Cute Makeup Tips

I love gabbing about beauty trends with other makeup junkies and this season's looks are definitely something to talk about. I had the awesome pleasure of interviewing one of my mentors during my early years as a makeup artist, Andrea Claire, on the latest beauty trends for Fall. Find out Andrea Claire's must-do's and must-don't this season!

Makeup Junkie: What will be the top beauty trends we'll be seeing this Fall?

Andrea Claire: The smokey eye, the matte red lip, 80s revival

MJ: What are some trends women should avoid this season (if any)?

AC: 80s revival! I am the original 'LaRoux' from her Bulletproof video with pictures to prove it. :) I lived it and loved it. I wore 5+ colour shadows on my eyes but I was 15 and immersed in Duran Duran, Ultravox, Love & Rockets etc. I love the look but if you had been there done that and bought the lime green shadow you cannot do that again! Besides, it is very much a 'must have young skin' to pull it off. Bold colour blocking with eye shadows can age you and have you looking like you are stuck in a time warp. This look is only carried off if you are an adolescent so if you are 21 and under I say rock it, over 21 opt for another trend of the season.


MJ: What products are a must this Fall in achieving these beauty trends?

AC: I am LOVING all things Yaby these days. Yaby's eye shadow palettes have amazing pigments, blendability and variety. Lipsticks MAC Russian Red or FACEatelier's Magenta. For the smokey eye the trend is to layer a metallic - blue, violet, green or bronze, you can find these in Yaby's palettes or Covergirl's palettes in Dazzling Metallics, Firecracker or Blazing Blues.

MJ: Can you share with our Makeup Junkie readers some expert tips on achieving some of the beauty trends?

AC: Smokey Eyes - layer carbon/charcoal shadows with metallic colour. If you find shadows are difficult to blend with your dark base then layer MAC's Smolder pencil with a Lise Watier's Metallic Eye shine pencil, smudge together with a Q-Tip.


Matte Red lips - the key to a strong lip is to apply the lip liner after the lipstick so it doesn't appear to geometric. If matte is too drying for you and you live in a cold climate then I would dot a smidge of vitamin e on top - not to add gloss but just a little moisture.


MJ: What is your beauty mantra?

AC: It's so hard not to sound cliche here! lol! Be realistic. Be real. Stay gold Ponyboy. Beauty is not serious - beauty is a moment in your day that can convey confidence, flirtiness, calm. What I mean is, all women 'take 5' in their day by touching up here and there - before a meeting you step into the ladies and reapply lipstick, before a date you curl your lashes, apply gloss; or even before a job interview you matte down shine. Beauty is a moment in time that is forever changing. Embrace those little moments but don't be those moments just live in them. See! I sound cliche! HA! Life is short - enjoy it - have fun with it. That's what beauty and fashion is all about; well, to me anyway. A form of expression that can change day to day, season to season - enjoy the trends but remember to enjoy life too.

Makeup Junkie agrees - beauty is a moment in time that is always changing! So have fun with it - play with trends and figure out what works for you. Thank you to Andrea Claire for taking time to share with our readers her Fall beauty tips!

Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert. She started her career in Kitchener, Ontario before relocating to Toronto in the early 90s. In Toronto, Andrea's career quickly blossomed where she went from salon stylist to session stylist. As both a hairstylist and make up artist, Andrea's passion for the industry and thirst for success motivated and challenged her to continually better herself. We have seen Andrea on Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, tv guest appearances and behind the scenes for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. "Relocating" became a popular word in Andrea's vocabulary. In 2006, Andrea relocated with her family to Singapore where she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, Amica and VIP shoots as well as wrote many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends.


What's next? Andrea and her family have now relocated to Austin Texas where direct flights to LA, NY and Toronto will still allow her to jetset with her beauty box. Andrea has proudly been a mentor for many up & coming young artists, accessible and willing to give guidance; always about positive energy Andrea believes that today's assistant is tomorrow's trendsetter. Inspire and be inspired.

www.aclairebeauty.com
www.judyinc.com/andreaclaire

Ring in the New Year in a bold way! Nothing makes a statement like a kiss-me-red pout. Whether it's a siren red or a deep burgundy, there is a shade and texture for every gal!

1. Stila Paint Your Pout Red - The Talking Palette ($45 USD): Where would a makeup junkie be without Stila's fabulous talking palettes? With a press of the button and step-by-step instructions, all makeup newbies will be able to achieve the perfect red pout! This handy palette contains a lip primer, 3 red lip colour shades, and a lip brush! Custom blend for the perfect shade or wear each on their own. Dab on the lips as a stain for the day and layer on thicker for bold night time lips. I love how long-lasting the lip colours are and the primer helps prevent bleeding and feathering. Just throw this compact palette in your favourite clutch for touch-ups before the clock strikes 12!


2. Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash ($22 USD): It may not be the prettiest name but Gash is a sexy blood red! I LOVE this lipstick! This full-coverage lipstick with sheen goes on rich and smooth. I always get compliments when I wear this lipstick. It's a lovely deep shade and looks amazing with a gold or bronze eye. The packaging is just another fabulous element to these lipsticks. The tubes are made from purple metal and pierced with a mini gunmetal dagger which is used to twist the lipstick up and down. Embossed in the actual lipstick is the Urban Decay logo and a little dagger. Every eye will be drawn to this lipstick and your lips!


3. Tarte Berry Couture Rise and Shine Berrylicious Lipstain ($35 USD): If you're worried about your lip colour leaving its mark, stick to a lipstain that will last you sip after sip or smooch after smooch! This has been one of my go-to lippies for a day of shopping or a holiday party. I just love the deep wine stain it leaves on my lips. The berry lip plumping gloss is a perfect compliment but I like to use the shimmering deep mauve gloss from Tarte's Purse Your Lips over it instead. My lips can't handle the stinging sensation of a plumping gloss! Give your cheeks the same berrylicious flush as your lips with the Cheek Stain! The combo together looks so pretty and polished. The best part of Tarte products are that they are all natural so you can feel good about slicking these lovelies on!


4. Face Atelier Lip Glaze in Shiraz ($20 CAD): Still unsure if a bold lip is for you? Go shiny and sheer in a beautiful deep burgundy like Shiraz. Face Atelier Lip Glazes are super shiny like glass with a moisturizing finish. The frosted slanted tube makes the application a breeze! The colour is sheer but still noticeable. I found the gloss lasted for a while and left a nice stain on my lips after the shine had worn off. To prevent a gloss from bleeding, I like to use an invisible lip liner!

For tips on how to wear red lips check out our Makeup Junkie Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips post!

As a make-up artist and budding entrepreneur, I'm a huge fan of reading articles on others artists' experiences and (of course) self-help books! I was lucky to catch the Industry Insider Panel being moderated by Plutino Group Make-up Artist, Jackie Shawn. I admire Jackie's philosophy of bringing out the beauty in everyone - it truly reflects how "down to earth" she is, even with all the accomplishments under her belt. The panel members included seasoned and successful make-up artists (each with a different niche) and Debbie Bondar, President & CEO of FACE atelier. If you weren't able to attend the CMS, here are some of the topics that were presented before the panel. I hope you find it as useful as I did!

What are the qualities of a successful make-up artist?
"Make-up is secondary – the relationship is first. Find out who they are and if you have any common interests before moving in." Keep in mind that when you apply make-up, you are stepping into someone’s personal space (most people aren’t used to having anyone that isn’t a loved one so close to their face!). Break the ice first to set any nerves at ease. You'll find the relationship building to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job, and hopefully, it will also encourage return visits (and referrals) from your client.

How important is speed?
For this response, the answer seemed to be “it depends on the work being done”. Take into consideration any time constraints, and instead of trying to do everything, “pick key elements/strengths” of your subject and know what will “read best on” camera to achieve your desired look.

Do you have any tips for negotiating prices?
"Know Your Market". The panel suggests cold calling your competitors in order to do your "market research". Inquire about the different rates for 1 person versus 5 people, and look at the patterns between the rates of different artists. Keep in mind that your rate in suburbia will likely vary from the rate clients will pay in a buzzing metropolis. Be realistic - your rates starting out will not resemble the rates that a top industry artist can command. (Well, your rates can be up there, but that doesn't mean people will be knocking on your day to pay you!). Even top industry artists take "low-paying" jobs to get better opportunities. Apparently, doing full-day magazine cover shoots only pays nominal fees of $75-$150 -- even to top artists! Yet, top artists "rationalize their losses" and instead view these shoots as an opportunity to get their name out there for more work. If you're stuck on negotiating prices, a good reference for a base price is the minimum amount you would need to spend at a make-up counter to get a "free" application. Usually, that price is $45 or a purchase of two products.

How important is it to specialize?
Being strong in a "niche market" can be beneficial, i.e. body paint and special effects. But overall, it is better to be "well-rounded - good at everything, and exceptional at a couple of things" to sustain your place in the industry. Be open to all calls that you receive. If you're "serious about make-up as your craft, you'll keep learning and growing" whether it be brushing up on product knowledge or updating your training.

Do you have any advice for new grads fresh out of make-up school?
Work with photographers who will make your work look better and stand out. If you can't work with the high-end photographer, try to work with his or her assistants. Build your portfolio constantly improving the quality of your photos (rinse, wash, repeat!). "If one door closes, remember that it opens in another direction."

How is the economy affecting the industry?
Economic times have been bleak, but rest assured there was hope for this question with Debbie's comment that “make-up is a recession-proof industry”. There will always be weddings, and always be women looking to buy make-up. Make-up is still an affordable option that can instantly help someone look and feel great (and it's definitely cheaper than buying a pair of designer shoes!). But the panel also pointed out that with tough economic times, there will likely be fewer paying jobs. With the constant influx of new artists in the industry, it likely means there will be more people competing for fewer jobs.

