A FLAWLESS FACE FOR ANY RACE

Check out my work on Facebook!

2013-11-13T17:36:00.004-05:00

Stay in the loop by checking out my Facebook Page.

This is where you find most of my work =)
Makeup with Janet

Susan's Big Day

2012-11-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, actually too long, since I've posted something over here! Needless to say, it's been really busy!! SO to get back into the groove of things, thought it would be fun to share a photo from one of the weddings I did makeup for, and share the beautiful bride's kind words as well!!

Photography by Ella Photography Make by Janet

"Having Janet do my makeup for my wedding was a wonderful experience from start to finish. During my makeup trial, she immediately put me at ease. I knew I could talk to her about anything - the look I wanted, didn't want, what I liked, what I didn't. Most importantly, after she was done, she emphasized that I could be 100% honest about what I thought and ask her to make any changes until I was totally comfortable".

Photography by Ella Photography Make by Janet

"This openness was exactly what I wanted in a make-up artist! She also welcomed my feedback after the trial, which ensured that I got the look I wanted on my wedding day. Besides being an extremely talented make-up artist, Janet is also a wonderful presence to have around you on one of the most important days of your life".

-Susan-

Behind the Scenes for Melissa Gentile Couture

2012-06-25T00:31:00.008-04:00

Wow! It's been a while since I've posted on this blog.. Bad Janet, bad... I guess you can say it's not for a lack of content but more for a lack of time lol. No more neglecting, because I have a lot of things to share, yay!

A few weeks ago, I got to work with a few of my favorite people; Miss Isa from Ella Photography, designer Melissa Gentile and hair stylist Malina Tang. This time it was for Melissa's upcoming ad campaign that will launch in Elegant Wedding and Mariage Chic Wedding Magazine, details to come soon.

So take a peek at us hard at work =)

Malina doing a few touch ups before we start shooting!

Melissa placing this fabulous dress. I love this dress!

Another dress, another shot with Isa.

Brandy, effortlessly beautiful in her gown.

Since switching to an Iphone, it's a lot easier to take photos and post faster... on Instagram hehe. If you want to stay in the loop with what I am up to, be sure to join me there; username: jpmua! You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook too or even more recently Pinterest. Each page promises something different =) see for yourself!

O'So Lovey Boudoir with Miss K

2012-05-10T19:26:00.004-04:00

It's not everyday that I get to do makeup for another MUA, but this time I did! It's somewhat nerve wracking, because we're use to a certain way of doing our own makeup. At the same time, it's a lot of fun because we share the same passion. Top it all off with their appreciation of your work, needless to say, it makes for a great experience.

Here's a few of my fav looks from the shoot.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

If you want to experience the fun for yourself, email me for more info! Don't be shy, I won't bite... I'll just attack you with my brushes, in a nice way of course =)

O'So Lovey Boudir with Miss A

2012-04-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

Consider this inspiration to treat yourself to an experience that can't be expressed in words. Miss A wanted to treat herself to a day dedicated to her. Being a mother, working full time while trying to further her education at the same time, it's easy to forget about yourself within the daily demands of life.

Here's just a little peak at another lovely ladies' boudoir shoot from the marathon.

Photographer: Ella Photography
MUA: Moi =) Janet

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

Interested in having your own shoot done? Feel free to email me for more information!

Mac Fashion Sets

2012-04-27T00:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've been excited about a launch from MAC but these colors will definitely leave you with something to talk about.

Fashion Sets

So what's the big deal? These most coveted colors around the world are now available (or will be as of May 3rd) as a lipglass and nail lacquer. Great news for me since I prefer rocking a lipglass over lipstick.

Myth, Snob, Spice

Girl About Town, Russian Red, Rebel, Chestnut

Peachstock, Razzledazzler, Ravishing Angel

Saint Germain, Morange, Impassii

Please Me, Pink Nouveau

This is a great way to try a bolder color in a softer way or really accessorize your hands with a set of fierce nails. I most excited to try the lipglass in Russian Red, Morange, and Impassii! What about you?? Is there a color that catches your eye?

Positively Stunning

2012-04-10T01:30:00.000-04:00

What's really great about being a makeup artist is that I get to meet some incredible personalities. Seriously, considering that I pretty much invade people's personal space and attack them with my brushes, it's amazing to hear what some people are willing to share. Maybe it's more natural than I think since I have the opportunity to be a part of their transformation in front of the lens. Anywho, check out MF and her beautiful transformation.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet Persaud

MF simply has one of the best personalities I've ever met. Extremely outgoing, positive, and oozes sensuality; which is what I wanted her look to exude. The trick to this is keeping the makeup light and soft so that the skin looks dewy and fresh.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet Persaud

Start with a primer that suits your skin (notice a recurring trend??). I used Cover Fx's Skinprep which is a great solution for dry to normal skin. Besides moisturizing the skin, it helps relieve some of the redness often found in this skin type.

