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Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts

Makeup 101: The 5 Minute Face

Mornings are harsh (and yet I'm up after midnight writing this!). There's just not enough time in the day to do everything I want to accomplish. My day starts in the wee morning and it ends in the wee morning. You'd think spending half the morning in a drowsy state and getting sick would teach me a lesson.

Being able to put makeup on or style my hair is a luxury these days with two little ones. Applying my makeup in a matter of minutes is a must! Here are the products I currently use on a daily to look fresh faced and somewhat presentable in 5 minutes!


Top Row:

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector ($19.99 CAD): You'd have to be hiding under a rock if you haven't heard about the latest craze in beauty. BB Creams, a beauty secret from Asia, is now hitting North America. What is a BB cream and why all the buzz? BB creams is an all-in-one skin perfecting product that  combines skincare with makeup. Some are even made to improve acne overtime. 

I first learned of it when my brother's girlfriend from Korea was visiting us. She said she loved because it improved the overall appearance of her skin and lightened her skin too. Making my skin lighter really didn't appeal to me so I brushed it off not really thinking it would make its way here. 

Brands like Garnier have included all the skin nourishing properties minus the skin lightening ingredients. I've heard Marcelle's is really good and I tested Estee Lauder's version. I found it to be drying for my skin and the shade was too light. I've been testing out Garnier's for a few weeks now and so far I'm liking it. Here's what I like about it: evens out my skin tone, diffuses my wrinkles and fine lines, makes my skin look radiant, and is ultra moisturizing. It also has sun protection. It's a cinch to put on especially if you're in a hurry!

The shade I received is medium-dark. It seems to match me pretty well, but it has a slight pink undertone. After it sets, it just looks like my skin. The coverage is like that of a tinted moisturizer. I'm not really sure what sets it apart from some TM's that also offer anti-aging ingredients, SPF, and coverage. Possibly BB creams offer higher anti-aging ingredients? All in all, I really love how my skin looks after. I get decent coverage in a matter of seconds. Available January 2012. 

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18 USD): A staple! An eye brightener and concealer all in one. Read my full review here

Anastasia Brow Duality ($23 USD): A multi-purpose highlighter for brows, eyes, cheekbones, and even the top of your lips! I like to wear this in the inner corner for a brightening effect. Read my full review here

Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler ($26 CAD): I never go a day without this! This lash curler gives my lashes the most perfect curl. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara ($12 CAD): For the longest time I was using Covergirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara, then I moved on to various ones from L'Oreal to Maybelline to some high end ones. The drugstore near me had a sale on L'Oreal mascaras so I picked up this one. I hadn't really heard reviews for it but I picked it up anyways. It's a great waterproof mascara with minimal smudging. I'm able to get my lashes full and long with lots of curl (waterproof mascara is the only thing that can curl these straight lashes). The only downside, not a huge one, is that my lashes look crunchy and hard rather than soft and fluttery. 

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($18 USD): Finally an eyeliner that actually doesn't smudge! For subtle definition I like to smudge underneath my top lash line very close to the base of my lashes. Read my full review here

Bottom Row

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom ($7.99 CAD): Tinted lip balms are the easiest lip products to wear. You get a little colour and it hydrates at the same time. I love Burt's Bees tinted lip balms. They are inexpensive and give just enough colour. Pink Blossom is a soft pink, but surprisingly it really shows on the lips! I think it's the perfect shade of pink - not too red and not too pale. I also love Tiger Lily for a peachy nude lip. Read my full review here

Korres Cherry Picked Cherry Oil Lip Gloss ($17 USD): When I want a little glossy shine, I love wearing these glosses from Korres! For a pink nude lip, I like layering Light Purple 23 over top of Burt's Bees Pink Blossom. Read my full review here.

