Dark Circles, Fine Lines, and Wrinkles Oh My!

Today is New Year's Eve; usually a time for reflection where we make a list of goals and changes we want to do in the new year that, lets face it, we (and I mean me) never follow through with. Sadly, I've come to the realization that my skin is not the same it was when I was 20. I know you're thinking, "Gee, really? You don't say?". Sarcasm aside, I think I took for granted the fact that I was blessed with good Asian genes. Most Asians are known for aging gracefully. My mother is a good example. My mother is big on skin care and I'm not sure why she never really instilled it in me while I was growing up. But I did get my love of makeup from her and between the two being a skin care junkie might have been better. When I think about it, if I calculate how much I've spent on makeup since I was 10, I probably could have bought the best in skin care 10 times over! It may be an exaggeration but it's pretty close I'm sure.

In my early 20's, my skin was smooth, wrinkle and blemish-free. I didn't have to use an expensive cleanser or moisturizer to make my skin glow. And even with all the late nights and the occasional lazy nights of sleeping with my makeup on, my skin still looked great with the random zit. It wasn't until this past year that I really noticed my skin changing. When I was pregnant, my skin was in the best shape it had ever been in due to healthy eating and multi-vitamins. After I had my son, I'll admit that I started slacking in both areas including drinking water. My fluid consumption has now been replaced with a couple mugs of coffee and the rare glass of water (usually when I'm dying of thirst and by that point I'm severely dehydrated already). Having a baby has definitely aged me faster and I'll only be 29 this year! I'm not even 30 yet and grey hairs, dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines have crept up on me! It wasn't until recently that my grey hairs and fine lines have started to really bother me.

I'm at this point now where I'm putting on way more makeup than I used to in hopes that I'll conceal those flaws. But the fact of the matter is, and I've always believed this, if you're not taking care of your skin no amount of makeup will help! And because I have been applying more makeup my skin has been breaking out more. The little blackheads on my nose are more noticeable and blemishes and old scars are more pronounced. My skin has also been more sensitive lately resulting in red, dry and sometimes itchy patches. I know most of this might be due to drier winter weather, but the fine lines and wrinkles are becoming a problem.

My skin just looks dull and lifeless. :( And while I love my Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer it just doesn't seem to be cutting it. The cleanser is perfect for someone that has sensitive skin and doesn't wear too much makeup, but since I wear more I need something a little more heavy duty. The moisturizer has been great at soothing my skin flare ups, but doesn't really do anything to reduce or minimize wrinkles and fine lines. For the longest time I had been using M.A.C.'s Fast Response Eye Cream which was great for calming my puffiness but it didn't really hydrate the eye area or minimize the dark circles. A few months ago I ran out of it and decided to try something different and a lot cheaper. I picked up Aveeno's Positively Ageless Eye Serum on sale and was confident in the product since many from the line have had rave reviews. It definitely brightens up my eyes and has a nice cooling effect perfect for morning puffiness, but it doesn't give me enough moisture and my fine lines seem more prominent. Even when I have let it set, I've found that my makeup has flaked off when applied over top of the eye cream. So, to say the least I'm not happy with it.

There are many areas of my life that I'd like to improve and keeping my skin looking as youthful as possible is one of them. I'm not into plastic surgery (but I never say never) and prefer to age au naturel with the help of some really great skin care and healthy living. Here is my beauty resolution list (don't laugh, I'm sure you have one too right??!):

1. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
2. Take multi-vitamins
3. Start eating more healthy and cut out all processed foods
4. Sleep earlier and get at least 8 hrs of sleep.

5. Change my facial cleanser. I'd like to try Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It's supposed to be gentle yet strong enough to get rid of makeup and deep cleanse the pores. I've read many rave reviews so I'm hoping I'll love it just as much!

6. Change my moisturizer. I've also been reading rave reviews of Philosophy's Hope in A Jar. It boasts to bring a more youthful and radiant glow to the skin.

7. Change eye cream. I'm not scared to spend a lot on eye cream because the eye area is where my aging is the most noticeable. However, I would prefer not to spend over $100 on one. I know more expensive doesn't equal better, but I've tried drugstore and have had no success. So, I think I'm going to try Clinique's All About Eyes eye cream. I've seen a lot of reviews, some bad but mostly good and I'm willing to give their smaller pot a try.

If anyone has any other recommendations, I'd love to hear it. Well, that rounds out my list. I could have added exercise more and spend less on makeup but who am I kidding? Those are on my list every year and I've never stuck to it but I've always made an effort. That counts right? lol Do you have any new year resolutions or do you think it's a bunch of crap? Maybe so but it's not bad to make some change and have some goals. I'm really excited about my gift certificate for a total spa day of pampering that was a wonderful gift from my mother-in-law and sister-in-law (I'll be getting my first facial! Can you believe I've never had one?)! I think that's a pretty good start to the new year! I hope everyone out there has an amazing New Years!!

Back To M.A.C. Holiday Story


Over the holidays, I took the opportunity to clean out my overflowing makeup kit or should I say suitcase! I was horrified to find rancid smelling foundations, glosses, lip balms, lotions, and concealers. I had empty cases upon empty cases of fake lashes that still had the old lashes in them with dried-up crusty mascara. Pretty picture isn't? When all was said and done I had 42 M.A.C. containers to bring in for free product! Now that I don't work at M.A.C., I can participate in their wonderful Back to M.A.C. program which I think all cosmetic companies should do. And if you don't know already, you have a choice of lipstick, lip gloss, or eyeshadow when you bring your empties to a free-standing store (this is not reflected on the M.A.C. site so be sure to check with your location if they support this). I assume M.A.C. decided to make this change due to complaining customers. When I worked there, I used to get women who complained about how they preferred gloss over lipstick. Well, your complaining was all worth it! ;)

I was a little annoyed with the artist that helped me because she opened almost every product and was surprised to see that most were still pretty full. I didn't know anyone at this location because I just moved to the area in the summer. I had to go through this long winded explanation about how I'm a makeup artist, used to work at M.A.C, and how I had so much product that all of it ended up going bad. She even opened a few lip balms to see if they smelled bad and she disagreed. Are you serious?? Hey, if you want to use something on your lips that smells like old rotting wax instead of M.A.C.'s signature vanilla scent then go right ahead. Count me out. Anyways, after all that she finally ended up getting me my 7 free products + 2 additional products that I needed. To top it off, at the register she gave me what felt like a mini quiz to see if I really used to work at M.A.C which is fine because it's only natural to be curious especially if you've never seen each other. But what really annoyed me was how shocked she was when she found out I quit after my maternity leave. "Why would you ever do that?", she asked like M.A.C. is the end all and be all. Hey, I loved working for M.A.C. but I knew I had to leave to do what I really wanted to do. I never like to be mean but I wanted to stick it to her just a bit. So in the nicest way possible I said, "Because I was bored and freelancing is so much more exciting!". I smiled, grabbed my bag, and wished her a Happy Holiday!

