Bazar D'mila

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! 

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

Vasanti's spring/summer collection is making me fall in love with colour this season! Yes, these two items have quickly made a home in my kit. Vasanti certainly doesn't skimp on quality or pigment making their products makeup artist worthy!

Vasanti Silky Eye Shadow Duo in Mount Rushmore ($20 CAD): Alright, it's time to gush over how much I adore this silky duo of goodness! Texture - amazing. It's silky-soft and applies like butta'. It blends beautifully onto the skin. I love the combination of a satin-frost finish with a matte shadow. It makes it wearable for anytime of the day and photographs wonderfully. Now, let me gush over the colour combo! The silver infused taupe with the deep purple make this one hot smokey eye perfect for spring! This duo will definitely take you into fall and winter. For day, you can apply the taupe shade all over the lid and use a damp angled brush to line the eyes with the purple. I actually used this on a mother-of-the-bride last week and she loved it! This is the perfect duo to enhance brown, green or hazel eyes! At $20 a duo, this really is affordable for such a well-pigmented palette. New shades available in Colosseum, Lake Louise, and Statue of Liberty.

Vasanti Vitamin E Infused Lipshine in Caribbean ($15 CAD): These glosses are super hydrating and give the lips unbelievable shine. Caribbean is a sheer hot pink. If you're trying to ease into the bright lip trend, using a sheer gloss is the way to go. My lips have some colour to them so the hot pink doesn't really translate. I wish it would have been a little more pigmented, but it looks gorgeous over a hot pink lip stain. New shades available in Caspian, Red Sea, and The North Sea.

Have you tried Vasanti's new spring/summer collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

(Warning: Most pictures appear blurry and have bad lighting. You can blame that on my Blackberry!)

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!

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 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!

Some of the great beauty bloggers at the show: 

Jill: Batting A Lash
Farah : Faces By Farah
Jenn: Spiced Beauty
Anita: Primped and Proper
Anjali: Rock That Look
Nancy: Nancy Power Makeup Artist
Michelle: Lipstick Rules

Wow, we're down to the last holiday giveaway on Makeup Junkie! And to end it with a bang I'm excited to do a giveaway from one of the top Canadian brands, Vasanti! This prize pack of their best-sellers also happens to be perfect for looking holiday glam! You'll want to add these beauty staples to your beauty stash!

One lucky winner will receive: 

 Demoing a bold shimmery red lip using DaLish glosses. Top pictures photo credit: Jonathan Ponce

I did a second look doing a jewel tone smoky eye on another lovely model using a gorgeous Vasanti eye shadow palette and loose eye shadow powder. The green in her eyes just popped! I used a DaLish gloss mixed with a gold shimmer powder from Vasanti on the lips.

Brands in attendance:

The awesome CEO, Melanie Cruickshank, of DaLish Cosmetics. The line gets you looking glamorous in simple, easy-to-use products. I love the Lip Balm/Cheek Blush balms!

Spring is in the air! Can you feel the love? Makeup Junkie receives hoards of beauty products to try out and I love giving you the skinny on what's hot in spring trends. Here are some of my faves so far. Stay tuned for more spring goodies!

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Freedom: I was excited to find this lippie in my swag from the Toronto Beauty Blogger Brunch last month. Totally loving this gloss! Why? Revolution Organics products are formulated with 100% natural and 85% certified organic ingredients. I love good-for-you glosses that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. You won't find harsh chemicals, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum or artificial ingredients in this gloss. The packaging is also 100% recyclable and biodegradable. 

Freedom is a lovely strawberry red derived from an all-natural mineral-based pigment. It's spring love in a gloss! Freedom gives you the perfect kiss of red on the lips that it not over-powering. If you love glosses that appear more like a moisturizing stain then you will love this one. It's not a high-shine gloss but I don't mind because it's so wearable for day. The gloss applies sheer but is buildable. If you are hesitant to rock a red lip during the day try this one out! 

Mary Kay Cheek Glaze in Mandarin & Pomegranate: When I first opened these eye-popping shades of gel stains, I knew these would be a spring hit! I love gel stains because they not only last but they give your skin a beautiful glow. These felt very light-weight and never felt sticky or tacky. Don't be afraid of the bright juicy hues - they apply sheer and are extremely buildable. In fact, I had to apply a few layers to get the ideal intensity. Love both shades - Mandarin fits perfectly into the coral trends and Pomegranate is a classic berry flush. They are infused with extracts of Mandarin, Orange, Watermelon, Peach and Vitamin E. It can also double up as a lip stain! These pots offer a lot of product and are awesome to use if you're a makeup artist. Just scoop out with a spatula and apply! Available March 16.

O.P.I. Hong Kong Collection Hot & Spicy: I attended an exclusive launch sometime last Fall and was ecstatic to receive a manicure and the entire collection! I'll admit, there were some shades I wasn't in love with and gave away but there are definitely a few keepers. On the coral trend again, Hot & Spicy is such a great melon-coral. It's not too orange and really pops against your skin especially if you have a tan. Loves!

Vasanti Lipstick in Denmark: This lipstick has got my pulse racing! I've been on the hunt for a fuchsia-magenta shade like Denmark. This is a bold notice-me lip shade that is new for spring and would look amazing with a nude or bronzey eye. The texture is ultra creamy and highly pigmented. It lasted on the lips and even left a nice stain after eating and drinking. Denmark looks gorgeous when paired with a LBD or neutral clothing. 

Vasanti The Hamptons Eye Colour Palette: Well, this is probably the closest I'll get to visiting the Hamptons for now! Vasanti shadows are not only gorgeous but have a fabulous velvety texture and are highly pigmented. The set includes: soft neutral beige, soft peachy pink, neutral deep brown, periwinkle grey, and intense rich navy. All the shades are wearable and can easily go from day to night. I actually used the periwinkle grey and navy on a shoot yesterday. Produced a sultry smokey eye nicely. Also new for spring, this palette compliments the new lipstick shades Denmark, Sweden (nude pink), and Luxembourg (nude brown).

Have you tried any of these lovelies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

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?

Just in time for the Olympics Vasanti is showing their pride with the Go Canada! Palette. This gorgeous palette includes Bronze, Silver, and Gold shadows, White Highlighter, Sheer Red tint of colour for lips and cheeks! 

To read past reviews click here.

Thank you to the fantastic team at Vasanti Cosmetics for your donations to Hope For Haiti!