Becca Beach Tint: I think a flush of colour on the cheeks is the perfect perk-me-up. These lovelies don't budge and give the prettiest glow. Thanks to ebeauty.ca, I was able to add Guava, Grapefruit and Peach to my collection. Read my full review here

Benefit PosieTint ($36 CAD): I like to go between a few cheek tints and this is definitely one I reach for. Read my full review here

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm ($34 CAD): When I want a really dewy finish and when my skin is screaming for moisture I love dabbing these puppies on. For a really quick look, I use Bronzed on my eyes, cheeks and lips. I own all three in Blushed, Sunkissed, and Bronzed. Read my full review here

When you only have 5 minutes, what are your go-to products? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration (with the exception of the L'Oreal mascara and Shu Uemura lash curler) and I truly love them. 

How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup Part 1

Many of you may think I'm ridiculous for even bothering to wear makeup while I'm in the hospital, but to prevent myself from getting deeply depressed, putting on makeup puts me in a good mood. Plus, it forces me to have some sort of routine and purpose for getting up in the morning. Many nurses have asked me if I was being discharged because I'm wearing makeup and wearing normal clothes and when I get wheeled to my ultra sounds, I get a few stares because I'm not wearing the typical hospital garb. One of my favourite nurses, Esther, told me that oddly enough pregnancy looks good on me - I'll take it! Guess I should be pregnant all the time! ha!

Now, don't go thinking I'm wearing a full face of makeup. I'm wearing enough to make me look polished and playing on that "pregnancy glow". Check out which products have been keeping this face in check!



1. Nanoblur ($19 CAD): I've had this product for a while and haven't really had much chance to test it out. I decided I'd use Nanoblur because it could blur out any imperfections that my minimal makeup wouldn't cover up. If you don't know the genius of Nanoblur you'll want to know it. It's not a skincare product but a quick fix for when you need to look 10 years younger in a matter of seconds. It blurs fine lines, wrinkles, redness, minimizes pores and even mattifies the skin making it appear more even and less shiny. It works really well as a primer too. In seconds, I can really notice a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin. I don't have very big pores, but around my t-zone area they are more prominent. As soon as I apply this stuff, it instantly smooths out. The texture applies thick and is more suited for drier or mature skin types but I'm sure would work well on oily skin too in smaller amounts especially since it mattifies. I do find that you have to work it into the skin fast because it absorbs quite quickly. You also have to let it set for a few minutes or else your foundation or concealer won't blend nicely. Great thing is that you can apply when you're on the run over your makeup for a mid-day perk-me-up. It's a great quick fix at such an affordable price!

2. Cover FX SkinTint FX SPF 30 in M Light ($39 CAD): Just because I'm not getting any sun doesn't mean I can't fake it. As mentioned in a previous post, SkinTint FX has been my go to TM. Packing this one for the hospital was an obvious choice for me. It gives me a sun-kissed, radiant glow while giving me some coverage. I don't want to look like I'm made up and SkinTint looks so close to my natural skin. If you're not in the loop, Cover FX wants you to help them spread the word about skin cancer! For the month of June, with every new "Like" on their FB page, they will donate $0.25 to skin cancer research: David Cornfield Melanoma Fund Fund in Canada, The Skin Cancer Foundation in the US and SKCIN, The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity in the UK.

3. Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18 USD): This one is an oldie but a goodie! I've been using Photo Op for years to brighten under my eyes (read past post here). If you don't suffer from severe dark circles, you can get away with using this as your normal concealer. But for someone that does need more coverage, this helps brightens the under eyes under your concealer. Instead of taking a full coverage concealer with me, I only packed Photo Op because again I didn't want to look too done up. This brightens and gives a luminous effect and if I apply a few layers it covers up the darkness alright. I've also been using it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes, my brow bones and my cheekbones!

