Beauty News: LIFT Beauty Boutique Blow Out Sale!

My favourite gals from LIFT Beauty Boutique are saying fare-well and closing their doors. That's the bad news but there's a lot more good than bad! LIFT owners, Lauren and Emily, are going MOBILE! Yes, now you can have the lovely and talented ladies right in the comfort of your own home or at your next event. 

To kick it all off, LIFT is having a blow out sale - EVERYTHING must go! Visit the salon one last time and stock up on some must-have beauty products from Moroccan Oil, Osis, BC, Orly, Amika and of course LIFT Cosmetics! 

When: September 11

Where: 114 Cumberland St. Suite 303

Why: Because who doesn't like to shop and a good sale???

Thank you to the LIFT ladies for the good times, girl talk, jokes, and of course for giving me fabulous hair! I know we'll be seeing you all over the city! 

For information on LIFT's new services visit http://liftbeautyboutique.com. Don't forget to keep up with the ladies on their official blog to stay up to date on new products, beauty tips, and events.

Beauty Feature: Andrea Claire Dishes on Fall Beauty Trends!

Yikes, September 1st already! Where did the summer go? I thought it only fitting to ring in September with some fabulous Fall beauty trends. Summer is almost done but there are some good things to look forward to - autumn colours, cozy sweaters, fall booties, and of course all the beautiful Fall makeup collections!

I turned to one of my makeup gurus and celebrity hair/makeup artist, Andrea Claire, to dish on what beauty trends we'll be seeing this season! Thanks Andrea for chatting! Stay tuned for my Fall beauty faves!

Fall 2010 beauty is more decisive than previous seasons. I felt that in the past few years we hadn’t really seen a specific trend. This season there will be no second guessing with beauty. Women will still have a choice and keeping with these beauty trends, all women can wear the Femme Fatale or the Pure Minimalist.

Left: Diane Von Furstenburg Right: Lanvin

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Sparkling, Jewel Eyes

Sparkling jewel tones are making a comeback. They are flattering and let's face it - very fun and wearable!  

Tips: Press on sparkles and pigments as opposed to a sweeping motion. Pressing on the product avoids flaking as well as flattening out the multi-dimensions that are generally in this type of makeup. By sweeping, you can lose the dynamics of the various undertones that produce the reflective quality. To lay glitter over shadow use your fingertip, sponge-tip applicator or even a flat head makeup brush and press on.

Apply loose pigments over pressed shadow as pressed shadow will act as an anchor for the loose minerals and will give it a more consistent application and longevity. Avoid overkill with light reflective shimmers, glitters and pigments as the more you wear, the more you can resemble a Club 54 go-er! Think more modern, mixing flat and reflective textures together. 

Keep in mind, everyone snaps photos these digital days. Flash on reflective textures on your eyes will not always look flattering in photo-ops. Another point to keep in mind is too much near your lash line will make your eyes appear puffy - especially if you are already tired. Brow bone, arch and mid-lid are great application points.

Pair sparkling jewel tones with darker matte shadows. Some colour suggestions for specific eye colours: Brown Eyes: berries, purples and golds, Blue eyes: cranberries, pinks, white golds, Green Eyes: Turquoise, Bronze, copper, Hazel Eyes: steel, champagnes, greens

Lastly, avoid the big flake: Shadow Shields are a key makeup tool!

Left: Donna Karan Right: Givenchy

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Bold Lips

Tips: Lip liners give you clean lines for a sleeker more precise lip as well as keep the lippy from bleeding. However, lip liners can look too geometric; soften the tip slightly before applying and blend the line with a cotton swab. Another must-do: apply liner AFTER your lipstick which helps to have a less harsh line or shade in the entire lip with your pencil so you aren't left with the 'ring around the mouth' look.

For any lipstick/gloss application make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated (not wet) which will give you a more even application and therefore enhancing the lippy of choice finish.

