Holiday Favourites 2011: The "It" List

Christmas shopping is a fun yet tortuous task for me. It's not even the money factor (ok, maybe a little). It's the case of "one for you, one for me". As you peruse my "It" list for this holiday, you'll be sure to find something to add to your wish list! 

The Makeup Newbie

Clockwise: 

• Laura Mercier The Book of Nudes ($48 USD):  Popular among makeup artists and makeup lovers, Laura Mercier's palette of nudes does not disappoint. I'm ashamed to say, but this palette is the first Laura Mercier product in my beauty stash and it is here to stay! This book of nudes will ease any makeup newbie into the world of makeup. The shades and textures are very wearable. It's a palette that will take you from day to night in a snap. The mix of matte and shimmery finishes make for a great bridal palette as well. 

It includes: 8 Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown), 1 Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
3 Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer).

• Makeup iQ App For iPad/iTouch by TracyP Makeup ($0.99): Every makeup newbie can use a little help. Why not learn about makeup and have fun while you're doing it? If you haven't heard, one of my favourite makeup artists, Tracy Peart of TracyP Makeup and Cityline's/Breakfast Television's key makeup artist in Toronto is the visionary genius behind this awesome app! The best part is that you can learn about makeup wherever you are!

It's a quiz and makeup game mixed into one. Answer the skill testing makeup questions...the more answers you get correct, the more makeup and hairstyling you can apply to your model. The goal of this app is to help you learn more about makeup application, and have fun while you're learning. It's inexpensive and valuable at the same time! I love gifts like that - don't you?

• Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Best of Kit ($55 USD): The holidays is the perfect time to stock up on must-have products. Most brands launch kits that have their best-sellers like this lovely kit from one of my makeup staples Make Up For Ever. If you have a gal pal just learning to wear makeup, this kit has all the essential to create a polished look. The kit includes: HD Microfinish Powder
  Full Size Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)
  Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
  Full Size Lab Shine in Star Collection - S4 (pearly pink beige)
  HD Microperfecting Primer
  Full Size Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

 It's a phenomenal deal considering there are 3 full size products in the kit. Love all their products!

 The Makeup Junkie

 

•  Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18 Piece Mini Nail Colour Set ($48 USD): Because a makeup junkie can never just have one! All nail junkies rejoice! This must-have set holds cute minis of Sephora by OPI's best-sellers, trendy shades and everyday basics. Give as one gift or divide between your besties - you decide!
• Korres Cherry Picked Cherry Oil Lip Gloss Quad ($28 USD): Forget about your friends - save this one for yourself! If you love gloss, Korres glosses are the bees knees! These lovely lippies come in 4 best-selling and flattering shades and they make your lips look fantastic! You get all shine without the stickiness and it's packed full of good stuff like Cherry Oil which hydrates the lips and Vitamin E & C offers antioxidant benefits. This all-natural lip set contains 4 Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in Natural Purple 25 (sheer dusty rose), Naked Rose 22 (sheer golden rose shimmer), Fuchsia 54 (shimmering muted fuchsia), Light Purple 23 (mauve pink shimmer). These glosses are definitely in my top 5 for glosses!
• Avon Expert Mega Palette ($29.99 USD): Makeup Junkies everywhere will love the many looks upon looks that can be created from this Avon mega palette. I haven't always been a fan of Avon shadows but this set seems very well pigmented especially the blushes which I'm a fan of. This amazing set contains 36 eye shadows, 36 lip glosses, and 6 blushes. Each level is like a little surprise!

