Makeup 101: Wedding Makeup and Hair Ideas

Is your wedding around the corner and you still haven't decided on the perfect look for you? Check out my post on Wedding Makeup and Hair Ideas at Chick Lit! Enjoy!

Beauty News: L'Oreal Paris Does Cannes Film Festival

L'Oreal Paris celebrated their 11th anniversary as the Official Beauty Partner of the Cannes Film Festival, May 14-25, 2008. L'Oreal Paris makeup artists, led by renowed L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer, James Kaliardos, will create over 1400 cutting edge makeup looks for daytime or evening on the stars attending the festival! Here are some of my favourite looks and insider beauty scoops brought to you by L'Oreal Paris!

Yes, I'm slightly obsessed with Natalie Portman right now.

Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria.

Aishwarya Rai is drop-dead gorgeous! Her eyes just draw you in.

C'mon, I had to put one of Brangelina in here.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Linda Evangelista "I don't wake up for less than $10, 000 a day".

Penelope Cruz. Or wait, is that her sister?

Milla Jovovich. She's so nice! My sis-in-law introduced us 3 years ago during New York fashion week!

Salma Hayek

Michelle Yeoh - I loved her in Memoirs of a Geisha

L'Oreal's star products at the festival

Glam Bronze is a range of products providing customized tanning. Collection will include Glam Bronze Micro-fine Bronzing Mist, Glam Bronze Mineralized Bronze Pearls, and Glam Bronze Lip Gloss!

Double Extension Technology Beauty Tubes Mascara. Sounds so high-tech right? It's salon-inspired lash extensions now in a tube! Intriguing... To the right is Colour Riche Made For Me Lip Blush and Brow and Duo Eyeshadow. Lip Blush is the first tailor-made lip blush for a fresh rosy-glow. The tailor made eyeshadow and brow palette.

For more highlights from the Cannes Film Festival visit www.lorealcannes.fr

Beauty Review: Feel Pretty With Thymes Red Cherie Collection!

I am a sucker for bath and body products especially ones that smell heavenly and have beautiful packaging. My latest love right now is Thymes Red Cherie collection! The scent is a mix of sweet and flirty scents of sparkling pomegranate, ripe red cherries, passion flower and jasmine with a twist of Asian lychee and a tease of fruity musk.

The Exfoliating Body Scrub ($30) slathers on rich and gently sloughs away dead skin leaving your skin glowing and healthy looking. Body scrubs are a must especially now that warmer weather is approaching and we're showing more skin. I little trick I like to do before I shave or wax my legs is apply the scrub on dry skin and then use a small towel and polish it up and down. This technique really exfoliates the skin and gets rid of in-grown hairs.

I love the light texture of Red Cherie AHA Body Lotion ($6). It's perfect for warmer weather when richer lotions can be heavy on the skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. My skin feels so soft after. The scent is sweet but not overwhelming. The light, fresh scent is perfect for summer. It's one of my new favourite scents! The 2 ounce bottle is perfect for traveling as well.

Happy shopping!

To see the complete Thymes Red Cherie Collection or to buy visit www.thymes.com.

Beauty Fix Weekend Reads: TotalBeauty.com

More beautiful reads from TotalBeauty.com! Enjoy!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty discusses hair texture in her “Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101”post!

Beauty's Spot is giving away a huge swag bag from the LA Beauty Tour!

Beauty Anonymous is very tempted by the Hair Spray from Anna Sui!

Want to win a whopping $824 in products? Then head to The Beauty of Life immediately for a supremely fantastic giveaway!

Joy from Makeup Junkie shares Prom beauty trends and tips!

The Muse checks up on jolly old England and brings you the latest news on Eyeko's Summer Collection 2008!

A Mom in Red High Heels visits 4 LA Beauty Hot Spots. Find out which is like a piece of Heaven to her!

Beauty411 opens her little black beauty book and reports on her facial at the ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.

Karen of Periodic Style undergoes a transformation of her own with a Japanese straight perm.

Looking for a new flat iron? Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has tried a new one and thinks you will love it!

Jennifer at Beauty in Real Life has some great tips for de-frying your hair.

Meet Victoria Rowe Talking Makeup's Expert contributor!

Toya's started a new series: "Bronzers for Brown Girls" where she'll be discussing the best bronzers for those of us who have deeper skintones. First up: Stila Sun Bronzer SPF 15 !

