Product Love | Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio | Cream Pencil

My Eye liner series continues with the Maybelline Master Drama By EyeStudio - Cream Pencil in shade Midnight Master. I have never used just one eye liner product for my eyes. Different products offer different benefits for defining the eyes.

For the waterline, which is the inside of the lower lash line, you need an eye liner that will stay pigmented in colour and is long lasting, which can be a hard combination to find. This eye liner does it all!

Pros

• 16 Hour Wear
• Bold Pigment
• Oil-Free Creamy Application
• Ideal for Waterline
• Easily Smudges & Stays Put

Cons

• Creamy texture may be hard to work with, but once it glides it's good to go

I love that this liner LASTED all day. I happened to test it out on a regular day but I also enjoyed this liner recently at a family wedding I attended. From Start to finish, the eye liner did not budge, stayed bold and never faded! From mingling, through emotional speeches (yes I actually got teary eyed during the wedding) to dancing the night away, this eye liner did not move!

Here is a pic from that night, with me wearing that liner!

For years I have experimented with different eye liners in the various forms they come in. I highly encourage you to try different products and you will find what works for you. Be sure to check this liner out!

#Makeup Trends | Best Liquid #Highlighters for #Strobing or Highlighting!!

Whether you want to call it 'highlighting' or 'Strobing', the trend to add a beautiful luminous glow to your skin is definitely not going away! Giorgio Armani has been iconic in reviving and creating this beautiful glow, which have been featured on the models of many of his fashion shows over the years. As with most fashion trends, the makeup styles and looks eventually trickle down to the masses. Now even faster than before with Social Media.

If you are looking to create the JLO Glow, adding highlight or want to be an expert on strobing, be sure to add these beautiful products, the amazing Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers!

ABOUT FLUID SHEER

Fluid sheer is a beautiful skin illuminating product that offers radiance and glow. The formula is light weight, and easy to work with. It's available in over 10 flattering shades and can be used in multiple ways, a true multi-tasker!

• Instantly adds glow and illuminates skin
• Sheer, lightweight texture and coverage
• Use it as an eye shadow base, blush or bronzer
• Wear alone for glowing skin or tan enhancement
• Mix into your favourite foundation to add glow and enhance tonality
• Popular shades: #2, #10 and #11

SHADE DESCRIPTIONS

#2 Fluid Sheer: A light golden beige sheen. Excellent for spot highlighting/strobing effects on the cheeks and T Zone.

#10 Fluid Sheer: A medium golden bronze glow. Excellent for darker skin tones or adding a golden glow by mixing into your foundation.

#11 Fluid Sheer: A warm peachy shimmer. Excellent paired with blush and applied onto the cheeks.

These products are worth experimenting with since they leave a beautiful finish on the skin and offer multiple ways of using them! I also like that they leave a true sheen and not a sparkle, so it looks and glows like healthy skin. Be sure to check these shades out on your next Makeup Shopping trip!

Beauty Tip | Changing your hair colour? Use these makeup tips to help your hair look amazing!

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Rihanna

Have you ever noticed when you change your hair, all of sudden when you put your makeup or your fave lipstick, the makeup doesn't look the same, looks either too dramatic or makes you question your hair change?

A common trend, this time of year, is the seasonal summer to fall transition. It appears in fashion, clothes, makeup and hair. Typically, the hair will be the big change that occurs in terms of colour. Deeper hues and rich tones will take over versus the Summer hues of being sun kissed and golden.

This post, I wanted to share the best makeup tips and tones that you can use when you undertake a drastic hair change. Using these tips, will help your hair transtion pop and will help you see what will look best for which ever hair shade you choose! (Side Note: Other than Platinum blonde, personally I have worn my hair in many different hair tones, so I speak from personal experience that when you change hair and adjust your makeup, it helps you love your hair even more!).

