Beauty Review : Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

As the Emmy Awards fast approach us we are all on the hunt to replicate that gorgeous glow found amongst all the starlets. To achieve that perfect glow Makeup Junkie has been on a hunt for a product which provides radiance and glow minus the greasy looking shine which some products end up giving off. Look no more, I have found just the product to make you look your personal best whether it’s for a wedding occasion or a night on the town. Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick Compacts give the right amount of glow and can work as a multi purpose product ranging from bronzer to eye shadow shades. The Shimmer Brick Compacts come in five versatile shades of Bronze, Beige, Pink, Rose and Apricot. The most universally flattering shade, also the winner of In Style Weddings 2008, would be the Apricot; however the other shades are great add-ons once you become completely obsessed with this product. The great thing about this product is that it looks totally natural and doesn’t look as though powder is sitting on your skin. This product really gives the illusion that you are glowing from within. So next time you see starlets with that perfect glow rest assured that you too can look as glamorous and polished!

Fall Beauty Trends:Tarte, Let's Play in Gray

Gray is definitely an "it" colour this fall. Whether you're wearing it, accessorizing with it, painting it on your nails or accentuating your features, gray is it.

I used to think gray was such a dull colour, but if worn correctly it can be very flattering. Check out this new palette by Tarte, the Eye Couture Day-To-Night Eye Palette ($60)- so chic. The lush purple, quilted packaging screams luxe princess and the shadows are the perfect combo to take you straight from day to night.

Let’s focus on the gray shadows - you can begin your day by sweeping the light gray on the entire lid, line the eyes and you’re good to go. Whether you’re heading out for drinks after work, that hot date or a nite out with the ladies, a little charcoal gray in the crease will create a sexy smokey eye. Add as much or as little as you like, these colours have great intensity. Not only does this palette come with 10 shadows, it also comes with a double ended pencil liner and a double ended brush.

Finish the look with some lip colour, like Tarte's Limited Edition Lip Couture, also a purple, quilted box (I'm a sucker for cute packaging!) with 4 lipsticks and a universal lip liner. These colours are flattering on all skin tones, I especially love the red with a hint of orange and the nude.

Now all we need are some comfy, gray sweaters, stylish boots and trendy jackets - Fall here we come!

Makeup Obsession: Liquid Liner

Every woman loves the look of a well defined, crisp liquid liner a la Angelina Jolie. Getting that perfect look however can be somewhat frustrating with the vast liquid liners out there promising the perfect line which only disappoint due to their awful tip applicators. One liquid liner that rises to the challenge would be Lancôme’s Artliner. It is much thinner than most applicators and makes for easy application even amongst the novices. This incredibly precise felt tip applicator is perfect for achieving that Fall liner look which nicely complements the season’s very berry lip. Artliner comes in five beautiful colours to match your desired look. Don’t be afraid to pair liquid liner with false lashes this fall for sultry evening eyes. Catwalks near and far oozed with sexiness and no better way to get that look then with false lashes! For lashes we turn nowhere but MAC. The perfect accessory to your liner look would be either the MAC # 3 lashes or the #7’s. For the more cat eye look opt for the #36 lashes or the #20 half lashes. Be sure to use the Duo Adhesive sold at MAC because that is by far the best lash glue on the market. This surgical adhesive stands up to tears and leaves lashes intact all night.

Makeup Junkie Needs More Writers!

To keep the content fresh and new and to keep up with the demands of our busy lives, Makeup Junkie is looking for more writers! If you're a Makeup Junkie and love to write click here for details!

Beauty Review: Fresh Breath and Glossy Shine with CoverGirl Amazemint Lipgloss

Glosses aren't just for giving your lips some luscious shine anymore. Formulations have sure come a long way. Who knew one day you could achieve both shiny lips and fresh breath from a single gloss? CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss has teamed up with Crest to create 13 beautiful shades that contain Crest Peppermint Oil. You receive minty breath, dazzling shine, and soft non-sticky lips. There are also some shades that contain a blue tint for a brighter smile.

Left to Right:

Happy Hour contains a blue tint but goes on clear with shimmer and gives you a whiter smile. It's a great colour to swipe on for a natural finish or over top of your favourite lipstick.

Merry Berry is a pretty berry pink that mimics your natural lip colour.

Red Riot is a gloss I love to swipe on when I need a dash of colour. Want to wear red anytime of the day? Then try this one. It goes on very sheer red on the lips. Colour doesn't last too long though so don't expect anything long-lasting but your lips will love the balm-like texture.

Bottom line, glosses that make your breath fresh may seem a little gimmicky and just another trend. But I say why not? A little fresh breath and a brighter smile never hurt anyone. :)

Have you tried Amazemint Lipgloss? Love it? Hate it?

www.covergirl.ca

Beauty Review: Lise Watier Couler Folle Summer Shades

Just because Fall is approaching doesn't mean we have to stop all the Summer fun! Lise Watier has added 2 new shades to the line's popular Couler Folle Loose Powder Eyeshadows! Rich in colour, these loose shadows create a shimmering effect that can both be worn on its own for a natural finish or with the Metamorfix Liquid Transformer for more glamour and intensity.

Couler Folle Folie Aqua ($18 CAD): This pretty aqua green is the newest addition to the regular line! On its own, it applies a soft shimmery aqua but mixed with the Metamorfix Liquid Transformer the colour is more vibrant and the eyes sparkle! If applying all across the eye is too much for you, use the angled brush and apply it as a liner with a neutral shadow for a hint of colour and sparkle. Drop a bit of the liquid transformer onto the lid of the shadow, then dip the eyeliner brush into the liquid.

Couler Folle Folie Ciel ($18 CAD Limited Edition): This icy blue shade is a limited edition shade so get it while it lasts! Have some fun with colour and go tropical by mixing Ciel and Aqua together like in the picture above. Don't through away your blues just yet! You'll be seeing more of this colour and other shades of blue return for Fall!

Folie D'Amour and Folie de Bronze ($18 CAD): I also got to try d'amour which is the rosy pink shade and de bronze which I LOVE! I love mixing it with the Metamorfix Liquid Transformer because the shimmer and colour is so luxe.

Have you tried these lovelies? Love it? Hate it?

www.lisewatier.com

Beauty News: Makeup Junkie On ChickChat TV and More!

Many good things to report for Makeup Junkie! First, ChickChat TV has uploaded the episode featuring yours truly on ChickAdvisor.com's newly revamped site! The site's new look is tres chic and just fantastic! Congrats to the Chick Advisor team - I know how hard all of you worked on it! Be sure to check it out - you'll love it!

Secondly, Chick Advisor has added a new Video section where you can view all of the new ChickChat TV episodes and last season's Where'd You Get That?. I'm truly excited to share with you my episode called "Makeup Artist Secrets". My episode was actually filmed at my house - that's Ali and I standing in front of my house lol. Now you can see what I've been working on all summer! I hope you enjoy it and I'd love to hear any feedback!

Thirdly, Makeup Junkie is listed in On Makeup Magazine's Summer 2008 issue on pg. 86 featuring 52 beauty bloggers! It's so fantastic to be listed among such talented bloggers! A huge thank you to Michael DeVellis and The Powder Group team for this great opportunity!

To view my episode "Makeup Artist Secrets" click here.
To view all ChickChat TV episodes click here.

Daily Total Beauty Bytes

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Best Liners for Your Lips From MAC and Smashbox to Wet n Wild, the pencils that garnered top ratings and glowing product reviews Not too hard or soft, these lip liners appealed to TotalBeauty.com editors and members for a variety of really good reasons. Find out if you should upgrade the pencil you have at home or add another color to your collection. (Did we miss your favorite? Write a review to bump up its status!) ...More

For everyday, I rarely apply a lip liner. But for shoots or going out at night I like using lip liners to bump up the lip colour and for more definition. One of my biggest beauty peeves is seeing dark liner paired with a lighter lipstick!! Eeek! Always try to match the lip liner with the lipstick or wear a neutral colour. And blend!! My favourite liners to use are from M.A.C. and Three Custom Color Specialists! What's your favourite?

Beauty Feature: Anastasia Knows Brows

Audrey Hepburn knew the power of the brow and how the right shape could instantly transform your face. Anastasia Soare, celebrity brow guru and founder of her famed brow collection, also knows the power of the brow and how it can instantly polish your look and make you look younger.

