & contour.

The cons about this palette:
It was very difficult to test some colors on my skin tone. The turquoise had to be swatched twice to get a color similar to the ones I did on the first swatch. One tip I know to get more color is to foil the shadows by wetting them. It probably would have done the trick but I would have risked damaging the shadows.

Natural light swatches no base

 Swatches with flash no base

The colors are very sheer. On camera these colors also show up almost non-existent. I would recommend that you wear them with a cream shadow or a matte shadow underneath. It would give the shadows something to stick too.

Personally this palette didn’t live up to my expectations. However I would recommend it for my light to medium toned girl because the colors will show up more vibrant.

Have you tried this palette? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.clinique.ca

About Jenn

Jenn is Director (future beauty director), certified makeup artist and a lover of all things fashion, beauty and media! She is also the founder of her popular beauty blog, Spiced Beauty. I met Jenn at a beauty bloggers brunch back in February - she was warm, always flashing her beautiful smile, and her camera was always on hand! Thanks Jenn for your guest review! Do check out her blog - must reads are her daily fashion finds and product reviews!

www.spicedbeauty.com

Hot Pink, Purple and Teal/Turquise (GSM colors!)

Here's a quick update on my most recent look:

Hot pink, purple, and teal/turquoise blue!!!
I've been planning this look for a while, and it occurred to me that these colors are sort of the colors of the GSM website, goSupermodel. I'll probably do a future entry on it, but just a quick explanation of what GSM is: it's basically a girls fashion community site, where upon joining you choose a model to represent you on the site. Models are kind of like digital paper dolls which you can dress up and change your hair and makeup, etc. You buy new clothes and whatnot in the various "shops" on the site. There are also forums where you can chat with other members. It's a fun and girly site which I and my sisters have been enjoying for the past few years. :)

Okay, now the makeup!

Started with UDPP and NYX Milk pencil as a base, then HEAVILY applied shades from my Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette: hottest pink, bluish-purple, and a lighter warm purple to blend the other two shades. I started with a darker teal blue under my eyes, but it turned out a little chalky and didn't look quite right, so I kept adding different shadows under there. The end result was kinda light and shimmery, but still looks good. x3
I applied mark. Keep It Going gel liner/shadow duo in Entourage (the silver half) to my inner corners and lower third of my eye to brighten things up. (I also used the black side of Entourage to line my upper lids.) I used mark. Biscotti (creamy and pearly with a hint of gold shimmer) to highlight my browbone, and a light dusting of Nomadic (a bright shimmery yellow-gold) around my eyes and cheekbones. I used a warm light shimmery pink from the 88 palette to blend around the edges of the hot pink.
I curled my lashes and applied false lashes, then applied Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof mascara in Glam Black to blend my lashes into the false ones. (The liner on my right eye got messed up because I had to try 3 times to get the lashes right, lol.)
Some brow pencil/powder/clear mascara to set my brows and voila! I love how it turned out, really nice and bright. What do you think? :D

Check out gosupermodel.com, there art multiple sites for different countries. I'm Eriya on the US server, come say hi!

Thanks for reading! <333

Homemade Brush Cleanser on am 590

- 1 cup bottled or distilled water
- 1/4 cup alcohol ( I use 99%) This will be your disinfecting, sanitizing & antibacterial agent
- 1/2 TBSP dish soap (if it can cut grease on your dishes, think of the grease on your brushes)
- 1/2 TBSP gentle shampoo (I used Avalon Organic Shampoo from Walmart)*
- 1 TBSP spray leave-in-conditioner (not cream) to condition bristles

Stir GENTLY!!!!! You do not want the soaps to start foaming or to sud up. After it is all mixed together pour it into your container and there is your inexpensive homemade brush cleanser.
Okay, so for those of you having a hard time cleaning lip brushes or eyeliner brushes with your ordinary cleanser, I have NEWS for YOU!!!!! Since lipstick and most liquid liners are gel/wax based you need something to prep them before disinfecting with your cleanser. You'll need:
- Any olive oil you have in the house
- A paper towel or cloth (best) to deposit color
- A dirty lip or liner brush =)
Put just a DrOp of oil on the rag and clean brush back and forth (avoid circular motions) till most color is gone. Add another drop if needed and repeat process. After color is off of the brush, cleanse normally with your home made brush cleanser or any cosmetic cleanser you have. A trick that I follow for keeping my white brushes white is that after this whole process...I wash them again with Clearasil and they return to WHITE WHITE WHITE!!! =) Click here to see how I clean my brushes (alert! OLD video!!!)

