Saturday, January 21, 2012

Makeup Junkie Top 5 Lipsticks: Bite Luminous Creme Lipsticks!


For a lipstick to be considered in my top 5 is major. I'm not only a Makeup Junkie - I'm a lip product junkie! Being a lip junkie and a makeup artist is a lethal combo. It's just my "business" to try as many lip products as I can because my clients depend on me (wink).

I did a small feature on Bite Beauty's Luminous Creme Lipstick (read my full review by clicking link) set during the holidays. I didn't include any swatches so I thought I would revisit. These highly pigmented and creamy-licious lippies feel so good on my lips and not to mention look good. It's one of the few lipsticks that doesn't accentuate my chapped lips. That is huge for me. Instead, my lips look smooth and plump. Must be the Resveratrol, a super antioxidant, that is in the lipstick.

Top: Pepper (dusty rose), Shiraz (soft plum)
Bottom: Champagne (pearly nude), Fig (nude rose) and Bouquet (soft pink)

The lipstick has pretty good wear time. They lasted between 4-6 hours even after eating. The colour was still faintly stained on the lips. They are very moisturizing, but don't bleed. I found Pepper to be the "your lips but better shade". It's a good neutral that you can wear on a daily. Fig is also one of my favourites and a great pink to wear for daytime. Bouquet is on the warmer side but definitely has more pop than Fig. Shiraz is a great fall/winter plum that would work for a lot of skin tones. Champagne is gorgeous with a smokey eye for a pale lip or to use as a highlight for a plumping effect in the center. 

Did you know that the lipsticks are broken up into colour families and each one has a unique slanted tip? Reds have a sharp angled tip for precise application. Neutrals have a natural slant for a natural shape and easy application. Pinks have a curved tip for a cheerful pouty lip. Berries have a pointed tip for a perfectly symmetrical lip. 

I'm definitely looking forward to trying out more colours and the brand's other lines. The all-natural factor, Resveratrol anti-aging and repair properties, creamy texture, strong pigmentation, use of food grade colouring, and sleek packaging make this a Makeup Junkie Top 5 Lipstick!

What lipstick is in your top 5? 

Available at Sephora locations and Sephora.com. Retails for $24 USD. 

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

Friday, January 20, 2012

Beauty Review: Clean Face In A Flash!

I really try to keep to our nighttime routine. I really do - try. After the kids are tucked into bed, cleaning up is the last thing I want to do and sadly that includes my face! As a makeup artist, I always tell my clients "sleeping with your makeup is a no-no". I guess I should practice what I preach! Before Baby Z, I can honestly say I washed my face 90% of the time. The other 10% I blame on a late night out with too much wine (yup, that is a rare occasion). Now, I'll only clean my face if I've worn makeup that day - I know, I'm ashamed! I've said too much.

Clean Face In A Flash!

Clean Face In A Flash! by makeupjunkie13 on polyvore.com

Thankfully, beauty brands make handy cleansers called wipes and cleansing waters that clean your skin in a flash. I can remove makeup, tighten my pores, feed my skin anti-aging nutrients without using water (which means no mess around the sink - such a pet peeve of mine). My skin can breathe in some fresh air again. Yes!

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and Makeup Removing Wipes For Oily and Combination Skin ($16 CAD): Korres is one of my all-time favourite all-natural beauty brands. I love the pomegranate wipes. The wipes leave my skin feeling refreshed and they effectively take off my makeup, although I usually take off my mascara with a separate remover. One little wipe can remove impurities, tighten pores, and give antioxidant protection. Cleaning your face takes less than a minute to do! If you're lazy like me, keep these at your bedside. 

One pack holds 25 wipes which won't last long if you use these often. It's a little pricey for a small pack, but you get what you pay for which means it's formulated WITHOUT parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, and GMO. It would be great if Korres comes out with a bigger pack! Now available at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada. 

Biotherm Biosource Total & Instant Cleansing Micellar Water ($26 CAD): Who knew something that looks like a toner could actually cleanse your face? Another quick cleanser, Biotherm's contains Thermal Plankton Cellular Water and is paraben-free. It feeds your skin nutrients rich in minerals and vitamins. It cleans fairly well but sometimes I feel like I need to use two cotton pads to make my skin feel really clean. My skin looks radiant and even feels soft after. It's not as convenient as a wipe because you need to use a cotton pad, but it gets the job done fast. There's a lot of cleansing waters on the market and more continue to come out. It's pretty pricey compared to some others, but Biotherm is not a drugstore brand. Bioderm's version is on my 'want' list and I believe it's slightly cheaper. But if you want something that's a steal, try Marcelle's. 