Are your brows apart of your overall look or just an after-thought? I've come to learn after many years of over-plucking that I need my brows! I was looking back on old photos and my brows were scary - thin and rounded. Not a good shape especially since I have a round face. Thanks to Anastasia's brow line, all us over-tweezers can finally stop agonizing and achieve the perfect brow!

All About Brows Kit ($75 USD, also sold separately): This kit has everything you need to help you find the perfect brow shape for your face. The chic little case includes Brow Gel, Tweezers, Brow Powder Duo, four Brow Stencils, Duo Angle/Spooley Brush, and an Eye Lights Matte highlighting pencil. Select the stencil that best matches the shape of your brows. Fill in the stencil with the Brow Powder Duo using the Duo Angle/Spooley brush and tweeze the stray hairs outside of the stencil. I like to use the Spooley side to blend the powder into brow for a natural finish. Set your brows using the Brow Gel brushing the upward to hold the shape all day. Highlight the brow bone with the Eye Lights pencil for lift and definition. Easy right? Who says you can't have celebrity worthy brows?


Go Brow - Universal Brow Pencil ($21 USD): This double-ended brow pencil and highlighter duo is perfect especially if you're on-the-go. Lately, this is all I have been using on my brows along with the clear Brow Gel. The medium-brown shade is meant to be universally flattering. So far so good but I've haven't tried it on anyone with deep dark skin yet. The pencil glides on smoothly and filling in the brows is quick and easy. The highlighter definitely lifts the eyes but if you have medium-dark skin be sure to blend it in really well. I think a light peach shade would be better for us darker skinned women. Also, make sure the brow bone is well moisturized. It tends to emphasize dry skin. My biggest issue with the pencil is that it doesn't sharpen well with other sharpeners. I don't know if the texture is too soft or if my Sephora sharpener doesn't sharpen well. The tip never really sharpens and I sometimes have to shave the sides of the pencil manually. I'm going to pick up the Anastasia sharpener and see if that makes a difference. Other a than that, I think it's great when you're in a pinch!

Tweezers Anonymous ($55 USD, also sold separately): Over-tweezers no longer have to hide because this kit has everything you need to get your brows back in shape (literally) and better than ever before! The Brow Enhancing Serum, a gel-based formula is designed to help condition, repair and make those brows grow. Seriously, it works. I was trying out this new hair removal razor tool near my brows and accidentally shaved a few hairs off where my brows start. I've been applying this over my brows for the last few weeks and my they are almost back to normal. The Brow Filler is a spring loaded powder tipped sponge duo for eyebrows that accommodates Blondes on one end and Brunettes on the other. You can also mix the powders together for a customized colour. Brow Stix is for the stencil-challenged. These handy stencils stick onto your skin - just peel off the back, position over your brows, and fill in. You won't have to worry about holding them steady in place. I've tried to save it after and reuse it but it doesn't stick as good as the first time.

Perfect Brow Pencil ($22 USD): If brow powders and angled brushes seem too complicated, Anastasia's brow pencils are wonderful for achieving a natural brow shape. The pencil has the perfect texture - not too soft, not too hard. Overly soft pencils can make your brows appear too strong and hard pencils take longer to fill in because the colour is barely noticeable. Just apply in short hair-like strokes in the same direction your hair grows. Use the spooley side to blend the colour in with your brows for a natural finish.

Don't be afraid to fill those brows in or to let them grow. Put the tweezers down (unless you have a uni-brow goin' on)! lol Many clients I've worked on resisted a little brow filling but realized after seeing themselves in photos what a huge difference brows make. You don't have to fill in the entire brow - just where the hair is sparse or where the shape is a little off. Thin brows or brows that are too penciled in can age you and really throw off the balance of your face shape. If you're not sure where your brows should start and where they should end, then stencils are a great guideline. Well-groomed brows should be the first step before applying your makeup. A strong brow calls for less makeup and vice versa. Brows are your friends so don't over-pluck and make them disappear!

Have you tried Anastasia brow products? Love it? Hate it?

www.anastasia.net and www.sephora.com

Daily Total Beauty Bytes

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Top 23 "As Seen on TV" Skin Products Find out which acne fighters, anti-aging creams and moisturizers are worth the shipping and handling fees Admit it: On nights you can't sleep you may stay up watching infomercials or checking out what Suzanne Somers is hawking on the Home Shopping Network. After an hour or so, those products all start to sound pretty great. But which ones are really worth picking up the phone for? TotalBeauty.com readers bravely ordered and found out. Check out their favorite "as seen on TV" skin care products. ...More

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Beauty Review: Cover Girl TruBlend Minerals

Let me begin by saying that I have become a blush/bronzer girl. I cannot leave the house
without it on. Especially on the days when my skin is looking bland, blush/bronzer is the quickest, most effective way of looking fresh, glowy and ready to go.

CG’s TruBlend Blushes and Bronzers are loose powders that are made from natural minerals. They come with a puff, but I definitely recommend using a brush for accurate application. I love the texture of mineral makeup, it’s so soft and goes on silky-smooth.

The CG TruBlend Blush comes in 2 shades: Pure Romance which is light pink and Shimmering Sands which is more on the coral side.

The CG TruBlend Bronzer also comes in 2 shades: Golden Sunrise which is brownish-gold and the Natural Bronze which is copper-gold. Both look fabulous on any skin type.

The one frustration I have with loose powders is the mess they make. No matter how careful I try to be, it somehow ends up all over the place. I’m just waiting for the day when cosmetic companies design a more efficient container, then I’ll be all over the loose powders. (Tip: instead of peeling the sticker that covers the holes on loose power packages, use a pin to poke just a few holes, this will help eliminate some of the mess).

But regardless, the CG TruBlend powders are gorgeous - with just the right amount of shimmer and colour, I was able to achieve the perfect sun kissed, health-looking glow without looking overdone. Guess I’ll just have to suck it up!

Have you tried any of CG TruBlend products?

www.covergirl.ca

Daily Total Beauty Bytes

17 Hairstyles That Take Less Than 10 Minutes Up 'dos mere mortals like us can actually replicate at home With a few (and only a few) key products and styling tools, you can quickly give yourself a salon-worthy 'do. And hey, if you hate it, try a different one -- at least you haven't blown 60 bucks and a hour of precious time on it. ...More

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Total Beauty

Top 10 Makeup Felonies No one is innocent, not even Paris Hilton. Celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles tells which beauty crimes to avoid Before you make up your next face, there are 10 crucial no-nos you need to know. (Chances are you're guilty of at least one of them.) To ensure that your best efforts aren't wasted, we asked celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles to explain why these common mistakes really are that bad ... as if fear of looking like one of these celebrity offenders isn't enough ...More

Celebrity Beauty Style: Sultry Leona Lewis

Someone this beautiful cannot be ignored quite easily and that is why singer/songwriter Leona Lewis is sparking buzz everywhere she goes. Her killer looks are complemented by amazing makeup that she is always seen wearing. On her album cover her look is so fresh, yet sultry and sexy at the same time. Its not overdone but screams perfection and elegance.

If you would like to recreate this look for a night out or a secret rendezvous, then head to your MAC counter in search for the following:

SKIN: To achieve Lewis’ flawless radiant skin try MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF15 Foundation followed with the Mineralize Satinfinish Natural Powder.

EYES: A beautiful play on the smokey eye! Try MAC eyeshadows in Juxt, Greensmoke, Smoke & Diamonds and Carbon. To intensify the look apply MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. This will keep your eye makeup from melting into the skin and will keep it looking crisp no matter what it is you’re doing. Rim the inner eyes and upper lash line with MAC Eye Khol in Feline and use the Greensmoke eyeshadow to create some smokiness on the lower lashline. For highlighting the inner eye corner and browbone, try MAC Pigment in Vanilla.

CHEEKS: To get that natural cheek try MAC Mineralize Blush in Nuance mixed with MAC Powder Blush in Gingerly. Apply the Gingerly blush along the cheeks and the Nuance one just the apples for some dimension.

LIPS: Go for a glossy nude lip with this kind of eye and skip the liner. If you’re someone who needs a bit of liner for definition try MAC Cremestick Lipliner in Sublime Culture and try MAC Lipstick in Jubilee or Freckletone.

