Makeup Moment: NARS Schiap Lipstick

I caved. The wonderful people at Murale.ca sent me a gift card to test drive their new online shopping site (amazing brands, easy to navigate and super fast shipping). NARS Schiap is a cult classic and has been on my lust list for a long time. I just couldn't justify another bright pink lipstick (my beauty weakness). While my husband planned our itinerary for Paris back in April, I planned my beauty product list. I convinced myself that I needed a bright fuchsia lipstick and it had to be matte. 

When I had looked for style inspirations, I noticed Parisian women wore their lipsticks like a stain; very little gloss or shine. They have that effortless-chic look down pat! I didn't want to spend too much time doing my makeup, so I figured natural makeup with a bright lippie would work perfectly. I have absolutely no regrets about buying Schiap. We just go together you know? 

The picture above is from a magical park tucked away in the outskirts of Paris. There was an actual waterfall that flowed into this beautiful, hidden cave. In the background is a charming, old French man who I swear tried to pick-pocket us! Well, if he did I'm sure he was disappointed to only find old subway tickets!

Fun fact: NARS Schiap was inspired by Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli who is Coco Chanel's greatest rival! Sorry, Madame Chanel for taking Schiap to your beloved city but she was too pretty not to!

Have you fallen prey to NARS Schiap?

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it. 

Sun Care Moment: Lise Watier Sun Smart Tinted Universal UV Shield SPF 30

I hate wearing a swimsuit, but I LOVE seeing my boys build sand castles and splash in the water. 

Lise Watier's Sun Smart Tinted Universal UV Shield SPF 30 ($39 CAD) has become my summer must-have when I'm frolicking at the beach. It's a sunscreen for the face that gives you a bit of coverage, radiance, and bronzey colour. I've been allergic to some sunscreens in the past, but this one is chemical-sunscreen free, paraben-free, and oil-free. It goes on smooth like a lotion and dries almost like a mattifier so your skin won't feel sticky or greasy. My Becca Beach Tints apply beautifully over top. Yes, I like to wear a little makeup to the beach - don't judge! You need a little blusher to enhance that sun-kissed glow right? 

When it's first applied, it looks a tad lighter on my skin but once absorbed it disappears mimicking a natural tan glow. It comes in a portable squeeze tube so just toss into your pretty beach bag for touch-ups! 

What do you use to protect your skin from the sun? 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and The Bay.

www.lisewatier.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it. 

Summer Beauty Review 2012: Bronzetastic

Some prices are in US dollars. 

It's been a hot summer so your tan is probably well under way, but if you need a little help or just want to enhance your summer glow here are some bronzetastic bronzers to choose from! 

• DiorSkin Nude Natural Radiance Bronzing Powder: Dior's new line of bronzers are probably the most luxurious bronzers I own. Talk about red-carpet worthy. The silver luxe design is one you'll love using in public for those mid-day touch-ups. The bronzer comes in 7 shades; 3 neutral shades for all year round and 3 warmer shades for the summer. Why? It's a given that our skin tones change with the seasons. It adjusts to your natural skin tone and the ambient light to create a natural over all glow. Honey is the lightest and has the least amount of orange undertones. I like to use this one for bridal because it's more golden and doesn't look obvious in photographs (if the client is darker I use one a bit deeper). Pictured above is Cinammon and the one I use on myself. My skin gets a lot darker in the summer so this shade suits me the best. 
• Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer: I was pleasantly surprised that Clinique's newest bronzer is more pigmented than their past bronzers. Yet, the darkest shade is more on the subtle side for me. It's easy to layer though and it does stay on pretty well. It adds a soft radiance to the skin without looking too shimmery. And the undertone is more on the golden side. I can see these bronzers working for people who are still on the fence about bronzers. The turn-dial packaging is pretty straightforward and shaves off a good amount of powder at a time. It's like a loose powder though so if you have any left over, expect a little mess when opening. 
• YSL Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder: This limited edition bronzer from YSL is a mix of blush, bronzer and all-over skin enhancer. Plus, it has an SPF 12. I like to use this as a blush on myself, but this is perfect for more fair-skinned beauties who just want to give the skin some natural warmth. It contains "sun radiance" pigments that capture the light and diffuse a golden reflection in all directions, but most bronzers with a subtle gold shimmer do the same thing. I love the mix of rose, bronze, and apricot in the Harmonie Sunkissed compact. You'll be sunkissed in all the right places. 

