Cute Makeup Tips

Spring makeup wouldn't be complete without a few must-haves from one of my favourite beauty brands, CARGO Cosmetics. If your beauty wardrobe doesn't consist of at least one CARGO product this Spring then head to the stores and stock up on these must-haves!

1. CARGO Dare to Play Eye Kit ($45 US/CDN): Essential palette for Spring! This is truly a value set that contains 3 eye bases, five metallic shadows, and five bright and glitter-filled eyeshadow shades to make the eyes pop. If you love colour you will absolutely love this palette. This was a big hit at the Hope For Haiti beauty benefit back in February!

Step 1: Select an eye base: Nude (no shimmer), Shimmering Shell and Soft Beige (shimmer). Apply a small amount from lash line to brow bone (use your finger or eyeshadow brush). I absolutely love these eye bases because the shadows not only blend better but they last longer too.

Step 2: Pick a lid colour: Shimmering Bordeaux, Rustic Copper, Teal, Popsicle Purple, and Sparkling Tea . You can use any of these shades all over the lid, in the crease or as a liner. To use as a liner, use a damp angled brush. These shadows are highly pigmented and feel velvety-smooth to the touch. They blend beautifully and don't crease or fade especially with the base. If you want to intensify the shadow even more, use with a damp shadow brush.

Step 3: Add a "pop" of colour to the lid and the inner corner of the eyes. I love this last step because it really gives dimension to the eyes. All you need is a little dab to the center and corner since it's pretty glittery. Also great for those days when you just want a sheer wash of colour. Choose from: Sparkling Rose, Seafoam Green, Iced Mauve and Champagne.

2. Cargo Blush in Key Largo and Laguna ($26 US/CDN): Hands down CARGO blushes have become a staple in my everyday beauty stash! I am so in love with these silver tins of richly pigmented blushes. The new blushes for spring have me swooning. I'm already a fan of Amalfi, but Key Largo and Laguna (repromote) are also a definite must this season.

Key Largo is shockingly bright in the tin but don't be scared off by this shade. Described as "tropical punch", it really does add a punch of colour to your complexion. Although the blushes are highly saturated, they are very easy to blend and diffuse nicely. To get a pretty flush, mix a very small amount onto brush and sweep lightly onto the apples of the cheeks. This shade is gorgeous against darker skin tones but fair skin beauties can use it too! Keep eyes neutral, swipe a sheer coral gloss on the lips, and let the cheeks be the focus. If you have a lot of redness on the skin then skip out on this shade as it will only enhance it.

Laguna is back by popular demand and now I know why. I've been searching for a bright orange blush that would warm up my skin. I love mixing this blush with bronzer for that ultimate summer glow. This is one shade that is universal. Again, only a little amount is needed. These blushes may be pricier compared to other brands, but the over-sized tins and saturated pigments will definitely stretch your dollar.

3. CARGO PlantLove Lipstick in Evangeline ($20 US/CDN): I'm already a fan of these all-natural eco-certified lipsticks. We've featured many PlantLove lipsticks on Makeup Junkie! I fell in love with Evangeline, a sheer vibrant coral cream, while doing makeup at a fashion show with CARGO. I am one gal that doesn't shy away from a lil' colour on the lips! It has become one of my fave lippies for Spring! Pair with greens, bronze, golds, and peach.

CARGO Cosmetics is available in independent boutiques, Sears Toronto Eaton Centre, Murale in Canada, CVS, and ULTA. 

Have you tried these spring must-haves from CARGO? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

1. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser ($60 USD): If you have normal to moderately dry skin then you'll love the velvety texture of this cleanser. My skin always feels hydrated after. The magic ingredient is Pitera, a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids that work together to restore the appearance of your skin while helping the skin rejuvenate on its own. I don't mind splurging on skin care but if the price is too steep try Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream.

2. Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner ($43 CDN): I love using this after I cleanse the skin. My face always feels refreshed - great to use throughout the day when your skin needs a pick-me-up. Use this before you apply your moisturizer. It not only tones and smooths the skin, but allows your moisturizer to really soak in.

3. Rodial Glamtox Eye Light SPF 15 ($143.94 CDN): I know, the price is ridiculous! But I've fallen in love with this eye cream and I just might...I received the travel size and now I think I'll have to ration it! I rarely ever do reviews on eye creams but this one really works for me! Rodial is your all-natural approach to plastic surgery. Their magic ingredient is Pomegranate Ellagic Tanin that boosts collagen production and restores youthfulness. It really hydrates my eyes and my fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness are less noticeable. I just love the radiant finish.

4. Rodial Glamtox SPF 18 ($156.50 CDN): I like to apply my moisturizer after my eye cream so it can help lock in the moisture. It's safe enough for around the eyes. I'm really sad my travel size has run out. When the hubby and friends think you're wearing makeup when you're really not is proof enough for me that this skin cream is fabulous! It really brightens and plumps up the skin. I've fallen in love with it but we may have to put our relationship on hold. When money is no object, maybe but would you spend that much on a skin cream??