Smokey Eye Lovers

•  Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Set ($36 USD): Again, another amazing value set from MUFE! I've always been a fan of these long-wearing pencils. If you love your smokey eye, you'll love smudging these into your lash line for that sooty rock 'n roll effect. These also work great as a base under powder shadows. If you're also a fan of colour, you will enjoy these universally flattering shades: Full Size Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black) and 5 Travel-size Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L (dark metallic grey), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), Blue With Green Highlights 12L (metallic teal blue), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Purple 11L (metallic purple).
• Buxom Armed & Gorgeous ($29 USD): These double-ended waterproof smoky eye sticks are no joke! For the friend who loves to bounce around from party to party, these pencils will work double duty as an eye liner and shadow. These shadow liners glide on smoothly but you have to work quickly if you want to smudge them out. The kit comes with a smudging brush and a sharpener (still haven't figured out how it works). It twists up so I guess the sharpener is used if you want the ends to be more of a point for lining. It comes in lovely shades that work for a lot of skin tones. Smokin' Pistol & Switchblade (smoky coal/ smoky metallic indigo), Two by Four & Torch (smoky black-brown/ smoky metallic brass), 5" Stiletto & Slingshot (smoky plum/ smoky metallic chrome). 
• Vasanti Nude Pink Lip Kit ($25 CAD):  A smokey eye is not complete without a nude lip! Available in nude pink and nude brown, these lip kits are the perfect compliment to this season's smokey eye. These limited edition kits offer such great value and all products are full size. It includes Sweden Ultra Luxe Lipstick (the perfect everyday pink), Norwegian Vitamin E Infused Lip Shine (shimmering pale pink), and a Pro Lip Brush complete with a silver cover. The set comes in a cute re-useable tote perfect for gift-giving and traveling! I am a huge fan of Vasanti lip products because they have a balm-like finish that glides on smoothly and keeps your lips moisturized without any stickiness. There are so many gorgeous shades to choose from! Sweden is a great choice for a nude pink lip because it leans more warm so your lips will never look chalky.

The Home Body

 

Clockwise: 

• Sleeping With The Enemy Coco Chanel's Secret War by Hal Vaughan ($21 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca) and Paris Wife by Paula McLain ($19 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca): Beauty and style lovers will enjoy this book about a secret side of Chanel's life. If you're obsessed with Chanel and old Paris like I am, you or your special gal pal will love this book!

I haven't started reading Paris Wife yet, but it came highly recommended. Told in the voice of Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley, tells his story from her point of view. You will fall in love with characters like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and others from Paris the Lost Generation. 

I purchased both books at Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. Fighting the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers is not what I call a good time. Shopping on-line just makes total sense and I highly recommend shopping Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. It's user-friendly and full of great gift ideas and recommendations. You'll also benefit from cheaper prices if your a member. The best part was the super quick shipping time! It only took one day and a half for me to receive my order! Chapters.Indigo.ca is PTPA Approved so be sure to make this a shopping destination this holiday!

•  La Vie en Rose Minnie Surprise Me Long-Sleeved Top & Pants ($69.95 CAD):  For the ones that love to get cozy at home and are big Minnie Mouse fans, she will instantly fall in love with this adorable pajama set. It's cotton and feels oh-so soft and luxurious! I love lounging around in this while I snuggle up to a good book and mug of coffee...fantastic!

•  Philosophy Sweet Kisses & Merry Wishes Set ($36 USD): Those that love to pamper themselves at home will enjoy a relaxing bubble bath with this yummy and scrumptious smelling set of body washes from Philosophy. For the longest time, Orange Mimosa was my favourite body wash but now I have some new faves! This offers such amazing value because it also comes with matching lip glosses! These would be perfect for dividing amongst the favourite gals in your life. The set comes with: 4 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog and 4 Lip Shine in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog. My personal favourites - Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake and Peppermint Bark! I also love the recipes on the bottles - something I will have to try this holiday! 
• Aveda Grounding Soy Wax Candle ($29 USD): Lighting some candles is the perfect ambiance for a relaxing soak in the bath. Aveda's soy wax candle uses the aromas of pur flower and plant essences including organic vanilla, ginger, and cassia. You will enjoy up to 50 hours of aroma that burns cleanly and completely. Those that are green friendly will appreciate the chic 95% recycled glass holder it comes in. 