There are a variety of bold lip shades to choose from this season. Something for everyone!

a. A burnt orange/terracotta lip? Stay away from coffee/red wine - anything yellowing to your teeth as your teeth will look yellow with orange-based shades. Teeth whiteners will help make your teeth look brighter and whiter.

b. A deep, dark amethyst lip? This femme fatale traditional shade is not for the cute or the faint of heart. It's a confident and powerful look. Best worn at night unless your day job is at an uber-chic environment! 

c. A glossy, rich red lip? Glossy reds are the most high-maintenance. Yes, anyone can wear this and with reds being such a classic color you can wear this day or night. Unless you are perfect at lining your lips, best to avoid lip liner. An awkward lip lining paired with a dramatic red can look a bit clown-ish. I love this lip with a dewy-high-lighted skin - so fresh and beautiful. (Do not match with your handbag and nails - it's a tacky and dated 'rule' in my books)

Left: Nina Ricci Right: Louis Vuitton

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Dewy Skin

Tips: Dewy Skin is best achieved with liquids and creams. A must for application is a foundation brush- result is a perfect, air-brushed quality. For powder, the old school puff is great for application; gently press into the skin and then 'buff' with a brush geared to buffing the skin - mix of natural and synthetic bristles or a kabuki.

To get the most out of this trend, apply cream high-lighters with your fingertips and sparingly so you don't look sweaty. A little just under your eyes on your cheekbone is great to as it will reflect light into your eyes acting as an eye brightener. Silver can look harsh on some skin tones and age categories - a champagne colour is a better translation from runway to everyday for every woman.

Liquid Foundation: With a dime to nickel size amount, start liquid foundation application with a foundation brush along side of your nose just under your eyes and blend out without adding more product onto the skin. This is the area with the most imperfections ie: shadows, uneven skin tone... by the time the foundation is blended out towards the hair line you will have minimal product on your skin and as long as you have the right shade of foundation, your base will blend right in.

Powder Foundation:  Best on skin that is normal to oily - dry skin will just appear more dry. Avoid powder directly under the eyes as it will dehydrate and crease exaggerating crows' feet. (I am not a supporter of powder foundation - tried it numerous times, even new formulations, I'm just not a fan of the texture it leaves on the skin)


What Fall beauty trends will you be wearing?

About Andrea Claire

Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert. She started her career in Kitchener, Ontario before relocating to Toronto in the early 90s. In Toronto, Andrea's career quickly blossomed where she went from salon stylist to session stylist. As both a hairstylist and make up artist, Andrea's passion for the industry and thirst for success motivated and challenged her to continually better herself. We have seen Andrea on Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, tv guest appearances and behind the scenes for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. "Relocating" became a popular word in Andrea's vocabulary. In 2006, Andrea relocated with her family to Singapore where she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, Amica and VIP shoots as well as wrote many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends.

www.andreaclaire.onsugar.com

www.aclairebeauty.com 

www.judyinc.com/andreaclaire

Mommy Corner: Dotmine Day Planners Are PTPA Approved!

I'll be the first to admit that my organizational skills are somewhat lacking which explains my sporadic blog posts. Back in the day I used to have several journals, agendas, note pads all in different styles to keep track of my life and just because I loved pretty journals. Then technology took over my life and my pretty journals slowly disappeared. As much as I rely on email and electronic calendars, nothing beats writing down a to-do list and checking it off.

I recently received a Dotmine Day Planner and it's fantastic. You can choose from a variety of chic designs that suit your lifestyle. I chose the Life.Time.Mine in Tiffany blue. I love pretty and clever packaging and this planner delivers on both. The outside cover is leather and is bound with an elastic ribbon to keep your agenda in tact. It has everything you need to keep your personal, professional, and family life organized. My favourite feature is that it goes up to 17 months rather than the usual 12 month planner. For $19 USD, the extra 5 months makes it all worth it.

My planner doesn't start until September but I already feel my life coming together! Wedding season can get crazy with multiple appointments sometimes on the same day and with TIFF around the corner I'll need all the help I can get staying on track! The pages allow for enough room so I can write down all the info I need for that specific appointment. Now that my son is starting Kindergarten this September I'll be able to stay on top  of all his fun school activities! A minor downside is the size. It offers a lot of writing space but is not convenient to carry around if you use a smaller bag. It'll fit perfectly into a cute tote though!

To view more PTPA Media Fall Campaign Winners, click here. Do you have this agenda? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.ptpamedia.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration.

Beauty Review: Benefit Cosmetics Crescent Row:The Second Story

Benefit Cosmetics is one of the few brands that make me squeal with delight! If you're a sucker for cute packaging then your beauty stash is probably brimming with Benefit products. The Crescent Row perfume collection is one of a kind and in my books a collector's item. From box to bottle, everything about it is charming. When the box is opened, it's like walking into each "girl's" pretty little world.

