9624192e3ccfba8b8b30b60fec72321e8a045f5b

Showing posts with label makeup forever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup forever. Show all posts

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

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


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

Star Products: 

 

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

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

Middle: Sephora Favourites The Little Black Eye Liner Kit ($36 USD): Like an LBD, every woman should own at least one black eye liner. This set includes 7 of Sephora's most essential black eye liners plus an eye brush from the following brands: 
  • 0.02 oz Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx
  • 0.07oz Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay ShadowLiner in Black
  • 0.005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Eye Rim Pencil in Black
  • 0.02 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
  • 0.06oz Sephora Collection Jumbo Eye Liner in Grey
  • 0.003 oz Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony
  • 0.025 oz Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Black
  • Smashbox Eye Liner Brush 
For this look I reached for one of my favourite liners, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. I didn't want an obvious line so I lined underneath my top lash line, smudged it close into my lash line, and along my waterline. To make the liner last in the waterline, line, wait for it to set, then line again. I have more reviews to come from this kit! 

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

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

To check out another great review visit this site. 

Complete List of Products: 

Skin: 
Embroylisse Moisturizer
MUFE HD Primer Perfection
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #7
Tarte Mineral Powder
Benefit Erase Paste in #3 (under eyes)

Cheeks:
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (all over and as a contour)
NARS Douceur Blush on cheeks

Eyes: 
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
MUFE Aqua Cream #2 Steel
M.A.C. Print Eye Shadow
UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
New Maybelline Mascara (Review to come but I think I'm actually loving it!)

Lips: 
First half of the night: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss
Second half: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily (available February 2011)

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

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

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

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

, , , , , , , , |

Fall Trend 2010: It's A Lipstick Love Affair Part 2


Fall has been my favourite season for lipsticks. My lip glosses have taken a back seat thanks to the many lipstick options. One of my favourite lip launches of the season has been Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense. With 50 shades to choose from and 3 different finishes (matte, pearl, and satin), it's a lipstick junkie's dream!


Want to know what red suits your skin tone the best? Give the colour wheel a whirl and see what red you are based on your skin tone and your hair colour. You can find this handy wheel at Sephora locations. I chose #3 and #48 before I received the colour wheel but both still work for my skin tone!



Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #48 Satin Blackcurrant - Like all of Make Up For Ever's products, the lipstick does not lack in pigment. The satin collection has a rich, smooth finish with intense colour payoff. Blackcurrant is a gorgeous shade that looks more like black cherry than blackcurrant but definitely still a perfect shade for Fall. 

Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #3 Matte Caramel - The matte lipsticks apply effortlessly with no tugging or pulling at the skin. Again, the pigment is a full rich colour. Although it is matte, it does not dry out the lips. However, if you have chronically dry lips the lipstick will accentuate chapped skin and fine lines. Always prep the lips and remove dead skin prior to application for smooth looking lips. Caramel is great neutral for Fall and compliments the season's sparkling smokey eyes.


If you're a lipstick lover, you'll be sure to find a favourite (or 2 or 3) from this collection. And if you're a makeup artist, these lipsticks are a kit must-have.

Have you tried Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick retails for $19 USD and is available at Sephora locations across North America and Sears in Canada.

Products were sent for editorial consideration. 

, , , , |

Summer Faves: Blush


If there is one product I've been obsessed with this summer it has to be blush and the punchier the colour the better! During the hot humid days, I tend to wear less on the eyes and more on the cheeks and lips. Finding a blush that can hold up to the humidity in the past has been a challenge but not anymore!


1. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Shimmering Peach ($38 USD): Armani foundations are a cult classic and for good reason. When applied, it looks like your skin but much better. The new Blushing Fabrics are very much the same concept mimicking your natural flush but better. Inspired by Armani's finest couture fabrics, you feel like you're applying a rich, weightless mousse to your skin. On me, the blush applies more pinky than peach and I'm absolutely in love with it. You can apply as sheer or as heavy, but beware - you only need a pinch to get your cheeks blushing. I find it easier to dab a little with my ring finger on the apples of my cheek and blend, but it works wonderfully with a brush as well. In my line of work, I sweat A LOT. This pretty blush definitely holds up until I'm ready to remove my makeup.

The hefty price tag may keep the wallet in the purse, but you won't be disappointed with these blushes. After all, it's Armani - would you expect anything less? To make your dollar stretch, I suggest using it as a lip stain and/or apply a gloss over top. Mix it with a bronzer and you'll have the ultimate summer flush!


2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #10 Orange ($22 USD): This is one brand that has everything you could possibly want from a makeup line and then some. I'm so in love with these Aqua Creams that my kit is screaming to have every single one! If you've been searching for something that won't budge, smear, or melt-off then look no further. These creams are highly pigmented and water-proof. They come in a rainbow of colours and can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

If you're daring and love bold colours that make a statement, you will love Orange this summer. This shade is just gorgeous on tanned or deeper skin tones. On someone really fair it will look equally as beautiful but use sparingly as it packs a lot of pigment and is hard to remove once blended. The texture is dreamy and creamy. Looks amazing as a blush or bold lip colour! The price point is a steal for how functional the product is!

