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Spring Beauty Reviews 2012: Chanel Collection Harmonie De Printemps

It's March! Do you smell it? That's the smell of Spring. March is my Birthday month so it's my favourite time of the year for obvious reasons. It's also a time when I can start busting out some Spring shades - coral lips on skin that has been barely touched by the sun looks weird on me. Technically it's still winter but I've waited long enough to show off these spring lovelies from Chanel!

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Rose de Mai (LE, $34 CAD): I haven't worn a pink shadow on my eyes in ages. Rose de Mai is a very wearable pink and is very spring-y.

It also has a hint of gold shimmer in it and will work for most skin tones. You won't have to worry looking like you have allergies because there are no red undertones in this shadow. It has a very sheer texture so if colour on the eyes scares you, you will love this shadow. While I love this for Spring, the shadow fades after a while even with a primer. I have to use a gel-based shadow as a base to make it really stay.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Chalys (LE, $32 CAD): One of my all-time favourite lipsticks! Rouge Coco's are creamy, hydrating, and well pigmented (read a past review here). Chalys is a gorgeous coral-pink. It has a warm undertone so it will suit most skin tones. This will no doubt be a popular shade for Spring!

Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Bagatelle (LE, $31 CAD): I adore the shimmer in Chanel's Glossimers. Some people can't stand the grittiness of some of the shades, but I don't have one in my collection that feels gritty. These are my go-to glosses for bridal. I just love how the shimmer gives the lip beautiful dimension and shine. For a gloss, the shade is pretty well pigmented. Bagatelle is a lovely pinky-peach shade which I adore! This is another shade that will be popular from the collection.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Flirt (LE, $32.50 USD): Balm-like lipsticks will be all the rage this season! If you want something with more colour, that feels like a balm and gives you shine without a goopy texture, lipshines are the way to go. I LOVE the Rouge Coco Shine lippies. These are lipshines so don't expect them to wear for a long time. They apply smoothly and hydrate the lips which is what my dry lips need! Flirt is another pinky-coral which is just lovely. Depending on how much pink you have in your lips it will go more pink or coral on you. Layer this under Bagatelle for a fuller lip colour. This will be another hit from this collection!

Lip swatches Top to Bottom: Glossimer Bagatelle, Rouge Coco Chalys, and Rouge Coco Shine Flirt

Chanel Le Vernis in April & June (LE, $27 CAD): I love Chanel nail polishes. Great shades and pretty good wear time. April is a berry-red that is a fresher twist on the classic red nail. I love the shade especially on my toes. June is definitely a shade I will be reaching for a lot. This pastel cantaloupe or sorbet shade is gorgeous and unlike a lot of polishes I own! The texture is a simple cream, but the shade is subtle and bright at the same time. June is the must-have shade from this collection!

What are your favourites from Chanel's Spring collection?

www.chanel.ca

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Beauty Feature: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...my vanity that is!

What does your vanity mean to you? And I'm not talking about your outer appearance. I'm talking about your space, your quiet place, your escape where you can lay out all your pretty things and slather on your most favourite beauty products. That's what my vanity means to me. There's something to be said for everything having its place.

For a long time, I used large computer desks as a vanity. Why? Because it was not only functional and cost effective, but because it was big enough to lay out all my makeup. It was neither pretty or full of character, but it worked.

This here is my dream vanity. A little much? Maybe, but I think it's beautiful! It's so classic, feminine, and in my favourite Parisian style. One day, but for now my current vanity isn't so bad.

My vanity is one of my favourite spaces in the house. I love sitting here in the mornings getting ready for the day and staring out the big window. I like to gather my thoughts here and write out my to-do list (which I haven't been doing lately!). Instead of going with something big and clunky, I chose a smaller, traditional size vanity table. I hate sets so I opted just to get the table (which I hopefully plan to give it that cracked old shabby chic look). I was going to go with a chair, but because I don't have much drawer space, I chose to go with a ottoman stool that can be used for storage. I have a few beauty items that I reach for everyday in the drawers.

It's very roomy and fits my large makeup bag, a medium sized one and a small makeup bag plus two of my sunglasses in their case. These are the products I use on my self on a daily or when I'm going out somewhere. If I want to use more products I just pull from my Zuca and my clear storage drawers which are in the walk-in. This way, my desk stays clean and clutter free. I chose a metallic bronze shade. I think it compliments the desk pretty nicely.

