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Showing posts with label bobbi brown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bobbi brown. Show all posts

How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Skincare

I know, I just couldn't stay away! Stoked that I got my new laptop adapter and now I can blog away! 

Everywhere I look, I see women in their hospital gowns, hair matted, skin pale and sallow, dark circles and puffy eyes. Granted, the majority of them just gave birth and looking hot really isn't their first priority. I'm bed ridden, but since I can still move around a bit I'm making an effort to look as "non-patient" as I can if you know what I mean. I refuse to wear a hospital gown unless I really need to and make time to fit in a skin and makeup routine. These to me are some of the things that will keep me sane and feel normal in a not-so-normal situation. 

Many of the beauty articles you're reading now are all about "How To Beat The Heat With These Products", but since my problem is being in a stuffy hospital with average air circulation, I need products that will make my skin look bright and radiant! Since the a/c is broken, we have fans blowing everywhere. To prevent my skin from looking lack-luster and dry, I've turned to a few must-have products starting with skincare!


1. Dr. Dennis Gross All In One Cleanser With Toner ($32 CAD. The Shopping Channel): Have I mentioned before that I love multi-taskers? I didn't want to pack a slew of beauty products so this cleanser was the perfect choice. It's a 3-in-1 cleanser that cleanses, tones and removes makeup even water-proof products. It contains natural Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins A,C, and E so it won't strip your skin. What I love most about it, is that it works for all skin types. If you have dry skin like me, you just need to massage into skin with dry hands for 10 seconds. Oilier types have to massage it in for 30 seconds. It applies really creamy, yet rinses off easily leaving my skin feeling smooth and clean.

2. Bobbi Brown Brightening Advanced Serum ($105 USD): I don't usually wear serums, but once I tried the newest star from Bobbi Brown I couldn't put it down. I seriously love the way it feels on my skin and how luminous my face looks after. It applies so silky smooth and feels super hydrating - some days I'll just apply this on my skin with no moisturizer. It's infused with Red Algae, Vitamin C Complex, and a unique blend of Grape, Mulberry, Scutellaria (soothing and anti-inflammatory properties) that even out the tone of your skin and make it look brighter. I've started noticing that since I've been using it, the tone of my skin seems brighter, texture smoother and my pores smaller. I apply this under my lotion to absorb and lock into the skin, but I think you're supposed to apply over your lotion according to the site. Either way it works lovely, but I'm still balking at the price. I believe in investing in good skin care, so if it's within my budget it's something I would definitely buy again. 

3. La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 USD): La Mer products are a luxury and definitely not apart of my everyday skincare regime. I was lucky enough to receive a deluxe size and thought why not spoil myself while I'm in the hospital! It's the perfect traveling size. It's a very rich cream so you only need a little at a time. With the dryness in the air right now, the skin around my eyes are loving it. I've only been using it for a little over 2 weeks so I'm not sure it's doing anything for my dark circles but they definitely look hydrated and radiant. 

4. La Mer Creme de la Mer ($135 - $1650 USD): My first experience with this luxurious cream, my skin was not in the best shape. I actually had a reaction from a medicine at the time when I started using this. You can read about it here. This time around, my skin is pretty normal despite being on the drier side but can I tell you - I don't like this cream - I LOVE this cream! Why must my skin have expensive taste?? It's just what the doctor ordered. My skin soaks it right up and after my skin looks glowing. Again, it's a deluxe size and I'm trying to savour it as much as I can but I know it will be all gone by the time I'm out of the hospital. I'm sure once that happens, my skin will need less moisture. If you can afford it, it's a fabulous cream. My skin just looks so much smoother and and more luminous.

5. La Mer The Body Creme Tube ($130 USD): Can't forget about the body! I received a deluxe size in the tube form which is so compact and portable. Again, it leaves your skin unbelievably soft and supple. I rarely have to reapply throughout the day because it's so hydrating. It doesn't leave a greasy finish like most richer creams. It has a light scent, but disappears right away. 

What's the lesson here? Use expensive skin creams while you're in the hospital and you will feel like a super star! It really is a treat especially when all I have to look forward to is laying on my bed all day. I believe if you don't take care of your outer appearance, it will start to affect the way you feel on the inside. Since I can't control when the baby will come, this is one area of my life I know I can control!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you turn to beauty products to get you out of a funk? Stay tuned for How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup post!

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

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Summer Beauty Review: Looking Pale? 5 Bronzers To Give You That Faux Glow!

What is it about sun-kissed skin that everyone longs for? Hmm, I can think of a few reasons. You look healthier, don't have to wear as much makeup, and everyone thinks you just came back from the most fabulous getaway.

There are a variety of bronzers on the market to suit your fancy. Read up on what I think of this summer's latest bronzers-on-the-block!


