And The Results Are In!

The favourite fall beauty trend as voted by you readers is the charcoal smoky eye! 54% can't live without your smoky eye while 27% have been bitten by the retro glam bug and 18% are still warming up to the cat eye. Thanks for voting for your favourite looks and be on the lookout for more surveys located on the right-hand side of my site. I love your feedback so keep it comin'! :)

Photo courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics

Beauty News: Lil' Ol' Me?

I was busy purusing my fave blog sites and was surprised to see that the beautiful and equally rockin', Joelle, from MadGlam (she also authors for The VWord which is a cool site about 3 city girls who dish on love, dating, sex, and life. Oh and did I mention that Joelle also models and will be on Project Runway Canada premiering October 8? My votes for Joelle!) nominated me for Rockin' Girl Blogger! I'm honoured and deeply flattered. Thank you! Now to pass on the award to some of my fave sites:

Ali of Chick Advisor and Chick Lit is not only a rockin' chick, but dedicates her whole life to giving us women the inside scoop on the best of beauty, fashion, restaurants, accessories and more! Are you in need of a new purse or have been wanting to try that new mascara from Dior? Check out her site for some honest reviews from women everywhere! And don't forget to check out her fabulousness on her podcast show 'Where'd You Get That?' !

Darth Beauty is the new kid on the block, but her site seriously makes me have fits of laughter. She's a product junkie with clever and hilariously sarcastic write ups on beauty faves and celebrity looks so don't forget to check her out!

Danielle from Final Fashion has already been nominated by Joelle from MadGlam but I have to nominate her again! Is that against the rules?? I love her blog (she also authors for Final Food. Good clothes, good food - I think food and fashion go hand in hand too!) and I truly think she's one talented artist and fashion designer.

Last but not least is my yummy-mummy Yummy411! Not only do we have kids in common but we both live and breathe makeup! I like a girl that is dedicated enough to try different makeup looks on herself (which by the way are gorgeous) and post pictures for her readers! She loves putting on makeup so much she's decided to do it professionally!

Rock on ladies!

Beauty News: Benefit, Why Do You Tempt Me So?

Thanks to my fellow Canadian beauty blogger Darth Beauty (which by the way is a fabulously witty new beauty blog), I am now lusting after Benefit's Powder Pop! This artsy limited edition box collection of powders includes their best sellers Dandelion, Hoola and Dallas! I currently own all of them and always wondered if Benefit would come out with a convenient compact with all their powders. Hey, 3 out of 5 isn't too bad. I often use all 3 powders for makeup work and as adorable as those little boxes of heaven are, can get a little heavy when carrying around a kit. So, I guess I'll just have to pick up Powder Pop and possibly give the other ones I have away? Any takers? hehe. My Hoola is starting to get low now so I think this purchase is a justified one right?? Darth Beauty also listed some other holiday goodies from LORAC, Stila, and Urban Decay that I'm also lusting after so don't forget to check them out! Happy shopping!

Confession Of A Makeup Junkie #2

#2. When it comes to buying new clothes I can't bring myself to buy a shirt over $30 but when it comes to makeup I'll gladly dish out the money for a $30 lipgloss!

People, I seriously have a problem. I need to sign up for Makeup Junkies Anonymous! Shopping for clothes and accessories is such a chore because I make myself search for bargains unless it's a key piece that I've been lusting after for a long time. Yes, in a way I'm saving myself money but not really because I then get it in my head that I can justify a $38 purchase for a duo shadow from Nars! Time and time again it just baffles me but I continue to make those outrageous purchases sometimes spending over $200 at one time (usually for a job but mostly for personal use and that's with my discount!). And every time I bring that little bag from Sephora, Holt Renfrew, or M.A.C. home my husband just shakes his head and asks, "What did you buy now??". Please tell me that I'm not the only one with this problem??

What's the most you've spent on beauty products at one time? Would you rather spend more on makeup or clothing/accessories/shoes?

Beauty News: M.A.C. Attack Time!