I had been dying to try their Matte 2 eye shadows so here is what I got:

1. Signed and Sealed (black maroon)
2. Typographic (asphalt black)
3. Graphology (dark black grey with a hint of purple)
4. Flourishing (rich moss green)
and 3 Love Nectar Lustreglasses.

Does anyone else have any makeup holiday stories you'd like to share? Stay tuned for new makeup reviews in the coming new year! This holiday has just been so busy so I apologize for the lack of updates! :) Have a fantastic New Years!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Photo courtesy of Sephora.com

Wishing every makeup junkie a beautiful, loving, and glamourous Christmas day and a fabulous New Year!! Stay tuned for many beauty reviews to come and lots more goodies!!

Ten Beauty Tips For The First Date!

Photo: Vicky Zhou guest blogger

This post is full of fun and useful beauty tips for that special and sometimes dreadful first date written by guest blogger Vicky Zhou, dating expert, writer, and co-founder of Got A Crush.com. A few posts back, I announced that Vicky Zhou is also coming out with a book titled "The Top 500 Blogs", and Makeup Junkie made her list which will be featured under the "Health and Beauty" section coming out end of 2008. Enjoy!

Looking good on your first date is important because first impressions matter. Regardless of what you may have heard before, people do formulate an opinion of you when they first see you and it's no secret that attractiveness will factor in.

Luckily, you don't need to be the next Miss America to get a positive reaction, you just need to learn the correct beauty approach and then emphasize the good qualities you have.

Here are some points to consider.

1. Emphasize One Key Area On The Face

Far too many women will go with bold eyes and bold lips, creating a look that is just a little too overwhelming. Instead, focus on playing up your eyes, whether you choose to make them smokey or really open them up with bright colors and then play down your lips with a barely-there color.

2. Add Some White Shadow In The Corner Of Your Eye

As long as you are not going for something very dark with your eye color, try adding a small amount of white to the very corner. This will really give your eyes a wide-eyed look and help set them out, showing off your beautiful eye color.

Many men say the first thing they notice about a woman is her eyes, so why not use this to your advantage?

3. Always Go For The Gloss

Whether you're using lipstick or not, a gloss is a must on a first date. It'll make your lips look softer, moister, and definitely more kissable. Do watch that you don't put on too sticky of a gloss, as this is a turn-off for most men, but go with something that lays on the shine and potentially even tastes great for his added benefit.

4. Leave Curls By Your Face

When it comes to your hairstyle, one that's a can't-miss by most men is half of it pulled back with a few delicate, curly tendrils framing the face. This further enhances the eyes and gives you a playful yet sexy appearance.

5. Go Easy On The Perfume

While you definitely do want to make sure you smell good for your first date, try not to overload yourself. At this point you won't entirely know what types of scents your date finds attractive and if you happen to choose wrong and are overwhelmingly strong, this could really impact how long he wants to stay near you.

Choose a fresh scent since most people find these appealing and apply with ease.

6. Don't Overlook Gold

Gold is a great make-up color that many women never make use of. You don't necessarily have to use strictly gold on any part of your face, but rather, enhance the look you already have with a small amount of gold powder.

It'll give you a nice tanned appearance as well, that'll really glow when you hit the light.

7. Take The Occasion Into Consideration

Make sure when you are applying your make-up that you take into consideration the location of your date. For an evening date at a classier restaurant you will want to wear a different look of make-up for example than if you were meeting at a local coffee house for lunch.

Always ensure that your look is appropriate, not only so that you give off the right impression, but also so that you feel comfortable yourself. If you feel as though you're out of place, this will come across in the confidence level you project.

8. Make Sure It's 'You'

Next, you want to make sure the make-up you do wear is 'you'. If you get all done up for your first date and it doesn't even resemble how you normally prefer to wear your make-up, you'll be sending a false impression to your date.

While it's fine to add a few extra touches to really enhance yourself, don't go for a complete opposite look of that that you normally use.

9. Use Jewellery Selectively

Make sure the jewellery you choose isn't too overdone. This can lead some men to think of you as more high maintenance so it's best to error on the side of caution for this.

If there is one piece you definitely do want to go for, it's a really nice dangling pair of earrings. These help to draw more attention to your face, especially if you've used the principles mentioned above.

10. When In Doubt, Use The Less-Is-More Approach

Finally, when you're prepping for your first date, if you are even in question as to whether you should put on more make-up, chances are you should leave it off.
The vast majority of men actually prefer women who look more natural and whose make-up isn't noticeable rather than women where it's clearly obvious she's painted the colors of the rainbow on her face.

Keep eye make-up natural and use a fresh lipstick color that's not too overwhelming. You'll likely find this is what turns the most heads - particularly that of your date.

So, keep all of these points in mind next time you find yourself preparing for your first date. While it shouldn't make or break whether he wants to see you again, if you enhance your natural beauty just right, it might add a little something extra to that 'spark' of excitement he feels when he lays his eyes upon you.

Beauty Review: Loose Lips New York Look 1

This week I received some products from Loose Lips New York, an online beauty store and makeup line, from CEO Sherry Backman, also host of Talk Blog Radio Show "Lets Talk Makeup". You may remember me mentioning a few posts back about her interviewing me on her show. I was excited to receive her package in the mail because she raved about some of her products during our interview and I couldn't wait to try them. I decided I'd do a review and do a holiday glam look. 'Tis the season! The first look I did was my fave way to get all glammed up for any occasion: shimmery skin luminous skin, rouge lips and cheeks, and my lil' black liner. Yes, you've seen this look on me before but I just love it! Here are the products I used and how I achieved the look. I took some step-by-step pictures - some turned out blurry but you get the jist ;).

The Look:
1. I evened out my skin tone with foundation and concealer using it only where needed which is usually the cheeks and the t-zone. I then set my foundation and concealer with a translucent powder.

2. I prepped my eyes with a base then added a shimmery metallic shadow in a taupe all over the lid. I then added a shimmery gold loose pigment to the center of the lid, inner corner of the eye, brow bone, and lower lash line using Loose Lips NY's Mini Delux Fluff, a dual ended brush that has an all over shadow brush on one side and liner on the other side.


3. I then lined my eyes with Loose Lips NY's Indelible Gel Eyeliner in Black Cherry, a gorgeous black liner with flecks of red sparkle to the entire top lash line using the same Mini Deluxe Fluff brush. As I got closer to the outer part of the eye, I made the liner thicker and winged it out.

4. I curled my lashes and added a few coats of black mascara to top and bottom.

5. I contoured my cheekbones with a bronzer and added a touch of shimmery powder blush to the apples of the cheeks in a pinky-red tone to give me that "I've-been-blushing" look.