*Click here to learn more about "safe and natural" shampoos. Unfortunately we are led to believe that all baby shampoos must be the most gentle but it's not the case. There are three major ingredients that are unsafe that can be found in your shampoo but the Avalon Shampoo from Walmart has none of them.

Summer Faves: Face

Summer time fun is no fun when your makeup is melting off your face or looks caked on. Here are a few face savers that have been in heavy rotation in my kit! 

1. Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Travel Kit ($34 CDN): If you want to achieve an HD ready face on and off camera this is the kit for you. Set includes 3 best-sellers: HD Elixir, HD Microperfecting Primer, and HD Microfinish Powder. 

The Exlir is a gel serum designed to boost the skin's moisture by 520% in 15 minutes. I really love this serum. My skin is pretty sensitive and without a moisturizer feels really tight. I tried the serum without a moisturizer and my skin felt well hydrated. Only a small amount is needed to cover the face.

The HD Microperfecting Primer is fantastic! It has an oil-free formula that glides onto the skin. My skin feels so smooth with the combination of the Elixir and primer. Makeup blended perfectly onto the skin and lasted all day. It has become one of my new favourite primers!

The HD Microfinish Powder is made with 100% mineral Silica powder. I love the soft focus effect it gives your skin. It works for all skin-tones and definitely helps the staying power of the makeup. Overall, it's a great sample kit if you've been wanting to try these products.

2. freshMinerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($25 USD): Absolutely loving this tinted moisturizer for many reasons. This all-natural mineral tinted moisturizer gives the skin a beautiful healthy glow and protects your skin from the sun. It's tinted but it definitely gives the skin good coverage and it's water-proof. However, if you have a blemish or pimple it won't be enough to cover it. My favourite feature is the twist top foundation brush. I've used similar products and the brush always made a mess. When you squeeze the tube an excess amount doesn't spurt out. You get just enough and the on and off twist top prevents messes and wasting product. There are 5 shades to choose from - I'm Sand and works great from my bronzy skin.

3. Benefit POREfessional ($34 CDN): If you suffer from big pores suffer no more! I am so loving the silky smooth balm that instantly minimizes the appearance of pores and primes the skin. It is oil-free, extremely lightweight, and can be used over and under your makeup. Makeup just glides on effortlessly and keeps your makeup looking flawless all day. It's also great at mattifying the skin. Available July 2010. 

4. LUSH Colour Supplement ($13.95 CDN): LUSH has makeup?? This mineral-oil free multi-purpose base can be used in many different ways. This base offers full coverage but if you prefer a lighter coverage mix with your favourite moisturizer for a lighter, dewier finish. It also works amazing as a concealer. Made with red rose petal infusion to calm redness and glycerine to help retain moisture, it gives the skin a beautiful finish. It is available in 4 shades: Light Pink Colour (lightest shade and most versatile), Dark Pink Colour (darkest), Light Yellow (pale or ivory skins), Dark Yellow (olive and yellow skins). The Dark Yellow works great for my skin tone. The only downside is that since it is an all-natural vegan product, the shelf-life of this is about a year and since it comes in a jar you'd have to use a spatula to avoid contamination. And beware, it may melt! 

5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller ($19.99 CDN): I'll be honest, I was prepared to be disappointed by this product. I've tried tinted under-eye products before and all have been a complete fail. I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage and how the mineral pigments instantly brightened my death circles! The cool feel of the roller ball also soothed my puffy tired eyes. The combination of the caffeine gel formula and the roller ball help energize and stimulate circulation. The lemon essence is known for its clarifying properties and brightens the eye area. I was afraid it would alter the colour of my concealer but it didn't. In fact, I ended up using less concealer! The shade is a shimmering beige and is supposed to be a universal shade. It says that it offers "flawless coverage for most skin tones" so it probably is too light for you dark-skinned beauties, however, may work underneath your concealer or foundation. Available August 2010. 

