On the 1st day....

The key to flawless application is all in the tools. Christmas is a great time to stock up on brush sets. Listed below are a few of our favourite this season.

Laura Mercier Limited edition Travel Brush Set

Bare Escentuals -  Travel Brush Set

Quo - In the Spotlight Brush set

  Sephora Collection - Prestige Brush set

On the 2nd day...

After taking the time to beautify your face a great setting spray is always an essential. The latest one we've been using is Urban Decay's All Nighter. Spritz this over your face and enjoy picture perfect makeup for up to 16 hours!

Sephora even sells a mini one for $13.00. Fits perfectly in your purse to take on the go. 

On the 3rd day...

Body Bling is always a staple in my kit. It makes it's most appearances in these drab winter months. I am loving the new formulation and easy-to-use tube. It is also still available in the Original and Platinum (for fairer skin) versions.

On the 4th day...

Color Bug is a wipe on wipe off hair product from the Genius that is Kevin Murphy.

Available in 3 gorge colors; pink, purple and orange. Whip this baby out for your next function and you'll be the talk of the party!

Application tip: Be sure to place a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes ;)

On the 5th day...

 L'Oreal's Voluminous False Lashes is an absolute must for glamming it up this holiday season.

The tube is filled with short and long fibers that grasp onto your real lashes and creates a lot of length and volume. It's great if you don't have the time (or patience) to apply the real thing.  

For best results we recommend applying two coats while lashes are still wet. Avoid using this product on your lower lashes. You don't want to risk the fibers falling underneath your eyes. 

For $10.00 this makes the perfect stocking stuffer. 

After all what girl doesn't love a great mascara?

On the 6th Day...

Makeup..Check, Dress & Shoes...Check, Nail Polish? No need to fret, pick up any of these pretty little party polishes from Deborah Lippmann to get your nails ready for any holiday party!

Shake Your Groove Thing (a full-on flickering gold)

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? (a risqué red satin)

Stairway to Heaven (an iridescent icicle glitter)

I Love the Nightlife (a groovy graphite)  

Good Girl Gone Bad (a bold cabernet glimmer)

On the 7th day....

After attending all the holiday parties this season your skin will be begging for a pick me up. 

Tried and tested by us, Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate for both face and eyes will soon become staples in your beauty cabinet. Apply both products to your face before bed and let them work their magic.  After the first night you will notice a difference. There's no better feeling then waking up to soft, supple and well hydrated skin. 

Both products are paraben and fragrance free. The concentrate is made from Pure Essential oils (including Evening Primrose Lavender and SKWA-Lane). 

Kiehl's always offers great gift sets as well as many samples so you can try before you buy. You can check these and other products at www.kiehls.ca

On the 8th Day...

For all of the little girl's inside of us, The Bay has come out with a  Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Dollhouse Giftset that is to DIE for!

The set includes a 50ml Eau De Parfum, and 50ml bottles of both the shower gel and body wash. As for the dollhouse, it might be cute as storage for your jewellery or just to display on your vanity!

On the 10th Day...

Christmas has come early at my house! I finally received my Urban Decay Naked2 Palette, the highly anticipated sequel to last year's Naked Palette.

This palette includes 12 Taupe, and Greige eyeshadows, a cute travel size lipgloss, and a double ended shadow and crease brush.

Blackout – Blackest black with matte finish (not available individually)  

 Booty Call – Shimmery cork

 Busted – Deep brown with shimmery finish

 Chopper – Copper shimmer with silver micro glitter

 Foxy – Cream bisque with matte finish (not available individually)

 Half Baked – Golden bronze with shimmery finish (Also in Naked Palette) 

 Pistol – Light greyish brown with shimmery finish

 Snake Bite – Dark bronze shimmer with metallic base

 Suspect – Pale golden beige with shimmery finish (Discontinued)

 Tease – Creamy pale brown with matte finish

 Verve – Oyster with shimmery finish  (not available individually)

 YDK – Cool bronze shimmer with metallic base

It might be a little hard to find (I bought mine on Ebay because I have no patience) but it is available again online at Urban Decay and Sephora.

Happy Hunting!



On the 11th Day...

Laura Mercier's holiday set of mini kohl liners is the perfect stocking stuffer for any girl that loves to play up her eyes. The set includes 5 gorgeous liners that will contrast with every eye colour (Brown Copper, Antique Jade, Black Turquoise, Black Violet and Purple Sapphire).

Laura's Kohl liner's are a staple in my kit. They glide on your eyes so smoothly and are an easy way to create a smokey eye as they can be smudged and blended out to create the perfect definition. The pencil will stay on all day and is great under the lash and water line. Pair these with your favourite eyeshadow or wear them on their own.