5. Rodial Glam Balm ($100 CDN): Thank god I still have quite a bit left in my travel size pot! This is a multi-purpose anti-aging plumping treatment for your face, lips, neck and hands. My lips don't have a problem with fullness, but I love using this as a finishing touch around the eyes. Also great on the cuticles and as an intensive night treatment for the eyes. Dot a bit on the high planes of the cheeks and you have an instant highlight!

6. Cover FX Brightening Foundation Primer and Photo-Aging Defense SPF 50 ($45 USD): My makeup doesn't hold up so well if I don't use a primer. Primers these days do more than keep your makeup on. All Cover FX primers have anti-aging benefits and improve problematic skin. I love the Brightening primer for those days when my skin looks tired and needs a perk-me-up. I find for drier skin it does a good job at hydrating. The texture goes on a little liquidy but smooths easily onto the skin. Your left with a luminous, radiant finish. The "blur" affect minimizes my imperfections and fine lines and best of all keeps my makeup looking good all day!

7. Korres Face Primer ($28 USD): If you have sensitive skin and have an allergy to silicone, then you will love Korres 99% natural silicone-free primer. My initial thought was that it wouldn't hold up as well as a primer with silicone but this one is awesome! I am in love with it! It contains Vitamin E so over time you'll notice an improved appearance in your skin. My skin always looks smooth and also has a brightening effect. It feels nice and light on the skin and glides on like a moisturizer. Your makeup at night will look as fresh as it did in the morning! 

8. Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20 ($36 USD): When the weather gets warmer I love to switch my foundation to a tinted moisturizer with an SPF. Some tinted moisturizers don't give enough coverage but not Tarte's version. I still get optimal coverage without a heavy feeling. This all-natural tint has micro-treated mineral pigments that help diffuse fine lines and wrinkles. My skin looks luminous without looking oily, important as the weather warms up. The line has been relaunched with a new look and darker shades! I find the new tube is less messy. I'm using Agent 14, for medium complexions with yellow undertones, but I get dark in the summer so I'll have to try Agent 16, for medium dark complexions with golden undertones. 

9. Tarte Provocateur Mineral Pressed Powder SPF 8 ($30 USD): I love this mineral powder because it doesn't look like you're wearing powder. During spring and summer, skin should look fresh and not caked on with powder. It applies silky smooth and is the perfect compliment to the Smooth Operator. Your makeup is perfectly set and you still get a pretty glow. It comes packaged in a super cute in a royal purple quilted compact. I prefer using a brush but the sponge is good for quick touch-ups. The line has also added 2 new darker shades! I'm a Honey 12, for medium to dark complexions with golden undertones. 

10. Korres Lip Butter in Guava ($13 CDN): Finish off healthy skin with an all-natural lip moisturizer. When I tried Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose, I fell in love. I decided I wanted this on my lips at all times but needed a clear one. I picked up Guava and I can't get enough! Yes, you have to dip your finger in the pot but I don't mind especially when my lips feel buttery smooth. A little goes a long way and I rarely have to reapply throughout the day (but I do anyways). The scent is also nice and light. You can also wear these on the cheeks for a dewy stain, but Guava works better as a highlighter on the cheekbones. I want the entire line - 2 down 5 to go! 

What products are apart of your skin care regime? Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's the first day of March which means Spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed)! To get you excited for Spring, I thought it would be fitting to begin this month with one of this season's hottest trends: coral lips.

Why Spring fling? Because there's too many fun shades to choose from! Stay tuned for more beauty trends Makeup Junkie is crushin' on this season!

Coral lips will warm up any complexion. Let your lips be the focus and give your eyes a nice swipe of bronze, gold, or shimmery peachy-pink shadow. Stick to coral, peach, or bronze tones on the cheeks to compliment coral lips.

Smashbox Heartbreaker Lip Shine Melon Drama: If you love ultra-shiny glosses that pack a punch then you'll love Melon Drama! This colour is gorgeous and such a fun colour for spring. I think this is a universal shade that compliments all skin tones. Gloss feels smooth and rich but never sticky. The shine and colour last longer than your average gloss. The portable squeeze tube means no dipping the fingers!

Bobbi Brown Coral Sands Shimmer Gloss: This is the perfect coral shade to pair with a green or bronze smokey eye. The sheer golden peach hue is lovely on its own but looks amazing over top of a peach or nude lipstick. The shine doesn't last as long, but the shimmer leaves a nice sparkle on the lips. The gloss isn't sticky and leaves my lips moisturized. The only thing that bugged me was the brush; the hairs stick out and is really small. I'd definitely prefer a wand. It's a nice gloss, but 4.2 ml for $20 US is a bit steep. Hopefully they will come out with a bigger version??

Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick Marrakech: If you're looking to splurge on a lipstick then try Marrakech from Le Metier de Beaute. I had heard great things about the brand and was excited to receive a sample of their lipsticks. This lipstick is a dream on the lips. Colour is long-lasting and very creamy. Marrakech is a sophisticated coral that has a shimmery frost finish, perfect for after-work cocktails. For all you proud Canadians (GO CANADA!), the brand sadly isn't available in Canada.

Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm in Cancun: Here is one brand that is made in Canada! Cancun has quickly become a favourite and has made a nice home in my makeup stash. I love tinted lip balms and this one does not disappoint. It feels like butta' on the lips and gives your lips a sheer kiss of colour. Cancun is a beautiful coral with a touch of pink that will look great on all skin tones. If you're a little weary to try a coral, then go with a tinted version.

Have you tried these coral lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

I swear, whoever is behind the packaging design over at Benefit knows what makes girly-girl beauty lovers squeal with delight! It's no secret that I absolutely adore the packaging, but what's even better? Their products are actually functional.

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic ($44 CDN, available March 2010): The pad-lock diary packaging brings me back to my youth. When I received this kit I seriously squealed like a little girl. My husband turned to me and said, "Like a kid in a candy store". So true. How brilliant is this concealing and brightening kit? You have everything you need to spackle, cover and brighten in here.

Kit includes: travel-size "that gal" brightening face primer, boi-ing concealer in 1 & 2, travel-size erase paste No.2, eye bright, lemon-aid colour correcting eye-lid primer, and 4 concealer/brightner brushes. Inside is a good sized mirror and comes with a complete step-by-step guide for the makeup challenged.

erase paste is my god-send! I never leave home without it. This tub of creamy goodness brightens and conceals all in one. You can read a past review here. boi-ing concealer is a heavy duty cover-up but only comes in 3 shades. I like to use lemon-aid after plucking because it gets rid of the redness. As a primer it works ok but it did crease my shadows a bit. I've used eye bright back in the day but was not a fan because it gave my under eyes a slight grey cast and gave me a rash. That's just on me though. It was my first time trying "that gal" brightening face primer and I'm in love! I loved how radiant the pink primer made my skin look and my makeup stayed fresh all day. Will definitely get a full-sized version when this is done.

Overall, the concept is genius if you have fair to maybe medium-dark skin but if your skin is any darker the shades will look off. Now if Benefit would extend their shades then we're talking!

The Bad: First, I expected the primer to be clear but it in reality looks like a light beige concealer. I think going clear would have been a better option. I found that it changed the shade of my concealer, therefore, making my under eyes look white. Secondly, I hate the airless pump. Every single time way too much product would dispense. Since it is so concentrated, I'd end up dabbing a tiny bit and wasting the rest. Third, rather than making the skin around my eyes look hydrated, it dried out my skin and enhanced my fine lines. And lastly, my shadow didn't crease but did fade by the end of the day.

I rarely get disappointed with Benefit products but this one was not a winner for me. I'd be interested to hear other reviews! :)

Stop, you're makin' me blush! From candy pinks to sweet peaches, you'll want to show off those cheeks this Spring. Don't be coy - blush on with these sweeter than sweet blushes!

M.A.C. Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach (Spring Colour Forecast available February 2010):  How gorgeous does this blush look in the compact? I love the gradient colour of coral to light peach - another staple for Spring! The Spring Colour Forecast features for colour stories: coral, pink/lavender, yellow/gold and plum/burgundy.

Ripe Peach is from the coral family and is a striking shade that gives your cheeks a sweet pop of colour. The texture is super blendable and leaves a subtle glow. The shimmer isn't over the top either so you don't have to worry about appearing too shiny.

Beauté Cosmetics Liqui-Gel Stains in Neon: Memories of neon bring me back the garish 80's but Beauté's version is anything but! The neon orange may look shocking in the tube, but once its blended you will adore the coral-pink glow it leaves behind. These stains have some serious staining power too - you have about 12 seconds before it sets so I suggest dabbing a little at a time (if you don't want it to stain your fingers blend with a blush brush or sponge). You won't have to worry about this blush fading throughout the day.

The metallic finish is edgier than its cream finish sister. The spring collections I've seen so far are a bore compared to Reverie. Zoya has taken a simple red or pink and added a metallic finish that kicks it up a notch creating a really unique shade.

I love the whole collection but my favourite (possibly of all time!) has to be Adina. Making it a duo-chrome shade was brilliant because it is a really unique colour - one I've never seen or tried at least. My swatch really doesn't do Adina justice but you can see the different layers of violet, blue, green and sometimes gold in there. This is one shade I'll probably be wearing out in the months to come!

On a side note - my Zoya Armour Top Coat was getting a little thick and hard to apply. I forgot I had my Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator stashed away and unopened. I added a few drops of this baby and my top coat was golden! You can add this to any old polish and make them new again. How sweet is that?

Zoya Spring 2010 Reverie collection is available January 2010. Sampler set retails for $36 USD and sold separately $7 USD.

Will be posting more swatches soon - stay tuned!

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula.

NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow, $32 USD

Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern.

This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark.

This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending.

 

Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive.