Thanks Yummy411!

I just wanted to say thank you to Yummy411 for nominating me to the Beauty Blog Network! I'm very excited to be apart of my fellow blogging beautynistas! It's amazing the connections you can make with people you've never even met. Thanks again Yummy411!

I'd also like to explain my lack of blogging lately. My family and I have nestled ourselves into a new home and we're very excited. Unfortunately, I won't have internet access until next week sometime! Boo! I can't live that long without internet - wow I'm such a nerd! haha Anyways, to those that have left comments and asked questions I will answer right away as soon as we get our internet up and running! Makeup Junkie out!

About Makeup Junkie

About Makeup Junkie: Makeup Junkie reviews the latest and the greatest (and not so great) in beauty products, features pro makeup tips, dishes on the latest buzz in the beauty world, answers all your beauty questions, and of course gives love to Canada's top talents in the beauty and fashion industry!

Makeup Junkie is also proud to have been featured in Lou Lou Magazine's March 2009 issue!

 
Chief Makeup Junkie, Joy

Joy is a certified Makeup Junkie mommy, professional freelance makeup artist, and beauty blogger based in Toronto. She is the founder of MakeupJunkie.ca where she shares beauty reviews, celebrity style, and beauty tips.

As a makeup artist, she specializes in bridal, runway, television and print. Some of her makeup work has landed in the pages of Flare and Fashion magazine, and Slice.ca. Joy has also worked backstage during LG Toronto Fashion Week, We Day 2010 in Toronto, and in the eTalk Lounge at the Toronto International Film Festival 2010. Most recently, her beauty expertise has led her to be a beauty media spokesperson working with various beauty brands and has been quoted in The Globe & Mail, 24 Hours Toronto and other media platforms.

When she’s not working, Joy likes to spend time with her three favourite boys: husband and her two sons.

To view Joy's makeup work visit www.joyofmakeup.ca!

Now that all the formalities are out of the way, lets gab makeup! I've been obsessed with makeup from as far back as I can remember. From using crayons as lipsticks to carrying my mom's makeup in my purse as a kid, makeup was always on the brain. I started this blog to (1) gab about makeup, (2) provide useful beauty tips and tricks, and (3) to connect with other like-minded beauties and share with them all my beauty must-haves.

So, I hope you'll stay and read awhile and become addicted to beauty like I am!

Beauty News: Flashtronic and Rush Metal Launch!

Alright, I have yet to do my beauty review on MAC's C Shock collection but I just couldn't wait to talk about the new launches Flashtronic and Rush Metal! I love, love, LOVE all MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish launches and wished they were apart of the line (but then what would we makeup junkies have to look forward to?)! This year they relaunched the Mineralize Eye Shadows as well. Can you imagine four gorgeous shades baked into one?? They give the skin the most gorgeous glow and look great on the eyes, cheeks, and body! Every year these come out I try to snatch up as much as I can. I'm really happy that MAC came out with the Mineralize SkinFinish Natural as part of the regular line because these powders give your skin a natural-matte finish but with a subtle glow! I'm in love with it and carry it around in my makeup bag for touch ups.

I'm also in love with MAC's Pigments and this year they came out with brand new colours from the Rushmetal launch! These pigments are so versatile and can be worn so many different ways. You can sweep them over the eye for a wash of colour, you can layer them over a cream base to intensify the colour, mix them water to give a liquid effect, or use them to highlight. To get these colours to show on the eye you have to use a really good stiff brush rather than a fluffy brush and pat the pigment on the eye.

Stay tuned for my review of C Shock another favourite of mine! Happy shopping!

Makeup Artist of the Month: Celebrity Makeup Artist Billy B.

*Warning: This is a lengthy post but you'll be happy you read it!

Before I knew it, Sunday morning came around and I was on the phone chatting with Billy B. from his home in California. I had called right on time at 12 pm EST which was 9 am his time. Apparently Billy was just getting out of bed - maybe I was a little too eager?? lol Instead of my normal Q&A layout I've decided to write the interview as a story because our chat ended up being more than just a bunch of questions and simple answers. Billy warned me that, "my answers to questions aren't typical...", which to me is more interesting than a flat answer.

In the land of Hollywood and the beauty and fashion industry, you name it Billy's done it. Whether he's beautifying A-listers like Sharon Stone or speaking to makeup artists at seminars he is Billy B.: inspiring, honest, and full of life. Coming from a little town in Mississippi and not coming from an well-educated background, Billy is proud of everything he's accomplished on a creative tip. Among many of his accomplishments, he is proud of the work he did on Missy Elliot's "She's A Bitch" music video. "...she was bald and painted black with Swarovski crystals on her face...they submerged her under water and when she came out that was the shot...I'm not a SFX makeup artist and was self-taught; everything I do is by the seat of my pants...". If that's by the seat of his pants then he is truly gifted! Billy is proud of achieving anything beyond beauty makeup and has amazed even himself. "I didn't buckle and I just go for it".

