Makeup by Donna Marie

Introducing The Marcelle® BB Cream: Finally Canada's Very Own BB Cream!

2012-01-14T01:38:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that Canada is getting it's very own BB Cream! I had the opportunity to work with this product when I did the makeup for Isabelle (PR Director of Marcelle) and her colleague a few months back for the Marcelle/Annabelle Beauty Premiere and I was quite impressed! Read on to see the press release and a special offer just for you awesome readers!

PRESS RELEASE

January 2012

Marcelle® proudly introduces the first Canadian-made BB Cream formulated specially for Canadian women in pharmacies as well as mass retail stores! The Marcelle® BB Cream will be in stores on February 6, 2012.

BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION

Inspired by a trend that perfected skin and enhanced complexions all over Asia, Marcelle® formulated its own BB Cream to cater the needs of Canadian consumers. This multi-purpose skin care cream is morethan a tinted moisturizer or simple make-up base. It perfects the skin to reveal a more even epidermis and well-hydrated, flawless complexion, all in one. Ideal for any age and any skin type, the Marcelle® BB Cream comes in two shades and is suitable for a wide variety of carnations thanks to its self-adjusting pigments that transform and adapt to skin tone.

What’s a BB?

Moisturizing skin care, tinted corrector and make-up base all in one, Marcelle® “BB” stands for Beauty Balm, as it truly enhances your natural beauty. We have also seen the expressions Blemish Base, Blemish Balm and Beauty Base.

How to use the Marcelle® BB Cream, in 3 different ways:

1) The Marcelle® BB Cream is a day cream which should be applied after the skin has been properly cleansed as a corrective tinted moisturizer. For a more intense moisture surge, the BB Cream may be applied on previously moisturized skin.

2) Use it alone or over your moisturizer to unify your complexion.

3) Use it as a make-up base under foundation for total coverage and improved stay-on power.

THE MULTI-TASKING SKIN ENHANCER!

BB Cream embellishes the skin of the girl who requires a basic moisturizer, it unifies the carnation of the woman who is looking to hide a few blemishes and it provides the ultimate coverage to the make-up user who follows it with her usual foundation! BB Cream takes on the role you want it to play!

THE FIRST CANADIAN-MADE BB CREAM

Moisturizer, corrector and make-up base all in one:

THE ULTIMATE SKIN ENHANCER!

8 IN 1 MULTI-BENEFITS

This Beauty Balm with self-adjusting pigments, powerful antioxidants, aloe and chamomile does it all for your skin:

-Minimizes the appearance of imperfections and pores

-Evens out skin tone

-Provides an excellent make-up base and replaces primers

-Matifies skin and controls shine

-Offers immediate and long-term hydrating benefits

-Soothes and calms skins

-Protects from premature aging and environmental stresses

-Promotes skin regeneration

It perfects the skin to reveal a more even epidermis and well-hydrated flawless complexion, all in one.

FEATURES

-Ultra-lightweight formula leaves skin with “nothing on” feel

-Oil free

-Non comedogenic

-Paraben free

-Dermatologist tested

-Hypo-allergenic

-Perfume free

-Ultra-hygienic airless tube-pump

KEY INGREDIENTS

Hyaluronic Acid

Aquaxyl

Glycerine

Vitamin E

Aloe Vera

Green Tea & Camomile

Soft Focus Powders

BENEFITS

Improves skin elasticity, helps minimize wrinkles

Moisturizes and helps correct imperfections

Antioxidant to protect skin

Soothes & hydrates

Stimulates, reinvigorates & soothes

Light-reflecting, enhance complexion

Marcelle® BB Cream will be available at pharmacies and mass retail stores across Canada as of February 6, 2012. Suggested retail price: $22.95, 45 mL

Offered in limited quantities while stocks lasts, beauty trend-setters like you will be able to order BB Cream as early as January 16, 2012. Sold at its regular price of $22.95, shipping is FREE with any purchase over $25.00 before taxes at shop.Marcelle.com. Offer starts January 16, 2012.

Stay tuned for a more in depth review from yours truly!

www.marcelle.com

New Winter 2012 Workshop Schedule for Blush Pretty!!!

2012-01-13T13:36:00.001-05:00

Me doing a demo at The High Brow Workshop

Photo Credit: et tu and you

Hey Ladies!

It's that time again for the Blush Pretty Workshops! If you've missed any of them in the past now's the time to book your spot! Check out some of these reviews just in case you're wondering what they're like:

et tu and you (The High Brow)

et tu and you (Hair Workshop)

et tu and you (Sculpt)

Funny Face Beauty (Day to Night)

Toronto Beauty Reviews (Eye on the Prize)

Toronto Beauty Reviews (Hair Workshop)

Here's the 2012 Winter Schedule...book now to save your spot!

Our new schedule has been finalized for January 2012! We're bringing back our select session of workshops with our FABULOUS instructors for January 2012. Each workshop offers an intimate class setting (only 6 seats per class), some food and drink (because beauty can't be beautiful without some delish finger food and chocolate) and a whole lot of beauty talk.

Costs for courses begin at $23.00 and are subject to HST. Enroll for 3 courses at once, and pay just $60 plus HST. For more information, please email stephanie@blushpretty.com or call 416.727.1754

All workshops are held at our Toronto location: 313 Queen St. West, Suite 204, Toronto (on the corner of Queen and John)

Prep, Prime and Conceal
Date: Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Instructor: TBA

Face Primer, Lip Primer, Eye Primer, OIl-free Primer, Green Concealer, Blue Concealer, Violet Concealer and Peach Concealer. Confused? Yep. Thought so. This 90-minute workshop is a quick reference guide as to what is for what and helps you break the colour code. We will show you how to use which product, when, and why!