I followed up with a light application of mineral liquid foundation to even out the skin and, coral cream blush on the apples of her cheeks to give that glow.

Next, avoid using an eyeshadow with glitter; stick to a light shimmer. This helps attract more light to the eye area and makes them a focal point without the heavy makeup.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet Persaud

With a personality as bright as MF's, there's no need to hide behind a lot of makeup to be beautiful. By using the right tools, it's easy to accentuate what's already shinning.

For more tips on how to achieve a flawless face, remember to check back often or feel free to email me! btw feel free to share, comment or even ask questions =)

Brow Power

2012-03-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's probably the thing that is most over looked on our face, but can make all the difference in our photos. Our eyebrows not only help frame our face, it completes our look. While shape is really important, something as simple as filling them in or making them darker will help a lot too. So this post is going out to those light weights, skimpy, sparse, and thinning brows, because we all deserve to be fearlessly fierce.

Bleached out brows are a thing of the past; start framing! Photo from: Makeup Artist Meet

Although I am not the focus in this shot, you still can see I am very guilty of having sparse brows near the bridge of my nose. So what's the solution? Simple; I like to use a powder eyeshadow with an angle brush to fill in where it's needed. Yes, it's that easy! There are other tools you can use too. For instance, an eyebrow pencil, cream eyeshadow or a even brow gel or tint. I personally prefer powder because it gives a softer look and is really easy to work with.

Thanks to my younger years of over teasing, the inner part of my brows are sparse. Photo by Ella Photography

Here are a few tips to consider when filling in your brows.

For dark brows, choose a color that is close to your natural color, not the same color. This will help avoid it looking overtly thick and drawn in. For example, I use a dark brown instead of black to fill in my brows.
For lighter brows, choose a shade darker than your natural hair color. For instance, in the photo below, Roxy naturally has blonde eyebrows. However, I opted for a caramel brown to darken her brows, but it still gave a natural look.
Use an angle brush, and short, light strokes to draw or go over your brow.
After applying the color, brush over the brow to help blend the look.
If you have a long day ahead of you or tend to sweat a lot, use a brow gel to lock in the color.

Glamour Shoot with Photographer: Ella Photography, Model: Roxy, and Mua: Me

Whether it's a temporary fix or a new "to do" to include into your makeup routine, this quick fix to your brows will definitely leave a lasting impression to your flawless face.

Feel free to comment, like and even share! You can always check out more work on Facebook or feel free to contact me.

Look Natural not Naked

2012-03-18T00:45:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I get clients who ask me for a "barely there" look for a boudoir shoot, because their significant other is not a fan of makeup. So why not just skip the makeup process all together? Well it's kind of an oxymoron, but in order to look natural in your photos you still need to wear makeup. Take a look at Miss S in her before and after shot, and you'll start to get the bigger picture.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

Makeup doesn't always have to be about a set of smokey eyes or bold lips. It can be used to polish your look or enhance your beauty; especially since a "au natural" look focuses on a flawless canvass.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

Here are a few helpful hints to achieving this look:

Opt for a mineral foundation, preferably liquid. Since this is kind of a light coverage, as long as your skin does not have a lot of blemishes, it will give you a flawless finish. *Remember to use a primer first*
Fill in your brows. This will help frame your eyes. I like using powder which gives a softer look, but you can use a pencil or gel too. Make sure to brush it out and use a shade a little lighter than your natural hair color.
Choose a cream blush for the apples of your cheeks. My fav is coral, since it looks fabulous pretty much on everyone. It gives your face a subtle glow.

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

With the right tricks looking natural is really easy. If you have any questions or just want to know more, feel free to leave a comment or email me. Want to see more of her shoot? Check her out on Ella Photography.

O'So Lovey Boudoir with Miss J

2012-03-10T12:45:00.001-05:00

So this week I decided to showcase another lovely lady from the boudoir marathon. Miss J is no stranger to the lens, but this was intended to be a gift for her boyfriend. Since Isa and I forget to take a before photo almost all the time, Miss J was sweet enough to share one.

Before and After

O'So Lovely Boudoir Marathon at Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel
Photographer: Ella Photography

MUA: Janet Persaud

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet

I'll be adding a few more photos on Facebook page later on this week; make sure you check it out!

O'So Lovely Glamour

2012-03-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

So this week, I learned something new. What our O'So Lovely team refers to as Boudoir is actually more Glamour. Yes, the shoot in a bedroom and the ladies wear very beautiful garments, but it goes beyond that. Isabella said it best, "I don't shoot bums, I shoot women". Go ahead, I encourage you to compare her photos with the traditional photographers and you'll see difference; I think that's the only real way to understand it.