Blondes (White or Platinum Tones)

• Eyes: Soft Greys + Dark Liner or Soft Browns
• Cheeks: Soft Pink/Coral Blush
• Lips: Cool Soft Pinks or Bold Red Lip
• Celebrity Inspiration:  Gwen Stefani

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Gwen Stefani

Dark Blonde

• Eyes: Medium Earthy Brown to Nude Tones
• Cheeks: Bronze or Brick Toned Blush
• Lips: Darker Pinky Nudes
• Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Jennifer Lopez

Brunette

• Eyes: Light Greys, Browns or Taupe
• Cheeks: Coral Pinky Blush
• Lips: Light Mauve or Coral toned lips
• Celebrity Inspiration: Kate Beckinsale

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Kate Beckinsale

Red (Mahogany, Black and Beyond)

• Eyes: Bolder Cooler Shades on eyes. Darker Smudged Liner
• Cheeks: Cooler Blush mixed with a matte bronzer
• Lips: Blackcurrant, Deep Burgundy and Magenta Tones
• Celebrity Inspiration: Rihanna

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Rihanna

Be sure to have fun and be daring! Once you change your hair, you will feel confident and these tips above can help you transition your hair and makeup to make the perfect statement!

Product Love | Yves St.Laurent - Full Metal Shadows

Traditional shadows in powder format are great, but Liquid Shadows have been making a big splash this year with Makeup Lovers! They offer ease of use, bold colours and long lasting wear. YSL introduced their liquid shadows called FULL METAL SHADOWS. Let's take a closer look!

 

YSL FULL METAL SHADOWS - SHADES:

1. Grey Splash
2. Eau Dargent
3. Taupe Drop
4. Onde Sable
5. Steamy Coral
6. Pink Cascade
7. Aquatic Copper
8. Dewy Gold
9. Misty Green
10. Wet Blue

SWATCHES:

SHADE DESCRIPTIONS:

1. Grey Splash - Silver toned shimmer
2. Eau Dargent - Pure cool white
3. Taupe Drop - Gorgeous Taupe shade
4. Onde Sable - True Gold Toned Shimmer
5. Steamy Coral - Warm Shimmery Coral
6. Pink Cascade - Warm Light Pink, perfect paired with gold
7. Aquatic Copper - Rich Brown Toned Copper
8. Dewy Gold - Yellow Light Gold
9. Misty Green - Cool Green Tone
10. Wet Blue - Silvery Shimmery Bright Blue

The YSL Full Metal Shadows are very shimmery and look amazing on the lids as well as lined underneath the lash line for a pop of colour. Use them alone, or pair them with other tones for a dramatic look. These are great for anyone that needs a quick shadow look in a pinch. They are long lasting, pigmented and give a great metallic look on the eyes!

Be sure to check them out!

Beauty Talk | #Contour Mania or Overload? - How to navigate this #1 Trend

Image/Makeup:  Kevyn Aucoin - The Book "Making Faces".

"This photo is really an illustration of the contours of the face. The application is exaggerated and not to be taken too literally. It's just to show how highlighting and contouring (when sparingly applied and carefully blended) can add definition to the face...You may never do this for everyday life, but for special occasions or photographs, it can really make a difference." 
- KEVYN AUCOIN

We have all seen the countless images of Contouring. The mass number of before and after pics showing the painted makeup 'maps' on faces. Instructions for the proper placement of light and dark makeup to achieve the perfect contour. The faces almost look like a mask of sorts which is now being referred to as a"contour map". Nonetheless, the after photo is always gorgeous, flawless and the makeup looks like perfection.

I have had a lot of my clients and people ask me about this trend. As much as it's popular it has also deterred clients from trying the trend. Especially if you are a person who has never worn makeup or maybe want to see how it's done, the images and videos can be overwhelming.

For this post, I am going to share the types of contouring and my tips of how you can make this trend wearable and simple, whether it's fierce or everyday!

BIRTH OF CONTOURING - Who and where it's used?