Faux lashes make my heart pitter-patter and even if I was born with lush full lashes I'd still wear them! M.A.C. has just launched 11 new styles of Lashes including a set of individual lashes that artists have been requesting for years! I am in lash heaven! There are a few that look similar to their old lashes like their best seller set of #7's. So ladies, flutter those lashes with a set of falsies!


The next on the list is still all about the lashes. Oh how we women love our lashes! M.A.C. has launched a new mascara Plush Lash which promises to plump up your lashes. I've never really been a fan of their mascaras even when I was working there and I'm a little hesistant to try this. One honest opinion I can count on are the people that I used to work with. So, I'll have to get back to you on that.

M.A.C. matte is back with Matte 2 which I am truly excited about! I love my shimmery shadows but when you're an artist shimmery doesn't work on everyone or for every occasion. Back in the day, M.A.C. used to carry more matte shadows and when JLo danced her booty into our lives it was all about shimmer and glowy skin. So, I am happy for the return of the matte. Formulations now are super blendable and more forgiving. I love mixing matte and shimmery textures together to add more depth to the eyes. Plus, a semi-matte eye is more flattering in pictures!

Oh, I'm not finished with the matte just yet. M.A.C. is also launching Mattene, a new line of semi-matte lip colours which will be launching September 27 in North America. My faves so far Orange Dare and Rougette! Check out Specktra.net's Beauty Blog for more info and to see M.A.C.'s Holiday collection! Happy shopping!

Photos courtesy of Specktra.Net and M.A.C. Cosmetics

Beauty Review: NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008 Trend Favourites

Top Row L-R: Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, L.A.M.B.
Bottom L-R: Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrara, Bill Blass, Donna Karan

Top L-R: Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler
Bottom L-R: Badgley Mischka, Rag & Bone, Narciso Rodrigues

Beauty trends are of-the-moment looks and the looks for Spring/Summer 2008 in New York weren't anything we haven't seen before. Disappointed? Not really - it was kind of expected. It was nice to see pops of colour here and there like at Anna Sui's punk rock 'n roll flashback to the '80's look. I did quite enjoy the lips at Carolina Herrara which key makeup artist Diane Kendal describes as "tangerine berry". It looks like fresh, dewy skin will make a return along with glossy nude lips and smoky bronze eyes which are always enjoyable. I guess this means we won't have to be dishing out money to buy new makeup. Wow, did I really just say that?? Sorry, momentary relapse! What were your favourite beauty trends?

Beauty Review: Emmy Beauties

Every awards show I look forward to one thing: the red carpet hits and misses! Yes, I know award shows are about more than that - to recognize some of history's greatest shows, actors blah blah blah. The only award I'm giving out is who was the most dazzling from head to toe. So here are my winners:
























1. There was just something about Katherine Heigl tonight that was just so captivating. Her dress wasn't the most dazzling but I thought she looked like pure glamour from head to toe. I loved how fresh she looked sporting the classic and of-the-moment red lip (unlike Christina Aguilara who had the similar style but looked cabaret-ish). Her Emmy speech made her seem even more loveable. Even if her mom didn't think she was going to win, maybe she did because she looked spectacular.






















2. I absolutely adore America Ferrera and was excited to see her win her first Emmy. She was divine in colbalt blue and her makeup/hair was the perfect compliment. It's refreshing to see a normal size woman in Hollywood. I give her kudos for opting for a beautiful bold colour and not being afraid to stand out from the rest of the skinnies.

























3. I have to say I think Eva Longoria is enjoying wedded bliss. In a sea of long gowns, she decided to go with a flirty, flashy, and fun cocktail dress. Her subdued colour palette from head to toe was the perfect amount of glamour. It just proves you don't have to go all frilly and flowy to get noticed on the red carpet.

























4. Oh Heidi, can you stop looking drop dead gorgeous after having 3 children (or is it 4?? I've lost count)one after the other?? She looked like a beautiful tall glass of red wine. This deep raspberry colour was stunning and looked fantastic on her. It seemed like red was the popular colour of the night, but I think this colour made red seem ordinary. I loved the deep hue on the lips to match. Seal, you are one lucky man!