Lookin' To Rock Rita: This is one of my favourites out of the new collection. Rita is described as "fruity green - exhilarating and stylish". My senses tend to swoon over deeper, exotic scents. This one is perfect for the summer season. The fruity vanilla scent still smells exotic but lighter and fresher. My mom has become completely smitten with it and has swiped it from me. Guess I will have to buy one - or swipe it back!

Top notes: lemon, coconut, freesia

Middle notes: juicy fig, hyacinth, violet

Bottom notes: sandalwood, brazilian rosewood, vanilla

So Hooked On Carmella: Described as "floral vanilla - exquisitely feminine", Carmella is my other favourite. It isn't pretty feminine - more sultry feminine. This is one scent that will be keeping me warm throughout the colder months. Sorry mom, can't have this one! 

Top notes: lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb

Middle notes: cyclamen, peony, tiare flower

Bottom notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

Garden of Good and Eva: If you prefer a cleaner, lighter scent then you will love Eva. It is a citrus floral that smells clean and fresh. Although it's not a scent I would buy, the smell is pleasant. I think with my body chemistry, warmer vanilla-based scents smell better on me.

Top notes: pear, watermelon, ozone accords, muguet

Middle notes: rosebud, jasmine petals, green violet leaves, freesia

Bottom notes: sandalwood, musk, cedarwood

I definitely recommend the Crescent Row collection. Not only do they smell divine and look pretty sitting on your vanity, the packaging makes it a perfect gift! 

Crescent Row fragrances retail for $36 USD and are available all across North America. Have you tried these lovelies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

www.benefitcosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Summer Faves: Last Minute Round-Up

Many apologies for the lack of posting! I'm trying to soak in the last few weeks of summer and cling to my summer faves as the autumn season quickly approaches. As excited as I am to play with all the colourful and sparkly goodies Fall has to bring, I just can't part with some new products that have been keeping me pretty this summer! 

1. YSL Rouge Pure Shine Sheer SPF 15 Lipstick in Blood Orange ($30 USD): When it comes to luxury brands, YSL lippies are at the top of my list. I love the ultra hydrating, smooth texture especially for my sometimes dry lips. The lipsticks have a sheer, gloss-like texture but are highly pigmented. They are a bit more slippery than a cream version and are not as long-lasting. But if you don't mind reapplying and prefer a glossy finish, you'll love YSL's Rouge Pure Shine lipsticks. Blood Orange is a gorgeous combination of red and orange with a golden shimmer. This shade is one of my go-to summer hues! The price is a bit steep for a lipstick but the juicy texture, luxurious click cap, beautiful colours and delectable mango scent make this a must-have!

 Top swatch: YSL Blood Orange, Bottom Swatch:  YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Watermelon

2. YSL Gloss Pur in Pure Watermelon ($30 USD): High shine and pure colour. If you prefer a super shiny gloss minus the shimmer you will love YSL Gloss Pur. Like YSL's Rouge Pure lipsticks, Gloss Pur also offers a moisturizing, sheer texture with a light mango scent. Pure Watermelon is a lovely shade that looks more coral on me. I love layering this over Blood Orange when I want a poutier lip with more impact. The only thing I dislike is the price tag. For something sheer that doesn't last too long, I'd opt for a cheaper gloss.

3. Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lip Gloss in Rose ($22 USD): Rose is like a medium-dark gal's version of NARS Orgasm. The rosy-pink shade with a golden shimmer is so pretty and works with many looks and skin tones. This gloss is non-sticky and contains anti-oxidant Vitamin E. Unlike most glosses, these lippies offer long-lasting colour. If I had something bad to say about this gloss is that it can look a little flaky after a few hours of wear and it's not available in Canada! 

4. Jemma Kidd Skin Rescue Bio-Complex Veil SPF 15 ($24 USD): Looking to cut down your makeup routine in the morning? This multi-tasking product works as a moisturizer, primer, illuminator and tint in one! I was skeptical that this would make my face look more oily than radiant, but once it set my skin looked smooth, even-textured, and luminous. Mind you, if you have acne-prone skin and need more coverage then I'd look elsewhere. My skin usually looks its best during the summer months, so the light coverage has been perfect for me especially in this humid Toronto weather. Love the slim, pump bottle packaging but hate that its only available at Target locations in the US.