When asked about success an overall theme took over the conversation. Billy talks about his humble beginnings starting out in the business and attributed his success to a series of opportunities that presented themselves to him that he took advantage of. "Don't waste your life aspiring to be me or to have my career. Everyone has their own career path, but you have to be "awake" enough to see the possibilities for yourself in your life by God, the universe, whatever you believe in...sounds like super Oprah but it's the truth...". Oprah or not, Billy gives incredible and honest advice.

"I was a terrible student, dyslexic...and I grew up thinking I was dumb or lazy...I think my creative side blossomed because I didn't have choice...I became aware of my talent based on survival". Billy moved to NY to flee from the small town he grew up in and wanted to reinvent himself. He knew he had to have a job to survive in NY so he lied to get a job at a makeup counter in Macy's. "I had no experience and they put me on the main floor doing makeup on real women. It was either I figure it out or be fired."

Billy knew he was meant for greater things and he decided to quit the makeup counter to free up his days to test. At night he worked at nightclubs as a bar back in Tribeca. "If I had to choose one person out of many that changed my path it would have been a photographer that rented out the space to shoot...I was asked to stay past 4 am for the shoot and they were late. I was exhausted and basically told him 'fuck you I'm going home'. The photographer said, 'Oh come on, you can't do this to me'. I told him I was a makeup artist and I knew what it was like but sorry...". This caught the photographer's attention and he proposed to Billy, "...what if I hire you to do makeup - it's only men's grooming but you'll get a tearsheet...". Billy went home, got his stuff and did the job. "I was discovered by a photographer, one of the most successful photographers in NY at the time...his name is Ken Nahoum...after that shoot I worked with him everyday and was able to quit my job...he dug me and liked how I played hard-ball with him...". This was just one of many experiences that presented themselves to Billy and it worked. "You can make good decisions but you can't force it to happen".

What happened to Billy isn't available to everyone even with all the resources that are out there now for makeup artists. "Aspire it and dream it, but be aware of what's presented to you...everyone lives different situations...if you live in a tiny community and want to be an artist and the only thing available to you is weddings then be the best makeup artist you can be...that's success...". He believes that people stand in their own way because they think they're supposed to be doing something else with their lives. "When you stop wondering or comparing yourself to other makeup artists it's amazing how your life will change. I used to do the same thing and wasted so much energy worrying about someone else...you're missing opportunities for yourself...".

As broad as Billy is in the business from doing editorial, red carpet, commercials, music videos, to television (and that's just the tip of it), his success in all of these is because he truly is passionate about what he does. "...you have to be so passionate which goes with anything...the most successful are the ones that are passionate about what they do...it's not just a job or about being famous, about the world knowing who you are or being in the presence of celebrities...you should have the same passion whether it is Sharon Stone or a customer for a wedding...".

To add to his already busy schedule, Billy is gearing up for his American Beauty Tour in which he'll be touring all across the US doing a series of seminars. "I don't consider myself a speaker at all...I'm just myself and I speak honestly no matter what...no one is perfect and it's far more intriguing for someone to be honest about their life experiences instead of some surreal story...if someone asks 'What is the ugliest thing you've ever done?', I answer because it's part of the career...". At his seminar people will get to see what he does and points out that his makeup techniques are how he does makeup. You can be sure there will be valuable information. "Everyone will get something different out of it, but I can't say that everyone will gain another level of expertise...but what I hope is that everyone will come away with maybe thinking a little different which I promise will change your career".

Another project that's he's been working on and is close to his heart is a docu-drama series called "The Beauty Foundation" (the Bravo Network is interested in his project). Years ago Billy fled his little hometown in Mississippi and years later he's gone back to save it. "I'm from a tiny town in Mississippi which was very rich in the 1800's. My mom is still there. It has about 1000 little cottages and houses and 2500 structures of historic places...the town is beautiful and is being lost by neglect...it's a poor state with no industry there. I was watching the town die and the beauty fade. Houses were being lost so I started buying them and saving them." Billy amazingly owns 17 houses and has saved 20!

"Now this is another situation that presented itself. I was doing a job in Santa Monica with Rosario Dawson and the beauty editor there chatted with me for maybe 5 minutes. I referenced I was going there (Mississippi) and she asked what I was doing...2 months later she calls and can't stop thinking about it and is very intrigued...my story ended up on the cover of the New York Times Home and Garden! Television producers started calling...". And "The Beauty Foundation" was born.

