Beauty Review: TIGI Cosmetics

If you've recently ventured into your local Trade Secrets store you've probably come across a display of new cosmetics called TIGI Cosmetics. TIGI is not a new brand. They are famous for their haircair products. I got to try out some of their stuff check out my new discoveries below!

TIGI Creme Foundation

"This silky, blendable formula leaves skin looking smooth and soft"

Suggested Retail Price: $30.00 

I'm not really into cream foundations but I think I will make it an exception this time around. To my surprise TIGI's Creme Foundation felt light and silky on my face and managed to cover up all my flaws, especially my pesky blemishes!  I really liked that it didn't feel heavy or cakey. I was also able to use this without a concealer! TIGI claims that you don't need to use a powder after use but I felt that I needed the powder. It does have a bit of a shine and I like my t-zone to look a little more matte. I would say that the coverage is medium but can be buildable for full coverage. This foundation comes in 4 shades which can be a little tricky to find your exact match.  One might find this annoying as you may end up having to buy two of these in different shades to get a color that most suits your skin tone. I tried on light but I think as summer draws near I may have to grab another one in Medium.  Other than the color matching issue, if you're into flawless medium to full coverage foundation then this is something I would recommend.  

TIGI Perfect Lipliner

"Glides on smooth for a perfectly lined lip. Use smudge tip to blend a softer line"

Suggested Retail Price: $17.00 

If there's on thing that is a must when it comes to lipliners it's the consistency of the pencil. I hate it when I'm lining my lips and I can't seem to fill them in properly because my pencil is too tough and tugging on my lips. TIGI's Perfect Lipliner is a dream! It's so soft and smooth that you get the perfect line everytime! The liner comes with a smudge tip on the other end but I never found the need to use it. I would just smudge with my finger or smudge my lips together. If you're a makeup artist like myself you probably won't find any use for that anyway. As far lasting power goes I would say it did help my lipstick stay on for quite a while. But not any longer than any other lipliner though. I would say that this lip liner is best for those who like easy application.

TIGI Perfect Lip Liner in Kiss

TIGI Decadent Lipstick

"Smooth application that is luxurious and longwearing"

Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 

I'm a lipstick junkie so I know a good lipstick when I see one. But is TIGI Decadent Lipstick one of them? I'd have to say yes and no. Yes because it really is smooth and creamy. It glides on nicely and feels moisturizing on the lips. The pigmentation on this lipstick is pretty good too! One thing I'd like to mention about this lipstick is it's big fat bulky packaging. It's not something you can carry around in a lipstick case. I guess I'm a fan or more sleeker lipstick packaging.  As for longwearing I'd have to say it's not. It didn't last any longer than any of the MAC lipsticks that I own. So if you want a longer lasting lipstick I'd say use a lipliner under this. I think because it is so creamy it can easily smudge off so be careful!

TIGI Decadent Lipstick in Loyalty

TIGI Luxe Lipgloss

"A scrumptious lip experience"
Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 

I know a lot of people aren't fans of sticky lipgloss. I'm sad to say that this is one of them. The color and the finish look amazing on but I can't help but feel the tackiness on my lips when I'm talking or pressing my lips together. So if you're just into the look of the lipsgloss your lips you might like this. Oh and it smells really yummy too, kinda like a sweet vanilla.

TIGI Luxe Lipgloss in Superstar

Now let's talking packaging. This is yet another one of their lip products with big bulky packaging! Don't let this gloss fool you, you don't get as much product in it as it seems! While the color and finish is beautiful I think I could manage to find another lipgloss where I could get more bang for my buck!

Such big packaging with so little product!

Have you tried any TIGI Cosmetics? What do you think of them? Makeup Junkie would like to know!

TIGI Cosmetics are sold only in professional salons

Also available at Trade Secrets in Canada

www.tigihaircare.com

www.tradesecrets.ca

By Donna Marie

www.makeupbydonnamarie.blogspot.com

Beauty News: M.A.C. Bloggers' Obsession To Sell Exclusively Online!

M.A.C. really loves bloggers even when our opinions are brutally honest. They strategically created an exclusive line with nine beauty bloggers from all around. How amazing is that? And one of the bloggers just happens to be fellow Canadian beauty blogger, Lesley Ellen of Lipstick, Powder, 'N Paint - way to represent Ellen!

If you ever dreamed of creating a makeup line you can live vicariously through these bloggers! What do you think of the line?

