Beauty Feature: Faux Tan, Healthy Skin

North Americans are notorious for believing in "the more tan the better", but at what cost? In places like China or the Philippines it is quite the opposite. Whitening and lightening creams stock their shelves while North Americans are saturated with tanning salons, self-tanners, and bronzers.

Warnings about tanning beds being one of the leading causes of skin cancer have been all a buzz everywhere, especially in the beauty world. It's a scary fact knowing that before the age of 30 our risk of getting skin melanoma increase to 75 %! I think I've used a tanning bed maybe 3 times in my life and only because it was all the rage with my friends back then. I remember not really enjoying the whole process of wiping down the bed, wearing those silly looking eye goggles, stripping down to my underwear, and having the feeling of claustrophobia come over me while my skin baked. Yes, having tan skin instantly was gratifying but definitely not worth skin cancer.

Sun in a healthy way without frying your skin to a leathery golden brown (or in some cases orange). Fake 'n bake is out, but healthy skin is always in! Faux tan with these skin saving products!


Protect your face with a moisturizer that has an SPF. Too much sun on the face will speed up the signs of aging. For the last few months I've been using Lancome's Primordiale Skin Recharge Visible Smoothing Renewing Moisturizer SPF 15 ($78 CDN). I love the soft creamy texture and how fast it absorbs into my skin. It's a perfect day cream that feels light-weight but moisturizing enough for even the driest skin. Designed to give your skin a smoother more radiant finish, my skin is exactly that.

Bronzed skin should never look heavy or flat. Whether it is a powder, gel, or cream, bronzers are a great way to mimic a sun-kissed tan without damaging the skin. Select a bronzer that has a luminous quality to it like Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($40 CDN). I have Bali and it gives me a natural deep golden glow. The formula is ultra-soft, super blendable, and the micro pearls leave skin looking naturally radiant! Apply bronzer to the high points of the face: temples, cheeks, bridge of nose and chin.

Your lips need some sun-loving protection too! I love tinted lip balms that have an SPF because it cuts down on your time and the amount of products you have to carry with you. M.A.C.'s Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm ($17.50 CDN) hydrate, protect and provide a sheer colour to the lips. I have Lilt of Lily (soft creamy pale pink) and Just a Smidge (soft pastel yellow with multi-coloured pearl). Both are very sheer and almost look clear on my lips - I prefer a little more colour but these are great choices for the "no-makeup" makeup look. The texture feels very smooth and my lips feel heavily coated. It's not quite sticky but feels rich on the lips leaving them moisturized for hours! Love the slanted squeeze tube packaging - very portable and easy to apply.

Prep your skin for a self-tanner by exfoliating. The dead, dry skin will be removed, leaving a fresh smooth surface for an even all-over application. Lise Watier's Gommage Bora Bora ($21 CDN) is an exfoliating gel for your face and body! I found this gel to thoroughly but gently exfoliate my skin. I had soft, radiant skin all day long. My favourite part about this product is that I could use it on my face. I find most body scrubs are too harsh for the face area but not this one. No streaky tans with this exfoliator!

Go faux when you want that glow! It's true that some self-tanners are a pain to apply and the results are often a streaky mess (a la Lindsay Lohan!). I'm really enjoying Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel ($48 USD) because the gel is easy to apply and the results are instant - no waiting around until the next day to see the tan! This gel was designed to be the alternative to traditional bronzing self-tanners. It firms, tones, and improves the skin's suppleness and elasticity while giving you that bronzed glow you love. The gel is also transfer-free and water-resistant, the perfect choice for summer activities. I have Exotic and LOVE the deep golden brown glow it gives my skin! The gorgeous shimmer looks especially sexy on my legs! Do wait a few minutes for it to dry before putting on your clothes and wash your hands immediately so they won't stain.