6. Cover FX Conceal FX ($27 CDN): The lovely team over at Cover FX held a flash mob outside Toronto's Eaton Center back in April. After the crazy mob of people died down, I luckily went home with a full-size sample of their popular Conceal FX! It erases under eye circles, blemishes, sun damage, redness, tattoos, birth marks, and even moles. I love how opaque yet emollient the concealer is. I've been finding my Benefit Erase Paste is a little too creamy for this humid weather, but Conceal FX doesn't feel heavy and stays put. It is also water-proof and HD friendly. This is a must-have concealer! 

7. Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish ($12.50-57 USD): I haven't actually been using this on myself because I don't really have a problem with excess oil. Instead, I've been using it on my brides at bridal trials to see how well this spray actually works. I sprayed this on prior to foundation then once again after all the makeup had been applied. The verdict? There's no question the makeup lasts longer, but my brides did notice the shine creep up after 3 or 4 hours versus the 16 hours that it claims to do. However, the amount of oil and shine that appeared was a lot less and kept the shine at bay a couple more hours longer than without. But even with a bit of oil, the makeup did not smear or melt off. Only touch-ups required was a little blotting. If you have oily skin I'd recommend trying the smallest size before committing to a full size bottle. Overall, my brides were happy with the results! 

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What must-have face products have you been using for the hot weather?

Past Looks

Here are a few pics from 2 looks I did several weeks and months ago which never got their own blog entry. They didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped, so I guess I thought they weren't worth their own entry. It's a shame to let them go to waste though, so here's a little glimpse:

This is a look inspired by Chinese/Lunar New Year. (I really just wanted to use the red shadow in my Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette. xD) I used the gold shade from my Stila Precious Pearl limited palette. I also used a bunch of Everyday Minerals loose pigments in various colors.
For my lips I used mark. Tintmarker in Siren (red) and Glow Baby Glow lipgloss in Smooches on top. It gave a very pigmented luscious red lip which I loved. :3 I packed my brush so full of the red pigment, it fell out all over my face.


This is a green smokey eye I did using my mark. Keep It Going gel/liner duos. I should do a review on these things because I love them! But more on that later. x3 I used the green in Iconic as a base on my lids and the brown liner from Exposure to line my top and bottom lashlines. Lots of mascara and voila! ;3
I took these in my bathroom in 90 degree heat/humidity with an ancient camera, so the pics aren't as... shall we say "crisp" as usual, lol. It looked really pretty in person though, I was pleased. ^^

I have my camera back again now so yay! I did another look a few nights ago and I love how it turned out. (I'll be posting pics soon.) Thanks for reading! :D

UDPP Testimonial

Hi Jenni, I am so glad while we were at Sephora you talked me into getting the Urban Decay potion primer. I was a little hesitant to pay $20 for something that goes under my eyeshadow, but it was so worth it x 10. I will buy it again. It makes my shadows look so beautiful. even some of my less expensive shadows look great because this is my base. I usually do not have problems with creasing bu my shadow is usually gone by 5 at night. now at 10 when I wash my face at night it looks like it was freshly applied, I almost hate to wash it off it looks so good. Thanks Jenni for the great recommendation!

-- Thanks girl, nicole

Summer Faves: Bronzers

You don't have to be "Jenny from the Block" to get that J-Lo bronzey glow. I am all for bronzers when it's done right (sorry Snooki!). There's just something about a summer tan that makes everyone look healthy, gorgeous and radiant! The key to a natural looking tan is to stick to bronzers that have a golden undertone rather than an orange base. You want to avoid the "Jersey" tan at all costs! Use a fluffy powder brush and apply bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose, and chin. 

Get gorgeous this summer with some of my favourite bronzers this season!