Lesley Ellen (www.lipstickpowdernpaint.com) 

"Parisian Skies", a muted grey blue

Probably my favourite and not just because Ellen made it! I just love anything to do with Paris and the colour is beautiful!

Lianne Farbes (www.themakeupgirl.net)

"Hocus Pocus", dark sooty grey with silver pearl

Christine Mielke (www.temptalia.com)

"Jealousy Wakes", seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl

Amber Katz (www.beautybloggingjunkie.com)

"Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!", a deep rusty brown with champagne coloured sparkle

Patrice Yursik (www.afrobella.com)

"All of My Purple Life", deep purple grape with subtle sparkle

Lily Nima (www.beautymaverick.com)

"Caqui", persimmon orange

Karen Monterichard (www.makeupandbeautyblog.com)

"Evolution Revolution", a warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green, and blue micro glitter

Aileen De Los Angeles (www.theshadesofu.com)

"Sonoran Rain", deep coral red with gold and silver pearl

Wendy Lam (www.nitrolicious.com)

"Nitro:licious 2046", intense shiny red

Available in North America June 21, 2011 at www.maccosmetics.com only.

CityLine Show Full of Bloggers = A Rowdy, Chatty, and Gorgeous Bunch!

(Warning: Most pictures appear blurry and have bad lighting. You can blame that on my Blackberry!)

Pre-show: getting set up and bloggers seated.

I've always wanted to sit in the audience of CityLine, particularly during one of the Fashion Friday episodes. But when I was invited to join the audience for a special Blogger episode I jumped on the chance - couldn't be more perfect!

Me and familiar face Anita from, From L.A. With Love and Primped and Proper,  waiting for the show to start.

The show was aimed at bloggers and how social media has changed all different industries from design, food, being a working mommy, and of course beauty! I had no idea who would be attending so when I arrived, I was immediately greeted with the familiar smiling faces of my fellow beauty bloggers. Everyone looked gorgeous and colourful. The energy in the green room was super hype especially when CityLine's stunning host, Tracy Moore, came in the room to say hi!

The two gorgeous Tracy's - Tracy Peart and Tracy Moore!

The show had some great guests including Erica Ehm from Yummy Mummy Club and one of my favourite makeup artists CityLine's awesome Tracy Peart! This was the only show where audience members could tweet and be on their phones. It was hilarious to see everyone's heads down furiously tweeting away! 

Each guest gave many wonderful tips on Do's and Don'ts of social media. Tracy P. had a good one that I also see often - if you're leaving a comment on another blogger's site don't include a your own website's url. I get it - you want to give your site more exposure but it may come across as spamming someone's site and the comments don't seem genuine. Other bloggers will eventually follow your blog if you visit and comment on their site regularly.

My favourite part of the show was of course the beauty segment with Tracy P.! She shared her favourite beauty products to use: cult classic L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (used to be a staple of mine - forgot how much I loved it! Will have to pick up the water-proof version.), Vasanti Liquid Cover Up, Hard Candy Visibly Wet Lip Pencil, and a new favourite of mine M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter. I have been using this a lot and I love it! Best part - we got to take Tracy's favourites home along with some other awesome giveaways! Tracy is always giving tips on her beauty blog and does beauty how-to videos on CityLine.ca - be sure to check her out for some pro tips!

I asked Tracy a few questions about beauty and social media - here's what she had to say!

MJ: Favourite Spring makeup trend?

Tracy: My favorite makeup trend for Spring 2011 is bright, brilliant, neon colors for the eyes. Whether it be an eyeshadow all over the eye or an eyeliner just to accent the eye. I'm excited about BOLD colors being IN again!

MJ: Favourite product for Spring trends?

TP: My favorite product that will work with the Spring Trend, is an oldie but a goodie "Electric Eel" Eyeshadow by MAC. It's an outgoing color that can be worn subtly or loudly!

MJ: Best thing about starting your blog and being on Twitter?

TP: Best thing about blogging and being on Twitter is all the new people I've come into contact with. Whether it's makeup companies, or the everyday woman who looks to my blog for advice, or fellow Bloggers like you! Before being involved with social media, I didn't know them and they didn't know me. For instance, you and I met at a Blogger Party and remain in contact via Twitter! It's GREAT!

And it's true - love Twitter for connecting with other like-minded peeps! Thanks Tracy!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to stick around after the show to get more pictures and to attend the Tweetup at the ritzy Ritz Carlton. It was a fun experience and it's always good to see my beauty blogger sistas! The show airs March 29 at 9 am so don't miss it! Thank you to CityLine and Tracy P. for the invite! Here are some more photos from the show!