Your vanity is a great way to express your individual style and to showcase all the pretty things you love. One of my favourite gifts was this Parisian-inspired mannequin jewelry holder. I love layering my favourite necklaces there. It's a great statement piece. I found our old wooden hand sculpture packed away that we use to display on our bookshelf. This was perfect for displaying some of my rings (I clearly need more!). I love the look of books on display. Here I have Ines de la Fressange's style guide to Paris, Parisian Chic and two Chanel press books from the Fall and Spring 2012 collection. They are so pretty and full of product shots and beautiful photos from the collection's inspiration. I love my little friendship jewelry box which was a bridesmaid's gift. I hold little trinkets and jewelry items in there. I bought a silver tray to display all my favourite perfumes. Perfume bottles come in all lovely packaging and make for beautiful eye candy. I also laid out two lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco shine from the Spring collection (review to come!) and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre with my name engraved on it.

And there you have it. I'm still thinking of displaying my makeup brushes in a cute holder (maybe the one from Topbox?) and getting a table mirror. I will have to re-arrange things to make space. I love having a space that's all mine with my own stuff. Having two kids, your space can be taken over with toys and books, so my vanity is my little get away from all the kid clutter!

What does your vanity look like? I'd love to see! I always love getting ideas and seeing how other makeup junkie's display their favourite beauty items. Email me some photos and I will feature yours on my blog!

Holiday Lookbook: Chanel Holiday 2011

I love being me, but I'd like to be her for at least a day. She's the "it" girl everyone wants to know at all the parties.

If you want her look, you'll need to get your hands on Chanel's very luxe holiday collection. You can't get anymore glamorous than shimmering golds and ruby reds together.

Chanel Glossimer in Sparkle D'Or ($36 CAD): Chanel Glossimers are in my top 5 for glosses. One day I shall do a post of my favourite glosses to wear and to work with! This is definitely a splurge item, but because I use them for work I consider it an investment (I say to myself as I take out my wallet to pay). My stash is slowly growing. I love a lot of different glosses, but the Glossimers give such a dazzling shimmer to the lips it's unlike a lot of the other glosses I own. These are my go-to bridal glosses and just about every bride I've used them on has fallen in love. Sparkle D'Or (not pictured above) is the perfect shimmering gold gloss lovely on its own or added to the center of a red lip or just about any colour.

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss in Triomphal ($32 USD): With the amount of champagne you'll be drinking this holiday, you'll want something that's long-lasting. Not for the faint of heart, these long-wearing liquid lipsticks are richly pigmented with lots of gorgeous shine. The first night I wore this out, I made the mistake of wearing a lip balm and a gloss over top. I wore no lip liner, which was a bad move because it ended up bleeding and feathering. The next time I wore it, I blotted my lips after I applied my balm and used a lip liner first. It didn't budge for hours. Triomphal is stunning and looks more ruby red on me which I love. Looks beautiful with a baby pink cheek and shimmer on the cheekbones.

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Famous (LE, $32 USD): Appropriately titled, 'Famous' will get you noticed. The texture is really moisturizing and applied more like a gloss but with lots of pigment. I was pleasantly surprised because I thought it would look a lot heavier, but it's definitely wearable for day. It has a hint of shimmer which adds nice dimension to the lips. I'm totally in love with the packaging and is so Chanel. The black and gold combination is becoming a slight obsession of mine. The click-open case is wildly entertaining. I sat for minutes popping it open. I wouldn't say this is long-wearing, but it lasts for 4 hrs or so. I didn't find I needed a lip liner with this, but it didn't feather or bleed either even with lip balm.

Chanel Eye Shadow Duo in Noir/Ivoire ($42 USD): An easy duo for a quick smokey eye. Noir/Ivoire is a classic palette of black-brown and ivory-gold. Creating a smokey eye with this was effortless. Use Ivoire as your base and highlight and apply Noir on the lid. Done! If you want a more classic look that puts the focus on your lips, use Ivoire all over the lid and dampen an angled brush and line your eyes with Noir. The textures go on very smoothly and are nicely pigmented. However, I found I had to layer the shadows over a long-wearing cream base to prevent it from fading. While it is a nice palette that could be considered a staple, this is definitely a splurge item. There are other brands that are much cheaper and have long-wearing shadows.