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

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

, , , , |

Summer Faves: Face


Summer time fun is no fun when your makeup is melting off your face or looks caked on. Here are a few face savers that have been in heavy rotation in my kit! 

1. Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Travel Kit ($34 CDN): If you want to achieve an HD ready face on and off camera this is the kit for you. Set includes 3 best-sellers: HD Elixir, HD Microperfecting Primer, and HD Microfinish Powder. 

The Exlir is a gel serum designed to boost the skin's moisture by 520% in 15 minutes. I really love this serum. My skin is pretty sensitive and without a moisturizer feels really tight. I tried the serum without a moisturizer and my skin felt well hydrated. Only a small amount is needed to cover the face.

The HD Microperfecting Primer is fantastic! It has an oil-free formula that glides onto the skin. My skin feels so smooth with the combination of the Elixir and primer. Makeup blended perfectly onto the skin and lasted all day. It has become one of my new favourite primers!

The HD Microfinish Powder is made with 100% mineral Silica powder. I love the soft focus effect it gives your skin. It works for all skin-tones and definitely helps the staying power of the makeup. Overall, it's a great sample kit if you've been wanting to try these products.

2. freshMinerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($25 USD): Absolutely loving this tinted moisturizer for many reasons. This all-natural mineral tinted moisturizer gives the skin a beautiful healthy glow and protects your skin from the sun. It's tinted but it definitely gives the skin good coverage and it's water-proof. However, if you have a blemish or pimple it won't be enough to cover it. My favourite feature is the twist top foundation brush. I've used similar products and the brush always made a mess. When you squeeze the tube an excess amount doesn't spurt out. You get just enough and the on and off twist top prevents messes and wasting product. There are 5 shades to choose from - I'm Sand and works great from my bronzy skin.

3. Benefit POREfessional ($34 CDN): If you suffer from big pores suffer no more! I am so loving the silky smooth balm that instantly minimizes the appearance of pores and primes the skin. It is oil-free, extremely lightweight, and can be used over and under your makeup. Makeup just glides on effortlessly and keeps your makeup looking flawless all day. It's also great at mattifying the skin. Available July 2010. 

4. LUSH Colour Supplement ($13.95 CDN): LUSH has makeup?? This mineral-oil free multi-purpose base can be used in many different ways. This base offers full coverage but if you prefer a lighter coverage mix with your favourite moisturizer for a lighter, dewier finish. It also works amazing as a concealer. Made with red rose petal infusion to calm redness and glycerine to help retain moisture, it gives the skin a beautiful finish. It is available in 4 shades: Light Pink Colour (lightest shade and most versatile), Dark Pink Colour (darkest), Light Yellow (pale or ivory skins), Dark Yellow (olive and yellow skins). The Dark Yellow works great for my skin tone. The only downside is that since it is an all-natural vegan product, the shelf-life of this is about a year and since it comes in a jar you'd have to use a spatula to avoid contamination. And beware, it may melt! 

5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller ($19.99 CDN): I'll be honest, I was prepared to be disappointed by this product. I've tried tinted under-eye products before and all have been a complete fail. I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage and how the mineral pigments instantly brightened my death circles! The cool feel of the roller ball also soothed my puffy tired eyes. The combination of the caffeine gel formula and the roller ball help energize and stimulate circulation. The lemon essence is known for its clarifying properties and brightens the eye area. I was afraid it would alter the colour of my concealer but it didn't. In fact, I ended up using less concealer! The shade is a shimmering beige and is supposed to be a universal shade. It says that it offers "flawless coverage for most skin tones" so it probably is too light for you dark-skinned beauties, however, may work underneath your concealer or foundation. Available August 2010. 

6. Cover FX Conceal FX ($27 CDN): The lovely team over at Cover FX held a flash mob outside Toronto's Eaton Center back in April. After the crazy mob of people died down, I luckily went home with a full-size sample of their popular Conceal FX! It erases under eye circles, blemishes, sun damage, redness, tattoos, birth marks, and even moles. I love how opaque yet emollient the concealer is. I've been finding my Benefit Erase Paste is a little too creamy for this humid weather, but Conceal FX doesn't feel heavy and stays put. It is also water-proof and HD friendly. This is a must-have concealer! 

7. Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish ($12.50-57 USD): I haven't actually been using this on myself because I don't really have a problem with excess oil. Instead, I've been using it on my brides at bridal trials to see how well this spray actually works. I sprayed this on prior to foundation then once again after all the makeup had been applied. The verdict? There's no question the makeup lasts longer, but my brides did notice the shine creep up after 3 or 4 hours versus the 16 hours that it claims to do. However, the amount of oil and shine that appeared was a lot less and kept the shine at bay a couple more hours longer than without. But even with a bit of oil, the makeup did not smear or melt off. Only touch-ups required was a little blotting. If you have oily skin I'd recommend trying the smallest size before committing to a full size bottle. Overall, my brides were happy with the results! 