According to the panel of experts, the best way to protect yourself is to know your market and remain flexible. Be prepared to re-evaluate your prices in order to be competitive, and make sure you're "on top of your art" to remain in demand. You don't necessarily have to lower your prices, but instead, you can offer free add-ons for services you would normally charge (i.e. eyebrow grooming, eyelash application). Be strategic and use smart, aggressive ads (hardcopy or online) to get yourself and the updated services you're offering out there.

What has been the biggest hurdle you have faced as a successful woman?
"Overcoming mental blocks". Remember that attitude is everything. Negative thinking can be self-protecting but it can also be self-defeating. If you think "it's so tough to make it in this industry", you may be quick to give up and minimize your losses when it doesn't happen right away. Keep in mind that success doesn't happen overnight, and consistent hard work and passion can carry you through. When you're positive, you'll encourage others around you to be positive and they'll simply want to be around you more. Believe in yourself and you'll be amazed at where that can take you.

The Makeup Junkie team was in full force at the Canadian Makeup Show this past weekend. In its newer and bigger home at The Better Living Center, makeup professionals and enthusiasts flocked to the show in hopes of learning the ins and outs of the industry plus score some pretty sweet deals on some of the top makeup brands in the world.

One of my highlights of the show was catching up with the adorable and inspiring Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group! Some of my writers and I volunteered to help out at The Powder Group booth which was an amazing experience for all of us. Makeup artists crowded the booth for a chance to chat with Michael for advice and many signed up for a subscription to his industry must-have, On Makeup Magazine.

Also featured at The Powder Group booth were the infamous Powder Group Clear Soft Packs that sold out quickly and a new limited edition makeup collection, 9x9 Artists which writer, Nicole, is so gracefully showcasing in the photo above.

A makeup show wouldn't be complete without some incredibly wicked makeup artistry! The photo above is the makeup works of some talented artists from Make Up For Ever. This model was so fi-errrce (my inner Tyra coming out)!

It was all about gore and fantasy over at Obsessive Compulsive!



Of course, Nicole and I did have some time to go and peruse the different booths. I didn't do as much damage as I had intended to because we were able to come away with some awesome freebies! Stay tuned for reviews on the Make Up For Ever Dany's Pouch and Flap Velcro Pouch, The Powder Group Clear Soft Packs, 9x9 Artists Makeup and Nail line, Crown Brush, aDesign brushes, Face Atelier Lip Glazes and Powder Eye Pencil (I also had the pleasure of finally meeting founder and CEO of Face Atelier, Debbie Bondar!), and makeup artist cult favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre!

I love events like this where people who have a common love can come together and connect in one place. It was such great fun meeting new people, learning their stories, and chatting with old friends and co-workers. I definitely look forward to it next year and have no doubt it will be much bigger! Thank you to Michael DeVellis for being so amazing and taking care of us Makeup Junkies! And thank you to that special reader who visited me at the booth to tell me she was a big fan of Makeup Junkie! It's always nice to meet our readers!

To read more about the CMS visit Makeup Junkie writer, Rhia's site for her write up!

Makeup Junkie wants to know what's in your makeup bag - you know, the must-haves that you absolutely cannot leave the house without! I have a habit of going through other friend's makeup bags or makeup artist's kits. I just love seeing the faves and beauty essentials because it's just so personal and unique to each woman's needs. I also love seeing products I've never tried - going through a friend's makeup bag is a great way to test out new-to-you products without having a salesperson breathe down your neck!

I will start with my own makeup bag. These are pretty much the essentials I carry with me all the time. A little excessive? Maybe, but I like to be prepared for anything like if I get stranded somewhere or have to do an on-the-spot makeover! lol My mood changes so quickly so whether it's a neutral, bronzey, or glam look I'm going for I like to have it all in one place. Most of these products stay in my bag all year long, but I switch out a few when the season's change. In the Spring, I'll probably switch out my reds for pinks and corals and add some pretty cream or gel blushes. Who knows, the possibilities are endless!

Top row: M.A.C. clear makeup bag - this was actually from the line's skin care travel kits. I prefer clear bags because I can see everything instead of rummaging for 20 mins to find a gloss! The bag is starting to rip at the sides though. It should come with a warning: "Bag cannot exceed 10 products!"
Starlet Travel Brush set- I never wanted to buy a travel brush set because I have so many brushes. I hated carrying the other ones in my purse because they weighed my purse down. Oh, as you can see I added my fave M.A.C. #109 brush to the inside zipper of the case. I just love using this to contour or buff blush into the cheeks for a natural flush.

