Spring Beauty Review 2012: Chanel Roses Ultimes De Chanel

Ok, this is coming a little late but these glosses are just too pretty not to talk about! Chanel's Roses Ultimes De Chanel collection new for Spring includes 6 Glossimers and 4 nail polishes. If shades of soft pinks and rosy shades tickle your fancy then you will love this collection. I've always been a fan of Chanel Glossimers because the finishes are gorgeous. For the most part, they come in pretty sheer shades which is why I love adding them as a finishing touch. The shimmery sparkle catches the light so nicely!

Amour (top) and Jalousie (bottom)

I got to test out Amour and Jalousie. Amour is a pretty pink with gold shimmer. Jalousie is stu-nning! Love the bright fuchsia and the strong pigment really surprised me because Glossimers are usually sheer. Out of all the shades Jalousie is the must-have that you need - should - (yes, I am here to encourage your addiction! ahh!) add to your lip collection. It's just that beautiful. 

What are your favourites from the collection? 

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick

This Spring has been all about lips for me. As someone who is a mom and just pure lazy when it comes to myself, lip products are my BFF. Adding a pretty lip colour brightens up my face and I don't have to spend too much time applying it. And if the lippie is sheer and gorgeous it makes it that much easier!

Make Up For Ever first introduced Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick a while back and now they have come out with a new range of Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks that are sheer but delightfully pigmented. They are incredibly creamy and offer beautiful shine. Don't expect them to last as long as Rouge Artist Intense. You'll get a good 3-4 hours of wear out of them - I'm sure the darker shades last a bit longer. They come in a rainbow of colours and in satin and pearly finishes. You are bound to find 2 or 3 or 5 favourites! 

Top to Bottom: N4, N20, and N35

I got to test out #N4 (pink beige), #N20 (iridescent pink-gold), and #N35 (iridescent orange-pink). N4 is such a pretty my-lips-but-better shade and should be an everyday staple for those that prefer a natural lip (this was one of my go-to shades in Paris!). It's the perfect mix of pink and beige and is the nude lip we all aspire to have. You don't get that I'm-a-dead-corpse lip which is just not flattering on anyone. N20 reminds me very much of NARS Orgasm just a bit pinkier. It's a gorgeous shade that looks amazing with both natural and colourful makeup. N35 is a juicy colour and screams summertime to me. It's a poppier shade that is very wearable because of it's sheer texture. All you need is a sun-kissed glow, this lippie and you're all set for summer!

There are many more shades I want to discover but these 3 are definitely ones to add to your stash! Have you tried any? What shades do you recommend?

Rouge Artist Intense Natural Lipstick retails for $22 CAD and includes 50 shades, 18 which are exclusive to Sephora stores nationwide and 32 shades that can be purchased through Make Up For Ever ProLoft or by visiting makeupforever.ca. 

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Clinique Almost Lipstick Collection

Not quite a lipstick and not quite a lip balm - Clinique Almost Lipsticks are the perfect marriage of both. Here are some scenarios these almost lipsticks are great for: 

• When you're rushing out the door and don't have a mirror. The lipsticks are so sheer it's like applying a lip balm. No mirror necessary. 
• A long plane ride. I wore one on the way to Paris and it kept my lips pretty moisturized with a sheer pop of colour. 
• For the not-done-up look like when you're going grocery shopping, the gym (who am I kidding) or taking the kiddies to the park. 
• When you're looking for a polished look but don't want a severe or super slick lip. The Almost Lipsticks give enough colour and shine to define your lips naturally. They contain transparent pigments that merge with the natural tones in your lip to create your own unique shade!
• If you're a lipstick newbie or afraid of lipstick. These lippies may come in a stick form but they apply smoothly and softly onto the lips. The braver you become, you can layer and layer for a stronger effect and before you know it you'll be addicted to lipstick! Ahhh!

Top to bottom: Flirty Honey, Lovely Honey, Luscious Honey, Tender Honey, Spicy Honey, and Chic Honey

I'm really glad Clinique launched new shades because Black Honey just didn't work for me. My lip's undertones brought out the reds in the shade which look dated on me (think the '90's). Sadly, I've misplaced Shy Honey which was a sheer mauve but looked almost clear on my lip. It was great for those days when I just needed some shine and hydration. You won't find any stickiness, but with that means it won't wear for too long. If you don't mind reapplying, you'll find yourself reaching for these often because they are so easy to wear. The ones I use the most are Flirty, Luscious, Lovely and Tender. They really are a glorified tinted lip balm, but the Almost Lipstick is a cult classic so if you're a fan you will love! I also think the slim packaging makes it very purse and kit friendly. 

If you're looking for a lip that is effortless for spring or summer these are definitely one to check out! 