Beauty Fix Weekend Reads: The Beauty Blog Network

The start to the weekend is much better than last weekend's! My other sister-in-law flew in for a short visit last night and is off again. My two nephews will be away for the weekend which means the noise level will be much more bearable (although my son has mastered the art of screaming at the top of his lungs thanks to a couple influences). And it's going to be beautiful weather this weekend! Woohoo! Sunday marks the start to my busy summer which I will keep you updated on. I'm excited to do makeup again on a more full-time basis! I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend! Enjoy some great reads from around The Beauty Blog Network!

Raging Rouge gets tips and tricks for Spring makeup application from stylist Jenny Smith of NARS Cosmetics.

Need a new hair brush? Cybelesays is loving the new paddle one from Metropolis.

Makeup Moxie reviews Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain mascara.

The Daily Cookie gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to get Madonna's Hard Candy album cover look with the help of Shu Uemura makeup artist Nicky Posley.

A Touch of Blusher gets the "false-eyelash treatment" from YSL.

Beauty Anonymous is very tempted by the Hair Spray from Anna Sui!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty discusses hair texture in her “Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101” post!

Want to win a whopping $824 in products? Then head to The Beauty of Life immediately for a supremely fantastic giveaway!

Joy from Makeup Junkie shares Prom beauty trends and tips!

The Muse checks up on jolly old England and brings you the latest news of Eyeko's Summer Collection 2008!

Beauty Banter tells YOU how to achieve your best brows... 7 easy tips!

Beauty411 opens her little black beauty book and reports on an incredible facial at the ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.

Beauty Blogging Junkie reports on the Total Beauty Blogger Summit in L.A. last weekend and on a trip to Anastasia's Salon, one of the stops on the Total Beauty beauty tour of L.A.

StyleBell shows how you too can get The Hills inspired Side Ponytail as seen on Lauren Conrad and Nicole Ritchie.

makeup loves me wants to help you look hot this summer. but she knows you may be lazy like her. hence, she offers you a cheater's guide to a summer body.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out the "New It Flat Iron"?

The Makeup Divas tells you about a Hot Lip Balm that Lauren Conrad of The Hills loves to use to keep her lips glossy.

Face Candy reviews Bobbi Brown's newest scent, Almost Bare.

Don't let humidity ruin your blow-out! Glossypink has found a serum that will help your blow-out stay sleek and fabulous!

All Lacquered Up reviews the OPI Mod About Brights collection and discovers a creepy resemblance to a victim from Showtime's Dexter.

Pursebuzz.com is having a HUGE contest. Be sure to stop by for a chance to win my top favorite brushes from Coastalscents.com. Gimme Gimme. Good Luck!!!

Toya's started a new series: "Bronzers for Brown Girls" where she'll be discussing the best bronzers for those of us who have deeper skintones. First up: Stila Sun Bronzer SPF 15 !

Beauty Review: Hope In A Jar Was Not Hope Enough!

I don't usually like to write bad reviews but I felt the need to vent my dislike towards "cult classic" Philosophy's Hope In A Jar moisturizer. Months ago, my skin was going through some tough times - dry, flaky, fine lines, breakouts, you name it. I read review after review raving about Hope In A Jar so I thought my chances were really good at scoring THE perfect moisturizer. Here is what it promises:

"Healthy, radiant skin is yours. Smooth this moisturizer on the face morning and night for skin that looks like you turned back time—without the wishing. The antioxidant soufflé formula hydrates to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration while improving texture."

Here is what really happened: After I washed my face with Philosophy's Purity Made Simple (LOVE!), I couldn't wait to slather on Hope In A Jar. From the first twist of the jar I smelt a faint odor that smelled a bit off, like sweaty feet. The offending odor became stronger and stronger until the cap came off. I thought it was a bit odd because I had heard it smelt like lavender. I decided to brush it off and went ahead slathering it on. My skin immediately looked rosy and healthy. Then suddenly my skin started to tighten and started flaking everywhere! I decided my skin needed a month to adjust to my new skincare products, but three months later my skin was still flaking and tight. I saw no noticeable difference in my fine lines and the texture of my skin was not glowy or soft.

I figured the combo of Purity Made Simple and Hope was too harsh for my skin. I tried washing my face with Cetaphil and using Hope but it made no difference. My skin hated me and I didn't blame it. After I trashed the cream, I stuck with Purity Made Simple and my Cetaphil moisturizer. All was not lost and my skin is looking more radiant, healthier and clearer than it has ever looked! Yay!