Middle Row L-R: M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Dark -never makes skin look powdery, Nars Single Eyeshadow in Bengali - deep chocolate brown for when I want to smudge liner into the lash line or add a little drama to the eyes, Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Key Largo - I love this pale peach/bronze duo for everyday and looks great with any colour palette, Nars Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Thebes - great cream shadows in silver and pale gold as a base or for a little highlight and shimmer, Nars Blush in Deep Throat - for a peachy/pink glow like Orgasm but darker, Nars Blush in Mata Hari - for when I want a girly pink glow, Face Atelier Blush in Mocha - a neutral rosy/brown blush for those natural days

Bottom Row L-R: Nars Multiple in South Beach - perfect on-the-go bronzer since Benefit's Hoola is too bulky. The apricot hue gives the face warmth and goes great under your favourite blush, shadow or lip product. Pink Beauty Lip Sheer Lipstick in Elsie - makes your lips look you've been making out all day and great for when you want to add some drama in the evening, Pink Beauty Glamour Glaze Gloss in Dearest - coppery/pink shade looks great on its own or over top of any lipstick, Nars Lip Gloss in Stolen Kisses - a caramel/pink for the perfect neutral lip, Nars Lip Gloss in Giza - nice peachy gloss for a peachy look and pairs well with a smoky eye, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Spark - for when I want to add a sheer pop of colour usually on its own or over Elsie or a berry lip stain for a more intense colour, Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Gold Berry - limited Holiday collection, love wearing this amber-gold in the evening on its own or over top of a red, Loose Lips NY Hint of Mint Gloss in Mint Cherry - gives the lips a kiss of sheer red and freshens my breath, Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bettina - when I want a matte pinky-nude for a smokey eye, Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Calliope - when I want a matte coral/peach colour, C.O. Bigelow Cinnamint Mentha Lip Shine - moisturizes lips, smells yummy, and is a great clear gloss, M.A.C. Limited Lip Stain in Lovin' It Light - I actually use this wine/berry shade on my cheeks and lips for that "snow-bunny" flush and the staying power is amazing, YSL Touche Eclat in #3 - brightens my under eyes and conceals dark circles, L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara Black - gives me the fullest, longest, clump-free, smudge-free lashes ever, Smashbox Photo Op Undereye Brightner - I use this under my Touche Eclat to make my under eye luminous and helps diffuse fine lines and dark circles, Covergirl Line Exact Black - for my cat-eye/hollywood glamour mood, Tweezerman Tweezers - the best of the best in tweezers because you never know when a stray will pop up, Face Atelier Camouflage Duo Medium - creamy med-full coverage for those pesky blemishes or when I don't have time to apply foundation, M.A.C. Eye Paint Untitled - the only primer I use for my shadow (way before all the primers came out), M.A.C. Matte2 Eye Shadow in Signed, Sealed - love this for a smoky eye because the deep eggplant/grey-black makes my brown eyes stand out, Shu Uemera Eye Lash Curler - cult classic and gives my lashes the most perfect curl (can't wait to test out Billy B.'s - stay tuned for that review!)

Wow, I carry a lot of product with me! My purse is another story - you'll find hand creams, cuticle cream, travel perfumes, nail file, baby balm, cheerios, business cards, pens, cell, keys, organizer, wallet of no money haha. It's amazing how much we carry with us! Email me at joy@makeupjunkie.ca with a picture of your makeup stash and a rundown of your products. Feel free to give a detailed description but a list with just the names is fine too. I'll feature one a week on my site. I can't wait to see what's in your makeup bag!

For more info on each products visit these sites:
M.A.C. Cosmetics, Nars Cosmetics, Starlet Cosmetics,Pink Beauty Cosmetics, Face Atelier, Smashbox Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, Loose Lips NY, C.O. Bigelow, YSL, L'Oreal, Cover Girl, Tweezerman, Shu Uemera

There's a gift for every woman whether she is a busy mom, glam girl, or trendsetter. My gift ideas are some of the best products I've tried this year or from brands that I've loved for years. So, if you know of a friend, sister, aunt, mom, or grandmother that is a makeup junkie or is in some major need of a makeup update check out the list and check it twice there just might be the perfect gift!


1. Makeup Junkie: I'm not speaking about myself (well maybe a little) but for every woman that hoards makeup in every nook of their house! Makeup junkies love trying multiple products at a time so holiday collections are perfect! Some makeup collections I'm lusting after: Nars Night Series Mini Palette, Nars J. Mendel Lip Palette, Nars Dolce Vita Set, Benefit's Powder Pop!, Sephora's Supermodel Kit, and Stila's Face Contouring Trio.


2. Busy Mom: I call this the 'mommy essentials'. As a busy mom, I've been able to cut down my makeup application to half the time I used to (something my husband really appreciates!). Four easy things busy moms can do: even out skin tone where needed, open up the eyes, and add colour to lips and cheeks. Quick and easy and you still end up looking polished. I used to use a tinted moisturizer and it was great but then my skin started to change after I had my son. To give me more coverage without feeling heavy or cakey, I switched to Face Atelier's Ultra Foundations (LOVE! Don't forget about the 25% with Face Atelier until Dec. 31st! Enter discount code 'makeupjunkie'). Lack of sleep most of the time equals dark undereye circles. I love Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightner because it makes my under eye look luminous, diffuses fine lines and slightly conceals. Over top of it, I have to apply my YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch because it is the perfect undereye concealer (for me and I've tried so many!). I never leave the house without curling my lashes with my Shu Uemera eye lash curler (heard Billy B.'s is great for smaller eyes) and applying a couple coats of L'oreal Voluminous mascara. It just opens up the eyes and makes you look more awake. To brighten up the eye, I just add Nars' Duo Cream Shadow in Thebes, a silver and gold with shimmer, to the inner corner of the eyes and center of lid. For a little colour, double a bronzer like Benefit's Hoola as cheek colour and for an overall healthy glow. Swipe a gloss like Nars' Stolen Kisses on the lips - my favourite neutral gloss! The busy mom will think you are a life saver (or time saver). It's really a perfect collection for anyone on-the-go!


