Hot Smokey Summer Eye

Turn up the heat with this smoldery eye! I haven't been feeling all that great this past week but inspiration struck and now I give you the silent movie era of makeup tutorials =). The music makes me want to do a 1920's flapper look...and I think I just might!!! My fav part is that it took my husband this long to show me how to speed up videos and change transitions. I feel like I am BURSTING with new ideas now!!! This video normally would have been 8 min long but since I sped it up to match the theme it's HALF that! Also, I hold up a brown shadow toward the beginning and don't tell you the name is Embark from MAC.

Well, I am off to bed for more sleep. I need it since my son's birthday party is coming up and I want to kick this sickness to the CuRb! Get this, he asked for a Halloween Birthday Bash in June =). I am beYOND excited since that is one of my FAVORITE holidays. Can I share the invites with you?

 We made a mold of his finger, roughed it up, tied a reminder ribbon around it and laid it on a soft bed of reindeer moss. I was DYING when I saw how cute and little his fingers were =). Thank you Martha!!!

Makeup 101 Guest Tutorial: Adding A Pop of Colour To Your Everyday Makeup

It's Makeup 101 time! We haven't done in a while so I thought it would be fun to have loyal Makeup Junkie reader, aspiring makeup artist, and friend Olivia, do a fun tutorial. She's young, gorgeous and full of creative ideas. Enjoy!

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. That means it’s time to ditch the winter wardrobe and bring colour back into the mix. This season is all about bright and bold colours. Make-up should be about accentuating your natural beauty but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your look a little more fun and flirty!

Check out these two looks to spice up your daily routine:

Look 1: This first look is meant to play up a neutral eye. You still maintain a natural look but with the blink of an eye a little daring colour is exposed.

Steps: Begin by sweeping a taupe shadow over the lid. Use the same colour to define your bottom lash line. Then use an orange shadow (such as MAC eyeshadow in Red Brick) to define your crease. To finish off the eyes, line the top and bottom lid with a brown eyeliner (try MAC fluidline in Rich Ground) and apply mascara.

To add colour to your cheeks, mix your orange eyeshadow and a bit of bronzer and blend into the apples of your cheeks and sweeping towards your hairline. I also used a little concealer on my lips to neutralize any pink tone and added tons of gloss.

Look 2: This next look brings spring flare to the classic black eyeliner look.

Steps: Start by adding a skin tone shadow to neutralize the eye such as MAC pigment in Naked. Then line your eyes with red shadow (try Make Up For Ever’s red star powder). Make sure the line is a little thicker than you would normally apply eyeliner so that the red will peak through the black eyeliner. Once you have created a clean red line you can follow that with a thinner line of black eyeliner. It should look something like this:

You can finish the look off by adding white eyeliner to the inner corner of each eye (to brighten your eyes) and adding mascara to the top lashes. You can either leave your lips natural or add a bright red gloss (such as Kat Von D’s Underage Red) for a more dramatic effect.

About Olivia

I’ve been a Makeup Junkie my whole life. It all started when I was a young girl playing with my mom’s empty blush and eyeshadow containers. That soon developed into a Lip Smackers and Bonne Bell obsession. As I grew older I began exploring the many cosmetic brands Shoppers has to offer but when Sephora finally came to Canada I knew I had found home. For years I have hummed and hawed at the possibility of becoming a makeup artist. However, when it came time to choose a career I went with my passion in school, mathematics. Now that I have finished my degree, I finally feel free to pursue my real dreams. Recently an opportunity came up to move to London, England and I just couldn’t resist! While I’m there, I hope to attend the Academy of Freelance Makeup and find out once and for all if I’m cut out for a life in fashion and beauty!

Thank you Olivia for the lovely tutorial and we wish you the best of luck! What do you guys think? Would you wear this look or something similar to it?

Votre Vu Sale!!!

Marti is having a Votre Vu sale that you can't afford to pass up!!! All the celebrities are ALL about this skin care line and with this sale you can stock up and see why! Take it away Marti!

 Memorial Day Super Sale!

This weekend only I'm offering my super 30%-50% discount on our Votre Vu Skin Care products from Paris! This special sale is only offered once a year. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to stock up & pamper yourself with our luxurious French treats! 

Summer is almost here and it's the perfect time to try out our popular bronzers and fabulous anti-aging specialty products that are sure to help give you a gorgeous summer glow! 

Here's how it works:

Email, text or call me and I will enter your discounted order for you. This is not a corporate sale, so you will need to contact me directly so I can apply the discount for you. 

Your first 2 items will be at a 30% discount & the 3rd item you order (which is your highest priced item**) will be at a 50% discount!

