Get the Look: NYE 2012

It's NYE! I don't know about the rest of you, but time just zoomed by! 2012 was an amazing year and like I say every year, the next year will be even better. I hope the rest of you Makeup Junkies have had a fantastic 2012 and I thank you for being apart of my world! Wishing you much love, peace and happiness for 2013!

Before I say peace out on my last post for 2012, check out some gorgeous NYE looks and beauty items you'll need to ring in the new year! 

NYE is the time to let loose, forget about all your 2012 woes, and get a little crazy. Go a little bolder with your makeup and have some fun with some jewel tones on the eyes and nails! 

1. YSL Pure Chromatics Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Arctic Night: I am loving these new palettes from YSL. These satiny metallic powders are intensely pigmented wet or dry. Arctic Night is a collectors palette from the holiday collection. The shades are a mix of icy blues and a plum purple. For a NYE look that will get you noticed, apply the purple across the lid and the dark blue shade on the outer crease and along the lash line for a sultry effect. Highlight the inner corners with the icy silver-blue. 

2. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel: I am all about the chubby lip pencils these days. The new Chubby Stick Intense lippies are amazing - pure pigment and shine. If you take a peek into my purse, you'll see a few Chubby Intense sticks in there. Curviest Caramel is the perfect shade for a jewel-toned smokey eye. Some might say it's the perfect nude lip. It has the right combination of pink and beige mixed together but leaning more beige. If you'll be snapping a lot of photos, you still want your nude lips to look visible! 

3. Maybelline Fashion Print Nail Stickers in Sapphire Jewels: Nail stickers are my new favourite mani-on-the-go. It requires no drying time and is really easy to do. Simply choose the right shape for your nail, press, and file to your nail shape. Thankfully the ones from Maybelline aren't terribly tacky and look pretty funky. I tried out Sapphire Jewels today and did it in less than 20 minutes while watching a toddler! Here's the only downfall: don't expect to be doing any outdoorsy activities with these stickers! They started to peel off as soon as I pulled my boots on before leaving the house. However, these are perfect for standing around and looking pretty at a NYE party! The patterns are sure to get conversations going and your nails will look like you actually put some time and effort into them! 

Before

After

Prefer something glam but a little rock 'n roll? Nothing says it better than a little smudgy liner and a bold lip!

1. Annabelle Roll On Eye Shadow/Liner in Brown: I was never a fan of roll-on eye shadows until now. I always found that the colour was hard to get out onto the roller or it was lacking in pigment. I don't believe this one from Annabelle is out yet, but be sure to add Brown to your must-have list. This shade is the perfect neutral and the intense shimmer kicks it up a notch. If you need more of the product just give it a little shake. If it rolls on to much in one area, take a brush or your finger and pat it across your lid. Always use a patting motion for loose shadows - you'll get less fall off and more pigment. To contour the crease, use a matte neutral shade to balance the shimmer. The liner fell a little flat for me. It was a little watery and needed a few layers to give it intensity. Otherwise, both the shadow and liner lasted all night on me! I used it for my family Christmas Eve party here. 

2. Marcelle Kajal Kohl Pencil: Kajal liners are becoming a new makeup staple. I am loving this water-proof, intense black from Marcelle. I don't think this has launched yet, but will be in the new year. For rock 'n roll glam eyes, you don't want a strong black smokey eye and a bold lip. It will look overkill. Instead, opt for smudgy liner by lining the top inner lash line otherwise known as "tight lining". Just flip your lid up and line the base of your lashes. Then line the bottom water line, close your eyes tightly, then line again. Load up on the mascara or use some falsies. 

3. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in The Red: Ok, so I'm kinda in love with the new Lip Maestros. My lips are loving the velvety smooth texture and the creamy, matte finish. They don't accentuate dry or chapped lips, but if you're doing a red lip it's always best to make sure your lips are in tip top shape. The slightly angled sponge makes the application easier, but if you do mess up don't try wiping it off with your finger (like I did). It'll just smear and these don't budge. It's best to take a cleansing water on a q-tip or moisturizer on a q-tip to remove it. Then touch up with a bit of a concealer. These also don't feather or bleed so while you're sipping on your champagne you won't have to think about your lips looking messy! 

What will your last look of 2012 be? 

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

Event: L'Oreal Luxe Beauty Blogger Holiday Party!

I'm really lucky to know so many wonderful people in the beauty world. When I entered the beauty blogging world almost 6 years ago, I didn't know what it would mean for my life. I'm very thankful that I get to test out products for free, blog about them, and get invited to swanky events. I have a healthy addiction to products, but that's not why I blog. I really do love to write and connect with other beauty fanatics.