Chanel Highlighting Powder (LE, $72 USD): The holidays just isn't the same without a magical dusting of shimmer. This ivory mixed with pink and mother-of-pearl finish is a gorgeous highlighter. The design alone will appeal to us Chanel collectors, but even I think it's a little absurd to pay this much for a highlighter. Again, it is Chanel and as much as I love the brand I can't even justify it. But if you have the money or feel like splurging, well be my guest but I'd pass on this one from the collection.

Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Carat ($25 USD): Red is such a classic shade, but you'll love this festive version. Rouge Carat is a sparkling ruby red with gold shimmer. I love Chanel polishes so I'm willing to splurge on their must-have shades.

Swatches:

L-R: Chanel Glossimer Sparke D'Or, Rouge Allure Famous, and Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Triomphal

Chanel Eye Shadow in Noir/Ivoire

Chanel Highlighter

Have you tried Chanel's holiday collection? Do you have any favourites or is this a pass?

www.chanel.com

Products were submitted for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Holiday Favourites 2011: The "It" List

Christmas shopping is a fun yet tortuous task for me. It's not even the money factor (ok, maybe a little). It's the case of "one for you, one for me". As you peruse my "It" list for this holiday, you'll be sure to find something to add to your wish list!

The Makeup Newbie

Clockwise:

Laura Mercier The Book of Nudes ($48 USD): Popular among makeup artists and makeup lovers, Laura Mercier's palette of nudes does not disappoint. I'm ashamed to say, but this palette is the first Laura Mercier product in my beauty stash and it is here to stay! This book of nudes will ease any makeup newbie into the world of makeup. The shades and textures are very wearable. It's a palette that will take you from day to night in a snap. The mix of matte and shimmery finishes make for a great bridal palette as well.

It includes: 8 Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown), 1 Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
3 Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer).

Makeup iQ App For iPad/iTouch by TracyP Makeup ($0.99): Every makeup newbie can use a little help. Why not learn about makeup and have fun while you're doing it? If you haven't heard, one of my favourite makeup artists, Tracy Peart of TracyP Makeup and Cityline's/Breakfast Television's key makeup artist in Toronto is the visionary genius behind this awesome app! The best part is that you can learn about makeup wherever you are!

It's a quiz and makeup game mixed into one. Answer the skill testing makeup questions...the more answers you get correct, the more makeup and hairstyling you can apply to your model. The goal of this app is to help you learn more about makeup application, and have fun while you're learning. It's inexpensive and valuable at the same time! I love gifts like that - don't you?

Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Best of Kit ($55 USD): The holidays is the perfect time to stock up on must-have products. Most brands launch kits that have their best-sellers like this lovely kit from one of my makeup staples Make Up For Ever. If you have a gal pal just learning to wear makeup, this kit has all the essential to create a polished look. The kit includes: HD Microfinish Powder
Full Size Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)
Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
Full Size Lab Shine in Star Collection - S4 (pearly pink beige)
HD Microperfecting Primer
Full Size Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

It's a phenomenal deal considering there are 3 full size products in the kit. Love all their products!

The Makeup Junkie

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18 Piece Mini Nail Colour Set ($48 USD): Because a makeup junkie can never just have one! All nail junkies rejoice! This must-have set holds cute minis of Sephora by OPI's best-sellers, trendy shades and everyday basics. Give as one gift or divide between your besties - you decide!
Korres Cherry Picked Cherry Oil Lip Gloss Quad ($28 USD): Forget about your friends - save this one for yourself! If you love gloss, Korres glosses are the bees knees! These lovely lippies come in 4 best-selling and flattering shades and they make your lips look fantastic! You get all shine without the stickiness and it's packed full of good stuff like Cherry Oil which hydrates the lips and Vitamin E & C offers antioxidant benefits. This all-natural lip set contains 4 Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in Natural Purple 25 (sheer dusty rose), Naked Rose 22 (sheer golden rose shimmer), Fuchsia 54 (shimmering muted fuchsia), Light Purple 23 (mauve pink shimmer). These glosses are definitely in my top 5 for glosses!
Avon Expert Mega Palette ($29.99 USD): Makeup Junkies everywhere will love the many looks upon looks that can be created from this Avon mega palette. I haven't always been a fan of Avon shadows but this set seems very well pigmented especially the blushes which I'm a fan of. This amazing set contains 36 eye shadows, 36 lip glosses, and 6 blushes. Each level is like a little surprise!