1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 ($34 CAD): They call this "almost bronzer" for a reason. If you have a bronzer phobia, but long for a touch of sun you will love this bronzer. The application is very, very sheer. It claims it's long-wearing, but because I received the Light/Medium sample I couldn't see it at all on my skin. It also says it's buildable which I'm sure is true if you have very fair skin. You can combine the two shades for an all over natural colour or use one to contour and the lighter to highlight. For me, this bronzer was a bust especially at $34, mainly because I couldn't truly test its potential and I didn't have a chance to try it on someone fairer than me. Anyone else try this?

2. Lancome Star Bronzer in #3 ($46 CAD): This long-wearing bronzer will be featured this summer in a new slim case with a clic closing. I love the embossed design - it reminds me of sun rays shining over the brand's classic rose emblem. It even has a rose scent to it. The bronzer is lovely on and the shimmer is very subtle so you get the most natural glow. The shade is very buildable and long-wearing. You won't have to worry about looking orange this summer - just pure golden baby! Keep in mind, it comes with a hefty price tag but if you love Lancome and love luxury bronzers this is one to get.

3. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed ($34 CAD): These eco-friendly beauty balms of goodness are perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. I love the glow it gives my skin. The sticks are very creamy and sinks into the skin leaving a gorgeous tint of colour behind. It doesn't leave a greasy residue. Don't expect these to last all day though. I found it lasted longer when I didn't prime or put any foundation on. On bare skin, it actually stayed better. These are perfect for when you want a bronzey tan on-the-go or when you're going to the beach. You can swipe the Bronzed shade on your lids, cheeks and lips and you're good to go. Keep in mind, if staying out in hot weather for a long time these can melt! Solution: throw it in with the drinks in your cooler!

4. Vasanti Brazilian Powder - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25 CAD):  First, the packaging is beautiful with its unique artisan inspired paperboard with hand made accents. Being the less pricier of the 5, this is an awesome bronzer for what you get. It contains a nutrient-rich formula with anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. It has a shimmery finish to it but instead of looking shiny it leaves a gorgeous sheen. You'll be glowing in all the right places! Tip: make sure your skin is properly powdered before applying. Because it is so velvety smooth, I found I had to buff my skin really well before it looked blended. 

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep Chocolate (LE, $40 CAD): You want chocolate? This bronzer is a true rich chocolate. The finish is matte yet silky so you'll never look muddy or dirty. Deep Chocolate is one I recommend for medium-dark to deep skin. I'm no where as tanned as I would be in the height of summer, but if I use it sparingly it leaves a lovely bronzed finish to my skin. I also like using this to contour or as a shadow. It's also available in Rich Cocoa and might be better for someone who has fair to medium skin. Remember to use a bronzer buffing brush or a big powder brush to apply your bronzer so it leaves a believable natural tan! 

 Top - Bottom: Clinique, Lancome, Revolution Organics, Vasanti, and Bobbi Brown

Have you tried any of these bronzers? What are your favourite bronzers for a natural summer glow? 

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

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Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Makeup Event at Holt Renfrew!


Look your best and feel Pretty Powerful! From March 18 - March 20, the makeup experts at Bobbi Brown counters in Holt Renfrew locations across Canada will be sharing quick and easy tips to make you feel and look your absolute best. Book your appointment to receive a makeup lesson, have your picture taken and receive a custom face chart to take home!

To find a Holt Renfrew location near you visit www.holtrenfrew.com.


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Spring Preview 2010: Spring Fling The Corals

It's the first day of March which means Spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed)! To get you excited for Spring, I thought it would be fitting to begin this month with one of this season's hottest trends: coral lips.

Why Spring fling? Because there's too many fun shades to choose from! Stay tuned for more beauty trends Makeup Junkie is crushin' on this season!

 
 
Coral lips will warm up any complexion. Let your lips be the focus and give your eyes a nice swipe of bronze, gold, or shimmery peachy-pink shadow. Stick to coral, peach, or bronze tones on the cheeks to compliment coral lips.

Smashbox Heartbreaker Lip Shine Melon Drama: If you love ultra-shiny glosses that pack a punch then you'll love Melon Drama! This colour is gorgeous and such a fun colour for spring. I think this is a universal shade that compliments all skin tones. Gloss feels smooth and rich but never sticky. The shine and colour last longer than your average gloss. The portable squeeze tube means no dipping the fingers!

Bobbi Brown Coral Sands Shimmer Gloss: This is the perfect coral shade to pair with a green or bronze smokey eye. The sheer golden peach hue is lovely on its own but looks amazing over top of a peach or nude lipstick. The shine doesn't last as long, but the shimmer leaves a nice sparkle on the lips. The gloss isn't sticky and leaves my lips moisturized. The only thing that bugged me was the brush; the hairs stick out and is really small. I'd definitely prefer a wand. It's a nice gloss, but 4.2 ml for $20 US is a bit steep. Hopefully they will come out with a bigger version??

Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick Marrakech: If you're looking to splurge on a lipstick then try Marrakech from Le Metier de Beaute. I had heard great things about the brand and was excited to receive a sample of their lipsticks. This lipstick is a dream on the lips. Colour is long-lasting and very creamy. Marrakech is a sophisticated coral that has a shimmery frost finish, perfect for after-work cocktails. For all you proud Canadians (GO CANADA!), the brand sadly isn't available in Canada.

Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm in Cancun: Here is one brand that is made in Canada! Cancun has quickly become a favourite and has made a nice home in my makeup stash. I love tinted lip balms and this one does not disappoint. It feels like butta' on the lips and gives your lips a sheer kiss of colour. Cancun is a beautiful coral with a touch of pink that will look great on all skin tones. If you're a little weary to try a coral, then go with a tinted version.

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

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Spring Preview Review: Sweet Cheeks!

Stop, you're makin' me blush! From candy pinks to sweet peaches, you'll want to show off those cheeks this Spring. Don't be coy - blush on with these sweeter than sweet blushes!

Coral Peaches:


Top swatch: not blended, Bottom swatch: blended

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Cabo Coral (available February 2010):  I am all over this creamy blush - one of my favourites for Spring! Cabo Coral  gives the cheeks a gorgeous healthy glow, perfect for this drab weather or if you suffer from dry skin. This coral-peach shade gives you a beachy pop of colour, a definite perk-me-up shade. I also found it to last into the evening without retouching. The texture works great as a stain if you don't suffer from chapped lips. I liked patting this onto the lips then adding a gloss over top for some depth and moisture.

Tip: To guarantee longer wear on the cheeks, apply after foundation then set with translucent powder.




M.A.C. Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach (Spring Colour Forecast available February 2010):  How gorgeous does this blush look in the compact? I love the gradient colour of coral to light peach - another staple for Spring! The Spring Colour Forecast features for colour stories: coral, pink/lavender, yellow/gold and plum/burgundy.

Ripe Peach is from the coral family and is a striking shade that gives your cheeks a sweet pop of colour. The texture is super blendable and leaves a subtle glow. The shimmer isn't over the top either so you don't have to worry about appearing too shiny.


Top swatch: blended, Bottom swatch: not blended

Beauté Cosmetics Liqui-Gel Stains in Neon: Memories of neon bring me back the garish 80's but Beauté's version is anything but! The neon orange may look shocking in the tube, but once its blended you will adore the coral-pink glow it leaves behind. These stains have some serious staining power too - you have about 12 seconds before it sets so I suggest dabbing a little at a time (if you don't want it to stain your fingers blend with a blush brush or sponge). You won't have to worry about this blush fading throughout the day.

Bonus: you can use this on the lips as well! The gel texture cushions your lips and works best when your lips are dry. However, if you have chapped-skin the stain will only enhance it. Moisturize your lips when you start applying your makeup.  By the time you get to your lips, the lip balm will have set into your lips then you can apply the stain. 



Benefit Sugarbomb Boxed Powder:  Swirl these four shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose together and your cheeks will get a sweet rush of colour - or so they say. I got to test this powder out back in October only I didn't test it on myself. This blush is a sheer peach-pink on fair to medium skinned beauties but on medium-dark skin like moi, it barely shows up. I was so excited when I was sent a sample but disappointed after trying it. However, it works nicely as a highlighter or an all-over powder but I have enough of those! 



Lancome Pop 'n Cheeks Blush in Coral Flirt (O My Rose by Aaron de Mey available February 2010):  Love the presentation of this blush - it's like a little piece of art. The peachy-coral shade is very pretty but the gold glittery shimmer is a little too intense for me. Yes, you can apply the colours separately then use the gold as a highlighter but if you're using a proper sized blush brush that just doesn't work. All that bling on the face during the day might cause some to squint so I'd recommend this blush for a fun night out.

Pinks/Berries:


Cargo Blush in Amalfi (available February 2010 in CVS and select indy boutiques): I was a Cargo blush virgin until recently! After I received a sample of Amalfi, I immediately knew why Cargo's blush was a cult classic. First of all, the texture applies like butter and is so pigmented. The jumbo size and the amount of colour pay-off is so worth the price!

Amalfi is a shimmering hot pink which my cheeks are just loving! If you're looking for a neutral pink then this is not your shade. Amalfi is like a baby doll pink with some attitude. For a girly flush, apply on the apples of the cheek but for something more sophisticated apply Amalfi over a bronzer - gorgeous!



Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Plum: I was completely shocked at how much I would love this blush! I received a sample back in November and its been in heavy rotation ever since.These ultra creamy oil-free blushes not only give you a healthy glow but nourishes your skin with anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties at the same time.

The plum shade is a sophisticated version of a girly flush. When I apply this shade, my skin instantly looks brighter (love using this when I've had a late night). They are super blendable and long-lasting. It doesn't say you can apply on your lips but I do anyways. My lips look plump and soft and it doesn't dry out them out either.



100% Pure Strawberry Gel Cheek Tint: 100% natural, 100% vegan and gluten-free. This is the philosophy behind the all natural vegan line 100% Pure. The colour is derived from antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit.