Photographer: Ella Photography, MUA: Janet

It goes beyond lingerie, because women are just naturally sensual beings. Quite frankly, Ms.L even shows that a tank and a pair of socks can be just as sexy too.

Ms.L was one of the lovely ladies from the O'So Lovely Boudoir Marathon.

I think this is the reason why it's my favorite shoot to be a part of. Not only do I get to help women feel their best, I get to see them really embrace their own beauty.

If you want to see more photos, head on over to Isabella's blog to see more! Also, if you like our work, why not show some love to our pages on Facebook?

Photographer: Isabella of Ella Photography

MUA: Janet aka me hehe

O'So Lovely News

2012-02-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

It's an awesome feeling when I see a client love their experience at an O'So Lovely Boudoir shoot, but it's pretty cool to see when others appreciate it too! One of our lovely shoots have been featured again; this time on elleDesigns! Don't be shy, head on over there and check it out!

Photographer: Ella Photography MUA: Janet Persaud

In other news, this week, Isabella managed to take a BTS video of one of the boudoir shoots we did this week!

I know, I know, you wanted to see more, but it's a surprise!! We can't show you before the lucky dude gets his present hehe.

The O'So Lovely Team: Kimiko on hair, Isa behind the lens, and Janet with makeup.

Jade's Femininity

2012-02-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a little peak at a photo shoot I was a part of a few weeks back.
Photographer: Melanie Villeneuve
Model: Jade
MUA: Janet Persaud
Hair: Stephanie Choquette

What's cool about this, minus the model, Jade, I've never worked with any of these ladies before. As an artist, it's a great opportunity to venture into different territories, because you learn a new perspective.

The concept, quite simply put: femininity, and I think Jade epitomizes that.

We also had a special guest appearance from her pup, Chocolat! Isn't she adorable??

To see more from this shoot, check out Melanie's blog.

Chic Wedding Magazine Spread

2012-02-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

Just in case you missed it, I did makeup for a six page spread in the January 2012 issue of Chic Wedding magazine.

Chic Weddings

Needless to say, I was a part of an amazing team of talent, which consisted of everything from a fabulous designer to incredible accessories. I highly recommend checking out these lovely ladies (yes, we were an all female team woot! woot!).

Photography and Creative Direction by: Ella Photography
Creative Direction: Natasha Rosa Del Vecchio
Designer: Melissa Gentile
Makeup: Janet Persaud
Hair: Malina Tang
Accessories: Jennifer Laoun-Rubenstein
Flowers: O.xide Design
Models: Annie (Spec) and Sophie (Dulcedo)

Although I do not have the original copies, you can still the spread on their online flipbook! Enjoy =)

From Chic Weddings magazine online flipbook.

Editorial Shoot

2012-01-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I get an awesome opportunity to do something out of the box. Last Tuesday, I teamed up with some fabulous people to let our creativity run wild.

Behind the lens: the fabulous Isabella of Ella Photography, and Tania of 123-Click Tania Hamon Photographe
Makeup: Moi hehe
Hair: Kimiko
Models: Claudiane and Katarina

Model: Katarina, Photographer: Isabella of Ella Photography

Model: Claudiane, Photographer: Isabella of Ella Photography

Model: Katarina, Photographer: Tania of 123-Click

Model: Claudiane, Photographer: Tania of 123-Click

You can also check out a BTS video by Tania of 123-Click of all the fun we had hehe.

Accessories for Boudoir

2011-12-16T02:01:00.000-05:00

This post is going out to all the lovely ladies who are a part of the Boudoir Marathon with Ella Photography this weekend and for the ladies who plan on doing one in the future! We often get a lot of questions on what to bring; which makes sense since it's not an everyday thing. So here are a few ideas on how to accessories the unmentionables.

Start with the basics: jewelry, knee highs and pumps, these few items really help complete a set. For instance, pearls or crystals accented with a ribbon are dainty pieces that add a touch of glamor to a bra and panty set or even a corset. Also, don't be afraid to layer your jewelry, sometimes more is actually better!

Photo from Karla Snider

The great thing about knee highs and pumps is that you have the flexibility to play with texture, color and style with brings a new life to your lingerie. Plus, you probably already own some kick ass shoes that you love, so why not rock them??

The absolutely stunning Kimberly!

Old promo photo from the last Marathon, but you get the picture!

Anything lace is fabulous too; so if you have a bolero, gloves, or even a mask - bring it.

Lace Bolero

This is probably one of my favs , the mesh on a headpiece, super sexy.