Retails for $18 CAD and is available worldwide. 

www.clinique.com

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencils

Don't put away your matte lipsticks away just yet. Matte, bold lips and bare faces were all over the runways this season. Sometimes all you need is a pop of colour on the lips to brighten up the whole face and a matte texture - while not easy for everyone to carry off - is effortless. Depending on how thick you apply it, you can dab it on to look like a stain from a just eaten popsicle. Rule of thumb: your lips must be in tip-top shape to pull of a matte lip. Matte textures can enhance already dry, cracking lips. I like to either use a lip scrub or a more fool-proof way, a warm wash cloth. Just rub gently in a circular motion and then apply your favourite lip balm. Let your lip balm set for a while before applying a matte lippie. 

If you've read my site, then you know I adore Bite Beauty lippies. I finally got my hands on the popular High Pigment Matte Pencils and tested out their Spring picks. These 5 shades are permanent to the line: Madeira (nude pink), Chablis (soft coral rose), Amarone (raisin berry), Rhubarb (plum rose), and Zinfandel (electric coral). The pencils are described as a "long-lasting matte pencil", but I found the texture to apply very creamy which was great for my dry lips. 

What I loved: 

• Creamy texture doesn't accentuate fine lines or chapped lips.
• Amazing vibrant pigment. The shades are beautiful.
• The pencil allows you to line and fill in your lips easily for a perfectly defined pout. 
• Contains super antioxidant reservatol which fights free radicals with long-term anti-aging benefits.
• Paraben, sulfate, phthalate free.
• Self-sharpens.

What I didn't like: 

• While I loved the creamy texture, I didn't find it to last as long as some other matte lipsticks I've tried. It kissed off on my cups and my lil' guy's cheeks. The brighter shades lasted a bit longer than the lighter shades. 
• It did bleed a bit, but was ok when I applied a clear lip pencil. When I didn't wear lip balm or took off excess balm, it didn't bleed as much. 

L-R: Madeira, Rhubarb, Chablis, Amarone, Zinfandel

I love how highly saturated the pencils are. What you see is what you get. Madeira I found to be a little too nude on my lips. I had to add something a bit peachier or pink to make it work for my skin tone. On lighter skin tones, it's a perfect nude lip. Rhubarb is pretty universal and looks gorgeous with a bronzey eye for night. Chablis is a lovely rose shade for day and a great basic. I love Amarone and Zinfandel. These two shades are the ones I've used the most. Amarone is a deep fuchsia or bright berry. Looks amazing with a bare skin and a bit of liner and lots of mascara on the eyes. Zinfandel is hot for spring/summer. It's very bright and leans more coral with orange undertones. Looks fantastic against flawless, bronzed skin or a modern Old Hollywood glam look. 

Overall, I really love these pencils. I don't mind the creamy texture since I have naturally dry lips. I just wished they lasted longer on the lips. If you love a more matte texture and brighter lips you will love these pencils!

Have you tried Bite's High Pigment Matte Pencils? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Retails for $24 USD and is available at Sephora locations all across North America and Sephora.com. 

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 2: Avon/mark. Must-Haves!

Part 2 featuring my fave Avon products for Spring is all about the nails! After makeup, nail polishes are another love of mine. I like dark, I like bright, I love it all! Since I rarely go to get my nails done, I'd say my manicure skills could almost pass as profesh. ;) Hey, you're talking to someone who has been doing their nails since their tweens! That being said, I don't always have time to make these hardworking hands and feet look their best but I try. 

• Avon Foot Works Mocha Nourishing Foot Butter ($7.99 CAD): Unfortunately the mocha scent is no longer available - late review! But I had to include it because I love the scent. The mix of mocha and peppermint is scrumptious. I always apply this buttery moisturizer after a shower. It promises to hydrate for 24 hours but that's definitely an overstatement. For the price point, it's a great foot moisturizer but the softness only lasts for a few hours tops. Then again, my uber dry nasty feet could be the exception! Check out the latest new Foot Works scents. Mocha is still my favourite. 
• Avon Mini NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel ($1.99 CAD): I think mini nail polish bottles are genius especially if you are a nail polish fiend like me. I hate wasting nail polish and sadly a lot of mine end up getting gucky. Nail minis are especially perfect for those trendy shades that will go out of style next season. And the price - lets discuss. $1.99!!! Why wouldn't you buy every shade? The quality is actually pretty awesome and I didn't get a major chip until about the 7th day. The formula glides on really evenly. The brush reminds me of O.P.I.'s but not as wide. 

I'm a huge fan of all their shades, but the one to have is of course Pantone 2012's shade of the year: Tangtastic! It's a sexy tangerine shade and looks equally fab on your tips and toes! 

The normal size polishes are offered in some amazing shades for Spring (pictured above) and are only $6.99! My faves from the line: Aqua Fantasy, Orange Creamsicle, Sweet Mint and Blue Escape! 

If my post has made you want to go out and buy all these products, get in touch with the fabulous Avon rep, Elaine, from Toronto Beauty Reviews if you're in the Toronto area! Stay up-to-date on the latest Avon/mark. news and launches by visiting Elaine's From Elaine Next Door blog. 

www.ca.avon.com

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 1: Avon/mark. Must-Haves!