L-R: Dior Cinammon, Clinique Bronzed 2, and YSL Harmonie Sunkissed

• NARS Laguna Body Illuminator: This is one product my legs cannot live without this summer! It's for the entire body, but I only use on my legs since they rarely see the light of day (body issues!). When I know there's going to be a bit of leg flashing, I apply this rich, brown bronzer with golden shimmer. It's water-resistant, gives the skin the most prettiest glow, and has a slimming effect! Love, love, love! *Warning: Let it dry before putting on your clothes and wash your hands immediately! Once it's dry it doesn't transfer. 
• mark. Glow It All Gradual Glow Body Moisturizer: To speed up the tanning process on my legs, I've been using this gradual glow body moisturizer from mark. cosmetics before applying NARS Laguna. It has a really nice scent - not like the chemically smell of Jergens - and really moisturizers the skin. I find other gradual glow moisturizers can be a bit greasy or sticky. 

L-R: NARS Laguna Body Illuminator, mark.Glow Body Moisturizer

What are your favourite go-to bronzing products? 

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

Summer Beauty Review: My Underarms Have Dove Love.

I have a confession to make. I'm not a beauty junkie meaning I'm not excited by all things beauty. I don't rush out to the stores to buy the latest and greatest in shampoos, body waxes, deoderants, or teeth whitening products. The term "beauty junkie" to me implies one loves all products having anything to do with improving your personal appearance. It's not to say that I don't have these items hoarded away somewhere in my bathroom. I need these products to make me smell good and to keep my hair from becoming a huge frizz ball. Some products just don't excite me as much as makeup which explains why you'll never see a feature on tooth whitening on Makeup Junkie (although I believe a smile is your best beauty accessory). 

With that said, when I do find a product that really works then I must blog about it! Hmm, come to think about it, I believe this is my first review on a deoderant! Hooray! 

I bought Dove's Cleartone Sheer Touch Antiperspirant almost 2 weeks ago before my family trip to BC. Ever since I had my first son 6 years ago, my underarms have never been the same. If you've had a baby and have breastfed, then you know what I'm talking about. I'll just tell it like it is; I have what I like to call "milk pouches". To make things even better, they are 2 shades darker than the rest of my skin! It looks like I have a 5 o'clock shadow goin' on! 

I had heard some reviews from other bloggers that Cleartone works so I decided to put it to the test. I'm happy to say it really does! I should have taken before and after pictures (but I'm sure you don't want to see my arm pits!), but I didn't think it would really work. Cleartone contains Canlendula and Sunflower seed extracts that moisturize the underarms to reduce discolouration. Who knew that dryness was the cause of discolouration?? Plus, it does a pretty good job of keeping my sweat in check, but I'm not that sweaty to begin with. 

Now, when I wear a sleeveless shirt and do makeup I'm not as embarrassed (still got the milk pouches - boo). This is one deoderant I will be purchasing again! It's summertime ladies - add this to your must-have list!

Have you tried Dove Cleartone? What were your results?

Product was bought by me and I'm so glad I did. 

Summer Beauty Review 2012: True Blue

My oldest son thinks I'm a pretty cool mom because one of my top 3 favourite colours is blue. From clothing, to makeup, to accessories blue is one colour I've been rocking this summer. And it has to be a vibrant, cobalt blue otherwise it doesn't excite me as much. It's amazing how colour can affect your mood!

Here are some "true" blue beauty must-haves to add to your beauty stash!

YSL La Lacque Couture in Bleu Majorelle: This polish has become one of my all-time favourite shades. Bleu Majorelle is a colour you can wear any time of the year and any skin tone can rock it. It's vibrant, rich, and has amazing shine. This bold blue might not be office appropriate so save it for a get away or a night out. 

Le sigh...Bleu Majorelle shot in Paris. Photo Credit: Makeup Junkie.

mark Keep It Going Longwear Liner and Shadow in Paradiso: Talk about getting more bang for your buck. I am pleasantly surprised at how well these liners/shadows perform. They are well pigmented and last all day with no smearing or fading. Having a shadow and liner in one is a bonus! I love layering these under powder shadows. Paradiso has one bright blue shade and the other half is a chartreuse. It looks best wearing the chartreuse on the lid as a shadow and the blue as a liner. The blue looks gorgeous as a shadow too. Sorry, didn't get a chance to do a swatch (camera is out of commission at the moment!). Available in 6 other shades. 