30%+30%+50% = sweet deal!

All orders will be shipped directly to you (or gift recipient) within 4-5 business days.

Sale starts Saturday, May 28th @ 8am through Monday, May 30th @ 8pm (PST)

All orders $75 & up will receive a FREE special sample pack of

treats plus you have the opportunity to take advantage of our fantastic May Customer Special. Please open the attached file for more details about this award-winning product! 

Contact me today to start your healthy Vu summer glow now! 

Marti Quashnock

Founding Brand Ambassador

(503) 679-5284

www.votrevu.com/marti

** This does not include "sets" which are already discounted.

What Do You Love?

 Get your May favorites in to me before it's too late! The month is fast coming to an end and I want to hear what you have loved this month. Did you find a great new scent? A facial cleanser to die for? What about an eyeshadow color you can't live without? hare with the whole class won't you? =) Email them to me at dollcosmetics@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

So It's Not Monday

I saw this and thought...yes, this is true. I will pass this onto my ladies with all my love and support LOL. Yeah, I'm a nerd but you knew that ;). Here is what thedailyglow.com had to say about hiring a pro to handle your face on your special day:

Even if you're not a celebrity, there are certain occasions when you want to look your absolute best. Whether you're splurging for your wedding or a class reunion, you want a professional image for your new Web site, or you just want a sexy photo for an online dating profile, hiring a professional makeup artist can be totally worth it. I learned my lesson years ago when I did my own makeup for a television interview. I ended up looking so pale and sickly that my mother called and asked if I was ill! Now whenever I do a TV appearance or need to have photos taken, I have my makeup done professionally.


To find a makeup artist, ask for referrals from friends who have been pleased with their makeup. Hairstylists and wedding or event photographers are also likely to know who does good work.
When you contact the makeup artist, ask about his or her professional experience, what type of work she or he does, and what rate you can expect. Ask to see photos of the artist's work or speak to recent clients.
Depending on the type of event you're getting primped for, you may have other questions: Is the makeup artist available to work on other members of a wedding party? Will she or he stick around for touch-ups at a photo shoot or TV interview? If so, be sure to ask about additional costs.
Always do a trial run. You'd never wait until the day of a big event to put your dress on for the first time, would you? A trial run will help you and your makeup artist nail down the right look and prevent any ghastly surprises.

Summer Beauty Review: Looking Pale? 5 Bronzers To Give You That Faux Glow!

What is it about sun-kissed skin that everyone longs for? Hmm, I can think of a few reasons. You look healthier, don't have to wear as much makeup, and everyone thinks you just came back from the most fabulous getaway.

There are a variety of bronzers on the market to suit your fancy. Read up on what I think of this summer's latest bronzers-on-the-block!

1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 ($34 CAD): They call this "almost bronzer" for a reason. If you have a bronzer phobia, but long for a touch of sun you will love this bronzer. The application is very, very sheer. It claims it's long-wearing, but because I received the Light/Medium sample I couldn't see it at all on my skin. It also says it's buildable which I'm sure is true if you have very fair skin. You can combine the two shades for an all over natural colour or use one to contour and the lighter to highlight. For me, this bronzer was a bust especially at $34, mainly because I couldn't truly test its potential and I didn't have a chance to try it on someone fairer than me. Anyone else try this?

2. Lancome Star Bronzer in #3 ($46 CAD): This long-wearing bronzer will be featured this summer in a new slim case with a clic closing. I love the embossed design - it reminds me of sun rays shining over the brand's classic rose emblem. It even has a rose scent to it. The bronzer is lovely on and the shimmer is very subtle so you get the most natural glow. The shade is very buildable and long-wearing. You won't have to worry about looking orange this summer - just pure golden baby! Keep in mind, it comes with a hefty price tag but if you love Lancome and love luxury bronzers this is one to get.

3. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed ($34 CAD): These eco-friendly beauty balms of goodness are perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. I love the glow it gives my skin. The sticks are very creamy and sinks into the skin leaving a gorgeous tint of colour behind. It doesn't leave a greasy residue. Don't expect these to last all day though. I found it lasted longer when I didn't prime or put any foundation on. On bare skin, it actually stayed better. These are perfect for when you want a bronzey tan on-the-go or when you're going to the beach. You can swipe the Bronzed shade on your lids, cheeks and lips and you're good to go. Keep in mind, if staying out in hot weather for a long time these can melt! Solution: throw it in with the drinks in your cooler!