I don't know how it happened, but Avon products have found their way into my kit! I've had the pleasure of testing out a lot of their launches and in just this year alone they've really stepped it up. Check out my latest picks that are worthy of your beauty stash!

Clockwise: 

• mark. All The Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator ($20 CAD): I'm loving all the embossed designs on all the spring beauty launches this season! The pretty flower and butterfly detail alone is enough reason to get this illuminator. Its mix of soft pinks and lilacs are positively spring-y and will give your skin a luminous glow that isn't glittery looking. 

The great thing is that you can wear this on the eyes. When they are mixed together the swatch on the very right is what you get. It's a pale lilac which on very fair skin would show as a soft blush, but on darker skin will appear as a soft highlight. The only disappointing thing is that the product shot is a bit misleading. The butterfly looks like a vibrant pink but in actuality are the shades swatched above. I'm not sure if I got a different one or not...

• Avon Big Color Glossy Lip Pencil ($9.99 CAD): I'm such a big fan of jumbo lip pencils in both glossy or matte. They make for a quick yet precise application. Avons version offers really great pigment and has a longer than normal wear time. I was really surprised by how much pigment the lip pencils offer. It's not too sheer but still very wearable for everyday. The texture isn't too slippery and has a nice thick texture that has a smooth tackiness to it - not in a bad way. The only bad thing is that you have to sharpen with a fat sharpener. It's not a big deal but I prefer ones that self-sharpen. 

The shades are basic but pretty. My favourites were Glossy Sunset (top swatch) and Glossy Rose (bottom swatch). Sunset is a must-have coral for this season and Rose is the lovely nude rose shade perfect for Spring's colourful and bright shadows. 

• Avon Eye Brightening Pencil ($7.99 CAD): Who doesn't want to look bright-eyed and awake? I love highlighting pencils because they make faking it that much easier. Adding a pearly highlighter to the inner corner of the eyes and the brow bones is one of those life changing makeup techniques that will take years off your age. Light illuminates or "brings forward". Dark shades help make features look less noticeable or "recede". I love Avon's little chubby pencils. They fit perfectly in the inner corner and are easy to work with. The pigment is amazing and the texture glides on creamy and smooth making it very easy to blend into the skin. 

Top to bottom: Frosting, Pink Dust and Lavender Blue

These of course can double as a shadow and liner. Frosting and Pink Dust are perfect for fair to medium skin tones as a highlighter. For darker skin tones, I prefer peachy or gold tones - I would recommend Honey Blue from the collection. Lavender Blue is a great shade on the lid or to enhance your bottom lash line. As a shadow, these are perfect for when you don't need your makeup to last all day. If you're in a hurry they are easy enough to swipe on and blend with your finger. Skip these if you need your makeup to stay on a while otherwise they will crease or disappear. I love using these as bases under a powder shadow to enhance the pigment. Otherwise, I prefer to use these as highlighters. 

• Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Perfect Contour Powder ($9.99 CAD): I have clients asking me all the time to make their cheeks look less round. Avon's Global Creative Color Director and celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey, is here to make applying makeup easier. Love her right? 

Angelic

This contour, highlighting, blush palette from Avon is contouring-made-easy. The palette contains 3 shades: bronzer to contour, colour shade to flush the cheeks, and a light shade for highlighting. For a quick tutorial, check out my post on contouring and highlighting! You can use each shade on its own or swirl together for a peachy luminous cheek. All shades are nicely pigmented and I love that the highlighter is not uber shimmery. It gives the skin a subtle sheen that is not over the top. If you're afraid to contour, this is the palette to have!

If my post has made you want to go out and buy all these products, get in touch with the fabulous Avon rep, Elaine, from Toronto Beauty Reviews if you're in the Toronto area! Stay up-to-date on the latest Avon/mark. news and launches by visiting Elaine's From Elaine Next Door blog. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Avon Spring faves!

www.ca.avon.com

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Lancome Rouge In Love

Lancome is giving your lips something to love. If you aren't familiar with the beauty posing in the ad (how could you not know?), it's none other than the young, gorgeous actress from Harry Potter, Emma Watson. This once ingenue has turned into quite the beauty and fashion muse. It was a smart move by Lancome to use a younger spokesmodel to target younger women and make them lipstick addicts. 