Although it didn't work for me, it probably works for a lot of other people. Beauty products are personal to everyone's needs. But seriously, they really need to do something about the scent! It made me gag every time I put it on! Tried it? What did you think? Love it? Hate it?

Top Toxin-Free Beauty Brands!

Wondering which brands are toxin-free and good for the environment? TotalBeauty.com has you covered! Check out top toxin-free beauty brands here!

Have you entered Total Beauty's Totally Green Sweepstakes yet?? Click here for details on how you can enter to win the new 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid plus hundreds of other beauty products! Good luck!

Makeup 101: How To Select and Apply Bronzer

A cheeky, hip site called, The Frisky, interviewed Trae Bodge, one of the co-founders of one of my favourite brands, Three Custom Color Specialists, on how to select and apply bronzer. It's a great clip full of useful tips and just in time for summer! Check it out here!

Makeup 101: Prom Hair and Makeup Ideas

Have the perfect dress and shoes but haven't a clue what to do with your hair or makeup? Visit Chick Lit, the official Chick Advisor blog, to read my post on hot trends and beauty tips for this prom season! Check it out here. Stay tuned for part 2 for beautiful bridal looks and tips!

Beauty News: Chick Advisor Shop Crawl 3!

Ali and the Chick Advisor team have another fabulous shop crawl event planned for May 29 in the trendy and hip area of West-Queen-West. If you attended Shop Crawl 1 and 2 then you know how fun these events are. It's a fantastic night out of shopping, partying, and mingling!

Chick Advisor has lined up discounts from the coolest boutiques on West Queen West between Bathurst and Trinity Bellwoods Park. After some serious shopping, we'll be heading over to Coca for some drinks, prizes and free swag from their sponsors!

Here are the details:
When: May 29, 2008 from 6-9 pm followed by an after-party
After-Party: Coca, 783 Queen St. W
Participating Stores: Girl Friday, Moda, Body Blue, Pho Pa, Charlie, Brazen Hussy, Coal Come Out and Live, Balisi
Tickets: $20 (Chick Advisor members - log in before you buy ticket) and $25 (non-members)

There are a limited amount of tickets so hurry to purchase yours! Can't wait to see everyone! For more details and info on stores click here.

Beauty Fix Weekend Reads: TotalBeauty.com

Enjoy more beautiful reads from around the Total Beauty world!


The Daily Cookie loves the Urban Decay Ammo Eye Palette to help her travel light!

reviews Stila Kitten Eye Shadow Wash and gives some tips on how to use it.

Jeanne from Periodic Style tells you how to get full salon service at little to no cost -- be a hair model!

Marta from Talking Makeup introduces the Global
Chic Collection by IMAN.

Beauty Anonymous shares with you her first impressions of Chanel Summer 2008 Makeup Collection!

Want a review of one of the newest self-tan products out there? Look no further, Canadian Beauty delivers!

The Muse shares a review on Shimmer Shine Liquid Eye Shadow from Bourjois Paris!

A Mom in Red High Heels discusses a busy woman's concern with her morning routine. Find out the time saving, confidence- boosting tips!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings finds a real organic line worth trying.

The girls at Beauty in Real Life, score their first ever interview with celeb makeup artist and Passport to Beauty author, Shalini Vadhera.

Nars takes Joy from Makeup Junkie to South Beach thanks to The Multiple in South Beach!

Toya does her Mother's Day FOTD with products from the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty line (inspired by Carmindy)!

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee continues her self-tanning addiction by reviewing Neutrogena's MicroMist Tanning Spray.

Beauty Fix Weekend Reads: The Beauty Blog Network

Well, my weekend is starting off to a fabulous start! Screaming kids and now water has leaked from our laundry room into our basement! Wonderful! Can this weekend get any better?? I hope everyone else is having a better start to your weekend! And if you're not, read some beautiful blogs to lighten up your mood!

Christine at 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shares her tip for fast and easy pefect manicures and pedicures!

Beauty Anonymous shares her first impressions of Chanel Summer 2008 Makeup Collection!

Makeup Moxie reviews Hourglass Superficial Lash mascara.

Cybelesays finds their next addition to the Hall of Fame! A straightening iron that gets strands stick straight.

StyleBell reviews one of the best flat irons on the market the GHD. Move over CHI!

A Touch of Blusher can't decide which new eye palette to get...