The fabulous Sheena!

Don't think you always have to wear a bra and panty set; you can always mix in some staple pieces to make a new statement. A blazer. high waist skirt, even a white collar shirt adds sensuality.

Kim got her inspiration from Beyonce's video "Irreplaceable"

The gorgeous Caroline rocking her blazer.

So what else is there? Lots! You know those gloves you normally wear with an evening gown? Why not add that to a corset for an old Hollywood feel? If you are more daring, and have these things on hand, tutus or feathers are pretty cool too. It's a fun element for your photos and be strategically placed to cover what you want. Truthfully speaking, you can wear anything your imagination can dream up.

Photo from CU2Nite

Most importantly, above everything else, the BEST accessory is confidence! This is a day dedicated to you and your beauty, so celebrate it!

The Secret is Out!

2011-12-07T23:29:00.001-05:00

Do you know how hard it is to keep fabulous news to myself?? Luckily, Isabella of Ella Photography spilled the beans today (which means I'm in the clear to share hahaha).

This past summer, Isabella had an awesome idea for a bridal shoot. She wanted to capture the beauty of our city and the elegance that only a bride can bring on their big day. In order to pull off this idea, she decided to team-up with some pretty cool peeps. Check out this line up:

Creative Direction: Isabella of Ella Photography and Natasha Rosa del Vecchio

Photography: Isabella of Ella Photography

Flowers: O.xide Design

Headpieces and Jewelry: Jennifer Laoun-Rubenstein

Makeup: Janet Persaud (aka Me hehe)

Hair: Malina Tang
Dresses: Melissa Gentile Couture
Models: Annie (Agency: Specs) and Sophie (Agency: Dulcedo)
Video: my 11:11 events

Soooo what's the big deal? We do shoots all the time right? Well, Isabella sent the photos to CHIC Magazine and they decided to do a 6 PAGE SPREAD which will be released in THIS JANUARY 2012 issue!! Which is right around the corner people (woot! woot!).

Here's the thing, that's about all I can tell you lol. However, you can take a sneak peak of some of the action caught on film by my 11:11 events. Enjoy!

30 Day Challenge!

2011-12-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

So December is finally here and we only have 30 days left until a new year begins!! Are you excited? I am, but I'm always excited lol. It's true, the little things in life keep me pumped and I want to share that excitement with you. My latest victory is actually what sparked this idea and I hope everyone joins in so that we can end 2011 with a BANG.

In some ways, I feel like I have serious commitment issues. I like trying new things, but normally have a hard time sticking to them (sound like any of you out there??). For instance, working out. I get the benefits and when I'm actually at the gym or playing some sort of sport, I love how I feel afterwards. However, it was never enough for me to actually make it a part of my routine. Until November 1st 2011, I decided to join the Moksha Challenge (insert eery music here).

Envision a studio about 30 x 40 feet, one side covered with mirrors and the room temperature is set at 30 degrees, or maybe even higher. You basically do a series of 40 postures through out an hour to an hour and a half workout in this heated room. The idea behind the 30 day challenge is simply doing 30 workouts in 30 days. We all know life happens and sometimes it's not possible to be there everyday, for instance I had my trip to Toronto IMATS that I was not missing for anyone. The beauty about the challenge is that you can do a double on a day to compensate for the workout you missed, so do two workouts on one day.

Yes, I took on this challenge and trust me when I say it wasn't easy. The work outs were awesome but there were days where I was uber tired and not in the mood to go. That was the hard part, try convincing yourself to go workout when your bed is calling your name hahaha. On top of that, I was doing the challenge on my own; I mean a lot of people signed up at the studio for the 30 day challenge but I didn't have a friend insight to help kick my butt to class. Luckily, I am a competitive soul and once I say I'm going to do something, I'll figure out a way =) . That's the amazing part; I managed and I did it! Yes, I completed 30 workouts in 30 days.

I learned a lot about myself in the process too. Making this commitment meant planning, not one of my strong points since I'm kind of a on the whim type of girl. I would check and recheck the daily schedule and plan which class I would attend. I would also make sure that there was an extra class afterwards, just in case I needed a nap before my work out. I also started drinking water a lot earlier in the day since you need to be well hydrated in class and it is recommended not to eat or drink 2 hours before class. My bag and gear were always in close proximity of each other so that packing for class was fast and easy. I also started rearranging my plans around my workouts. As crazy as it may sound, I was determined to do this.

My reward? Besides the treats the trainers gave us after our last class, I have a new respect for my body and willpower. Like many other women, I've struggled with my weight, which may seem odd since I've always been petite. However, when you're not tall, weight gain is a lot more noticable. It also doesn't help that I've danced most of my life and have been told that I need to be skinnier too for music videos and all that jazz. So looking in the mirror was always a critical thing instead of empowering. Not anymore, I refuse to let other people determine what my size is especially since I just watched myself over these past 30 days sweat for a healthier, better me.

