Meet The Writers!

I'm excited to announce three new writers to the Makeup Junkie team! All three are as equally obsessed with makeup as I am so it was the perfect fit. I owe it to the readers to have fresh new content everyday. We hope you enjoy the new additions and keep coming back for more!

Ell began her makeup career at a young age, being surrounded by it through years of dancing competitively. She immersed herself in makeup becoming fascinated by its endless possibilities. After learning as much as she could on her own, Ell enrolled into the makeup program at Seneca College in Toronto to build on her skills and truly hone her art. Immediately following that she worked with numerous freelance artists and was a resident makeup artist for salons. Ell has worked in the makeup industry for over 6 years, providing her skill and talent to one of the biggest makeup companies in the world. Ell has worked on numerous fashion shows including Fashion Cares, Brown Shoes, and others throughout the city. Ell also provides her services for photo shoots and weddings working with fine talent and creative geniuses. Ell continues to work in the industry and draws her ideas and inspiration from everything around her. You can never stop learning and growing when it comes to makeup. The minute you think you have mastered everything is when you truly haven’t learned a thing at all.

Fun Facts:

I’m a makeup junkie because... makeup doesn’t judge you! It never gets too tight on you and it doesn’t matter how much you’ve indulged in that chocolate cheesecake, it will still fit!!!

Gloss Girl or Lipstick Lady?

I’m a gloss girl but not just one gloss, it must be at least two for optimal shine and patent leather lips!

One beauty product you absolutely can not live without?

I can't live without my foundation- what else is out there that will even out my skin and make me look flawless! I know you were all assuming I would say mascara or bronzer- but come on, really, can you really live without your foundation?!!? I know I can’t.

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

I would be both Billy B’s and Roberto Cavalli’s muse- Great clothes and a great face.

Chocolate or sex?

Definitely sex, however it must be immediately followed by chocolate- immediately.

What makes you smile?

Women who have their makeup on before entering their vehicle make me smile. Sunshine. Women who wear blush; they are the ones who truly understand the power of the cheeks. And of course sunshine…. Did I mention sunshine? And great shoes on sale.

Shiv enjoys socializing with her girlfriends, spending time with her family and trying out different cuisines with her wonderful boyfriend. She currently works full time for a TV network in marketing/advertising and part-time at Sephora. Shiv is also a freelance makeup artist for weddings and fashion shows.

Fun Facts:

I'm a makeup junkie because... I love all things to do with beauty. I started my makeup obsession when I was 10, spending hours at Shoppers trying on different products. My first makeup purchase was Revlon lipstick in Coffee Bean (don't ask how I remember that!). I love how makeup can take you from drab to fab in a matter of minutes.

Gloss girl or lipstick lady?

I'm definitely a gloss girl, I carry 6 in my purse, leave 2 on my desk at work and have a gazillion in my drawers at home.

One beauty product you absolutely can not live without?

I absolutely cannot live without my Carmex lip balm, it does wonders for dry, chapped lips.

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

Definitely Jay Manual. He's got a great personality and I love his style. He always does a fabulous job enhancing a woman's beauty and it's even better that he's from the GTA!

Chocolate or sex?

Hmm, this is a tough one but I think I would choose chocolate because I can get it whenever I want it, lol.

What makes you smile?

Lots of things make me smile, but as an artist the biggest satisfaction I get is seeing a bride completely happy with the way she looks. I love being part of her big day.

Mascaraholic is a 22-year-old university student living in the beautiful city of Toronto, Ontario with a love for books and all things beauty. While she is always busy with classes, essays and work, she refuses to subscribe to the belief that all work and no play make her a dull girl! A touch of highlighter on the cheeks, some peachy-pink liner on the lower waterline and a tiny bit of shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes and she looks rather radiant while working, thank you very much! Mascaraholic loves trying new products and experimenting with the newest beauty tips and trends. Most importantly, she loves giving recommendations and writing reviews!

Fun Facts:

I'm a makeup junkie because... makeup is my creative outlet. With different shades, textures and finishes, the combinations you can come up with are endless. I love playing up neutral, daytime looks with a tiny splash of colour just to keep things interesting. It's one of the things that makes being a girl fun and some days, all you need is the right shade of lipstick to make you feel like you can take on the world.

Gloss girl or lipstick lady?

Both! I wear lipstick more often during the fall and winter and I prefer gloss during the spring and summer seasons, but my new favourite thing to do is layer them together.

One beauty product you can't live without?

Mascara! It's the one product I never leave the house without. Two coats and I look bright-eyed and awake!

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

Maureen Kelly of Tarte Cosmetics. I'm a huge fan of her line and I would love to inspire some products that are both practical and pretty.
Chocolate or sex?

Chocolate. More specifically, Lindt 85% Cacao dark chocolate. It's indulgence #2 (after makeup!).

What makes you smile?

Autumn in Toronto. I love everything about the season! My favourite thing to do is walk through local parks toward the end of September and the first week of October. The scenery is stunning.