Savvy Skin picks her favorite drugstore sunscreen - Blue Lizard sunscreen.


Beauty and Personal Grooming writes about Aspirin face masks.

Beauty Blogging Junkie scores an exclusive interview with Daisy Fuentes about her new perfume, Dianoche Ocean.

Face Candy dishes on the brand new Vincent Longo Collection- Shimmer, Glimmer & Shine.

The Makeup Divas reviews Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Pencil in Zaire.

The Muse reviews Majorca Majolica's HOT Summer Collection from Japan and shares a FOTD!

Beauty Banter checks out more Spring Hair Trends... with pics and products!

Hello Dollface features Celebrity fashion and beauty!

Beauty Junkie in SF scopes out hot new makeup from Kat Von D

Want to achieve cream blush perfection? Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you the only brush you need for a flawless, airbrushed look: Sonia Kashuk's Flat Top Blusher Brush.

Nars takes Joy from Makeup Junkie to South Beach thanks to The Multiple in South Beach!

This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving you a chance to win SPINLASH - the mascara with a rotating brush that simultaneously separates, curls, coats, lengthens and volumizes eyelashes. Intrigued? Of course you are. Enter right now!

Toya does her Mother's Day FOTD with products from the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty line (inspired by Carmindy)!

Beauty Review: Nars Takes Me To South Beach!

I've never been to South Beach, but I live vicariously through my precious Nars Multiple in South Beach (it's almost the same right??)! This is one product that I always have to have in my makeup bag. For a long time it sat at the bottom of my bag untouched. The Multiple is iridescent and beautiful on flawless skin, but shimmery textures can enhance problem areas. A spotlight on a red, irritated pimple? Not so pretty! Thankfully, my skin has made peace with me and I've been able to resurrect this little tube of radiance again.

The Multiple is a cult classic. This cream-to-powder multi-purpose stick is one of the reason's why I fell in love with 3-in-one products. The Multiple comes in many gorgeous shimmery shades. The convenient stick can be easily swiped on the eyes, cheeks and lips - no brush necessary. Blend with your finger and you're ready to go! South Beach is a shimmering apricot that perks you up and gives the skin a sun-kissed peachy glow. I love the way it makes my skin look. It is the perfect colour to compliment bronze skin. It also looks great with a pink blush over top or on the lips with a shimmery gloss over it. On the eyes, it's great as a base for powder shadows. It intensifies the colour and makes it last longer.

It's nice to know I can get a little South Beach sun any time I want!

Tag! You're It! Thanks To The Beauty of Life!

Jamie from The Beauty of Life has tagged me twice and I'm finally getting around to answering the questions! Thank you for tagging me!

Six Unimportant Quirks About Me:

1. The dishes have to be arranged a certain way in the dishwasher. Everything has to fit just right and it has to be completely full. If it's not I rearrange it all lol. I swear, this is the only thing I'm OCD about!

2. My purse is always packed with cookies, baby wipes, cheerios and toy cars!

3. I talk like a high school valley girl only when my best friend and I get together. We don't even realize how valley we sound until someone comments on it!

4. My arms are double-jointed. People gets grossed out when I straighten my arms!

5. I've gotten carded for R rated movies. When I was pregnant customers thought I was in high school and sometimes people think my son is my little brother haha!

6. Like Jamie, I also have to change into my pj's as soon as I get home. Plus, I'm clumsy as hell and have a habit of dropping food on my clothes!

Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: Face Atelier Ultra Foundation for full coverage, but lately I haven't been wearing any (having good skin lately woohoo)! Stila's Tinted Moisturizer for lighter coverage.

My Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in Black

My Blush: I have a few I rotate between - Nars Mata Hari for pink cheeks, Nars Lovejoy for a deep rosy/bronze glow, and Three Custom's Lip and Cheek Tint in Poppy.

My Eye Shadows: I can't only have one! lol I rotate between Nars Key Largo, Nars Multiple in Palm Beach, Nars Duo Creme Shadow in Thebes, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Bronze and Loose Lips NY Gold Digger.

My Day Cream: Cetaphil Moisturizer - cheap, effective, and gets rid of any allergic reactions.

My Lipstick: I am obsessed with all lip products. Lately, I've been rotating between Three Custom's Light Brights in Palladium and Area, Three Custom Lip and Cheek Stain in Poppy, Tarte's Double Dose gloss in Goji, and Smashbox's Lip Enhancing Gloss in Spark.

