Holiday Favourites 2011: The "It" List

Christmas shopping is a fun yet tortuous task for me. It's not even the money factor (ok, maybe a little). It's the case of "one for you, one for me". As you peruse my "It" list for this holiday, you'll be sure to find something to add to your wish list! 

The Makeup Newbie

Clockwise: 

• Laura Mercier The Book of Nudes ($48 USD):  Popular among makeup artists and makeup lovers, Laura Mercier's palette of nudes does not disappoint. I'm ashamed to say, but this palette is the first Laura Mercier product in my beauty stash and it is here to stay! This book of nudes will ease any makeup newbie into the world of makeup. The shades and textures are very wearable. It's a palette that will take you from day to night in a snap. The mix of matte and shimmery finishes make for a great bridal palette as well. 

It includes: 8 Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown), 1 Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
3 Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer).

• Makeup iQ App For iPad/iTouch by TracyP Makeup ($0.99): Every makeup newbie can use a little help. Why not learn about makeup and have fun while you're doing it? If you haven't heard, one of my favourite makeup artists, Tracy Peart of TracyP Makeup and Cityline's/Breakfast Television's key makeup artist in Toronto is the visionary genius behind this awesome app! The best part is that you can learn about makeup wherever you are!

It's a quiz and makeup game mixed into one. Answer the skill testing makeup questions...the more answers you get correct, the more makeup and hairstyling you can apply to your model. The goal of this app is to help you learn more about makeup application, and have fun while you're learning. It's inexpensive and valuable at the same time! I love gifts like that - don't you?

• Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Best of Kit ($55 USD): The holidays is the perfect time to stock up on must-have products. Most brands launch kits that have their best-sellers like this lovely kit from one of my makeup staples Make Up For Ever. If you have a gal pal just learning to wear makeup, this kit has all the essential to create a polished look. The kit includes: HD Microfinish Powder
  Full Size Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)
  Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
  Full Size Lab Shine in Star Collection - S4 (pearly pink beige)
  HD Microperfecting Primer
  Full Size Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

 It's a phenomenal deal considering there are 3 full size products in the kit. Love all their products!

 The Makeup Junkie

 

•  Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18 Piece Mini Nail Colour Set ($48 USD): Because a makeup junkie can never just have one! All nail junkies rejoice! This must-have set holds cute minis of Sephora by OPI's best-sellers, trendy shades and everyday basics. Give as one gift or divide between your besties - you decide!
• Korres Cherry Picked Cherry Oil Lip Gloss Quad ($28 USD): Forget about your friends - save this one for yourself! If you love gloss, Korres glosses are the bees knees! These lovely lippies come in 4 best-selling and flattering shades and they make your lips look fantastic! You get all shine without the stickiness and it's packed full of good stuff like Cherry Oil which hydrates the lips and Vitamin E & C offers antioxidant benefits. This all-natural lip set contains 4 Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in Natural Purple 25 (sheer dusty rose), Naked Rose 22 (sheer golden rose shimmer), Fuchsia 54 (shimmering muted fuchsia), Light Purple 23 (mauve pink shimmer). These glosses are definitely in my top 5 for glosses!
• Avon Expert Mega Palette ($29.99 USD): Makeup Junkies everywhere will love the many looks upon looks that can be created from this Avon mega palette. I haven't always been a fan of Avon shadows but this set seems very well pigmented especially the blushes which I'm a fan of. This amazing set contains 36 eye shadows, 36 lip glosses, and 6 blushes. Each level is like a little surprise!

Smokey Eye Lovers

•  Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Set ($36 USD): Again, another amazing value set from MUFE! I've always been a fan of these long-wearing pencils. If you love your smokey eye, you'll love smudging these into your lash line for that sooty rock 'n roll effect. These also work great as a base under powder shadows. If you're also a fan of colour, you will enjoy these universally flattering shades: Full Size Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black) and 5 Travel-size Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L (dark metallic grey), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), Blue With Green Highlights 12L (metallic teal blue), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Purple 11L (metallic purple).
• Buxom Armed & Gorgeous ($29 USD): These double-ended waterproof smoky eye sticks are no joke! For the friend who loves to bounce around from party to party, these pencils will work double duty as an eye liner and shadow. These shadow liners glide on smoothly but you have to work quickly if you want to smudge them out. The kit comes with a smudging brush and a sharpener (still haven't figured out how it works). It twists up so I guess the sharpener is used if you want the ends to be more of a point for lining. It comes in lovely shades that work for a lot of skin tones. Smokin' Pistol & Switchblade (smoky coal/ smoky metallic indigo), Two by Four & Torch (smoky black-brown/ smoky metallic brass), 5" Stiletto & Slingshot (smoky plum/ smoky metallic chrome). 
• Vasanti Nude Pink Lip Kit ($25 CAD):  A smokey eye is not complete without a nude lip! Available in nude pink and nude brown, these lip kits are the perfect compliment to this season's smokey eye. These limited edition kits offer such great value and all products are full size. It includes Sweden Ultra Luxe Lipstick (the perfect everyday pink), Norwegian Vitamin E Infused Lip Shine (shimmering pale pink), and a Pro Lip Brush complete with a silver cover. The set comes in a cute re-useable tote perfect for gift-giving and traveling! I am a huge fan of Vasanti lip products because they have a balm-like finish that glides on smoothly and keeps your lips moisturized without any stickiness. There are so many gorgeous shades to choose from! Sweden is a great choice for a nude pink lip because it leans more warm so your lips will never look chalky.