Me tweeting away with lovely bloggers, Anjali from Rock That Look and Anita! Photo courtesy of Michelle from Lipstick Rules!

My lovely gal Jenn from Spiced Beauty and Michelle.

Some of the great beauty bloggers at the show: 

Jill: Batting A Lash
Farah : Faces By Farah
Jenn: Spiced Beauty
Anita: Primped and Proper
Anjali: Rock That Look
Nancy: Nancy Power Makeup Artist
Michelle: Lipstick Rules

Beauty News: CoverFX International Treasure Hunt!

(Picture heavy!) :)

Start the first day back to school with a treasure hunt! The lovely team at CoverFX has organized this amazing treasure hunt taking place in select cities in Canada, US, and the UK. I love contests that really get the fans involved. CoverFX's last event was a successful flash mob that took place all over but I have to say the treasure hunt tops it all! Click on the poster to enlarge for contest details and visit their Facebook page!

Last week I attended a fabulous event to celebrate the launch of CoverFX's newest star, EyePrep FX. I'm already a huge fan of their primers so I knew I would fall in love with this one. Not only is it an eye primer for your concealer, foundation and eye shadow but it's also an eye cream!

I spoke with Co-creator, Jenny Frankel, who informed me that it's better not to layer the EyePrep FX over your traditional eye cream as it may affect the 'stay put' primer quality. However, if you just can't live without your favourite eye cream, Jenny suggests applying EyePrep FX during the day and your night cream at night. But to reap the full benefits of EyePrep, it's best to use both day and night. It's also made without silicone so for all you oily lids your shadow won't slip and slide throughout the day. 

I had a blast at the event (despite the heat and sweat!) seeing all my fellow blogger buddies and meeting new ones. And of course, it's always a pleasure being able to chat with CoverFX creators, Lee and Jenny! Thank you to the fabulous Marketing Co-Ordinator, Melissa Shum, for throwing a great event and wearing those fantastic purple heels! 

Sh-wag!

Gorgeous ladies Monica from Beauty Parler and Jennifer from Spiced Beauty

Co-creator Lee Graff demonstrating EyePrep FX on the lovely Melissa Shum

Clearly EyePrep FX works! The colour is definitely more vibrant.

More gorgeous ladies and sporting the "glow"! Rhia from ArtistRhi, Anjali from Rock That Look, and Farah from FacesByFarah

The awesome Lee Graff and Jenny Frankel! Love Lee's dress!

The fabulous International Communications Director, Wanda Longo and Lee

Celebrity makeup artists of the night Tracy Peart from CityLine and Lucky B from MTV Canada!

Me (and my "glow") with some pretty fabulous women!

I'm really bad with names - sorry! Jill from Jillo Jello, Arianne from GlitterGeek and moi. 

Rhia and I getting our sweat glow on!

Hot!

Melissa's killer purple platforms!

Uber talented MUA, Lelo, from Ramblings of An Artist. I love how we're resting our sweaty heads on each other!

I heart you Lucky!

www.coverfx.com

Beauty News: Murale Article in the Metro Quotes Makeup Junkie!

The new Murale store is creating quite a buzz. Janine Falcon, former beauty editor for Canadian Living and founder and editor of her beauty blog, beautygeeks, quoted moi and founder of ChickAdvisor.com's, Ali De Bold, in her Murale feature in today's Metro newspaper! Thanks Janine! Check out the article here!

Makeup Junkie Site Restored

Last week my site went through some unfortunate events and a lot of bloggers are going through this right now. Makeup Junkie was being labeled by Google as hosting "malicious software". After trying everything I could, my site was eventually deleted! You can imagine the panic I went through (thanks to my husband for keeping me calm and collected). I'm still not sure what caused it all but I eventually had to take off any third party links to ensure I would get my site back.

I just want my readers to know that my site is back to normal so please don't be scared to come back! :) I suggest any bloggers going through this to post in the Blogger and Google forums listing what happened in the most calm and polite manner. I posted asking why my site was deleted and I received a response rather quickly. My site was back and running the next day thankfully! I remember that moment of feeling like I've lost almost 3 years of my work and thoughts! Good luck to those that are frantically trying to get their site back - I feel for ya! Don't give up because eventually things will be resolved! :)