The perfect workshop for: The aspiring makeup artist; beauty junkies with something to hide :)
All you need: your favourite concealers, or new ones you want to try, and a concealer brush (or two)
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

*NEW* Pick Your Palette
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012
Time: 7:45 to 9:15 pm
Instructor: TBA

"You have a pink undertone ... no, yellow ... wait ... maybe it's a bit pink and a bit yellow. Blue liner would look great on you, but an icy blue, not a warm blue. Actually try green instead!" Do you have no idea on how to build your makeup kit with colors and products that work for you? You're not alone. This workshop will focus on helping you determine your skintone and the color palettes that will flatter more than frustrate!

The perfect workshop for: the everyday beauty junkie
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

Eye on the Prize
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Time: 6:00 to 7:30pm
Instructor: TBA

I've never met a girl who doesn't love a dramatic eye. This 90-minute workshop focuses on creating two popular eye themes: winged liner and the smokey eye. If you haven't yet mastered how to make your winged liner fly or your smokey eye hot ... then you should take THIS course!

The perfect workshop for: The beauty junkie who has plenty of eyeshadow ... but can't figure out how to make the best of 'em.
All you need: a selection of your favourite eye makeup, an eyeshadow brush, and an eyeliner brush
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

First Base
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Time: 7:45 to 9:15pm
Instructor: TBA

With so many foundation formulations and colours out there, it's hard to choose what's right for you and your skin. Add to that skintone, undertone and overtone, you're bound to walk away with *gasp* MASKFACE. Let's avoid that, okay?! Take this down 'n' dirty 90-minute workshop to decipher cream from liquid from powder and learn the tricks to getting your face to match your neck ... because no one wants to have to wear a turtleneck all the time ...

The perfect workshop for: the extremely novice beauty junkie ... (yes, you can still be novice and still be a junkie)
All you need: your current foundation colour(s) and product(s) of choice
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

*NEW* Pick Your Palette
Date: Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Instructor: TBA

The perfect workshop for: the everyday beauty junkie
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

The High Brow
Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012
Time: 7:45 to 9:15 pm
Instructor: TBA

Master all the tricks to creating the perfectly sculpted brow. From creating an arch to making barely there brows a little more noticeable, this 90-minute workshop will teach you all the little things it takes to make a big impact with your brows.

The perfect workshop for: The everyday beauty junkie who wants to add a little oomph to her eye makeup; the aspiring makeup artist
All you need: your current brow tools of choice, if any ... and a pair of eyebrows
Cost: $23 plus HST, includes food and drink
Please email beautymail@blushpretty.com to register

First Base
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2012
Time: 6:00 to 7:30pm
Instructor: TBA

Eye on the Prize
Date: Thursday February 16, 2012
Time: 7:45 to 9:15pm
Instructor: TBA

www.blushpretty.com

A Year in Beauty: The Best of 2011

2012-01-03T17:52:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all my readers! I can't believe how fast 2011 went by and now we're off to a fresh start! I can't wait to see what this year will bring.

Well the year has finally come to an end and it's it's a year of new beginnings I thought I'd do a post on my favourite products of 2011. Check it out!

Best Foundation

Hands down my favourite foundation ever is Face Atelier Ultra Foundation. It is my HG of foundations! I love that it give me a flawless finish everytime! It's lightweight and also photograph's really well. This is a must have for anyone!

Best Face Primer

I've used the Korres orignal primer and I do love it. I like this one as well as it has anti-aging properties. It's moisturizing and helps keep my makeup on all day!

Best Eyeliners

I have a toss up between two liners. The Annabelle Smoothie Liners are awesome for bases and shadows as well as liners. I also really like the Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes which are a staple in my kit!

Best Lipstick

I absolutely love these Cover Girl Lip Perfection lipsticks! I haven't done a review yet but these were my go-to favourites of last year. They're so pigmented and last a long time!

Best Eye Primer

Lime Crime Eye Shadow Helper is my #1 primer of choice. Excellent for oily lids like mine!

Best Eyeshadow Palette

Of course the Urban Decay Naked Palette had to make my list! What's not to love?

Best Highlighter

LORAC Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder in Radian is the perfect highlighter in my opinion. It's not too heavy and adds the perfect glow to the skin.

Best Lip Balm

eos lip balms are awesome! They're moisturizing and soothing which is exactly what I need for my dry lips!

Best Moisturizer

Consonant Body Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream is so amazing that my cheeks have been baby butt smooth! It's so soothing and everytime I put it on I feel like I'm at the spa!

Best Face Wash

I love Consonant Body Organic Foaming Face Wash. I love that it can take off waterproof makeup so easily! And it feels refreshing too!

Best Bottom Mascara

I love that Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara has the cutest little brush that it gets every single tiny hair. The formula is great too as it does not smudge or flake at all!

Best Blush

All year the blush that I have been grabbing for the most would have to be Benefit Coralista. I find that it gives me a pretty flush. Just a little the apples of my cheeks gives me a natural look.

Best Bronzer

Vasanti Cosmetics Brazilian Bronzer makes my skin look bright and radiant. I love this bronzer! Doesn't give you that muddy look!

Best Concealer

Benefit's Erase Paste is the best concealer to cover those darn dark undereye circles. You'll be amazed at how well it covers! It also brightens up that area too!

Best Face Powder

Love MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural! Wear it alone or on top of foundation and it gives you the perfect finish everytime!