The Home Body

 

Clockwise: 

• Sleeping With The Enemy Coco Chanel's Secret War by Hal Vaughan ($21 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca) and Paris Wife by Paula McLain ($19 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca): Beauty and style lovers will enjoy this book about a secret side of Chanel's life. If you're obsessed with Chanel and old Paris like I am, you or your special gal pal will love this book!

I haven't started reading Paris Wife yet, but it came highly recommended. Told in the voice of Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley, tells his story from her point of view. You will fall in love with characters like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and others from Paris the Lost Generation. 

I purchased both books at Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. Fighting the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers is not what I call a good time. Shopping on-line just makes total sense and I highly recommend shopping Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. It's user-friendly and full of great gift ideas and recommendations. You'll also benefit from cheaper prices if your a member. The best part was the super quick shipping time! It only took one day and a half for me to receive my order! Chapters.Indigo.ca is PTPA Approved so be sure to make this a shopping destination this holiday!

•  La Vie en Rose Minnie Surprise Me Long-Sleeved Top & Pants ($69.95 CAD):  For the ones that love to get cozy at home and are big Minnie Mouse fans, she will instantly fall in love with this adorable pajama set. It's cotton and feels oh-so soft and luxurious! I love lounging around in this while I snuggle up to a good book and mug of coffee...fantastic!

•  Philosophy Sweet Kisses & Merry Wishes Set ($36 USD): Those that love to pamper themselves at home will enjoy a relaxing bubble bath with this yummy and scrumptious smelling set of body washes from Philosophy. For the longest time, Orange Mimosa was my favourite body wash but now I have some new faves! This offers such amazing value because it also comes with matching lip glosses! These would be perfect for dividing amongst the favourite gals in your life. The set comes with: 4 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog and 4 Lip Shine in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog. My personal favourites - Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake and Peppermint Bark! I also love the recipes on the bottles - something I will have to try this holiday! 
• Aveda Grounding Soy Wax Candle ($29 USD): Lighting some candles is the perfect ambiance for a relaxing soak in the bath. Aveda's soy wax candle uses the aromas of pur flower and plant essences including organic vanilla, ginger, and cassia. You will enjoy up to 50 hours of aroma that burns cleanly and completely. Those that are green friendly will appreciate the chic 95% recycled glass holder it comes in. 

 The Big Spender

• Jo Malone Cologne Collection ($95 USD/$110 CAD): For the gal pal that loves only the best. If you have the money to dish on a luxury gift set, this cologne set from Jo Malone will be adored by the fragrance lover in your life. What I love about Jo Malone fragrances is that you can combine with other scents in the collection and create your own custom scent. The set includes Grapefruit, Red Roses, Vanilla Anise, Pomegranate Noir, and Wild Bluebell. I absolutely adore Vanilla Anise and I love the understated yet elegant packaging.
• La Mer The Discovery Collection ($260.00 USD): I'm all for dishing out money on expensive skincare because to me good skin is the most important. La Mer isn't just expensive - it's luxuriously expensive so only splurge on this for your BFF or yourself! But when it comes to this line it's definitely worth it! I love La Mer cream and I wish I could own multiple tubs of this. This set includes 1 oz Creme de la Mer, The Radiant Serum .5 oz, and The Eye Balm Intense .17 oz. 

So, what's on your wish list? How much do you spend on friends?

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

Holiday Favourites 2011: Stocking Stuffers

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's December 1st which means there's only 24 days left to get your Christmas shopping done! I'm still trying to accept that we had our first snowfall in Toronto yesterday. To brighten up the mood, peruse my Makeup Junkie stocking stuffer favourites! There is something for everyone (and maybe yourself) at every price point.

Under $20

1. Tokidoki Arte Palette - 'Til Death Do Us Part ($10 USD): This fun palette has a mix of fun and very wearable shades. It includes four shadows in matte cream pink, shimmer light pink, pearl denim blue, matte black with sparkle and a golden pink blush. Perfect for that special teen in your life who is obsessed with anything funky and artsy. Available at Sephora.
2. mark by Avon Nailed It Trend Holiday Mini Nail Laquers ($7 USD): How adorable is this mini nail duo? And the price makes it right! Nail polish junkies will love Sure Fire, a festive metallic berry colour, and Meltdown, a metallic taupe shade. Wear separately or pair together for a trendy french manicure. Available through your Avon or mark sales representative.
3. mark by Avon Clean Up Time Conditioning Bath Soaps ($12 USD): For the bath and body junkie, these body soaps made with Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, shea butter, and white tea extract make your skin feel heavenly! Comes in a set of 3. Give to one person or break it up into 3! Available through your Avon or mark sales representative.
4. eos Limited Edition Organic Lip Balm Smooth Spheres 3 Pack ($8 USD): These fun balls of lip balm not only satisfy visually but they leave your lips feeling super smooth and moisturized. I'm a little obsessed with these lip balms and so is my 5 year old son! This 3 pack includes Sweet Mint, Strawberry Sorbet, and Passion Fruit. Besides it being a great lip balm, my favourite part is that it's inexpensive! Give as one gift or to save some money split them up!  Available at Walmart and Pharma Plus stores in Canada.