Sooooo, here is my challenge to you! Pick one thing, anything you like, that you will do for the next 30 days that will benefit you. For instance, drink more water, tell yourself at least one compliment a day in the mirror, give yourself 5 minutes of "me time" or even start moisturizing your skin. I'd love to know what you chose and if you see any changes in your being, attitude or how people treat you. And remember that life happens, if you miss a day, do not beat yourself up for missing one day; just do a double the next day. Don't wait for SOMEDAY to start taking care of yourself, it's not a day of the week; it's the cry of the weak.

EyEnvy

2011-11-24T12:00:00.002-05:00

Ever wanted fuller, longer lashes or wanted to erase the effects of over tweezing? Well this year at Toronto IMATS I stumbled upon a product, EyEnvy, that promises to do that exact thing! EyEnvy's unique formula is suppose to help practically double your lash length and help stimulate the regrowth of hair that is no longer there. So say goodbye to falsies and hello to a wink that will always get your way!

EyEnvy formula to fuller, longer lashes and badass brows!

Keep in mind that this is not an over night success, it will take about 6 to 8 weeks before you see results. How it works is actually quite simple. First step, shake the tube! Next up, twist the cap off and remove the excess liquid on the inside of the container. Finally, apply the clear liquid to the base of your lash line like you would with eyeliner or draw a line on the area of your brows that need it and that's it. Pretty simple =) .

Remember that you do not have to reapply a dozen times in one day. All you need is one line on the area; you're wasting product if you re-dip and reapply more than once on a day. Also, you do this once everyday for 30 days. Afterwards, it's all about maintenance; say about 3 times a week. One tube of EyEnvy should last approximately 4 months, depending on how much of the solution you use.

Do you see the difference?? Leave a comment and let me know!

This was definitely a product I had to see for myself in real life and I am glad I had that opportunity too. There was actually another booth that had a comparable product making the same claims BUT I did not like how their lashes looked. Don't get me wrong, the competitor was oozing fabulousness from head to toe, however they were wearing mascara which made the lashes look clumpy, not so flattering. At Beauty Distribution MD, this is the booth where I bought EyEnvy, the reps had no mascara on and they did not shade their brows either. On top of that, they only used the product on one side of their face (talk about dedication!!) so that clients can see the difference between their natural state and with EyEnvy. They tugged their lashes and ruffled their brows to show it really was ALL THEIRS.

Do you see what I see?

Here are a few key ingredients in EyEnvy's formula and their benefits. BIO-Peptides helps rejuvenate and strengthen fragile lashes and brows. Tocopheryl - Vitamin E contains natural antioxidants which protect hair and follicles from environmental damage. Grape seed extract is a natural antioxidant that helps eliminates and prevent free radical damage.

Obviously, I had to buy it and try it out for myself and since I was with my mother, she wanted to try it too. So in about a month or so, hopefully I will have some results to show you!

Down fault, it's only available in certain salons and I have not been able to find a site that sells it online =( . Maybe if you contact them directly, they'll make the exception and sell it to you directly. Check out http://www.eyenvy.ca/ or http://www.beautydistributionmd.com/eyenvy.html to learn more.

The Naked Truth

2011-11-18T01:23:00.000-05:00

The beauty of IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) is not only about finding great deals from your favorite makeup brands but discovering new products you normally wouldn't take a look at. This is my reality, and I am SO HAPPY that I stumbled upon this beauty find. Allow me to introduce you to Naked Advance Skin Cream, your skin will love you for it ;) .

See, I love it so much that one of my travel size jars is almost finished!

If you never heard of the brand, Naked Cosmetics is a natural cosmetic line. They use the highest cosmetic-grade of mica powders, does not test on animals, and does not add parabens. In terms of the cream, which I will be focusing on, they leave out the "cheap" ingredients commonly found in lotion, like water, petroleum, and mineral oil. This heavenly cream contains Aloe Vera, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, shea butter, as well as organic oils. It also contains a special grade of Algae that helps heal the skin, but the real magic happens with Manuka honey.

Unlike other honeys, Manuka honey contains an extra active ingredient that helps maintain it's health benefits, which is normally lost when exposed to heat and light. What are the benefits? Hold on to your seats, because this will blow your mind; well it did for me at least hehe. It has anti-inflammatory, anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal powers. Nope, I'm not making this up. A study conducted by a renowned biochemist at Ottawa University found that Manuka honey is very powerful at destroying harmful bacteria while it helps restores good bacteria in the human body. It's been clinically proven to cure wounds, infections and other skin conditions (see other studies here). By the way, it was also recently approved by the FDA as a healing device, just food for thought =) .