• Photography & Movies | Works well with the Flashing lights of Cameras.
• Celebrity | Typically seen on Instagram and with their respective Makeup Artists
• Drag Makeup | Ideal for stage performance to emphasize facial features against the bright lights

Contouring has become extremely popular via Instagram. The trend was really cultivated and developed by many drag performers who understood that to look fierce on stage, they needed to emphasize their makeup.

It works well for Photography because with the extreme flash effects from cameras, a person's face can end up looking too flat or one dimensional. Therefore this makeup technique helped to emphasize and re-create the dark and light areas on a person's face for the best photos.

WHY DO WE NEED TO CONTOUR?

• To define
• To accentuate facial structure 
• To balance light and dark
• Makeup artist technique which is great for Weddings and Special Occasions

WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE LOOK

Fierce Contour
This effect is achieved with Extreme Highlighting and contouring by using Concealer/Highlighter and Cream Foundation

Time: Half Hour
Best Product To Use: A mix of Liquid Foundation, Cream Concealers, Liquid/Powder Highlighters
Celebrity Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

Image Courtesy: kimkardashian.com

Evening Contour
Medium effect achieved when using a Contour Kit that has all of your go-to shades from light to dark, a blush shade and a highlight shade.

Time: 15 Mins.
Best Product To Use: Contour Kits i.e. Anastasia Beverly Hills or BH Cosmetics
Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez

   Image Courtesy: google.com/images

Everyday Contour
Light and wearable version for Daytime. Using the natural bone structure as a guide on placement and then using a soft light Bronzer to define and adding a soft wash of blush on top. The idea is to create the shadow into the hollow of the cheek, which is right under the fullest part of your cheek.

Time: 5 Mins. or less
Best Product To Use: Giorgio Armani Bronzer or Matte Toned Bronzer/Blush
Celebrity Inspiration: Mila Kunis

Image Courtesy: google.com

Hopefully this post and the tips above can help any of those who are trying to figure out how to navigate and use this makeup trend. I do feel that there is so much emphasis on the extreme versions of contouring but it can definitely be achieved with fewer products so it's easy, simple and beautiful. At the end of the day, do whatever works for you, whether it be extreme to light.

Beauty Tip Thursdays | How to buy the right foundation with no regrets!

Being a Makeup Junkie and in the industry for some time now, I knew all the places I need to go to as well as the people I needed to speak to when it came to makeup. I easily navigated through the isles and the numerous number of displays and through my own trial and error, figured out what worked for me.

However, not all women who shop for makeup feel as confident or as comfortable. This post covers all the DO's and DON'Ts when you shop for foundation for the first time!

If you say YES to any of the following points, then you may continue reading:

• You are not a makeup junkie
• You haven't enjoyed any shopping trips Sephora or Shoppers because makeup was not your thing.
• You have never worn foundation
• You are looking for a simple way to feel confident without looking heavy or overly done
• You feel intimidated by the Makeup Associates

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

DONT's

1. Judging by the bottle as being the right shade: The eyes can play tricks on us. What we see in the bottle may not always be the right colour. Therefore without trying it on, there is no way to be sure.
   
   
2. Colour Matching on the hand only: Our skin on the hands or inner wrists are always lighter than our face. Think about it, our face is exposed to the sun the most and therefore can be a totally different shade than our hands. The wrist will give you the wrong shade since it's undertone and overall tone can be different.
   
   
3. Not trying it on: This will waste time for you and will result in the wrong purchase. Most counters and brands will allow you to try the foundation from a tester before buying and also allow you to get a sample BEFORE you buy. So please be sure to ask vs. buying without trying.
   
   
4. Buying the same colour or product because a friend has it: Again this goes back to point 1, our eyes can play tricks. We may seem to be all the same shade but your undertones can vary from Beige, Yellow or Pink. Therefore don't buy the same shade unless you have tried it on.