What are your favourite quick cleansers? Are you guilty of not taking your makeup off every night? Be honest! :)

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

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Makeup Junkie & Make Up For Ever Canada Present: Makeup For HD and Makeup For Music Videos Workshops With Celebrity Makeup Artist Lucky Bromhead!





UPDATE: BIG news! Make Up For Ever Canada will be sponsoring gift bags for each workshop!! The first 20 people to sign up for either workshop will receive a gift bag with a Make Up For Ever sample kit! If you've already signed up this means you've already snagged a gift bag! Woohoo!

Hurry and purchase your tickets today! Early bird special only until January 25th! http://makeupwithluckyb.eventbrite.ca/

'Like' Make Up For Ever Canada on Facebook!



What: Makeup for HD and Makeup for Music Videos With MTV Canada's Lucky Bromhead
When: February 12, 2012 
Time: Makeup for HD: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Makeup for Music Videos: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Where: 550 Queensquay W., Toronto, ON
Main Floor Party Room (See concierge)
Advance Tickets (until January 25): $125/per workshop (Only 20 spots available per workshop!)
After January 25 Ticket Price: $150/per workshop
Advance Tickets (until January 25 - Combined Workshops): $200 (Only 20 spots available per workshop!)
After January 25 Ticket Price (Combined Workshops): $300
(If you wish to pay via Money Email Transfer please contact me at joy[at]makeupjunkie[dot]ca.)
Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE unless canceled by host. If you are unable to attend all of a sudden, you may sell your ticket to someone else. 
Bring: Your kit, notepad/pen, and a model. Photo taking is welcomed but video recording is prohibitied. 

Makeup Junkie is proud to host two workshops for one of my favourite makeup artists, MTV Canada's Lucky Bromhead! She is one of the top makeup artists in the industry and has first hand knowledge of what it takes to be a successful makeup artist. Whether you are a makeup artist in the making or just want to brush up on your skills, you definitely don't want to miss out on these workshops!


If you're looking for a career in television or will be working in print, learning makeup for HD is must if you want to make it in this industry. Learn about creating a flawless canvas, what products to use, how lighting effects the outcome of your makeup and many more amazing tips from Lucky! 



Music videos always look so fun and glamorous, but a lot of work goes into the final product! Lucky has worked with top musicians in the industry. Learn about the creative process behind creating your talent's look, on-set do's and don'ts, and much more!

About Lucky Bromhead: 
Lucky (yes, that’s her real name!) Bromhead has been painting faces for about 20 years. After many years as a trainer for MAC Cosmetics, and key makeup for the Canadian episodes of Elvis Costello's Spectacle! Elvis Costello With... she’s currently the head makeup artist for MTV Canada and continues to do makeup for Bravo! At The Concert Hall, The Space Channel and The Comedy Network. 

Lucky’s makeup has graced the faces of Zooey Deschanel, Jared Leto, Jeff Goldblum, Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate, Cyndi Lauper, Elvis Costello, Bono & The Edge, Timothy Olyphant, Lauren Conrad (The Hills), Kanye West, Jully Black, Fefe Dobson, Tre Armstong (SYTYCD), Nikki Sixx, Jeanne Beker, Michelle Trachenberg, Emily Haines, Keisha Chante, and Erica Ehm. She's also done makeup for the music videos of Bedouin Soundclash, Nicole Holness, Matthew Good, Jay Malinowski and Armistice. Lucky was also honoured to be chosen to do makeup for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, doing makeup for CTV's Olympic Morning. To see more of Lucky’s work, visit http://makeupbylucky.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Beauty Event: Mix It Up For One Family Fund



One Family Fund will host its first annual Mix It Up event on January 31, 2012 at Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Toronto. The evening will include passed hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, live jazz and a Silent Auction Shopping Centre.   The Shopping Centre will be one of a kind and feature items from a variety of categories including fashion, beauty, hospitality, restaurants, fitness, and home decor. Some of the great beauty brands involved include Benefit Cosmetics, Gee Beauty, and Elizabeth Grant Skincare.

One hundred percent of monies raised through the silent auction will benefit victims of terror in Israel.