So what were your favourites of 2011?

Follow Me on BlogLovin!

2011-12-21T01:50:00.000-05:00

Hey all...BlogLovin seems to be all the rage with following blogs...so if you're on there be sure to follow me!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

PARI BEAUTY EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MY READERS!!!

2011-12-14T15:38:00.001-05:00

A while back I wrote about an event I attended introducing you all to Pari Beauty (click here to read all about them). Well I'm back with an new and exciting offer for all my fabulous readers just in time for the holidays!

Until December 30th all of you will be able to purchase the following palettes at

15% off!

Limited Edition "Black Tie" Full Face Kit

Retail value: $150.00

Reg Price: $38.25

15% off Price: $31.50

Includes:

- Mirrored tri-fold travel compact

- 10 Blendable Eyeshadows

- 1 Full Sized Lip Gloss

- 1 Contour/Bronzing Powder

- 1 Highlighting Face Shimmer

- Applicators

Limited Edition "Tricks of the Trade" Kit

Retail value: $200.00

Reg Price: $69.00

15% off Price: $58.65

Includes:

- 8 Richly Pigmented Eyeshadows

- 1 Full Sized Customer Favorite Precious Glow Illuminating Shadow Primer

- 2 Luscious Lip Gloss Shades

- 1 "Perfect Flush" Blusher

- 1 Highlighter

- 1 Mineral Highlighter/Bronzer

- Duo Illuminating Powder

- 1 Double Ended Applicator

This offer is exclusive only for my readers and through my site and is NOT available in stores or at any Pari Beauty locations.

If you'd like to purchase any of the palettes please email me at makeupbydonnmarie[at]gmail[dot]com with:

- Your Name

- Quantity of which palette(s) you'd like

- Shipping Address

- Phone number

- Email address

Remember this offer is only valid until Friday December 30th!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

www.paribeauty.com

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner Review

2011-12-13T01:47:00.000-05:00

I'm always on the lookout for new eyeliners to add to my makeup collection and makeup artist kit. So when Marcelle was handing these out at The Beauty Premiere I was ecstatic! I like that there's a pretty wide range of colours to choose from. I especially love that they are waterproof and resist heat and humidy. I've yet to try them in extreme weather but so far in this cold weather we're having I must say that they do hold up to my watery eyes. Ever get that cold wind in your eyes that it makes you tear? Not to worry cause your liner won't smear!

The formula is smooth and creamy so it glides on seemlessly. I like to use these as either a base or liner. My favourite colour is Blue Lagoon which is a good dupe for Urban Decay's 24/7 liner in Flipside. Check out the pic below for a comparison.

L: Urban Decay 24/7 Flipside R: Marcelle Blue Lagoon

(UD is slightly lighter in colour)

Wondering how it compares to UD 24/7 liners? I'd have to say they're pretty close in my experience. Both are smooth and creamy but I'd say Urban Decay is a tad more creamier and pigmented than Marcelle's. With that said the Marcelle liners seemed to dry a lot faster than UD's. I guess that's because they UD is creamier. As for lasting power I'd have to say they are pretty close. Both last a really long time. I have oily lids and after about 7 hours both begin to to crease and smear on my greasy lids. So if your lids are anything like mine it's best to wear a primer under these. If you don't want to dish out 20 something bucks on the Urban Decay liners then Marcelle is a good alternative for about half the price (suggested retail price $10.50).

L - R: Blue Lagoon, Green Metal, Bronze, Fairytale Pink, Mulberry, Imaginary Mauve

www.marcelle.com
Suggested Retail Price $10.50

Le Cosmetique Corrective Concealer Wheel Review

2011-12-10T02:11:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of the Corrective Concealer Wheel on Le Cosmetique's Beauty Blog!

Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil Review

2011-12-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

If you read my post on The Beauty Premiere then you know that Annabelle was handing out their Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil's on a silver platter. I've managed to grab 6 of them been using these for a few weeks now and all I can say is that they are amazing!

I love that these pencils are so versatile. You can use them as eyeshadows, eyeliners, or an eye base. One thing I should mention is that if you plan on using this as an eyeshadow you have to work pretty fast. I found that they dried pretty quickly making blending somewhat difficult. But blending with a warm finger usually solved this problem for me.

As for application and colour payoff these Smoothies applied so smoothly and are packed with pigment. They are extremely creamy but not messy. Unlike Stila Kajal liners these liners stay put and don't crease! An eyelid primer isn't necessary, trust me I'm an oily lid sufferer! I am so impressed with the colour payoff one swipe and immediately you can see how rich it is . If you're a makeup artist like myself I'd keep a few of these in your professional makeup kit!

L-R: Absinthe-Minded, Mokamirage, Cocoaloco, Acaidasian, Blubomb, Licoriche

All in all Annabelle's Smoothie pencils are worth getting. Lichoriche a rich black is my go to pencil as I love using it for a smokey eye and lining my waterline. And can you believe this did not budge on my waterline either? Ah-mazing right?! I promise you these won't disappoint!

www.annabellecosmetics.ca

Suggested retail price: $8.95 CDN

This Is My Grownup Christmas Wish...List!

2011-12-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

Every year I put out a Christmas Wish List to family and friends. Here's what I want this year that is beauty and related. Check it out!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I loved the original palette so much that I just have to have the 2nd one too!

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator

What's not to love about this? It's just gorgeous! I'd love this for highlighting.

NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette

I really like that this has different shades of blush and a highlighter and bronzer. No need to take out several different compacts to create a look for your cheeks when it's all here!