3. Glam Girl: Everyone has a glam look busy mom or not and I love to do it up every now and then. Whether you have a fetish for a smokey eye or feel sexy in a red pout, Pink Beauty Cosmetics is the perfect line for every glam girl! I just felt so pretty and girly using Pink Beauty! I'm lusting after Luscious Lip Sheer in Beatrice, a deep red and Lip Scintillate Lip Gloss in Fabulah, a rich shimmery red. Whatever your definition of glam is Pink Beauty will definitely have something for you.

Photo: Content in On Makeup Magazine!
4. The Makeup Artist: Makeup artists can be very particular about their makeup and tools. Your best bet is to just ask her what she wants but if you want to surprise her I can help you out! Some brands that makeup artist love and rave about are of course M.A.C., Make Up For Ever, Face Atelier, Billy B. Beauty (tools and brushes), Three Custom Color, MudShop, Nars, to name a few. There are so many pro makeup lines and a great resource for more pro brands is The Powder Group. Another great gift makeup artists love are magazine subscriptions and The Powder Group is launching On Makeup Magazine next February! I've been waiting for a magazine that was makeup artist related and all about makeup! The MudShop also has some really great books you can purchase for the working makeup artist or the makeup artist newbie!


5. Trendsetter: Trendsetters like to be ahead of the game and have a style all of their own. M.A.C. has always been one step ahead and is perfect for the woman that likes to stand out in a crowd. They have their amazing Holiday collections but for a trendsetter I'd get her something from the Metal X collection that will make her shine above the rest. Glitter eye liner and metallic cream to powder shadows - need I say more??


6. The Minimalist: Minimalists like no fuss multi-purpose products that they don't have to reapply during the day and don't care for a lot of makeup - just enough to look healthy and radiant. Perfect line for a minimalist is Benefit Cosmetics which is known for their quick and easy fixes. Popular items that I love: Benetint Pocket Pal, Rush Hour, Eyeliner Gilded, and Dandelion.

Photo: Organic Body Bar in Ocean Minerals
7. The Globally Conscious: You can still care about the environment and be self-indulgent thanks to Tashodi, a Canadian based bath and body line that is committed to producing products that are fairly traded, organic, all natural and green friendly! I received 100% Pure and Certified Fair Trade Lip and Cheek Tints in Full of Fairness Pink. It is meant to keep your lips moisturized with a bit of colour and tint your cheek to its natural hue. I prefer it more as a lip balm because it is very moisturizing and I like the sheer pink colour on the lips as well as the spearmint and peppermint flavour. Keeps my breath feeling fresh! I also got to try their Organic Body Bar in Ocean Minerals, an invigorating eucalyptus and lemon blend. I love how you can exfoliate with the Celtic sea salt and moisturize with the fair trade shea butter at the same time! And for the first time I soaked in the bath at my new house! I received their Pure Bath Soaks in Pure Lavender, a mix of pure lavender aroma and moisturizing benefits in their fair trade cocoa butter shavings. Truly a pampering experience! What's also cool about the Pure Bath Soaks is that it comes in a really nice jar that I can use for whatever my heart's desire! To top it off, the packaging and promotional material are made from plant fibers and are biodegradable and recyclable!


8. Bath and Body Connoisseur: I love having yummy smelling soft skin. I had the pleasure of trying Bobe (pronounced "beau-bee") products a few months ago and I use it every day! If you're looking for great quality products at affordable prices then Bobe is the perfect gift. I recommend anything from their line because they come in so many enticing flavours and scents! My favourite from the line is the Silken Cream body butter. And at $8 (CDN) for a 4.5 ounce jar you can't go wrong!

Hope the list will give you some holiday gift ideas and make your shopping experience stress-free! And as always don't forget to give back to the community or to your favourite charities! :) Happy shopping!

I'm soooo excited to announce that all my amazing makeup junkie readers will receive a 25% discount at Face Atelier, the Official Makeup Sponsor of Madonna's Confessions Tour! If you read my site then you know that I am a huge fan of Face Atelier makeup especially their foundation and concealers. I started using their line because it was so sought after in the makeup artist community and makeup enthusiasts everywhere. Why are they so popular? Because their products contain silicone. It makes the skin feel like silk, water-binding, and has a skin-conditioning agent that helps improve the appearance of the skin. I love many other products from Face Atelier including their Transforming Gel, Lip Lock, lipsticks, Lip Glazes, eye shadows (which are also refills), and blushes.