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($58 CAD): This has to be my HG of neutral palettes! I've been dieing to get my hands on this ever since its launch and every time I went to a Sephora it was sold out. One of my BFF's was doing a little makeup shopping at her local Shoppers and asked me about Urban Decay. Seeing how she's in the Durham region, I was surprised to know that this location carried UD products. I immediately asked if the Naked palette was in stock and to my surprise it was! She snatched it up for me and now we are forever buds. There are a ton of reviews and swatches out there so I'm sure you know what all 12 shades look like. I love the mix of shimmery, matte and satin tones making it an ideal palette for everyday, bridal and for more dramatic looks. I've used it on a lot of my clients and this is one palette I use on myself whenever I go out. I don't use it everyday at the hospital but when I know a visitor is coming I'll emphasize my eyes a little. The shadows I use the most are: Buck (matte brown), Half Baked (bronze), Smog (golden brown shimmer), Dark Horse (bronze-plum shimmer) and Hustle (mocha shimmer). 

5. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara ($34 CAD): There hasn't been a Lancome mascara that I've been disappointed with. If you love the lengthening effect of the Hypnose line, you will love the feathery, voluminous finish of the new Doll Lashes mascara (unscented version for Canada). Here's what I love: 
  • gorgeous, feathery, and voluminous
  • the conical brush allows you to get at every lash and at the root
  • love the subtle sheen and the shade is a deep, dark black
  • gives a very dramatic lash with a few swipes
  • lashes feel very soft to the touch
What I didn't love: 
  • I found the handle of the brush a little big and awkward to hold
  • didn't give my lashes as much lift as compared to other brands I've tried. The length was just ok for me. 
  • the softness of the lash didn't hold the lift and caused my lashes to droop later on in the day
  • I prefer water-proof versions. This one was the regular mascara and did smudge on my bottom lash line.
I'm curious to try the water-proof version (if one is released) and see if the lift, hold, and smearing is better. But I really do love the "doll-like" effect it gives. I received the one that is rose scented and actually don't mind it but I think most will appreciate the non-scented version. This mascara will be available mid-August. 
Have you tried any of these products? Stay tuned for part 2 of my makeup must-haves!

Products were sent for editorial consideration (with the exception of the UD Naked Palette) and I truly love them!

Highlights From Toronto IMATS

Makeup lovers crowding around brushes and makeup accessories

Yes, IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) has come and gone in Toronto and my post is over a week late. Better late than never?

I miss doing makeup. I miss the smiles and the happiness my beautiful clients would exude after I was finished their makeup. Life has a funny way of working, but I believe everything happens for a reason.

IMATS was an event I definitely could not miss. Being amongst makeup artists and some of my favourite beauty brands was exactly what I needed. As soon as I entered the building, I was hit with a buzz of creativity, excitement, and community. It was like I was seeing an old friend again. We picked up exactly where we left off.

Highlights:

Messy me with cutie Hung Vanngo

One of my main reasons for going to IMATS was to meet celebrity makeup artist, Hung Vanngo, who I've admired for many years. We sent each other random emails here and there, but had never officially met. He was exactly how I thought he would be; super sweet, gracious, and utterly adorable!

Makeup gurus Jackie Shawn and Hung Vanngo

To top off the night, celebrity makeup artist, Jackie Shawn, was sitting right beside Hung! I totally scored. Seriously, I get more excited meeting makeup artists than I do Hollywood celebrities! Jackie was so down-to-earth, super bubbly, and had amazing skin!

Yay! Self-shot with Jackie!

I'm a year late, but I've finally joined the Twi-hards as lame as that sounds. It was just a few weeks ago that I decided to see what all the fuss was about - Robert Pattinson. I'm not normally into extremely pale, blood-sucking men, but his mysteriously enticing character, Edward Cullen, made me want to give up my soul if only for just a moment.

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen

Meeting Norma Hill-Patton, makeup department head for New Moon, for some reason made me a nervous, blubbering fool! Maybe it had something to do with her touching the face of a certain dreamy pale face. Yes, she would be the closest I would ever get to touching Robert Pattinson. Thankfully, she politely looked past my stuttering and blabbering and smiled for the photo anyways.