I'm already a lipstick lover so it's not hard for me to fall madly in love with a lipstick. The Rouge In Love line is a selection of high pigmented, featherweight, lipsticks with at least 6 hours of wear. The collection is broken up into categories to suit your mood: 

JOLIS MATINS: Fresh, light shades Subtle, soft brilliant colour. (Identified with the letter "M" in the shade number)

BOUDOIR TIME: Flashy, trendy shades Bright colour reflection. (Identified with the letter "B" in the shade number) 

TONIGHT IS MY NIGHT: Deep, head spinning shades Deep lacquered effect, luminous colour. (Identified with the letter "N" in the shade number)

  

I got to try Midnight Rose, a bold fuchsia rose. This lipstick falls into the "N" category. The lipsticks have a lot of pigment, but the texture is very light and airy. I wore this for my Christmas dinner (late review!) and it lasted fairly long - until dessert - with little fading. I'm not a huge fan of the rose scent, but I love the colour so I'm willing to wear it. It's not intoxicating and eventually fades. The silver metal packaging is pretty compact and just beautiful. 

I love the shade of course and opted for a fuchsia lip rather than the typical red for the holidays. This of course will be a popular shade for Spring. A bold shade looks better with neutral eye, black liner or no liner and lots of mascara. In this case, I'm wearing my falsies from Velour Lashes in "You Complete Me". I think for Spring/Summer I'll skip the black liquid liner and keep the eyes really clean with a bright lip. 

Here's a closer look of Midnight Rose. Isn't it pretty? To view swatches of the complete collection, visit Karla Sugar!

Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick retails for $30 CAD and are sold at department stores all across North America. Have you tried the Rouge in Love collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.lancome.ca

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Dior New Look

Could Natalie Portman be anymore stunning? I love that one of my favourite actresses is the spokesmodel for one of my favourite beauty brands!

Dior's New Look collection features new packaging, but the shades bring you back to Christian Dior's first runway show. It's a mix of the old and new and the results are beautiful! 

If you've never tried Dior's eye shadow quints you must. The colours are gorgeous and the finish is stunning. I only own 4 palettes, but I need more. From one palette, you can create multiple looks and mix with other shadows in your stash. 

Dior 5 Couleurs Eye Shadow Palette in Royal Khaki ($60 CAD): I love, love this palette. It's a neutral with a twist that can easily make a few different smokey eyes. Unfortunately, my camera is ka-putz right now so I can't post any swatches but you can view them on Escentual.com. There are 3 shimmery shades - khaki-gold, white, and silvery-grey. The black and khaki green in the middle have a semi-matte finish with a soft sheen. It's a great neutral to have in your kit because you can mix it with a lot of other shades. I've done a day look using just the gold or khaki green on the lids and lining and accenting with the black. I've also done a smokey eye using the gold and the silvery-grey with the black. Love it! It's such a versatile palette! Oh, and this is Natalie's favourite palette - enough said.

Dior 5 Couleurs Eye Shadow Palette in Bleu de Paris ($60 CAD): I love this palette based on the name alone. Mr. Dior's inspiration for this palette was the blue sky overlooking the beautiful city that he loved so much - Paris. This Makeup Junkie will soon be enjoying the same blue sky he once did - in a few weeks!!! EEEK! Beyond excited! Yes, you will be seeing posts dedicated to Paris coming up - the clothes, the makeup - oh what to bring! 

Alright, lets get back on track! I love the mix of smokey blue, navy blue, silvery-blue, and baby blue. If you want to get away from the typical smokey eye, try a deep navy one. Gorgeous! Blues really make the whites of the eyes pop and make brown eyes really stand out. To see swatches, visit Escentual.com. 

Palettes also available in Grege and Rose Porcelain. 

Diorshow New Look Mascara ($28.50 USD): To celebrate the cult classic mascara, Diorshow, Dior has come out with a newer version featuring a smaller brush. Dior started the fat mascara brush trend, but they've scaled it down to be able to coat each lash. New Look mascara also has Lash Multiplier TM serum treatment formula that thickens, separates, and extends the lashes. 

I was really hopeful that this mascara would be a new fave. Diorshow never worked for me and the brush was way to big for my eyes. I don't know if the formula was just too heavy, but it would weigh my lashes down and never held its curl. The waterproof version did the same thing and smudged like crazy. New Look didn't smudge on me, but again it didn't lift my lashes. It did make my lashes look thicker, but my lashes are stick straight and need more lift than volume. What I did love was the brush. It made coating each lash very easy. The pointed tip also made it easier to coat the bottom the lashes. Overall, not a must-have mascara for me, but if you're not lash challenged like I am you might love this! Also available in Brown and Blue. 

Have tried Dior's New Look collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.dior.com

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Get A Heavenly Glow With Benefit!

What can I say except that I'm a sucker for packaging. Luckily, the functionality and packaging of Benefit products are usually on par. Spring is when my skin starts to look its best again. It's fresher and more luminous looking and mostly thanks to beauty brands launching products around the same time that give you the perfect natural "glow". 

Benefit Sun Beam ($30 CAD): Looking sun-kissed makes everyone look healthier don't you think? I love a lot of Benefit's liquid highlighters and stains and Sunbeam is right up there with the rest of them. This golden highlighter gives you a perfect sun-kissed look especially when mixed with your favourite bronzer. Dab it on the high planes of the cheeks, brow bone, and down the nose for a truly glow-y look. If you're normally oily, just dab in one or 2 areas max. Darker-skinned beauties might prefer this golden highlighter more than something pearly or champagne. 