Lather on the sunblock for those outdoor activities. The longer you'll be out in the sun the higher the SPF should be. Neutrogena has a great range of SPF products that go as high as 100! Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 contains Helioplex technology which delivers the highest UVA protection. The Dry-touch technology helped quickly absorb into my skin and got rid of excess shine without a chalky-white finish. The sunblock has a light scent and never felt heavy or sticky on my skin.

Do you use tanning beds often? What is your sun protection regime? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

Beauty Feature: Good For Your Skin Cosmetics

What you put on your skin counts. Every beauty brand is coming out with products that are either all natural, organic, or anti-aging. With so many cosmetics offering similar benefits how do you really know which ones work? Makeup Junkie has tested some of the most talked about good-for-your-skin products on the market. If you've been curious about these products, read first before making a pricey purchase!

1.Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind Technology SPF 15 ($37 USD)
What it is: A natural foundation with clinically proven anti-aging results.
What it does: Wrinkle Rewind Technology has clinically proven to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while increasing your skin's elasticity, firmness, tone and overall moisture. Micronized minerals brighten skin and offer sun protection.
Clinical results: Significant increase in skin elasticity, firmness and resiliency an average of 22% after 2 weeks of use and 43% after 4 weeks of use.
Significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles an average of 39% after 4 weeks of use and 67% after 6 weeks of use.
Increases skin's overall moisture by 52.82% within 15 minutes of application.
The Real Deal: While wrinkles and fine lines have not totally wreaked havoc on my skin yet, I did notice my skin looked much smoother and youthful right away. The foundation texture almost had a soft whipped feel to it and blended really nicely onto the skin. The medium to full coverage did not fade throughout the day and also did not feel heavy on the skin. I received many compliments on how good my skin looked which is always good in my books!
Boo Points: We're all for green packaging here at Makeup Junkie but I was not too impressed with the "Flo-Thru Pump". I don't know if I just received a dud, but the pump broke after only a few uses. It was annoying having to bang the bottle onto a dish to get the foundation out!

2. Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set ($59 USD)
What it is: Hydrating anti-aging powder with a science of skincare built in.
What it does: The advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptides deliver powerful anti-aging benefits, while the patented hydration system continuously hydrates your skin all day. Built-in shaver allows for the convenience of a pressed powder but with the radiant finish of a loose powder.
Clinical Results: After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.
The Real Deal: Definitely hydrating for my sometimes dehydrated skin! During the winter to spring transition, my skin was a flaky mess but Halo did a good job of not accentuating my dry skin. It has a light coverage but definitely buildable and it left my skin looking luminous. In terms of wrinkles, I don't have a whole lot besides fine lines. I didn't notice the lines around my eyes decrease but the powder didn't enhance them. It's a great finishing powder for under the eyes because it has a brightening quality to it. The texture is also very light. Getting the right amount with the built-in shaver took some time to get used to but it's a cool idea. It really makes you conserve more especially since it comes with the high price.
Boo Points: The high price and the brush. The travel size Kabuki brush felt prickly on my skin and there is no way to transport it. It just ends up getting dirty. The built-in shaver can get a little messy but it stays in one place for the most part.

3. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go ($17.50 .25 oz)
What it is: A multitasking all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant skin perfector.
What it does: Instantly improves skin tone, reduce redness, and help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Enriched with powerful antioxidants including the universal antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins A and E to help repair, protect, and fight future environmental skin damage, this lightweight gel helps maintain hydration leaving the skin with a healthy, even glow by locking in moisture and absorbing excess skin oils.
The Real Deal: I had heard of per-fekt before but wasn't sure if it was a primer or a foundation. The gel texture is very light-weight and blends effortlessly onto the skin. It did soften the appearance of my pores and reduced red areas on my face. I have Rich, a warm tan for a healthy sun-kissed glow. It definitely enhanced my summer tan and gave the skin a beautiful radiance without looking oily. If you have close to perfect skin, then you can get away with using it as light foundation. For me, I like a little more coverage. It evened out my skin tone but I felt some blemishes needed a bit more coverage. I like using this as a base/primer and then applying a tinted moisturizer on top. Foundation glides seamlessly overtop of the gel and lasts longer. You don't need to set with powder because the gel absorbs excess oils. Shh - I went through a couple weeks of laziness and slept with it on and never broke out once! I guess it really is good for your skin!
Boo Points: The price! The travel size is a small tube and is pretty pricey. A little goes a long way but for how long? I've had it now for almost a month and have a lot left so we'll see . The regular size is $57.50 ($USD)! I guess if I use it just as a primer at least I know my skin is benefiting from it! Pretty pricey primer though don't you think?

4. Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20 ($35 USD)
What it is: A lightweight, all-in-one face finisher and skin treatment with antioxidants and UVA/UVB, SPF 20 sunscreens. It's great for even the most sensitive skin.
What it does: Creates a natural, healthy-looking finish with no telltale lines. Delivers the benefits of essential moisture, broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, and potent antioxidants with skin-refining color.
Clinical Results: 72% reduction in dryness
28% increase in skin hydration
41% increase in skin elasticity
27% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
The Real Deal: This is a kick-ass tinted moisturizer! This has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag especially for summer. My skin always looks its best in the summer months so I was in search of a lighter foundation. The tint feels weightless and makes your skin look flawless minus the caked on look. I find with some tinted moisturizers, the coverage is minimal. With Cosmedicine's, my skin tone is evened out and my blemishes disappear! I also found with some tinted moisturizers my skin looked too shiny. This tint delivers a fresh, dewy finish. I've never been so happy with the appearance of my skin - I think its a combo of per-fekt gel as a base and Cosmedicine tint on top. For oilier skin, Cosmedicine has an oil-control version too!
Boo Points: Nothing! What's not to love??

Have you tried these products? What good-for-your-skin cosmetics do you recommend? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

Beauty Feature: Get Gorgeous With Lift Beauty Boutique!

Whether you're walking down the isle, celebrating a birthday, or winning an award there's only one place that will get you looking your most beautiful - Lift Beauty Boutique! Located in the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto (sorry non-Torontonians), Lift is tucked away in a 3rd floor chic boutique-style salon. You'll never feel snubbed or rubbed the wrong way (they give wicked head massages though!) when you enter this casual girly atmosphere. Everyone that comes by always feels like "they're hanging out with their girlfriends"! Don't be fooled by the young, beautiful staff - they've got plenty of experience under their belts! This is an especially great spot for gals who have had a bad hair experience at a salon - the stylists actually listen and only recommend what suits you the best. Always honest and genuine!


The salon houses some of the top brands on the market like: Schwarzkopf, Classified Cosmetics, Orly, and the boutiques very own cosmetic line Lift Cosmetics!

Meet the owners, Emily Hartzman and Lauren Simpson. Fresh out of makeup school, the then 21 year old BFF's were passionate about creating a cosmetic line that would be skin conscious, especially for cancer patients and cancer survivors. After the launch of Lift Cosmetics, the young entrepreneurs went the next step and opened Lift Beauty Boutique. They have been making women look fabulous for nearly 3 years now and are still going strong! They've been featured in countless magazines and publications including Lou Lou and Fashion Magazine. Clients range from tweens and up.


The salon offers cuts and styles, blow outs, colour/highlights, mani/pedi's, makeup application, and eye brow shaping. What the salon is really known for are their express services which cater to women who need to be in and out for a special occassion. The salon is always offering different promotions and discounts so do check their "Specials" page often. They've also changed their hours to accommodate later appointments.

Recommendations:
"The Emily": I named Emily's (Master Stylist) blowouts because they are worth naming! While she is also known for her beautiful, precise cuts and natural highlights, her blowouts are stunning. Your hair will be soft, smooth, and voluminous! Her little touch - a soft loose wave created with a round brush.

Eye Brow Shaping/Manicures/Makeup Applications: Lauren is the master esthetician not only because she is amazing but because she does it all! Whether it's waxing or plucking, she will give your brows the perfect shape for your face. The manicures are very relaxing and her polish application is spot on. I find some manicurists miss part of the nail when applying colour. Makeup applications are fresh, flawless, and beautiful. Whatever the occassion she can create the perfect look.