Upon opening this blush you'll want to squirt it into your mouth but resist the urge! The yummy strawberry scent is delicious and the strawberry-pink shade is even better! The gel applies sheer so you won't over do it but you can definitely layer for more pop. And since it's all natural why not swipe some onto your lips!



Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush in Crush 201:  Vapour Organic Beauty is a certified organic line that uses organic mineral pigments to colour their products. Aura Multi-Use Blush can be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips - big fans of multi-tasking products at Makeup Junkie!

Crush is a soft petal pink that reminds me of the first bloom of spring. It applies sheer on the first application but becomes a brighter pink after 2 more applications. The dewy finish was fresh and natural. Love the on-the-go and travel-friendly packaging, perfect for when you're in a rush.

What blushes are you excited to swipe on your cheeks for Spring?



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Beauty Feature: Beach Babe Beauty

For most of you summer started in June, but my summer didn't start until last Friday! This past weekend was a scorcher (after a month long drought!) and what do you do when it's sticky hot? Go to the beach! And that's exactly what we did. Most women that go to the beach don't wear anything on their face other than sun block. I was tempted to bare my natural skin but the makeup junkie in me just couldn't! I decided to use this opportunity to put some talked about beach must-haves to the test!


1. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go: I had featured this product last week (click here), but I didn't really get to test it's sweat-resistant/water-resistant claims. After sitting in the hot beating sun and splashing around in the water, my face didn't melt off all day and looked bronzy and glowy. Even with all the sweating, my skin didn't feel heavy or sticky. Great alternative to a tinted moisturizer and bronzer!


2. Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Mascara: This is the one mascara I've been using all summer long. It perfectly defines, separates, adds volume, and lengthens all in one. It also doesn't flake or smudge. My lashes looked great in and out of the water. This mascara also has tube technology which means it comes off in little tubes with warm water!


3. Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: The last thing you want to do is bring your whole makeup stash to the beach. This creme stain for cheeks and lips is a definite must-have! It is oil-free, streak-free, and waterproof. Surprisingly it didn't sweat off my watermelon glow and lasted on my lips after drinking. It did come off a bit on the lips after eating something oily but that is to be expected. A little goes a long way so start with a tiny drop and blend into the skin with your finger. This colour also looks gorgeous on tan skin. The light watermelon scent is just delicious!


4. YSL Gloss Volupte Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick SPF 9 in Iced Lychee: New for Fall but a must for Summer! Gloss and lipstick in one - LOVE! This sheer gloss stick gives your lips extreme shine and drenches your lips in moisture. I love the way it feels on the lips, although I wish the moisturizing factor lasted longer. I layered this over top of the Becca Tint to enhance the colour a little more and to protect my lips from the sun. Iced Lychee is a sheer pinky-coral and gave my lips a bit of colour, but I prefer using it over top of a stain for more colour and moisture. While I've become a fan of this gloss stick, I'm not sure I would pay $30 USD for a sheer lip colour!


5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85: Sunblock is essential when frolicking in the sun. This sunblock contains Helioplex technology which delivers the highest UVA protection. The Dry-touch technology helped quickly absorb into my skin and got rid of excess shine without a chalky-white finish. The sunblock has a light scent and never felt heavy or sticky on my skin. It's also water-proof and sweat-proof! I love the high SPF factor because I didn't have to reapply every half hour.

Have you tried any of these products? Hate 'em? Love 'em? What are your beach babe must-haves? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

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Beauty Feature: Faux Tan, Healthy Skin


North Americans are notorious for believing in "the more tan the better", but at what cost? In places like China or the Philippines it is quite the opposite. Whitening and lightening creams stock their shelves while North Americans are saturated with tanning salons, self-tanners, and bronzers.

Warnings about tanning beds being one of the leading causes of skin cancer have been all a buzz everywhere, especially in the beauty world. It's a scary fact knowing that before the age of 30 our risk of getting skin melanoma increase to 75 %! I think I've used a tanning bed maybe 3 times in my life and only because it was all the rage with my friends back then. I remember not really enjoying the whole process of wiping down the bed, wearing those silly looking eye goggles, stripping down to my underwear, and having the feeling of claustrophobia come over me while my skin baked. Yes, having tan skin instantly was gratifying but definitely not worth skin cancer.

Sun in a healthy way without frying your skin to a leathery golden brown (or in some cases orange). Fake 'n bake is out, but healthy skin is always in! Faux tan with these skin saving products!


Protect your face with a moisturizer that has an SPF. Too much sun on the face will speed up the signs of aging. For the last few months I've been using Lancome's Primordiale Skin Recharge Visible Smoothing Renewing Moisturizer SPF 15 ($78 CDN). I love the soft creamy texture and how fast it absorbs into my skin. It's a perfect day cream that feels light-weight but moisturizing enough for even the driest skin. Designed to give your skin a smoother more radiant finish, my skin is exactly that.