One Family Fund provides direct financial, legal and emotional support to the thousands of victims of terror in Israel on a daily basis. It is at the forefront in providing long-term support for physical and emotional health, education, housing, income maintenance and other needs.



Thursday, January 12, 2012

Makeup 101: The 5 Minute Face

Mornings are harsh (and yet I'm up after midnight writing this!). There's just not enough time in the day to do everything I want to accomplish. My day starts in the wee morning and it ends in the wee morning. You'd think spending half the morning in a drowsy state and getting sick would teach me a lesson.

Being able to put makeup on or style my hair is a luxury these days with two little ones. Applying my makeup in a matter of minutes is a must! Here are the products I currently use on a daily to look fresh faced and somewhat presentable in 5 minutes!


Top Row:

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector ($19.99 CAD): You'd have to be hiding under a rock if you haven't heard about the latest craze in beauty. BB Creams, a beauty secret from Asia, is now hitting North America. What is a BB cream and why all the buzz? BB creams is an all-in-one skin perfecting product that  combines skincare with makeup. Some are even made to improve acne overtime. 

I first learned of it when my brother's girlfriend from Korea was visiting us. She said she loved because it improved the overall appearance of her skin and lightened her skin too. Making my skin lighter really didn't appeal to me so I brushed it off not really thinking it would make its way here. 

Brands like Garnier have included all the skin nourishing properties minus the skin lightening ingredients. I've heard Marcelle's is really good and I tested Estee Lauder's version. I found it to be drying for my skin and the shade was too light. I've been testing out Garnier's for a few weeks now and so far I'm liking it. Here's what I like about it: evens out my skin tone, diffuses my wrinkles and fine lines, makes my skin look radiant, and is ultra moisturizing. It also has sun protection. It's a cinch to put on especially if you're in a hurry!

The shade I received is medium-dark. It seems to match me pretty well, but it has a slight pink undertone. After it sets, it just looks like my skin. The coverage is like that of a tinted moisturizer. I'm not really sure what sets it apart from some TM's that also offer anti-aging ingredients, SPF, and coverage. Possibly BB creams offer higher anti-aging ingredients? All in all, I really love how my skin looks after. I get decent coverage in a matter of seconds. Available January 2012. 

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18 USD): A staple! An eye brightener and concealer all in one. Read my full review here

Anastasia Brow Duality ($23 USD): A multi-purpose highlighter for brows, eyes, cheekbones, and even the top of your lips! I like to wear this in the inner corner for a brightening effect. Read my full review here

Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler ($26 CAD): I never go a day without this! This lash curler gives my lashes the most perfect curl. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara ($12 CAD): For the longest time I was using Covergirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara, then I moved on to various ones from L'Oreal to Maybelline to some high end ones. The drugstore near me had a sale on L'Oreal mascaras so I picked up this one. I hadn't really heard reviews for it but I picked it up anyways. It's a great waterproof mascara with minimal smudging. I'm able to get my lashes full and long with lots of curl (waterproof mascara is the only thing that can curl these straight lashes). The only downside, not a huge one, is that my lashes look crunchy and hard rather than soft and fluttery. 

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($18 USD): Finally an eyeliner that actually doesn't smudge! For subtle definition I like to smudge underneath my top lash line very close to the base of my lashes. Read my full review here

Bottom Row

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom ($7.99 CAD): Tinted lip balms are the easiest lip products to wear. You get a little colour and it hydrates at the same time. I love Burt's Bees tinted lip balms. They are inexpensive and give just enough colour. Pink Blossom is a soft pink, but surprisingly it really shows on the lips! I think it's the perfect shade of pink - not too red and not too pale. I also love Tiger Lily for a peachy nude lip. Read my full review here

Korres Cherry Picked Cherry Oil Lip Gloss ($17 USD): When I want a little glossy shine, I love wearing these glosses from Korres! For a pink nude lip, I like layering Light Purple 23 over top of Burt's Bees Pink Blossom. Read my full review here.

Becca Beach Tint: I think a flush of colour on the cheeks is the perfect perk-me-up. These lovelies don't budge and give the prettiest glow. Thanks to ebeauty.ca, I was able to add Guava, Grapefruit and Peach to my collection. Read my full review here

Benefit PosieTint ($36 CAD): I like to go between a few cheek tints and this is definitely one I reach for. Read my full review here

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm ($34 CAD): When I want a really dewy finish and when my skin is screaming for moisture I love dabbing these puppies on. For a really quick look, I use Bronzed on my eyes, cheeks and lips. I own all three in Blushed, Sunkissed, and Bronzed. Read my full review here

When you only have 5 minutes, what are your go-to products? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration (with the exception of the L'Oreal mascara and Shu Uemura lash curler) and I truly love them. 