Benefit Hervana ($36 CAD): Do you believe in karma? I truly believe what comes around goes around! Put your halo on and get a heavenly flush with Benefit Hervana. The box includes 4 shades - lucky shell, divine peach, heavenly rose, and berry delight - that you swirl together for a perfect orchidblossom flush. On me, the combined hues give me a more soft berry-pink flush which I love. My swatch photo doesn't do it justice. I think berry and plumy shades are universally flattering and give your skin a healthy pop of colour. The overall finish has a subtle sheen, but not an overpowering shimmer which is nice. And can I say, I am loving the flip box packaging it comes in with mirror over the older boxes. It's a bit more kit friendly and not as bulky. The design of the box powders are fun to collect if you love cute packaging. I own almost all of Benefit's box powders. A definite must-have for Spring for me! 

Benefit Hervana blended to not blended swatch.

What are your favourite products that give that "heavenly glow"? 

Both products are available at Sephora locations and Sephora.com. 

www.benefitcosmetics.com 

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Pretty Pastels With mark. Cosmetics!

This past week we’ve been hit with such beautiful weather.  Spring is definitely in the air!  One way I’ve been getting into the spring season is by wearing pretty light colors on my eyes.  Here’s a palette from mark. Cosmetics that I’ve been liking.  It’s part of their customized palettes.  The colors I tried were Glitterati (a light shimmery green), and 3 of the Violet Femme Shades in Mystical (light shimmery lilac), Pink Dusk (pink shimmer, and Violet Ink (matte light purple).  All the colors are beautiful and really complement one another.  The purple is especially nice if you have brown eyes and will make them pop!  

Glitterati, Mystical, Pink Dusk, Violet Ink

One thing I love about this palette is that you can customize it.  The palette itself is magnetized allowing you to interchange the shadow pans if you happen to have more than 4 in your collection.  I also like that the sizes of the shadow pans are quite large so you’re getting a fair amount of product in there.  This palette also comes with a little brush which is nice especially if you want to take this with you on the go.  I like to use my personal brushes so I didn't find a lot of use for it.  There's also a handy mirror inside which is convenient for quick touch ups.  In terms of color pay off I’d have to say that the pigmentation of the shimmery colors are a lot better than the matte shade.  I do wish the matte one was a tad more pigmented.  So if you’re looking to pick out some colors out I’d definitely go for the shimmery shades! This is a perfect a palette for those of you on the go and who like to touch up their eye shadow during the day.

Have you tried mark. cosmetics customizable palettes?  If so how do you like them? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

 If you'd like to purchase this palette or any mark. or Avon products and you're in the Toronto area, contact Avon representative, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, and visit her Facebook page and From Elaine Next Door blog to keep up with the latest Avon and mark. launches!

Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 2: You're Invited To A Dior Garden Party!

I'm really kicking myself that I'm just jumping on the Dior bandwagon now. I'm seriously falling hard for this luxurious line and it's scaring me how many things I want! Ahh! Wallet. Can't. Handle. 

The Spring collection has so many beautiful pieces to choose from. My last Dior post featured the gorgeous Milly Garden clutch. The other products from the collection are equally as amazing. I got to sample a couple products for Spring and I am in love! 

Dior Garden Pastels 5 Couleurs High Colour Eyeshadow Palette (LE, $60 CAD): Can I just say I am super impressed with Dior shadows. I recently had a chance to watch a fellow MUA work with Dior shadows on one of her clients and the results were stunning! There are so many palettes I want now from Dior. A lot of the shadows are shimmery, but in the majority of the Quints you will find matte shades to anchor the whole look. 

Swatched dry.

Garden Pastel has 5 iridescent shades that are meant to give you an easy breezy kind of spring look. I love all the rose details embossed in the shadows - beautiful design I almost don't want to use it! The texture is very soft and is highly pigmented. It looks even more amazing when used wet and lasts longer too. For an easy day look, you can combine two shades together for a wash of colour. Line the top inside waterline for subtle definition, add a couple of coats of black mascara and you're done. For night, mix the bolder shades with a smudgy black liner. 

All the shades compliment each other beautifully. Shades include: golden champagne, pale turquoise with silver shimmer, chartreuse green, shimmering turquoise, and lavender pink. This is a great shimmery palette of pastels that you can mix with other shadows in your stash. 

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in Tulip Pink (LE, $36 CAD): When I first saw this shade out of the tube, it didn't excite me all too much. On my hand it swatched a lot darker than when it was applied on my lips. Tulip Pink is a medium-toned pink that gives you "my lips but better" look. On my lips, it applies like a soft rose-pink and is subtle enough to go with these bright spring pastel shades. It's also a really great bridal colour! Rouge Dior lipsticks glide on so smoothly giving the lips lots of colour and shine. They contain a new generation of plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres that give the lips natural fullness without a stinging sensation. These lipsticks along with the Dior Addicts have become a must-have! I need more! 