 The Big Spender

• Jo Malone Cologne Collection ($95 USD/$110 CAD): For the gal pal that loves only the best. If you have the money to dish on a luxury gift set, this cologne set from Jo Malone will be adored by the fragrance lover in your life. What I love about Jo Malone fragrances is that you can combine with other scents in the collection and create your own custom scent. The set includes Grapefruit, Red Roses, Vanilla Anise, Pomegranate Noir, and Wild Bluebell. I absolutely adore Vanilla Anise and I love the understated yet elegant packaging.
• La Mer The Discovery Collection ($260.00 USD): I'm all for dishing out money on expensive skincare because to me good skin is the most important. La Mer isn't just expensive - it's luxuriously expensive so only splurge on this for your BFF or yourself! But when it comes to this line it's definitely worth it! I love La Mer cream and I wish I could own multiple tubs of this. This set includes 1 oz Creme de la Mer, The Radiant Serum .5 oz, and The Eye Balm Intense .17 oz. 

So, what's on your wish list? How much do you spend on friends?

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

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.

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.

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

Makeup Junkie Holiday Giveaway Vasanti: And The Winner Is...

 

Arianne!!!

Congrats on winning these must-have best-sellers from Vasanti - the last of my Makeup Junkie holiday giveaways! I know you will love them. ;) 

What is her favourite Vasanti product? 

I only own one Vasanti product right now, which is the Go Canada! Palette from the Olympics. I love it dearly. :)

You will be contacted shortly for your mailing address. Thank you to everyone for participating and spreading the word about the holiday giveaways! I hope you enjoyed the contests as much as I did. For those that have not received your prizes, they will be going out this week! You will have them for sure before Christmas! xo

Makeup Junkie Holiday Giveaway #10: You'll Want This - Vasanti Best-Sellers!

Wow, we're down to the last holiday giveaway on Makeup Junkie! And to end it with a bang I'm excited to do a giveaway from one of the top Canadian brands, Vasanti! This prize pack of their best-sellers also happens to be perfect for looking holiday glam! You'll want to add these beauty staples to your beauty stash!

One lucky winner will receive: 

• Vasanti Lipstick in USA
• Northern Lights Shimmer Powder
• Vitamin E Lip Shine in Bali
• EYE WONDER
• Total Value of $86 CAD!

 Contest Details:

• To win, you must follow Makeup Junkie on Facebook and Twitter: Twitter.com/makeupjunkieJDT. Leave a comment telling me what your favourite Vasanti product is, your name, and your email address in a similar format "joy[at]makeupjunkie[dot]ca". Tweet or re-tweet with hashtag: #MakeupJunkiegiveaway. If you aren't on Twitter, just visit the Makeup Junkie page and make a comment about the giveaway! Please remember, if I haven't seen your tweet or a comment on the Makeup Junkie FB page you cannot qualify for the contest.
  
• Contest runs until December 6, 2010 . Winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced by 1 pm EST.  You will have 24 hours to claim your prize. If you do not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• Open to Canadian and U.S. residents only.

www.vasanticosmetics.com

The Ladies. The Beauty Products. The Beauty Board!

The lovely Stephanie Daga of Blush Pretty hosting the event and doin' her thang!

When there's an event with everything I love - good food, great company, and of course beauty products - I'm there! I was invited by Stephanie and thrilled to be apart of my first Beauty Board. I had the awesome pleasure of demoing holiday beauty trends on 2 models attending the event. Now the thing with women who love their beauty products - it's hard to pull them away even if it's to get their makeup done by a pro. While my group was small, I still had a fun time showing the women the latest trends using products from the vendors at the event.

 Demoing a bold shimmery red lip using DaLish glosses. Top pictures photo credit: Jonathan Ponce

I did a second look doing a jewel tone smoky eye on another lovely model using a gorgeous Vasanti eye shadow palette and loose eye shadow powder. The green in her eyes just popped! I used a DaLish gloss mixed with a gold shimmer powder from Vasanti on the lips.

Brands in attendance:

 

Lovely Emily from Cake Beauty! Heather was there as well but I didn't catch her in the photo. It was great to put a face to the names. Their booth was always crowded and for good reason! Beauty Scoop: Cake is giving away 2 miniature Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powders (1 of each shade) starting today until December 2nd! Visit www.cakebeauty.com for this sweet deal!

The awesome CEO, Melanie Cruickshank, of DaLish Cosmetics. The line gets you looking glamorous in simple, easy-to-use products. I love the Lip Balm/Cheek Blush balms!