Consonant Body Ultra Firming Organic Eye Cream

I'm on a hunt for a new eye cream cause the one I'm using now isn't working for me. I'm hoping this one does!

Consonant Body Healthy Skin Detox for Body Kit

I need a new skin regimen for my body especially since my skin has been going through some wacky changes due to post pregnancy and the weather. Hoping this kit works out for me. Plus it's all organic which is a bonus!

What's on your grownup wish list?!

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

2011-12-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

If you've ever seen me without makeup on one thing you might notice is the dark circles under my eyes. What can I say? I don't get much sleep mainly because I have an 8 month old who still likes to wake me up a couple of times a night. I decided that it was time for a change and it was time to get rid of these dark circles! I came across Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream at Sephora and because I love Benefit products I knew this would work for me...or so I thought.

Benefit claims that It's Potent "fades dark circles & helps smooth fine lines for brighter, younger-looking eyes. Contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity & firmness, a blend of hydrating botanical extracts

including apple extract, known to help boost collagen, & loquat extract, known to help protect the skin from free radical damage."

Now, did it fade my dark circles? Nope. I've been using this for a few months now and it has done nothing for my dark circles.

Do my eyes look younger? I guess but I never really had any fine lines or wrinkles around my eyes so I can't really tell.

Did it restore elasticity & firmness? Again I can't tell as I don't really have puffiness under my eyes. But I did feel that it was hydrating. So any dryness I had around my eyes went away.

All in all I feel like I wasted 30 something dollars on this and am on the hunt for a new eye cream. If you know of a really good eye cream that gets rid of dark circles feel free to let me know! If you've reviewed one leave a link and I'll check it out!

And the winners of my Holiday Giveaway are...

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to announce the winners of my Holiday Giveaway. First off I want to explain how I chose the winners.

First I had to check if each of you followed the rules of the giveaway.
I then plugged your names onto a spread sheet on excel. If you entered 5 separate times I entered your name 5 times (i.e. you were entered in cell's 1 through 5).
I used the True Random Number Generator on www.random.org and entered the minimum number and maximum number of cells I had.
I then hit generate and chose the 1st winner and then repeated the process until I had 4 winners as there are 4 prizes to be won!

Without further a do here are the winners randomly chosen in this order...

dreamer

Since you were the 1st winner you picked MAC EYES as your prize and so you shall have it!

Elaine A (TO Beauty Reviews)

You picked MAC LIPSTICKS and now they are yours!

Danielle Thompson

Your first choice was MAC EYES but I already have a winner for that. But since MARCELLE was your 2nd pick you can have that!

And lastly...

cyndiycs

I know you picked MAC EYES but the prize has been chosen by another. But don't worry you get the ANNABELLE prize! Two of those lipglosses were CUSTOM MADE by Yours Truly! I hope you like them!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Please check your e-mails. You will have 48 hrs to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone who participated. If you didn't win don't fret! I have another giveaway coming up in the new year in February...hint that's my BIRTHDAY month! ;)

Help! I'm addicted to Makeup Brushes!

2011-12-01T23:18:00.001-05:00

If there's one thing I'm totally obsessed about or that I cannot get enough of it's makeup brushes! My collection ranges from different brands that I've come across either in stores or online. I don't know what it is about brushes that makes me wanting more. In my collection are 128 brushes that I've collected over the years. My collection does not stop there. Everytime I hear about a new brand of brushes I just HAVE to try them! Next on my list...BDELLIUM!

My face brushes

Skunks

Eye brushes

My personal collection as well as brushes I use in my kit

What are you makeup obsessions? Are you as addicted to brushes as I am?

'Tis the Season of GIVING: A Holiday Give Away!

2011-11-25T00:36:00.001-05:00

'Tis the season of giving and I'm giving away some goodies just in time for Christmas! This is my very first give away so I hope you all have fun! This give away is open Internationally.

Prize #1 MAC EYES

Eye Shadow: Lustre Leaf

Mineralize Eye Shadow: Sea & Sky

Pearlglide Eye Liner: Fly-by-Blu

Prize #2 MAC LIPS

Lipsticks in Hipster & Bubbles

Prize #3 ANNABELLE

Smoothie Pencil: Blubomb

Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner: Solar Flare

Two Big Show Custom Made Lipgosses by Me

Prize #4 MARCELLE

Lux Eye Dust: Vegas & Illusion

Lipstick: 702 Attitude

Waterproof Eyeliner: Blue Lagoon

This give away is simple all you have to do is the following:

1. Follow my blog by clicking "Join this Site" on Google Friend Connect (Right side column)

2. Tell me which prize you'd most like to win (If you want them all you must comment separately or it won't count!)

3. Leave your e-mail address below so I can contact you if you win

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. "Like" me on Facebook (leave a comment when you have done so)

2. Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment when you have done so)

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (leave a comment when you have done so)

4. Tweet, Blog or update your Facebook status about my give away and leave the link in the comments section

Winner will be chosen on Thursday December 1st, 2011 and announced on Friday December 2th, 2011 at 8:00 AM. Winner will have 48 hrs to claim their prize. If prize is not claimed a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

The Beauty Premiere: A Marcelle and Annabelle Party!

2011-11-18T08:00:00.007-05:00

The Toronto Beauty Bloggers have been waiting for this event for weeks and it had finally come! Tonights event wasn't your typical sit down and listen to the speaker event but a chic and hip party located at the Toronto Thompson Hotel's Rooftop Lounge. We were able to get a sneak of the Spring 2012 Collections which I am so excited for! Check out my pics below of the night for a sneak peak into the collections and all the fun we TOBB's had!

I had been in contact with Isabelle (Social Media & PR Director of Groupe Marcelle Inc) because she needed a makeup artist to do her makeup and hair for the night. I was lucky enough to glam her up! Isn't she stunning! (Thank you so much Isabelle for allowing me to do your makeup and hair. You were wonderful to work for. I had a fab time at the party!)

Back of Isbelle's hair

Side shot

I also had the opportunity to Isabelle's colleague makeup as well. Gorgeous girl!

Our view from the top!

Annabelle and Marcelle hors d'oeuvres served on a platter! How cute is that?!

Glitter Liners

Big Show Lipgloss

Swatches of some of the glosses which are non sticky by the way!

Smudge Paints...LOVE these! I have it in black and it lasts all day long!

These are a must have. I will do a separate post reviewing these!

BB Creams are all the rage in Asia. And Marcelle will be introducing it to Canada and launching it this February! I can't wait! I used this on Isabelle's face and it is wonderful!

Marcelle ladies posing with the BB Creams

New Mascara I can't wait to test out!

Rubber brush head which is popular these days

Anti-aging skin care

Check this out. We got to custom make our own lipgloss! How cool is that?

These are the colours we got to mix and match

My finished product! I'll call it "Donna Marie"

Custom made gloss by Lisa Marie (Beauty Crazed) She calls it "Slutty Beauty Crazed Coral"! Haha!

Tess and Kelly from Glitter Diaries says "Don't mind if I do!"

Anjali (Rock That Look), Fiona (fionaman) and Jill (Batting A Lash) catching up

Me and Isabelle our hostess of the night

Elaine (TO Beauty Reviews) and Tess (Makeup By Tess)

Me and Fiona

Fiona having fun swatching the Smudge Paints

Arianne (Glitter Geek) and Tess

Me and Makeup Artist Lelo

Fiona & Makeup Artist Mariana

Last minute goodies to take home!

End of the night with gift bags!

And there you have it. Be sure to check out your local drugstores to pick up the new 2012 Collections launching this February!

A special thanks again to Marcelle and Annabelle Cosmetics for such an amazing event! Looking forward to the Spring 2012 Collection!

www.marcelle.com

www.annabellecosmetics.com

IMATS Toronto 2011 & Haul

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

As many of you may know, IMATS 2012 was held last weekend at the Toronto Congress Centre. I had been waiting for this all year and was excited to attend again! I went on the Saturday with my friend Melanie who has begun her fascination in the world of beauty partly due to me being her enabler. Haha! I had also got to meet up with a few fellow Toronto Beauty Bloggers (Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, Arianne aka Glitter Geek , Ande from Make Me Over Ande, Tess from Makeup by Tess, Kelly aka Glitter Diaries) and YouTube Vloggers (Fiona aka fionaman, Jen aka jdomakeup, Joanna aka xJOLE, Sandy aka sanderlees).

Below are pictures of the show. Sorry they are not of the best quality due to the fact that I had forgotten my camera at home! :(

And if you're wondering if I got what was on my WANT LIST check out my haul at the end!

Tons of lashes at NYX

Hakuhodu Brushes probably the softest brushes ever! My friend Mel just had to splurge on one!

Crown Brushes

Naked Cosmetics

Cover FX

Pari Beauty

Face Atelier. Love their foundations!

Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Eve Pearl

Me (looking like a midget) with Mabel & Angela owners of Velour Lashes which are made of Mink fur. These girls were so sweet. And they are a Canadian company too!

Sitting in on Koren's (aka Enkoremakeup) class

Koren's model Tess (aka Makeup by Tess) who you may have remembered as the my model for O2B2

The final look. Vibrant and Gorgeous!

Body art

More body art

And here's my haul! I managed to get a lot of what I had on my want list.
Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundations 6 for $100
Cozette Vessels from Kett Cosmetics $17
Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner $15
Beauty So Clean Sanitizer $20
Kett Cosmetics Blot Compact $18
Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Shine & Oil Control $17 (I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong)
ZPalette $20
Makeup Forever 12 Colour Flash Case $67
NARS Orgasm x2 (bought these for friends) No discount which I regret!
Velour Lashes I got "Are those real?" $20
Multiple Crown Brushes $10.50 - $18.50 (totally regret...should have gotten Bdellium Tools which were all the rage this year!)

Cheeky Monkey Filthy Madame Review

2011-11-16T08:00:00.007-05:00

You may have heard of me mention Cheeky Monkey nail polishes when I attended the Blush Pretty Beauty Board this past summer. One polish that I really love is Filthy Madame. Since metallic nails are in this fall I thought I'd share this with you. Filthy Madame is a gun metal grey polish with slight shimmers in it. I really like the bottle and packaging of the polish as it you can easily distinguish it from your collection. The bottle is cylinder in shape and the name of the color is written all around it. I think that's really cute! As for the formulation of the polish it's not too thin but also not too thick in consistency. I however wished that the brush was a bit flatter allowing for a more easy application. Other than that the colour is beautiful and would look great with an outfit for a night out on the town.

Have you tried Cheeky Monkey nail polishes? What's your favourite color?

www.cheekymonkeycosmetics.com

My Twitter Display Picture

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter you may have noticed my display picture of a large stash of makeup. I've had a lot of comments on my pic and I told some of you that I'd blog about what is in this picture. First off let me just say that this is what my kit use to look like. I've since condensed it and only bring what I need to gigs. This pic was taken at a fun photo shoot with some friends of mine and a photog friend. You can check out that photoshoot here.