Smokey Eye Lovers

Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Set ($36 USD): Again, another amazing value set from MUFE! I've always been a fan of these long-wearing pencils. If you love your smokey eye, you'll love smudging these into your lash line for that sooty rock 'n roll effect. These also work great as a base under powder shadows. If you're also a fan of colour, you will enjoy these universally flattering shades: Full Size Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black) and 5 Travel-size Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L (dark metallic grey), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), Blue With Green Highlights 12L (metallic teal blue), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Purple 11L (metallic purple).
Buxom Armed & Gorgeous ($29 USD): These double-ended waterproof smoky eye sticks are no joke! For the friend who loves to bounce around from party to party, these pencils will work double duty as an eye liner and shadow. These shadow liners glide on smoothly but you have to work quickly if you want to smudge them out. The kit comes with a smudging brush and a sharpener (still haven't figured out how it works). It twists up so I guess the sharpener is used if you want the ends to be more of a point for lining. It comes in lovely shades that work for a lot of skin tones. Smokin' Pistol & Switchblade (smoky coal/ smoky metallic indigo), Two by Four & Torch (smoky black-brown/ smoky metallic brass), 5" Stiletto & Slingshot (smoky plum/ smoky metallic chrome).
Vasanti Nude Pink Lip Kit ($25 CAD): A smokey eye is not complete without a nude lip! Available in nude pink and nude brown, these lip kits are the perfect compliment to this season's smokey eye. These limited edition kits offer such great value and all products are full size. It includes Sweden Ultra Luxe Lipstick (the perfect everyday pink), Norwegian Vitamin E Infused Lip Shine (shimmering pale pink), and a Pro Lip Brush complete with a silver cover. The set comes in a cute re-useable tote perfect for gift-giving and traveling! I am a huge fan of Vasanti lip products because they have a balm-like finish that glides on smoothly and keeps your lips moisturized without any stickiness. There are so many gorgeous shades to choose from! Sweden is a great choice for a nude pink lip because it leans more warm so your lips will never look chalky.

The Home Body

Clockwise:

Sleeping With The Enemy Coco Chanel's Secret War by Hal Vaughan ($21 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca) and Paris Wife by Paula McLain ($19 CAD, Chapters.indigo.ca): Beauty and style lovers will enjoy this book about a secret side of Chanel's life. If you're obsessed with Chanel and old Paris like I am, you or your special gal pal will love this book!

I haven't started reading Paris Wife yet, but it came highly recommended. Told in the voice of Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley, tells his story from her point of view. You will fall in love with characters like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and others from Paris the Lost Generation.

I purchased both books at Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. Fighting the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers is not what I call a good time. Shopping on-line just makes total sense and I highly recommend shopping Chapters/Indigo's on-line store. It's user-friendly and full of great gift ideas and recommendations. You'll also benefit from cheaper prices if your a member. The best part was the super quick shipping time! It only took one day and a half for me to receive my order! Chapters.Indigo.ca is PTPA Approved so be sure to make this a shopping destination this holiday!

La Vie en Rose Minnie Surprise Me Long-Sleeved Top & Pants ($69.95 CAD): For the ones that love to get cozy at home and are big Minnie Mouse fans, she will instantly fall in love with this adorable pajama set. It's cotton and feels oh-so soft and luxurious! I love lounging around in this while I snuggle up to a good book and mug of coffee...fantastic!

Philosophy Sweet Kisses & Merry Wishes Set ($36 USD): Those that love to pamper themselves at home will enjoy a relaxing bubble bath with this yummy and scrumptious smelling set of body washes from Philosophy. For the longest time, Orange Mimosa was my favourite body wash but now I have some new faves! This offers such amazing value because it also comes with matching lip glosses! These would be perfect for dividing amongst the favourite gals in your life. The set comes with: 4 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog and 4 Lip Shine in Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake, Peppermint Bark, Pomegranate Bubbly, Old Fashioned Eggnog. My personal favourites - Sugar Sprinkles Funnel Cake and Peppermint Bark! I also love the recipes on the bottles - something I will have to try this holiday!
Aveda Grounding Soy Wax Candle ($29 USD): Lighting some candles is the perfect ambiance for a relaxing soak in the bath. Aveda's soy wax candle uses the aromas of pur flower and plant essences including organic vanilla, ginger, and cassia. You will enjoy up to 50 hours of aroma that burns cleanly and completely. Those that are green friendly will appreciate the chic 95% recycled glass holder it comes in.