That rounds out my Emmy favourites. Who were your favourites of the night?

Q&A With Makeup Junkie

Fabulously Broke In The City asks:

"Can you recommend a good, pigmented, CHEAP eyeshadow brand for neutral
shades??? maybe a range of neutral shades but nothing too brown or too red,
etc?"

Thanks for your question! I'll be straight, I haven't really bought an inexpensive eyeshadow in a long time until yesterday. I should probably be reading your site more often - maybe it'll save me some money! lol Drugstore brands that have really great pigment and have staying power are L'oreal, Quo, and my new favourite NYX found at Pharma Plus. I used to use L'oreal and Quo a while back and I was always happy with them. I know their formulations have definitely gotten better since then.

In terms of a neutral that aren't too brown or red there's a few great ones that NYX carries that I was going to snatch up yesterday. I'm not sure what your skin tone is but here are some choices from NYX Trio Eyeshadows: Nude/Taupe/Dark Brown, Highlight/Brown/Suede, Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze (this is on my list!), and Sahara/Suede/Chocolate. All of these are beautiful neutrals but I'd recommend checking them out and seeing if any of them are what you're looking for. It's a great trio because you have a highligther/base shade, lid shade, and crease/liner shade all in one slim compact. It comes packaged with a little compact mirror if you need to touch up and wand applicator if you're on the go (real brushes are always the best though). I swear by the pigment and it stays on really well.

I hope these suggestions helped! Let me know if you end up buying any of them or if you go with another brand. Thanks for stopping by! If any of you makeup junkies have questions feel free to send them my way and I'll try to answer the best way I can! Happy shopping!

Beauty Review: Drugstore Delights!

Ever since I can remember I've always liked Shopper's Drug Mart over Canada's other drugstore rival Pharma Plus. Once Shopper's started carrying higher end cosmetic lines Pharma Plus became a distant memory. Yesterday, I was taking my son on a little walk and decided to drop in at the Shopper's down the street from me. I was in the mood for another Smashbox lipgloss (because I need another one! lol) but to my disappointment this location did not carry Smashbox or any of the other higher end brands except Elizabeth Arden. I left empty handed and decided it wasn't meant to be. On my way home, I realized I did not bring the garage door opener and my main door key was forgotten at my mother's house! Hmm, what to do?? I decided to walk down to the Pharma Plus which is in the opposite end of Shoppers to kill time until my hubby could pick us up.

It's been years since I've stepped in the store and let me tell ya - I was in complete shock in a good way of course. The cosmetic section has been totally revamped and Pharma Plus now offers other lines that Shoppers does not carry. I know some other beauty blogs have done reviews on this line already but this was my first introduction to NYX. I was in makeup heaven. The brightly pigmented colours just called out to me particularly their huge assortment of nail lacquers and trio eyeshadows! And the prices were just amazing! I got a trio of silvery gray shadows perfect for the fall trends for $9! I was tempted to buy the whole line because you just don't see bright yellows, aquas, reds, and oranges in a drugstore. The pigment was rich and blended wonderfully onto the skin. The colour pay-off really surprised me because the quality was just as worthy as higher end brands. What's that saying - why pay more when you can get it for less?

I've been on the hunt for a gun-metal silver nail lacquer but didn't want to pay over $10 for one. NYX carries over 150 nail colours ranging from intense to subtle. I was ready to snatch them all up but one that really caught my eye was Titanic, a deep royal blue. It's just beautiful and is a perfect alternative to black nails. And the price for $5.99 was just perfect! The polish is non-streaky and is so thick you only need one coat.

When I checked out the online site I was surprised and excited to see that NYX offers an online professional artist discount! I haven't felt guilt-free about buying makeup in a long time! I'm glad to see pro quality makeup for half the price. Pharma Plus also carries the brand NYC which I haven't seen a in while. I saw some gorgeous nail colours that I'll have to check out as well. Oh, so many products so little time! Happy shopping!