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue: I've tried some coloured mascaras in the past and the shade just didn't show up that well on its own. Well, you don't have to worry about that with YSL's version. This mascara is gorgeous and I love the voluminous finish it gives my otherwise flimsy, straight lashes. The blue is very vibrant and really brightens the whites of the eyes. It's a great trick when your eyes are looking a little tired. To make it a bit more wearable, I like to layer on a black mascara and then brush on the blue on top. It's still noticeable but not so in your face. I'm a fan of YSL mascaras, but the price is definitely for those splurge worthy moments!

What true blue products are you loving right now? 

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

Summer Feature 2012: Summer Days

Happy Be-lated Canada Day to all my Canadian readers and Happy 4th of July to all my American readers! As usual, life is busy and I'm trying to fit in posts where I can. We're off to BC this Friday so I apologize for the lack of posting! 

It's an oven in Toronto which means summer has really arrived. Here are some pretty things keep you cool and looking lovely this summer!

• mark Easy Going Maxi Dress: I'm not too keen on my legs and hate to show them (hi, body issues!). Maxi skirts and dresses have become my new summertime BFF. They are a summer essential. I LOVE this tribal inspired maxi from mark by Avon. Isn't it pretty? It's perfect for walks in the city or taking a stroll on the boardwalk. The straps are adjustable and the bustline has an elastic waist so the fit is great. When it's cooler, I love pairing this with a cropped jean jacket. It works with flats or wedge sandals. 
• mark Fit to Print Reversible Beach Bag: How fun is this beach bag? It's the perfect tote for anything really. You can use it for shopping, as a gym bag, or like how I use it - as a diaper bag! It fits everything I need. And when you want something more nautical, reverse the bag. The blue and white stripes will pump up any outfit. 
• mark Triple Sparkle Necklace: Lately, I've been really into simple jewelry that I can wear everyday. This trio of goldtone, silvertone, and hematite spheres adds a little sparkle to your basic tees or tanks. I love layering this with other necklaces. It's become one of my faves!
• mark Pretty Stellar Ring: If you swell and get bloated from the heat like I do, you'll appreciate this adjustable gorgeous turquoise ring from mark. The band is stretchy so you can wear it on any finger you desire. Love! 
• L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin: Tinted lip balm lipsticks are all the rage right now and are so easy to wear on a super hot day. This one from L'Oreal is Dior's cheaper lil' sister, but L'Oreal's has an SPF 15. The packaging is very similar with its pink case. The line does offers more shades than Dior's, but L'Oreal's pigment is more sheer. If you want to save, you will like L'Oreal's version. Pink Satin is a very sheer light pink. If you have more pigment on your lips this shade won't really show. I'd go with the darker shades if you want more colour. 

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

Summer Feature 2012: Beach Love

There are certain things that have to be apart of my summer - traveling, BBQ (foodie over here!), and Bob Marley. Warm, sunny weather brings on so many possibilities so you need to be prepared for any situation. If you're a sun lover and like to spend your days chilaxing on the beach, here are a list of my must-have beach essentials!

• la Vie en Rose Tankini in Saffron: I don't know if I've met any woman who LOVES bathing suit shopping (and if you do then grr). If the search for the perfect swimsuit has been a painful one, go visit la Vie en Rose for a variety of styles for all shapes at reasonable prices. If you've been on the Tangerine Tango tip, you'll love this one! Ok, so I'm not in my 20's anymore and have had 2 kids which means things sit a little differently (ok I'll blame it also on my lack of exercise). Tankinis may seem a little "mature" but they are a belly-conscious girl's BFF. I love this one from la Vie en Rose. It gives you support in the bust area and hides that not-so-tight tummy. The simple design yet bold shade will have you looking fab while laying under the sun. 
• la Vie en Rose Bottoms with Side String: The side strings on the matching bottoms give the entire look a younger, trendier feel (plus you can loosen a bit more if it's feeling a bit snug on the hips). And if you've got a lil' booty goin' on, the bottoms are full coverage! 
• Vichy Captial Soleil SPF 30 Luxurious Protective Oil: Want to make your bod look sexy and still be protected from the skin? I'm loving this protective sun oil from Vichy. I've had issues in the past with other SPF products giving me rashes, but so far so good! What I like to do is spray in my hands, then rub onto my skin. This way I know I'm covering all areas properly. The texture feels pretty silky, but for some might feel heavy for everyday. Your skin will look radiant though! It's perfect for lazing around at the beach. Keep in mind, it's not waterproof so you'll need to reapply. If you plan to use it on the face, spray into your hands first then apply on the face. If you burn easily, you something with a higher SPF. 
• YSL La Laque Couture in Corail Colisee: I am loving YSL's new line of La Laque polishes! The shades are so bold and lovely. They are a cream finish and apply perfectly with little streaking. And the wear-time is really good. I wore one in Paris and it lasted for almost the 11 days. The brush is a little different than I'm used to, but I actually like it. It has a rounder edge and is wide which is perfect for my wide nail beds. Corail Colisee is a juicy, tangerine coral. It's a beautiful shade especially against tanned skin.  