The Big Spender

Jo Malone Cologne Collection ($95 USD/$110 CAD): For the gal pal that loves only the best. If you have the money to dish on a luxury gift set, this cologne set from Jo Malone will be adored by the fragrance lover in your life. What I love about Jo Malone fragrances is that you can combine with other scents in the collection and create your own custom scent. The set includes Grapefruit, Red Roses, Vanilla Anise, Pomegranate Noir, and Wild Bluebell. I absolutely adore Vanilla Anise and I love the understated yet elegant packaging.
La Mer The Discovery Collection ($260.00 USD): I'm all for dishing out money on expensive skincare because to me good skin is the most important. La Mer isn't just expensive - it's luxuriously expensive so only splurge on this for your BFF or yourself! But when it comes to this line it's definitely worth it! I love La Mer cream and I wish I could own multiple tubs of this. This set includes 1 oz Creme de la Mer, The Radiant Serum .5 oz, and The Eye Balm Intense .17 oz.

So, what's on your wish list? How much do you spend on friends?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Fall Beauty Review 2011: Chanel Why Do I Love You So? Let Me Count The Ways...

You had me at Chanel. Whether it's the clothes, bags (my dream purse!), shoes, or makeup the iconic brand instantly commands your complete adoration. Since the makeup is the only thing my fingers can grasp, hold, and afford (and barely at that!), I shall swoon over this utterly beautiful collection Illusions D'Ombres De Chanel. This is definitely one of the must-haves of the season. Fall in love with shimmering rich shades and creamy textures in the most gorgeous colours.

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eye Shadow ($36 USD): When the fall or winter season rolls around we immediately think smoky eye, but too much smoke during the day might still feel/look out of place. If you love sporting a smoky eye, but can't stand the stares at 8 in the morning on the subway, you will LOVE these long-wearing shadow/liners from Chanel. It's a gel-formula, but the texture is very much like a creamy, spongey mousse if that makes sense. It's ultra soft to the touch and applies so easily to the eye. They make for a quick smoky eye because you can quickly apply with a flat brush or finger, smudge in a black liner, add mascara and you have a sexy yet subtle eye you can wear during the day. You can also wear layer underneath a powder shadow for more depth. It also lasts longer too. On its own and with a primer, it wears really well all day without fading or creasing.

I received Illusoire (smoky purple-lavender with grey-silver undertones), Emerveille (soft peachy champagne with brown undertones), and Epatant (smoky khaki green). All have a shimmery finish. Depending on how much colour you want to show, the shadow can be a simple wash to intensely smoky. Emerveille can be worn as an everyday base or as a highlighter on medium-dark skin tones. My favourite is Illusoire by far though. On my skin tone, the purple shows more and makes my brown eyes pretty. Epatant, however, is definitely this season's "it" shade. I love this shade as well because the khaki undertones make it a very wearable neutral.

Each shadow comes with a handy little shadow/liner brush that was designed specifically for this shadow. I prefer to use this brush to line the eyes rather than as a shadow brush because it's pretty tiny.

Overall, I'm a big fan especially since I love anything I can just rub on the eye quickly and have it still look amazing. If time is not your friend, these shadows will be! Available in 6 shades.

Chanel Le Vernis in Graphite ($25 USD): How can a brand command such a hefty price tag on a nail polish? Chanel is a trendsetter which explains why fashionistas and beauty lovers everywhere bite their nails in anticipation for the shade of the season. Graphite looks silvery from the bottle but when you apply it looks more khaki green with gold and silver flecks. It's such a fantastic shade that just sparkles! Available in 3 shades.

Have you tried Chanel's fall 2011 collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it? What were your favourites?

www.chanel.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Summer Faves: Lips

It's not officially summer but it sure feels like it! My usual staples for the summer season has always been punchy brights on the lips but lately I've been reaching for my more muted shades. The effect is still gorgeous, effortless beauty.

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Secret ($30 USD): Everyone was raving about the new Rouge Coco's and being the makeup junkie that I am, I had to see what all the buzz was about. Back in April the lovely and fabulous beauty blogger, Michelle from Lipstick Rules, met up with me in her second home, Holt Renfrew. I was tempted to purchase Cambon (gorgeous) but since I had so many brights, wanted a subtle shade for everyday. Michelle excitedly suggested Mademoiselle, which is beautiful on her but I wasn't really feeling it on me.

