Makeup Junkie Loose In Sephora!

Ahhhhh! I'm still coming down from my high after attending the beauty event at the new Sephora store on Bloor Street! On my way there, I realized way too late that I had left my camera at home!! Unfortunately, I cannot share any pictures from the event - boo. As soon as I got home, I took some pictures of my stash which I cannot way to share with you!

I was really nervous but extremely ecstatic to have the chance to go. The event was to introduce Sephora to Canada and to announce the openings of more locations in Quebec at Fairview, Point Claire and Les Promenades, St. Bruno, as well as Ottawa, Rideau Centre and Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, Ontario; scheduled for late Spring, early Summer 2008! Sephora plans to make its mark in the Canadian market which I don't think will be too hard a task!

"Canada is a very important focus for us in 2008 and beyond," says Marie-Christine Marchives, VP Canada. "The client response we have had to our newly opened stores in Alberta and Ontario has far exceeded our expectations and we are very excited about our future,"

Interesting facts about Sephora:

• founded in France in 1969 and acquired by Paris-based LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 1997
• Sephora.com launced in 1999 and is the world's top beauty website
• carries 13 000 products from more than 200 brands including the Sephora collection
• first beauty retailer to employ the unique open-sell philosophy, encouraging customers to touch, play and try everything
• Sephora's cast members are rigorously trained in an intense Sephora educational program focused on skincare, hair care, and general beauty
• customers can now register for the new client loyalty program, Beauty Insider (I signed up yesterday!) which entitles you to special information on events and must-have items, exclusive samples, Insider-only products, birthday gifts and an all-access pass to personalized beauty

As soon as I checked in, I received my badge and a shopping basket with a gift card and press release. I wasn't sure if I should just start shopping but I saw some other women shopping away so I followed suit! The store is huge - it has to be bigger than the Eaton Center location. I really liked the layout because they had some makeup lines displayed against the walls where only fragrances would usually be (camera would have come in handy!). I had no idea who would be there and when I arrived, I was kind of overwhelmed to be amongst many beauty and fashion editors and some well-known makeup artists including Sephora Canada's own Pro Makeup Artist, Ali Lando. I spotted Susie Sheffman, Fashion Director of Fashion Magazine. I was really happy to run into a makeup artist friend named, Sandra, from agency Judy Inc.! I also ran into celebrity makeup artist, Tony Masciangelo from the Plutino Group agency, who I assisted a few years ago for Fashion Magazine.

I had a hard time deciding prior to what goodies I would pick up. A lot of the newer launches really didn't impress me. I was really curious to try out Cargo's Blu_ray collection and the only thing that I thought worth getting was the mattifier but I'm still trying to finish the M.A.C. one I have. The blush colour was barely visible on my skin and the pressed powder was coloured which went on chalky. It may be great for my fairer skinned clients though, but I prefer to use colourless powders. The glosses were nice but seemed no different than a non "high-def" gloss. I don't know, too much hype? I may have to give it another test. The next thing I tried out was Stila's Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain. It was nice and is great it has all those added skin benefits but it didn't make me want it that bad probably since I have so many stains including Benefit's Benetint Pocket Pal that has a similar colour. I also tried Stila's Face Contouring Palette that I've been lusting after but my friend Sandra talked me out of it. Plus, I didn't really like the highlighter it came with - the shimmer had a crumbly texture. She convinced me to save my money and get Make Up For Ever's Compact Modellers (in Canada only carried at Sears and artist discount only applies there) which is cheaper with a makeup artist discount. I love Nars but the Spring collection was just ok. I already had similar colours. I also tried Benefit's Thrrrob and I don't know if it was just the lighting but came on a pale chalky pink on me?? Anyone with a similar skin tone as me or darker try it? Was it fine for you?

Ok, so lets get to the good stuff already! I figured I'd get one product from the lines I liked and focus on Spring/Summer hues. I picked up Sephora's Detail Lash Curler to get at those small lashes or to create a flirty effect, Sephora's Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Blue (vivid turquoise) for a fun pop of colour for Spring, Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita (sheer dusty rose) because it's a cult classic and I've always wanted it, Urban Decay's Deluxe Eyeshadow in Scratch (shimmering silver pink) because the colour is so pretty and the packaging is funky and psychedelic, Cargo's Eyeshadow Palette Mozambique because it's a must-have for the kit and is a great mix of neutrals with pops of colour (aquamarine, amethyst, topaz, quartz and sand), Rosebud Salve because I ran out and is a great inexpensive multi-purpose balm, and Tarte's new Double Dose Gloss in Go Go Goji (sheer sparkling blush pink - looks like a pinky/peach) because I'm tired of glosses that are too sheer and it's good for you! I think I want to get them all but the $30 price may scare some of you but I'm used to Nars so prices don't phase me haha. I also received a sample size of Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes Waterproof liner in Mat Black free with my Beauty Insider card! I'll be doing separate reviews for each of them later this week!

Stay tuned for more reviews (yesterday was like Christmas!) of Billy B. Beauty's travel brush collection, eye lash curler and lash/brow separator, the anticipated On Makeup Magazine from The Powder Group, and my new nail polish faves from NYC (my fuchsia pink tips were adored last night!). Oh and next week I'll be announcing my first ever beauty give away! It's a good one!