My Beauty Product Brand: Nars, Three Custom, M.A.C., Make Up For Ever, Face Atelier, Smashbox and YSL.

My Essential Beauty Product: Eye cream and eye brightners because I never get enough sleep and my eyelash curler!

My Favourite Makeup Product: Hmmm, you know I'm a makeup junkie right? ;)

My Perfume: Pink Sugar for girly days and Marc Jacobs for evening.

My Nails: When I get a manicure done at a salon I go for anything OPI or Essie, but if I do it on my own I go for anything that is on sale from Sally Hansen, to NYX, to NYC!

My Feet: $1.99 pumice at the drugstore and Belli Skin Care Foot and Leg Moisturizer.

My Hands: I always have dry hands and have a hand cream on my night table, in my purse, and in the car. I rotate between Aveda, Cake Beauty, Burt's Bees Hand and Cuticle Cream, and Bath and Body Anti-Bacterial Hand Cream in Blackberry Vanilla.

Three Products To Bring On A Deserted Island:
1. Razor - my hairy legs are not a pretty sight!
2. Sunglasses - squinting gives me a headache and creates fine lines around my eyes.
3. Tinted lip balm with SPF - my lips chap so easily and a little colour perks up my skin.

Woman I admire for their Beauty: Marilyn Monroe - she was the epitome of glamour but also had the natural beauty to transform into the girl next door.

Woman With the Best Sense of Style: I love Audrey Hepburn for her effortless style. I also love Gwen Stefani because she looks great in so many styles and she's not afraid to take risks. Dita Von Teese is a woman that always looks impeccable and her throwback to the 1940's is a favourite of mine!

My Ultimate Dream: To become so successful I never have to work again! lol I want to travel the world and give my son all the experiences I never had. After traveling the world I want to live in Paris, go to cafes everyday and drink coffee and indulge in French pastries!

How Do I Define Womanhood: Being comfortable in your own body and being confident about who you are, your thoughts, and your beliefs.

My Favourite Fashion Publication: Allure, Zink, Italian Vogue, W, Flare, Fashion Magazine, and French Revue.

Well, enough about me! You're it! I'm tagging Beckie or Jamie from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, Ali from Chick Lit, and Ellen from Lipstick, Powder, 'n, Paint!

Beauty News: CEW Beauty Award Winners!

The winners of the CEW Beauty Award's were announced this past Friday, May 2nd! Think you're on top of what's the best of the best in the beauty industry? Read the list below to see if any of your fave beauty products made the cut! Congratulations to all the winners! Check out CEW's handy shopping list!

Bath & Body: Body Treatment -- MASS
Olay Thermal Pedicure

Bath & Body: Body Treatment -- PRESTIGE
Dr. Andrew Weill for Origins The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Scrub

Bath & Body: Scented Bath and Body -- MASS
Johnson's SOFTOIL Melt Away Stress Massaging Moisturizer

Bath & Body: Scented Bath and Body -- PRESTIGE
Tom Ford Beauty Tom Ford Black Orchid Finishing Oil Spray

Facial Skincare: Acne Treatment
Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy

Facial Skincare: Anti-Aging -- MASS
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Facial Skincare: Anti-Aging -- PRESTIGE
Shiseido Cosmetics (America) Ltd. Shiseido Bio-Performance Intensive Skin Corrective Program

Facial Skincare: Cleanser and Scrub -- MASS
Dove SkinVitalizer

Facial Skincare: Cleanser and Scrub -- PRESTIGE
Philosophy the microdelivery micro-massage exfoliating wash

Facial Skincare: Eye Treatment -- MASS
Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System

Facial Skincare: Eye Treatment -- PRESTIGE
Estee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Eye Creme

Facial Skincare: Moisturizer -- MASS
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX

Facial Skincare: Moisturizer -- PRESTIGE
Estee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer

Hair Care & Coloring: MASS
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Hair Care & Coloring -- PRESTIGE
Frederic Fekkai COIFF Controle Ironless Straightening Balm

Makeup: Eye Product -- MASS
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara

Makeup: Eye Product -- PRESTIGE
Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara

Makeup: Face Product -- MASS
Almay Smart Shade Blush and Bronzer

Makeup: Face Product -- PRESTIGE
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Makeup SPF 15

Makeup: Lip Product -- MASS
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour

Makeup: Lip Product -- PRESTIGE
YSL Beaute Yves Saint Laurent Lip Twins

Men's Skincare: Men's Grooming
Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Cover

Scent: Men's Scent
Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol Silver Factory

Scent: Women's Scent -- PRESTIGE
Marc Jacobs Fragrances Daisy Marc Jacobs

Sun: Sun Product -- MASS
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70

Sun: Sun Product -- PRESTIGE
Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Towelettes for Body SPF 15

Indie Beauty Winners
Betty Beauty Inc.
Clark's Botanicals

Makeup Artist Corner: Upcoming Events!