4. Vasanti Brazilian Powder - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25 CAD):  First, the packaging is beautiful with its unique artisan inspired paperboard with hand made accents. Being the less pricier of the 5, this is an awesome bronzer for what you get. It contains a nutrient-rich formula with anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. It has a shimmery finish to it but instead of looking shiny it leaves a gorgeous sheen. You'll be glowing in all the right places! Tip: make sure your skin is properly powdered before applying. Because it is so velvety smooth, I found I had to buff my skin really well before it looked blended. 

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep Chocolate (LE, $40 CAD): You want chocolate? This bronzer is a true rich chocolate. The finish is matte yet silky so you'll never look muddy or dirty. Deep Chocolate is one I recommend for medium-dark to deep skin. I'm no where as tanned as I would be in the height of summer, but if I use it sparingly it leaves a lovely bronzed finish to my skin. I also like using this to contour or as a shadow. It's also available in Rich Cocoa and might be better for someone who has fair to medium skin. Remember to use a bronzer buffing brush or a big powder brush to apply your bronzer so it leaves a believable natural tan! 

 Top - Bottom: Clinique, Lancome, Revolution Organics, Vasanti, and Bobbi Brown

Have you tried any of these bronzers? What are your favourite bronzers for a natural summer glow? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Christina's Sugarpill giveaway!

Christina over at Confessions of a Glitterholic is having an exciting giveaway: an entire set of Sugarpill Chromalust samples! It ends 5/27/2011 so hurry over, read the rules, and ENTER HERE! (Also check out her swatches of all these lovely Sugarpill colors!)

SO Stinking CUTE!!!!!

Do you browse the web? Do you sometimes start at a baking blog with the purpose of grabbing a quick recipe only to find yourself, after browsing her fav sites, then that girl's fav sites, at a sewing blog (I don't sew) that is making the CuTeSt accessory bags EVER??? You may have gathered already that this indeed happened to me and I am SO glad! Meet Anngela from Anngela's Pretty Little Things. This girl can do it all! She is super crafty and a great seamstress. I drool over any images for Halloween and whadda ya know she's got that too =). Here she shares a brush roll up case that she made at a recent party. Take it away Anngela!!!

The task at hand for this party--a roll-up accessories case! After a few snacks and conversation, we got to sewing. House Party supplied the directions, fabric and thread as well as some freebies while Katie hosted and gave step-by-step directions. Here are a few photos from Sew Woodsy's house party re-cap post.

I'm diligently sewing my pockets :)

Vanessa and I getting our sew on

The roll-up accessory case was meant to be a fairly simple project--and that it was! This is a PERFECT project for any beginner sewer. I planned to use mine for my make-up brushes but the versatility and customizations for this project are endless. This has been a project on my "craft to do" list for quite some time--so this allowed for one more project to be checked off as complete!

:Supplies:

Two pieces of fabric

(we used 12"x14" but you can use any rectangular size--

step 3 explains how you may want to determine your size)

Coordinating Ribbon (approximately 20"-24" in length; longer if you make a larger case)

Sewing basics (machine, thread, pins, iron, etc.)

Step 1. Pin your fabric right sides facing together along the edges. Sew along the edge of the fabric with a small seam allowance. Be sure to leave a 4" gap in the center of one of your your longest edges for turning.

Step 2. Turn the fabric right side out, poke out corners and press.

Step 3. To make the pocket: Lay your fabric so that the long side that has the 4" opening is on the right. Decide how "long" of pockets you want and fold your rectangle from the bottom up. The folded part will be your pocket. Press your fold.

The long white line is where the top of my pocket is folded to--a little less than half-way up

Step 4. Open your fold and topstich the top of your pocket for a finished look. (Be sure to not stitch your pocket to the case--this is just a decorative step)
Step 5. Re-fold your flap. Now it's time to sew your individual pocket channels: Determine the channel widths depending on what you're going to hold in your case. I did mine a variety of 1/2"-2" inch pockets for my various sized make-up brushes. Use either a straight stitch or a decorative stitch to give it flair! You may sew only to the top of the pocket, or you may sew up the entire case--I chose to stop at the top of the pocket. Sew your channels by starting at the bottom of the pocket and working towards the top edge, reinforcing at the beginning and end or your stitch. (see photo below) *Do not sew shut your end pockets*

Notice end pocket is not sewn shut

Step 6. Final step! Fold your ribbin in half and insert the folded end into the 4" opening. This should be directly to the right of your pocket. (see photo below)

Stitch around your entire perimeter of your case--closing the gap and securing the open pocket ends--and you're done!

The various cases made by the girls at the party

Holding my make-up brushes and necessities

Enjoy your new case!

Joy Approved: Skin Savers

Find out why I love using these skin saving products! Visit The Joy of Makeup here to read my post!