Makeup Junkie & Dior Canada Present: Bridal Makeup Workshop With Dior Canada's Senior Artist Fredis V.



What: Bridal Makeup Workshop With Dior Canada's Senior Artist Fredis V.
When: February 5, 2012 
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: 550 Queensquay W., Toronto, ON
Main Floor Party Room (See concierge)
Advance Tickets (until January 25): $100
After January 25 Ticket Price: $120 
(If you wish to pay via Money Email Transfer please contact me at joy[at]makeupjunkie[dot]ca.)
*Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE unless canceled by host. If you are unable to attend all of a sudden, you may sell your ticket to someone else. 
Bring: Your kit, notepad/pen, and a model. Cameras and video recording are welcomed. 


Makeup Junkie is proud to host alongside Dior Canada, a bridal makeup workshop for makeup extraordinaire and Dior Canada's Senior Artist, Fredis V.! Attendees will be in for a treat! With wedding season just around the corner, it's the perfect workshop to refresh your bridal skills or to learn some new ones.

The workshop is not only for makeup artists though. If you are a bride getting married this year and thinking about doing your own makeup, this workshop will help you learn the techniques needed in creating a look that is right for you. As a bonus, each attendee will receive a little gift bag with some amazing Dior products!


Working for one of the world's top beauty brands, Fredis knows the hottest trends in bridal makeup. You'll learn how to execute a flawless canvas, how to create the picture-perfect look for your bride, and what techniques are the most efficient and effective. You'll also learn the top bridal makeup trends for 2012! 



About Fredis V.: 
Based in Toronto, Fredis Velasquez is widely known around Canada, as the go-to professional makeup artist among the industry's best. He is one of the most sought after make-up artists in Toronto, who aims to achieve a flawless face, lush lashes, and the perfect brow for his clientele. His exceptional artistry skills allow him to create a luminous glow that is seen on the red-carpets of Hollywood’s elite. Fredis specializes in Editorial, Red Carpet Events, Commercials, Music Videos, and High Profile Weddings. He has more than 14 years of experience as a professional makeup artist and has worked with the most innovative, standard setting, skincare and cosmetics enterprises in the industry.

Fredis' distinct style allows his work to stand out from other makeup artist; making stops at various work venues along the way such as MAKE UP FOR EVER, FRESH, NARS, AVEDA, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, GIORGIO ARMANI, YSL, Shu Uemura and DIOR Canada including many more! Fredis is currently the Lead Consulting Artist for Dior in Canada. He is dedicated in fulfilling his client’s vision as he pays close attention to detail and enhances natural beauty. His down to earth demeanour makes everyone feel comfortable in his hands, illustrating a contemporary and pure expression that produces an astounding outcome.


'Like' Fredis on Facebook and follow him on Twitter!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Beauty Buzz: Do You Have What It Takes To Be Make Up For Ever's Next Unretouched Model? Then Read On!


Listen up all you Make Up For Ever fans! All you beauties who love their products and love the camera have the chance to be apart of MUFE's Unretouched Campaign. That's right - no Photoshop necessary to hide all your embarrassing (or "unique" for a more positive twist) flaws. They want YOU using Make Up For Ever products in your best picture-perfect beauty look. After all, real life isn't retouched! 

Contest Rules: 

  • Contest runs now until February 1st, 2012. 
  • Submit your picture-perfect look to MUFE's dedicated website: www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com
  • All finalists' photos will be featured in a photo album on MUFE USA Facebook Page
  • The winner will be announced on February 9, 2012 and then flown to New York City for her professional photo shoot!
  • Casting call is open to all women over 18 residing in the U.S. and Canada. 
The lucky winner will star in an advertisement that highlights MUFE's new HD Complexion Starter Kit ($89 Exclusive at Sephora) the ultimate tool box to perfect your complexion that can be uniquely personalized to include each client's ideal shade of HD Invisible Cover Foundation. You can pick your shade with an interactive Shade Finder tool: http://hd.makeupforeverusa.com/#shade_finder

Good luck!