5. Lancome Tropiques Minerale Bamboo Bronzer (Bronze Riveria Summer Collection $52 CAD): When I first opened this product, I was amazed at how big this bronzer was! The size alone is worth the hefty price since it will last forever. What really makes it worth it is the beautiful detail baked into the bronzer. I almost don't want to use it because it's just too pretty! I tend to gravitate towards matte bronzers, but the mineral-base leaves the skin with a bronzy glow without too much shimmer. This bronzer highlights and contours all at the same time. Just swirl your brush all over for the most perfect summer glow! If you're a makeup junkie that loves collector's items, this is one to add to the collection! 

6. Jemma Kidd Blush Wear Creme Cheek Colour in Guava ($23 CAD): This has quickly become one of my all-time favourite cream to powder blushes! Guava is a vibrant coral-pink that perks up your complexion. Vitamin A, C and E work together to brighten, condition, and nourish the skin while anti-oxidants protect from free radical damage. These shimmer-free blushes are well-pigmented and easy to blend. Although it sets to a powder finish, your cheeks will still look naturally glowing!

7. Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm ($54 CAD): When it comes to makeup I don't mind having multiple products, but when it comes to skincare less is more for me. I love one-step products that do it all. If you aren't familiar with Canadian skincare line, Mereadesso, get familiar fast. They strive to create skincare products that are simple, easy and efficient packed with minerals and botanicals that are good for the skin. The lovely and talented Lucky, key makeup artist for MTV Canada, is a big fan of the Face + Neck Toning Gel and has used it on The After Show co-host, Jessi Cruickshank.

This body balm is hydrating enough for the body, hands, feet and the packaging is so sleek that even men won't mind using it. It's a must-have for these skin-baring months - nothing looks worse than dry, flaky skin in the summer! Blended with 8 vitamins and minerals along with 28 globally sourced botanical ingredients, the body balm will help improve skin's texture and elasticity. It has a light scent which fades after so it won't interfere with your favourite perfume.

8. Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner Duo ($42 CAD): When I saw that this shampoo and conditioner was humidity blocking, I couldn't wait to test it out in the hot humidity. I find some no-frizz hair products tend to weigh the hair down but my hair has stayed voluminous minus the frizz. My hair can usually look and feel dense in the summer, but this hair duo has tamed my mane leaving it manageable, shiny and healthy. It provides gentle-cleansing making it great for coloured hair and is sulfate-free. Available at The Shopping Channel.

Have you tried any of my summer must-haves? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? Stay tuned for my Fall beauty trends and must-have products!

All products were sent for editorial consideration.

Makeup Junkie On Vacay!

This Makeup Junkie has been road trippin' with the family which explains my lack of posting. Sadly, we'll be on the road back home Sunday but that means I'll be back to it blogging away and featuring some Fall favourites! I know, gabbing about Fall trends already seems so wrong but September is just around the corner! I can't wait to share some of my fall faves and hear about what you'll be rocking this season. Hope everyone is enjoying the last month of summer! Much love!

xo

Joy

Beauty Review: Secret Beauty Weapon - Elizabeth Grant The Socializer!

My "death circles" as I so fondly refer to them as, are so dark some mornings it scares me. I am never without a good eye cream and finding a product that brightens the under-eye area is essential. Elizabeth Grant's The Socializer ($40 CAD), is being labeled as "Canada's secret beauty weapon" for de-puffing tired eyes and giving a more youthful and radiant appearance.

If you're a social butterfly and go from morning meetings to late night cocktails most days, then The Socializer was made for you in mind. It is a light-weight eye treatment with 2 click pens that keep your eyes looking hydrated, well-rested, and illuminated. 'Bright Lights' contains Mica, a mineral light diffuser that brightens and 'Late Nights' blends peptides and Ulva Lactuta to rejuvenate, repair, and awaken the eye area. Mica is generally safe for your skin, but if your skin type is extremely sensitive (severe cases) and you are normally allergic to mica, it may cause some skin irritation. It's always good to double check with your dermatologist.