Long story short, the sales lady suggested Secret, a peachy rosy-brown, and applied it with a nude lip liner and Galactic Glossimer which gave the most amazing shimmering effect (will have to save for another post). With many ohhs and ahhs from other Chanel fans, I purchased Secret and Galactic. However, when I got home and pulled it out of the box I wasn't too excited about it. I went a week later to exchange it for Perle but they were all out. Over a month later, I was curious to try Secret again on its own and I am in love! I think the nude lip liner made the shade look more muddy but on its own is divine. It's the perfect summer nude and goes great with bronzy skin and peach cheeks! The texture is ultra-moisturizing and the colour is long-lasting. Definitely a winner and I may have to pick up a few more shades!

2. Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Crazy Raspberry and Dot Apricot ($22 CDN): Juicy Tubes are a cult classic and the first glosses to come in a tube. Lacome is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and has collaborated with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who has created 5 optimistic and colourful designs to customize this it-gloss. I absolutely adore the funky designs. Limited edition and if you're a die hard Juicy Tubes fan, a collectors item.

The 100% Natural formula is made with shea butter and honey, leaving your lips hydrated and unbelievably smooth. These glosses are more for shine so if you're looking for more colour you won't find it with these sheer glosses. Crazy Raspberry has a tint of raspberry pink and Dot Apricot is a sheer apricot but looks more clear on my lips. These are fabulous for those days when you just want a glossy finish or layered over top of your favourite lipstick or lip stain.

3. M.A.C. To The Beach Tinted Lip Glass in Splashing ($16.50 CDN): I love the packaging of M.A.C.'s summer collection! In the past, I haven't really been a fan of the stickiness of the tinted lip glasses but the eye catching shades get me all the time. Splashing is the pink to wear this summer! This blue-toned pink with soft gold pearl makes it so versatile. Layer over top of a pink lipstick for intense pop, swipe over a peach lipstick for a peachy-pink finish (love pairing it with Chanel's Secret), and worn on its own gives just enough colour without looking overdone.

4 & 5. Balmshell Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Tabloid Tammy and Lip Gloss in Curse of the Purse ($20 CDN): Balmshell hosted a blogger event a few months ago which I wasn't able to attend. But the awesome ladies at Balmshell reserved a sweet swag bag for me with my chosen products.

I love lip and cheek stains and was very excited to try out Balmshell's version. Tabloid Tammy is beautiful bronze, a shade I had yet to add to my collection of stains. I tested it out on my cheeks bare and with a tinted moisturizer. Unfortunately, the stain on the cheeks was a complete fail for me. I really wanted to love it but found it blended horribly and looked splotchy on my cheeks. However, on the lips looked lovely especially with the gloss in Curse of the Purse, a sheer creamy peach, over top. The stain and gloss combo made for a long-lasting lip colour and gave my skin a warm toasty glow. The gloss on its own is pretty and subtle and looks amazing with a colourful or smokey eye.

6. Everyday Minerals Lippie in Enough Talk, Kiss Me! ($8 USD): If you're looking for an organic, vegan, and eco-friendly makeup line that is packed with pigment and affordable you will love the products from Everyday Minerals. This new lippie is included in the On The Reef, Coral Collection. This warm coral shade can be worn anytime of the day whether you're off to work or sunning on the beach. The balm-like finish keeps your lips feeling hydrated yet stains the lips for lasting colour. Add a gloss over top for a shimmering effect. The easy and portable twist-up tube is great for throwing in your tote or beach bag!

Stay tuned for more summer favourites! Have you tried any of these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

What do you get for the woman that has everything? From experience, it seems beauty products never get old! For a few years my brother's and I would get my mother a new fragrance or bath and body products every year. And every year she would still glee with excitement because my mom is Mama Makeup Junkie! If you've been fretting over what to get the woman that let you try on her lipstick when you were four, that scolded you when you picked on your little brother, that read your diary during high school, that paid your rent when you were broke, and that is the best grandmother to your kid(s), fret no more because you're bound to find some wonderful gifts for the woman that has everything!

How utterly gorgeous is this bag accessory from YSL ($56 USD)? It's like a jewelry piece and cosmetics, two of my favourite things, in one! This bag accessory can customize a bag or belt includes a solid perfume and fuchsia pearly lip gloss. Perfect for that glamorous mom-on-the-go!
For more luxurious gift ideas visit YSLBeauty.