• Dior Addict Lip Balm in Crystal Coral: I LOVE tinted lip balms. I am never without one. When I first saw Crystal Coral in the tube, it didn't really excite me. But one swipe and now I'm in love. It's the perfect mix of coral with a hint of pink shimmer. It's so gorgeous and is always in my purse. It's my go-to lippie right now for easy-breezy sunshine fun! Lip balms with an SPF irritate my lips, but if you need sun protection I recommend using a clear balm with SPF then applying this on top. I love the moisturizing texture and the shade is sheer but still very noticeable. Would I purchase again? I love Dior lip products, but at $30 for a tinted balm it's a bit absurd. Why do I have to have such expensive taste?? Anything Dior are splurge items for me so get this when you feel like a luxurious makeup treat! 

• Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: This is on my need-to-get list right now. I tried this from a friend of mine and I kind of need to have it now. Like sushi (talking about food again!), it's an acquired taste. Call me crazy, but I love it when my hair is a little crazy and curly in the summer. I don't even mind the frizz because it makes those wavy styles look effortless. I like to go a little boho-chic in the summer, so beachy hair is where it's at. If you've frolicked in the ocean before, then you're familiar with the voluminous, sexy texture the salt water gives you. Surf Spray is salt-water in a bottle but with some nourishing ingredients to give back some moisture. To avoid over doing it and making your hair feel too sticky or dirty, spray it in your hands first then work it into the ends. Your waves and curls will last all day! 
• Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 26E: Gimme! Gimme! Anything that is sweat-proof or water-proof is an all around summer essential whether you're at the beach, poolside, or at the cottage. I've been a fan of MUFE's Aqua Creams so I'm thrilled they came out with a pencil version. When you're on the run, these are definitely more convenient and they are so portable! They are easy to apply - just rub on the lids and blend with a brush or your finger! They set pretty fast so you have to blend rather quickly. Lasting power is amazing and they are fabulous under powder shadows. Surprisingly, I don't think I own a shade like this at least not anymore. It kind of reminds me of MAC's Expensive Pink with less gold and more of a pink finish. 26E is a beautiful metallic peach-pink. The finish almost looks like a duo-chrome. I'm so in love with this shade. On my undertone, I seem to bring the pink undertones out. A lot of splash in the water or catching a few rays on the beach won't make this shadow budge! 

• mark The Last Straw Hat: I love me a sexy hat especially to hide my bed head. Can I tell you how many mornings I have thrown on a hat to drop off my son at the bus?? To give you even more protection from the sun, a hat (and I'm not talking about a baseball cap) will keep those harsh rays from sucking out your youth! I love this floppy one from mark by Avon (but not liking the price - I don't think I've ever paid that much for a hat!). 

What are your beach essentials? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration (except Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray) and I truly love them! 

Beauty News: The Buzz In The Beauty World

When outdoor events start happening in Toronto, we know summertime is almost upon us! If you're visiting Toronto, June is a great time to come. Luminato has started and there are many cool events happening around the city! If you're a beauty fanatic and need to know the latest trends, be sure to catch Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York, Grace Lee! For more information, visit www.luminato.com/events/maybellineny. 

Legendary fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, will be collaborating with the master of beauty, Shu Uemura, to create a Holiday collection for 2012. What do you guys think? Are you looking forward to this line? I'm sure it will be fabulous and if it is I just might forgive Karl for calling Adele fat...we'll see.