It became obvious to me that I am a victim of too many late nights and sadly not from anything too exciting (unless you consider trying to get the kiddo to sleep exciting)! I didn't realize that the 'Bright Lights' pen was for the AM and 'Late Nights' was for the PM even though it is clearly stated on the instructions! I thought I had to apply 'Late Nights' first as the eye cream and then 'Bright Lights' over top to brighten. Lesson? Get more sleep!

I like the fact that the 'Bright Lights' offers instant results. I love the luminous finish and the cool, refreshed feeling it leaves around my eyes. The brightening effect also diffuses my fine lines, dark circles and as a result I end up using less concealer. As for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and 'crows feet' only time will tell - I've only been using it for less than a week but am loving it so far. I'm a big fan of the click pen feature as you don't have to dip your fingers in like most eye creams. The chic, portable packaging was made for us on-the-go gals. And at $40 a pop, you get 2 eye creams. It really is a beauty steal!

For more information on Elizabeth Grant products, visit http://elizabethgrant.com.

Have you tried this product? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Product was sent for editorial consideration. 

Makeup Junkie Featured on Faces By Farah!

A BIG thank you to my makeup junkie in crime, Farah from Faces By Farah, for featuring me in her regular Sunday posts "You Go Girl!". I love reading her Sunday features! I've learned so much about people I admire through her fun and informative interviews. If you haven't checked out her blog you must!

To check out my feature click here. Thanks again Farah! xo

www.facesbyfarah.com

Summer Faves: Blush

If there is one product I've been obsessed with this summer it has to be blush and the punchier the colour the better! During the hot humid days, I tend to wear less on the eyes and more on the cheeks and lips. Finding a blush that can hold up to the humidity in the past has been a challenge but not anymore!

1. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Shimmering Peach ($38 USD): Armani foundations are a cult classic and for good reason. When applied, it looks like your skin but much better. The new Blushing Fabrics are very much the same concept mimicking your natural flush but better. Inspired by Armani's finest couture fabrics, you feel like you're applying a rich, weightless mousse to your skin. On me, the blush applies more pinky than peach and I'm absolutely in love with it. You can apply as sheer or as heavy, but beware - you only need a pinch to get your cheeks blushing. I find it easier to dab a little with my ring finger on the apples of my cheek and blend, but it works wonderfully with a brush as well. In my line of work, I sweat A LOT. This pretty blush definitely holds up until I'm ready to remove my makeup.

The hefty price tag may keep the wallet in the purse, but you won't be disappointed with these blushes. After all, it's Armani - would you expect anything less? To make your dollar stretch, I suggest using it as a lip stain and/or apply a gloss over top. Mix it with a bronzer and you'll have the ultimate summer flush!

2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #10 Orange ($22 USD): This is one brand that has everything you could possibly want from a makeup line and then some. I'm so in love with these Aqua Creams that my kit is screaming to have every single one! If you've been searching for something that won't budge, smear, or melt-off then look no further. These creams are highly pigmented and water-proof. They come in a rainbow of colours and can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

If you're daring and love bold colours that make a statement, you will love Orange this summer. This shade is just gorgeous on tanned or deeper skin tones. On someone really fair it will look equally as beautiful but use sparingly as it packs a lot of pigment and is hard to remove once blended. The texture is dreamy and creamy. Looks amazing as a blush or bold lip colour! The price point is a steal for how functional the product is!

Have you tried these blushes? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Beauty Review: Makeup Makeovers: Weddings by Robert Jones

Makeup Makeovers: Weddings by Robert Jones ($24.95 USD) is a must-have beauty guide whether you're a bride or a makeup artist - or both! This beauty gem offers in-depth tips on how to create a multitude of looks with step-by-step guides, beautiful photos, and makeup essentials for creating a picture-perfect wedding look. It covers beauty for a range of skin tones and tells you techniques for achieving the right look for different times of the day (morning, mid-day, evening etc). It's an excellent guide for women doing their own makeup or for the makeup artist that needs a little inspiration! 

This book had been on my want-list for a long time. I love popping this out during bridal trials! It really helps when narrowing down a look for the big day. Lighting plays a big key in how your makeup looks so you'll appreciate all the tips. I'm a very visual person and LOVE all the beautiful photos in this book! 

Have you read this book? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

Visit www.lecosmetique.com for all your beauty and makeup artistry essentials!

Product was sent for editorial consideration.