You can give your mother breakfast in bed without lifting a finger thanks to Philosophy's yummy 3 in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath trio ($30 USD) in Cafe Au Lait, Fresh Cream, and Belgian Waffles. Mmm... I am a huge fan of any of Philosophy's shower gels because they come in such mouth-watering scents! Your mom will love the idea of having breakfast in bed anytime she'd like!

For more beautiful gift ideas visit Sephora.com

For the mother that can't decide on what lip colour to wear or loves to mix and blend, Bobbi Brown's limited edition Lip Gloss Palette is a staple of gorgeous shimmery neutrals. Bobbi Brown is known for creating beautiful convenient palettes. She takes the guess work out of matching the right colours together. This is one palette you just can't go wrong with!

For more gift ideas visit BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

Oh Chanel, why do you make me covet so? Chanel's Multi-Use Makeup Palette ($85 USD)is a mix of best-selling colours and exclusives, four eye shadows, four lip colours and one blush. This is for the mother who is a sophisticated, social butterfly. This palette will take her from day office to evening gala!

For more lovely gift ideas visit Chanel.com

For the earth-conscious mother The Body Shop is full of planet-friendly pampering treats! Pick up a Bag For Life bag and fill it up with any of The Body Shop's gift sets. A Bag For Life is only $5 and every time you buy one $2 from every bag sold goes to the Canadian Women's Foundation, an organization working to stop violence in the home. Buying this bag also saves the planet because you're refusing the use of plastic bags. This bag is made from Teddy Exports, The Body Shop's Community Trade supplier in southern India. I love gifts that just keep on giving!

For more planet-friendly gifts visit The Body Shop

Don't forget about TotalBeauty.com's Totally Green Sweepstakes! Prizes are being given away everyday so hurry be one of the lucky winners! Click here for contest details.

Know a busy mom-on-the-go? Hah! What mother isn't busy? Three Custom Color understands what products busy mom's need which is why the brand created the ultimate beauty survival kit called Mom-On-The-Go ($98.50)! The kit was inspired by co-founder, Trae Bodge, when she found out she was first expecting. The set is available in Cool and Warm and consists of an eye shadow, lip and cheek stain, bronzer, their best-seller Clarifier Pencil, Face Powder Brush, Clear Brow Gel, Refillable Trio with Mirror, and Double-ended Brush, and a Dante Beatrix Bebe Carry-all Envelope. Not sure if this is the right gift? If your mother is in the NY area get her a Gift Certificate for a One-On-One consultation ($85-$125 USD) at The Three Custom Color Specialists Color Studio! Her personal Color Specialist will provide application tips and expert color advice based on mom's personal needs and preference. If she's not in the area, give her the ultimate gift and fly her in!

Thinking a spa get-away is the ticket to her heart? Check out some sweet deals and spa ideas from Spa Beautifully by Ellen Mirza also of Lipstick, Powder, 'n, Paint!

As fabulous and covet-worthy as these gifts are, nothing beats hearing "I love you mom" followed by lots of hugs and kisses! Who am I kidding? Splurge for a gift please or make one from the heart! lol Happy shopping!

Celebrity Beauty Style: Rebecca Romijn Beautiful In Coral

One of the hottest beauty trends for Spring are coral lips. There's no doubt that Rebecca Romijn is drop dead gorgeous but in the past she has looked a little drag-queen to me. Too much makeup sometimes works against her strong features but her coral and sun-kissed glow in this picture makes her look radiant and her features soft. This look is wearable any time of the day and works on every skin tone. Coral lips also enhance a sunny bronze tan. To compliment coral lips, stick with neutral tones in bronze, golds and browns and loads of mascara. Recreate the look with:

Eyes: As a base apply Chanel's Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Atoll, a golden sand, all over the eye. On the lid and into the crease sweep on Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Tigre, a soft bronze. Smudge Safari, a stone brown, into the lash line for subtle smolder. Apply a few coats of Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensionelle for full voluminous lashes.

Face: For an all-over sun-kissed glow, apply a light gel-cream formula like Bronze Universel De Chanel Sun Illuminator on the high points of the face: forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin.

Cheeks: To enhance a bronze tan, sweep on Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Sable d'Or on the apples of the cheeks.

Lips: Kiss the lips with a beautiful coral tone like Chanel's Aqualumiere Sheer Color Lip Shine SPF 15 in Zanzibar, a soft peach for fairer skin, and Mauritias, a bronzed coral for darker skin.

image: InStyle.com