Bronzed skin should never look heavy or flat. Whether it is a powder, gel, or cream, bronzers are a great way to mimic a sun-kissed tan without damaging the skin. Select a bronzer that has a luminous quality to it like Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($40 CDN). I have Bali and it gives me a natural deep golden glow. The formula is ultra-soft, super blendable, and the micro pearls leave skin looking naturally radiant! Apply bronzer to the high points of the face: temples, cheeks, bridge of nose and chin.

Your lips need some sun-loving protection too! I love tinted lip balms that have an SPF because it cuts down on your time and the amount of products you have to carry with you. M.A.C.'s Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm ($17.50 CDN) hydrate, protect and provide a sheer colour to the lips. I have Lilt of Lily (soft creamy pale pink) and Just a Smidge (soft pastel yellow with multi-coloured pearl). Both are very sheer and almost look clear on my lips - I prefer a little more colour but these are great choices for the "no-makeup" makeup look. The texture feels very smooth and my lips feel heavily coated. It's not quite sticky but feels rich on the lips leaving them moisturized for hours! Love the slanted squeeze tube packaging - very portable and easy to apply.

Prep your skin for a self-tanner by exfoliating. The dead, dry skin will be removed, leaving a fresh smooth surface for an even all-over application. Lise Watier's Gommage Bora Bora ($21 CDN) is an exfoliating gel for your face and body! I found this gel to thoroughly but gently exfoliate my skin. I had soft, radiant skin all day long. My favourite part about this product is that I could use it on my face. I find most body scrubs are too harsh for the face area but not this one. No streaky tans with this exfoliator!

Go faux when you want that glow! It's true that some self-tanners are a pain to apply and the results are often a streaky mess (a la Lindsay Lohan!). I'm really enjoying Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel ($48 USD) because the gel is easy to apply and the results are instant - no waiting around until the next day to see the tan! This gel was designed to be the alternative to traditional bronzing self-tanners. It firms, tones, and improves the skin's suppleness and elasticity while giving you that bronzed glow you love. The gel is also transfer-free and water-resistant, the perfect choice for summer activities. I have Exotic and LOVE the deep golden brown glow it gives my skin! The gorgeous shimmer looks especially sexy on my legs! Do wait a few minutes for it to dry before putting on your clothes and wash your hands immediately so they won't stain.

Lather on the sunblock for those outdoor activities. The longer you'll be out in the sun the higher the SPF should be. Neutrogena has a great range of SPF products that go as high as 100! Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 contains Helioplex technology which delivers the highest UVA protection. The Dry-touch technology helped quickly absorb into my skin and got rid of excess shine without a chalky-white finish. The sunblock has a light scent and never felt heavy or sticky on my skin.

Do you use tanning beds often? What is your sun protection regime? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

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Spring 2009 Beauty Trend: Gloss Me Up!

Lip stains and lipsticks are everywhere this Spring but sexy, shiny gloss isn't going anywhere! Gloss junkies everywhere can relax, pull out your wands and apply and reapply! Pucker up for some of Spring's hottest glosses in shimmering berries to pearly pinks!

Stila Pearl Shimmer Gloss (Limited Edition, $22 USD): The pearly finish on these glosses are just fabulous and not to mention ultra-moisturizing! Created with genuine crushed pearl, the minerals and proteins in pearl nourish the skin and leave lips looking smooth and soft, while the subtle shimmer in pearl minimizes the appearance of fine lines.The one drawback is the shine and glossy finish aren't very long-lasting, but I found the pearly texture left a nice shimmery stain on the lips. I really love how moisturizing and non-sticky it feels on the lips. You'll love how pouty the shimmering pearl makes your lips look and the gorgeous colours. Pearlescent Pink (left, shimmering pale pink) is the perfect hue of soft pink for Spring! Looks amazing on its own or as a highlight over a deeper shade. Ocean Current (right, shimmering deep berry) will look amazing on any skin tone. The pearly finish makes it wearable for any time of the day. Also available in South Sea Coral (shimmering soft peach) and Stila's #1 selling eyeshadow in Pearl Kitten (shimmering warm pink champagne)!

Kiehl's Lip Gloss in Pink Rider ($14.50 USD): I am in love with practically all the shades from Kiehl's Lip Gloss line but one of my favourites for the season is Pink Rider. This medium shimmering pink is so pretty and sheer. These non-sticky glosses give your lips high shine which surprisingly lasts for more than a few hours. They also contain natural extracts like Mango, Grape Seed, Rose Hips, Apricot Kernal and antioxidants that hydrate and restore suppleness to the lips. These glosses feel like a balm and have a slanted tip applicator like a balm. Easy to throw in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Did I mention the sweet scent is addictive?

Prescriptives Tint Balm in Smoothie ($14.50 USD): Sometimes a gal just likes a little lip chap with a tint of colour and sweet flavour. Smoothie is a sheer soft pink but turned clear on me once it absorbed into my lips. The balm did keep my lips moisturized and while it wasn't tacky my hair did stick to my lips in the wind. The flavour smells like strawberries with an after-taste of waxiness which turned me off after a while. I do like the squeeze-tube packaging with slanted-tip applicator. You can swipe these babies on easily even on the bumpiest of car rides!