Over $20

 

1. mark by Avon Showcase Color & Clutch To Go ($20 USD):  Uber glam and super functional, this handy makeup clutch will help you look good as you bounce around from party to party! Includes 6 lipglosses, 1 all-over face colour, 4 eyeshadows and 2 blushes. Bonus: remove the palette insert and it transforms into a useable clutch! Available through your Avon or mark sales representative.
2. Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Set of 5 ($25 USD): I'm becoming quite a fan of Canadian brand, Bite Beauty! This good-enough-to-eat (yes that's right) line of lip products is highly pigmented using food-grade colouring that is approved and used in yogurts and other foods. For all you wine lushes, each lipstick contains 5 glasses of Resveratrol, a super anti-oxidant that fights free radicals and repairs your lips overtime. The set includes mini lipsticks in Shiraz (soft plum), Fig (nude rose - personal fave), Pepper (dusty rose), Bouquet (soft pink), and Champagne (pearly nude - great for using as a highlight in the center of lips). It's free of all the yucky stuff so let your lips lick, taste and maybe even bite! Perfect for the lip junkie(s) in your life who love all things natural. Available at Sephora.

 

3.  Bobbi Brown Classic To Go Palette ($25 USD): A lovely stocking stuffer for the "sophisticate" always on-the-go. This classic palette will take you from day to night in seconds! This mini palette includes 3 shadows in Bone (off white), Cement (grey beige), and Caviar (Blackest Brown), Mini Naked Plum High Shimmer Gloss (rosy brown with shimmer), Pale Mauve Lip Color (light pinky mauve), and Tulle Lip Color (soft pink). Save this for your fair to medium skin beauties - Bone, Cement, and Tulle barely show on me, but the plum gloss is gorgeous and Caviar is one of my go-to dark shades for lining the eyes or creating a smokey eye. Available at Holt Renfrew across Canada.

4. Benefit The Big 10 ($32 USD): New to the brand? This is a great way to sample the line. Already a fan? You'll love these travel-size minis of their best-selling products plus some new ones! Having your best gal pals over and want to do something special? This set is perfect for gifting a few stocking stuffers. The set includes Dandelion (one of my favourite pink blushes and all-over face for brightening back in the day), Erase Paste in Medium (a MJ fave), Benetint, Posietint (MJ fave), High Beam, Ooh La Lift, Stay Don't Stray, That Gal, The Porefessional (MJ fave), and Bella Bamba (new box powder a new fave).  Available at Sephora.

What will you be filling your stockings with? 

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

UPDATE :Beauty News: Black Friday Deals In Canada??!

UPDATE: Beaute Cosmetics is also doing Black Friday deals! 30% off!

UPDATE: A Canadian favourite, Face Atelier is also giving a Black Friday discount of 30%!

Who's shopping Black Friday deals tomorrow? You no longer have to drive across the border to score some amazing deals - well at least for beauty products. Sephora Canada is letting us beauty junkies indulge in their Friday-only deals! Purchase your favourite products for only $12! I know right? Limited quantities only and I'm not sure if it's only on select brands.

I can just see the line-ups now...fortunately for me I can't stand line ups. Do I really need anything? No, but I have been wanting tarte's Lip Service LE LipSurgence collection - anyone in Toronto want to pick it up for me??

What's on your list?

www.sephora.com

Beauty Review: Hello Kitty Apple Balm and Liquid Nail Art

Hello Kitty is Pretty in Pink!

It’s difficult not to like anything Hello Kitty. It really brings out the inner child in me so I was really

excited to try out these super cute products!

The first I tried was the Hello Kitty Apple Balm. The consistency is perfect in my opinion – thick enough

to stay put for a couple hours, glossy and really soothes your pout. In its adorable apple shaped bottle, it

looks like it’s meant to be a simple coloured gloss. Much to my surprise, it actually contains strawberry,

grape seed and apple extracts which are rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and other antioxidant

properties.

The colour is rich for a gloss and it definitely hydrated my lips. It’s a great daytime product, especially as

the weather starts to cool off and our lips need a little more TLC.

The second Hello Kitty product I tried was the Liquid Nail Art in Pink Sprinkles. The bottle is shaped
like Hello Kitty and the colour makes it look super girly. This lacquer is formulated without toluene,
formaldehyde, or DBP which is a plus. It also comes in a variety of other pastel shades.