Nervous me with New Moon makeup artist, Norma Hill-Patton

There were mixed reviews of IMATS with some feeling more underwhelmed than anything else. Many expressed that IMATS seemed smaller compared to last year's Canadian Makeup Show and not enough vendors were present. Despite these details, I felt renewed and energized again. As much as I love makeup, this year's IMATS was more about reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

The fabulous Debbie Bondar, founder and CEO of FACE atelier Cosmetics

Me (excuse the messy hair) with yaby Cosmetics owner and makeup artist, Liz Yu

Cityline's Derek Selby and makeup artist and International Communications Director, Wanda Longo both for Cover FX

Left, Monica, founder of BeautyParler.ca and Cover FX PR rep, Melissa

Old makeup artist friend, Lucien, from my Red Earth days

Stay tuned for my in-depth makeup reviews from yaby, Eve Pearl, Cover FX and many more (not to mention my makeup haul)! Read more about Toronto IMATS from around the blogosphere!

www.beautyparler.ca
www.lipstickrules.com
www.facesbyfarah.blogspot.com
www.anjalihanda.blogspot.com
www.jessicajeanmyers.blogspot.com

Beauty Feature: Benefit Cosmetics the Latest "It" List

Benefit Cosmetics is one of the few brands that make me glee with girly giddiness. Everything from the packaging down to the cheeky names make this brand stand out from the crowd of black sleek packaging. Makeup doesn't have to be all business and no play to be a good product, a philosophy that founders Jane and Jean Ford had in mind when starting their cult brand.

I've been meaning to write about some of my latest Benefit faves, but as always time just gets away from me!

1. Benefit Lip Gloss ($18 USD): I'm really glad Benefit decided to revamp their glosses. The original formula was really sheer and didn't last too long on the lips. The newest versions (available in 8 shades) are everything you'd want in a gloss: perfect amount of colour, smooth texture, and high shine. The soft cusion paddle really helps hug the lips for a flawless application. Lovely shades: Fresh Squeezed (pink grapefruit), I'm With the Band (golden pink shimmer), Who Are You Wearing? (passionfruit pink), and Almost Famous (copper penny). Like the old formula, their signature apricot-lychee scent is a delight!

2. Benefit Velvet Eye Shadows ($18 USD): These new shadows have amazing pigment and a velvety soft finish. The finish is very shimmery so I would use sparingly during the day or mix with a matte shadow to soften. You can use dry for a sheer finish or layer over their creaseless cream shadows for high drama. The range of colours are gorgeous especially new launches for Fall, Where There's Smoke (smokey pewter) and I Cannes and I Will (golden mulberry).

3. Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner ($19 USD): I am all about quick and easy to apply shadows that stay put and double as a liner! They come in a soft shimmer finish ranging from soft to dramatic shades. These work great under powder shadows as well. I love using Honey Bunny (terracotta nude) as a base, Samba-dy Loves Me (champagne gold) to highlight, and Strut (smokey denim) for a smokey finish.

4. Benefit Crescent Row Eau de Toilettes ($36 USD): How ridiculously adorable is this packaging for Benefit's new fragrance line, Cresent Row? Laugh with me LeeLee is a naturally feminine scent with classic girly style. Something about Sofia is a lovely fruity floral scent and one of my favourites. My place or yours Gina is a seductive woodsy oriental scent and my other favourite.

5. Benefit Automatic Eyeliner Duo Pencil ($20 USD): Lining your eyes is the only way to give your eyes definition. The automatic liners are nice and thin so you can get right to the base of the lash. They also glide on smoothly and automatically sharpen on their own. I love that it comes with a smudger on the other end - helps diffuse the line or create a sultry finish. My favourite comes in Wink o' Ink, a metallic charcoal grey.

6. Benefit "hello flawless!" Custom Powder Cover-up with SPF 15 ($34 USD): Benefit is all about functionality while still looking cute. All you MAC Studio Fix fans will love Benefit's powder foundation. The powder goes on silky smooth, covers flawlessly, and makes your skin look radiant. I love that it comes with a sponge for heavy coverage and a brush for lighter coverage. And if you want to spot conceal all you have to do is conceal with the sponge and blend with the brush! My only issue is that the line definitely needs a wider range of colours - I'm no. 6 the darkest shade!

