Cute Makeup Tips

For most of you summer started in June, but my summer didn't start until last Friday! This past weekend was a scorcher (after a month long drought!) and what do you do when it's sticky hot? Go to the beach! And that's exactly what we did. Most women that go to the beach don't wear anything on their face other than sun block. I was tempted to bare my natural skin but the makeup junkie in me just couldn't! I decided to use this opportunity to put some talked about beach must-haves to the test!


1. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go: I had featured this product last week (click here), but I didn't really get to test it's sweat-resistant/water-resistant claims. After sitting in the hot beating sun and splashing around in the water, my face didn't melt off all day and looked bronzy and glowy. Even with all the sweating, my skin didn't feel heavy or sticky. Great alternative to a tinted moisturizer and bronzer!


2. Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Mascara: This is the one mascara I've been using all summer long. It perfectly defines, separates, adds volume, and lengthens all in one. It also doesn't flake or smudge. My lashes looked great in and out of the water. This mascara also has tube technology which means it comes off in little tubes with warm water!


3. Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: The last thing you want to do is bring your whole makeup stash to the beach. This creme stain for cheeks and lips is a definite must-have! It is oil-free, streak-free, and waterproof. Surprisingly it didn't sweat off my watermelon glow and lasted on my lips after drinking. It did come off a bit on the lips after eating something oily but that is to be expected. A little goes a long way so start with a tiny drop and blend into the skin with your finger. This colour also looks gorgeous on tan skin. The light watermelon scent is just delicious!


4. YSL Gloss Volupte Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick SPF 9 in Iced Lychee: New for Fall but a must for Summer! Gloss and lipstick in one - LOVE! This sheer gloss stick gives your lips extreme shine and drenches your lips in moisture. I love the way it feels on the lips, although I wish the moisturizing factor lasted longer. I layered this over top of the Becca Tint to enhance the colour a little more and to protect my lips from the sun. Iced Lychee is a sheer pinky-coral and gave my lips a bit of colour, but I prefer using it over top of a stain for more colour and moisture. While I've become a fan of this gloss stick, I'm not sure I would pay $30 USD for a sheer lip colour!


5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85: Sunblock is essential when frolicking in the sun. This sunblock contains Helioplex technology which delivers the highest UVA protection. The Dry-touch technology helped quickly absorb into my skin and got rid of excess shine without a chalky-white finish. The sunblock has a light scent and never felt heavy or sticky on my skin. It's also water-proof and sweat-proof! I love the high SPF factor because I didn't have to reapply every half hour.

Have you tried any of these products? Hate 'em? Love 'em? What are your beach babe must-haves? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

I was excited to test out the BECCA Stick Foundation (approximately $40 USD), as I’m always looking for the next kit essential to simplify my beauty routine. A foundation stick is a perfect go-to product, particularly when you’re hurried for time. It makes foundation application easy - no need for brushes and sponges - just apply, blend and go! The sample of stick foundation I had was a couple of shades too dark for my own skin tone, so instead I improvised and used it as a contouring stick. I loved how the BECCA foundation stick glided on creamy, but blended into the skin without feeling "thick".

Aside from applying well, the BECCA stick foundation is well-designed for skin care and protection. It offers a 30 SPF protecting against 97% of UVA and UVB rays. BECCA stick foundations are also infused with anti-oxidant vitamins A, D, and E that help promote collagen renewal and keep the skin youthful! Gotta love it.

BECCA Cosmetics was founded by Rebecca Morrice Wilson, a former make-up artist who decided to create her own beauty line after her search for the perfect foundation left something to be desired. The line now offers 34 foundation colours in a wide range of skin tones and in delectable names like Latte, Praline, Truffle and Butterscotch. Wilson's aim was to "make it possible for ALL women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion." The BECCA cosmetics line achieves beyond that with products that are both practical and delightful! Enjoy!

For us Canadian Make-up Junkies, BECCA is currently only available online at www.beccacosmetics.com.

The first time I saw Camilla Belle was the campaign she did for Vera Wang's Princess fragrance. I was instantly captivated by her natural beauty and curious to know who this new girl to the scene was (even though she's been acting since she was 9 months!). And then I saw her again flipping the channels one night in the movie "The Quiet". I barely recognized her with her dark locks chopped off, pale as a ghost. Her newest movie is "10 000 B.C." which I am dying to see! The graphics are amazing! Camilla's look is so versatile, making her the next addition to Hollywood's young leading ladies! I don't think she'll fall into the same luck as today's leading train wrecks - she seems too smart for that! Looking as beautiful as she does at red carpet events or movie premieres, there's no doubt she'll be popping up everywhere! To recreate this fresh look for Spring/Summer:

Face: Start off your makeup routine with a good base like Becca Cosmetics' Mineral SPF 30 Primer. It doesn't irritate and is perfect for sensitive skin. Your skin will look smooth, makeup will last all day, the finish is matte and it's oil-free! To keep your skin looking natural but flawless, apply Becca's Luminous Skin Color SPF 25+ which is a combination of tinted moisturizer and sheer foundation. Get a sunny glow by brushing Becca's Pressed Bronzing Powder onto your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.

Eyes: Bronze up those eyes with Becca's Eye shadow in Damask (a golden bronze shimmer) on the lids and smudge Brocade (rich bronze shimmer) on the top and bottom lash line, both from Becca's Best of Becca's Palette.

Cheeks: Give the cheeks a healthy flush with Becca's Lip and Cheek Creme in Blossom (soft caramel nude). Dab onto the apples of your cheek using your finger. Highlight your cheekbones with Bird of A Paradise Gloss (pearlized peachy gold). Both included in Becca's Best of Becca Palette.

Lips: Finish the look off with Becca's Lip and Cheek Creme in Blossom and add Bird Of A Paradise Gloss to the center of your lips for a beautiful shimmer.

images: Camilla Belle Online