The Makeup Show NYC is one week away and a must-attend event for industry professionals and makeup lovers! There is no other trade show event like it. What you'll find is the biggest brands, top industry exhibitors, special pro-only offers, seminars, forums, and hands-on workshops. Top speakers will include the best of the best in makeup including Sharon Gault, Ugly Betty's Kate Best, Lancome's Sandy Linter, Max Factor's Bailey, Cover Girl's Molly R. Stern, Nobasura Agency owner Jon Hennessey, Union Local VP Cindy Gardner, the artists of CNN, and the one and only Michael DeVellis with his popular Ten Words seminar! It's the biggest networking opportunity in the business!

Show Details:
Date: May 18 and 19
Location: 125 West 18th Street, New York City
Show Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Ticket Prices Advanced: One day $40
Two Day $65
Door Ticket Prices (if available): One day $55 - tax not included
two day $85 - tax not included
Students: 10% off - click here for details.
Local 798 union members are free.

For detailed information click here.

Evolution is a natural occurrence in anything we do. As artists, it is important to evolve to bigger and greater things. Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group, understands this which is why he has created this unique and once in a lifetime event: Evolution. Spring's Evolution event took place last week but it's never too early to plan for Fall 2008! Michael and Lead Artist, James Vincent, will lead out in this five day advanced artist forum that will bring together twenty professional makeup artists for a week of intensive creative, technical, career and personal development, career and business building. Sounds amazing right? Evolution will focus on nine principles: Focus, Insight, Clarity, Examination, Creation, Precision, Control, Perception, Discovery. Are you ready to evolve?

For more information on this life-changing event or to register click here. Remember, space is limited to 20 participants so hurry and book your spot!

Last Minute Mother's Day Deals!

Mother's Day is just around the corner! Have you found the perfect gift yet? If you haven't, there's still some last minute deals for you to take advantage of! Misikko.com, online beauty destination, is having a Mother's Day sale featuring top brands such as Freeze 24/7, Murad, and hair care from T3, Elchim, and FHI! Not sure if Mother would approve? Misikko has some cute gift certificates that are a sure thing! To show their appreciation, Misikko is giving a free gift of chic bamboo earrings to everything in the sale! Hurry before it's too late! We wouldn't want to disappoint Mom, right?

For more information on Misikko products click here.

Beauty Blogger Beauty Tips!

All of us have beauty tips we live and die by. Some may even seem bizarre but we stick by them because they work. It's only natural for girlfriends to swap beauty tips so I thought who better to ask than some girlfriends from around the beauty blogging world! Read on for beauty tips from some of your (my) favourite beauty bloggers! You never know, you'll probably learn a thing or two! I know I did! Thank you to the lovely beauty bloggers for sharing your tips! Enjoy!

Elke, founder of The Beauty Blog Network, The Beauty Ideal, and her own site Elke Von Freudenberg, says: "1. to get perfect lashes, apply 1 coat of of two different mascaras. works every time.

2. use a nude color stay lip color before your lip gloss or lipstick. Lasts for hours.

3. in a hurry? Throw a soft shimmering bronzer across forehead, across
cheeks and bridge of nose and bottom of chin. Then sweep across eyelids,
touch on lips, add lipgloss, mascara and go...."

Toya from The Life of A Lady Bug says: "1. Brown-skinned women: If you want to achieve a sexy, sunburned look, apply a bright blush to the apples of your cheeks, then apply your favorite bronzer on top. The fruity bright color (this works especially well with bright pinks like MAC's Beauty Powder in Sweetness and bright oranges like CARGO's blush in Laguna) will peek through the bronzy brown, giving you a vibrant, luscious summertime flush.

2. Always wear blush! It doesn't matter if your favorite kind is a powder, a gel or a liquid; if it's red, pink or peach - the idea is to wear it and wear it every day. Blush does more than any other product to make you look awake, alive, healthy and pretty.