All you have to do to get the 25% discount is visit www.faceatelier.com and at checkout enter the discount code 'makeupjunkie' (all one word). The offer is valid from now until December 31st! This is a little thank you for being such great readers and supporters of my site! Thank you also to Debbie Bondar, President and CEO, of Face Atelier, for this awesome discount! Happy Holiday shopping!

I'm soooo excited to announce that all my amazing makeup junkie readers will receive a 25% discount at Face Atelier, the Official Makeup Sponsor of Madonna's Confessions Tour! If you read my site then you know that I am a huge fan of Face Atelier makeup especially their foundation and concealers. I started using their line because it was so sought after in the makeup artist community and makeup enthusiasts everywhere. Why are they so popular? Because their products contain silicone. It makes the skin feel like silk, water-binding, and has a skin-conditioning agent that helps improve the appearance of the skin. I love many other products from Face Atelier including their Transforming Gel, Lip Lock, lipsticks, Lip Glazes, eye shadows (which are also refills), and blushes.

All you have to do to get the 25% discount is visit www.faceatelier.com and at checkout enter the discount code 'makeupjunkie' (all one word). The offer is valid from now until December 31st! This is a little thank you for being such great readers and supporters of my site! Thank you also to Debbie Bondar, President and CEO, of Face Atelier, for this awesome discount! Happy Holiday shopping!

I had the pleasure of doing makeup for the beautiful bride Christine over the summer and I was soo excited when she decided to do the 1940's glam look which is so big for Fall right now. I've done a few how-to's on this Fall beauty trend but this time I wanted to share the products and techniques I used to achieve this look. She was such an inspiration because she truly reflected the glam woman of the 1940's from hair, to makeup, to dress (which was absolutely stunning on her), to shoes, to accessories. Alright, let's get started and get you glammed up!

1. Base: I started with a primer to create a smooth base for her foundation. I let it set for 5 minutes before applying her foundation. I used a silicone-based foundation and evened out her skin tone where needed with a foundation brush. I didn't want the foundation to look too heavy because I wanted her to appear fresh and radiant. I applied a creamy concealer around the nose and under the eyes with a concealer brush. I set the foundation with a dusting of blotting powder, making sure that her lids were well-powdered.

Products: M.A.C. Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, M.A.C. Foundation brush #190, Lise Watier Professional Correctors, YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch (courtesy of the bride which I'm dying to get!), M.A.C. Concealer brush #194, M.A.C. Blot Powder/Pressed

2. Eyes: I like to fill the brows in first because it frames the eye and helps me determine the look I want to achieve that will compliment the eye shape. I used a matte eyeshadow with a brow brush to fill in her brows and chose a reddish-brown colour to match her beautiful auburn hair. I blended the colour with a mascara brush to make it more natural and used a clear brow gel to set it.

Before applying any shadow I used a base to prime the lids so that the shadows would blend nicely and last longer. I highlighted the brow bone, lower lash line and inner corner of the eyes with a shimmery champagne shadow with a dense blending shadow brush. I shaded the lid with a matte vanilla shadow with a flat brush and defined the crease with a matte stone and dark brown shadow mixed together blending back and forth until there were no harsh lines. To make the eyes pop a bit, I applied the shimmery champagne shadow to the center of the lids. I used a water-resistant liquid liner in black lining the inner to outer lash line with a flat synthetic liner brush and skipped winging it out because her lid drooped downwards. I curled the lashes and applied a coat of water-proof mascara. To make those lashes flutter I added a pair of false lashes.

Products: M.A.C. Eye Shadow Folie (brows), M.A.C. Small Angled Brow Brush #208, M.A.C. Lash Brush #204, M.A.C. Clear Brow Set, M.A.C. Eye Paint Untitled (primer), M.A.C. Eye Shadow Shroom (highlighter), M.A.C. Blending Brush #217, M.A.C. Eye Shadow Vanilla (lid), M.A.C. Eye Shading Brush #239, M.A.C. Eye Shadow Charcoal Brown (crease), M.A.C. Eye Shadow Brun (crease), M.A.C. LiquidLast Liner Point Black, M.A.C. Flat Definer Brush #212, Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler, L'oreal Voluminous Water-proof Mascara in Black, Quo Cosmetics Lashes #801

Cheeks: I contoured her cheeks with a matte bronzer and a neutral blush using a contour blush brush. I gave her cheeks a beautiful glow using a soft pink blush and added a highlighter to the cheekbones.

Products: Benefit Hoola Bronzer, M.A.C. Powder Blush Harmony, M.A.C. Small Contour Brush #109, Benefit Dandelion , M.A.C. Limited Edition Mineralize Skinfinish Shimpagne (highlighter)

Lips: Red lips perfectly applied can be a bit tricky. I applied a lip balm first because the last thing you want is chapped lips. To prevent the colour from bleeding or feathering I applied a primer to the lips and let it set in for a few minutes. I lined and filled in the lips with a creamy lip pencil. I applied a semi-matte lipstick in a true blue red and added a opalescent gloss to the center of the lips. To fix mistakes, I dipped my concealer brush in concealer and cleaned up the edges. Also, when applying gloss to red lips only apply to the center of the bottom lip staying away from the outer part to prevent bleeding.