Founder and creator, Andrea of Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics, is one smart, witty and hilarious woman! I don't know how many polish applications she did that night - everyone wanted to get their hands on these edgy polishes!

The sweet Kristin from the all-natural Canadian skincare line, Consonant, which I'm totally in love with right now. My skin feels amazing!

 

The awesome Gargi from Vasanti workin' her magic on one of the Beauty Boarders. If you haven't heard, Gargi broke the world record of most lipsticks applied in one hour at the National Women's Show! 

The lovely ladies from Mary Kay who were so sweet and answered my many questions. I have yet to do a review from the Fall collection but my fave product from the collection is the baked shimmer powder in Dusk.

Loved Heather from Cake! She got her nails did at the end of the night in one of my fave shades Tease!

It was a perfect night filled with all things beauty. Besides the swag (and there was a lot of swag), the cool part was catching up with Stephanie!

She's an awesome, beautiful and inspiring mommy-preneur who loves beauty as much as I do. I felt like I had known her for years and we hit it off right away. With organizing beauty events, working as a freelance makeup artist, writing a blog, maintaining an on-line beauty store, working at a spa studio, giving sewing lessons, being a wife, and a mom two too little boys I don't know where she finds the time! Thank you so much for a fun night and for letting me being apart of it! I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Stay tuned for my favourite products from the event! To read more about The Beauty Board check out Stephanie's blog for updates and reviews! To see more photos from the event click here.

Have you been to The Beauty Board? It's a must-attend event!

www.blushpretty.com

Beauty Feature: Spring Love

Spring is in the air! Can you feel the love? Makeup Junkie receives hoards of beauty products to try out and I love giving you the skinny on what's hot in spring trends. Here are some of my faves so far. Stay tuned for more spring goodies!

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Freedom: I was excited to find this lippie in my swag from the Toronto Beauty Blogger Brunch last month. Totally loving this gloss! Why? Revolution Organics products are formulated with 100% natural and 85% certified organic ingredients. I love good-for-you glosses that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. You won't find harsh chemicals, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum or artificial ingredients in this gloss. The packaging is also 100% recyclable and biodegradable. 

Freedom is a lovely strawberry red derived from an all-natural mineral-based pigment. It's spring love in a gloss! Freedom gives you the perfect kiss of red on the lips that it not over-powering. If you love glosses that appear more like a moisturizing stain then you will love this one. It's not a high-shine gloss but I don't mind because it's so wearable for day. The gloss applies sheer but is buildable. If you are hesitant to rock a red lip during the day try this one out! 

Mary Kay Cheek Glaze in Mandarin & Pomegranate: When I first opened these eye-popping shades of gel stains, I knew these would be a spring hit! I love gel stains because they not only last but they give your skin a beautiful glow. These felt very light-weight and never felt sticky or tacky. Don't be afraid of the bright juicy hues - they apply sheer and are extremely buildable. In fact, I had to apply a few layers to get the ideal intensity. Love both shades - Mandarin fits perfectly into the coral trends and Pomegranate is a classic berry flush. They are infused with extracts of Mandarin, Orange, Watermelon, Peach and Vitamin E. It can also double up as a lip stain! These pots offer a lot of product and are awesome to use if you're a makeup artist. Just scoop out with a spatula and apply! Available March 16.

O.P.I. Hong Kong Collection Hot & Spicy: I attended an exclusive launch sometime last Fall and was ecstatic to receive a manicure and the entire collection! I'll admit, there were some shades I wasn't in love with and gave away but there are definitely a few keepers. On the coral trend again, Hot & Spicy is such a great melon-coral. It's not too orange and really pops against your skin especially if you have a tan. Loves!

Vasanti Lipstick in Denmark: This lipstick has got my pulse racing! I've been on the hunt for a fuchsia-magenta shade like Denmark. This is a bold notice-me lip shade that is new for spring and would look amazing with a nude or bronzey eye. The texture is ultra creamy and highly pigmented. It lasted on the lips and even left a nice stain after eating and drinking. Denmark looks gorgeous when paired with a LBD or neutral clothing. 