Naked Advance Skin Cream

Although no guarantee, many people have claimed that Manuka honey has helped reduce or even eliminate their acne. They did use it in it's natural state, however that did get messy lol. Imagine honey dripping all over the place as you try to give yourself a facial or trying to get it off of you?? Anywho, it appears that the Manuka honey helps draw out impurities in the skin, and stimulates the growth of new cells, which helps fasten wound closure.

Truth be told, when I learned about all this good stuff, I was still hesitant but decided to give it a try. Primarily because my skin has a hard time healing. For instance, I was bitten by a spider last week and had an allergic reaction to it; my wrist ended up swelling to the size of the rest of my arm. On top of that, where I was bitten wasn't healing properly, it still looked raw. As soon as I used a bit of the Naked advance skin cream on the bites, I noticed that the redness was going down and by the next day it was starting to flatten out.

I also like that I don't have to reapply each time I wash my hands. The moisture maintains after quite a few washes. More importantly, I was able to use this cream on my face. My skin is super sensitive and normally does not react well to new products. For instance, I recently tried a cream from Neutrogena. Sadly, it made my face feel like it was on fire. I had to wash everything off right away, but that burning sensation lasted for at least an hour- no bueno.

Overall, my skin feels softer and I do notice my wounds, or bites I should say, are actually healing properly. Naked Advance Skin Cream was definitely a great buy!

Time Flies when You're Having Fun.

2011-11-10T19:28:00.001-05:00

Between photo shoots, trade shows and a giveaway, it's been a busy week. No complaining over here; I love being busy =). Anywho, here are a few highlights from this week; enjoy!

My weekend began with an awesome couple, Meredith and Mike, who were doing their engagement shoot with Isabella of Ella Photography. This was actually our second attempt since Mother Nature was not on our side the first time around. Truthfully speaking, it worked out for the best because Saturday was such a gorgeous day!!

Mike and Meredith Photo taken by Isabella of Ella Photography

There's just something magical about fall, especially when the weather cooperates. By the way, this was taken at Mount Royal; such an amazing location for such an awesome couple!

Mike and Meredith Photo taken by Isabella of Ella Photography

Next on the list, the Elegant Wedding Bridal Showcase with Isabella. Now before anyone gets any funny ideas, neither one of us are getting married nor engaged LoL. We wanted to take this opportunity to learn about other components that complete a wedding. You'd be surprise how many clients ask us if we know people in decor, or designers, desserts, etc...

This event just oozed with glamour and decadence. Unlike typical trade shows, each vendor section was open and flowed into the next space, which I found made it easier to see the big picture. Also, you were treated to an assortment of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as you moved from table to table. On top of that, some of the vendors had treats they gave away with their business cards and cake/sweet tasting! For those of you don't know, I have a serious sweet tooth and found it really hard to say no to all the treats hahaha.

Please tell me how am I suppose to say no to a display like that??? Seriously =) hehehe.

Besides the treats, what really caught my eye was the incredible decor. I couldn't get over some of the sofas and props supplied by Sofa To Go and Joe's Prop House. If you're looking for that luxurious finish, you should totally check them out. But the pièce de résistance was the photo booth. I love this idea!! Your guest can take unlimited photos plus you get a copy of all the photos taken from that evening!! So remember, no funny business in the booth because the bride and groom will have proof hehe.

Go figure Isa and I would only get one clear photo; luckily it was the one that mattered most! Remember it's all about Movember, so show your support and donate!! Back to the photo booth, you have the option for black and white prints or color AND you can put your own logo on the 4th box; so customize it with your monograms or whatever you want!!

This week was also the launch of the O'So Lovely Boudoir Marathon. Within 24 hours of Isabella announcing it, all six spots were filled and there was a waiting list for an extra day. Apparently there is only one spot left for the second day too!! I totally get why it went so quickly, I mean at $149, which includes makeup by me, you would be silly to pass up an opportunity like this.

Interested in a session? Contact info@ellaphotography.ca

Next on the list, I want to say thank you to everyone who participated in my giveaway. Be sure to congratulate Michelle Harding, the lucky winner of this glittering prize. Also, thank you again to Lit Cosmetics for hooking me up with an extra kit to give away!!

I'm excited for the weekend, it promises to be a fun one. It starts off with a surprise 50th party then a road trip to Toronto for IMATS!!!! It's another makeup trade show =). The best part about it is I get to spend time with my best friend, that's really the icing on the cake.