1. YSL Terre Saharienne in No. 2 Copper Sand ($60 CDN): This is pure luxury in a bronzer. The bronzer is formulated with the new "Sun Radiance" pigments which capture the light and diffuse a golden reflection in all directions (don't all bronzers do that?). What I love about this bronzer is that it imparts a natural glow to the skin rather than a shimmer. It blends amazingly onto the skin so no streaky tan lines! It's available in 3 shades: Sand (fair to medium skin tones), Copper Sand (med-dark to dark) and Golden Sand (medium to medium-dark). Copper Sand is my favourite. I get really dark in the summer so the warmth of the copper undertone enhances my tan nicely. The price tag is very steep so I'd only recommend if you are a YSL junkie or you feel like splurging on a bronzer ( a staple in my books). 

2. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer ($39 USD): After being a fan of the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder (you can read review here) I knew I would instantly love this bronzer. It gives all the same softening, luminous effects as the powder just with a lovely bronzey hue. It is designed to minimize the signs of aging over time while hydrating your skin. This one-shade suits all gives me the perfect tan, however, I'm not sure how it appears on darker skin tones so I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried it. The finish on the skin is more sheen than shimmer which I love. I found the packaging of the original powder very bulky but the bronzer comes in the same shaver-dispense design in a travel-friendly size. The price is still a bit steep for a bronzer but you can double as a shadow!

3. Everyday Minerals Hiking Everest in Heels Blush/Bronzer Duo ($12 USD): If you're looking for value in a bronzer then look no further. This vegan, all-natural line has quality products at affordable prices. Love the name of this bronzer duo. You not only can achieve a faux tan with this pressed powder but the other side is a peachy-coral blush. Gorgeous! At the moment, this is only available in the On The Reef, Coral Collection which is a definite must-have. For $34, you get a sweet collection of loose eye shadows, blushes, face powder, lippie and brushes with a reusable canvas tote included. 

4. Mary Kay LE Cooling Bronzing Stick ($25 CDN): There's all this buzz right now about Mary Kay's newest crop of products. This line has been around for ages but is slowly replacing the "granny" image to suit a much younger makeup-loving audience. The cooling sensation of this bronzing stick could not be more perfect for the hot steamy weather. It has the creamy texture of a cream but the staying power of a gel stain. The finish is high-shimmer which is perfect for highlighting the cheekbones and bridge of nose. Great for giving the skin a dewy finish. However, if you plan to use it as a blush prepare for lots of shine. If you have imperfect skin, I would stay clear as it will only accentuate blemishes. To tone done the shimmer and for extra staying power, dust a translucent powder over top. If you're in a hurry, swipe on the lids and lips! 

As for the price, I was actually surprised it is $25. I've never bought anything from Mary Kay in the past. If you love NARS The Multiple, this could be a cheaper dupe for South Beach. (Limited quantities while supplies last. Offer expires September 15, 2010.)

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

AM 590

Okay Ladies, can I please just tell you that radio is SO much fun??? I was ShAkInG in my boots when we were going on air but Tami and Aaron made me feel so at ease =). You can click here to listen if you missed it. I am recorded under the June 16th sound bite.

AM 590 Tips Cosmetics Brushes

Cosmetics brushes can make or break your look but they can be pricey when purchased at department stores. Well never fear!!!! You can buy duplicate craft store brushes made from the same natural fibers (goat hair) as you will find at MAC. Here is a list of ones I use EvErYday:

Maxine's Mop (by Loew Cornell) 3/8" is a duplicate for MAC's #239 brush. The 239 is $24.50 and the Maxine's Mop is $3.95. What a STEAL right??? Right now till June 20th if you click here you can get it for $2.77 and even enter the code DAD1 and get 10% off your entire order!!!!! This also applies for the Maxine's Mini Mop, the 1/2" and 1" Mops. Love them all!!! I even got mine signed by Maxine...yeah, I'm a nerd =).

This is the Loew Cornell 1/4" Rose Petal Brush. I use this for my eyebrows and couldn't AdOrE it more!!! You can buy it in stores for around $5.00 but click here to get it for $3.09!!!