Application was a breeze, and since the base colour is clear, it can be applied quickly without worrying
about staying in the lines. It dried relatively quickly, and since one coat wasn’t enough in the sparkle
factor for me, I applied a second coat and it looked much better.

This product claims that it is anti-chip, and is sure to last a long time. However, on my nails it started
chipping the next day which is a little disappointing considering the price point. It was cute while it
lasted!

• Apple Balm - 0.22 oz for $9
• Liquid Nail Art - 0.304 oz for $10

 Have you tried any Hello Kitty products yet? How do you feel about sparkly polish?

http://sephora.com

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Spring Beauty Review: Sephora Loves Canada Palette And We Love Sephora!

Aww shucks, you love us and we really, really love you Sephora! Us Canadian girls have sure embraced Sephora ever since it launched in Canada. Some of you call it your mecca for beauty and some of you call it home. Thank you Sephora for dedicating a palette especially for us Canadian beauty junkies! 

I was expecting the Sephora Loves Canada Minibag ($15 USD) palette to be the typical blockbuster size, but in fact it's the exact opposite. It's a lil' mini one and adorable to boot! It's a purse-friendly size that you can tote with you for touch-ups throughout the day or for an evening makeup change. To top it off, you can hold it by the red handles like a shopping bag - makes you want to shop doesn't it?

Shadow swatches

In the past, Sephora's shadows haven't really impressed me much. I always found that they weren't pigmented enough and faded quite quickly. I was pleasantly surprised that these shadows were silky soft and highly pigmented. The palette contains great basic neutrals that are perfect for day and can add drama for night. There's a good mix of shimmery, matte, and satin shadows as well. Not only can this palette work for everyday, but I can see a lot of brides reaching for this one especially if they will be doing their own makeup.

Blush swatch

When you slide out the right side, a shimmering neutral blush is added to compliment your neutral eyes. It adds a soft hint of colour and leaves a beautiful glow on the skin. This also works great as a highlighter. Sephora blushes are actually really good. I've tried a few in the past and they are always silky smooth and highly pigmented.

Gloss swatches

I love all the hidden compartments. Slide out the left side and 4 neutral shades from light to dark finish off your look. From left to right, the first shade is a frosty champagne, shimmering beige, shimmering pink-brown, and shimmering plum. The glosses are sheer and feel smooth to the touch. They don't last very long, but you can apply these over your favourite lipstick for longer wear.

Overall, it's a collector's item that is fabulous for when you're on-the-go and it makes a great gift for that special makeup junkie in your life (could be you)!

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

http://sephora.com

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

Spring Beauty Review: Tokidoki Polpettina Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette

Polpettina takes the stage!

Tokidoki has launched a limited edition Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette – Polpettina, named after one of its super cute branded characters.

As always with tokidoki, the case and packaging are very cute and colourful, inspired by the company’s Soda Shop collection print. The case is two tiered with four complimentary, micronized eye shadow colours on top, and an adorable collectable Polpettina charm on the bottom. 

The four eye shadow colours include LA Gun (dark bluish iridescent grey), Polpettina (matte pink), Candy Cane (iridescent white) and Adios (matte black). With the use of rice lipids as an ingredient, this shadow boasts it’ll hydrate your lids while gliding on smoothly and blending evenly.

Once applied, the colours are very bold and the incredibly fine powder – almost creamy – blends remarkably well. I created a bold yet flirty smoky eye with these shades. Since my eye lids are pretty inset, I usually have a difficult time with shadows staying put but this product battled the odds and did a pretty good job. As usual, I found that it stays put even longer with the use of a lid primer.

The Polpettina clip charm is definitely a cute little bonus to add to your cellphone, key chain, or the end of a zipper.

This product can be purchased at Sephora for $25 – which is a little on the pricier end for four small shadows, but the quality makes it worth the buy. 

What did you think of this product? Have you tried any other products from the tokidoki Soda Shop collection?

http://sephora.com

by Brooke

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

Spring Beauty Review: Sephora and O.P.I. Get Their Gleek On!

I got slushied! Well at least my nails did. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Global’s hit series “GLEE” anymore, Sephora – in conjunction with OPI – comes out with a limited edition nail collection. Needlesstosay, my inner Gleek was very excited to try this product line out!

The collection is comprised of three nail appliqués, seven nail colours and six piece mini kit – all with clever names that reference the show.

I tried “Slushied” which as you can see is a bright, matte blue. It went on really easily and dried relatively quickly, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from OPI. Even though it’s opaque, it’s still got a nice sheen to it. Definitely a fun, playful look!

As for performance, I saw chips after only a day without a top coat. The second time I tried it, I applied an OPI top coat which not only increased the shine factor, but my nails went several days without a single chip. 