What do you get when you put a group of beauty bloggers in one room? A bunch of lushes who pose endlessly in front of a camera, hilarious photos, and giddy excitement and squeals over products. 

PR powerhouses and sweeties, Isabelle and Kristina, hosted a beauty blogger holiday party on behalf of L'Oreal's Luxe brands like YSL, Giorgio Armani, Shu Uemura, Biotherm, and Victor & Rolf. This event was the first time in almost 2 years that I've attended one. I made a point to make it out for this one because Isabelle and Kristina have been amazing and I finally wanted to put faces to their lovely names! Plus, I got to hang out with some of my favourite beauty bloggers and friends some I haven't seen in years!

Reviews to come of the amazing products that we received - all I can say is that these holiday collections are a must-have. It was some serious swag! I'm so forever grateful!! 

Check out pictures from the party courtesy of L'Oreal and my Crackberry. Thanks again for one of the most fun events I've been to!

Say wha??? Naughty or nice? I guess I've been a very nice blogger!

Blogger babes Lisa from Beauty Crazed, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, and Stephanie from Blush Pretty.

The gorgeous Isabelle showing us the new lovelies from Armani. Uh, hi can I tell you how much I love the Maestro Foundation????

The stunning and bubbly Rema from The Burgundy Book. Isn't that hot red lippie from Armani amazing??

I loved Julie, the MUA doing Elaine's makeup! She did my makeup too. On Elaine she gave her some Old Hollywood glama - gorgeous! And there's preggers Steph photo bombing! 

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Prettiest gifts I ever did see! The lovely Kristina and Arianne from Glitter Geek.

Splurge worthy. Love these shadow palettes that can be worn wet or dry!

The adorable Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura collection.

Here we go trying to come up with a sexy pose. I could not "smize". Tyra would be disappointed.

Charlie's Angels? Sexy right?

Aww aren't we a pretty group? Back row: Jessica from Beautizine, Isabelle, Lisa from Beauty Crazed, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, me.
Middle Row: Christine from Perilously Pale, Arianne from Glitter Geek, Steph from Blush Pretty.
Front Row: PR rep (opps don't know her name!), Rema from The Burgundy Book, and Kristina.

Fall Beauty Roundup

Makeup Junkie: Fall Beauty Roundup

It's November which means it's time to start dishing on my favourite holiday products and collections! But before I do, check out my fave Fall beauty products this season. What made your list?

I'm trying out a new site called Beauty Sets. It's similar to Polyvore, but this is made just for beauty bloggers and allows you to lay out your photos like a magazine. Pretty cool! You like?

Fall Beauty Review 2012: Vamp Out Your Lips

Classic red will never go out of style, but I'm loving the much edgier, gothic version of this season's red. Think berry-reds, wine, bordeaux, and brown reds. While it is an extremely bold look to carry off, it looks best with minimal makeup on the face. I prefer to vamp out in velvety, matte textures but if this shade is too scary for you wear it as a stain or choose a gloss. Here are 3 vampy lippies I've been reaching for this Fall!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #11 ($27 CAD): I've been weary in the past of long-wearing formulas because they would always dry out my already dry lips. But MUFE's version lasts alllll day - even with eating something oily only a bit faded. The best part is that the gloss top coat really keeps your lips moisturized and when it wears off your lips don't get that tightening effect. It feels comfortable on the lips. For longevity, make sure you wait for the stain to dry and then apply the gloss. And hi, you can't get any vampier than #11! LOVE. It's a blood red and a must-have!

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani #408 ($30 +): I adore the formula of Rouge D'Armani lipsticks. They go on velvety smooth and have great staying power. This shade is different than a lot of reds I own because it leans more brown on me which I am loving! I love combining this with MAC's Cremestick Liner in 80% as seen here. To make it an everyday shade, I've been dabbing this on as a stain and it's gorgeous! I also love the uber chic packaging with the magnetic cap closer. This is pure luxury on the lips. 

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick Terre de Feu ($32 CAD): This one is an oldie but a goodie! Terre de Feu is one of my all-time favourites. I barely ever have to touch up my lips and it never dries them out. The shade is described as "black cherry" and it is so flattering against many skin tones. I want to get Volga from this line which is a deep aubergine! 

Do you like the vampy lip look? What vampy shades do you love? 

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

Holiday Lookbook: A Little Bobbi Brown and Armani To Glam Up Your Look

"Holiday smokey eyes" consists of rich colours in glitzy and shimmery textures. I love metallic finishes and glitter this time of year. Have some fun and bump up a traditional smokey eye with shades of metallic silver, grey, and black with flecks of silver glitter. For those of you who shy away from too much shimmer and glitter, Bobbi Brown has a great palette out this holiday. 