I'll admit that I had no idea that this project had anything to do with houses and thought it was all about the beauty industry. Billy explains, "Beauty Foundation is a take on words; it's like the transformation I do as a makeup artist only I'm doing it with a town...foundation meaning house...". I naturally asked what happens to the houses after they've been saved and transformed. "There is no resolve...it's not like Flip This House...small town America is struggling...I started a non-profit organization so if people that have historical property are in financial debt they can donate and I will take responsibility for the house...it has inspired them and woke them up...".

Listening to Billy talk about something other than makeup is equally as engaging because you can hear and feel the passion he has for these houses. It's a side I never knew of him. We delve into his other passions in life which are all creative. "I'm passionate about houses. The transformation process is as intriguing as makeup. When I look at a house it is the same as someone's face...I love a challenge and real women have real issues...I love the illusion of a face lift and not seeing it's limitations...seeing the possibilities. I love gardening and watching things grow...I like change...". All of the things he loves have something in common; they all have the ability to transform.

Billy and I get into some makeup talk and I ask what is an important beauty tip he can share. "This is a complicated question too. I don't really like to impose makeup rules on people because there aren't rules. That's what is amazing about what we do. There are a million ways to achieve a smoky eye and every makeup artist has a different way about achieving it...for my American Beauty Tour I'm going to do makeup but it's only for people to see how I do it". Billy makes a good point when he tells me that everyone's style is different just like my story will be different from a million others interviews about him. But there's got to be something you can give us?? "Beauty tip: never ever be too confidant because you will miss out on a learning opportunity". Such a profound beauty tip!

I laugh when he tells me that picking a top beauty product is a tough question. It really is a tough question if you're a makeup junkie! Billy's pick: L'oreal's Volumizing mascara in Carbon. "It's the blackest mascara...consistency is great and gives lots of coverage". But does it work for Asian lashes? "Of course it works for Asian lashes but you have to curl them to death first...". It's true! I curl the hell out of them! I got the inside scoop that Billy is coming out with his very own eyelash curler to add to his amazing brush collection which I will talk about more later. "I love silicone based foundation but I don't like to say which is my favourite because I haven't tried all of them". I tell him about how I just received Face Atelier's whole line of Pro Ultra Foundations which are silicone based. Ladies, it is the most amazing foundation you'll ever try! It just makes the skin look amazing but more on that when I do my beauty review.

Now that Billy has a top selling brush collection and an eyelash curler on the way will there be a Billy B. makeup line to follow? "Never say never. I never saw myself doing this stuff, I really didn't which brings it back to the theme of this interview; it presented itself to me. I was just excited to be in the NY Times then TV producers started calling and now book deals (he is coming out with a coffee table book!)...it would be silly for me not to see the opportunity...". Billy came out with a brush collection because he had a hard time finding brushes he liked working with. His frequent traveling schedule also had something to do with it. "...tools are everything. They can be the secret to taking your work to another level...every ounce counts in your kit - length, weight, size of handle in your hand. Consumers don't think about that but makeup artists do". Another inside scoop: more will be added to his brush collection!

You're going to love Billy even more because his eyelash curler is going to be less expensive than the top brands currently on the market! "I don't understand a $36 eyelash curler because you know there are only a few great ones...I wanted to do one that was inexpensive, no bells or whistles. Just an eyelash curler that does the trick. I took elements of eyelash curlers I love...I'm not reinventing the wheel just making them less expensive...". Amen! Now please tell us where we can purchase your products? Online? Stores in Canada?? "There will be. Everything is so new and it's just me doing this. I'm waiting for the universe to show me what I'm supposed to do. I'm not even out there and astrological...I'm not that person but it's been the way my life has been...if it's meant to be in Sephora then it will be or in The Bay in Canada then it will be...it's available through my website though (www.billybbeauty.com)...I don't have a plan and I follow my gut...". Well, that's all anyone can do is to follow their gut and so far it's worked for Billy!

I get into makeup trends for Fall with Billy and we laugh about how trends always repeat themselves. "Oh that trend that happened 6 months ago?", and it's so true. "I don't believe in trends and believe in 'if it ain't broke then don't fix it'...I believe in things that work well for me and don't jump around a lot, but I'm open to trying new things...but if it really works well for me then 'why?'. After everything we've talked about I feel kind of silly ending the interview with fun facts, but like the true star that he is does not disappoint.