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What must-have face products have you been using for the hot weather?

, , , , , , , , , |

Beauty Review: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush!


Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($29 CAD): My latest beauty obsession is blushing, glowing cheeks. I hate when blushes look powdery on the skin or applies streaky - not pretty. This is definitely not the case with Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Blush (paraben-free)! I was really excited to receive 6 of them to test out especially after hearing and reading rave reviews from fellow beauty lovers and makeup artists. 

HD Microfinish Blush combines mattifying and reflecting powders to create a soft focus effect for a radiant complexion. I am absolutely in love with the texture - it just melts into the skin and never loses its pigment. Don't be fooled by the small packaging (0.33 oz). The blushes are so pigmented that it only takes a tiny dot to give you full blushing colour. The pump applicator can be tricky and may squirt out way too much product. But I've discovered that pumping it very lightly and quickly a few times dispenses the perfect amount. No wasted product! 

How to apply: I like using my finger or a fluffy brush like M.A.C.'s #187. If using your finger, dab a tiny amount onto the apples of your cheek. Blend in a circular motion. If using a brush, apply the blush onto a palette or the back of your hand. Swirl your brush into the blush and using a buffing motion on your cheeks. If the colour is very bright a good trick is to apply before foundation so it gives that "glowing from within" effect. Or use after foundation and set with a powder blush or translucent powder. 

#4 Walk of Shame: Love this bubble gum pink when I want that baby doll effect. It's a clean pink that really brightens your look. Apply a few layers to really make your cheeks pop. 

#5 Nip Slip: This is a great neutral pink that is in between a bubblegum pink and a pink-brown. Great everyday shade. 

#6 Quickie: Hot shade for spring and summer! This salmon-pink is really pretty and really warms up your complexion. This blush is gorgeous against bronzed skin! 

#7 One Too Many: This peachy-beige is so wearable and has been one of my go-to blushes. It's not too orange, not too pink or not too beige. To me, it's the perfect peach shade. 

#8 PDA: This pinky-nude is equivalent to M.A.C.'s cult classic Spice Lip Pencil. It totally reminds me of Spice. It's neutral but warms up your cheeks in the best way possible. 

#9 In The Spotlight: Love this nude for sculpting the cheeks or using it as a bronzer. Use a very light amount especially on lighter skin tones. It may look a little muddy on the skin if applied too heavy.

There are 14 shades in total. I actually want the entire collection for my kit - the little bottles are so portable. It may be a little pricey compared to other blushes but the finish and the hues are definitely worth it (if you're a MUA apply for the pro discount!). Your cheeks will be so happy they'll be glowing! :)

What do you think of these blushes? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 


, |

Makeup Artist Corner: Canadian Makeup Show 2008

The Makeup Junkie team was in full force at the Canadian Makeup Show this past weekend. In its newer and bigger home at The Better Living Center, makeup professionals and enthusiasts flocked to the show in hopes of learning the ins and outs of the industry plus score some pretty sweet deals on some of the top makeup brands in the world.

One of my highlights of the show was catching up with the adorable and inspiring Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group! Some of my writers and I volunteered to help out at The Powder Group booth which was an amazing experience for all of us. Makeup artists crowded the booth for a chance to chat with Michael for advice and many signed up for a subscription to his industry must-have, On Makeup Magazine.

Also featured at The Powder Group booth were the infamous Powder Group Clear Soft Packs that sold out quickly and a new limited edition makeup collection, 9x9 Artists which writer, Nicole, is so gracefully showcasing in the photo above.

A makeup show wouldn't be complete without some incredibly wicked makeup artistry! The photo above is the makeup works of some talented artists from Make Up For Ever. This model was so fi-errrce (my inner Tyra coming out)!

It was all about gore and fantasy over at Obsessive Compulsive!



Of course, Nicole and I did have some time to go and peruse the different booths. I didn't do as much damage as I had intended to because we were able to come away with some awesome freebies! Stay tuned for reviews on the Make Up For Ever Dany's Pouch and Flap Velcro Pouch, The Powder Group Clear Soft Packs, 9x9 Artists Makeup and Nail line, Crown Brush, aDesign brushes, Face Atelier Lip Glazes and Powder Eye Pencil (I also had the pleasure of finally meeting founder and CEO of Face Atelier, Debbie Bondar!), and makeup artist cult favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre!

I love events like this where people who have a common love can come together and connect in one place. It was such great fun meeting new people, learning their stories, and chatting with old friends and co-workers. I definitely look forward to it next year and have no doubt it will be much bigger! Thank you to Michael DeVellis for being so amazing and taking care of us Makeup Junkies! And thank you to that special reader who visited me at the booth to tell me she was a big fan of Makeup Junkie! It's always nice to meet our readers!

To read more about the CMS visit Makeup Junkie writer, Rhia's site for her write up!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , |