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Showing posts with label beauty events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty events. Show all posts
(Warning: Most pictures appear blurry and have bad lighting. You can blame that on my Blackberry!)

Pre-show: getting set up and bloggers seated.

I've always wanted to sit in the audience of CityLine, particularly during one of the Fashion Friday episodes. But when I was invited to join the audience for a special Blogger episode I jumped on the chance - couldn't be more perfect!

Me and familiar face Anita from, From L.A. With Love and Primped and Proper,  waiting for the show to start.

The show was aimed at bloggers and how social media has changed all different industries from design, food, being a working mommy, and of course beauty! I had no idea who would be attending so when I arrived, I was immediately greeted with the familiar smiling faces of my fellow beauty bloggers. Everyone looked gorgeous and colourful. The energy in the green room was super hype especially when CityLine's stunning host, Tracy Moore, came in the room to say hi!

The two gorgeous Tracy's - Tracy Peart and Tracy Moore!

The show had some great guests including Erica Ehm from Yummy Mummy Club and one of my favourite makeup artists CityLine's awesome Tracy Peart! This was the only show where audience members could tweet and be on their phones. It was hilarious to see everyone's heads down furiously tweeting away! 

Each guest gave many wonderful tips on Do's and Don'ts of social media. Tracy P. had a good one that I also see often - if you're leaving a comment on another blogger's site don't include a your own website's url. I get it - you want to give your site more exposure but it may come across as spamming someone's site and the comments don't seem genuine. Other bloggers will eventually follow your blog if you visit and comment on their site regularly.


My favourite part of the show was of course the beauty segment with Tracy P.! She shared her favourite beauty products to use: cult classic L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (used to be a staple of mine - forgot how much I loved it! Will have to pick up the water-proof version.), Vasanti Liquid Cover Up, Hard Candy Visibly Wet Lip Pencil, and a new favourite of mine M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter. I have been using this a lot and I love it! Best part - we got to take Tracy's favourites home along with some other awesome giveaways! Tracy is always giving tips on her beauty blog and does beauty how-to videos on CityLine.ca - be sure to check her out for some pro tips!

I asked Tracy a few questions about beauty and social media - here's what she had to say!

MJ: Favourite Spring makeup trend?
Tracy: My favorite makeup trend for Spring 2011 is bright, brilliant, neon colors for the eyes. Whether it be an eyeshadow all over the eye or an eyeliner just to accent the eye. I'm excited about BOLD colors being IN again!

MJ: Favourite product for Spring trends?
TP: My favorite product that will work with the Spring Trend, is an oldie but a goodie "Electric Eel" Eyeshadow by MAC. It's an outgoing color that can be worn subtly or loudly!

MJ: Best thing about starting your blog and being on Twitter?
TP: Best thing about blogging and being on Twitter is all the new people I've come into contact with. Whether it's makeup companies, or the everyday woman who looks to my blog for advice, or fellow Bloggers like you! Before being involved with social media, I didn't know them and they didn't know me. For instance, you and I met at a Blogger Party and remain in contact via Twitter! It's GREAT!
And it's true - love Twitter for connecting with other like-minded peeps! Thanks Tracy!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to stick around after the show to get more pictures and to attend the Tweetup at the ritzy Ritz Carlton. It was a fun experience and it's always good to see my beauty blogger sistas! The show airs March 29 at 9 am so don't miss it! Thank you to CityLine and Tracy P. for the invite! Here are some more photos from the show!

Me tweeting away with lovely bloggers, Anjali from Rock That Look and Anita! Photo courtesy of Michelle from Lipstick Rules!

My lovely gal Jenn from Spiced Beauty and Michelle.

Some of the great beauty bloggers at the show: 


I love palettes especially when they come in such pretty and sleek packaging. I will have to do a more in-depth review with swatches when I have more time but wanted to get this palette on your wish list! If you're looking for a holiday gift for someone that loves CARGO this palette is beautiful. It comes with 8 jewel-toned shadows and the medium bronzer and Rome blush in the middle. 
Come to the Sears Toronto Eaton Center for CARGO's Naughty Santa event! There are a tonne of great GWP going on. Here are the deets: 

Where: Sears Toronto Eaton Center
What: Naughty Santa Event - book a makeup application and you automatically receive a full-size Plant Love lip balm!
  • Buy 1 product: picture with Santa with cd to take home and 1 free travel size CARGO Bronzer in Medium
  • Buy 2 products: picture with Santa with cd to take home, 1 free travel size CARGO Bronzer in Medium, and a full size Lash Activating Primer
  • Buy 3 products: picture with Santa with cd to take home, 1 free travel size CARGO Bronzer in Medium, full size Lash Activating Primer, and a full size Plant Love Lipstick in Muir Woods (one of my faves!)
Date: December 10 and 11
Time: 4-7 pm
Book: Come by and book your appointment or call 416-349-7111 Ext. 2801 to book your appointment. 