Twitter

Let me first say that I do not know the first thing about "the Twitter" as cute Betty White said. I really am on new ground and it is FAR from terra firma to me! I mean, the bird looks so sweet and innocent right? How hard can it be right? Are any of you on this feathery site? Help a sister out!!!!!

How To Wash Your Makeup Brushes

 I know a lot of you have asked for it and I was finally able to settle down and do it =). Enjoy!!!

Summer Beauty Review: Shatter, Sparkle and Serena Williams From O.P.I.

Trends in nails have become more innovative than ever before. From the reverse french manicure, to the half-moon manis, there are many fun ways to make your nails the hottest accessory.

The "shatter" trend has every nail brand jumping on the bandwagon. This two-texture finish gives your nails a graffiti-inspired feel that is edgy, funky and super fun! I finally got to the try the trend with O.P.I's latest shatter polishes in three new blue hues.

O.P.I. Shatter Polish in Navy ($10.95 CAD) is gorgeous especially when paired with a metallic polish. In the above photo, I paired it with Joe Fresh Polish in Tin, the spring-ready silver metallic. Navy is a flat shade so you can either wear it matte or apply a top coat over top for some shine. In the photo, I did not apply a top coat. The matte finish gave it the edge-factor. After a few days, I did apply a top coat to keep it on longer and looking fresh.

Here's what I love about the shatter effect: 

• It's very eye-catching and is a quick way to update your nails without having to break the bank.
• Navy is uber chic and a shade that can be worn all year round. Layer it over of a white polish with some shimmer to give it a lighter look for summer. 
• It dries very quickly. You don't have to worry about smudging it.

What I didn't love: 

• It dries very quickly. I found it a little hard to work with because it set so quickly. If you layer on too much, it doesn't crackle or shatter as well. One coat is all that is needed.
• Could be me, but it was hard to make it look neat. I tried to get it as close to the cuticle to match the silver polish but it would end up looking messy. 
• You have to wait until your bottom layer of polish is very dry before applying the shatter polish over top. Otherwise, it doesn't apply smoothly. 

Also available in new shades Blue and Turquoise.

Tennis champ, Serena Williams, has launched a series of super cool polishes for O.P.I. I remember last year sometime I watched an episode of Oprah and found out Serena's other passion is nails! When she retires, she wants to open up her own nail boutique and do nails. She actually went to school too to become a nail technician. Can you imagine getting a pedicure from Serena Williams?? Oprah was her first client!

The O.P.I. Glam Slam France collection ($20.95 CAD duo) in Rally Pretty Pink and Red Shatter is a girly duo mixed with some hotness.

This is Rally Pretty Pink on its own. I absolutely adore this shimmering sunset pink! It's another summer shade you'll love! I actually prefer it by itself.

Personally, I didn't like the red over top. I thought it it overpowered the other shade too much. I did like how the gold shimmer popped out when light would hit it. I think the red shatter would work well with a lot of other shades though like black, metallic gold, orange, yellow, white, and metallic grey. I didn't like a matte finish with this shade as much as the navy. The top coat shine brightened the duo up much more. Also available in Spark de Triomphe (silver glitter) and White Shatter.

Overall, I think the shatter trend is a fun way to update your nails. I think I need a little more practice though! What do you think of the shatter trend? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Both collections available nationwide May 2011.

www.opi.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Spring Beauty Review: Sephora Loves Canada Palette And We Love Sephora!

Aww shucks, you love us and we really, really love you Sephora! Us Canadian girls have sure embraced Sephora ever since it launched in Canada. Some of you call it your mecca for beauty and some of you call it home. Thank you Sephora for dedicating a palette especially for us Canadian beauty junkies! 

I was expecting the Sephora Loves Canada Minibag ($15 USD) palette to be the typical blockbuster size, but in fact it's the exact opposite. It's a lil' mini one and adorable to boot! It's a purse-friendly size that you can tote with you for touch-ups throughout the day or for an evening makeup change. To top it off, you can hold it by the red handles like a shopping bag - makes you want to shop doesn't it?

Shadow swatches

In the past, Sephora's shadows haven't really impressed me much. I always found that they weren't pigmented enough and faded quite quickly. I was pleasantly surprised that these shadows were silky soft and highly pigmented. The palette contains great basic neutrals that are perfect for day and can add drama for night. There's a good mix of shimmery, matte, and satin shadows as well. Not only can this palette work for everyday, but I can see a lot of brides reaching for this one especially if they will be doing their own makeup.

Blush swatch

When you slide out the right side, a shimmering neutral blush is added to compliment your neutral eyes. It adds a soft hint of colour and leaves a beautiful glow on the skin. This also works great as a highlighter. Sephora blushes are actually really good. I've tried a few in the past and they are always silky smooth and highly pigmented.