Products: Murad Soothing Lip Therapy, Benefit Lip Plump (primer), M.A.C. Cremestick Liner Red Enriched, M.A.C. Lipstick M.A.C. Red, M.A.C. Lustreglass Luminary

This look can work on everyone and can be done many ways using different products. This is just my take on the '40's glam look. There is a fabulous red lipstick for every woman so keep searching until you find the right one. Happy shopping!

Beauty trends are just that - trends. Not every trend will suit everyone but you can find ways to make it work for your skin tone and face shape. This Fall makeup trends go from one extreme to the next; uber glam girl, sultry siren, a bit pop-art, to naturally radiant. There's bound to be a trend that will tickle your fancy. Here are some tips to make the fall beauty trends work for you.












3. Graphic Eye Liner: The little black liner comes in every shape and size and even colours this season. Cat eyes are once again popular and making me purrr. Winging out the liner gives the illusion of bigger eyes and looks tres sexy. Now, Cleopatra eyes and neon pink liner winged out would probably not go over well in an office environment. I recommend using charcoal greys, navy's, or deep purples to line the eyes. They are work-appropriate colours and are definitely in keeping with the trends. Instead of winging your liner out to the edge of your brow, wing it out slightly past your eye meeting at or just before your outer crease. Pull your temple taut and slightly up to help accentuate the liner. I like to use an angled brush for precision and control. For an edgier look, line the bottom lash line as well. Play around with different shapes until you're happy with one that suits your eyes. You can compliment lined eyes with a smoky eye or go more classic with natural tones on the eyes making the liner the focus. Adding fake lashes is also fun and amps up the prrr factor. If you're daring enough and love colour, line the eyes in royal blues and bright purples.

Makeup Junkie faves: MAC's Fluidline in Royal Wink and Waveline and MAC's Liquidlast Liner in Point Black, Electrolady, and Inky


4. Fresh Face: For those of you that prefer a minimalistic approach to makeup (or you just don't have time!) then you're in luck for Fall. Eyes, lips, and cheeks are all in natural hues of beige, stone, and peach. Skin has a semi-matte finish and is luminous in all the right places: cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, and above the brow bone. Try foundations that have a bit more coverage but still have a natural finish to the skin. I like silicone-based foundations because it floats on top of the skin rather than settling into fine lines and pores. Mix semi-matte and shimmery shadows together to give the eye some dimension. Colours on the cheeks are more luminous than shimmery and have a subtle sheen. Lips are either matte or creamy rather than shiny. Brows are also shaped and filled in. This look is polished and looks beautiful on anyone.

*When choosing a nude lip colour for darker skin tones stay away from shades that look chalky on your lips. Go for warmer or deeper browns or shades of caramel tones.

Makeup Junkie faves: Face Atelier Foundation, Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Giorgio Armani Matte Silk Foundation, Cargo Eye Shadow Palette - Ibiza, Nars' Duo Eye Shadow in Key Largo, Smashbox Decadence Blush in Ecstasy, Nars' Multiple Stick in Copacabana (highlighting), Smashbox Decadence Photo Finish Lip Luxe, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pixel


5. Glam Girl: Glam girls like to go all out. Everything from head-to-toe is polished to perfection almost effortlessly. Skin is flawless and has a velvety matte texture. Brows are strong and defined. Lashes are flirty and lush. Cheekbones are contoured. A swish of black liquid liner is all that's needed to draw attention to the eyes with a bit of contouring in the crease. Lips are defined in a matte rich shade of red. Adding false lashes to this look is a must. Visit Step #7 of my Makeup 101: Creating the Perfect Smoky Eye for how to apply false lashes. The key to this look is well-defined lips. Using a lip liner is a must for this look to prevent feathering and bleeding of your lipstick. Choose a liner that is similar to your lipstick colour. Apply a primer to the lips to fill in fine lines and to give your colour a long-lasting effect. Line the lips starting at the bow of your top lip which is the 'v' shape. Start on one side working the line to the outer part using short strokes. Repeat the step on the other side. Lining your lips inner to outer instead of outer to inner gives a more accurate shape. Next line the bottom lip and fill in the entire lip with the liner. Hold the liner on a slant instead of a point for more control. Use a lip brush to apply your lip colour for precise application and to ensure your colour is well-blended. If you make a mistake, dip your concealer brush or pointed Q-tip into a bit of concealer or foundation and blend over top any messy edges. This is a timeless look that is gorgeous on every woman. There's a red lipstick for every skin tone - try every one until you find the perfect match! Remember to reference what works with your skin's undertone.