Anyhow let's get to the good stuff. Here's what's in this pic:

Palettes: Coastal Scents (88 matte, 88 warm, 10 blush, 10 concealer), The Balm Shady Lady Vol. 1 & 2, UD Alice in Wonderland, Depotted and single MAC Eyeshadows (various colours), MAC Blush palette (various colours)

Lipsticks/Glosses: MAC, OCC, Smashbox, Joe Fresh

Eyeliners: Mostly Annabelle, Some Stila, Wet n Wild

Lip Liners: MAC and Annabelle

Brushes: MAC, Sigma, Crown, Kayana Beauty, Quo

Concealer: Lise Watier, Victoria's Secret

Foundation: MAC Face and Body, NYX Liquid Makeup

Powders: Laura Mercier (My GH powder of all time ) Translucent Setting Powder, MAC Prep and Prime Powder, Benefit Powderflauge for under eyes

Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume in waterproof

Face Primer: Cover FX, CARGO

Eye Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Eye Bases: MAC Cream Colour bases, Benefit Lemonade

Skin Care: Balea wipes, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, Cetaphil, Embryolisse Creme Du Lait

Others: MAC Brush Cleaner, 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, Quo and MAC False Eyelashes, Duo glue

Tools: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Sephora small lash curler

I think that is all that is in this picture. Watch out for a future post on what's in my ZUCA when I pack for Bridal makeup!

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper Review

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

How many of you are like me and suffer from oily eyelids? I have tried tons of eyeshadow primers in hopes of finding "THE ONE". Well you know what? I think I've found it! It's called Eyeshadow Helper by Lime Crime ($17.00 USD). If you're familiar with the brand then you know that they are quite known for their bright and funky lipsticks. But don't let the lipsticks overshadow their eyelid primer! Let me tell you this stuff is amazeballs!

Lime Crime's website states the following claims:

No other eyeshadow primers work for you? Meet Eyeshadow Helper: formulated to withstand heat, sweat and even the oiliest of eyelids, this waterproof eyelid primer is guaranteed to keep your eyeshadow ON no matter what!

Intensifies color
Prevents creasing for up 24 hrs
Makes your eyeshadow water-proof
Comes off with waterproof makeup remover or lotion

I was a little peeved upon discovering that my primer arrived unscrewed therefore the product slightly dried up. But not overly dry thank goodness! It appears to look like this but it really is still very creamy! If you do buy this make sure you always screw the cap on tightly!

So I'm not gonna lie. Everything they say is true! I know I sound like an infomercial right now. But in all seriousness, if you have oily lids...just get this! I promise you it won't disappoint!

www.limecrime.com

Fero Beauty Stainless Steel Palette with 4 Wells

2011-11-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

As a makeup artist it's important to have the right tools when you're working on a gig. One important tool is a stainless steel palette. These palettes are great for mixing liquid or cream products. I was on the hunt for a special palette that is round in shape and where I could stick my thumb through a hole. I checked out a few suppliers who carried it. But to my luck they were all out of stock! Then I came across a UK based cosmetic supplier online called Fero Beauty. They carried the palette but they also carried another palette that caught my eye. It had the same shape but the only difference was that it had 4 dip wells. I'm usually hesitant about ordering things online from other countries but I hadn't come across any other site that carried this type of palette. So I took a chance and placed my order. What I liked about the process was that after I had placed my order they sent me an email stating how much shipping would be and if I didn't agree to the costs I didn't have to go through with the order. I paid 10.30 British Pounds for shipping (with tracking) on top of the palette that only cost 5.50 pounds. I know the price of shipping is a bit much but I couldn't risk losing it in the mail without a tracking number. I figured what the hey I really want this palette. I've been using this at every gig so far and I'm really loving it! The palette is slightly larger than your standard rectangular stainless steel palette that every other artist out there owns. But it does fit comfortably in my hand and it makes it easy for me to mix my liquid foundations. No more liquids slipping and sliding off my palette! This is a definite must have in my opinion.

Do you have a palette like this one? If so, where did you get it from? I'd love to know if there are any other places that carry this as well.

www.ferobeauty.com

Pari Beauty: A Brand Worth Checking Out and a Contest!

2011-11-10T18:00:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I got invited by Pari Beauty and Farah (Faces by Farah and founder of Toronto Beauty Bloggers) to attend the Pari Beauty event at the Novotel Hotel in Downtown Toronto. To be honest I had never heard of the brand prior to the event so I no idea what to expect.

We got to meet Shaun one of the founders of Pari Beauty and Amanda their Account Manager who also happens to be a makeup artist. Here are a few tidbits that we learned of the beauty brand:

Pari means "a heavenly beautiful woman" in Sanskrit
One of the co-founders is a PHD Chemist so all of their products are formulated in-house
Pari is used in makeup schools all around the world
Their No More Circles Eye Gel contains an ingredient called Arnica which is good for dark circles
The is no Titanium Dioxide in any of their foundations and all product is HD ready
When Makeup Forever decided to pull their line out of the Sears stores, Pari Beauty was asked to take over the space

Shaun showing us how pigmented their shadows are (the colour also matched his tie!)

Andrea doing a demo on Aanchal

Aanchal after shot

Shaun and Andrea also showed us many of their popular products. One product I was intrigued by was the Skin Perfecting Veil and Primer. Andrea had raved about it because she never use to believe in skin primers. But this one had changed her perception. I have actually been using this for a few weeks now and I actually like it. At first I thought it felt heavy when I swatched it but after putting it on my face and using it after a while it's actually pretty lightweight and feels wonderful on my skin. It really does fill in all the fine lines in my face. I sometimes wear this alone when I don't have time to wear foundation. The results are flawless!