Gloss swatches

I love all the hidden compartments. Slide out the left side and 4 neutral shades from light to dark finish off your look. From left to right, the first shade is a frosty champagne, shimmering beige, shimmering pink-brown, and shimmering plum. The glosses are sheer and feel smooth to the touch. They don't last very long, but you can apply these over your favourite lipstick for longer wear.

Overall, it's a collector's item that is fabulous for when you're on-the-go and it makes a great gift for that special makeup junkie in your life (could be you)!

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

http://sephora.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it. 

CRAZY Weekend!!!

So I am doing great in Utah, I really am, I love it.......but I ADORE Portland and have missed it greatly. It's quirky, unexpected, fun, artistic and fits me like a glove. I was so happy to travel back this weekend for some great times and photo shoots. Friday was packed with rushing from the flight to grab my rental car. Side note, look really cute and somewhat "lost" and the boys behind the counter will pretty much give you anything you want =). Isn't it cute???

I was so pleased with my cute little ride and rushed off to my first appointment....shopping with my dear friend Nicole!!!!! I had missed her so much and it was so great to hit up our favorite haunts and eat yummy food. The next morning I awoke at the crack of dawn to bid farewell to Nicole and head out on the road to the wedding. The bride was lovely and her bridesmaids charming. They were all so beautiful it made my job super easy.

 Next I went straight to the airport to catch my flight down to California. My "who did you sit by" companion was Mary. A lovely woman from Sacramento who had just been visiting her daughter and very first grandson. We chatted and laughed talking about babies and my life when I lived in Siberia. We walked out together, rushing somewhat as I had to get home quickly and she had to pick up her cute pup before the kennel closed. I was then met by a tall dark and handsome man that I lovingly refer to as Dad and we rushed to my childhood home to get my little sister ready for her Senior Ball.

 It was wonderful to spend time with my family and meet some smooshy nieces and nephews I had not yet met. That night my Dad took me and my sisters-in-law, my grandmother and great grandmother, in from Hawaii, out to our fav restaurant where we just sat for hours eating, talking, laughing...it was a dream. I left the following evening and was lucky in my travels again in the "who did you sit by" category. Lovely Christine was my companion on this leg of the trip and we talked as if we had known each other for years. Her daughter was off doing service in New Zealand and was named Jen as well. Unfortunately it was SUPER windy upon arrival and we had to circle for what seamed like FOREVER in gusts of wind in a tiny plane. Needless to say I enjoyed the lunch my mother so lovingly made for me before I left but didn't keep it down. Christine, you are a beautiful soul and I thank you for the patience and grace under fire that you exuded =). YUK! I am now home, safely on the ground, in my pjs still and about to take a nap!Just wanted to fill you in on some fun times and leave you with some glow wisdom that I thought was pretty appropriate =).

 Whether your next flight is 2 or 12 hours, here’s what to do to keep looking fresh on board and when you land:

• Slick on a thick layer of lip balm as soon as you board the plane. Sticks can be waxy and drying, so look for a balm in a tube or pot. My new favorite is Lavanila's Healthy Lip Shine, which contains apricot, jojoba, and sunflower oils and shea butter. I’m also a fan of Kiehl's Coconut Scented Lip Balm, as well as Aquaphor, which you can find in any drugstore. For a little natural color, dab on a bit of lipstick (not a thick layer) first. The color will stay on even when you reapply the balm.
• Carry a lubricating nose spray. Dry, stale airplane air can irritate sensitive nasal passages, especially if you have allergies or you're recovering from a cold. And there's nothing worse than getting a nosebleed at 30,000 feet in cramped quarters. Look for a nonmedicated saline solution like Ocean Nasal Spray (available at drugstores).
• Pack moist towelettes to wipe off oil and makeup before you land. It's impossible in the plane's closet of a bathroom to wash your face with one hand while pressing the faucet with the other. Basis So Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloths are individually wrapped and contain aloe, chamomile, and green tea extract.
• Keep everything in a small Ziploc bag in the outside pocket of your carry-on for easy visibility and access.

Summer Beauty Review: mark by Avon Ibiza Glosses

Mark does lip gloss right!

In its upcoming summer 2011 collection, mark introduces Ibiza Sol Marbleized Lip Gloss. The packaging tempts us to get “bonita” – pretty in Spanish – with these luscious lips shades. Sounds like a plan to me!