Bobbi Brown Cool Party Eye Palette ($45 USD): Go icy or go sultry, Bobbi's palette will take your day look easily into a nighttime smokey eye. I love gunmetal greys and silvers for a smokey eye. This palette is for cooler skin tones and would look amazing on anyone with fair to medium-dark skin tones. My skin is on the warmer side so I find only the taupe, and the 2 darkest shade really work for me. As long as you mix the darker shades with the lighter ones, warmer skin tones can wear this palette too.

For a sultry smokey eye, start with the darkest shade on the lid. Apply a medium shade to the crease and use the 2 lightest shades as a highlight on the brow bone and the inner corner of the eye. The shadows are long-lasting as well and very well pigmented. 

Gloss d'armani Lip Gloss #101 ($36 CAD): A smokey eye would not be complete without nude lip and a long-wearing one at that. Armani's newest line is a long-wearing gloss that is full of colour. While you're sipping champagne or noshing on some delectable chocolates, you don't want to worry about reapplying your lip colour every hour. When you first apply the gloss, it goes on smooth and non-sticky. But after minutes of applying, the texture starts to feel thicker and a bit tacky. It claims to last for 8 hrs, but it's more like the colour lasts for 6-8 hrs (the drier your lips the longer it lasts I find), and the shine lasts for about 3-5 hours. It's not a liquid lipstick, so as a gloss this is one of the more longer wearing glosses. I really like the angled sponge applicator. It really follows the contours of your lips making the application a breeze. #101 is a nude beige with silver shimmer. It looks gorgeous on the lips especially when paired with a smokey eye. It gives just enough colour so the lips don't look too pale. The shimmer gives good shine and makes the lips appear fuller.

Tip: If you're going to wear shimmer on the eyes and lips, keep the face shimmer-free. Use a matte blush and keep foundation more velvety than dewy. Also, exfoliate your lips really well before applying this gloss. I found it accentuated my chapped lips and dried them out slightly. 

Swatches:

Bobbi Brown Cool Party Palette

 

d'armani Lip Gloss #101

Have you tried these products? 

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

Milan FW F/W 2011 Beauty: Giorgio Armani Trend Report

Milan FW F/W 2011 Giorgio Armani

An image that suggests a world of dreams; dreams that evoke tales of passion.The Giorgio Armani woman is dressed with soft pink make-up. Directly inspired by the soft pink tones from the Giorgio Armani collection, Linda Cantello re-interprets boudoir playing with light and shadow. Focusing on graphic eyes, more than make-up she creates illusion.

 

Milan FW F/W 2011 Giorgio Armani

 

"A new femininity a contrast between soft satiny dusty pinks on eyes, lips and cheekbones, with a new contemporary take on eyeliner, two black parallel lines worn under the eyes as opposed to on top. Strength and softness. A sensual new vision for woman." Linda Cantello

Photos provided by Giorgio Armani Cosmetics.

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.

Makeup 101: How To Make Fall Beauty Trends Work For You

Beauty trends are just that - trends. Not every trend will suit everyone but you can find ways to make it work for your skin tone and face shape. This Fall makeup trends go from one extreme to the next; uber glam girl, sultry siren, a bit pop-art, to naturally radiant. There's bound to be a trend that will tickle your fancy. Here are some tips to make the fall beauty trends work for you.

1. Big Beautiful Brows: The picture above is an extreme version of a full brow. If you've got a great full brow and shape why not show it off? Full brows frame the face nicely and thinning brows can age you. The look is all about well-defined brows with a clean face. There's just a hint of colour on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. The brows on the model are a lot darker than her natural hair colour. You want to choose a brow shade close to your natural hair colour. I recommend going either exactly the same shade or one shade lighter. Going darker tends to look unnatural and too harsh against your skin. I prefer to use a brow powder with an angled brush to fill in brows but a pencil works just as well too. Use short wispy strokes to mimic your natural brow hair. Then take a eyebrow brush one that looks like a mascara wand to blend the brow colour in with your brow. Tame unruly ends with a clear brow gel. Finish off with natural colours on the eyes, lips and cheeks for a fresh clean look.

Makeup Junkie faves: MAC's Brow Shader, Benefit's Brow Zing, Anastasia's Brow Ex-press

2. Smoldering Eyes: The smokier the better this Fall. The smoky eye has evolved over the years and has been done in every shape, every finish, and every colour. This season, there's nothing subtle about the smoky eye. Eyes are dark and moody while the rest of the face is complimented in pale natural hues. Popular colours this season are matte charcoal greys, navy and silver blues, royal and eggplant purples. All these colours suit all skin tones so take your pick. For some guidelines to creating a smoky eye visit my Makeup 101: Creating the Perfect Smoky Eye. Remember the key to a great smoky eye is to have the right tools and blend, blend, blend!