Funky Hair Cuts: Along with Brianne's (Junior Stylist) bubbly hilarious personality you'll love her funky cuts. Whether it's a trendy cut or just a simple style Brianne does it all!

Lift Dual Finish Powder Foundation and Moon Dust Loose Pigment: One of my faves from the line is the Dual Finish Powder Foundation. It's a powder and foundation in one and makes your skin look flawless. It also applies sheer but has buildable coverage. I love Moon Dust Loose Pigment! I use this on the eyes as a shadow, as a highlighter and on the lips! If you want a sheer colour apply dry, but apply wet if you want more intensity. Mix with a clear gloss and you have a custom-made shimmery soft gold with pink gloss!

Tip: if you need your hair done for a specific date book at least 2-3 weeks in advance as their weekends and later appointments get booked up quickly!

Lift Beauty Boutique
114 Cumberland Unit 303
To book or for pricing call: 416-960-LIFT
Website: www.liftbeautyboutique.com
Blog: liftbeautyboutique.blogspot.com

Fabulous Beauty Deals!

Makeup Junkie readers are savvy beauty finders and we know you like a good deal! Check out these sites for discounts and more!


www.beautyticket.com: Brands like Stila, YSL, Bliss, Pop Beauty, Lancome and more! Up to 85% off!!!! Happy dance! New products and brands weekly!


www.fabuloussavings.ca: Our lucky US readers are probably familiar with FabulousSavings.com. Well, us Canadians have come into some luck! FabulousSavings.ca has come to Canada! The site lists a bunch of participating companies and features their deals of the moment. The site not only offers beauty deals but everything else from clothes to home & garden furniture!

Know of any other great sites that offer amazing deals? Post it on our comments box! Thanks!

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie Is Back!

After a much too long hiatus, I am back to regular postings on Makeup Junkie! Due to different variables of things that were going on in my life, writing had almost come to a halt. Going back to work full-time plus juggling a family became a struggle and was quite an adjustment. Along with having to remove my name and my picture from the site (always a professional!), I almost felt like apart of me was lost. A little dramatic - I know, but I never realized just how much Makeup Junkie was apart of me. Aside from that, I felt like I was letting my readers down and for that I deeply apologize. Thankfully my new role with ChickAdvisor.com in September will still allow me to maintain Makeup Junkie! I'm thrilled to be apart of the team!

Thank you to my readers who visited Makeup Junkie even when there were no new postings! Thank you to Donna De Leon and Mae Amparo for contributing and attending events for me lately! Much love from the Chief Makeup Junkie! xoxo

Beauty Launch: Mary Kay Cosmetics - Not Your Grandmother's Makeup Anymore!

Think you know Mary Kay? Well think again. We'll be honest - we were a little
skeptical about previewing the Fall/Winter 2009 beauty launch. Here is what Makeup Junkie writers, Donna and Mae, had to say of their experience with Mary Kay!

Having childhood memories of my mother’s pink Mary Kay train cases and the ever elusive pink Cadillac, I was not sure what Mary Kay had to offer to our generation. After previewing the new line up I was pleasantly surprised!

The lip glosses in new colours, Bronze Bliss and Fancy Nancy, go on light, sheer and is non-sticky. It also lasted through my morning coffee all the way until lunch. The Mary Kay Loose Eye Shadows in Lilac Lace, Cashmere, and Pink Organza are wonderful and highly pigmented. The really cool thing about this eye shadow is that it comes in a mascara-like package with a tapered sponge tip for application. I thought it was an interesting concept especially for those on the go. All you have to do is pull out the wand, swipe on your eyelids and blend with your fingers!

I love the cheek colour palettes. The Soft Sable blush was the perfect shade for my medium-beige skin. Silk Nectar is more suitable for ivory/beige skin tones. Both palettes come with three colours. I like being able to choose one colour or blending two or three colours together for a custom shade.