Beauty Review: Scents That Will Make You Swoon!

It's been a while since I've reviewed a new scent because the last one I received, Pink Sugar (love!), was last year. I'm happy to have in my possession 3 new perfume oils from Sharon Bolton Scents! When I first ripped open (hey, I was excited!) the package I saw 3 little boxes each wrapped perfectly with ribbon, but was a little surprised at how small they are. Each bottle is 1/8 oz, but a little goes a long way. Because it is an oil, it is very concentrated and lasts all day. The bottle is actually a roll-on which is one of the reasons I fell in love with it. It's so portable and small you can throw it in your purse or carry it in your pocket. The roll-on ball is perfect for touch-ups making applications a breeze. The inspiration behind the names of each scent Luv, Soul and Truth are Sharon's "essential scents of life".

Luv - "An intoxicating, ultimately feminine scent of rare pink gardenia, lush Hawaiian white flowers, and a hint of creamy vanilla with a delicate whisper of white musk."

Soul - "Sweet tropical notes that will evoke a memory for your soul. Juicy papaya, luscious pineapple, and creamy coconut with undertones of clean musk. It’s enough to sweep you away to the islands."

Truth - "A refreshing, clean citrus... think tangy lemon-lime... softened by an exotic floral and an airy, sheer musk... fresh like a warm sea breeze!"

My fave of the 3 is Soul. It reminds me of the beach and I love anything coconut or vanilla based. I've already received compliments (husband loves it!). Each perfume oil is $42 (USD) and is worth every penny! Sharon Bolton Scents also carries body lotions, shower creams, soy-based candles, jewelry, and sarongs! For scents that will make you swoon check out the site on how to order and for store locations. Happy shopping!

Beauty News: MAC 2007 Holiday Collection Coming Soon!

Every year millions of M.A.C. junkies around the world wait in anticipation for their coveted Holiday collections which include 2 different types of brush sets, lip palettes that will satisfy your every need and want, and eye palettes for your every mood. Every year just gets better and better and this year will not disappoint. The creative packaging are one-of-a-kind collectibles so be sure to stock up! For more information click here. Happy shopping!

M.A.C. Beauty Trends: NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008

I haven't visited the MAC Pro site in a while and I was excited to find some new products for their pro members. If you're not familiar with the site, it's full of products and tools that pro artist use and are only available in MAC Pro stores. The greatest part about being a pro member is of course the lovely discount you get which is exclusive to makeup artists and people in the entertainment industry. While on the site, I was checking out the Daily Trend Report and I fell in love with their artsy trend pictures! To view the inspiration and products used behind some of the hottest shows for Spring/Summer 2008 click on each day.





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(Update) Beauty News: Makeup Junkie Joins The Powder Group Community!

I am very excited to be apart of a community of top beauty bloggers on The Powder Group site. If you aren't familiar with The Powder Group (founded by the fabulous Michael DeVellis), they are a site dedicated to the makeup artist community and home to some of the top makeup artists in the industry. They are THE resource for makeup artists and beauty lovers. Don't miss The Powder Group at The Canadian Makeup Show November 10 and 11 at Kool Haus and at Industry Cosmetics November 25th where celebrity makeup artist Billy B. will be doing his highly anticipated seminar. To check out the other fantastic beauty sites that are also apart of The Powder Group Community of blogs, click here.

Thanks for the date change on Billy B.'s appearance Michael!

Makeup 101: Toronto Film Fest Beauties!

Hilary Duff enjoying many of the Filmfest parties, hit one of Toronto's popular niteclubs This Is London last Saturday in true style. With her wavy locks and shimmering eyes it's no wonder Ms. Duff didn't go unnoticed. Steal this hot look from one of the 'It' celebrities of the moment. To recreate:

1. Eyes: For a smoldering eye that shimmers in the night, mix a silvery shadow with gray tones. Try Lorac's new Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Evening Star. Smudge a charcoal gray shadow close to the lashline like Sephora's Slim Pencil Eye (also the winner of Best of Sephora 2007) in Dark Gray to amp up the smoke factor. Finish your peepers off with a couple coats of Diorshow Mascara in Black 090 (also winner of best of Sephora 2007).

