Update and new Facebook page!

Hey everyone! I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was super-busy over the holidays, but hopefully things will be calmer now and I can update more frequently again. Speaking of holidays, I hope everyone enjoyed theirs, I know I did. I got some new makeup I'm excited to try, so hopefully there will be new haul/swatch/look updates soon. ;)

I wanted to tell y'all about my new Facebook page I just made! There's a Like Box on the right over there if you have a FB and would like to check it out. I'm sure I'll be adding content over the next few days.

I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's blogs as well! I've missed you guys <3 Hope you're all having a great week so far and I'll see ya soon!

CG Thick Lash Mascara

We were taking our oldest son to a birthday party and I thought I had gotten myself completely ready when a quick glance in the mirror showed otherwise. I had put on my False lashes like normal but then didn't put any mascara on to blend them. It was VeRy visible to me that I had black lashes resting on my natural brown ones....WHAT KIND OF A MAKEUP ARTIST AM I????? My husband said he couldn't tell, but.....he's a guy.....enough said. We stopped at a drug store and I grabbed the cheapest mascara I could find (that WaSn'T the green and pink bottle disaster!*) and it turned out to be this one. It cost just over $5 and I figured I could do a review on it as well. I liked that it was thick and did just what I wanted it to. I even liked the smaller wand, which I don't normally. I didn't love that quality as much when I used it on my natural lashes unfortunately. Give me a large curved wand any day when I'm not wearing my falsies! The only thing that left me a little blah was that it seemed to take a while to dry. Like I was scared to blink too soon...which leads to me keeping my eyes wide open like a dummy...which leads to my son never getting invited to another birthday party. Let's just say that it is worth the money for me since I am usually wearing false lashes but I'll be sure to give myself a few ticks of the clock before I step out into the cold with wide open eyes!

*I am always shocked and dismayed to see posters and signs all around the Maybelline Great Lash mascara as saying it's the #1 purchased mascara. That it's the makeup artists secret (c'mon Carmindy...REALLY???). The only reason that it may be #1 is that people pick it up out of habit or they don't KnOw any better!!! Let's change this ladies by spreading the word that it is pure JUNK!!! The only "secret" to me still having it in my kit is for when I actually need the model to have smeared makeup. Yuck, yuck YUCK!!!!!

Beauty Blender vs Sonia Kashuk

Makeup 101: New Year's Eve Makeup That Will Last

Happy New Year! I raise my glass to the end of 2010! What a year it has been for myself and pretty much everyone I know. 2010 was full of crazy bumps but despite it all, I've come out with a much clearer head. I've failed, succeeded, but above all learned from each and every one of those significant moments in my life. I'm excited for 2011 for more reasons than one and can't wait to get this party started!

Sorry peeps, this was the best close-up photo I could get of myself. This was taken on Christmas Eve close to the end of the night, but figured if you want makeup that will ring you into the new year then you'll want to read up on the long-wearing products I used!

Star Products: 

 

Top Left: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Steel #2 ($26 CAD):  You want a shadow that won't budge? MUFE's Aqua Creams are a dream! I used this as the base of my shadow, on the lid, inner corner, and lower lash line. I wanted a warm, charcoal-silver smokey eye with a hint of shimmer. Steel is a gorgeous silver with an almost taupe undertone. I prefer this over a true silver as it looks too cool on my warm skin tone. The Aqua Creams are budge-proof and set pretty quickly. They apply really easy onto the skin but you have to blend it really quickly. The finishes are pretty shimmery, but when paired with a matte shadow the shimmer is toned down. It would be great if matte shades were introduced to the line - fingers crossed!

Top Right: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Print ($17.50 CAD) This one is an oldie but a goody! Print is one of my beloved true greys. I find some greys either have too much blue or too much black. It's not quite a matte but has a more satin finish. I applied this close to the top and bottom lash line, outer lid, and crease. M.A.C. as always delivers on amazing pigment, doesn't crease or fade, and blends so easily. 

Middle: Sephora Favourites The Little Black Eye Liner Kit ($36 USD): Like an LBD, every woman should own at least one black eye liner. This set includes 7 of Sephora's most essential black eye liners plus an eye brush from the following brands: 

• 0.02 oz Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx
• 0.07oz Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay ShadowLiner in Black
• 0.005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Eye Rim Pencil in Black
• 0.02 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
• 0.06oz Sephora Collection Jumbo Eye Liner in Grey
• 0.003 oz Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony
• 0.025 oz Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Black
• Smashbox Eye Liner Brush 

For this look I reached for one of my favourite liners, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. I didn't want an obvious line so I lined underneath my top lash line, smudged it close into my lash line, and along my waterline. To make the liner last in the waterline, line, wait for it to set, then line again. I have more reviews to come from this kit! 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily ($7.99 CAD): My night started out with NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss, but as the night wore on it was my Burt's Bees Tinted Lip balm in Tiger Lily (not pictured) that my dry lips longed for and is the lippie shown on myself. I have been using this non-stop ever since I received it and I can't wait to snatch all of them up! Sadly, we'll have to wait until February 2011 to purchase these. 

It comes in six shades: Honeysuckle (nude), Tiger Lily (peach-nude), Pink Blossom (soft pink), Hibiscus (rosy pink), Rose (red) and Red Dahlia (wine). It's 100% natural and is made from natural botanical flower waxes (ylang-ylang and jasmine), Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Beeswax. I adore the pear scent. It's a nice change from the common minty and vanilla flavours of so many other lip products out there. The packaging is simple and true to the Burt's Bee's line, but I love that they didn't go with their traditional yellow honeycomb packaging. The lip balm comes encased in a lovely cardboard tube package which I just love! The texture is super smooth and will help keep your lips moisturized all night long. For a sheer tint, you definitely see colour on the lips. Tiger Lily was the perfect peachy-nude for my smokey eye.