The glosses come in three shades:

• Bonita Pink – a matte bubblegum pink with a rosy red swirl
• Chica Coral – a muted peach with a metallic dark coral swirl
• Hola! Bronze – a darker dusty rose with a shimmering mocha swirl

Although the colours look pretty vibrant in the tube, they’re actually pretty natural looking once applied – to my surprise! Each gloss has shimmering golden undertones which go along with the beachy, exotic theme. The consistency is thick enough to stay put for a couple hours, but that’s about as long as you can stretch it without having to reapply.

The rectangular casing is pretty neat with use of negative, clear space around the product. Once opened, the fragrance is even better! It really does smell like an instant vacation with coconut notes that make you day dream of being on the beach.

Overall, this product is a perfect everyday gloss at a pretty decent price point. Each 0.13 fl. oz. lip gloss retails for $10 on meetmark.com, or through your Avon representative. 

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Joy Approved: 5 Pink Blushes You Should Know

In case you missed my post on The Joy of Makeup, read about the 5 pink blushes I reach for in my kit! Click here to read the post. What are your fave must-have pink blushes?

www.joyofmakeup.ca

Spring Beauty Review: Vasanti Is Blooming With Colour!

Vasanti's spring/summer collection is making me fall in love with colour this season! Yes, these two items have quickly made a home in my kit. Vasanti certainly doesn't skimp on quality or pigment making their products makeup artist worthy!

Vasanti Silky Eye Shadow Duo in Mount Rushmore ($20 CAD): Alright, it's time to gush over how much I adore this silky duo of goodness! Texture - amazing. It's silky-soft and applies like butta'. It blends beautifully onto the skin. I love the combination of a satin-frost finish with a matte shadow. It makes it wearable for anytime of the day and photographs wonderfully. Now, let me gush over the colour combo! The silver infused taupe with the deep purple make this one hot smokey eye perfect for spring! This duo will definitely take you into fall and winter. For day, you can apply the taupe shade all over the lid and use a damp angled brush to line the eyes with the purple. I actually used this on a mother-of-the-bride last week and she loved it! This is the perfect duo to enhance brown, green or hazel eyes! At $20 a duo, this really is affordable for such a well-pigmented palette. New shades available in Colosseum, Lake Louise, and Statue of Liberty.

Vasanti Vitamin E Infused Lipshine in Caribbean ($15 CAD): These glosses are super hydrating and give the lips unbelievable shine. Caribbean is a sheer hot pink. If you're trying to ease into the bright lip trend, using a sheer gloss is the way to go. My lips have some colour to them so the hot pink doesn't really translate. I wish it would have been a little more pigmented, but it looks gorgeous over a hot pink lip stain. New shades available in Caspian, Red Sea, and The North Sea.

Have you tried Vasanti's new spring/summer collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

http://vasanticosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Summer Beauty Review: Are Tinted Moisturzers Created Equal?

Spring is just beginning here in Toronto, but I see summer skies on the horizon! My skin is starting to behave now that the weather is turning a bit warmer which means I can put away my heavier foundations! I've been living on tinted moisturizers since April, but my skin is still needing a bit of coverage. If you're deciding to make the switch to a tinted moisturizer, there's a few things to keep in mind. 

Are tinted moisturizers created equal? I've been test driving 3 since March and each one has their good and not-so-good features. Here's what I thought and what worked for me and will hopefully work for you!

The Tints:

mark by Avon Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 ($10 USD): Light-weight and oil-free. Gives enough coverage and shimmer for a balanced glow. Unique skin-balancing formula hydrates while it prevents shine in those spots prone to excess oil. Available in Ivory/Nude, Buff/Natural, Honey/Golden, Almond/Mocha.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($30 CAD): Light-weight hydrating formula that protects the skin with SPF and covers imperfections naturally for a no-makeup look. Available in 6 shades. 

Cover FX Skintint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39 CAD): Rejuvenating liquid mineral treatment. Pearlized minerals provide tinted sun-kissed looking skin. Perfect for dry, sallow, sensitive or sun-damaged skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Available in C Light, C Deep, E Light, E Deep, M Light, and M Deep. 

The Coverage (T-B in photo):

mark by Avon in Buff/Natural: The most economical out of the 3, this tint actually gives some coverage! The formula didn't feel heavy or greasy and evened out my skin tone pretty good. On darker blemishes, I did have to apply a separate concealer for more coverage. The Buff shade works for my skin tone right now, but probably won't as I get darker. When first applied, the shimmer seemed very noticeable and I found myself trying to brush it or sponge it away. I was scared that as the day wore on, I would end up looking like an oily mess. Surprisingly, the shimmery particles faded to a sheen leaving my skin glowing and didn't make me shinier. For oilier skin types, however, I'm not sure if the results will be the same. Any oily lovelies that can weigh in? I think this would work great on the decolletage for a sexy glow and on the legs especially if you need to hide any nicks or bruises.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer in #3: In March, I was actually light enough to use this shade which is for more fair skinned beauties. The downside - the shade doesn't work for me now. The upside? I'm getting more tanned! Yay! Out of the 3, the Clinique version provides the best coverage yet still looked natural. I didn't have to use a separate concealer over my blemishes or red spots. I really liked the light-weight feel to it. Those that are oilier will appreciate the non-shimmery formula.