You can click on that most recent link to also find these great Loew Cornell brushes for powder and blush needs. The XXL Round Mop at $10.25 (on sale at the second link for $6.15) compares to MAC's #150 which will run you $42. For blush, MAC has the #129 at $34 but good 'ole Loew Cornell comes through with the Large Round Mop at $7.89 (on sale at the second link for $4.73).

Now this next one is also one of my all time FAVS as this is what I use EvErYday for my liquid last liner from MAC. This is the Loew Cornell 1/8" Angular Shader brush. In stores for $5.79, but here for $2.90.

There are also some great brush sets that can be found at the Coastal Scents site. This 13 piece set is only $16.95 and got a 4 out of 5 star rating.

At Target I LOVE the Sonia Kashuk line, especially this brush which I mostly use for cream blush application. It was $14.99 and worth every penny!!!

I want to stress that there are cheap brushes everywhere but with most, you get what you pay for. These I have used, tested and reviewed and have found them to be worthy of notice. I haven't had ANY bristles fall out (HUGE pet peeve!) and they all blend really well. I recommend them and hope to hear how you liked them as well.

First day of my last year of school...

First day of school... I'm in my senior year at college. At last! It's been a long journey getting here... now I just hope I can do my best so that I can graduate on time (I'll be 20. Gosh!).


Because it was the start of a new semester and I pretty much had just gone through a complete image change, I wanted to look pretty and fresh without my makeup being overbearing. So all I put on was loose powder, blush, eyeshadow/liner and mascara. I also filled in my brows. I just used a tinted lip balm for my lips.



There's a closeup of my eyes.


So far my first day of school was great, except for when I got home. it started raining REALLY REALLY hard, and it was so windy... I got stranded at a place near where I live, standing under a shop's canopy while holding onto my umbrella since the wind blew the rainwater everywhre anyway. Lightning kept striking and we even saw it hit the ground on a road nearby. It started flooding soon and something really gross happened--all the RATS and ROACHES ran out of the sewers and towards us! It was a horror show. What a way to end my first day. I had my mom pick me up then, and luckily she came before it got too flooded (it was ankle deep when she arrived).

But oh well, at least I got awesome professors in two of my subjects. I can't say the same thing about the other subject I had today, one of my profs is supposed to be a terror...and she admitted to it too. Oh gosh. T-T

That's all for today loves, I'll be back with a more substantial post soon!

Makeup Junkie Wants To Know Poll and CARGO Contest!

As a makeup artist, I am fortunate enough to do the faces of some pretty amazing women. They all range from non-makeup wearers to I-can't-live-without-my-makeup fanatics. I love both type of clients - no I really do. It's fun gabbing about makeup and different makeup techniques with avid makeup wearers but the real fun is converting someone who rarely wears makeup and making them true believers!

Makeup Junkie wants to know how often do you get your makeup done? Only on special occasions - birthdays, weddings, prom? Or do you get your makeup done to pamper yourself? New makeup launch? And are fake lashes involved? Do you prefer your makeup done at a counter, salon, spa, or have a makeup artist come to you? Makeup Junkie wants to know it all! 

All you have to do is leave a comment (be as thorough as you'd like!) and you will be automatically entered to win a year supply of CARGO's 3 Triple Action Mascara set to launch Fall 2010! The 3 is formulated to do it all - thicken, lengthen, and curl! This mascara is loaded with anti-oxidants and 11 amino acids essential for the health of hair follicles. It's good for you and it makes you look great! (Stay tuned for my review.)

One winner will be randomly chosen and will be announced on June 30th at 12 pm! I look forward to your comments! Open to Canadian and U.S. residents. My girl, Farah, over at Faces By Farah, is also giving away the 3 Mascara so you can double your chances of winning this mascara before it launches!

CARGO 3 Triple Action Mascara will retail for $20 USD/CDN. Available Fall 2010 at Murale, Sears Toronto Eaton Centre, the Bay on Yonge St., and select Independent Beauty Boutiques.

www.cargocosmetics.com

Beauty Feature: Tokyo Meets Luminato For Shu Uemura

The Luminato festivities have begun in Toronto and there are many beauty events to get your beauty fix! Tomorrow, June 16, you can discover the Tokyo vibe with Shu Uemura at the Yonge and Dundas Square from 11 am - 11 pm. Come and observe principal artist, Taca Ozawa, demonstrate the true Art of Japanese Beauty. This is the perfect time to indulge in their wide array of luxury faux lashes (application free with lash purchase)! 