DO's

1. Request a Colour Match: Always ask to be matched first and be honest with the Makeup Associate, let them know if this is a first time experience for you and you are not sure, this way it can be a positive experience for you.
   
   
2. Request a Sample: As mentioned above, most counters offer a Sampling Program, where they provide a sample or make one for you based on the colour matching consultation that you have had.
   
   
3. Checking lighting and time of day: The best time to test out a foundation for a proper colour match is during the day to early afternoon. Get your colour matched and walk around the mall with the foundation on, so you can see it in different lighting and feel 100% comfortable prior to purchasing.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HAND 

You may be asked a number of questions regarding makeup, some common ones are below:

1. What is your Skin type (Oily, Dry or Normal/Combination) 

You should know this before going in. If you are oily, you know you are from the start. This will help the associate recommend the TYPE of foundation for you.

2. Finish you are looking for (Matte, Semi Matte or Glowing) 

This will help you in the long run. Countless women will buy matte, but then find it wasn't the finish they wanted on their skin and wanted a glowing look. A glowy foundation doesn't mean oily, it means it will light reflect to give a radiant healthy skin finish.

3. Allergy concern

Most products go through various allergy testing but if you know you have a particular allergy or concern, please share with your makeup associate.

4. Why you are buying it (Night Out, Natural Look, Everyday Makeup or Vacation) 

Since the technology has improved with the development of Foundation, it has also brought to the counter various types of foundation. You can now get various coverages, SPF protection and skincare benefits all from your bottle of foundation! The best way I have seen this described is with Giorgio Armani, who has designed foundations to be a "WARDROBE FOR FACE". The idea that you have a variety of clothes for different occasions reflect in your foundation choices and options.

FINAL POINTS

• Colour Matching is a MUST. Let the experts try it on you, and see it on you before you buy.
• Buying on the spot: 110 % you should love it and if you are smiling, go for it!
• Did you know: You can be at least 3 different shades in 1 year from Winter to Summer.

I really hope that this post can help guide any of you who feel intimated or have never worn makeup before and are afraid to ask! Ask questions, do some research and it's makeup, so don't let it stress you but make it a fun experience!

Beauty Tip | Are you in a makeup rut?

Are you a slave to your Liquid Liner? 

Do you love BLUE EYESHADOW?

Can’t see anything on your lips but frosted or beige lips? 

Never wore blush?

Everyone has their go-to look that they have hung onto, regardless whether it was 10 years ago or longer.  It may be something we dabbled into when we first discovered our love for makeup, perhaps a signature colour of lipstick, a particular product or a certain way of wearing eye makeup etc.

I thought it would be fun to share some makeup idea swaps that may help to move some of you into a new direction of wearing a particular look or product, check it out below:

LIQUID EYE LINER

Discovered:  Circa 90’s and before then in Egyptian times.

Product used then:  Cover Girl Liquid Liner

• Swap Product:  Gel based Eye liners | Pen based | Soft Pencil
• Suggestions:  MAC’S Blacktrack Fluid line | Maybelline MasterKajal Pencil 

BLUE EYE SHADOW

Discovered:  Disco era and beyond

Product used then:  Flat/Matte blue shadow applied all over the lid

• Swap Product:  Metallic Eye shadows or Eye Pencils
• Suggestion:  Giorgio Armani Eye Tints | Makeup Forever Aqualiner Pencils

FROSTED LIPSTICK

Discovered: Circa 90’s in Pink tones. Revisited in the 90’s with brown tones.

Product used then:  Baby Pink Frosted Tone Lipsticks

• Swap Product:  Sheer Finish Lipsticks | Lip Balms | Lip Gloss
• Suggestion: MAC Lipglass in PRRR

BEIGE/BROWN LIPSTICK

Discovered: Popular in the 90’s (Think Cindy Crawford or anyone on Friends!)