2. Cheeks: Give your cheeks a subtle wash of colour in a neutral tone like MAC's Powder Blush in Harmony (Makeup Junkie fave). For a radiant glow highlight cheekbones with Benefit's High Beam (can be used to highlight inner corner of eyes and mixed with foundation for an overall dewy complexion). To highlight medium to dark skin tones try Benefit's Moon Beam, a pinky-gold highlighter (also winner of Allure's Editor's Choice Awards).

3. Lips: Compliment your sultry eyes with a muted lip in a honey-rose tone. Line and shade the lips with Sephora's Slim Pencil - Lip in Natural Spice 116. Then swipe on a shimmering creamy tan lipstick like Nars' Lipstick in Promiscuous. To make the lips poutier, dab a bit of shimmery gloss like Nars' Lip Gloss in Orgasm (Makeup Junkie fave and winner of best of Sephora 2007) to the center of the lips.

4. Hair: To keep wavy locks looking hot all night without losing the steam, smooth on Frederic Fekkai's Luscious Curls Cream to accentuate your curls without all the stiffness. It'll leave your hair frizz-free and full of bounce and shine.

Radiant Reese Witherspoon graced Toronto with her presence on the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall for the premiere of her new movie Rendition. She was absolutely picture perfect and such a classic beauty! Steal this look from one of the most sought after actresses of our time. To recreate:

1. Eyes: Bronzy sun-kissed eyes can enhance any eye colour. For bronzy eyes that will make you melt, try Nars' Duo Eye Shadow in Key Largo (Makeup Junkie fave). Smudge a chocolate bronze eye khol like MAC's Eye Kohl in Teddy (Makeup Junkie fave) to the top and bottom lash line. Swipe on a couple coats of L'oreal Voluminous Mascara (Makeup Junkie fave).

2. Cheeks: For a peachy glow try MAC's Sheertone Powder Blush in Peaches. To keep your skin in bronze perfection dust on Benefit's Bronzer in Hoola (Makeup Junkie fave and winner of best of Sephora 2007) wear the sun naturally hits: forehead, nose, chin, and cheekbones.

3. Lips: Give those lips a peaches 'n cream glimmer with Nars' Lipstick in Honolulu Honey and slick on Nars' Lip Gloss in Giza (Makeup Junkie fave), a creamy nectar.

Angelina Jolie is the perfect arm candy for Brad Pitt and vice versa. In support of Brad's new film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Angelina showed up in true star style. Angelina was looking glamourous in the beauty trend of the moment: fresh complexion, cat eyes, and pale lips. Steal this look from Hollywood's femme fatale/humanitarian. To recreate:

1. Face: For a flawless complexion, use a primer like Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer to prep the skin (Makeup Junkie fave and winner of best of Sephora 2007). Give your skin smooth coverage with Bare Escentuals' bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation (Makeup Junkie fave and winner of best of Sephora 2007). Set with MAC's Blot Powder/Loose (Makeup Junkie fave) for a velvety matte finish.

2. Eyes: For that sexy cat eye line the eyes with Bobbi Brown's Longwear Gel Liner (InStyle's beauty winner). To get that cat eye just right you'll need the perfect tool like Smashbox's Arched Eye Liner Brush 21. Wing the liner up and out for purr-fection!

3. Lips: Rather than going for a pale matte lips, liven this look up with a shimmery nude gloss like Smashbox's Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pixel (Makeup Junkie fave).

Photos courtesy of Hype1 and InStyle

Beauty News: Canadian Makeup Show Makes It To Toronto!

