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.

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 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: 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! 

YSL 30 Day Skin Care Challenge Week 3: Forever Youth Liberator

We're on Week 3 of the YSL 30 day skin care challenge! I hope my naked face photos have been giving you a good laugh or are at least making you feel better about your naked face! I have to say, doing this challenge has forced me to become more comfortable sans makeup. I'm gonna say it, but I feel "liberated" almost (pun intended)! 

I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better than last week and I even got some colour back in my face (thank you Mr. Sun for shining down on me)! So, do you see a difference? I don't see a significant change in my skin because it was alright to begin with. I have seen a difference in how smooth my skin feels and how even my skin looks. I barely have to wear any coverage. My skin also looks radiant and glow-y all day long. Now that I'm looking at all 4 pictures, my under eye circles do seem a tad lighter - a tad not a lot. In Week 1, the darkness covered the width of my eye. In Week 3, the darkness starts now from the middle to inner under eye. Not bad! 

Only one more week left and then you'll never have to see anymore naked face photos (maybe...)! 

YSL 30 Day Skin Care Challenge Week 2: Forever Youth Liberator

If you've been following my blog then you know that I've committed to a 30 day skin care challenge thanks to YSL's Forever Youth Liberator line. Why did I commit to a whole month of showing my face naked? I blame it on my crazy love for beauty products and will try anything that will maintain the only thing I was blessed with - good skin. Sure, I have the odd adult acne flare ups and flakiness (ok some fine lines too), but for the most part I've got some pretty smooth texture. Don't hate (wink, smile).

Don't get me wrong though. I definitely have those days when I my skin can look sallow and lack luster like this week. The end of week 2 has been rough. I've been battling a cold since Monday (when you have kids your home becomes a germ fest - I know gross!). Although I haven't been feeling my bestest, I've been making an effort to give my skin some TLC with YSL's Forever Youth Liberator line. Just because I am sick, doesn't mean I want to look sick and I think I've been doing a good job of that. None of the mom's realized I was sick all week until I started coughing up a lung today (yes, I will be visiting the walk-in today).

Here's my naked face Week 2. What do think? See any changes? Gah, I think being sick has sucked the colour out of my skin. That and Toronto has seen only rain for the last week or so. And I promise to put a little more effort into my hair next week!

I haven't really noticed a change in the darkness of my under eye circles, but my pores do look smaller, my skin looks much smoother, and my fine lines near my eyes don't seem as noticeable. They look like they've been getting some plumping action (or maybe that's just some PMS bloating - oh ya that's happening too).

Stay tuned for Week 3 where I'm hoping I'll be feeling much healthier than this week and looking thrice as beautiful!

YSL 30 Day Skin Care Challenge Week 1: Forever Youth Liberator

Bob Dylan sang it best, "Forever young, forever young, may you stay forever young." For centuries, this has been an on-going quest; to look young forever. Unfortunately, "forever" in a physical sense doesn't exist but we can sure try and make it last thanks to the super geniuses in beauty!

For the first time ever, this Makeup Junkie (along with other beauty bloggers) is committing to YSL's 30 day skin care challenge. I'm putting their Forever Youth Liberation skin care line to the test. It's designed for us 30-somethings and up. Here's the low-down on why this could change the future of your skin care regime!

Forever Youth Liberator is based on Glycobiology. Glyco-wha? Glycobiology is a revolutionary science that studies the role of glycans in skin regeneration (which YSL is an exclusive beneficiary). Glycans are naturally present in our body that are found commonly on the surface of cells. They are like little communicators between cells making sure our skin keeps regenerating its youth! As we age, these glycans diminish (insert sad face).  

Glycanactif is a patented complex of 3 glycans that will unlock that youthful skin we all have (under the layers of dull, wrinkly skin). This is the active ingredient present in the Forever Youth Liberator range. 

Forever Youth Liberator Serum: The star product of the range! It contains the highest levels of Glycanactif. Gives the skin instant radiance, hydration and wrinkle reduction (within 1 month).

Forever Youth Liberator Eye Creme: De-puffs, illuminates, gets rid of wrinkles, and brightens dark circles. 

Forever Youth Liberator SPF 15 Creme: Protects the skin from sun exposure, adds radiance, and gets rid of wrinkles. Suitable for Normal to Dry skin.

Ok, brace yourself. For the love of blogging, I am posting photos of my face - NAKED!! If you stop reading my blog because of this I understand. You will have to see naked face photos for 1 month! Ahh!

This is me pre-YSL-Forever-Youth-Liberator. No, I'm not "smizing". I'm trying to manage a smile, but it pains me (why didn't I wear my hair down?). I've been having a case of adult acne so please forgive me. And please don't knock my brows - I'm trying to grow them in! 