Cover FX Skintint FX in M Light: This has been my go-to TM for the past month or so. I love the golden tint it gives my skin! Out of the 3, the finish is the closest to looking like your natural skin. I love the mousse-like texture - it feels like air when applied. It has a pearlized texture rather than shimmer so you're left with skin that glows. The downside? My skin isn't the most perfect right now and I find it doesn't offer enough coverage. My solution? I've been mixing this with Cover FX's Natural FX Water-Based Liquid Foundation SPF 15. The combo gives me enough coverage while still feeling and looking like a TM. It's the pricier option of the 3, but all Cover FX products have ingredients that repair and heal the skin. Perfect for both normal or more problematic skin.

To Tint or Not-To-Tint?

Meredith from her lovely blog, et tu and you, did a post about tinted moisturizers and debated whether switching to one would work for her (click on link above to read). She asked me to weigh in on it and I'm so glad she did!

Wearing a TM really depends on your skin type and your lifestyle. There are ones that offer more coverage and in my experience the ones I love are tarte's Smooth Operator and Clinique's Moisture Surge. These are great options especially if you are used to a full coverage foundation. However, mixing your moisturizer with your favourite foundation also does the trick. I've fallen in love with mixing my Cover FX Skintint with the Natural FX. 

As I said in my reply to her, there is a time and place for everything. If you're working out and still want a bit of coverage (for fear of running into that hottie or ex), a TM is your best friend. Nothing is worst than foundation dripping off your face and onto the workout equipment! If I'm running errands, I usually slap on a bit of concealer with my TM. If I'm attending an event that requires long lasting makeup, I will use a full coverage foundation. If you normally have flawless skin (damn you!), then you can get away with wearing a TM all year round. But if you're less fortunate like me, I use a heavier foundation in the winter months and switch to a TM in the warmer months.

And as always, I am never without a face primer. Make sure you apply a primer (mattifying one if oily) first to keep your TM on all day. Since they don't offer as much coverage, the chances of it fading is greater. Don't be afraid to do a light dusting of translucent powder to set it.

What is your favourite tinted moisturizer? Do you prefer it over a full coverage foundation? Have you tried any of the 3?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Fantasy Fairy Makeup

This is just whimsical fun =). My fav is seeing my youngest Branson in the background. He kept saying (with a confused look),"Um. you look (pause) pretty Mommy?" Yes it was in the form of a question LOL. I have to admit that I didn't love how the brown line underneath turned out but practice makes perfect right? =) Come with me to a land of fairies. If you want to blend in, you may want to try this look out....okay I'm a geek but ENJOY!!!

Mature Makeup Conversation

Here are a few things that I wanted to share with my ladies that are of my more "mature" audience =). I'll have some more tutorials coming up on age spots, under eye circles, foundation application, colors and lipstick application.

Beauty News: La Mer Partners With Oceana For World Oceans Day

Beauty products make us feel good and look good, but when beauty makes the world a better place indulging in your favourite products just feels right. If you live to frolic in our beautiful oceans and love all the amazing sea creatures that live and roam in our oceans, then we need to do a better job at protecting them. With companies leaking oil and radio active chemicals seeping into our oceans, the animals and our health are at risk.

La Mer has partnered with Oceana, the world's largest international ocean advocacy organization since 2005. In honour of the sea, La Mer has created a limited edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Creme in a commemorative ocean-inspired jar. In addition, La Mer will make a $200 000 donation to Oceana in support of their Habitat Protection Campaign as well as other global initiatives for ocean conservation.

La Mer, a luxury face cream, has become a cult classic all around the world. I had a little container of this rich cream and I was sad to see it go. It was perfect for my winter dry skin and left my face feeling unbelievably hydrated. If you can afford this pricey tub of goodness (unlike me), go out and buy one in support of our oceans.

For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana.

La Mer’s Limited-Edition 100 ml World Oceans Day Crème de la Mer will be available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada: May and June 2011.

Suggested Retail Price: $420

The Glow And J-Lo Win the Book!!!