Other nail colours include:

•    Diva-in-Training: Step aside Rachel Berry. The next solo is yours with this poppy pink hue
•    Hell to the No: This purple shade might as well be considered liquid-pizzazz
•    Mash-Up: Whether your style is sporty or goth, this pearlescent green gray pulls it all together for a pitch-perfect look
•    Who Let the Dorks Out?: Express your individuality and inner-Gleek with this statement peacock green
•    Miss Bossy Pants: A rich raspberry as show stopping as Rachel herself
•    Gleek Out: A glittery lime green that will have everyone singing your praises

When you purchase the mini kit, you’ll get three exclusive colours:

•    Celibacy Club: Even if it's only part of the show, express your inner angel with this glimmering, diamond top coat
•    Express Yourself to Yourself: Even more entertaining than Sue Sylvester in a music video, this coral shimmer shade will have people talking
•    Sue vs. Shue: Stay a step ahead of the rivalry with this rebellious navy blue

The GLEE nail collection can be purchased at Sephora or online at www.sephora.com. Each full size nail colour retails for $9.50, and the mini kit retails for $24.

Have you tried any of these GLEE products yet? Do you like to get your Gleek on? 

by Brooke

Product was sent for editorial consideration and Brooke truly loves it.

Spring Beauty Review: Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in Stellar

Eye primers are essential period, but even more so if you want to wear the bright hues of Spring this season. Despite Kat Von D's choices in men (Jesse James? Really? Really!), her love for permanent designs gave me an idea that her eye primer would be anything less than amazing.

The High Voltage Eye Primer ($20 CAD) is very light-weight and has a silky smooth texture. It feels really great on the eye. Your eye makeup stays on all day without creasing. You have to apply with a wand applicator which works fine when swiping across the eye, but I prefer squeeze tubes since you know when the product is finished.

The primers come in 3 shades: Skin (universal neutral beige), Smoky (sultry deep grey), and new for Spring, Stellar (pink beige pearl). I prefer my primers to be either colourless or nude with no shimmer. Stellar has a soft shimmer so it's not too shiny under other shadows. I do find the shade a little light for my colouring but underneath a shadow it's not noticeable. It definitely helps intensify the colour though. When I'm in a rush, I like swiping a little on as a quick shadow. Overall, it's not a primer I would normally reach for because of the shimmer and the shade, but I'm interested in trying the other 2 shades. 

Have you tried Kat Von D's eye primers? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

http://sephora.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration.

Beauty Spring Feature: Hello Kitty! Hello Pretty!

Spring is around the corner - I can feel it in my bones! I don't know about you but I'm so ready to shed my puffy winter coats and mits all for something breezy, Spring-y, and sexy. To ease the drag of this cold, grey winter I've been turning to my Spring makeup collections. To kick-off Makeup Junkie Spring faves, I'm getting pretty with Hello Kitty for Sephora!

When I was between the ages of 7-10, I was obsessed with Hello Kitty. My BFF is still obsessed and she's in her mid 30's! Every time I see anything Hello Kitty, it makes me feel all fuzzy and warm. I feel like a kid again. So, when Sephora announced they were launching an exclusive Hello Kitty beauty line I was ecstatic. Even if you're not a fan, you can't help but love this cute kitty face!

Hello Kitty Charmmy Kohl Eyeliner Kit ($28 USD): This set of pencils in a reusable tin set reminds me of a pencil crayon set I had when I was in school. I had assumed that all the Hello Kitty products would be all cuteness and little quality but I'm really happy I was wrong! These kohl pencils are highly pigmented and has a smooth, velvety glide. It doesn't tug or pull at the skin. The pencils have exceptional staying power, but I did find it smudged a tad on my bottom lash line. However, the colour didn't fade at all. 

L-R: Good Night Dreams (black), Grape Juice (purple), Chocolate Milk (brown), Happy Cloud (white), Bicycle (teal green), Blue Sky (bright light blue), Blueberry (navy)

I adore the range of shades in this kit. There is something for everyone. You have a mix of neutral and really fun, bold shades. This Spring is definitely about playing with pretty colours so go with it and have fun!

Hello Kitty Charmmy Eyeshadow Stick in Teacup ($16 USD): I LOVE makeup products that make my life easier. I haven't used shadow sticks in while, but with a new baby on the way I will probably be stocking up on more of these quick sticks. Hello Kitty's version reminds me of M.A.C.'s Shadesticks which were a staple in my kit. These shade sticks apply a gorgeous pearlescent finish that brightens up the eyes. I love the smooth and easy-to-blend texture - no need for brushes! These are fab for layering underneath a powder shadow for intensity and dimension. With an eye primer, the shade stick didn't budge one bit but without one I did notice it crease and fade a tiny bit towards the end of the day. 

Eyeshadow Stick in Teacup (shimmering golden medium brown)

The collection again offers a wide range of shades so you'll be sure to find something you love. Seriously, Teacup was made for me! This shade of bronzey-brown goodness is usually my go-to everyday shade. I have been using this almost exclusively ever since I received it. It looks great paired with a bold lip, pinky or a muted peachy lip. To have it in a shade stick is a woman-on-the-go's dream! Just swipe on and you're out the door. You can apply as sheer or as heavy as you want - a definite must have from the Hello Kitty collection!