7. Benefit One Hot Minute Sexy in Seconds Face Powder ($30 USD): Who knew you could find sexy in a powder! I love using this rose-gold loose powder for adding a warm glow to all my "sexy" areas lol. This looks great on its own or layered over your favourite blush. Use on areas you'd like to highlight like your cheekbones and decolletage. The fan brush is actually the type of brush I like to use when I want shimmer to look more natural, like you're glowing from within.

8. Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette ($36 USD): This awesome palette for eyes and brows has everything you need in creating the perfect smokey eye and brow. The kit includes: eye bright for highlighting underneath the brow bone, 3 smokin' eye shadows: pink highlight shadow, pewter base shadow, and deep charcoal shadow, smokin' liner, brow zings shaping wax, fluff/shadow hard angle brush, tiny tweezers, and a lesson to walk you through each step! This handly palette was perfect for a bride I did a few weeks ago.

Over the years I've found you really get more bang for your buck with most Benefit products. And it's why I just can't get enough! Stay tuned for more features including Benefit's holiday collections and more!

www.benefitcosmetics.com

Makeup Obsession: Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15

It never fails, you read every beauty article on the next best foundation only to run to the nearest store to purchase it, use it, and be disappointed by it. Foundation is the number one key makeup product that determines just how fantastic the rest of your makeup will look. Picking a great foundation is like picking out the finest wine. You can’t rush into it and you can’t just go for the cheapest thing. After all, we spend so much money on our clothes, our hair, our shoes, yet when looking for foundations we gasp at anything over 20 dollars.

I have recently become obsessed with a foundation by Hourglass called Veil Fluid Foundation. Never before has a foundation done what it’s actually been set out to do-make your skin look absolutely flawless! Now before I tell you the price of the foundation you need to know how amazing it is. I know many of you reading this are notorious for doing what we’re told never do-you pick your face. I too am guilty of this and therefore need a good foundation to make me look picture perfect (post picking). This foundation covers so well and does not look thick and mask like at all! It comes in 7 shades with good colour tones however does not go dark enough for a much deeper skin tone. Tyra Banks could wear it but Naomi Campbell may not find her shade. Nonetheless, for those who do find their shade they will be completely hooked!! It lasts all day and gives a natural slightly dewy look to the skin. Its best applied with a brush however don’t get sold on buying the specified brush, it’s not the greatest. This foundation is best applied with the MAC #187 Brush or MAC #190 brush. And now, to drop the bomb- its $60. This may seem like a lot of money but just think about the new shoes you just bought that probably only go with one outfit, which you can only wear once because everyone will remember that outfit! In other words, you will use it more than those shoes which probably cost ten times the price!! Here are the quick facts about the foundation:
  • Formulated with Matrixyl to stimulate the production of collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Skin Tightener ST improves skin's texture and promotes younger looking skin.
  • Advanced silicone creates a flawless finish.
  • Oil, fragrance and paraben free, SPF 15.

Its sold at Sephora and before purchasing it I strongly recommend you get a few samples. You definitely want to make sure that you’re getting the right shade. Wear it for a few days and wait for the compliments to roll in. It will just confirm that $60 is a small price to pay for flawless skin.

Makeup Junkie Wants To Know What's In Your Makeup Bag?

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

Pink Beauty Day 5 Will Have To Wait!

Sorry guys, Pink Beauty Day 5 won't be posted until tomorrow. Today was just a busy pmsing day and I just wasn't in the mood to get all prettied up. Although I did take my son to the park and dabbed on Captivate Cream Radiance Rouge blush and Luscious Lip Sheer Lipstick in Elsie to perk me up hehe. I just love these 2 products! But I will not disappoint tomorrow! I'll be doing a day and night look so stay tuned!