Bobbi Brown Lip Compact (Limited Edition, $25 CDN): Nothing looks more feminine than barely-there whisper pink lips. Blushed pink lips were Bobbi Brown's answer to this season's soft, sparkly eye. These compacts come with a clear protective cover and can be popped out out if its compact and inserted into the brand's Customizable Palettes. Baby Glitter Lip Gloss (left, soft pink with glitter) looks more clear than anything else with a pretty shimmery finish. Where on its own when you just want some fabulous shine or place over top of your fave lippie. Blush Pink Creamy Lip Colour (right, pale nude pink) is extremely creamy with a shiny gloss-like finish. It is THE nude pink and a perfect compliment to a smokey eye. The only drawback - the protective cover is great but interferes when you're trying to dab your finger in it. Oh, and you have to dab your finger in it - may or may not bother you.

Smashbox Muse Lip Paints in Artiste ($21 USD): Bring out the inner "artiste" in you with Muse Lip Paints. These creamy lip glosses were inspired by layering colours and creating your own custom colour. I get the concept, but isn't that what us gloss junkies do anyway? Sure, they come in pretty colours and provide sexy shine but I don't think the new packaging and name make these Lip Paints any different. Artiste, a creamy berry, gives the look of "just bitten" lips. The texture was a bit tacky, but the colour and shine lasted longer than a normal gloss.

M.A.C. Hello Kitty Lipglass in Nice to be Nice (Limited Edition, $16.50 CDN): Move over pink, orange is sizzling it up this season! M.A.C.'s latest Hello Kitty craze is causing quite a ruckus! I have to say, out of all the collections this is by far my favourite from M.A.C.! I grew up obsessed with Hello Kitty and I think M.A.C. has done a fabulous job recreating this iconic kitty. Nice to be Nice, an intense sheer bright orange with pearl, gives the lips a warm pop of colour. It's a nice change from the season's pinks and berries. The packaging is just adorable and definitely a collector's item. Prrrr, me likes!

Coach Signature Lip Gloss ($22 USD): We all know Coach makes great hand bags but who knew they would make amazing glosses! Packaged in their signature Coach logo, these glosses are chic and ready to impress. These glosses pack on the shine and colour. I love Peony, a pearly peachy-pink. This shade looks great paired with a smokey eye or against bronzey skin with peachy-pink cheeks. Freesia, a gorgeous cranberry with gold shimmer, looks amazing with a subtle gold eye and bronzey cheeks.

Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

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Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Bath & Body!

Makeup Junkie has reached the end of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 surveys with one last survey: Best In Bath & Body! I know, finally right? Well, your input on the best beauty buys for 2008 is important and we appreciate all you Makeup Junkies that have participated! The results will be posted towards the end of December so stay tuned!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Bath & Body 2008
Start: December 5, 2008
End: December 12, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 1 lucky winner will win 2 must-have palettes from Stila and 1 Bobbi Brown lip palette! Stila palettes: Day to Night Talking Palette and Smokey Eye Talking Palette in "The Emeralds". Bobbi Brown lip palette: Bobbi Brown Basics Lip Palette. These fabulous palettes will come in handy for those after-work holiday parties!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 12, after 12:30 pm! Good luck!


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Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Gloss!


Every gal, naughty or nice, will love a little dose (or a lot) of sexy gloss on the lips this holiday season! Shine sheer or shine high with some of these festive glossy must-haves!

Benefit's Peace, Love and Glossiness makes the perfect Christmas gift of gloss this holiday season! Lip gloss fanatics and Makeup Junkies will love the set of 3 gloss duos that contain 6 of Benefit’s most popular lips glosses with such irresistable names: 1. My people, Your people, 2. Talk To My Agent, 3. 24K, 4. Who Does Your Work?, 5. Magic, and 6. Kiss You.

Shine-on with Smart Packaging
I test ran the lip glosses this week wearing it from my daytime job to a night out. I did touch up mid-day after lunch to keep the lips looking glossy-fresh. The shine of one application was just right for an all-day look and perfectly suitable for a corporate office, where you may want to ensure co-workers are not distracted by over-glossed and gooey lips. What's great is that you can easily change up your look for evening with any of the alternate glosses in the set, and all you have to carry is one tube for 2 different looks! Well, unless of course you’re a super junkie and want all 6 glosses handy!! (Guilty as charged).

Stick factor
The glosses have just the right amount of stick to give a great shine, keep the product where it belongs, and not catch your hair as it blows in the wind! The downside of not being too sticky is that a midday touch-up is likely necessary, as the product will tend to wear away sooner than an overly sticky gloss.

Smell
It does have a slight fragrance-y smell that was initially noticeable. I tend to use products without fragrance (as a personal preference), but overall the smell was negligible and not unpleasant.