 Many of you watch her on American Idol and have asked for more tips on how to achieve her gorgeous look. So I turned to my friend Scott Barnes, who was her makeup artist for more than 10 years and whose book, About Face, features Jennifer on the cover. Scott points out that Jennifer often pairs a smoky eye with pale lips. This combination can look polished for daytime or glamorous at night, depending on how much “smoke” you apply. Here’s how Scott does it:

• Line the inside of your upper and lower lids with a black eye pencil. Scott’s favorite is Maybelline ExpertWear eyeliner in Velvet Black. First he flames the pencil with a lighter or match; this softens it and makes it easier to smudge. But be careful! Let the pencil cool and test it on the back of your hand before using it. He also uses the pencil to fill in between the upper and lower lashes to make them look thicker.
• Use an eyeshadow brush to apply brown or gray shadow in the crease. Sweep the brush back and forth from the inner corner to the outer corner to build up color and give your eyes depth. (For Asian ladies who don’t have an obvious crease, feel where your brow bone is, then move your finger down until the bone stops and your eyeball starts. That’s where your shadow should go.) Bring the shadow above the crease and under the brow bone, but leave a space between the shadow and your brow as well as the middle of your upper lid. Then take a shorter, tapered brush and use the same shadow above and below your eyeliner making the line thicker at the outer edges of your eyes. Blend well so it doesn’t look stripy.
• Use your finger to dab on shimmer in the middle of your upper lid. Scott likes gold (with brown shadow) or silver (with gray shadow). As he says, “When you look down, there’s something happening on your lids.” For evening, dab a bit more shimmer on your brow bone, between your shadow and your brow.

Want to win an autographed copy of Scott’s book? Send an email to Submissions@AskJessicaWu.com and tell me your favorite J Lo look. I’ll choose one at random and announce it in an upcoming Shout Out. Good Luck!

A Mother's Day Wish List

Happy soon-to-be Mother's Day! Ok, most moms are run-down, tired, and maybe a tad crazy, but being a mommy has its perks. Nothing beats little hugs and kisses, cute scribbles that are supposed to be you, and hearing "I love you - you're the best mommy (no joke my son says this to me on a daily basis!), but we get to be pampered and spoiled with gifts for one whole day all for being an awesome mom! Really, moms should be recognized everyday but I'll take what I can get.

I really don't expect much on Mother's Day - a good brunch with my boys and letting me do nothing is good enough. But...who doesn't like gifts? This is my wish list and hopefully you can get some ideas for the special moms in your life! 

Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm ($28 CAD): As you can see, I don't have any makeup on my wish list at the moment - I know shocking! But right now, I have pretty much everything I could ever want. The All-Over Body Balm from Revolution Organics has been on my "Want" list for a while especially since I got pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised to receive it recently and it couldn't have come at a better time! My skin has been especially dry on my face and my belly has been getting the itchies due to this growing baby. I love that this comes in a portable stick - I throw it in my purse and I'm prepared for an itch attack anytime of the day. You can rub it straight out of the tube on anything from your head to your toes, that needs instant moisture. I love it and when we're out, I use it on my son who has eczema. It's all-natural and has a bunch of organic ingredients that help repair and hydrate the skin. It's the perfect gift for any mom-to-be or moms-on-the-go!

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide By Ines De La Fressange ($34 CAD): The idea of having a Kobo crossed my mind, but the truth is I love keeping original books. I found out about this book from Stephanie of BlushPretty and I knew I had to have it. I love little books like this especially since I have a love affair with anything Parisian (weird since I haven't even traveled there yet - insert sad face). If you've always wondered about the mystic behind Parisian women's effortless beauty, model Ines De La Fressange shares the well-kept secrets of fashion, decor, beauty and much more! You will love the photography and her charming sketches. Who doesn't love receiving books? Top it off with TIME to actually read it and this gift is golden!

Valentino Cat-Eye Tortoise Sunglasses ($250 USD): I did makeup for an event at my best friend's optical the other day and absolutely fell in love with these shades! Cat-eye shaped sunglasses may not seem like a classic shape, but this one really works for the roundness of my face. I especially loved the little "v" cut-out detail on the sides of the glasses. Besides eye cream, a pair of good shades will keep your eyes protected from the sun this summer and keep wrinkles at bay!

Maxi Dresses: I found this one on Motherhood Maternity, but it's not necessarily the one I want. I figure with the hot summer and my prego belly, a maxi dress will look stylish, be easy to throw on, and most importantly keep me cool. I really dislike a lot of maternity clothes, so I will be shopping around and will most likely buy regular clothes in Large. I seriously need to stock up on dresses asap! What mom doesn't like a shopping spree? A sure winner!

What are your must-get items for the special moms in your life? For all the moms out there, what's on your 'want' list?

Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it.