I'll be doing makeup at the event but only for today - come and get your makeup done by me! Hope to see you there!


www.cargocosmetics.com


This is one makeup event I look forward to all year! It's hard to believe that one year has gone by already. In case you aren't hanging with the cool kids, makeup's biggest event is almost here! The International Makeup Show (IMATS) will be coming to Toronto on November 6 and 7. It's a must-attend event for industry professionals but definitely welcomes anyone who LOVES makeup!

Besides the copious amounts of makeup and makeup accessories that will be available, I love going and meeting up with my fellow beauty lovers. Be on the lookout for a group of us Toronto Beauty Bloggers (TBB) perusing the booths and shopping (check the TBB blog to see when meet-up times and locations are)! You will also have access to many top industry experts that you can meet and chat with as well as seminars and workshops. 

I had a Twitter convo with makeup artist, Naomi from StylEyes, about how I decide what products to stock in my kit. I usually buy products only when I'm low or if it's something I don't have and absolutely need/want. I definitely depend on makeup artist reviews before making a purchase. With an event like IMATS, there is a temptation to go a little crazy so my advice is to make a list and stick with it. And if you're shopping with a group of friends like I will be, try not to get swayed into buying products you don't need. Here is what I'll be stocking up on:
Face atelier Ultra Foundation Pro ($32 CAD): This is the one foundation line I use on my clients 98% of the time. I always have brides coming back and asking me what foundation I used on their wedding day. What my clients love? Flawless, luminous coverage without the heavy feel. Click here to see my reviews of Face atelier Cosmetics.  


Embroylisse 24 Hour Miracle Cream ($25 USD): You'll see this dream cream in most makeup artist's kits. Love this stuff and so do my clients! I need an extra one to use on myself! I've been using this lately now that the weather is getting drier. Click here to see my reviews of Embroylisse.


CoverFX Conceal FX ($27 CAD): I only have one shade but want to collect the rest for my kit! Gives full coverage, HD ready, and covers all your imperfections. Plus, it's water-resistant and fits easily into any kit or makeup bag. Click here to see my review of CoverFX Conceal FX.


Kett Sett Powder ($22 USD): What setting powder to use was also a topic that came up on Twitter. Kett Sett Powder has been on my wish list for so long and yet it has never landed in my kit. I've been using my trusted M.A.C. Blot Powders over the years but one of my shades was swiped over the summer during a wedding gig. Accident of course! Good excuse to pick this one up.

Also on the list are disposable mascara wands and maybe one or two brushes (my brush collection is pretty stocked though). Have you tried any of these products? What will you be picking up at IMATS? 

I look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones! Stay tuned for my highlights of this year's IMATS! To read past highlights of Toronto IMATS click here.

For more information on location, dates, tickets and keynote speakers visit www.imatsshow.com/toronto/toronto_index.php.

M.A.C. for Ashley Rowe Spring 2011
Photo Credit: Jenna Wakani

I am so in love with this look. I love me a bright bold lip with flawless skin and minimal makeup. M.A.C. Senior Artist, Melissa Gibson, is the genius behind the Spring look for Ashley Rowe. The show was last night and sadly I missed it. Doesn't the look make you excited for Spring?

To compliment the tie-dyed clothing of Ashley Rowe, Melissa drew focus to the lips layering three products:  M·A·C Chromagraphic Pencil in Processed Magenta, M·A·C Lipmix in Fuchsia, and M·A·C Pro Neon Pigment in Red Electric. The face was kept matte in order to emphasize the lips. The lashes were coated with M·A·C Zoomlash Mascara and the cheeks were slightly contoured with Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural (love this powder!).

What do you think of the look? Did you see the show? 



Are your brows going through a hairy situation? Benefit would like to cordially invite you to their first annual Beautiful Brow Event happening exclusively at Holt Renfrew locations across Canada on October 15 - 17! 


The first 100 to book an appointment will receive a free lip gloss. To top it off, spend $50 worth of Benefit products and you will receive a Benefit Beauty Gift (may include a brow service)! View poster below for more details. 

Click poster to enlarge

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com

I'm thrilled to be apart of the next The Beauty Board created and hosted by the fabulous Stephanie Daga, makeup artist and founder of BlushPretty.com. If you are a beauty lover and a savvy shopper then The Beauty Board is a must-attend event! Just in time for the holidays, attendees will have the chance to see, smell and smear some of the hottest beauty products on the market. The event will be held on November 14 from 2-6 pm with yours truly doing guest demos! September 30th is the last day to buy the early bird tickets of $25. After that, it is $30 so get on it! Click here for event details and to purchase tickets!

Monica from The Beauty Parler has raved about the event and ever since I've been curious to go. Want to know more about the brains behind The Beauty Board? Check out my Q&A with Stephanie Daga!


About Stephanie Daga
Stephanie Daga is a Freelance Makeup & Hair Artist in Toronto, the Editor behind BlushPretty.com, and the Founder of The Beauty Board events. Her expert tips and work have been featured in The Toronto Star, Anohki, and LOU LOU. When she’s not talking, eating or breathing beauty, she can be found at home with her hubby, two boys, and black lab!

Makeup Junkie: How did The Beauty Board start?

Stephanie: One day, I thought to myself how great it is to be a blogger and how I get to test out a bunch of product daily. I wanted to share this experience with my readers; after all, I would get emails daily from readers, family, friends, and clients about what I would recommend or what I think about a product.  At that moment, I organized my first The Beauty Board.  I had twelve guests, held it in my small condo, and had four brands present. I let my guests test and try out the products and provide their “editorial reviews”. I posted the reviews on BlushPretty.com and the next thing I know I was getting requests to be a part of the next one.  The second event was held in October 2009 and it grew to over 35 guests and about 8 brands.  The last one in April 2010, had over 50 guests and over 10 brands present.  It grew so fast ...

MJ: What are some beauty must-haves that you discovered at The Beauty Board?

SD: Its so hard to narrow it down to just one! Everyone loved Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics for the 3-Free Nail Polish; COVERGIRL LashBlast Length for Mascara; Consonant Body for their Body Soap (which comes with a Loofah!!); DaLish Cosmetics lip glosses; MaryKay’s Cheek Colour in Pomegranate; and a past but on-going favourite is Cake Beauty’s Milk Made Velveteen Hand Cream!

Thanks Stephanie for organizing such a fantastic event for us beauty lovers! I can't wait!

(Picture heavy!) :)
Start the first day back to school with a treasure hunt! The lovely team at CoverFX has organized this amazing treasure hunt taking place in select cities in Canada, US, and the UK. I love contests that really get the fans involved. CoverFX's last event was a successful flash mob that took place all over but I have to say the treasure hunt tops it all! Click on the poster to enlarge for contest details and visit their Facebook page!


Last week I attended a fabulous event to celebrate the launch of CoverFX's newest star, EyePrep FX. I'm already a huge fan of their primers so I knew I would fall in love with this one. Not only is it an eye primer for your concealer, foundation and eye shadow but it's also an eye cream!

I spoke with Co-creator, Jenny Frankel, who informed me that it's better not to layer the EyePrep FX over your traditional eye cream as it may affect the 'stay put' primer quality. However, if you just can't live without your favourite eye cream, Jenny suggests applying EyePrep FX during the day and your night cream at night. But to reap the full benefits of EyePrep, it's best to use both day and night. It's also made without silicone so for all you oily lids your shadow won't slip and slide throughout the day. 

I had a blast at the event (despite the heat and sweat!) seeing all my fellow blogger buddies and meeting new ones. And of course, it's always a pleasure being able to chat with CoverFX creators, Lee and Jenny! Thank you to the fabulous Marketing Co-Ordinator, Melissa Shum, for throwing a great event and wearing those fantastic purple heels! 

Sh-wag!

Gorgeous ladies Monica from Beauty Parler and Jennifer from Spiced Beauty

Co-creator Lee Graff demonstrating EyePrep FX on the lovely Melissa Shum

Clearly EyePrep FX works! The colour is definitely more vibrant.

More gorgeous ladies and sporting the "glow"! Rhia from ArtistRhi, Anjali from Rock That Look, and Farah from FacesByFarah

The awesome Lee Graff and Jenny Frankel! Love Lee's dress!

The fabulous International Communications Director, Wanda Longo and Lee

Celebrity makeup artists of the night Tracy Peart from CityLine and Lucky B from MTV Canada!

Me (and my "glow") with some pretty fabulous women!