Makeup Junkie faves: Quo lashes (found at Shoppers Drug Mart), MAC Lipstick in Diva and Viva Glam, MAC's Lip Pencil in Burgundy and Cremestick Liner in Red Enriched, MAC's #318 Retractable Lip Brush

The fun thing about makeup is that you don't have to be stuck with one look so change it up this season. A lot of the clothes this season are in lovely shades of grey so play up your face with a smoky eye or a bright lip. Remember that you wear the makeup - don't let the makeup wear you! ;)

Now that we've got the formalities out of the way, lets get to the fun stuff! When it comes to makeup on your wedding day you want to be able to look back 10 or 20 years from now without any regrets. I always recommend that brides choose classic and timeless looks. Save the bright shimmery shades for any other day or better yet your bachelorette party! Whether you're looking for a look to show the makeup artist or doing your own makeup, here are some beautiful looks that are easy to re-create and beautiful year after year.


1. Classic Old Hollywood: This is one of my favourite looks that never goes out of style and one of the easiest to re-create. It's all about defined brows, flawless skin, bold lips, and flirty eyes. Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. Wait for about 5 minutes after applying moisturizer to let it set and soak into the skin before putting on your base. Prep skin with a primer (one with an SPF is even better) like M.A.C.'s Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 or Lorac's aquaPrime Oil Free Makeup Primer to keep makeup on longer.

Your foundation should last long and not look powdery or caked on. Your skin should look radiant and fresh and not shiny and oily looking. For wedding makeup I recommend the following foundations: oily skin I like MAC's Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 or Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation, normal or combination skin I love Face Atelier's Ultra foundation or MAC's Face and Body Foundation, and for dry skin try Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich Foundation or Bobbi Brown's Luminous Moisturizing Foundation. Use concealer only where needed: under eye, around the nose, and obvious blemishes. Set with a loose powder and touch up shiny skin with blotting papers throughout the day.

Use an eye primer or base before applying shadow so that it will not crease or fade. I like using MAC's Eye Paints as a base in any of the neutral colours. Use shadow colours in light shades like champagne, silver or taupe. Benefit's new Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner comes in many beautiful shades including a black one which can be used as the black liner. Finish off the eyes with lots of waterproof mascara from Maybelline and fake lashes in #4 from MAC (optional). To define the brows, use a slanted brush and brow powder for a natural effect like Benefit's Brow Zings which comes with a brow wax to keep in place, brow powder, tweezers, and slanted brush.

For blush, I would add a little more colour than the picture because you don't want to look pale. Go for neutral tones in browny pinks or rose. I like powder blushes from Bobbi Brown's in Almond (toasted almond) or Tawny (medium pinky brown). This look is all about a strong, bold lip in red. And since this can get messy with all the kissing you'll be doing you want to make sure it stays put. I like Nars' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Forbidden Red because it also acts as a lip liner. If you'd prefer a lipstick then make sure to get a lip liner to prevent the colour from bleeding like MAC's lip pencil in Brick. If the red in the picture is too strong for you opt for more berry-reds or reds in a sheer form. Make Up For Ever has a great lip matifyer called Matte Lip that you can apply over any lipstick or gloss with long-lasting effects. This is a great option for people who don't normally buy matte lipsticks. For even more kiss-proof lips try Make Up For Ever's Lip Plus Lipstick Sealer.


2. Youthful but Classic: This is today's version of the Classic look just more youthful and softer. The brows are still softly defined, skin is still flawless but is slightly luminescent, the eyes are warmer and not as defined, cheeks are rosier, and lips have a pop of colour but in sheerer tones of red and are not strongly defined. Use a nice gold shadow on the lid and in corner of eyes like MAC's Eye Paint in Base Light. Smudge a brown shadow like MAC's Espresso into the upper lash line and outer crease. Load on the waterproof mascara and add some falsies to the outer corner. Sweep a soft pink powder blush onto the cheeks like MAC's Dame (one of my favourite pink blushes!) or Benefit's Dandelion highlighting powder. Finish the look off with a juicy pout in MAC's Venetian Lustreglass or L'oreal's Colour Juice Stick in Cherry Freeze (Ali from ChickAdvisor.com had this in her makeup bag and we used it on her podcast shoot!). Be sure to line lips in a corresponding shade to prevent feathering or bleeding but blend really well with a lip brush so it does not look too defined. Wearing a lip primer is a good idea as this will also keep your lip colour on all day. I use Benefit's Lip Plump all the time to smooth out lines and to prep the lips before applying colour. For extra lasting effects apply Make Up Forever's Lip Plus Lipstick Sealer as mentioned in #1.


3. Classic Bridal Beauty: This is a look that looks good on almost anyone and can be used any time of the day. Brown tones on the eyes, pink rosy cheeks and a pink pout. Check out Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.com for tips and instructions on how to re-create this look. She has even created a custom bridal palette!

4. Looks for Darker Skin Tones: I love doing smokey looks or deep cocoa and amber colours on darker skinned women. Darker tones can get away with doing a smokey look on the eyes because it doesn't look overdone as it would on someone with fairer skin. Check out Iman Cosmetics for tips and products. There are some amazing looks on there!

That rounds out my list for my favourite bridal beauty looks! I hope all you brides out there were able to get some ideas and helpful tips. Remember, in the end you want to look like you but only better on your wedding day. Congratulations and all the best on your journey to wedded bliss!