Check out more pics of the evening and keep scrolling down to check out a contest Pari Beauty is having for those attending IMATS this weekend!

For more pictures check out my Facebook Fan Page and see all the goodies they gave us!

If you're a makeup enthusiast or makeup artist. Pari Beauty is definitely worth checking out! Makeup Artists be sure to apply for their pro discount program!

CONTEST

Pari Beauty is excited to announce an exclusive sweepstake ONLY for those attending the IMATS in Toronto on Nov 12th and 13th! Enter for your chance to win a gift basket valued at over $180!!

Here's how it works: Simply go to the sweepstake link on the left hand side of the Pari Beauty Facebook page to enter and view contest details and gift.

On Nov 12th and 13th you MUST check in with Pari Beauty (Booth #113) to complete a ballot for your name to be entered into the draw. We will be giving a gift basket away on both Sat Nov 12th and Sun Nov 13th. Winners will be announced at the end of each day and will be posted on Facebook!

Contest ends on Friday Nov 11th at 11:59 pm EST.Hurry for your chance to win!!

My IMATS 2011 WANT list!

2011-10-29T09:00:00.003-04:00

If you've read my IMATS post from last year you'd know that I didn't go too crazy with my haul. This year I plan to change that! I have a list that many of my Twitter friends and followers have been asking about and here it is! These are just a few things that I want and hopefully will get...

FACE ATELIER

PRO ULTRA FOUNDATION

I have one in the full size and I love it! I've decided that I need a few of these in my kit!

Z PALETTE

I already own a couple of these and they are awesome! I love the see through window. A definite must have for makeup artists.

VELOUR LASHES

I recently heard about this Canadian Company and definitely want to try their false lashes which are made out of mink fur.

NAKED COSMETICS

SIERRA NEVADA COLLECTION

What can I say I'm a sucker for neutrals!

YABY COSMETICS

DRAMATICALLY NEUTRAL PALETTE

I've always wanted to try Yaby but always thought that they were expensive. Since they will be at IMATS I'm hoping to get a good deal!

NYX COSMETICS

NUDE ON NUDE PALETTE

I've heard that this was a good dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette except that you get more colours! I must try it!

BEAUTY SO CLEAN

COSMETIC SANITIZER MIST

I usually just use 90% Isopropyl Alcohol in my kit but I find that it really dries out my product. I've heard that this doesn't dry it out as much but disinfects products just as good.

PARIAN SPIRIT

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANER

If you've come across Fiona Man's Product Wars Video on YouTube then you would know that this brush cleaner is better than the MAC one. Need this!

MAKEUP FOREVER

12 FLASH COLOR PALETTE

Need I say more? Want it!

MAKEUP FOREVER

AQUA LIQUID LINERS

Recommended by Jenn of Spiced Beauty. She says "they're definitely worth it!" So I've decided that this is another must try!

MAKEUP FOREVER

HD FOUNDATION

I previously owned a bottle of this and actually finished it down to the last drop! I never had the chance to get another one particularly because it is quite pricey. But I'm willing to pay for it if there's a discount!

MAKEUP FOREVER

AQUA EYES

I already own a few of these and I think they're awesome. Smooth, Creamy, and lasts all day! A staple in my kit!

NARS

ALBATROSS

I need a good highlighter and I've heard this is a good one. Do you know of one that is better than this? If so comment below!

KETT COSMETICS

KETT SET POWDERED COMPACT

A staple in any makeup artist's kit (so I've heard). I guess I need this too!

KETT COSMETICS

COSETTE VESSELS

A must have for makeup artists! I own 1 of these and I need more. I use a ton of brushes and these are great to have to hold and store your dirty brushes.

NURTURING FORCE

BLOT OUT OFFENSIVE SHINE AND OIL CONTROL CREAM

A great primer for airbrush makeup. I've read some reviews on this and I really like that it's all natural and is really good for oily skin. I get a lot of clients with oily skin and think this is worth a try.

Also on my list are brushes, disposables, and other makeup artist accessories. There will be a bunch of vendors who supply these so I will just pick out who is the most affordable!

Okay so there you have it! That's my want/need list. Are you going to IMATS? I wanna see your list! Leave a comment with your list or if you've blogged about it I wanna know!

Help! I need a new hairstyle!

2011-10-26T00:40:00.001-04:00

So I've decided that this Mama needs a new hair do! Since having my 3rd baby my hair has begun to fall out and it has become really long and thin. The above pic is what my hair is like now. Long and boring and thin. I don't know what to do with it so I usually just put it in a pony. I'm thinking of chopping off a few inches but not sure what kind of style I want. Here are a few styles I've come across on the web.

Jennifer Aniston has been my fashion/hair icon for a long time now. When she debut this cut I immediately fell in love.

Hilary Duff's hair is sort of similar to my hair now except that it's a few inches shorter. I do like the long layers in front.

Gwyneth Paltrow has another bob haircut that I've been admiring.

Alyssa Milano is another style I like. I like that the bottom of the hair is blunt making her hair appear more full. I also like the long layers in the front.

So as you can tell from the pictures I like long and blunt hairstyles because it makes thin hair look fuller and thicker. I'm just not sure if I should go shorter or medium length. Please help me decide! What do you think will look good on me?