Have you tried Dior's Spring collection? 

www.dior.com 

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

Spring Beauty Reviews 2012: Maybelline Takes Over World Mastercard Toronto Fashion Week!

In honour of World Mastercard Toronto Fashion Week happening next week, March 12 - 17, I thought I would feature some of Maybelline's newest products. In case you didn't hear, Maybelline is now the beauty sponsor for fashion week in Toronto! 2012 seems to be the year for major change. Although I won't be able to attend, I can't help but feel a new vibe and excitement in Toronto as we enter a new chapter for fashion week! One of my favourite makeup artists, Grace Lee, is also the new lead artist for Maybelline Canada and has created all the amazing beauty looks you will see on the runway. 

Check out some of new favourites from Maybelline. The brand has really transformed the formulations and packaging to rival some high end brands. 

1. Maybelline Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner: Hands down one of my all-time must-have liquid liners. Everyone needs to have a black liquid liner in their beauty stash. It's so versatile for day and night and can create a polished look without piling on tonnes of makeup. This liner has a firm felt tip and is ultra thin. It creates the most perfect line without skipping or tugging at the skin. I've always loved the technique of tight-lining the eye (lining the top inner waterline). It gives beautiful definition without a having to draw a heavy line. The thin pointed tip allows me to get right to the root of my lashes. Just dot with or use small strokes along the inner lash line until there are no gaps. I used to use a pencil but the liquid liner just enhances the eyes that much more plus this doesn't do the messy smudgy thing on my bottom lash line! Score! 

Photo Credit:  Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

I love me some Adele! She is everywhere right now and so is her 60's inspired cat eye. When doing this look remember to use short, small strokes. This will make lining the eyes easier and avoid a crooked mess. Also, a great tip Grace Lee said on City Line today - remember to lift the lid slightly to get right at the lash line. 

2. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Audacious Asphalt & Tough As Taupe: I've been playing around with these for the last few days and I'm really impressed with the results. I love cream gel shadows especially when they can double as an eyeliner or shadow base. The line includes 10 shades, mostly bold and bright. The finishes are also shimmery and metallic, but there are 2 shades that are matte. They apply very easy and blend beautifully. It also is packaged in a glass jar which makes it feel less cheap but it's not so kit friendly. The wear team claims 24 Hrs, but there's no way I'm going to wear this until the next day. It wore for a good 6-8 hours with no creasing or fading. 

L-R: Audacious Asphalt, Tough As Taupe

There are a lot of fun punchy colours, but I really like Audacious Asphalt and Tough As Taupe for everyday or a smokey eye. Audacious Asphalt goes on like a taupey-grey with a silvery finish. I love mixing this with a smudgy black liner or dark grey/black shadows for a smokey eye. Tough as Taupe on me has a hint of purple and looks a little bruised on my eye if worn by itself. It works better when I mix with a chocolate brown or deep purple shadow. It would be great if Maybelline launches more neutral shades with less shimmer. 

3. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush: "Dream" and "bouncy" are the perfect words to describe these blushes. It's a powder-gel blush with silicone elastomers. The blushes are light-weight like a powder but give the skin a beautiful flush like a cream blush. They last surprisingly long on the skin and don't fade or budge. They also have good pigmentation to them. 

L-R: Fresh Pink, Pink Frosting, Coffee Cake, and Candy Coral 

Fresh Pink is a soft baby pink which gives the skin a delicate doll-like flush. Pink Frosting is one of the blushes I reach for often when I want to give my skin a perk-me-up. It's a brighter pink with slight shimmer. Coffee Cake is a neutral brown that can double as a bronzer for the cheeks. So on trend right now, Candy Coral is a tangerine-coral that really brightens and warms the skin. This is the other shade I reach for often. 

Have you tried Maybelline's newest products? Will you be attending World Mastercard Toronto Fashion Week? If so, can't wait to hear all about the beauty looks and of course the amazing fashion!

www.maybelline.ca

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 1: J'Adore...Dior Garden Clutch Milly Garden!

This is a momentous occasion! It's my first Dior review (cue the fireworks)! To be honest, back in the day Dior to me was a brand I associated with my mom. As I've gotten older, I have a higher appreciation for the classic brands like Dior. Plus, the packaging, trendier colours, and spokesmodels like the legendary Kate Moss now speak to a younger audience. Alright, shall we gush over how gaw-geous the Dior spring collection is??

Ok, lets take a moment to pause and admire Milly in all its glory. I own a lot of fabulous makeup products, but the Dior Garden Clutch Milly Garden has to be one of the most beautiful makeup palettes I own. Inspired by Mr. Dior's country garden, Milly Garden offers 3 shadows to light up and emphasize the eyes and two lip glosses - one to enhance the lips and the other to colour them. It comes cased in a pale pink case with a delicate weave decoration and two silver plated rosebud clasps. The shadows have delicate roses designed into them. Inside it has a mirror and a metal cover to protect the lip products. It's exquisite and is definitely collector-worthy. 