That's a little better. I'm still not thrilled to have no makeup on, but at least my hair is down! This is after 1 week. I've been applying the serum first day and night, eye cream at night, and day cream during the day. It's hard to get the same lighting and to really notice a difference after 1 week, but I really love how the products feel on my skin. The serum is nice and light and when paired with the day cream really gives my skin a luminous finish. My skin feels so soft! I have noticed my skin has a smoother texture especially near my nose just under my eyes and my blemishes seem less prominent! 

As for the eye cream, I have high hopes for it because it claims after a month my dark circles will be less noticeable (don't all eye creams claim that?). As you can tell, there's really no change in my dark circles. But I do love how it feels around my eyes. It does illuminate the area and makes it look glowy. 

Well, that rounds up Week 1! Stay tuned next week to see more of my naked face hopefully looking twice as youthful! 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and so far loving them!

Spring Beauty Review 2012: YSL Candy Face Collection

Spring is popping out some candy inspired shades! If you've got a sweet tooth, then you will adore these candy hues from YSL's latest collection for spring. Here's a little sampling of the collection.

1. YSL Voile De Blush in Carmine Veil (LE, $40 CAD): I love blush in any form especially when I can use my fingers. This water-based gel blush offers a sheer tint of colour and radiance. I was all over this when I first tried it, but was kind of disappointed by the performance. My skin typically eats up blush so  I either have to layer blushes for longer wear or use a blush that is highly pigmented. Carmine Veil is a sheer rosy red with coral undertones. I found I had to use a few layers for the shade to even show on my medium-dark skin. It does give your skin a dewy finish though. To call it a blush is a little misleading, but the word "veil" suits it more. If you love your blush to give you some colour I would pass on this, but if you really want a sheer kiss of colour then try it out. I would test this before buying as it is on the pricey side. 

YSL Carmine Veil swatch

2. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in No. 115 Shimmering Coral & No. 116 Milky Pink (LE, $38 CAD): One of my favourite products from YSL has to be their lip products. The Volupte Perle's have a lovely creamy pearl finish. The lipsticks are highly pigmented, but do have a lot of slip to them so don't expect it to last for hours. I love how it looks like a gloss but feels like a hydrating lipstick. 

Top: Milky Pink, Bottom: Shimmering Coral

I find both shades very stunning mostly because of the pearly finish. Neither shades are different or trendy, but I'm really drawn to them. Milky Pink really is milky but the pearly gold flecks give it some warmth and make it more wearable. On me, it almost looks like a nude-pink shade. I have to balance it with blush though or else I will look a little washed out. This looks amazing paired with a deep violet smokey eye. Shimmering Coral is my favourite of the two and definitely looks more flattering on me. I love the pinky-gold pearl undertone to it as well. 

3. YSL Golden Gloss in No. 50 Golden Peach ($40 CAD): I'm a fan of YSL's glosses because they never feel goopy or sticky. I also love the mango scent. Golden Peach is a pretty shimmering peach shade. You probably have a dozen that would look similar. Don't get me wrong - love it and love the shiny shimmering finish. So, if you're in the market for a shimmery peach gloss that you'd like to splurge on pick this one up. You won't be disappointed with a). the shade and b). the finish and texture of this gloss. It will make your lips look lusciously amazing, but it's $40. If you just don't have the budget, I'm sure you will find something similar in a cheaper price range.

Do you have any favourites from YSL's Candy Face collection? 

www.ysl.com

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

Beauty Feature: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...my vanity that is!

What does your vanity mean to you? And I'm not talking about your outer appearance. I'm talking about your space, your quiet place, your escape where you can lay out all your pretty things and slather on your most favourite beauty products. That's what my vanity means to me. There's something to be said for everything having its place. 

For a long time, I used large computer desks as a vanity. Why? Because it was not only functional and cost effective, but because it was big enough to lay out all my makeup. It was neither pretty or full of character, but it worked. 

This here is my dream vanity. A little much? Maybe, but I think it's beautiful! It's so classic, feminine, and in my favourite Parisian style. One day, but for now my current vanity isn't so bad.

My vanity is one of my favourite spaces in the house. I love sitting here in the mornings getting ready for the day and staring out the big window. I like to gather my thoughts here and write out my to-do list (which I haven't been doing lately!). Instead of going with something big and clunky, I chose a smaller, traditional size vanity table. I hate sets so I opted just to get the table (which I hopefully plan to give it that cracked old shabby chic look). I was going to go with a chair, but because I don't have much drawer space, I chose to go with a ottoman stool that can be used for storage. I have a few beauty items that I reach for everyday in the drawers.

It's very roomy and fits my large makeup bag, a medium sized one and a small makeup bag plus two of my sunglasses in their case. These are the products I use on my self on a daily or when I'm going out somewhere. If I want to use more products I just pull from my Zuca and my clear storage drawers which are in the walk-in. This way, my desk stays clean and clutter free. I chose a metallic bronze shade. I think it compliments the desk pretty nicely.