6. To add more of a glow to the skin, I made 3 dots with a gel highlighter to my cheekbones and blended it out to my under eye and temple with my ring finger.


7. To bring the look together, I swiped on Loose Lips NY's Hint of Mint Lip Gloss in Minty Cherry for a sophisticated soft red lip.


The Result:
I really loved the Indelible Gel Eyeliner in Black Cherry. I listed this on my Best of Beauty 2007 post because it is probably the most stand out colour I've tried this year. It's a really fun alternative to the original black liquid liner. The metallic finish and red flecks of sparkle really make the eyes dazzle and stand out. It's perfect for those holiday parties coming up because it dresses up the eyes without having to add a lot. The gel glides on so smoothly and doesn't smear or fade all day!

The Mini Deluxe Fluff brush is great to throw in your makeup bag because it is a liner and shadow brush in one. I really liked how the shadow brush applied the eye shadow. It feels synthetic and is a nice firm brush so the colour goes on stronger. The liner brush is a medium thin pointy brush and the liner applied nicely, however, I do prefer an angled brush for more precision. My hand had to be a lot steadier when winging the liner out. But overall, it did the job.


The Hint of Mint Lip Gloss in Mint Cherry made my breath seem like it was minty fresh. The cherry colour is really pretty and the gloss goes on sheer. The texture is smooth and not sticky. The shine was the perfect amount - not too goopy or shiny. Even when the gloss wipes off, it leaves a nice stain on the lips. I received the mini version of the gloss which is perfect fit for any clutch purse. If you're scared of a fully defined red lip, go for a sheer gloss like this one that will give you a nice pop of colour without feeling or looking heavy on the lips. If you're still not into the red lips, you could do this look with a nice nude lip like the picture under step #5. This look with a nude lip is a great choice if you're wearing a shiny metallic silver dress. It'll still look polished and glamourous but the focus will be on the dress.


The product that stood out the most for this look is definitely the Black Cherry liner so if you get a chance visit the site. This colour added a whole new feel to the traditional Old Hollywood look. As I mentioned a few posts back, Makeup Junkie readers get 20% discount on your first purchase by entering discount code 'junkie20' at checkout! You can buy samples before you commit to a full size. It's the best way to try out a new makeup line! Stay tuned for Look 2! Happy shopping!

Beauty News: Spa On A Budget Debut!


I'm so pleased to announce the launch of Spa On A Budget blog! The "Spa Girl" is someone very near and dear to my heart and she's full of tips on enjoying a luxury spa experience on a tight budget. Spa Girl is a full-time physiotherapist and now full-time mother to a beautiful 8 week old girl! She not only knows how to ease those sore muscles but knows how important it is to make that dollar stretch. Plus, she knows how essential it is to find time to pamper yourself. Lets face it - mothers always put themselves last on the list of priorities when it comes to having a family. So, check out her site and be inspired to pamper yourself in creative ways and be prepared to learn some great tips on finding great spa deals!

Makeup Junkie's Best Of Beauty 2007!


Wow, I can't believe that in January it will be 1 year since I started Makeup Junkie and what an amazing year it has been! In 1 year, I've tried a lot of beauty products and I'm here to share with you my best of beauty for 2007!

Face:
Best Pressed Powder: M.A.C. Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium/Dark. This slow baked mineral powder leaves the skin with a natural matte finish and a healthy sheen. Use to set your foundation and for touch-ups.

Best Foundation (Tie)
: Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro. My personal favourite because I love how the silicone base makes my skin look and feel radiant and flawless. I prefer the Pro line because it's great for transporting whether you are a makeup artist or woman-on-the-go. It comes in a plastic bottle with a pump so no contamination. Don't forget about the 25 % discount at Face Atelier until December 31st! Enter discount code 'makeupjunkie' at checkout!

Best Matte Foundation: I wish I could say there was one perfect foundation for every skin tone but it's not a perfect world! Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation was a lifesaver on set of Chick Advisor's podcast show "Where'd You Get That?" last summer. It lasted all 12 hour + days and kept the oil and shine at bay. A little goes a long way so it's completely buildable. It didn't dry out the skin either.

Best Concealer Under Eye: I finally got my hands on YSL's Touche Eclat Radiant Touch thanks to my bestest friend in the world! It has the perfect consistency to go under the eye because it's not cakey or heavy. My under eye looks instantly brighter and luminous. My dark circles and tired eyes are banished! If you have dark skin, I recommend using #3 or #4 as a brightner then applying a natural colour concealer or foundation over top. I am medium to tan so I can get away with using #3 as a concealer.

Best Overall Concealer (Tie): I loved when M.A.C. came out with their Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 Palette because it came with 3 colours to mix and match your skin perfectly. But of course, it was only a limited item. Good news is that the Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in a pot is the same product. This concealer covers anything from blemishes to tattoos! Another great concealer is Face Atelier's Ultra Camouflage Duet because it comes with 2 shades a cool and a warm to get the perfect match. It's also silicone based and a bit more forgiving than M.A.C.'s concealer (not as heavy). It's very creamy and can be sheer to full coverage. It's also yellow-based so it's great for those dark circles or toning down redness in the skin.

Best Primer: Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I received a few samples of this and was hooked! Your skin just feels so silky smooth after and your foundation glides on flawlessly. I've used this on a few brides and they just loved it. They were picture perfect all day! I haven't had a chance to buy the full size yet, but it's definitely on my lust list!

Best SPF Moisturizer (face): M.A.C.'s Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50. Sunscreen is so important if you want to prevent early aging. Weathered, wrinkly skin is not attractive at any age so make sure you apply sunscreen everyday even when it's cloudy. My face always feels protected when I wear this sunscreen especially with the high SPF of 50.

Best Corrector: Lise Watier Portfolio Professional Corrector. On recommendation of a couple of MUA friends, I picked up both light and dark palettes. This stuff is a miracle worker! It may seem difficult to use but it comes with instructions as well as on the backside. It has heavy coverage but can be sheered out with a bit of moisturizer. I used this on a bridesmaid and her father had just passed away and by the time I was done her puffy eyes, dark circles, and blotchy skin were gone! A bride I did for a wedding had a nasty bruise on her arm which I was able to disguise with the help of the yellow-orange colour and then I used a natural heavy duty concealer over top to blend in with her skin.

Best Tinted Moisturizer: I've tried so many and Stila's Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is the only one that was sheer but still gave me coverage. I also love the illuminating particles in it that helps diffuse fine lines and makes the skin look radiant.