12 Days Of Makeup

So the countdown is on! 12 days until Christmas officially starts NOW...Everyday we'll be bringing you some new products that would delight any Makeup Addict. Perfect as a gift for that special someone, stocking stuffer, or just because its fabulous! 

On the 12th day....

I just snatched up this gorgeous Charlotte Ronson makeup kit at Sephora and I can't get enough of it.

The kit includes 4 eyeshadows all with a little bit of sparkle, perfect for all of your holiday parties, 2 fab lipsticks that I am OBSESSED with, and a trendy snakeskin print clutch to neatly store everything in.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Beauty Breakdown

Hope you all got to watch the amazingness that was the Victoria's Secret fashion show last night. Master Makeup Artist Tom Pecheux, and celebrity Hair Stylist Orlando Pita gave us classic VS Angels. This year their themes were ballet, superheros, passion (my fav!), underwater, and "club" PINK. We have broken down the makeup and hair styles to help bring out your inner Angel.

The makeup was a little more subdued but classic. All your going to need is a sheer coverage foundation, bronzer to contour those cheekbones, and a pale pink blush. the eyes make the whole look, so whip out your dark liquid or gel liner and apply a thick line on the lashline. Use a gold loose eyeshadow all over the lid up to the eyebrows, and LOTS of mascara. No liner needed for that VS pout. Just apply a nude pink and a little pink gloss!

The hair seen on the Angels was a lot of loose tousled curls. Such a simple style to do. Start with a few spritz's of dry shampoo to add volume. Use a large barrel curling iron ( 1'' - 1 1/4 ''). Divide you hair into four sections. Start the curls from the back. Use the iron in a verticle direction from your face and curl hair outwards to create a really natural and flowy look. Once all the sections are completed tilt your head back a bit and break the curls up with your fingers. Finish off with a finishing spray for extra hold.

For all of the makeup and hair tips used at the show check out the video below

http://vsallaccess.victoriassecret.com/2011/11/17/victorias-secret-backstage-beauty-tips-tricks-revealed/

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Luxe Box- November

The time has come once again for my Luxe Box review. The November edition had some wonderful makeup and skincare samples and some surprising brands I was excited to try out!

Lise Watier Plumpissimo Le Gloss

A beautiful nude pink lipgloss with a plumping agent that makes lips look fuller and "poutier".

Pur Minerals Midnight Sapphire Eye Pencil

This self sharpening, long lasting eyeliner glides on the eye easiely with no tugging, and leaves a smooth high impact color on lids all day. The smudge tip applicator makes smoky eyes a breeze! We were sent the dark navy color which is stunning, but these eye pencils come in a variety of shades.

Benefit Cosmetics B Right! Moisture Prep Toning Lotion

This toning lotion smooths and revitalizes the skin. It is a little richer than your typical toner, so it does not leave your skin feeling tight. Gently massage into freshly cleansed skin to boost the results of your moisturizer.

 

Paco Rabanne Black XS for Her and Him

Possibly my fav samples out of the bunch! These super cute fragrance samples also have a handy keychain so you can always refresh your scent on-the-go. My man loved the cologne and it smells unbelievable!

Teaopia in Cactus Fig Tea Kit

 I love loose leaf tea and this flavour smells divine and tastes earthy yet sweet. This kit contains a tin of tea, and a one time use paper filter.

Oil Of Olay Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex

This serum type lotion instantly plumps and fills lines and wrinkles for polished,  hydrated skin. 

I can hardly wait to see what little treasures are in store for the December edition!

Happy Shopping!

Spotted: Serena's Textured Curls

I couldn't help but fall in love with Serena's (Blake Lively) curly mane for The Studio 54 party on last night's episode of Gossip Girl.

This style is done with one of my all time favourite tools, The Bombshell Rod Iron by Sultra.  For this look be sure to use the 3/4 inch wand for a defined curl.

• Start with wet hair and comb through a dime size drop of volumizing mousse.
• Take a large round brush and blow dry your hair for lots of volume.Part your hair into four sections. Mist hair with a shaping spray before curling. Start at the back taking small pieces (from 1/2 " to 1") and wrapping them around the iron. You don't want every piece to be the same width. Keep the hair around the barrel for about 10 seconds. Then slowly release letting the hair cool off. Continue with the back working towards the front. 
• When you're finished with all the sections, use a very small bit of texturizing cream  and lightly run your fingers through to break up the curl a bit. 
• Finish off with a finishing spray.

Here's a shot of a similar style I used for a Beauty Shoot featured in Sessions Magazine (the curls are a little looser from using the 1" rod).

Please note: Be sure to use the glove provided so you don't burn yourself. These irons are so amazing because they get extremely hot. If not careful you can seriously burn yourself. Trust me, from personal experience...wear the glove!

Marilyn Inspired!!

There's been lots of buzz going around with the release of "My week with Marilyn" this past weekend. It's inspired a post on how to do one of my favourite makeup looks that has inspired so many of the beauty trends right now. The Bombshell from the 1950's. This look is classic and is great for events, especially with all the Holiday Parties coming up!

Skin: 
Traditionally this look was done with a pancake makeup. Very heavy with lots of powder. Forget that! Now a days you want your skin to breath and look flawless with the least amount of product needed.

Start with a concealer to minimize redness, blemishes and any under eye concerns. Once everything is evened out you can use a liquid foundation applied with a brush or a beauty blender. Set with loose powder (less is more) and lightly highlight the cheekbones, centre of nose, temples and chin. Mist face with a setting spray to keep it fresh and flawless.

Flushed Cheeks:
Depending on the lip colour you decide just make sure the blush is the same tone.

Eyes: 
Use a lightly frosted white shadow all over the lid. You will want to get a medium brown/taupe coloured shadow to contour the crease. Remember to blend! Under the eyes; line the waterline with a white/flesh toned liner. Line with a pencil or shadow in a medium brown under the lash line.

If white isn't your thing other colours and finishes will work too. Just remember to keep the base colour light.

For the upper lid liner any liquid or gel liner works great. Be sure to use small strokes to insure you get a nice clean line (as this is key to achieving this look). When you get to doing the tip it is easier if you keep your eye open while drawing it. This way you can see exactly where the tip will end up. Use the end of your brow as a guide, make sure you tip of the liner doesn't go past it!

Flirty Lashes:
If you have the time and patience individual false lashes are great for this look. If not you can opt for a false lash effect mascara. Im really loving L'Oreal's latest; Volumonous False lashes. Remember to coat both the top and bottom lashes!

Sculpted Brows:
Lightly fill them in with a pencil or shadow to bring everything together.

Classic Red Lips: 
When wearing deep colours it's best to line the lips with a clear liner (so you don't have that tacky line left behind if your lips start to wear off in the evening). This lip is generally done with a true red colored lipstick. Apply, blot, apply again. I like to press the colour into my lips with my finger. I find this way you can really control the depth of color you're going for. You can also pair it this with a red gloss for a little extra glam.

Other Lip options:
If you want to modernize this look you can always go for another lip colour/tone.The key is to make your lips have a pop of colour. Try berries, plum tones or if you like to keep it subtle; coral can also be a great option.

The Pin Tin

Bumble and Bumble is one of our top picks for Hair care. This Holiday season they've come out with the perfect stocking stuffer, The Pin Tin! For $15.00 you get this cute little tin filled with 50 white hair pins. Four types for different pins. Plus an added bonus; the how to style guide to help inspire and create your holiday hair styles. 

Luxe Box October

My first Luxe Box package arrived today and I couldn't wait to see what little gems were inside.

As soon as I opened the box, I immediately noticed all of the personlized touches, the product leaflet is addressed to you and also the cutest wrapping sticker on the tissue.

Amazing, right? So now for the products....

In the October box you will receive:

Moroccan Oil Light 25ml

This uber popular oil creates shine and long term conditioning without leaving a sticky residue, the LIGHT formula is perfect for fine and fair coloured hair.

Calvin Klein Euphoria fragrance sample 1.2ml & Lotion 30ml

This amazing fragrance starts with pomegranate, persimmon, and a lovely lush green accord. The heart then blends into a sensual lotus blossom, black orchid which then finishes off with amber, violet, cream and woods.

Olay Professional Pro-X  Eye Restoration Complex

This specialized eye care treatment helps improve the look of crow's feet. Massaging it in reduces excess fluids to diminish dark circles and puffiness.

Pur Minerals Neutral Foundation Primer 10ml

Perfect for concealing minor imperfections before applying your foundation, this primer is designed for all skin tones and has a natural finish.

Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance Vial 1ml

This as yet to be launched skin vial can be conveniently used before or after your makeup for a quick pick me up. Perfect for erasing any early-morning signs of fatigue.

As a bonus you also receive a $25 gift card to Dealuxe, your Canadian go-to online shopping destination for fashion, accessories and lifestyle products.

I am now hooked on Luxe Box and can't wait to continue receiving these packages!