Beauty Review: Thevi Cosmetics for Ethnic Women

I had the opportunity to try a few products from the Thevi Cosmetics line. The line was developed by new entrepreneur, Thevaki Thambirajah, who had a difficult time finding shades that matched her unique skin tone, so she developed her own line which caters to new ethnic communities: light to dark skinned women of Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent. With 3-years of developing formulations and shades to match a range of skin tones, Thevi is a line ethnic women can call their own.

Triple Split Shadow in Bistro ($22 US)
This is such a lovely combo of colours. I love when companies put multiple shades in one compact, it makes it so easy to carry around. The yellow gold, warm brown and metallic grayish-brown are gorgeous and blend really well together. I used the gold on the entire lid and blended some brown into the crease and outer edge of the lid. I noticed that I didn’t need a lot of product on my brush, the pigments are quite strong and went on really smooth. I saw minimal creasing and it stayed as vibrant at the end of the day as when I first applied, impressive. I went on their website and learned that the shadows are water-proof, it’s lovely for you beach babes looking to enhance your summer-time glow!
High Impact Lipstick in Drama ($22 US)
How sexy is this colour?! I’m definitely one of those girls who never wears red. Every time I do, I feel like everyone is staring at my lips. But I really like this lipstick. It is very moisturizing, glides on effortlessly and has a glossy finish. Not to mention the packaging - très chic!

Mineral Finishing Pressed Powder Duo in Mocha Mates ($28 US)
This is a blush, bronzer and all over face powder in one. Since there is only one shade and it’s meant to suit most skin types, I find this to be a bit dark. I was expecting it to be more translucent but it wasn’t which is why I prefer to use this as a bronzer/blush. Online, it says “this micro-milled pressed powder visibly blurs away fine lines and uneven coloration, nurtures skin with conditioning and anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals, and is suitable for even the most sensitive skins.” I didn’t notice any blurring of fine-lines or uneven coloration, but it definitely has a nice finish. You can also use the darker shade as a contour colour to bring out those cheekbones.


The packaging and quality are definitely on the higher end, and it's reflected in the prices. But, when you're searching frantically high and low for that perfect match, price comes secondary. Currently, the products are only available online. Happy shopping!

Has anyone had a chance to try this line?

Makeup Obsession: Creamy, Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils

I always had a hard time working with pencil eyeliners. Often, the line would end up too thick, uneven and tugged like crazy on my poor, delicate eyelids. For the longest time, I stuck to gel liners and liquid liners, finding that they gave me more control and had much more colour payoff. About a year or two ago, I was looking for a bright blue eyeliner to pair with a bronze eye and on a whim, decided to go with those shiny new Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils. I heard the formulation allowed the pencil do to just what the name suggested- glide on smoothly. Even better, it was supposedly waterproof. I was still skeptical, but Electric was the exact colour I was looking for, so it was worth a try. When the little, bright teal pencil arrived, I tried it on immediately and fell in love.



I later found out that Make Up For Ever offers a similar type of pencil. Like the Urban Decay pencil, it had this super smooth consistency that allows it to glide on your eyelid like butter. The colour payoff is amazing and true to its claim, it actually is waterproof and lasts all day. A few of those found a home in my beauty arsenal. These miracle eyeliners reunited me with pencil eyeliners, allowing us to put our differences aside and start what would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


The only downside of the Urban Decay and Make Up For Ever eyeliners were the price. At $16 US/$18 CDN a pop, they did not make my wallet happy. Thankfully, the great goddess Sephora heard my concerns and it wasn't long before Sephora Flashy Liners made their way into Sephora stores across North America. In 10 gorgeous shades, no less! The Flashy Liners, only $8 US/$10 CDN each, work just as beautifully as their more expensive counterparts at almost half the price! Flashy Blue is rather similar to Urban Decay's Electric and Flashy Copper and Flashy Brown look gorgeous on tanned skin. I own 8 of the 10 available colours and love every one of them.

ChickChat TV Goes Live!

Check it out! I'm so excited to announce the 1st episode of ChickChat TV! Ali, founder of ChickAdvisor.com and host of last season's show "Where'd You Get That?" has just launched her new vidcast ChickChat TV which will air on ChickAdvisor.com, Rogers Media, and on the tv's in Pizza Pizza locations! It's been great fun doing Ali's makeup for the show and working with a talented crew! The 1st episode is about "Who Should Pay for the First Date?". Who do you think should pay for the first date? Go to ChickAdvisor.com to vote!