Best Powder Blush: For years everyone has been saying that Nars' Orgasm (peachy pink shimmer) is the most universally flattering blush. As much as I love this blush, I have to disagree. I think Orgasm is flattering on every woman that is fair to medium skin tone. On someone like me or darker, you can barely see it. But never fear - I have found the perfect "Orgasm" for medium to dark skin tones! Nars' Deep Throat (don't you just love the names?? a peachy shimmer) is a darker and perfect alternative. I just love Nars blushes because the shimmer isn't sparkly or glittery but gives the skin a perfect sheen.

Best Cream Blush: Pink Beauty Cosmetics' Cream Radiance Rouge. These blushes are just amazing because you can build the intensity of the colour. I also love the cream to powder finish and the healthy glow it gives you. They stay on really well and you can use the blush on your lips to give your pout a nice stain of colour. Pink Beauty is now being sold in the US on www.makeup.com

Best Cheek Stain: I just love Tarte Cheek Stains for many reasons. First, they stay on really well and give the skin a fresh, dewy glow. Secondly, they come in gorgeous colours - Flush, Tipsy, and Tickled being some of my faves. Third, they all come in different yummy scents! The stain isn't hard to blend at all - apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend with your fingers. You can either apply it directly from the big round push up stick it comes in, dab some on your fingers first, or use a synthetic blush brush. A little goes a long way and it'll last you for a long time. It's very portable for touch-ups and you can also use it to stain your lips!

Best Highlighter: Face Atelier Ultra Sheer Pro. Like their foundations these also come in plastic containers which are perfect for transporting. I love the silicone base because it goes on so smoothly and makes the skin look amazing! You can wear these on their own or mix with your foundation for a radiant dewy finish. Use where the light naturally hits you: cheekbones, brow bone, inner corner of eyes, down the bridge of nose, temple, and chin. You can also use it on your body. Perfect for any occasion!

Best Multi-Use Product: Nars' Multiple in Sunset Beach. They come in many fabulous colours but this apricot-peachy shimmer give the skin a warm glow and looks amazing on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. I always get compliments when I wear it. I love pairing this with a bronzer or my favourite blush but it looks great on its own.

Best Beauty Powder: Benefit's Dandelion. I love using this powder over top of my makeup because the satiny pink powder just perks my skin up. I also love using this as a blush when I want a girly pink glow. I usually have to swirl it a few times on my brush to get the right intensity but for fair skinned people it's the perfect pink flush.

Eyes:
Best Eye Primer: I don't use the typical eye primers because I find most are either too drying or too creamy on the eye. My favourite primers to use are M.A.C.'s Eye Paints in either Untitled or Bare Canvas. They're soft neutral eye shadows that can be worn under any colour. They go on creamy then dry to a powder finish. My shadows last all day with no creases.

Best Eye Brightner: I was on the hunt for a while looking for the best eye brightner and tried everything from drugstore to high end. The winner was Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightner. It is a sheer, light reflective shimmering peach, perfect to help reduce dark circles and diffuse fine lines. I love using this on the inner and outer corner of the eyes. As women age, the outer corners tend to get darker so it's a great brightner. Use this under your concealer.

Best Eye Shadow (Tie): Nars and M.A.C. hands down are my favourite eye shadows. Both brands have a huge variety of colours and textures to choose from. I also love how both lines have a wide range of fun bold colours. If it were down to packaging, I'd have to go with Nars because I just love the matte texture and the little mirror that comes with the shadows. Convenient for when you need to touch up during the day.

Best Inexpensive Eye Shadow: This was a drugstore steal (not literally!) and the value for a palette of 3 shadows is fantastic! NYX Trio Eyeshadows come in a wide selection of colours and textures. The pigment is rich, blends beautifully on the eyes, and has staying power. The brand also has a makeup artist discount!

Best Liquid Eye Liner: Cover Girl Line Exact Liquid Liner. For the longest time I was using M.A.C.'s Liquid Last but when I received Cover Girl's in my swag bag from the Chick Advisor Shop Crawl, I was pleasantly surprised! I actually love how the liner applies because it doesn't look waxy and the felt pen-like tip makes creating bold or fine lines effortless. It's so compact and small that you can take it anywhere. It's smudge and smear-proof but comes off easily with water-proof eye makeup remover.

Best Gel Eye Liner: I've been using M.A.C.'s Fluidline for years now, but just recently I received Loose Lips New York's Indellible Gel Eye Liner in Black Cherry. I actually prefer the consistency than M.A.C.'s because it glides on so smoothly. Plus, the colour is just gorgeous! I don't think I've seen a black liner with red sparkly flecks in it besides M.A.C.'s Eyeshadow Beauty Marked. It's a nice alternative to plain black liner for when you want to add a little fun to your look. The liner also doesn't budge and stays on all day!

Best Mascara: I know this is probably no surprise because I've been raving about it for months but L'Oreal's Voluminous Waterproof Mascara has made me one happy woman! I've been looking for a water-proof formula that actually is water-proof and doesn't smear! I also wanted a mascara that would give me length and full lashes at the same time. This mascara does it all!

Best Pigment Powder: I am a huge fan of M.A.C.'s Pigment Powders because they come in so many great colours and textures. They really are multi-use products but I love using them on the eyes. They can be used wet or dry as liner or on the body. When used wet on the eyes, the colour is intensified and lasts longer.

Best Fake Lashes (Tie): I love using M.A.C.'s #7's because you can cut them to any length you need. And when applied properly, are glamourous but natural. Another brand of lashes I've used a lot this year especially on brides is Shopper Drugmart's Cosmetic brand Quo's #803's. It's a natural version of M.A.C.'s #7's and the length isn't too long.

Lips:
Best Lip Balm: Murad Soothing Lip Therapy. Ok, so I'm a complete lip balm addict and I've tried so many ok ones but none have come close to Murad's. I just wish it was a little cheaper because I tend to go through lip balms fast. This one actually lasted me a while because a little goes a long way. The coverage is thicker than most brands but it's not sticky. It gives me the hydration these dry lips need! And it actually heals my cracked lips. With most brands I found I had to keep reapplying every few minutes but not this one.

Best Tinted Lip Balm: LORAC's Gloss Stick. It doesn't have an SPF but it is the best moisturizing tinted lip balm I've tried. I was using M.A.C's Tinted Lip Conditioners for a long time but hated how it would give me a crusty white line on the inner part of my lips. LORAC's gloss stick is sheer but the colour is still noticeable. It also has a nice vanilla/apricot scent that I love and comes in a convenient stick form (no dipping fingers!) that is portable.

Best Smelling Lip Balm and Breath Freshner: Ok, so this isn't a real category but I just had to add this in because I absolutely love C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine. Both my bro's live in the US now so when they come back for a visit I always get them to stop at Bath and Body Works which is most known for their yummy smelling and inexpensive bath and body products. I had heard rave reviews of this product and wanted to test it for myself and my senses were in overload when I tried this lip balm! It tastes and smells exactly like Cinnamon and is soo sugary sweet! You just can't help but lick it! It also keeps my breath feeling fresh. It comes in a cute pink plastic tube and is under $10. You can wear it alone or over top of a lipstick for a pretty shine. They also come in tinted versions but they pretty much look clear after a few seconds.