Beauty Review: Pops of Colour with Three Custom Color Specialists!

Photo L-R: Poppy Lip and Cheek Stain, Light Bright Lipsticks in Area and Palladium, Eye Shadow in Peacock and Mascara in Black

My makeup bag has lost about 20 lbs since receiving these lovely products. These pretty much have become my makeup staples for Spring/Summer (although I'll probably wear them all year round). If you want sheer, wearable, bright colours this season Three Custom is where it's at!

Top to Bottom:

Light Brights Lipstick in Area ($18.50 USD): It's all about the DayGlo brights of the '80's and bringing them into the present in sheerer textures. Area, named after one of the hottest clubs of the '80's in New York City, is a juicy bright tangerine. The moist balm base delivers moisturized lips with sheer brightness. When you first apply this colour, it is barely noticeable but applied a few times becomes a warm wearable orange. I love it! Area looks amazing when paired with bronze skin and Three Custom's Poppy Lip and Cheek Stain. These lipsticks are actually a moisturizing stain and lasts for hours. I also applied this onto my cheeks and it gave me a nice orange-peach dewy stain. All colours in the line are made to suit any skin tone. If you usually shy away from colour on your lips Light Brights are the perfect choice!

Poppy Lip and Cheek Stain ($20.50 USD): Love, love, LOVE this product! This stain blends really well and leaves a dewy glow on the cheeks. This warm bold coral is a colour that will look beautiful on any skin tone. It gives the skin a healthy flush like you've been playing some beach volleyball in the hot sun. Apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits you and dab on Poppy onto the apples of the cheeks to mimic the effect. Dab some onto the lips to finish the look. For some evening glitz swipe on a shimmery gloss. I love 2 in 1 products because they cut my makeup time in half and take up less room in my makeup bag. The compact includes a handy little mirror for touch-ups, although the stain stays put so no frequent applications. You can also build on the colour for more intensity. This lip and cheek stain is part of the Miami Glamour collection - a definite must-have!

Light Brights Lipstick in Palladium: I have come across a few favourite pink glosses in my time but never a favourite pink lipstick. Palladium, a striking hot pink of colour, has become THE lipstick I reach for all the time now! I love my gloss but it's been replaced for the time being. First swipe, it delivers a lot of juicy colour, not like Area so I like to dab it on first. It just perks up and brightens up my complexion. It looks hot (channeling my inner Paris) with a dash of bronze or gold shadow, and a little bronzer and Palladium on the cheeks. It's buildable and very wearable for day and perfect for a noticeable pout at night. I just love how it stains the lips for a natural effect but moisturizes at the same time. Sometimes gloss in hot weather can feel heavy and can add to an already shiny face. A stain in a bright hue is the perfect choice. Light Brights also come in two other juicy shades: Danceteria, flirty coral, and Limelight, a bright pop of pinky peach. Definite must-haves! Tip: make sure your lips are prepped with lip balm or a primer 5 minutes before applying lip stain. A stain will settle into fine lines and enhance dry chapped lips.

Peacock Eyeshadow ($19.50 USD): This gorgeous pot of teal shadow might seem frighteningly bright but thanks to sheer textures you can wear it day or night! When first applied it gives a nice wash of colour but layered more gives powerful pigment with flecks of shimmer. It's such a pretty colour and would actually look beautiful on anyone. Use as a liner for day and create a bright smoky eye for the evening. This shadow can also be used wet (intense colour) or dry (sheer/natural). Mix this with a gold shadow or purple for playful colour and navy shadow for extra smolder. Compliment this shadow with bronze or coral cheeks and lips. This liner is also apart of the Miami Glamour collection! You receive a free mascara when you purchase the Miami Glamour Collection! Offer ends April 30th so hurry! Click here for details.

For information on Three Custom Color Specialists click here. They are giving away free samples of Embryolisse Skin Cream (makeup artist staple!) with every purchase while supplies last!
Happy shopping!