Saturday, January 7, 2012

Beauty Feature: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...my vanity that is!

What does your vanity mean to you? And I'm not talking about your outer appearance. I'm talking about your space, your quiet place, your escape where you can lay out all your pretty things and slather on your most favourite beauty products. That's what my vanity means to me. There's something to be said for everything having its place. 

For a long time, I used large computer desks as a vanity. Why? Because it was not only functional and cost effective, but because it was big enough to lay out all my makeup. It was neither pretty or full of character, but it worked. 

This here is my dream vanity. A little much? Maybe, but I think it's beautiful! It's so classic, feminine, and in my favourite Parisian style. One day, but for now my current vanity isn't so bad.



My vanity is one of my favourite spaces in the house. I love sitting here in the mornings getting ready for the day and staring out the big window. I like to gather my thoughts here and write out my to-do list (which I haven't been doing lately!). Instead of going with something big and clunky, I chose a smaller, traditional size vanity table. I hate sets so I opted just to get the table (which I hopefully plan to give it that cracked old shabby chic look). I was going to go with a chair, but because I don't have much drawer space, I chose to go with a ottoman stool that can be used for storage. I have a few beauty items that I reach for everyday in the drawers.


It's very roomy and fits my large makeup bag, a medium sized one and a small makeup bag plus two of my sunglasses in their case. These are the products I use on my self on a daily or when I'm going out somewhere. If I want to use more products I just pull from my Zuca and my clear storage drawers which are in the walk-in. This way, my desk stays clean and clutter free. I chose a metallic bronze shade. I think it compliments the desk pretty nicely.





































Your vanity is a great way to express your individual style and to showcase all the pretty things you love. One of my favourite gifts was this Parisian-inspired mannequin jewelry holder. I love layering my favourite necklaces there. It's a great statement piece. I found our old wooden hand sculpture packed away that we use to display on our bookshelf. This was perfect for displaying some of my rings (I clearly need more!). I love the look of books on display. Here I have Ines de la Fressange's style guide to Paris, Parisian Chic and two Chanel press books from the Fall and Spring 2012 collection. They are so pretty and full of product shots and beautiful photos from the collection's inspiration. I love my little friendship jewelry box which was a bridesmaid's gift. I hold little trinkets and jewelry items in there. I bought a silver tray to display all my favourite perfumes. Perfume bottles come in all lovely packaging and make for beautiful eye candy. I also laid out two lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco shine from the Spring collection (review to come!) and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre with my name engraved on it.

And there you have it. I'm still thinking of displaying my makeup brushes in a cute holder (maybe the one from Topbox?) and getting a table mirror. I will have to re-arrange things to make space. I love having a space that's all mine with my own stuff. Having two kids, your space can be taken over with toys and books, so my vanity is my little get away from all the kid clutter!

What does your vanity look like? I'd love to see! I always love getting ideas and seeing how other makeup junkie's display their favourite beauty items. Email me some photos and I will feature yours on my blog!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Beauty Buzz: Sliding Dior

What's that you say? Dior fans, feast your eyes on Dior's new sliding eye shadow compacts! They slide - woohoo! (Video only available until January 12!)


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Makeup Junkie Beauty Loves Of 2011

Happy 2012 makeup junkies! How was everyone's NYE? Well, I hope you're having an amazing start to the new year so far. Any New Year's resolutions you're looking to conquer this year? I stopped making resolutions a while ago to avoid disappointment - ha! - but this year my resolution is to stand a little straighter. Odd right? But I'm serious! I stand at a wee 4"11 and my bad habit of slouching is making me look much shorter. Plus, I'd like to avoid being a hunchback in my golden years.


One of my favourite things to do in the new year is reflect on all my favourite beauty loves that I've had the lucky privilege of testing out. Here is my best of beauty for 2011!

Best Lippies:

Best in Eyes:
Velour Lashes

Best Foundation: 

Best Highlighter: 

Best Tinted Moisturizers:

Best Blushes: 

Best Bronzers: 

Best Nail Polishes: 

Best in Skincare: 

Best Perfumes: 
 
Best Beauty Innovation: 

Best Tools: 

Best Moments of 2011: 

Here's to another year of discovering the best in beauty products! Thank you to all my precious readers for all your support this year! I look forward to gabbing about more beauty with you in 2012! What were your favourite beauty loves of 2011?