In the evening enjoy musical performances from Japanese pop divas:

7:45: De De Mouse

8:50: The Moist Towelettes 

9:30: Maki Nomiya

Don't fret if you miss out on the festivities at Dundas Square. Visit the Shu Uemura counter at Holt Renfrew from June 17th to June 20th. With any purchase of $150, you will receive a unique Shu Uemura gift. 

Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West

Thursday - Friday 10 AM - 8 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM

Call to book your appointment 416.922.2333.

It's no secret that Shu Uemura's lash curler is a staple in my kit, but I've discovered a new favourite from the Gem Glam Summer collection! Be sure to check it out!

Shu Uemura Gem Glam Cream Eye Shadow in Pearl Light Pink ($36 CAD): I love cream shadows especially if they are waterproof. Shu Uemura's version is a light-weight shadow with a smooth texture that is easy to blend. This crease-proof shadow is great on its own for a subtle natural finish or can be layered underneath a powder shadow for a high-intensity finish. Layering cream shadows underneath a powder is one of my favourite makeup techniques. 

Pearl Light Pink is soft, sweet and feminine. It has a gorgeous shimmery finish. Use it as a base shade with chocolate browns, purple-plums, or charcoal greys. Highlight the inner corners and brow bone to open the eyes. Make it edgy with kohl liner smudged on top and bottom. It's a versatile product that definitely stands up to the heat! 

Have you tried this product? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

www.shuuemura-usa.com

Beauty Feature: Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick Limited Edition Fast Kisses by Designer Mark Fast

I had posted my summer faves for lips a few posts back (click here) featuring more muted shades of nudes, peaches, pinks and corals. Well, I think I have found one of my favourite lip colours of all time! Hall of famer? I think so! Yes, I have had many lip affairs in the past - glosses, lipsticks, tinted lip balms, lip stains - you name it. But Lancome's L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Fast Kisses has stolen my heart!

Before I give you the background, I have to mention right away that Fast Kisses is a LE and only available online and at The Bay Queen Street in Toronto from June 17 - 19 (or until stock runs out)! If you're in the Toronto area you won't want to miss The Bay Lancome beauty event where you can get your makeup done, meet Lancome makeup artist Lora Spiga and designer Mark Fast, and most importantly get your hands on this must-have lipstick! Spots are limited so call to book your appointment at 416-861-4572 x.176!

Hand-picked by Fast and Spiga, the very limited edition of L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick has been named FAST KISSES by Fast himself. Spiga has collaborated with fashion designer Fast to create a make-up look complementing the knitwear garment he designed exclusively for Luminato to reinterpret Lancôme’s iconic rose and femininity.

When I first saw the press release, I thought what's so different about the colour? The photo really does not do this colour justice. It just looks red in the photo. In person and on the lips - STUNNING! Fast Kisses is a fuchsia pink and the perfect marriage of red and pink. The hue is very blue-based and would look AH-mazing on fair to deep dark beauties! It's one of those shades that perk up your complexion and make your teeth look whiter. I wore it to work yesterday as a stain which I pressed into my lips with my finger and I don't think I received so many compliments on a lipstick in my life! One girl said "it just gives you enough oomph without looking overdone".I kept the look simple with bronzy shadows, lots of mascara, bronzer, and put all the focus on my lips!

The texture and pigment is very rich, hydrating and definitely lasts for 8 hours! The only thing I am not a fan of is the rose scent but at least it does not linger for too long. There are not enough words to describe this amazingness - you just have to go and check it out for yourself! Since it's an LE, I may have to visit The Bay to stock up!

L’Absolu Rouge in FAST KISSES will be available in limited quantities at www.lancome.ca/markfast (Shop the limited edition) and at Toronto Bay Queen from June 17 to June 19 or until stock runs out. Retails for $35 CAD.

Luminato: Mark Fast Interpreting The Rose
From June 11th to June 20th
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
M5J 2T3