Milly Garden has 3 shimmery shadows that offer a fresh and radiant look. One is a violet-tinged grey, silver with blue undertones, and a soft pink. The shadows suit fair-skinned beauties better, but to make it work for me I love mixing it with a deep grey, black, or violet depending on my mood. They apply sheer but can be layered for more pigment. The violet-grey makes for a subtle smokey eye for day, but just add black liner for more drama. I think the shades also work really well for bridal. 

I'm becoming a huge fan of Dior lippies. These glosses are very sheer and give you a pretty nude pink lip. The plumping gloss doesn't sting and has a nice minty tingle. 

Isn't it pretty? If you're a Dior fan this is definitely one to add to the list. It's a splurge item though - yikes $75 - but think of it as a piece of "jewelry" or art that you will display on your vanity for years to come! 

The Garden Clutch is also available in Granville Garden, a more neutral palette perfect for warmer skin tones. 

Retails for $75 CAD. Milly Garden is exclusive to Holt Renfrew and Granville Garden is a Bay exclusive. 

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

Spring Beauty Review 2012: YSL Candy Face Collection

Spring is popping out some candy inspired shades! If you've got a sweet tooth, then you will adore these candy hues from YSL's latest collection for spring. Here's a little sampling of the collection.

1. YSL Voile De Blush in Carmine Veil (LE, $40 CAD): I love blush in any form especially when I can use my fingers. This water-based gel blush offers a sheer tint of colour and radiance. I was all over this when I first tried it, but was kind of disappointed by the performance. My skin typically eats up blush so  I either have to layer blushes for longer wear or use a blush that is highly pigmented. Carmine Veil is a sheer rosy red with coral undertones. I found I had to use a few layers for the shade to even show on my medium-dark skin. It does give your skin a dewy finish though. To call it a blush is a little misleading, but the word "veil" suits it more. If you love your blush to give you some colour I would pass on this, but if you really want a sheer kiss of colour then try it out. I would test this before buying as it is on the pricey side. 

YSL Carmine Veil swatch

2. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in No. 115 Shimmering Coral & No. 116 Milky Pink (LE, $38 CAD): One of my favourite products from YSL has to be their lip products. The Volupte Perle's have a lovely creamy pearl finish. The lipsticks are highly pigmented, but do have a lot of slip to them so don't expect it to last for hours. I love how it looks like a gloss but feels like a hydrating lipstick. 

Top: Milky Pink, Bottom: Shimmering Coral

I find both shades very stunning mostly because of the pearly finish. Neither shades are different or trendy, but I'm really drawn to them. Milky Pink really is milky but the pearly gold flecks give it some warmth and make it more wearable. On me, it almost looks like a nude-pink shade. I have to balance it with blush though or else I will look a little washed out. This looks amazing paired with a deep violet smokey eye. Shimmering Coral is my favourite of the two and definitely looks more flattering on me. I love the pinky-gold pearl undertone to it as well. 

3. YSL Golden Gloss in No. 50 Golden Peach ($40 CAD): I'm a fan of YSL's glosses because they never feel goopy or sticky. I also love the mango scent. Golden Peach is a pretty shimmering peach shade. You probably have a dozen that would look similar. Don't get me wrong - love it and love the shiny shimmering finish. So, if you're in the market for a shimmery peach gloss that you'd like to splurge on pick this one up. You won't be disappointed with a). the shade and b). the finish and texture of this gloss. It will make your lips look lusciously amazing, but it's $40. If you just don't have the budget, I'm sure you will find something similar in a cheaper price range.

Do you have any favourites from YSL's Candy Face collection? 

www.ysl.com

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

UPDATE: Spring Beauty Reviews 2012: Are You A Julep Maven?

UPDATE: If you're excited to try the Julep Maven program, the lovely people at Julep are offering Makeup Junkie readers a great discount on your first Maven box! Buy your first one for only $5! Use discount code "MAKEUPJUNKIE" when checking out! 

Beauty sampler programs are popping up everywhere and are transforming the way women shop for beauty products. Now there is one for strictly nails! If you are a nail polish junkie here's why you will love the Julep Maven program. 

For $19.99/per month, you can get the beauty editor treatment! What does this mean exactly? Each month you will receive a Sneak Peek Box with over $40 worth of product- the same one the top beauty editors in the world receive - with the hottest trends in nail colour and your box will be personalized to your taste! All you have to do if fill out their Style Quiz. You will also receive 20% off all your julep.com purchases and free shipping. An added bonus, you will also receive a "surprise and delight" element in each box. There is no commitment so you can skip a month or cancel your subscription anytime with no hidden fees.