3. Get multi-purpose products or products you can apply with the swipe of a finger. Most of us are busy, busy, busy and may only have a few minutes in the morning to look our best. I swear by products that can be applied with my fingers or that can serve more than one function. My latest faves are MAC's Paint Pots because with one swipe across the eye, you've given yourself a "look" that was fast and will last."

Jamie from The Beauty of Life says: "1). Moisturize!! Find one that works for you (my absolute fave is Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme), and use it every day. Your skin will look younger, healthier and more nourished in almost no time -- and continuing its usage will only help over time!

2) Don't be afraid to experiment! A makeup artist I spoke with once told me that no one should stress over makeup -- it's supposed to be fun. So what if you sweep on a purple eyeshadow and discover that it looks bad? Wipe it off and try something else! It's the only way to really find out what works for you.

3) Always have some sort of chapstick or lip balm on hand to keep your lips hydrated and supple. I usually have five or six clinking around in my purse -- and even more on my nightstand, vanity, desk and kitchen counter! Chapped lips are so easy to combat, and swiping on something like Bonne Bell LipSmackers makes your pucker taste and smell good too!"

Shannon from Makeup Minute and A Girl's Gotta Spa says: "1--Exfoliate--bring through your natural glow by sloughing off the dead skin cells weekly. This not only a must for your face, but for your body as well. Exfoliating prevents your pores from being clogged with lifeless skin and also makes your skin better able to absorb your moisturizer. Favorite exfoliant: Solessence's Cream de la Coconut SheaShea Sugar Scrub and KLEAN Bath & Body's Ginger Tea Sugar Scrub.

2--Cover your eyes! To sleep that is. Wearing a sleep mask is essential to getting the most out of your beauty sleep and a well rested you makes for a well rested looking face. Blocking the light while you sleep helps you to achieve a deeper more peaceful sleep. My favorite sleep masks are the Dream Essentials brand.

3--Get some spa time. Whether you create a spa experience at home or soak up the services at a spa near you, relaxation is the key to mentally and physically feeling more rejuvenated. A facial can do wonders to achieve a healthy glow and a deep tissue massage will truly melt the stress away. Beauty isn't only on the outside, it's inward progressing out. My favorite spa is The Lodge at Woodloch."

Marina from Makeup Loves Me says: "My #1 tip is: Always where blush or bronzer on your cheeks -- it makes your whole face come to life!" :)

Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie says: "Let your hair air dry 85% of the way before applying a smoothing serum or cream and then blow dry. Blowing it out when hair is soaking wet is damaging to the cuticle. To cut down on my air-drying time, I use a super-absorbant Aquis hair towel."


Jami from Bionic Beauty says: "I've used pencil eyeliners for years, but recently expanded my collection with a black liquid liner. I use it when I want a sharp line or a little extra "wing" for drama.

At first, I couldn't seem to get a smooth line, then I discovered this little secret. Remove the liner wand and hold it out in the air for 10 seconds or so before you start to line. It lets the liquid eyeliner dry a bit and hence produces a smooth, clump free, blotch free line!"

Carleen from Girl Gloss and Beauty and Fashion Tech says: " (1) For long wearing lip color, use a stain such as Benetint and top it off with gloss. It won't last as long as the long wearing brands, but it will be a heck of a lot more comfortable and will look better.

(2) Creme de la Mer is pricey for use as a face cream, but it is wonderful as an eye cream, and for that use, it is very cost effective. Look for sample size tubs on Ebay.

(3) Olive oil is a great beauty product right out of your cupboard. Use it to condition hair ,mix it with a bit of cleanser for an extra kick of moisture, or rub it into dry patches of skin. It also works pretty well as a lip oil!"

Sapna from StyleBell says: Hot Oil Treatment For Your Hair

"Warm up about 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Start by dabbing the oil on your scalp with a cotton ball. Massage aggressively. Then rub the remainder of the oil on your hair. Let sit in your hair for about an hour (longer the better) and then shampoo and condition. Shiny soft and beautiful locks are awaiting you! I do this deep treatment hot oil treatment about once a month."

Sophie from Beautynomics says: "1. Theres no such thing as indulging in anti-aging practices too early. :) 2. Always apply lotion when skin is damp for maximum absorption, and less greasy feel. 3. Use mineral makeup - because its the purest and least damaging makeup that can touch your skin. :) "

Do you have beauty tips you swear by? If so, please do share in the comments!