I'm ecstatic that Toronto will be hosting the Canadian Makeup Show on November 10 and 11 at Kool Haus! I've known about it for a while and I apologize for the late announcement. Now that it's coming closer, I cannot wait to peruse the many makeup vendors and fill up on an endless amount of makeup that I probably don't need. But for a makeup junkie, you can never have enough right? Not only will it be two fun-filled days of makeup shopping but if you're a makeup artist it's a great event to learn about different techniques and products and of course network. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the keynote speakers award-winning makeup artists Sharon Gault (Madonna's makeup artist for Truth or Dare), Michael Key (founder of The Makeup Artist Magazine), and Eve Pearl (key makeup artist for The View). If anyone is planning to go I'd love to meet up so let me know!

For more information on how to buy tickets click here.

Beauty News: New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008

Two posts back I was just talking about fall trends and yet spring/summer trends loom around the corner! Before we can cozy up to the fashionable knits of autumn/winter we're already thinking of flowy dresses and wedge sandals. Well, if you're a true fashionista you're always one up on the latest trends. While some of you are ushering kids off to their first day of school or attending your first day of class, New York is kicking off their Spring/Summer 2008 fashion week. To keep up with the crazy Fashion Week schedule check out the online magazine Zoozoom for scheduled times and locations if you're in NY checking out the shows. For those of us that aren't lucky enough to be in NY but still want to be in the know, check out Style.com for a daily roundup of all the fashion shows. Can't wait to see what's in bloom for Spring/Summer beauty trends!

Makeup Junkie Fun Facts!

I am greatful to my makeup junkies that stop by to feed their addiction. You get to read about all the fabulous beauty goodies but know really nothing about me other than the obvious: I'm a makeup junkie! My fabulous fellow beauty blogger, Sugarshock, tagged me a few posts back. I know, it's a little late and I apologize for not playing along with this game that we bloggers like to play. What does tagging mean? Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about him or herself. People who are tagged need to then report this fact on their blog along with their 7 things, as well as these rules. They then tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They're also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.

Makeup Junkie Fun Facts:

1. I am not only obsessed with makeup but purses and shoes too! What woman isn't? It seems no matter how many purses or shoes I buy I feel like I just don't have enough.

2. Prior to becoming a makeup artist and beauty writer, I worked in a large computer firm for 4 years before I was brave enough to make the huge plunge.

3. I am shy by nature which is an odd trait to have in the fashion industry. But once I get to know you there's no shutting me up!

4. I stand at 5"0 inches, my husband is 6"0, and my 15 month old is half my size already! I often get mistaken for being in highschool even though I'm almost 30!

5. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. I love a good strong coffee, bagels, fluffy pancakes, french toast dripping in syrup...mmm. Sometimes I eat breakfast food for dinner - who says it only has to be for breakfast??

6. When I was 4, I wanted to be a ballet dancer so bad I wore my leotards and ballet slippers with everything. 'Til this day I'm still a little bitter that my mom put me in piano lessons which I ended up quitting by the time I was 8.

7. I like to work up a mean sweat when I go out dancing with my girls. I don't go as often as I used to but when I do watch out! lol

Well, that's enough about me for now. It's time to get to know the other fantabulous beauty/fashion bloggers out there. Here I go tagging away! You're it: yummy411, The MakeupGirl Blog, Beauty Hatchery, Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint, Beauty Blabber, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Hello Dollface.

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie's Fall Beauty Trends on Chick Advisor and Slice!

If you've been keeping up with my blog you've seen me promoting and blogging about Chick Advisor's 'Where'd You Get That?' podcast which airs on Chickadvisor.com and Slice.ca. Episode #6 and a bonus episode on Fall beauty trends which features me is now airing! After watching myself it has solidified my reasons for staying BEHIND the camera! I looked horrible especially since I was running on little sleep and doing makeup that day for the podcast. I didn't really dress up or put makeup on for my bit which I probably should have! Oh wells - that was my 15 minutes of fame and I blew it lol. Anyways, don't forget to check me out as I talk about Fall beauty trends!