Julep polishes are "4-free" nail polish formulation, developed without carcinogens such as formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DPB. $1 from each polish will be donated to organizations that support women through the Powered by Girlfriends program. Don't you just love beauty that gives back?

Julep Taylor ($14): It's described as "deep sky blue creme" - a cross between perwinkle and denim funky. It's an editor's favourite on Allure.com! I really love the shade especially for Spring. It really pops nicely against my skin tone and isn't as shocking as a cobalt - although I would love that shade too! The only thing I didn't like was that I had to wait 3-5 minutes between each coat otherwise it applied kind of thick and uneven. In terms of chip-free time I won't be able to give an accurate time frame. Me thinks my top coat from Nubar is going bad. It's making any polish I put on look horrible and chips within a day! 

Julep Maya ($14): Described as "peachy pink seashell, like a shimmering pearl". Doesn't it make you think of warm, sandy beaches? This looks especially lovely against bronzed skin but equally amazing on fair skinned beauties. Sorry no swatch photo for this polish!

Julep Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightner ($32): Did you know your hands can tell your age as well? Your nails can also give away your health - brittle nails, broken, ridges - all not good signs which means I'm in trouble! This moisturizer minimizes fine lines, age spots and leaves a radiant glow. It's also resistant to water and leaves your hands feeling soft. The scent is also lovely too - sweet floral but not intoxicating. 

I do love this moisturizer but I don't know if I'd pay $32 for one. It does leave my hands feeling soft when first applied and my hands do have a glow about them. My hands must be extra dry these days though because I usually have to apply 2 dime size amounts for each hand. The lotion absorbs really quickly into my skin leaving other areas dry. And I'd say it'll last through 1 hand washing but not multiple times a day which means I'm moisturizing a lot. For the price and the amount of product I have to use, the price is pretty steep for me. 

The Julep program is definitely worth checking out especially if you're a polish fiend. There are many must-have shades (I have a few I'm eyeing) to try. Check out their blog too for some tips and funky DIY tutorials! 

What do you think? Do you want to be a Julep Maven?

www.julep.com

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

Spring Beauty Reviews 2012: Chanel Collection Harmonie De Printemps

It's March! Do you smell it? That's the smell of Spring. March is my Birthday month so it's my favourite time of the year for obvious reasons. It's also a time when I can start busting out some Spring shades - coral lips on skin that has been barely touched by the sun looks weird on me. Technically it's still winter but I've waited long enough to show off these spring lovelies from Chanel!

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Rose de Mai (LE, $34 CAD): I haven't worn a pink shadow on my eyes in ages. Rose de Mai is a very wearable pink and is very spring-y.

It also has a hint of gold shimmer in it and will work for most skin tones. You won't have to worry looking like you have allergies because there are no red undertones in this shadow. It has a very sheer texture so if colour on the eyes scares you, you will love this shadow. While I love this for Spring, the shadow fades after a while even with a primer. I have to use a gel-based shadow as a base to make it really stay. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Chalys (LE, $32 CAD): One of my all-time favourite lipsticks! Rouge Coco's are creamy, hydrating, and well pigmented (read a past review here). Chalys is a gorgeous coral-pink. It has a warm undertone so it will suit most skin tones. This will no doubt be a popular shade for Spring!

Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Bagatelle (LE, $31 CAD): I adore the shimmer in Chanel's Glossimers. Some people can't stand the grittiness of some of the shades, but I don't have one in my collection that feels gritty. These are my go-to glosses for bridal. I just love how the shimmer gives the lip beautiful dimension and shine. For a gloss, the shade is pretty well pigmented. Bagatelle is a lovely pinky-peach shade which I adore! This is another shade that will be popular from the collection. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Flirt (LE, $32.50 USD): Balm-like lipsticks will be all the rage this season! If you want something with more colour, that feels like a balm and gives you shine without a goopy texture, lipshines are the way to go. I LOVE the Rouge Coco Shine lippies. These are lipshines so don't expect them to wear for a long time. They apply smoothly and hydrate the lips which is what my dry lips need! Flirt is another pinky-coral which is just lovely. Depending on how much pink you have in your lips it will go more pink or coral on you. Layer this under Bagatelle for a fuller lip colour. This will be another hit from this collection!

Lip swatches Top to Bottom: Glossimer Bagatelle, Rouge Coco Chalys, and Rouge Coco Shine Flirt

Chanel Le Vernis in April & June (LE, $27 CAD): I love Chanel nail polishes. Great shades and pretty good wear time. April is a berry-red that is a fresher twist on the classic red nail. I love the shade especially on my toes. June is definitely a shade I will be reaching for a lot. This pastel cantaloupe or sorbet shade is gorgeous and unlike a lot of polishes I own! The texture is a simple cream, but the shade is subtle and bright at the same time. June is the must-have shade from this collection! 

What are your favourites from Chanel's Spring collection? 

www.chanel.ca

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