I'm really bad with names - sorry! Jill from Jillo Jello, Arianne from GlitterGeek and moi. 

Rhia and I getting our sweat glow on!

Hot!

Melissa's killer purple platforms!

Uber talented MUA, Lelo, from Ramblings of An Artist. I love how we're resting our sweaty heads on each other!

I heart you Lucky!


My favourite gals from LIFT Beauty Boutique are saying fare-well and closing their doors. That's the bad news but there's a lot more good than bad! LIFT owners, Lauren and Emily, are going MOBILE! Yes, now you can have the lovely and talented ladies right in the comfort of your own home or at your next event. 

To kick it all off, LIFT is having a blow out sale - EVERYTHING must go! Visit the salon one last time and stock up on some must-have beauty products from Moroccan Oil, Osis, BC, Orly, Amika and of course LIFT Cosmetics! 

When: September 11
Where: 114 Cumberland St. Suite 303
Why: Because who doesn't like to shop and a good sale???

Thank you to the LIFT ladies for the good times, girl talk, jokes, and of course for giving me fabulous hair! I know we'll be seeing you all over the city! 

For information on LIFT's new services visit http://liftbeautyboutique.com. Don't forget to keep up with the ladies on their official blog to stay up to date on new products, beauty tips, and events.


The Luminato festivities have begun in Toronto and there are many beauty events to get your beauty fix! Tomorrow, June 16, you can discover the Tokyo vibe with Shu Uemura at the Yonge and Dundas Square from 11 am - 11 pm. Come and observe principal artist, Taca Ozawa, demonstrate the true Art of Japanese Beauty. This is the perfect time to indulge in their wide array of luxury faux lashes (application free with lash purchase)! 

In the evening enjoy musical performances from Japanese pop divas:

7:45: De De Mouse
8:50: The Moist Towelettes 
9:30: Maki Nomiya

Don't fret if you miss out on the festivities at Dundas Square. Visit the Shu Uemura counter at Holt Renfrew from June 17th to June 20th. With any purchase of $150, you will receive a unique Shu Uemura gift. 

Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West
Thursday - Friday 10 AM - 8 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM

Call to book your appointment 416.922.2333.

It's no secret that Shu Uemura's lash curler is a staple in my kit, but I've discovered a new favourite from the Gem Glam Summer collection! Be sure to check it out!


Shu Uemura Gem Glam Cream Eye Shadow in Pearl Light Pink ($36 CAD): I love cream shadows especially if they are waterproof. Shu Uemura's version is a light-weight shadow with a smooth texture that is easy to blend. This crease-proof shadow is great on its own for a subtle natural finish or can be layered underneath a powder shadow for a high-intensity finish. Layering cream shadows underneath a powder is one of my favourite makeup techniques. 

Pearl Light Pink is soft, sweet and feminine. It has a gorgeous shimmery finish. Use it as a base shade with chocolate browns, purple-plums, or charcoal greys. Highlight the inner corners and brow bone to open the eyes. Make it edgy with kohl liner smudged on top and bottom. It's a versatile product that definitely stands up to the heat! 

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



I had posted my summer faves for lips a few posts back (click here) featuring more muted shades of nudes, peaches, pinks and corals. Well, I think I have found one of my favourite lip colours of all time! Hall of famer? I think so! Yes, I have had many lip affairs in the past - glosses, lipsticks, tinted lip balms, lip stains - you name it. But Lancome's L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Fast Kisses has stolen my heart!

Before I give you the background, I have to mention right away that Fast Kisses is a LE and only available online and at The Bay Queen Street in Toronto from June 17 - 19 (or until stock runs out)! If you're in the Toronto area you won't want to miss The Bay Lancome beauty event where you can get your makeup done, meet Lancome makeup artist Lora Spiga and designer Mark Fast, and most importantly get your hands on this must-have lipstick! Spots are limited so call to book your appointment at 416-861-4572 x.176!



Hand-picked by Fast and Spiga, the very limited edition of L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick has been named FAST KISSES by Fast himself. Spiga has collaborated with fashion designer Fast to create a make-up look complementing the knitwear garment he designed exclusively for Luminato to reinterpret LancĂ´me’s iconic rose and femininity.

When I first saw the press release, I thought what's so different about the colour? The photo really does not do this colour justice. It just looks red in the photo. In person and on the lips - STUNNING! Fast Kisses is a fuchsia pink and the perfect marriage of red and pink. The hue is very blue-based and would look AH-mazing on fair to deep dark beauties! It's one of those shades that perk up your complexion and make your teeth look whiter. I wore it to work yesterday as a stain which I pressed into my lips with my finger and I don't think I received so many compliments on a lipstick in my life! One girl said "it just gives you enough oomph without looking overdone".I kept the look simple with bronzy shadows, lots of mascara, bronzer, and put all the focus on my lips!