Best Lip Primer: Benefit's Lip Plump is actually a lip plumper but it's also a great lip primer. Because it fills in the fine lines and builds the contour of the lip, it enhances the performance of your lip product making it last longer. I used this Ali on set of her podcast show "Where'd You Get That?" everyday and barely had to touch her lips up in between takes.

Best Lip Plumping Gloss: I had never tried Estee Lauder products until this year because I always thought they reminded me of products my mother would use and she does. Well, when I received their High Gloss Plump, I was intrigued and pleasantly delighted. I had tried many lip plumpers in the past and hated the hot stinging feeling on my lips. But this one gave me full luscious lips and left them with a light tingly sensation. I noticed a difference in my lips right away and even into the next day. The gloss is also not sticky or tacky and made my lips feel soft. They come in gorgeous colours - Peach Plump is my fave! Perfect peachy pout!

Best Lip Gloss (Tie): This is a hard one for me because I have too many favourite lip glosses! Since I have to narrow it down it would have to be a tie between Nars and Smashbox's Lip Enhancing Gloss. I love the non-sticky texture of both and all the beautiful colours and finishes they come in. The glosses also never leave a white crusty line on my inner lip and are pretty moisturizing. Honourable mention would be Pink Beauty's Glamour Glaze Gloss. The texture is smooth and shiny and smells delicious!

Best Inexpensive Lip Gloss: L'Oreal Colour Juice. These yummy flavoured glosses give you juicy shine and colour without the stickiness. These little squeeze tubes are similar to Lancome's cult favourites Juicy Tubes (after all L'Oreal does own Lancome!). Perfect size to stick in your pocket or in a dazzling little clutch.

Best Matte Lipstick (Tie): Yes, it's a tie again! M.A.C. has always been known for its matte lipsticks (Russian Red popular with celebrities like Madonna and Dita Von Teese). M.A.C.'s mattes always stay put and last for hours. Another favourite matte formula is Nars' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil because it doesn't dry out the lips and is a lip pencil and lipstick in one. It's also really easy to apply and has lasting colour.

Best Sheer Lipstick: Pink Beauty's Luscious Lip Sheer and Lip Shimmer Lipsticks. These lipsticks are unbelievably moisturizing. The colours go on sheer but can be layered for a deeper effect. Can be worn day or night. Once the colour comes off it leaves the lips with a nice stain. All the colours are gorgeous and because they are so sheer will suit just about any skin tone.

Best Lip Liner: I was desperate for a neutral liner to give to a bride I was doing makeup for but didn't want to spend over $10 on one. I was so happy when I picked up Sephora's line of lip liners! It was under $5! They come in so many great colours but my favourite is #116, Natural Spice, a cheaper version of M.A.C.'s Spice liner. It's just such a great neutral!

Tools and Accessories:
Best Brush: My favourite brush of the year has to be my M.A.C. #109 contouring blush brush. You can use it to contour and sculpt the face or to buff blush onto the cheeks for a natural flush. The blush almost looks like it's coming from beneath the skin. I have many favourite brushes but this is one brush that definitely has been getting a lot of use. You can also use this brush to buff cream blush onto the skin as well.

Best Eye Lash Curler: Where or where would I be without this amazing invention?? I actually tried a drugstore brand this year because I didn't want to dish out the money for my fave lash curler from Shu Uemera, but who was I kidding?? The next day I ditched the dud and hurried to Sephora to pick up my one and only!

Best Breakthrough Product: For me, it would have to be Face Atelier's Transforming Gel. Like its description it really is miraculous. It can transform any loose or powder product into lasting colour that doesn't budge. I actually also used this on my cream eye shadows and was amazed that it didn't crease all day and it deepened the colour! It's also really easy to apply and all you need is a drop. All you have to do is dip your brush in the gel and mix it into your favourite shadow.

Best Brush Cleanser: I love the ease and convenience of Sephora's Makeup Brush Cleansing Wipes. I received this is a birthday gift from my cousin and ever since have taken it with me when I'm doing a job. It's just a fast way to clean your brushes on the job without having to haul around a bottle and paper towel around. And it's perfect for the person who doesn't have time to give their brushes a proper washing. It disinfects your brushes without drying the hairs out.

Best On-the-Go Eye Makeup Remover: Also a gift from my cousin (she knows her stuff!), Bare Escentuals On The Spot Eye Makeup Removers are perfect for those quick touch-ups. These pre-filled cotton swabs come in a portable plastic case of 24 that can be easily thrown into your purse. I love these when I'm in a hurry and make a mascara goof. Before breaking the other end of the swab you can use it to smudge liner into the lash line for a smokey effect.

Best Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer. They don't call this the number #1 tweezer for no reason. This tweezer is the only tweezer that can catch every little hair on my brows! I love how it has two sides: slanted for general clean up and flip it to the pointy side for precise shaping and to get those pesky tiny hairs. They also come in assorted colours - I love the colour red so I have the original red. It also has free sharpening but the downside is that you have to mail it in - what will I use in the meantime?? It's a nice perk but not very convenient. But it doesn't take away from its performance!

Bath and Body:
Best Body Butter: I've tried so many body butters this year but my favourite of the bunch has to be Bobe's Silken Cream in Chai Tea Party. It's just so moisturizing and the smell is delicious. And I just love how inexpensive their products are! The line carries other amazing scents that I'm dying to try - next on my list is Frosted Sugar Cookie. Doesn't it sound yummy??

Best Hand Cream (Tie): There were a few months where I was on the hunt for the best hand cream and I finally found 2 that I really love and that really work! The first one I bought was Aveda's Hand Relief . It's incredibly moisturizing and has healing properties that will over time increase elasticity and moisture levels in the skin. I also love the lemony-cinnamon scent it has. Soon after I bought Cake's Milk Made Velveteen Hand Cream which I love because it's also super moisturizing and smells like vanilla heaven! Both are a little pricer than your drugstore brand but are so worth the smooth soft hands!

Best Body Scrub: Bobe's Sugared Frosting Scrub. This has been a life saver during these dry winter months getting rid of my rough patches. The scents are mouth-watering and your skin is left feeling baby smooth!

Best Fragrance (Tie): I love both these scents for different reasons. Aquolina's Pink Sugar is a sugary confection of vanilla-cotton candy sweetness! This is definitely my fave day scent and it's not too sweet smelling that it gives you a headache. The scent totally reminds me of my childhood eating cotton candy at a carnival. The next is Marc Jacobs - a classic, sensuous, feminine fragrance that I love wearing for an evening outing. I always feel so grown up when I wear it.