Your vanity is a great way to express your individual style and to showcase all the pretty things you love. One of my favourite gifts was this Parisian-inspired mannequin jewelry holder. I love layering my favourite necklaces there. It's a great statement piece. I found our old wooden hand sculpture packed away that we use to display on our bookshelf. This was perfect for displaying some of my rings (I clearly need more!). I love the look of books on display. Here I have Ines de la Fressange's style guide to Paris, Parisian Chic and two Chanel press books from the Fall and Spring 2012 collection. They are so pretty and full of product shots and beautiful photos from the collection's inspiration. I love my little friendship jewelry box which was a bridesmaid's gift. I hold little trinkets and jewelry items in there. I bought a silver tray to display all my favourite perfumes. Perfume bottles come in all lovely packaging and make for beautiful eye candy. I also laid out two lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco shine from the Spring collection (review to come!) and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre with my name engraved on it.

And there you have it. I'm still thinking of displaying my makeup brushes in a cute holder (maybe the one from Topbox?) and getting a table mirror. I will have to re-arrange things to make space. I love having a space that's all mine with my own stuff. Having two kids, your space can be taken over with toys and books, so my vanity is my little get away from all the kid clutter!

What does your vanity look like? I'd love to see! I always love getting ideas and seeing how other makeup junkie's display their favourite beauty items. Email me some photos and I will feature yours on my blog!

Holiday Lookbook: YSL Beauty 2011

You may want to skip the mistletoe this year because you'll want to keep these lipsticks on! I adore YSL lipsticks especially the Rouge Pur Couture line (Makeup Junkie Top 5 Lipsticks)! And now they've come out with Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre which is equally as amazing. 

L-R: 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Rouge Eros ($30 USD): The original shades have a creamy non-shimmery finish, but Rouge Eros perfect for the holidays, has a subtle shimmery finish to it. This shade brings out more of the cherry undertones on me which I just love. To keep it on longer, apply a lip similar shade or use an invisible liner to prevent bleeding. I prefer it without gloss, but if you want some glossy shine just dab in the center of the lips. 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre in #110 Fuchsia Symbole ($30 USD): This lipstick has name all over it - literally! The lovely team over at YSL sent me my favourite shade of lipstick - a bright, fuchsia with gold shimmer. I didn't think it was possible but I've fallen even more in love with their new line (and it doesn't hurt that this particular shade has my name on it). It is still well-pigmented but has more slip to it than the original formula. My lips also don't dry out with this lipstick. I especially love the golden undertones and the shimmery finish makes the lips so pretty!

Make these lippies stand out by wearing minimal makeup and keeping the skin looking flawless and radiant. Swipe on a neutral shade on the eyes, define with black liquid liner and tons of mascara. Keep cheeks neutral either with bronze or a pale pink.

Swatches: 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Rouge Eros

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre Fuchsia Symbole

Have you tried these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

www.yslbeautyus.com

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

Spring Ready: I'm The Crazy Hot Pink Lipstick Lady!

I love me a good pink lipstick. What can I say? I'm a girly-girl at heart. I own a range of pinks from soft to bold, but it's the bold pink lippies that are taking over my beauty stash. You can definitely say my lips are ready for Spring's bold lip trend!

Here are just a few of my favourite bold pinks that I switch between. They are all very similar, but the undertones vary from cool to warm and red to magenta with textures ranging from matte to creamy. I love them all!

Top to bottom: 

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in PK 369 ($24 USD): I believe this shade was an LE, but a new one was released PK356. These lipsticks are super juicy on the lips and the colour stays on allll day - no joke. It has a creamy finish, but it lasts even through eating a meal. I love the cool undertones in it too. This a shade that just makes your face come alive. 

Borghese B Moisture Lip Colour in Primale Pink ($24 USD): This is my first time trying anything from Borghese. I love the creamy finish and how plump it makes my lips look. The shade on me looks neon pink with warm undertones if that's possible. Looks amazing with just a bit of bronzer on the cheeks and bronze shadow. 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Le Fuchsia ($30 USD): This is hands down one of my favourite lipsticks! It's shocking, luxurious, and rich - I love you long time! To read a full review click here.

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Fast Kisses ($35 CAD, LE Mark Fast): Another favourite, I fell in love with this lippie at first swipe. Too bad it's a LE though! For a full review click here.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively ($28 CAD): Tarte is one of my all-time eco-friendly lines that doesn't skimp on quality or pigmentation. If you love a matte lip, you'll want to get your hands on one of these lil' chubbies! For a full review click here.

Julie Hewett Icon of Beauty Lipstick in Scarlett ($22.50 USD): Julie Hewett is not as known in Canada, but should be! I love their line of lippies. Named after Hollywood starlet, Scarlett, this is a red-carpet worthy shade! For a full review click here.

Have you tried any of these lippies? What bold pinks are overflowing your beauty stash right now?