Out of the Beauty Box Toronto: AIRBRUSH

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I attended the Out of the Beauty Box Toronto Airbrush class taught by none other than Koren Zander (aka: Enkore Makeup) and Elessa Jade (aka: Pursebuzz). Now if you don't know who these two are WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? We all know and love them on YouTube and it was an honour to have them as my instructors.

O2B2 (for short) took place at Arline Malakian Studio and we learned the basics of airbrushing for a whole 5 hours. The lesson started off by Koren handing out our Temptu airbrush kits. Surprisingly I kept my composure and held in my excitement as I opened the boxes. The whole class was in silence as we were in awe of our new goodies! Then it was time for inventory. We had to make sure that we checked off that we had everything in out kits. Next off Elessa showed us all the componenets of the airbrush gun and showed us how to disassemble and assemble and disassemble and assemble and disassemble and assemble our airbrush guns. I think I must have put that thing together and took it apart at least 10 times! But by the 3rd or 4th time I was already a pro! It was almost as if we were all in the army!

We then had Koren show us where to set our compressors and how to use the airbrush gun. We also did a few practice exercises on paper. Now let me tell you, these exercises weren't that easy. Airbrushing really does require a lot of practice. When we watch someone using an airbrush, it's alot harder than one might think. There's a lot of finger and wrist motions involved that I even think my hand started to cramp a bit. Just pressing and pushing that airbrush trigger back and forth really does require some sort of coordination. A lot of people may think you just aim and shoot but let me tell you it ain't so!

Practice shots

After practicing it was then time to work on our models. I had the lovely Tess from Makeup By Tess as my model. She was really sweet and easy to work with. Luckily she has nice skin to begin with which made my job a lot easier!

Tess' before shot

Back bubbling

Students and their models

Tess' after shot

Time for Tess' photoshoot

Pursebuzz the photographer

Airbrush Certified!

Me and my pretty model Tess

All in all I must say that this class was worth my time and money. Koren and Elessa were awesome instructors who took the time to work with you one on one. The class was really hands on and informative. One thing I really liked was that they both would go around to see how you were doing and would help you and show you how to improve your technique. They were there every step of the way answering all your questions and concerns. Another good thing that came out of this class was that I got my certificate and I managed to already get some pro artist discounts from several beauty companies. I'm happy that I joined the class and would not hesitate to join another!

Here's what we got in out kit:

Picture from the O2B2 Website

Temptu:

S-One Compressor

SP-35 Airbrush Gun

SB Foundations Makeup Starter Set

7 Pack S/B Blush & Highlighter Starter Set*

S/B Primer

S/B Airbrush Cleaner

Airbrush Moisturizer

Concealer Wheel

Temptu Aibrush Cleaning Kit

Disposable sponges

Cotton swabs

disposable spatulas (not pictured)

disposable headband (not pictured)

concealer brush (not pictured)

http://www.o2b2tour.enkoremakeuponline.com

L'Oreal Paris La Couleur Infallable Review

2011-10-19T12:12:00.001-04:00

I'm probably the last blogger to write a review on this awesome product but being a mommy of 3 it's kinda hard to find the time to actually test products considering I only wear makeup on the weekends AND if I happen to step out of the house (which is rarely).

But with further a do I bring you L'Oreal Paris La Couleur Infallable. I was sent 9 our of the 11 colors and they are just gorgeous. To be honest, I've never come across any eyeshadow like these before. They seem to be a cross between a pressed eyeshadow and a pigment (if that makes sense). When you open the little jar of shadow you'll notice a black little stop which keeps the shadows in place. It would also be a good idea not to toss these out as you can use it to press the shadow back into place after using it.

005 Purple Obsession, 007 Unlimited Sky, 002 Hourglass Beige

The texture of the shadows feels a bit spongy when you pressed down lightly with your finger. They almost have a cream like silky feel when you give it a swipe. It's also best to apply these with your finger or a flat synthetic eyeshadow brush. I like that the shadows are extremely pigmented and long lasting. If you're someone with oily eyelids like myself this is something you might like to try. L'oreal claims that the shadows last up to 24hrs but I'm not one to wear eyeshadows for that long. Do you know anyone who does? But never the less I'm pretty sure this is true as I wore mine for up to at least 14 hrs and it did not budge!

015 Flasback Silver, 009 Permanent Kaki, 001 Time Resist White

006 All Night Blue, 013 Burning Black, 004 Forever Pink

I'm not much of a metallic eyeshadow wearer but you can definitely achieve that bold eye look with these. I would say these shadows are great for going out at night especially if you're into the club scene. I do like these and I wished they were also available in a matte formulation. Perhaps that's something L'oreal is willing to do in the future? ;-p

Suggested retail price $10.99 CAD

www.lorealparis.ca

Blush Pretty Beauty Workshops 2011

2011-09-13T20:09:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about the Beauty Board presented by Blush Pretty. And now coming this October and November, Blush Pretty is back along with a host of AWESOME makeup artists where they will teach you tips and tricks that every beauty junkie out there needs to know. So whether you're looking to achieve the flawless face, wondering where to place your blush, or how to find the right shade of foundation Blush Pretty is here to show you!

Workshops are 90 minutes in length with 6 people to a class. There will also be some yummy munchies to snack on and drinks.

Prices start at $21.50 (plus HST) per workshop OR $55.00 (plus HST) for 3 workshops...how awesome is that?!

Interested in meeting Yours Truly? Hint: I'll be teaching a couple of workshops! ;-)

Please check out BLUSH PRETTY for more information and the WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

www.blushpretty.com