Beauty Feature: Lip Love Part 2

Now that the lips have been pampered and prepped lets not stop the lip love fest! Ever since I can remember as early as 7, I was obsessed with lip products. My first lip product was Kissing Potion in Strawberry. Do you remember that roll-on gloss?? Once our obsession begins so starts the quest for the ultimate lip product. Poppy King, creator and founder of my favourite lipstick line Lipstick Queen, shared the same obsession and after many years of finding the wrong lipstick, decided to start her own line. She wanted lipsticks to give her the look of the 1940's: rich, opaque, and filled with pigment. Love!


These gorgeous lippies are for women who aren't afraid of giving their lips some major attention. Ranging from matte to sheer textures and from light to dark tones there is bound to be something you'll fall in love with. And did you see the fabulous packaging?? It has this beautiful vintage feel to it that I adore. There's something about a lipstick that is so feminine and sophisticated. I was all about glossy nude lips and smoky eyes in my pre-baby days. Then the baby came and all that I could manage to put on was a bit of colour on the lips. Ever since the return of the 1940's glamour girl, my preference has shifted to a more classic and cleaner eye (with tons of mascara) and sweet colour on the lips.

Lipstick Queen Sinner Opaque Lipstick in Coral Sinner ($18 USD): What kind of sinner are you? I'm a Coral Sinner and this hot coral-orange tone is summer perfect. These lipsticks are deliciously rich with colour and sinfully creamy with a silky matte finish. The finishes have no shimmer or frosting - just pure pigment. You can't hide behind these lipsticks so go ahead and be naughty.

Oxymoron Matte Gloss in Minor Crisis ($20 USD): A gloss that looks matte yet feels creamy? Who would've thunk it? Inspired by the natural colour of the cheeks, your lips can have that beautiful flush of colour too. The collection comes in 4 lovely shades: Minor Crisis (rose-bud pink), Deafening Silence (nude beige), Honest Politician (pinky-brown), and Free Ride (peachy-keen). Minor Crisis is gorgeous on the cheeks and gives me the same flush of colour when I exercise. I also love it on my lips - its very creamy and never dries out my lips. The colour payoff is amazing. It's such a pretty colour for everyday because it gives you enough colour while still looking fresh and natural. The compact also includes a little lip brush for precise application on the lips. It would be even better if the brush came with a lid to keep clean.

Saint Sheer Lipstick in Saint Coral ($18 USD): Who says only sinners have fun? Saints know how to let loose in a more demure way. Saints are 10 % pigment, but there is enough colour to get your lips noticed. These lipsticks are so light and sheer, moist and serene. I love the way it hugs the lips. Like its sister line Sinner, there is no frost or shimmer just pure soft colour. Saint Coral is the sheer version of Coral Sinner but I find the colour is a bit deeper. It's perfect for those hot summer nights when a matte texture may look too heavy. So, go ahead - it's ok to be good!

Shine Hard Core Gloss in Red Sinner ($22 USD): When I hear the words "hard core" I think of something dirty, sexy and HOT. These glosses are extreme and give you huge colour payoff, huge lips, encased in a huge pot, and make you go "wow"! I love my luscious pot of gloss in Red Sinner. The colour is great against my skin tone and stains my lips for hours after the shine is gone. Red Sinner can be lightly applied for a kiss of colour during the day but layer on for night and let those lips pop! The texture goes on smooth and slightly thicker than most glosses but it's not sticky or tacky. If you're not a fan of dipping your finger then these glosses might not be your first choice but I'm hooked on the colour and the pigment. You can always a spatula or a lip brush though. Shine on hard core in 5 other shades: Silver Saint (sparklin' disco silver), Opal Saint (rosy pink with cheeky shimmer), Gold Saint (24 K gold with sparkle), Wine Sinner (deep delicious hint of wine), and Clear Sinner (clear and super glossy).

www.lipstickqueen.com

Have you tried Lipstick Queen? Love it? Hate it?