Benefit's Peace, Love & Glossiness set is limited edition only and at a steal of price of $30 for the six glosses, it's surely not going to stay on store shelves very long! It definitely makes a great gift, but be careful when buying it that you don’t end up keeping it for yourself!

Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com

If you can't get enough of Smashbox's original Lip Enhancing Gloss then you'll love the holiday collection Rapture Lip Gloss Set ($29 USD)! These award-winning glosses are ultra moisturizing and coat the lips with the right amount of shine and colour.

This party-girl gloss set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives (L-R): Illume, Radiant, Candid, Ravishing, Lovely, and Stunning. The glosses have a medium stick factor. There's just enough to keep your colour and shine on longer. All the colours are just gorgeous and can be worn separately or layered together for a custom shade. The colours glow with sheer colour which is why they are perfect for both day and night. My faves: Candid, a pearly pinky-peach with gold shimmer, and Lovely, a bright pink.

Exclusive to Sephora, Stila's Shine On Gift of Glaze ($28 USD) will have you swooning! The combination of high shine and ultra shimmer give your lips the poutiness they deserve. Your lips will look naturally plump without the painful stinging "sensation". My only complaint? The click pen style applicator isn't my favourite after using it more because it can be a little messy. You also end up wasting the product with too many clicks. Aside from that, the long-lasting beautiful colours and shine will have you hooked!

There isn't one colour in this set that isn't apart of my beauty stash! The set features four top-selling shades and two new colours. L-R: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Apricot, Grapefruit, Gumdrop (New!), and Raisin (New!). I had assumed Vanilla would look almost clear on me but the pearly nude is more than barely-there! Brown Sugar is a gorgeous warm golden nude, slightly darker than Vanilla. This is a flattering shade on all skin tones and is wearable any time of the day. Apricot, a melon-nectarine and an old fave, looks like my lips but better. Grapefruit, a frosted pink, is the prettiest soft pink on the lips! Gumdrop, vibrant pink, will perk you up and brighten up any look. Raisin, a shimmering golden plum and another new fave, is the perfect shade for those festive evening cocktails. Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze will be another glossy set you might keep for yourself!

Forget giving this one away! Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited Edition Lipgloss Clutch ($39 USD) is definitely one you should keep for yourself! The stunning gold and deep purple clutch comes with 9 mini Tarte Vitamin-Infused lipglosses! These limited edition shades are infused with the Tarte t5 super fruit complex, which is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. Not only do these pretty lippies look great but they are good for you inside and out!

Top Row: shell with silver glitter, coral with pearly pink finish, golden brown shimmer, golden plum, sheer soft pink, candy pink. Bottom Row: raspberry-red with gold and pink flecks, cranberry-gold, and true red. I'm in love with all the colours! The glosses don't have names and aren't apart of the original line. I love the balm-like texture, sheer but noticeable colour, and the soft sweet scent. The colour is lasting but the shine wears off after a few hours. You can definitely blend and layer but each colour is as sweet on their own. The little clutch is just adorable and would look great with any outfit! It's big enough to hold your keys, some money/credit card, your cell, and a few of these mini glosses. They are pint size, but with 9 glosses to choose from it'll be a while before you use all these lippies! Sorry gals, this one is for me! :)

Know someone with a sweet tooth? Then she'll love Jaqua Lip Frosting Trio ($24 USD)! Jaqua, a beautifully packaged, true fragranced, and highly effective bath and beauty products were created by the Jaqua sisters, who began the line to fulfill their beauty needs that weren't being met. I am a sucker for anything sugary, sweet and yummy smelling!

The set of 3 Lip Whips contain: Cocoa Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, the popular Pink Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. I've become a huge fan of these glosses not only for their sweet-smelling scents and flavour, but for the hydrating formula containing Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients. Seriously, I was surprised after eating a dinner and watching a movie how moisturized my lips felt and how lasting the colour was. All 3 colours are gorgeous but my faves are Pink Buttercream Frosting and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. Pink Buttercream is a pinky-gold shade that gives a subtle finish on its own or adds beautiful shimmer layered over lipstick. Raspberry Buttercream Frosting looks fantastic on its own and will make you look hot on those cold nights out. Also looks lovely mixed with Pink Buttercream Frosting. Your girlfriends trying to lose a few pounds won't feel guilty indulging in these sweet treats!

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the glossiest lips of all?" You will with Too Faced Mirror Mirror Mini Lip Gloss Set ($21 USD)! This is for a gal who loves A LOT of shine and not a whole lot of colour. These glossies are super shiny and very moisturizing. They make the lips look like glass! They don't settle into your fine lines and give the appearance of plump lips. Each gloss has a different subtle scent and the most up-lifting, good-for-the-ego, names!

L-R: I'm Perfect (sheer beige), I Know You Want Me! (clear), Damn I'm Hot! (sheer red), Don't Hate Me... (sheer pink). The colours don't really show up on me but I love the high-shine finish. My favourite is the clear shade because it looks great on its own and can be layered over top of your favourite lip colour. The shiny gloss finish will make you look radiant even when you don't feel your most radiant. Grab the spotlight this holiday season with this sexy set of glosses!