The Hello Kitty line is sweet and good for you. Products contain powerful extracts of strawberry, apple, and grape seed to hydrate and soften skin. They are packed with powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, and improve skin's elasticity and youthfulness.

Hello Kitty for Sephora is now available at Sephora locations worldwide.

http://sephora.com

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

I Heart You. Which One Are You? Flirty? Girly? Or Seductive?

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! How many of you really celebrate V-Day? For me, the only thing I love about it is the heart-shaped chocolates! My husband and I don't go all out like we used to now that we're married - not to say that we don't have any romance - but we don't need one day to show how much we love each other because we show each other everyday. Go ahead and gag but we really do! I do, however, love to make it fun for my son. So, it will be heart-shaped cookies and cupcakes for him (who am I kidding - and for me too!).

If you still love wooing your special someone or looking to lock hearts, you'll need to decide if you want to look flirty, girly or seductive (or all 3)!

 

Flirty Girl: 

A flutter of the lashes can get any guy all hot and bothered! However, you might not get the same reaction if your lashes are close to non-existent. Give your lashes a boost with some flirty falsies. Right now, I am loving Ardell's #110 Demi Black lashes. They are similar to my go-to Quo #803's. I think feathery looking lashes are super sexy and flirty and also really natural looking. The separated style also makes it ideal for creating a customized look. Cut in half and just add to the corners for a Marilyn-esque vibe. The separation of the lashes also allow your individual lashes to mix in with the fake lashes.

For a step-by-step on how to apply lashes check out a past post here. 

Girly Girl:

Nothing makes a gal look more girly than a youthful pink flush on the cheeks. I really love Kristen Bell's pink cheeks in this photo. It just looks so fresh and pretty.

Benefit Posietint swatch

I love to layer liquid and cream blushes underneath a powder blush. Your blush lasts longer and pumps up a sheer blush. Benefit Posietint is lovely pink liquid blush that gives a sheer girly flush. On my skin tone, I have to apply a few layers for it to show, but I love the soft pink glow it leaves on my cheeks. If you're going to be doing a little smoochin', it also doubles as a lip tint so kiss away!

Benefit Posietint and Stila Custom Color Blush on top

When I want the colour to be stronger, I love to layer Stila's Custom Color Blush on top of Posietint. Stila claims that this blush is a one-colour-suits-all by customizing the perfect shade of pink based on your skin's pH. I was skeptical but at IMATS Toronto the bright pink caught my eye and had to have it. I've only tried it on my skin tone so I don't know if it really creates the perfect pink on everyone but I love the shade of pink it makes on me! Word of caution: the blush is highly pigmented so start with a light application and wait a few minutes before applying another layer. I found that it would go brighter after adjusting to my skin.

Seductive Girl:

With red, pouty lips like these it'll be hard for him to focus on anything else. When I wear a red lip, I instantly feel more confident and sexy. If you've never worn a red lip before, but are contemplating taking the plunge this V-Day you might want to work your way up to full bold lip.

mark. Gloss Gorgeous Lip Stain in Lolli

My lips are typically on the drier side and most long-lasting lip colours can be a bit drying. I adore mark. by Avon Gloss Gorgeous Lip Stains because it brings the best of both worlds together: lip stain and gloss! Can't get any more perfect than that! These fabulous lip pens apply sheer at first but layer a few more swipes and you get full-colour glossy goodness! Lolli is a juicy red that works for all skin tones. After the shine wears off, you'll still have a beautiful stain left on your lips. What's even more to love? The $10 price tag! I snatched up all 4 shades and love 'em! 

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

This one is for all you gals who love to get a rise out of people. Sephora's Cream Lip Stains are serrrrrious! Full, bold, rich colour that won't budge. Always Red is a beautiful matte true red. I definitely recommend lining the lips first and applying the cream stain with a lip brush for precise application. The wand can get a little messy - clown lips are not pretty. Dab excess colour off with a tissue and your colour will not kiss off all night.

Combine the red lips, pink girly cheeks, and flirty lashes for true glamour this V-Day or go for some hot come-hither smokey eyes! Happy Valentine's Day!

Ardell Lashes and Sephora Cream Lip Stains were sent for editorial consideration.

Makeup 101: New Year's Eve Makeup That Will Last

Happy New Year! I raise my glass to the end of 2010! What a year it has been for myself and pretty much everyone I know. 2010 was full of crazy bumps but despite it all, I've come out with a much clearer head. I've failed, succeeded, but above all learned from each and every one of those significant moments in my life. I'm excited for 2011 for more reasons than one and can't wait to get this party started!

Sorry peeps, this was the best close-up photo I could get of myself. This was taken on Christmas Eve close to the end of the night, but figured if you want makeup that will ring you into the new year then you'll want to read up on the long-wearing products I used!