Food for Thought

2011-11-04T01:37:00.001-04:00

Did you ever think that a fruit's water could be the answer to healthier looking skin as well as a healthier body? Well allow me to introduce you to one of Mother Nature's best gifts on earth, the coconut. While this fruit can be used in many different forms like milk, pulp or the flesh, I will only focus on the water.

Hydrated skin equals healthy skin and this isotonic beverage with more electrolytes than sport drinks helps replenish the fluids and minerals lost by the body due to physical activity. Essentially coconut water has the same salt concentration as the normal cells of the body and the blood, allowing it to hydrate FASTER than water.

There are three major organs that are responsible for riding your body of toxins; your liver, your kidneys and your skin. Basically if your liver and kidneys are overwhelmed by the amount of substances that need to be discharged, your skin kicks in to help eliminate the waste. At this point, if the waste is too much for your skin, this can disrupt it's integrity and affect it's appearance (a.k.a ACNE). By drinking coconut water, your body receives a tone of vital vitamins and nutrients that help detox your system and cleans out these organs.

Some sites also claim using coconut water as a topical solution can help combat problems such as acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and eczema. I did not find solid data to back this up, however, I think it's better to treat the root of the problem as oppose to fixing the surface.

Photo from Coconut Water Life

Here are some other fabulous health benefits that will make you go coo coo for coconut water:

It contains cytokinins, a plant hormone, and lauric acid which helps minimize the aging of skin cells, as well as balance PH levels (some sites claim that it this helps reduce the risk of cancer).
It helps keep your body cool on those hot summer days.
It helps give your metabolism a boost which means it helps with weight loss.
It's also an anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial; think sanitizer for inside your body.
It also helps fight viruses.
A great cure for a hangover. (had to hehehe)

Be Cheeky

2011-10-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

When it comes to getting your makeup done, a lot of focus is usually given to the eyes. Refocus your attention to those lovely cheekbones and I promise you these tricks will make the boys blush.

Photo from LahoriMela

If you're a newbie to applying color to your cheeks, start with colors that look natural to the flushness your complexion would make. Rose tones are great for pale skin; apricots tones are fabulous for medium complexion and muted brick reds for dark complexions. Remember, this is just a guideline and a "safe bet" to help perfect an awesome glow.

Just like foundation, you need to pick the right formula for your blush. A cream finish works best for dry to normal skin because it blends easier than other formulas and it helps give a more natural finish. Plus, it gives some extra moisture to the skin so that way it doesn't end up looking chalky. Go with a powder finish if your skin is more normal to oily and a gel works best for oily skins.

Photo from Blogger

To avoid looking blotchy, start with a base. I feel like I write about this in 95% on my posts, but it's true. A primer helps prep the skin for a flawless finish. It helps make your makeup last longer and prevents it from cracking. It doesn't mean that you need a full face of foundation first before you apply your blush, you can apply your blush directly on top of the primer.

Smile =). When it comes to placement, for the most natural kiss of flushness, you need to see the apples of your cheek. This is where you want the most color, but the whole apple doesn't need to be covered. All you need to do is apply color on the part that lies directly below your pupil then blend back towards the ear.

Photo from Lipstick Masala

It's not only about a bashful flush face, blush can also help define your face and create cheekbones, even if you do not have any. How? Simple, it's all about the angle you blend out towards. If you want to thin out a round face, blend back towards the temples whereas towards your ears will fill it out (better for a thin face). The definition comes from using a matter bronzer that is a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Apply this color in the hollows of the cheek and blend, blend, blend! No harsh lines needed.

Layering is not just for your clothes, it's for your makeup too. If you find that your blush fades away throughout the day, add a cream color first before your powder to keep your color all day long. Dust a bit of translucent powder afterwards to help it set and so that it last.

SIDE NOTE =D

MiniMe Lit Kit Giveaway

Remember to check out my giveaway!!! It's open to everyone, anywhere in the world! For more details check out MiniMe Lit Kit Giveaway and Good Luck.

MiniMe Lit Kit Giveaway!

2011-10-20T22:55:00.002-04:00

Have you read "Just the Blinging Facts"? If you have, then you will understand why I am so excited about this giveaway! Jodie, the owner of Lit Cosmetics, graciously sent me a 3 piece kit for myself AND a MiniMe Lit Kit to share with one of you lucky readers!!

The MiniMe Lit Kit

Check out what's included:

1 glitter, color: Beach Baby which is a soft gold that will compliment any complexion
30ml Clearly liquid glitter base
A mini detailer brush
A mini shadow brush
A sparkle duster which removes stray glitter
A silk tote to keep your things in =)

I've decided to make this giveaway accessible to everyone, meaning no matter where you live in the world I will ship it too you. Yes, even if it costs me an arm and a leg to mail it to you, I'll do it! On a side note, I'm quite fond of my limbs so hopefully it doesn't get to that extent...