Also new to Mary Kay’s line up is the TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C, (okay I have to admit aging is not my concern since I look ten years younger than my age). Although I cannot speak about having a younger appearance, I can say that after a few days of usage my skin does feel more resilient and revitalized after use.

Gift sets, Bella Belara in pink packaging and Belara in blue packaging, include a Fragrance Solid Compact that comes in a cute little case for traveling, a Shimmerific Body Powder to give your body that extra sparkle, and a Body Lotion which leaves your skin feeling luxurious.

Makeup artist, Diana Carreiro, shared with us her favourite Mary Kay products. She was extremely enthusiastic and made us wanting more!

One of Diana's must-haves was the Mary Kay Timewise Age-Fighting Lip Primer. Not only does she use it to prime her client's lips but to erase mistakes too! You know those little mascara-opps! we all make when applying our mascara? All you have to do is take a cotton swab, rub some primer on it and erase the mistake! The lip primer will carefully lift off the mascara without disrupting the eyeshadow below! Another fave of hers was the Mary Kay Crème Lipstick in Tanned. It is a pretty neutral color that looks great on any skin tone. It’s creamy and smooth but does not feel heavy. Mary Kay Eyesicles Eye Color is a cream to powder shadow packaged in a convenient squeeze tube. This is great for using as a base on the eyelids to give your shadow that extra "pop". It comes in Vanilla and Island Bronze.

President of Mary Kay Canada, Ray Patrick


The infamous Mary Kary Pink Cadillac! It has since been updated but nevertheless it is pink and very cute!

Mae, Heather, and Donna

After attending the preview, I have to say all my preconceived notions of Mary Kay have been dashed and put away. So much so that I'll be calling my nearest Mary Kay consultant!

Have you tried Mary Kay products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

For more information on Mary Kay products, their charitable foundations, or to become a Mary Kay representative visit www.marykay.ca!

by Donna Marie De Leon and Mae Amparo
Photos courtesy of Donna Marie De Leon

Home Remedies From Head to Toe

I went to the Eve Pearl (famous make up artist) website and found these awesome home remedies for everything!!! Check them out and check out her site. She has won Emmys for a reason =):

• Eye drops will remove redness not only from your eyes but also from red blemishes. Freeze a drop in a spoon, place frozen over blemish and hold, it will shrink swelling.
  
  
• Neosporin can help remove and heal acne overnight.
  
  
• Toothpaste (white paste) will help heal acne breakouts.
  
  
• Clay masks will draw out the black heads that tend to gather around the nose, by dehydrating the top layer of skin.
  
  
• Cuticle scissors work well to trim those little nose hairs.
  
  
• Fingers: Your most trusted tool. Can apply everything with them. (So, you don't have an excuse when you forget your kit). Concealer- the heat in your fingers will help melt a thick concealer into place (especially under the eyes). Can blend cream blushes. Apply lip balm or gloss on lips. Don't forget to clean your hands when going from one application/color to another.
  
  
• Dab a Q-tip into Jell-O cherry flavored powder and apply to lips. Let sit for five minutes and lick it off. Will give your lips a natural red coat.
  
  
• Toothbrush and Vaseline will exfoliate and plump up your lips.
  
  
• Eucerin lotion over lips provides soothing therapy and holds lip color.
  
  
• Try applying a yellow eye shadow as a primer on your lips. It will warm up and change any lip color.
  
  
• Vaseline added to any shadow can make a gel blush or lip stain.
  
  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) - is a great makeup remover. Use a damp washcloth to remove the excess…it will clean and moisturize all in one.
  
  
• Parsley will help freshen your breath from the inside. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which is found in Certs and Clorets.
  
  
• Honey and baby oil combined and rubbed on the body will make it incredibly soft. Be sure to rinse it off before leaving the bath.
  
  
• Milk will add a smooth texture to the body; try adding some to your next bath.
  
  
• A quick weight loss tip: Take two garlic tablets and two papaya enzymes before every meal. You can lose up to 5 lbs in one week.
  
  
• Instead of shaving cream, use hair conditioner to shave your legs. It will leave them silky and smooth, as well as save you a moisturizing step.
  
  
• Rub sea salt over face and body. It will give an invigorating feeling.
  
  
• Gently rub baking soda (3/4 cup mixed with 1/4 cup water) for three minutes on face and rinse off. A great, inexpensive exfoliator.
  
  
• Adding about 1/2 box of baking soda to the bath will also soothe itching skin, irritation and a sunburn.
  
  
• Epsom salts will ease aching muscles and swelling.
  
  
• Lemon juice will whiten brittle fingernails.
  
  
• Orange slices added to your bath will provide a natural and easy aromatherapy.
  
  
• Fruit Jell-O will take away foot odor. Submerge your feet into a fragrantly colored bucket and enjoy.
  
  
• Lemon, lime, honey, & yogurt can lighten age and sun spots. Mix the juice from 1 lemon, 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 ounces of plain yogurt. Massage into desired spots at least once a week.
  
  
  • Lemons and powdered milk can act like an exfoliator and skin rejuvenator. Mix a paste with the juice of 2 lemons to 1 cup of powdered milk and the water necessary to get a thick paste. Let stand for 20 minutes, and then use the paste to gently massage off dead skin around the knees and elbows. The area will be naturally softened and bleached.
    
    
  • Caffeine is the main ingredient in those expensive cellulite creams. Your regular caffeinated coffee grounds (used from this morning) can be rubbed into those annoying cellulite areas. Since this can get a bit messy, try doing it in the bathtub or shower.
    
    
  • Herbal wraps are easy to make. Create your own, similar to the ones offered at the expensive spas, by using 1 cup corn oil, 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and 2 teaspoons of dried thyme. Combine the ingredients and work the mixture into the thigh, hip and butt areas. Cover the areas with a plastic wrap, locking in the heat from your body. To accelerate the results, lay a heating pad for several minutes over the desired areas.
    
    
  • Vitamins E, A or C capsules (in gel form) from your local drug store, can be used instead of the costly creams with these ingredients in them. Prick open the capsule and add it to your moisturizer. You’ll get all the benefits of the expensive creams without the extra chemicals or expense.
    
    
  • Hydrogen peroxide applied with a cotton ball makes a terrific astringent.
    
    
  • Pepto Bismol is a great face mask for sensitive skin. The same way it coats and soothes the stomach, it gently caresses the skin. Apply straight from the bottle with a cotton ball. Allow it to dry and rinse with cool water. It’s soothing and refreshing.
    
    
  • Vodka & Lemon tones up tired skin. (1/4 cup Vodka and juice from one lemon) Dab on face, neck and chest area with cotton. Not necessary to rinse off. It will evaporate with the air. The less rubbing, the better. Mix a bit extra (with some sugar) and have a cocktail.
    
    
• Hairspray sprayed eight inches from face with eyes and mouth closed will create sealer for your makeup.
  
  
• Baby wipes are a fast and inexpensive way to remove makeup. We use them for the celebrities on the set all the time.
  
  
• Mud Mask/Wrap: Kitty Litter (100% natural clay only), without additives or chemicals. Combine 1 tablespoon clay with water to create a muddy paste. Apply to face, let dry and slightly harden. Then rinse off with warm water and washcloth. It's easy and refreshing and will feel just like those expensive spa mud masks.
  
  
• Crush cucumbers into a pulp, and pat over face and neck. Good for oily skin and to unclog pores.
  
  
• Sweet almond oil will moisturize extra dry skin, help lashes grow and can remove makeup. Will also sooth sunburned skin.
  
  
• Lemon juice will dry up and help get rid of a pimple.
  
  
• Crisco oil will remove makeup and moisturize your skin. It can even be used to treat psoriasis and eczema.