1. Favourite designer:
"I never dress up - I'm not fancy shmancy...Levi's and American Apparel! My two couture designers are Levi's and American Apparel!
2. Favourite fashion trend (men or women):
"I like someone that expresses their personal style and not looking like a cookie cutter asshole [I told you I would say it! lol - ed] like everybody else!"
3. Most valuable item you can't live without?
"Oh my God, many...I'm not going to lie I love things but I'm not very materialistic...I drive a 1995 Mustang I bought in Mississippi...I'm not like the makeup artist that would say "for sure it's my Louis Vuitton carry-on bag"...I couldn't give a flying fuck about stuff like that...the things I can't live without are the people in my life...". Awww...
4. What's on your coffee table?
"Right now? You want to know the truth? Sweet ice tea, bottle of Pledge Orange Oil because I was dusting in my house, a pack of Marlboro Lights, some thumbnails/photographs from my website update I'm about to do, 2 makeup pencil tops I don't know why and some double stick tape and I don't know why...isn't that glamourous??"
5. It's Sunday morning and you are:
"Almost guaranteed something work related with a dash of working in my yard...I work all the time".

I make a joke that he probably works 7 days a week. "I do. If you want a career like this it's a lifestyle not a job. You either love that lifestyle or you don't...I used to never make lists and I have a notebook and pen with me always. I'm constantly writing lists and making reminders...my career is always there...there's no such thing as a day off. I'm very driven about anything I'm passionate about...". Which explains why he's so successful!

Before the interview is about to end we talk a little more about his tour and whether he'll be coming to Toronto. "I woke up this morning to all these emails from Michael (Michael DeVellis, director of The Powder Group") and it was inspired by you." At this point, I'm trying to contain myself from whooping and hollering. "I'm not kidding because he forwarded your emails...and I know that you're in Canada and attached to that was "we're going to Canada!".

I'm in shock and touched at the same time. It's obvious that Billy has a huge fan base in Canada so why not take the tour here? A plea to the Canadian border: Will you please stop harassing and stopping him because he has tattoos on his hand?? I already apologized to Billy on behalf of the Canadian border. He's able to laugh it off and says, "No, no, that's just their job".

I look at the clock and can't believe I've been chatting with Billy B. for an hour! I thank Billy again for talking with me and tell him if he comes to Toronto I would love to meet him. "...I will definitely meet you in Toronto".

When I think the conversation is about to end Billy asks me if I'm a makeup artist. I tell him that I'm a makeup artist but have been concentrating on beauty writing at the moment. "Then you know what I'm talking about...don't ignore what's presenting itself right under your nose...the opportunities of being a writer is such a gift...don't let that go away. You should absolutely pursue both. You should do what you love. I'll tell you what you're doing right now being a mother is the greatest job...don't let any of it be a drag. You'll find your way. That would be my advice to you personally. You can do it. It'll present itself to you and you have to enjoy it". Well, Billy you've definitely made my writing career exciting and have really opened up my eyes to a lot of things! Thank you a million times Billy B. and I can't wait to meet you!

I'll keep you posted on dates for his Canadian Beauty Tour! To view some of his amazing work visit BillyBBeauty.com! For more info on The American Beauty Tour visit The Powder Group. The American Beauty Tour is sponsored by W Hotels and behindthechair.com.

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie Interviews Celebrity Makeup Artist Billy B.!!!!

Last week I was trying to decide which makeup artist to feature for the month of July. I had received a couple of emails from The Powder Group who had seen my blog and informed me of Billy B.'s upcoming American Beauty Tour. I was excited to hear about his upcoming tour but was a little bummed when I saw that he would only be touring the US (hence "American" lol).

I have been a HUGE fan of Billy's work for a long time, probably around the same time I discovered makeup icon Kevyn Aucoin. I decided to take a chance and email Billy about doing an interview with me for this month's feature. The very same day Billy, not some representative for him, actually emailed me back and said he'd be happy to do an interview! I was shocked and thrilled to say the least especially since I've asked a few beauty bloggers for an interview and never received a response. Go figure.

I am soo thrilled and excited to share my phone interview with Billy B. with all my makeup junkies!! I just got off the phone with him and I'm still feeling giddy and jittery all over! Billy is one of my all time favourite makeup artists so you can imagine how thrilled I was to talk to him. Don't miss my very insightful, down-to-earth, in-depth, and humourous interview with Billy B. as he dishes on his passions, how he made it to the top, beauty tips, his anticipated American Beauty Tour (I got the inside scoop that he'll be coming to Toronto in the Fall which was inspired by moi!!!), and much more! Interview will be posted very soon!

Beauty Icon of the Month: Dita You Teese!