Vasanti The Hamptons Eye Colour Palette: Well, this is probably the closest I'll get to visiting the Hamptons for now! Vasanti shadows are not only gorgeous but have a fabulous velvety texture and are highly pigmented. The set includes: soft neutral beige, soft peachy pink, neutral deep brown, periwinkle grey, and intense rich navy. All the shades are wearable and can easily go from day to night. I actually used the periwinkle grey and navy on a shoot yesterday. Produced a sultry smokey eye nicely. Also new for spring, this palette compliments the new lipstick shades Denmark, Sweden (nude pink), and Luxembourg (nude brown).

Have you tried any of these lovelies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Spring Preview 2010: Spring Fling The Corals

It's the first day of March which means Spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed)! To get you excited for Spring, I thought it would be fitting to begin this month with one of this season's hottest trends: coral lips.

Why Spring fling? Because there's too many fun shades to choose from! Stay tuned for more beauty trends Makeup Junkie is crushin' on this season!

 

 

Coral lips will warm up any complexion. Let your lips be the focus and give your eyes a nice swipe of bronze, gold, or shimmery peachy-pink shadow. Stick to coral, peach, or bronze tones on the cheeks to compliment coral lips.

Smashbox Heartbreaker Lip Shine Melon Drama: If you love ultra-shiny glosses that pack a punch then you'll love Melon Drama! This colour is gorgeous and such a fun colour for spring. I think this is a universal shade that compliments all skin tones. Gloss feels smooth and rich but never sticky. The shine and colour last longer than your average gloss. The portable squeeze tube means no dipping the fingers!

Bobbi Brown Coral Sands Shimmer Gloss: This is the perfect coral shade to pair with a green or bronze smokey eye. The sheer golden peach hue is lovely on its own but looks amazing over top of a peach or nude lipstick. The shine doesn't last as long, but the shimmer leaves a nice sparkle on the lips. The gloss isn't sticky and leaves my lips moisturized. The only thing that bugged me was the brush; the hairs stick out and is really small. I'd definitely prefer a wand. It's a nice gloss, but 4.2 ml for $20 US is a bit steep. Hopefully they will come out with a bigger version??

Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick Marrakech: If you're looking to splurge on a lipstick then try Marrakech from Le Metier de Beaute. I had heard great things about the brand and was excited to receive a sample of their lipsticks. This lipstick is a dream on the lips. Colour is long-lasting and very creamy. Marrakech is a sophisticated coral that has a shimmery frost finish, perfect for after-work cocktails. For all you proud Canadians (GO CANADA!), the brand sadly isn't available in Canada.

Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm in Cancun: Here is one brand that is made in Canada! Cancun has quickly become a favourite and has made a nice home in my makeup stash. I love tinted lip balms and this one does not disappoint. It feels like butta' on the lips and gives your lips a sheer kiss of colour. Cancun is a beautiful coral with a touch of pink that will look great on all skin tones. If you're a little weary to try a coral, then go with a tinted version.

Have you tried these coral lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Hope For Haiti Sponsor Profile: Vasanti Cosmetics

 

Vasanti Cosmetics: Another Canadian brand to be proud of! Vasanti Cosmetics is one of the few brands that was designed for exotic beauties but you'll surely find shades for lighter skin tones. Top sellers include Makeup Junkie favourites Manhattan 24/7 Eye Colour Palette, Bahamas Tinted Lip Balm, and Light-Weight Radiant Foundation. 

Just in time for the Olympics Vasanti is showing their pride with the Go Canada! Palette. This gorgeous palette includes Bronze, Silver, and Gold shadows, White Highlighter, Sheer Red tint of colour for lips and cheeks! 

To read past reviews click here.

Thank you to the fantastic team at Vasanti Cosmetics for your donations to Hope For Haiti! 

 

Well, the event is just around the corner and I'm getting pretty excited! We cannot wait to meet everyone! If you have sent your confirmation to Rhia then you should have already received information about the location. Thank you for everyone's support - lets do our part! All proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross. :)

For more information on Hope For Haiti please visit our Facebook event page here.