The texture and pigment is very rich, hydrating and definitely lasts for 8 hours! The only thing I am not a fan of is the rose scent but at least it does not linger for too long. There are not enough words to describe this amazingness - you just have to go and check it out for yourself! Since it's an LE, I may have to visit The Bay to stock up!

L’Absolu Rouge in FAST KISSES will be available in limited quantities at www.lancome.ca/markfast (Shop the limited edition) and at Toronto Bay Queen from June 17 to June 19 or until stock runs out. Retails for $35 CAD.

Luminato: Mark Fast Interpreting The Rose
From June 11th to June 20th
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
M5J 2T3

The weather is starting to get a lil' steamy in Toronto which means the city is all a buzz with must-attend events! And a few of these events are happening around the same time. Hmm, could it have anything to do with the much anticipated Sex and The City 2 movie premiere?? 


When beauty and fashion come together to raise money for a worthy charity then you know it's going to be good especially if it's being hosted by supermodel and fellow Canadian, Coco Rocha, fashion icon and Fashion TV reporter, Jeanne Beker, performance by Dragonette, and fashion show from UK designer Todd Lynn! All this and an after-party, open bar, food, and some sweet swag!

Tickets are $95 and 100% of dollars raised will go towards a cure for children's cancer!

For event information visit www.strutforacure.com.


Founder of women's social network What Women Want, Shannae Ingleton, knows that women in Toronto want a fabulous cocktail party to celebrate the premiere of Sex and The City 2. On May 27, ladies will be able to wine, dine and date - yes date - in a dress. Women are allowed to bring one single male date for free. Men can party with a bevy of beauties and the ladies know that all the men in attendance are "Single in The City".

Attendees will also have the chance to shop various vendors. Your ticket will include a Cineplex Odeon Movie Ticket, a complimentary "Carrie Cosmo", a swag bag with SJP NYC Perfume, a full sized CARGO Cosmetics product and much more!

For event information click here and to buy tickets visit http://sjpyyz.eventbrite.com



Before you hit the big events next week, walk the pink carpet and look fab-in-a-flash by visiting the amazingly talented bloers at blo blow dry bar! Book a blo out before hitting the theater or a night out from May 27 to May 29 during the hours of 3 - 9 pm at the King location (space is limited). Dine on cupcakes and sip on champagne courtesy of Henkell Trocken. Oh, and the best 4 SATC look-a-likes will receive a blo on them!

blo dry bar
626 king street west, suite 102
RSVP: mel[at]blowmedry[dot]com

www.blomedry.com

 L-R: Lauren (LIFT), Farah, Emily (LIFT), Anjali, me, and Aanchal
Photo credit: Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com

On May 14, a few of us beauty bloggers teamed up with the amazing ladies at LIFT Beauty Boutique to host a Girls Night In event in support of The Canadian Cancer Society. It was a fun-filled night of hair, makeup, and a deadly combo of wine and cupcakes! The final numbers are still being tallied but last I heard numbers were close to $800!


Thank you to all the fabulous women who willingly gave us their pretty faces, hair and money to support a fabulous cause. Thank you to Emily, Lauren, Brianne, and Melissa for hosting at LIFT. To my awesome fellow beauty bloggers, Anjali from Rock That Look, Farah from Faces By Farah, and Aanchal from Aanchal Artistry it was a pleasure working with you ladies! 

Here are some photos from the event (picture heavy). To view more pictures click here. To read more recaps of Girls Night In at LIFT visit Glitter Geek and LIFT Beauty Boutique Blog!

To find out more on how you can help find a cure for cancer visit www.cancer.ca.

Lelo from Lelo Artistry and awesome photog Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com

Fab TBB Ladies: Anjali, Delia, Farah, Arianne, and Naomi
Photo credit: www.glittergeek.ca

Liza, Lauren (LIFT), and Arianne
Photo credit: www.glittergeek.ca

Mini LIFT Cosmetics glosses and lipsticks
Photo credit: Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com

Me doing a bronzey smokey eye using all LIFT Cosmetics
Photo credit: Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com

Emily giving this lucky lady her famous "Emily" blowout
Photo credit: Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com

Photo credit: Ishmil Waterman www.nexttopmodelstudios.com