Beauty Feature: Lip Love Part 1

Lets face it - lips are damn sexy! My lips are one area on my body I don't mind putting the spotlight on. Lips aren't so sexy when they are flaking or chapped which is why I have an obsession with lip balms! Thanks to many products on the market, your lips can get some pampering too.

Eminence, an organic skin care company, has a Three-Step Lip Treatment ($30 CAD) that includes a Citrus Enzyme Lip Exfoliator, Lip Comfort and Plumping Masque, Citrus Lip Balm.

Step 1 Citrus Enzyme Lip Exfoliator: The citrus and pineapple enzymes refine the lip area removing dryness and fine lip lines. Apply a light layer over entire lips including the outline. Leave on for 5 minutes and remove with a damp cloth, blot with tissue or towel. Lips are left smooth and silky for the next step.

Step 2 Lip Comfort and Plumping Masque: Rich shea butter and avocado oil deeply hydrate lips and stimulate collagen production and fullness. Repeat Step 1.

Step 3 Citrus Lip Balm: Apply this petroleum free citrus balm with shea butter and sunflower seed oil to give lips maximum hydration and a sexy sheen. Over a four week period, the definition of my lips was more noticeable and prevented dry, chapped lips. I apply lip balm less frequently which saves me from using up the product so quickly.

It is the ultimate pampering experience for your lips. The price may be a little steep for people who use lip balm frequently but it's definitely worth it. Save it for special days when you really want to pamper yourself. The more you use it the less parched your lips will be!

www.eminenceorganics.com


In between my lip facials, I love using L'Occitane en provence Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick ($12 CAD). I was pleasantly surprised when I first applied it because the texture is a little rough but moisturizing at the same time. It exfoliates and moisturizes your lips all in one! The balm also has a light sugary scent. My lips stay smooth and soft for hours. It's the perfect primer before applying your lip products!

http://ca.loccitane.com

Have you tried these products? Love it? Hate it? Stay tuned for Lip Love Part 2!

Beauty Icon of the Month: Classic Beauty Minka Kelly

Minka Kelly, 28, stars in the underrated NBC show, Friday Night Lights. On screen, she plays a high school cheerleader who has to deal with the life-changing fallout of her boyfriend's football injury in a small Texan town where football is a religion. Off screen, she's a red carpet starlet who never fails to look polished and classy. She may be one of the lesser known beauty icons featured on this site and I'll be the first to admit that she's not the most adventurous beauty-wise, but who can hate the girl for looking fresh and demure?

What I love about Minka's beauty style is that she never looks overdone. She brings the right amount of attention to each feature, with flattering, subtle tones. Skin flattering colours and just the right amount of mascara (and okay, false lashes) serve to accentuate her gorgeous brown eyes.

To keep things in balance, she often goes with a neutral lip and peachy, glowing cheeks.

For those of you who have to tone down your makeup or keep to neutral tones for the office, take note from Minka.

She manages to combine feminine and pretty in a way that seems effortless. Whether she's rocking long, wavy locks or a more glamorous up-do, she has a classic look that never goes out of style.

Makeup 101: False Lashes Made Easy

Gorgeous, lush lashes made easy with a great pair of fake lashes. Here’s how you can achieve that full, sexy gaze.

Tools:
Toothpick
Lashes
Glue
Tweezers
Eye liner
Mascara

Step 1: Apply liner and curl lashes (this is a key step so the lashes blend in, also worse case scenario the lashes don’t stay on and come off in the middle of the night, the liner will make sure you won’t look awkward and unfinished)

OPTIONAL: Before applying you can measure the lashes by placing the lashes on the lash line (do not add glue yet). If you need to trim start on the outer edge.

Step 2: Using the tweezers to hold your lashes, take a toothpick and pick up a little bit of glue. You only need a thin layer and draw a line on the edge of the lash. Too much glue will make it super sticky and unmanageable. Note: the glue is white but will dry clear

Step 3: Time to apply the lashes. The best way to make these look as natural as possible is to place them as close to the lash line as possible. Hold the two ends and press down. Tip: if you put them on wrong you have some time to quickly adjust and you can always add more glue if necessary (Remember the shorter end of the lashes go towards the inner corner of the eye)

Step 4: Finish with more liner and mascara

Done and done, gorgeous in seconds!

Good Luck Ladies!