My only stipulation is if you are under the age of 18 that you get parental consent prior to entering this contest. I do not want to upset your parents, since I will require you personal information to ship the MiniMe Lit Kit to you.

How do you enter?

Head on over to Facebook and press the LIKE button for both our pages: Janet Persaud MUA and Lit Cosmetics. This will give you ONE entry into the draw. How will I know you entered? Comment below this post on Facebook saying "Hey I want Lit's Kit!".

Want additional entries?

Then follow us out on Twitter @JPMUA and @litcosmetics. This will give you an additional entry into the draw. Please remember to send this tweet "@litcosmetics @jpmua I want Lit's Kit #giveaway #makeupchat". This is the only way I'll know that you are interested in the contest!

You can also subscribe to Lit Cosmetics YouTube Channel. Leave the comment "I want Lit's Kit" in the Channel Comment section. This will give you an additional entry into the draw.

Your last way for an additional entry! Follow my blog =) and leave the comment "I want Lit's Kit" on this post. You'll find that button on top of the page, beside the search bar, on top of my mantra hehe... Oh and you have to be sign in before you see this option! Thanks to Lana for pointing out the changes!

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

This contest will be closed as of Wednesday, November 9th 2011 11:59pm eastern time. The winner will be announced the following day on Facebook. Please remember you must become a fan on Facebook first before any other entries will be considered. This contest is open for ALL countries. If you are under the age of 18, you will need parental consent before entering this contest.

Good luck lovelys and Glitter on =)

Just the Blinging Facts.

2011-10-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

When it comes to making a statement, trust me when I say that Lit Cosmetics is not afraid with their "No Glitter, No Glory" motto. With four different cuts of glitter and effects, they have all your sparkling needs covered.

Photo from Lit Cosmetics Fan Page

I was super surprised and excited to come across this line. Up until recently, I thought that Eye Kandy was the only solution to adding that extra bling to your look, without the mess. Since I was wrong, I thought it would be a good idea to do a comparison of the two brands and see what makes Lit Cosmetics so fabulous! Let's discuss!!!

Hands down, Lit Cosmetics has a larger range of glitter cuts, textures and colors.

The different sizes of glitter determine how much light is let in, influencing how much sparkle you get. For instance, Lit Cosmetics' micro cut glitter, 0.002 x 0.002, lets in less light but keeps all the glam. It gives a more sophisticated sparkle; think twinkle instead of bling. This makes it a great option for during the day, the plain Jane or even more mature skin. Then you have completely on the other side of the glittery spectrum a heavy cut, 0.016 x 0.016, which let's in the most light, giving the sparkle a life of it's own. Since the range is more diversified with Lit's glitter, you have more versatility to create looks that you love.

In terms of texture, Eye Kandy's "Sugar" finish is similar to Lit's Shimmers.. However, you can only find Neon Shimmers or Electric glitter with Lit. What's even more cool is that this glitter glows under a black light and you can easily bump up the intensity by applying a white base underneath it.

Enkore shows how Solar Blast, Lemon Tart, Pretty Hot Pink, and Green Machine GLOW under a mini black light.

With about 2.74 times the colors to choose from, Lit's color catalog simply can't be beat. Also, it is well organized into different sections like Bronze - Brown, Dark Blues, Gold or Green, making it simpler to compare similar tints or shades.

When it comes to the liquid solution used to keep the glitter in place, Lit Cosmetics is a clear winner. It's hypo allergenic formula and natural ingredients make it easy to understand what exactly is going on your face.

Although Eye Kandy is a water base product too and it says that it is safe for sensitive skin, there is no clear description of what ingredients are used to make it.

If you solely look at the price, it's a different story. To keep things constant, I am using the prices from Jem Beauty Supply so that everything is in Canadian dollars.

Eye Kandy does have a lower price point. Also, you get a little more glitter when you purchase an Eye Kandy pot, 5grams vs 4grams with Lit, which works out to being Eye Kandy $1.65/g and Lit $3.24. However, I find Lit's Kit has more value. Eye Kandy's Kit includes: your choice of glitter, a mini brush, a 1oz bottle of their liquid sugar, all wrapped up in a pretty bag. Lit's kit includes: your choice of glitter, two brushes, a 1oz bottle of their liquid base, a sparkle duster (which helps removes stray glitter), wrapped in a silk tote bag. Also, the containers used to store the glitter are stackable, making it easier to store your glitter.

For the love of glitter =) Just a sample of Lit's Glitter Glory

So the facts are in and remember I am just one opinion =). So let me know what you think!