To check out another great review visit this site. 

Complete List of Products: 

Skin: 

Embroylisse Moisturizer

MUFE HD Primer Perfection

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #7

Tarte Mineral Powder

Benefit Erase Paste in #3 (under eyes)

Cheeks:

Smashbox Halo Bronzer (all over and as a contour)

NARS Douceur Blush on cheeks

Eyes: 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

MUFE Aqua Cream #2 Steel

M.A.C. Print Eye Shadow

UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

New Maybelline Mascara (Review to come but I think I'm actually loving it!)

Lips: 

First half of the night: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss

Second half: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily (available February 2011)

For New Year's definitely amp it up by adding more shimmer or a glittery silver liner. Add a pair of falsies to make your peepers stand out more.

What do you think of this look? What's on your look book for New Year's?

I hope everyone has a safe and an amazing New Year! Thank you to all my readers, friends, and family that have been through it all with me. I cherish your love and support more than you will ever know. I won't bore you with any NY resolutions because we've heard them all. Wishing you all much love, happiness and success for 2011! Cheers!

Products were sent for editorial consideration with the exception of M.A.C. Print. I really love all these products.

12 Days of Holiday Beauty: Festive Party Nails

I used to think glittery polishes were oh-so-80's, but then when I kept thinking about how I wanted to do my nails for Christmas visions of blinging glittery nails popped in my head. I didn't want to do the traditional classic red or reach for my deep purple shades. All I knew was that I wanted to do something a little different, a little edgy.

I went to all the stores on the hunt for a glittery polish and what do you know, all but one store was sold out! Guess I wasn't the only one who wanted a little bling on the nails. I originally wanted gold glitter but then I saw this adorable mini set from Nicole by OPI Tinsel Tips for $12.99 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart. Since I wouldn't normally wear a glitter polish a mini bottle is all I really needed. This would definitely make the perfect stocking stuffer! The set includes: 

• Jewel Nail Decals
• Spark My Mistletoe (red glitter pictured on my nails)
• Stuck In The Chimney (gorgeous shimmering plum)
• Kiss Me At Midnight (deep chocolate with red shimmer)

This is my version of edgy festive party nails - red glitter over a plain black polish. Glitter should stand out on its own. Layering it over black is the perfect way for a glitter polish to stand out. I generally don't like plain black nails but a glittery polish brightens it up. 

The black polish is from Barry M. Cosmetics, a popular cosmetic line from the U.K. It's the first product I've ever tried from the line and I have to say I am impressed with how opaque and non-streaky their polishes apply. It's only my first day wearing it so I'm not sure how long it will stay chip-free but there will be more reviews to come. The line is not available in Canada but if you want to see Barry M. in Canada join the Facebook page here.

What do you think of my festive party nails? Too edgy or goth for a nice Christmas dinner?

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...LAVANILA Deluxe Mini Roller Set!

Fragrances for me can be a little iffy. If a scent doesn't sit well on me, I immediately get a headache. So when I find one that smells divine and doesn't make my head spin, I hang on to it! I've always wanted to try Lavanila products so I was excited to receive this mini holiday set. I think this would be a great set for anyone since Vanilla is a pretty likeable scent. I've always been a vanilla lover - it's warm, cozy, inviting, and yummy!

This mini roller set includes: 

• Vanilla Lavender
• Pure Vanilla
• Vanilla Coconut
• Vanilla Grapefruit

These scents will not only make you smell good but they're actually good for you too! These lovely scents contain all natural, skin-friendly ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfate, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and petro-chemicals. The fragrances are infused with pure essential oils which makes for a long-lasting scent. At the end of the day, I can still smell it the vanilla all over me. The roller ball and deluxe size make it easy for applying on-the-go and for carrying around in your purse. I especially love roller balls for precise application like behind the ears.

My favourite two that I always reach for are Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Coconut. Every time I wear either scents, my lil' guy can't help but sniff me. He immediately thinks of cake or cookies. I sometimes layer the two for an extra vanilla scent. The Vanilla Lavender is more floral with a hint of vanilla. It's a calming scent but I like it better when I layer the Pure Vanilla over top. The Vanilla Grapefruit is surprisingly not too sweet which I like. I reach for this when I'm in a more fruity mood. 

LAVANILA Mini Roller Ball Set retails for $40 CAD and is available online at The Shopping Channel. 

www.theshoppingchannel.com

12 Days of Holiday Beauty: Side-Pinned Wavy Hair

 

Photo Credit: InStyle.com

Nothing says party hair then a head of beautiful wavy curls. This is one look I do often when I'm stepping out to a special event.

You'll want to start with lots of volume in the hair. The key to making this hair less cute and more Victoria Secret-esque is to do big curls. Apply a volumizing spray or mousse to the root of the hair and blow dry the root up if styling from wet. You can use your hands to direct the hair up. Once the hair is completely dry, wrap 1 inch sections of your hair around a big barrel curling iron. Always curl your hair away from the face unless you're going for Old Hollywood. Curling away from the face makes it look more modern and up-to-date. If your hair doesn't hold a curl too well, use a light hold hairspray and spray as you go. If you have straight bangs you'll want to curl your bangs away from your head as well. You want to avoid looking like you have to different hair styles.

If you don't have a big barrel iron, use your small one and at the end brush out your curls to make them look big and bouncy. Once your hair is completely curled, pin one side up. Be creative and add a twist to the hair and secure with a sparkly hair brooch. When you are satisfied with the look, spray all over with an extra hold hair spray.

What's your go-to party hair style?