Star Products: 

 

Top Left: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Steel #2 ($26 CAD):  You want a shadow that won't budge? MUFE's Aqua Creams are a dream! I used this as the base of my shadow, on the lid, inner corner, and lower lash line. I wanted a warm, charcoal-silver smokey eye with a hint of shimmer. Steel is a gorgeous silver with an almost taupe undertone. I prefer this over a true silver as it looks too cool on my warm skin tone. The Aqua Creams are budge-proof and set pretty quickly. They apply really easy onto the skin but you have to blend it really quickly. The finishes are pretty shimmery, but when paired with a matte shadow the shimmer is toned down. It would be great if matte shades were introduced to the line - fingers crossed!

Top Right: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Print ($17.50 CAD) This one is an oldie but a goody! Print is one of my beloved true greys. I find some greys either have too much blue or too much black. It's not quite a matte but has a more satin finish. I applied this close to the top and bottom lash line, outer lid, and crease. M.A.C. as always delivers on amazing pigment, doesn't crease or fade, and blends so easily. 

Middle: Sephora Favourites The Little Black Eye Liner Kit ($36 USD): Like an LBD, every woman should own at least one black eye liner. This set includes 7 of Sephora's most essential black eye liners plus an eye brush from the following brands: 

• 0.02 oz Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx
• 0.07oz Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay ShadowLiner in Black
• 0.005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Eye Rim Pencil in Black
• 0.02 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
• 0.06oz Sephora Collection Jumbo Eye Liner in Grey
• 0.003 oz Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony
• 0.025 oz Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Black
• Smashbox Eye Liner Brush 

For this look I reached for one of my favourite liners, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. I didn't want an obvious line so I lined underneath my top lash line, smudged it close into my lash line, and along my waterline. To make the liner last in the waterline, line, wait for it to set, then line again. I have more reviews to come from this kit! 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily ($7.99 CAD): My night started out with NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss, but as the night wore on it was my Burt's Bees Tinted Lip balm in Tiger Lily (not pictured) that my dry lips longed for and is the lippie shown on myself. I have been using this non-stop ever since I received it and I can't wait to snatch all of them up! Sadly, we'll have to wait until February 2011 to purchase these. 

It comes in six shades: Honeysuckle (nude), Tiger Lily (peach-nude), Pink Blossom (soft pink), Hibiscus (rosy pink), Rose (red) and Red Dahlia (wine). It's 100% natural and is made from natural botanical flower waxes (ylang-ylang and jasmine), Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Beeswax. I adore the pear scent. It's a nice change from the common minty and vanilla flavours of so many other lip products out there. The packaging is simple and true to the Burt's Bee's line, but I love that they didn't go with their traditional yellow honeycomb packaging. The lip balm comes encased in a lovely cardboard tube package which I just love! The texture is super smooth and will help keep your lips moisturized all night long. For a sheer tint, you definitely see colour on the lips. Tiger Lily was the perfect peachy-nude for my smokey eye.

To check out another great review visit this site. 

Complete List of Products: 

Skin: 

Embroylisse Moisturizer

MUFE HD Primer Perfection

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #7

Tarte Mineral Powder

Benefit Erase Paste in #3 (under eyes)

Cheeks:

Smashbox Halo Bronzer (all over and as a contour)

NARS Douceur Blush on cheeks

Eyes: 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

MUFE Aqua Cream #2 Steel

M.A.C. Print Eye Shadow

UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

New Maybelline Mascara (Review to come but I think I'm actually loving it!)

Lips: 

First half of the night: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss

Second half: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily (available February 2011)

For New Year's definitely amp it up by adding more shimmer or a glittery silver liner. Add a pair of falsies to make your peepers stand out more.

What do you think of this look? What's on your look book for New Year's?

I hope everyone has a safe and an amazing New Year! Thank you to all my readers, friends, and family that have been through it all with me. I cherish your love and support more than you will ever know. I won't bore you with any NY resolutions because we've heard them all. Wishing you all much love, happiness and success for 2011! Cheers!

Products were sent for editorial consideration with the exception of M.A.C. Print. I really love all these products.

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...Too Faced Enchanted Glamourland!

 

Pop-up palettes seem to be all the rage right now and when they come as pretty as Too Faced's version I can see why. This one is a good buy for a gal pal who is a princess and even more perfect for that makeup obsessed teen. 

Too Faced Enchanted Glamourland palette includes:

• 15 x 0.03 oz Eye Shadows in: In The Buff, Exclusive Nude, George & Weezie, Velvet Revolver, Honey Pot, Teddy Bear, Exclusive Purple, Boy Toy, Peach Fuzz, Exclusive Green, Label Whore, Glamazon, Exclusive Plum, Ooh & Aah, and Stiletto
• 0.35 oz Shadow Insurance primer
• 0.12 oz Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk
• 0.08 oz La Vie en Rose Blush
• 0.14 oz Snow Bunny Bronze
• Three Get-the-Look instruction cards

The pink blush gives the skin a nice rosy flush with shimmer. However, I did find even with my face primer that the colour did fade by the end of the day. I layered a pink cream blush underneath and found the blush lasted longer. The bronzer on my skin tone worked more as a highlighter rather than a bronzer, but will work well on lighter skin tones. I also prefer to use non-shimmery bronzers. 