Nails:
Best Nail Polish:
I love wearing dark nail polish on my fingers because it just looks so chic and mysterious! My favourite is M.A.C.'s Dark Angel, a deep violet. It's been my it colour for the Fall/Winter season!

Best Inexpensive Nail Polish: I love NYX nail polishes because they come in a huge range of natural to vibrant hues. The polish also goes on thick so you only need about 1 coat and stays chip-free for days!

Best Top and Base Coat: Who doesn't love double duty products? Sally Hansen's Double Duty Strengthening Base And Top Coat makes my polish stay on longer chip-free! Its helped improve the strength of my nails and looks great on its own when you don't have time to put colour on.

Well, that rounds out my best of beauty 2007! I didn't include a category for Best Foot Cream, Best Skincare or Best Hair products because a). I'm still on the search and nothing this year really stood out for me or b). I've been using the same products for years. I have so many products that I love but these products are at the top of my list! Can't wait to see what goodies next year brings! I'd love to hear what your faves are for 2007 and what you'll be taking with you into the New Year!

Makeup Junkie Readers Get More Holiday Deals!


I just love my Makeup Junkie readers and I'm excited to tell you about another Holiday deal from Sherry Backman's cosmetic line Loose Lips New York! You will receive 20 % off your first purchase (free shipping for orders over $75)! All you have to do is visit www.looselipsny.com and enter discount code 'junkie20' at checkout. A few weeks ago, Sherry interviewed me on her Talk Blog Radio Show 'Lets Talk Makeup' which was a fun chat about makeup! If you're not familiar with her cosmetic line, check out the site for some fab products including bath and body and skin care! I received some wonderful products and I can't wait to tell you about them. I'll be doing 2 looks for the Holidays (or any other time) with the products so stay tuned for that! Happy Holiday Shopping! Thanks Sherry!

What's Your Beauty Routine For Winter Perfect Skin?


Makeup Junkie wants to know what your winter beauty secrets are for keeping your skin looking beautiful and radiant. Every woman has their winter issues whether it be extremely dry itchy skin, breakouts, washed out skin tone or dry staticky hair. And we all have our rituals that we do so no matter what. Ok, so I'll go first! Here are some things I do to get my skin looking its best during these cold, dry winter months!

1. My skin always gets so dry so I make sure now more than ever to exfoliate my skin with a yummy body scrub while I'm showering.
2. I've switched my face moisturizer to a heavier one for the winter months.
3. I moisturize my body morning and night with a heavy duty body butter.
4. I've started applying petroleum jelly to my hands and feet and wearing mittens and socks to bed. I don't do it every night but try to do it every other night. My hands and feet get terribly cracked and this is the only thing that's helped! If anyone has any other ideas that are inexpensive I'd love to hear it!
5. I'm going to start sleeping with a humidifier to bring back some moisture to my skin and hair. It also helps me breathe at night when I get stuffy!
6. I've started setting my makeup with a face spritzer like M.A.C.'s Fix +. It makes my skin look radiant and dewy during winter months when my skin tends to look drier. I don't really like using in the summer time because I end up looking sweaty so it's perfect for the drier months. It's also great for when your hair gets a little staticky.
7. I love using gel stains (especially in cherry tones because it gives you rosy cheeks like you've been outside in the cold) because it lasts long and gives me a glowing complexion. Sometimes powders can come off faster in the cold.
8. I use a powder bronzer religiously because I get so pale during the winter!
9. Lip balm is my best friend clear and tinted.
10. I try to remember to drink lots of water to make sure my skin stays hydrated!

Alright it's your turn! What's your winter beauty secrets??

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

Beauty News: Holiday Deals From Bombshell Bargains!


If you don't know already Bombshell Bargains (an online beauty store based in Vancouver, BC my ol' stomping grounds!) has started their giant End-of-Year sale! Check out their amazing freebies (M.A.C., Nars, Bobbi Brown to name a few!), scratch and dent deals and 2 for 1 deals! You'll definitely find the perfect gift for every makeup junkie you know! Hurry now because things are selling out quickly! Happy Holiday Shopping!

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie Added To Top 500 Blogs!

I'm excited to announce that Makeup Junkie will be added to a book titled "The Top 500 Blogs"! In the early days of the internet, if you didn't know how to write code, you couldn't publish anything on the web. Well, nowadays with software such as Wordpress, Blogspot, and Myspace, anyone.. yes anyone can tell the whole world what is on their mind through blogging.

But, there really isn't a robust way to search for the best blogs on any specific topic. Sure, there's Technorati, but what else? Besides, much of the world wide web is full of splogs, spam, and made-for-adsense blogs. And how many times have you read the same exact post over and over in different blogs?

That is why a project, listing the top blogs by general categories would prove useful. The book, titled "The Top 500 Blogs" is being written by Vicky Zhou, an author, and dating expert. From topics ranging from online dating to technology,lifestyle, sports, music, health and love, the books aims to be a comprehensive list of the top 500 blogs.

The Top 500 Blogs will be available in Amazon and all bookstores by the end of 2008. Makeup Junkie will be included in the category of "Health & Beauty", so look out for that!

Holiday Gift Ideas For Every Woman In Your Life!

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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

Makeup Artist Corner: Billy B. Workshop!


I call this a 'Makeup Artist Corner' but it's really for anyone that wants great tips on doing a smokey eye. Since my phone interview with Billy B. back in July, I had been anticipating his workshop that took place on November 25th at Industry Cosmetics. It's one thing to hear him speak over the phone but to see him in person doing what he does best is quite an amazing thing. On the day of, I wasn't feeling my best but decided to suck it up because after all it was Billy B!

When I arrived I was a little bummed and embarrassed that I had missed about 45 minutes of his seminar! I wasn't aware of a time change and Industry's site said it would start at 2:30 pm. So when I arrived, I was politely ushered in and took my seat in the back quietly. The good thing was that I was able to come away with some great makeup tips! Here is what I took away on achieving a smokey eye for editorial!

1. You want your smokey eye to be different than everyone else's. You want yours to stand out from the rest.

2. The deepest intensity should be the top eye near the lash line. Anytime you use a pencil you always need to set it with the same colour powder shadow so it will not smudge. For the shadow colour, he used a charcoal grey in the crease and lash line. Lid was in a natural beige tone.

3. Applying mascara with a short nylon brush on bottom lashes (Billy uses #9 from his Paintbrush collection). I thought this tip was really genius and I tried it on myself at home. I just loved the result - of course if I had the proper brush it would have went on a lot easier. It really gives the eye definition and makes the eyes pop. He applies mascara with the #9 brush and lays it on the bottom lashes for a very precise application. You want the intensity to be right into the root of the lash. He rarely applies mascara to the tips of the lashes and concentrates it all on the root because it makes the lashes look feathery, full, and natural. He also used this technique for the top lashes.