Makeup Junkie faves: MAC's LE Smoke Signals Quad Palette in Gentle Fume, MAC's Eye Khol in Blooz and Prunella, Nars Duo Eye Shadow in Paris

3. Graphic Eye Liner: The little black liner comes in every shape and size and even colours this season. Cat eyes are once again popular and making me purrr. Winging out the liner gives the illusion of bigger eyes and looks tres sexy. Now, Cleopatra eyes and neon pink liner winged out would probably not go over well in an office environment. I recommend using charcoal greys, navy's, or deep purples to line the eyes. They are work-appropriate colours and are definitely in keeping with the trends. Instead of winging your liner out to the edge of your brow, wing it out slightly past your eye meeting at or just before your outer crease. Pull your temple taut and slightly up to help accentuate the liner. I like to use an angled brush for precision and control. For an edgier look, line the bottom lash line as well. Play around with different shapes until you're happy with one that suits your eyes. You can compliment lined eyes with a smoky eye or go more classic with natural tones on the eyes making the liner the focus. Adding fake lashes is also fun and amps up the prrr factor. If you're daring enough and love colour, line the eyes in royal blues and bright purples.

Makeup Junkie faves: MAC's Fluidline in Royal Wink and Waveline and MAC's Liquidlast Liner in Point Black, Electrolady, and Inky


4. Fresh Face: For those of you that prefer a minimalistic approach to makeup (or you just don't have time!) then you're in luck for Fall. Eyes, lips, and cheeks are all in natural hues of beige, stone, and peach. Skin has a semi-matte finish and is luminous in all the right places: cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, and above the brow bone. Try foundations that have a bit more coverage but still have a natural finish to the skin. I like silicone-based foundations because it floats on top of the skin rather than settling into fine lines and pores. Mix semi-matte and shimmery shadows together to give the eye some dimension. Colours on the cheeks are more luminous than shimmery and have a subtle sheen. Lips are either matte or creamy rather than shiny. Brows are also shaped and filled in. This look is polished and looks beautiful on anyone.

*When choosing a nude lip colour for darker skin tones stay away from shades that look chalky on your lips. Go for warmer or deeper browns or shades of caramel tones.

Makeup Junkie faves: Face Atelier Foundation, Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Giorgio Armani Matte Silk Foundation, Cargo Eye Shadow Palette - Ibiza, Nars' Duo Eye Shadow in Key Largo, Smashbox Decadence Blush in Ecstasy, Nars' Multiple Stick in Copacabana (highlighting), Smashbox Decadence Photo Finish Lip Luxe, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pixel


5. Glam Girl: Glam girls like to go all out. Everything from head-to-toe is polished to perfection almost effortlessly. Skin is flawless and has a velvety matte texture. Brows are strong and defined. Lashes are flirty and lush. Cheekbones are contoured. A swish of black liquid liner is all that's needed to draw attention to the eyes with a bit of contouring in the crease. Lips are defined in a matte rich shade of red. Adding false lashes to this look is a must. Visit Step #7 of my Makeup 101: Creating the Perfect Smoky Eye for how to apply false lashes. The key to this look is well-defined lips. Using a lip liner is a must for this look to prevent feathering and bleeding of your lipstick. Choose a liner that is similar to your lipstick colour. Apply a primer to the lips to fill in fine lines and to give your colour a long-lasting effect. Line the lips starting at the bow of your top lip which is the 'v' shape. Start on one side working the line to the outer part using short strokes. Repeat the step on the other side. Lining your lips inner to outer instead of outer to inner gives a more accurate shape. Next line the bottom lip and fill in the entire lip with the liner. Hold the liner on a slant instead of a point for more control. Use a lip brush to apply your lip colour for precise application and to ensure your colour is well-blended. If you make a mistake, dip your concealer brush or pointed Q-tip into a bit of concealer or foundation and blend over top any messy edges. This is a timeless look that is gorgeous on every woman. There's a red lipstick for every skin tone - try every one until you find the perfect match! Remember to reference what works with your skin's undertone.

Makeup Junkie faves: Quo lashes (found at Shoppers Drug Mart), MAC Lipstick in Diva and Viva Glam, MAC's Lip Pencil in Burgundy and Cremestick Liner in Red Enriched, MAC's #318 Retractable Lip Brush

The fun thing about makeup is that you don't have to be stuck with one look so change it up this season. A lot of the clothes this season are in lovely shades of grey so play up your face with a smoky eye or a bright lip. Remember that you wear the makeup - don't let the makeup wear you! ;)