Last month I neglected to feature a Beauty Icon due to a tres busy schedule. This month I promise not to disappoint! Dita Von Teese, born Heather Sweet, is a throwback to 1940's/50's Hollywood glamour, one of my favourite eras. She has reinvented the pin-up girl and is the international Burlesque queen of the world. Not since Betty Page has anyone created such intrigue and allure around the mysterious and sexy world of burlesque.


Dita is a buxom beauty, who's porcelain skin, bold red lips, dark finger waved hair, and retro fashion style has made her a favourite of designers, photographers, and cosmetic companies. This year she became one of the new faces of MAC's Viva Glam IV campaign, a perfect choice for the trend-setting company. Not only has she traveled around the world, titillating fans with her peep-shows, but she is coming out with her first ever book "Burlesque/Fetish and The Art of the Teese". She also has her own collection of Full-Fashioned Seamed Stockings with Secrets In Lace. Whether she is fully clothed or half-naked swishing around in an over-sized martini glass, Dita Von Teese never forgets to carry herself with style and grace. Now that's a true lady!

Visit Dita Von Teese for more information.

Beauty Review: Fall Ready Eyeshadows!

I know it's officially three weeks or so into the summer but if you're a true makeup junkie you're always ahead of the game! Estee Lauder has come out with a line of Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duos in 8 shades just perfect for Fall. These new crease-resistant duos come in colour-coordinated shades in matte, semi-matte, and pearl finishes. The texture is actually silky and soft.

I received Cappuccino (bone and warm brown), Ginger (honey drop and coffee brown), Plum Sugar (pale shimmer lavender and plum) and Pink Dusk (pale shimmer pink and coffee brown). These shades are perfect for everyday and provide just the right amount of colour. I'd definitely recommend these duos for the office or bridal makeup. The line also includes deeper tones for dramatic looks. I love how matte and shimmer textures are combined which offers great versatility and depth. I tested it out for a day and the shadows managed to stay on without fading too much. Everything about the duo shadow is great but the packaging. It comes in the signature Estee Lauder navy blue compact; classic but a little too boring for me. However, Estee Lauder's older customers can appreciate this type of packaging. If you're like me, I'm all about quality products with cool packaging. I'm a very visual person so the packaging has to be visually appealing to me.

All in all, the shadows have staying power and come in beautiful colours. It's available now at Estee Lauder counters for $28 (CAD). For me to spend $28 on a product the whole package has to be there, but my mom is thrilled to have some new shadows to add to her roster! Happy shopping!

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie Spotlight on Chick Advisor!

I am very lucky to know some pretty amazing people and Ali from Chick Advisor is one of them. She surprised me with a little write up about me on "Chick Lit" the official blog for Chick Advisor. Ali has been a great supporter of my blog and my work and I truly appreciate it. Thank you also to my Makeup Junkie readers who take precious time out of their day to read my blog! I truly appreciate all the feedback and comments whether they are good or bad! I'm just glad I have readers lol! To check out my spotlight visit "Chick Lit"!

P.S. Please excuse how horrible I look in the picture! Long hours and early start times = bad makeup and hair day!! :)

Beauty News: Where'd You Get That? Episode #2 on ChickAdvisor.com and Slice.ca!

Hello all my fashionistas and beautynistas out there! Don't forget to check out Chick Advisor and the Slice Network to see episode #2! You don't want to miss what's hot for summer and what trend most people want to get rid of! Don't forget to vote for your favourite outfit!

Beauty Review: The Summer's Sexiest Pout

I've neglected my site for a while and I think it's definitely time for an update don't you? Well, to start off my product review lineup is Estee Lauder's new High Gloss Plump gloss which I'm very excited about! I've never been a huge fan of plumping glosses only because the tingling sensation irritates my lips, but High Gloss Plump does the opposite! The gentle tingling sensation last for a few minutes and leaves your lips looking pouty-licious! The peppermint flavour even makes your mouth feel refreshed, perfect for those hot summer days. Your sexy full lips will last up to 4 hours and over time the natural ingredients will make your lips smoother, softer, less lined, and will boost your skin's natural collagen production.

High Gloss Plump comes in 8 beautiful summer-ready shades and the pearl finish is the icing on the cake! It's a gorgeous finish that makes that pout stand out even more. I received Peach Plump which is the perfect shade for summer and is my new fabulous find! It's perfect for any skin tone and neutral enough to go with just about any makeup look. The gloss has the perfect amount of colour and goes on smooth. It's a bit sticky but definitely not tacky. The slanted tip makes for an easy application. This limited edition gloss is available at Estee Lauder counters now so get them while they last! Snatch one up for $20 (CAD) - for a perfect pout it's worth every penny!