4. Curling the top lashes - if done properly it will stay curled all day even without mascara. First he raises the lid by putting his thumb on the brow bone. This will help anchor the eye lash curler to the base of the lash. Pulse at base a few times, walk it out to the middle of the lash, pulse, and walk it out to the tip. Interesting fact about his new eye lash curler: it was made for Westernized eyes. Shu Umera is a great eye lash curler for Asian eyes but he felt it was too wide for Western eyes.

5. Billy loves to use dual-finish powders and prefers Makeup Designory to set and blend the makeup. He also used it as a shadow colour for the lids which took another step out. For detailing, he uses his #6 Paintbrush in a buffing motion. By doing this, you are not applying a lot of product and only applying it in areas where needed. He also used this to conceal.


6. Contouring and blush - Billy uses his #4 Paintbrush to contour. I personally love this technique because it gives my cheeks definition and gives the illusion of slimmer cheeks - yay! Some makeup artists choose to use foundations to contour. But contour doesn't have to be done with an extremely dark colour. He chose a rose-beige powder blush as his contour colour. You want to concentrate the colour further back on the cheekbone. If you don't know where to contour, ask the model to smile and it's right under the apple of the cheek. The contour was very natural but still looked contoured and wearable for everyday. He then chose a peachy tone blush for the apples of the cheeks. He took a bigger brush and blended and buffed the two colours together. The result was perfectly sculpted cheeks in a natural way.

7. To highlight Billy used his #13 Paintbrush, a fluffy soft brush on the cheekbone and all the way up to the eye and on top of cheekbone. For fair skin he suggests using MAC Pigment in White Frost and MAC Trace Gold Blush for olive or darker skin. The shimmer should not be chunky or sparkly but have more of a sheen. Before applying the shimmer on your model, swipe the brush on your hand to get rid of excess. He then took the flat part of his brush to contour the nose. If you're scared of contouring the sides of the nose with a darker colour, he suggests highlighting straight down the nose (you must make sure it's straight). He then buffed the sides of the nose with a brush to blend out the shimmer. With the residue from the brush, he used it only where sheen is pretty like the inner corner of the eyes.

8. Billy decided to add dimension to the eye by adding another shadow colour on top of the grey. He chose a deep purple which really gave it a sooty smokey look. He left the brows unfilled and suggested to emphasize brows only when it's an accessory to the look (unless it's an undesirable shape). The thing with editorial is that the makeup doesn't have to be too perfect. Filling brows in too much can sometimes look dated.

9. Billy isn't really a fan of lipstick. Sometimes lip colour is not as good as the natural lip colour. He chose a lip liner that was similar to the model's lip colour and only lined the lips - no filling in. He then softened the edges of the liner. The lip gloss he chose was a pinky-beige and added a shimmery gold gloss just to the bow of the lip.


The result: The model looked flawless and picture ready. Too bad the lighting in there was dim because my pictures turned out blurry and yellow. A Q&A was followed by the workshop which almost turned into a therapy session. Here are some interesting tid-bits I learned about Billy!

1. Choosing your battles: This question was brought on by a makeup artist that wanted advice on how to tell a customer that the dark ring around the lips was a bad choice (I too hate that look!). The makeup artist was very adamant that if she's going to stand behind her work she will not let her customer walk out of the store looking horrible. Billy totally understood this and said that some customers don't know how to look any other way. It's hard for them to break away from what they've become so accustomed to. You have to choose your battles. If you're working retail and only getting paid minimum wage just sell her what she wants. Billy talked about one client who shall remain nameless (but you know who you are!), that washed off her makeup after he was done and took the picture like that! Can you imagine??? Well, that was definitely a battle worth fighting for and he won and will never work with this actress again!

2. When it comes to applying makeup, Billy doesn't believe in rules. But he does believe in makeup that is done perfectly and not relying everything on Photoshop!

3. Billy's Paintbrush Collection is animal friendly. Sub-sable mixture of fibres. The lip brush he created for his line is a lidless retractable brush. There's no lid but there is an automatic closure to keep your brush clean!

4. Billy gets this question all the time and each time it makes him get a little teary-eyed. Awww! When asked about who inspired him the most in his career he said there are many people but the main person was himself. He grew up in a little town in Mississippi and hated who he was and desperately wanted to reinvent himself. He was determined to prove to everyone that said he was never good enough or called him names that he would work his way to the top and he has. Billy was so open and honest - I think almost everyone was in tears including the person that asked him the question. She burst out uncontrollably and said she was going through the same thing. Billy being the amazing person he is, got up and hugged her tightly and asked if she wanted to talk after. Michael DeVellis made a joke about it being Dr. Phil but with Dr. Bill haha.

5. Billy's first big break was when Mariah Carey was discovered. His agents told him that the job was for a new artist and he wasn't going to get paid very much. But when Mariah's career took off so did his!

6. Billy learned about using milk magnesium on the skin from Beyonce. It's a technique used on stage to prevent sweating. He only uses this on Beyonce.

7. Every job that he does he travels with a light (called Total Light). It's very portable and folds up. He prefers using a light because he likes to see everything when he's working and it's pretty close to the light he works in. Billy suggests to of course use day light if you're doing a day shoot outdoors.

8. Fake lashes tip: use a black glue, take a liner brush and line the lash line with the glue much like you would using a liner. Stick your lashes on and voila - no messy application! I have definitely got to try this technique! He says to cut the tip of a Q-tip because the cardboard part is the only thing that really pushes those lashes to the base. I'll have to try that as well!

9. Billy doesn't airbrush but says he'll learn at some point. He travels too much and doesn't have time to mix. Also, he likes doing things the ol' school way. Mee too!

10. Be on the lookout for packing accessories for transporting your products from Billy B.'s line!

After it was over, Michael and I exchanged hugs and I introduced myself to Billy. We hugged and I gushed about how wonderful his workshop was. Unfortunately, Billy had to step out quickly and I didn't get a chance to get a picture of us two together. Oh well! Maybe next time! But I'm glad I pulled myself together and went to the workshop. Billy is just too great to pass up! I hope you enjoyed this post and were able to come away with some great tips!

Up Close and Personal With April Jacob of Pink Beauty Cosmetics


Now that I finally completed my interview with Michael DeVellis I can now move onto my interview with Pink Beauty creator April Jacob. It's over a week late but it's better late then never so lets move on! After my fabulous 5 days of Pink Beauty, I thought it would be appropriate to end it with an interview to get the goods on the creator of this amazing makeup line. After a few emails back and forth with each other, I could already tell the interview would be easy going - like two girlfriends chatting about their favourite things: makeup!