The texture of the shadows felt velvety smooth but the colours weren't too different than shadows I already own. I did like that there were a few matte shadows thrown in there but for the most part the shadows had a metallic finish. I thought the colour payoff was pretty good and had good lasting power. I'd say if you love your neutrals but are trying to ease into colour this palette is a great start. The gloss is a sheer nude pink and really didn't show up too much on my lips. I applied my Benefit Lip Plump to cover my natural lip colour and it showed up much better but I couldn't get over the sweet yet waxy flavour of the gloss. 

My favourite part of the palette has to be the Shadow Insurance Primer. I have been wanting to try this for a long time and I love it. In terms of crease-resistance, I think it's comparable to my kit must-have, Urban Decay Primer Potion. However, Too Faced's comes in a squeezable tube which means no wasting product! I always felt I was leaving a lot behind with UD's wand version.

Overall, this pop-up palette truly is a beauty. if you love Too Faced products already and if you're a sucker for packaging and love eye candy, you or your special friend will love it!

What do you think of this palette? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Too Faced Enchanted Glamourland retails for $49 USD (value of $145) and is available at Sephora locations and Sephora.com. 

http://sephora.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration.

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...Smashbox The Gold List!

 

Give me gold and I'm a happy girl. If you're looking for that gorgeous glow this season, look no further. I love the holiday sets from Smashbox especially The Gold List! Nothing says festive than a little holiday bling!

This is a great gift that keeps on giving. With each purchase from the Smashbox WISH collection, Smashbox will donate $1 from every purchase, up to $25,000, to Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that grants the wish of life by providing medical care, life-saving research and ongoing education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries. The set includes: 

• Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst (Regular Size)
• Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer (Travel Size)
• O-Gloss Gold (Regular Size)
• Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener (Regular Size)
• gold metallic cosmetic case

Smashbox's original Photo Finish primer is a best-seller and is great for normal to dryer skin tones. The luminizing version is definitely for someone that has close to perfect skin and who isn't too oily. It feels amazing on the skin and gives you the perfect canvas. The primer gives the skin a subtle but noticeable luminous glow.The gold warm hue gives pale winter skin a much needed boost. Makeup stays on all day but because I have an oilier t-zone, my nose did get really shiny throughout the day.

The Fusion Soft Lights (left) can be used on fair to medium skin as a luminizing blush and on med-dark (like myself) to dark it works beautifully as a highlighter. The texture is amazing and velvety soft. Photo Op (middle) is an under eye brightener I use to use religiously. I forgot how much I loved this stuff. The tip is to apply only where it is dark - avoid fine lines as it will start to settle in the lines. I love it on it's own when I'm in a rush or doing errands - doesn't give me total coverage but just enough to brighten and not look overdone. I also love layering it under my concealer for an extra brightening effect. 

I LOVE the O-Gloss in Gold. I know from past reviews of the original O-Gloss some people hated it and some loved it. First, the gloss is so smooth and almost feels like a lip balm. Second, when applied on my lips it turns into a lovely shade of peachy-pink with gold shimmer. In case you didn't know, O-Glosses react to your natural body chemistry and is customized to your pH balance. It looks gorgeous on it's own or layered over your favourite lipstick for a pretty pouty effect.

Oh, and the gold makeup bag is super cute! The set is perfect to travel with and is awesome for on-the-go touch-ups. Yes, another must-add to your wish list!

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

Smashbox The Gold List retails for $49 USD and is available at Sephora locations and online at Sephora.com.

http://sephora.com

Product sent for editorial consideration and I honestly love it. 

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick Set!

 

A lip set after my own heart! Fully pigmented, mini lipsticks all packaged in a decorative box set. If you're a fan of celebrity tattoo artist, Kat Von D, you will love her makeup line. From the packaging, logo design, the names, to the colour selection her personal style is all over this line. 

L-R: Celebutard (nude peach beige), Lolita (dusty rose), Cathedral (spiced pinkish brown), Hellbent (blood red), Underage Red (bright crimson) and Rosary (darkest burgundy red)

If you're new to Kat Von D lipsticks like I am, this set is a great way to test out before buying a full size. And if you're buying for a gal pal who loves her lipstick, she will adore these minis. The set has a good range of nude, neutral and bold shades that you can wear each on its own or layer for a custom shade. 

My favourites out of the set are Lolita, Cathedral, and Rosary. Celebutard (love the name) is a bit too chalky for my skin tone but I love layering it over both Lolita and Cathedral for the perfect nude lip. I love Underage for its brightness but don't prefer it on my skin tone. Hellbent or Rosary are reds I would normally reach for. 

The lipsticks apply creamy and are extremely pigmented. They offer long-lasting wear as well. Another holiday set to add to your wish list! 

Have you tried these lipsticks? Will you be adding this to your wish list?

Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick Set retails for $28 USD and is available at Sephora locations or Sephora on-line.

http://sephora.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I honestly love it.