Dress up those lips with a little glitter and shine! Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Glitter Lip Gloss ($25 CAD) will have your lips twinkling under the mistletoe! Infused with light-reflecting flecks of glitter, these glosses deliver high-shine and come in 6 fabulous shades. Can't decide on a shade? Why not get all 6 in Bobbi Brown's new 6 Pan Custom Palette!

This Glitter Lip Gloss in Rave is stunning deep chocolate plum with golden flecks. I love this gloss because it's different than any of the glosses I own. This also looks hot layered over a plum or pink lipstick! The glitter particles are very fine so it doesn't feel grainy on your lips. You can be sure with the thicker texture that your colour and glittery shine will last for hours. I'd probably avoid this though on those windy nights or you'll have to deal with sticky hair. But rockin' this lovely shade is worth it!

The smell of ginger bread cookies automatically makes me think of Christmas. Dionis, a bath and body company that uses 90-95% natural ingredients, has come out with a limited-edition Ginger Mint Lip Gloss ($4.99 USD). This yummy ginger-mint scent will have you dreaming of Christmas cookies! It is non-sticky and extremely hydrating, keeping lips soft and smooth.

I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer pop of red shimmer it left on my lips. The colour isn't so heavy you'd feel uncomfortable wearing it during the day, but layer on another coat and you've got ultra shiny lips with a bit more punch! For the price, this gloss is a steal! You can buy for every friend or family member without breaking the bank!

Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

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Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Glimmer & Glow!


Christmas lights won't be the only thing that will be aglow this Holiday season! Radiant, healthy looking skin will never go out of style. Dazzle those festive parties with lots of glimmer and glow with these shimmery pretties!

Give your skin a luxe glow with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond ($50 CAD)! This limited-edition compact comes in a gorgeous faux-leather inset and a metallic copper finish. Perfect accessory to any outfit that will surely get you noticed!

Featured in "W" Magazine (November 2008), this compact is a combination of 5 shades: candlelight, copper, gold, beige and sand. This delivers a lovely warm glow that will have you glowing in all the right places. I swirled it all together for the above photo but you can use each shade separately. Swipe on the lightest shade to highlight your eyes or swirl together and apply on the cheekbones and shoulders for a radiant finish. Tip: If you normally have sallow skin, opt for the Pink Shimmer Brick Compact to brighten your complexion. Fans of the originals will love Copper Diamond! The chic packaging alone makes this a must-have!

Get a sexy glimmer with beautyADDICTS ExpressGlimmer ($30 USD). This versatile palette can be used to highlight just about anywhere. Beauty Addicts products are designed for the woman-on-the-go who love the convenience of pre-made palettes. This creamy highlighter can be applied with your fingers, sponge, or brush.

Gals who love the dewy, youthful look will love ExpressGlimmer! This has become one of my favourite highlighters! The compact includes Glimmer - a soft focus luminizing luster for a sun-kissed, elegant sheen and Sheer - a crystal clear luminizer that hydrates and enhances glowing skin. In the above photo, the left side is the Glimmer on its own but layer it over Sheer and it becomes intensified as seen on the right side. I also find the clear luminizer keeps the Glimmer on longer, but you can definitely wear both individually. Sheer gives the skin a natural dewy finish and Glimmer bumps it up a notch with a beautiful sparkle. I like to use Glimmer in the inner corner and on lips with Sheer layered over top. The cream is easy to apply and blend and works well on the body!

Light up the room with my newest favourite, Mood Lighting Shimmer Crèmes ($20.50 each) from Three Custom Color Specialists! This fabulous palette of shimmery highlighters was co-created by makeup artist, Dina Gregg, of Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel"! These silky highlighters are a sophisticated take on sparkle that go on light and creamy, and dry to a fine, powdery finish.

Available in 2 shades, Afterglow (on the left -pearlescent, champagne with flecks of gold and violet) and On Fire! (on the very right -bronzed shimmer with a swirl of opalescence) will highlight and contour your face! I love the subtle finish of the cremes because they can be layered or mixed together for a custom shade. Dina's tip: sculpt the cheeks with On Fire! on or below the cheek bones and Afterglow to the upper cheekbone. The silky powder finish gives a more natural finish than most highlighters which is perfect for photography or on-camera. You won't get the bounce-back from the flash like you would something more shimmery. The shadow in Champagne (middle) is gorgeous! It looks like it has flecks of pink and gold which make the eyes pop and twinkle. For use on the eyes, lips and body. Love the sleek refillable case it comes in complete with a shadow and creme brush.

They will be available separately November 19th online at www.threecustom.com and at select boutiques worldwide. Or you can purchase both Mood Lighting Cremes and makeup artist favourite, Champagne Eye Shadow, packaged in a Three Custom Specialists' Refillable trio with tips from Dina for $60 USD!

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