My interview with April took place November 22nd at 3 pm. We were supposed to meet in person at a Starbucks downtown but due to a surprisingly icy few centimeters of snow we decided to do a phone interview instead. Plus, we both agreed it was in her best interest to stay away from icy sidewalks especially being 8 months pregnant (that's right - her and her hubby are expecting their first baby)! Having been there and done that, I totally understood.

Right before I called, I could feel nervous jitters starting to set in. I always get a little nervous before an interview especially if it's with someone I admire. However, as soon as I heard her voice, my nervous jitters quickly disappeared. The excitement in her voice and bubbly attitude made me feel like I was talking to an old friend. I was expecting an "I'm-too-cool-for-you" attitude that is all too familiar with some people I've come across in the fashion industry. So, it was a nice surprise.

April, who has been a makeup artist for the past 10 years in all aspects of the business including television, film, print work and fashion as well as working at various cosmetic counters, had a good idea of what women wanted out of a cosmetic line.

"In my past experience I felt that consumers felt over whelmed by products that were currently on the market with how much time, effort and skill that we required to replicate a certain look. I knew I had to create a line for the everyday women that required minimal time and effort to use but still gave maximum impact and for reason all the products in Pink Beauty are buildable texture."

When I think of the colour pink, I think of beauty, femininity, delicate, and soft. Pink to me, is such a personal colour because it really brings you back to your childhood. To like pink, you have to be a real girly-girl at heart and the name "Pink Beauty" definitely reflects that. And if you're also wondering about the cute little dog in her Pink Beauty logo, there is also a personal story behind that and the inspiration for the line.

"I absolutely adore the colour pink - as do a lot of others! I was inspired by the beauty and purity of the colour pink. It represents so many beautiful things like grace, femininity, compassion, self acceptance – just to name a few. I wanted to create a line that would inspire inner beauty. So Pink Beauty not only makes you look good but feel good too! My dog Neesha was part of my inspiration for our icon Penelope – who is Pinkie’s dog in Pink Beauty. She is very dear to me and is with me everyday here at the office. One of the things that the colour Pink also represents is friendship and so I wanted to represent that element with our silhouette icons Pinkie and her little dog Penelope. Every colour collection is inspired by their glamorous adventures - the first one being Beloved which was our Spring/Summer 2007 Collection."

I loved how the products were named after old fashioned names because it reminded me of the glamourous women of the past. Sharing a love for Old Hollywood glamour, deciding on the names also had a personal attachment for April.

Photo: "Elsie" is the lipstick shown in the middle - one of my faves!

"I wanted to have fun and playful names for the shades. All of the lip sheers are named after old fashioned girls names which is reminiscent of the old Hollywood glamour feel that the line has. Elsie and Beatrice lip sheers are named in honor of my two late grandmothers. I also wanted the lip sheers to have more of a personal connection - we all get attached to our favorite shade of lipstick that we wear everyday! Dearestwhich is one of my all time favorite products in the line – was actually a bit of a mishap in the lab. I was looking to create a pinky bronze shade with a touch of pearl as all of the glosses from our Glamour Glaze Lip Gloss collection have. The lab submission came back with way too much pearl but I just loved the effect that it had with the two shades of the pink and bronze mixed together. I wore it everyday for the next few days. I received a ton of compliments from friends and even total strangers! Everyone wanted to know what I was wearing on my lips. I knew I had to keep it as it was and for that reason I named it Dearest! "

Choosing the names is just one aspect of creating a top-selling makeup line. Packaging sometimes can be make-it or break-it for me. A product not only has to have functionality but appealing packaging as well. I just adored Pink Beauty's matte pink packaging.


"I spent a lot of time designing the packaging of Pink Beauty. I absolutely love beautiful packaging! All of the products are done in our signature baby soft pink. I get a lot of positive feed back from consumers about how they love that fact that their Pink Beauty really stands out in their makeup back amongst a sea of black products! There are two elements to the packaging – the soft matte pink packaging which represents the vintage old Hollywood glamour feel to line. However, when you pop off the top you see the glossy black which represents today’s modern sophistication. After all - Pink Beauty is all about 1940’s Hollywood glamour meets modern day sophistication created for today’s modern glam girl!"

As a makeup artist I'm always looking for products that will enhance my kit and make my job easier. Because her products are buildable and multi-use it's perfect for the makeup artist on-the-go (and for anyone on-the-go!). Pink Beauty is a favourite with the makeup artist for Crossing Jordan and is currently being used on set! Right now, there isn't a makeup artist discount, but in the future she is thinking about implementing a makeup artist reward program. When the beauty line was first established it was made to cater the everyday glamourous woman. Now that it's fan base is growing, the line will be expanding in the future to include a foundation line and accessories with the possibility of refillable pans. The foundation line will be in stick form because it's the easiest to use that can be applied with your fingers. The foundations will be yellow-based and not pink-based. Yay!

I love hearing about other women's 'must-haves' in their makeup bag. April dishes on what are staples in her makeup bag. "I love Cream Radiance Rouge because it's a multi-purpose product that can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. 'Delight' would be the shade because it's the most neutral and doesn't have any red in it." Bonus tip for her Eye Splendor Shadows: they can be applied with your finger if you want a single wash of colour! The texture is almost a creamy powder. I tried it and the pigment actually applies with the same intensity as using a brush!

Every woman has their own signature 'glam' look that makes them feel glamourous and beautiful. "My favourite look is to do a red lip and keep everything else soft and sheer. I don't even use a liner on the eyes...just lots of Lash Extravagance Mascara in Lavish." One of my favourite looks as well! Great look for the many holiday parties coming up! And now that she's a new mom-to-be, April lists 3 products every mom-on-the-go needs. "Definitely Lash Extravagance Mascara, Cream Rouge Radiance for the eyes, lips, and cheeks and finish with Glamour Glaze Lip Gloss because it's the quickest to apply. It's not heavy or sticky and has lasting colour."

April loves creating new products. Her love of traveling and seeing other cultures inspires her everyday. What she loves about being a makeup artist is being able to build personal connections with different women everyday and helping each of them find their inner pink glow! After speaking with April, I really felt her personal connection with Pink Beauty. It isn't just another makeup line with a name stamped on it because you can tell she put heart and soul into it. She listened to what women wanted and designed the line for women on-the-go who want a little glamour without all the fuss.

As the conversation winds down, we gab about what she likes to do when she's not working. "I love traveling and spending a quiet night with my husband and my dog Neesha". With the soon-to-be addition to the family, those quiet nights will probably get a little louder hehe. We talk a little more about motherhood and first time jitters. It's great hearing about what she's been feeling and going through because it's like I'm experiencing it all over again. Could we be seeing a lip gloss named after her baby? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Congrats April and I wish you all the best! Thank you again for such a wonderful interview and for bringing out my inner pink glow!

Pink Beauty is sold in various Holt Renfrew locations across Canada and now online at www.pinkbeautycosmetics.com.