Product used then: Revlon Toast of New York and any beige lipstick from MAC

• Swap Product: Beige/Brown has made a comeback but in more light reflecting finishes
• Suggestion: Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butters | Darker Matte Lip like Fast Play by MAC

PINK BLUSH

Discovered: Since the start of makeup when women would use berries to darkly stain cheeks

Product used then: Fruit and Variety of Pink Only shades of blushes.

• Swap Product: Sheer blushes in a variety of shades which work well with all skin tones 
• Suggestion: Cheek Fabric Powder Blush by Giorgio Armani | NARS Orgasm Blush. 

Hopefully there are a few swaps or new products that you can check out and incorporate into your day-to-night looks! Trends and technology in makeup is always changing so it's always good to check out what's out there and try something new! Be Brave!

#GoldenGlobes2015 | Top 5 Fashion Looks!

The Red Carpet is always about the GOWNS! For the 2015 Golden Globes, the beautiful women of Hollywood dressed to the nines. My favourite trend was the silvery toned gowns!

Here are my Top 5 Fashion Looks from the night!

Reese Witherspoon | Calvin Klein

Image courtesy: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez | Zuhair Murad

Image Courtesy: EOnline.com

Kate Beckinsale | Elie Saab

Image Courtesy: EOnline.com

Kate Hudson | Versace

Image Courtesy: EOnline.com

Julianne Moore | Givency Couture

Image Courtesy: EOnline.com

It will be interesting to see these gowns being translated from Award Runway to the retail customer. Typically the most popular award show dresses that are trending are re-worked for Bridal Wear!

#GoldenGlobes2015 | Top 5 Beauty Looks!

Love, love, love awards season! For me, the reason I enjoy these shows is that I get the opportunity to see art, fashion and beauty collide! In addition, we get to see and experience amazing films and the people behind these great works of art.

From all of the lovely looks from the 2015 Golden Globes Red Carpet, I picked my Top 5 favourite looks in beauty and fashion. Everyone looked amazing, but I picked My Top 5 Beauty Looks!

1. Reese Witherspoon | Soft Glam

Image Courtesy: HollywoodLife.com

2. Amal Clooney | Bold Lips

Image Courtesy: Hollywoodlife.com

Jessica Chastain | Hollywood Golden Glam

Image Courtesy: Hollywoodlife.com

Jennifer Lopez | Smokey Glam

Image Courtesy: Hollywoodlife.com

Allison Williams | Movie Star Glam

Image Courtesy: HollywoodLife.com

Loved the glamorous yet soft focused looks for beauty! All of these looks are easy to replicate and can work for any upcoming special occasions or celebrations for 2015! 

New Collection | Giorgio Armani Eye Tints

Giorgio Armani has launched these absolutely STUNNING eye shadows called Eye Tints! The shade range is amazing and the product makes shadow application a breeze. It transforms from liquid to solid which makes eyeshadow application quick and easy.

Product Details:

• 12 Luminous Shades  
• Formula transforms from liquid to solid
• 16 hour wear
• Smudge-free & Crease-free wear
• Wear it as an eye shadow or eye liner

Shades:

• #1 Obsidian
• #2 Minuit
• #3 Jade
• #4 Emeraude
• #5 Onyx
• #6 Green Iron
• #7 Shadow
• #8 Flannel
• #9 Cold Copper
• #10 Senso
• #11 Rose Ashes
• #12 Gold Ashes

I decided to have some fun with these products and created a dramatic look for both eyes as well as lips! Dark hued Ombre lips are very popular and can be seen in fashion and worn by many makeup lovers on Instagram. Here is my take:

Products Used

Eyes

Eye Tint in Minuit and Jade

Eyes to Kill Mascara

Maestro Liner

Lips

Eye Tint in Minuit and Jade for the accent Ombre effect

Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Black

Nars Navy Lip Pencil

You can pretty much create any look you desire with these gorgeous products! I love that the Eye Tints are so versatile because it allows for soft to intense makeup looks! The Eye Tints are available at Holt Renfrew Sherway and are a must for makeup lovers!