Did you all get your Kardashian fix this Thanksgiving weekend? Finally, we all got to see the stunning wedding of the year! We were most excited to see Kim's Makeup Artist Mario Dedivanovic in action.

  Mario has let us all in on all of the products he used to get this natural but super defined look:

SKIN: The Moisturizing Lotion by La Mer all over the face and neck.

           Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup by Dior

           By Terry's Touche Veloutee concealer.

          Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder

EYES:  L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Custom Brow Shaping Pencil in Light Brown.

            Lancome 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Frenzy

           Cover Girl Line Exact Liquid Liner in Very Black

           Lancome Hypnôse Doll Lashes mascara in So Black

CHEEKS: Lancôme Blush Subtil in Rose Romantique

                Guerlain Teracotta bronzing powder

                Giella's Eye M Glam highlighter

LIPS:  YSL Dessin Des Levres lipliner in Nude Beige

           Lancôme’s L’Absolu Nu lipstick in Coral Sand.

           Lancôme La Laque Fever lipgloss in Ravishing Coral

To keep Kim looking fresh from the day and into the evening, Mario used TATCHA Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers.

Find all of Mario's amazing makeup looks here

MUFE HD Seminar

Last week I was fortunate to get one of the last spots for Makeup Forever's HD Seminar. They had some great info and I gained a lot more knowledge on their products then I had known in the past. I think the number one thing learned was that with HD makeup less is most definitely more. 

Product wise I fell in love with a few things: 

The HD concealer, I didn't realized how little you need with this product. Two twists of the applicator provides enough coverage for all your blemishes and dark circles, plus it also helps to blur any imperfections while looking like you're wearing next to nothing. 

A good tip provided happened to be for one of my kit essentials; the HD microfinish powder. You literally need a tiny dusting of this on top of a kabuki brush to see the results.The powder is invisible to the eye and to HD cameras. However, with a bit too much the flash of a camera can make it appear as chalky white mess. Many celebs have been spotted on the red carpet with white splotches under the eyes and around the nose. The perfect example of what can happen with use of too much product. To play it safe try it out on yourself and take a picture to insure you are using the right amount before going to an event or applying it on a client. Luckily I have a pretty light hand with makeup application so I haven't run into this problem.

Lastly, the HD Elixer. This stuff is amazing! I received a sample of this when it first came out but wasn't fully aware of what it could do. I am so happy I was reintroduced to it. I used this on a bridal client this past weekend and she instantly fell in love. It's great for any dehydration and even chapped lips. Finally something that actually heals them within 15 minutes. A definite must have in my kit from here on.

A big thank you to all the lovely ladies at Makeup Forever Canada as well as BT / Cityline's Makeup Artist, Tracy Peart for sharing her HD makeup expertise.



Luxe Box Beginner

Finally our answer to Birchbox has been answered! Hello Luxe Box...this is such a brilliant idea and I am so glad we Canadians get to enjoy it. The whole idea is basically every month you receive a cute little package filled with samples from well known brands such as Stila, Dermalogica, Essie and many others. Being a beauty junkie I instantly joined and will be anxiously waiting the arrival of my first box.

Stay tuned for monthly reviews!

Makeup Book Collection

This Christmas I was lucky enough to receive some beautiful, inspiring makeup/photography books to add to my collection. As I was organizing my shelves I though I would share with you some of my favorites!

Kevyn Aucoin

 

All of the Kevyn Aucoin books are filled with celebrity transformation, amazing beauty tips and personal images from his fashion and editorial work. The only one that I am missing in my collection is Makeup is Art, unfortunately it is out of print and all of the copies I have found are super expensive! Alas one day I may be lucky enough to own it, but for right now I am just putting it on my wish list!

Stephane Marais

Filled with theatrical, whimsical, runway Polaroids of top models throughout the years, this book gives you a sneak peek at what kind of creativity goes into makeup for the runway.

Marie Claire

Top beauty pro's give us insider tricks of the trade for a flawless application. The full pages of stunning photographs, cover everything you need to know for a head to toe makeover.

Scott Barnes

This much anticipated book lets us in on some of Scott Barnes signature looks that he has created for the world's top celebrities.

Alex Box by Rankin

When I opened this up at Christmas I was BEYOND ecstatic! This powerhouse duo of Makeup Artist Alex Box and photographer Rankin created such an original, awe-inspiring book it will definitely leave you speechless and appreciate the power of makeup.

Makeup Is Art

This book was also must have on my list this year. Authors Jana Ririnui, and Lan Nguyen filled this book with imaginative images ranging from body to underwater makeup.