Beauty Deals: Sephora Sale!

No plans for New Year's Eve? Why not ring in the new year with some great beauty steals from Sephora! There are lots of must-have beauty-budget deals so take advantage of the sale while it lasts!

Happy New Year!

From all of us at Makeup Junkie, wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year! Be safe, be merry, and stay warm! Here's to 2009! Peace and love!

Holiday Look: M.A.C. Chill Collection

Chill out this New Year's Eve with one of M.A.C.'s latest collections Chill! Inspired by below freezing temperature, Chill will leave you looking hotter than cold! Perfect for any black-tie affair this New Year's, embrace the chilly weather with sculpted eyes, glittery reflects like frosted snowflakes, and icy barely-there-lips.

1. M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Mont Black ($17 CDN): If you love Beauty Marked, then you'll love Mont Black's sparkly black multidimensional pearl effect! The pretty finish reminds me of twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. The velvety texture applies and blends beautifully. Use on the lid and crease for a smokey effect. For a more toned down version of the Chill look, apply Mont Black in the crease and the bottom lash line. Apply Vellum (not shown, pale white) to the lid, inner corner and brow bone. Urban, cool, yet sophisticated eyes - chill.


2. M.A.C. Reflects Glitter in Reflects Transparent Teal ($21 CDN): A dash of sparkle, a little twinkle will add a lil' somethin' to this cool look. This glittery teal is just gorgeous and will give your skin that icy cool sheen. The glitter can be used many ways (check instructions if it can be used on eyes). Mix a bit of clear balm with the glitter and dab onto your cheekbones. Give your skin a sparkly finish by mixing it with your favourite moisturizer. Sprinkle some in your hair for some festive fun!


3. M.A.C. Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black ($20 CDN): Black liquid liner is like a little black dress - every gal needs one for those glam days. A new, permanent classical liquid pen liner in a modern, plastic barrel with cap package that provides precise and bold application. Swipe this rich black liner along the lash line and wing out for a dramatic effect. Your line will also act as a guideline for those faux lashes!

4. M.A.C. 41 Lash ($14 CDN): This look isn't complete without the 41 Lash! I've applied lashes to a lot of faux lash virgins and every one of them has fallen in love! The 41 Lash delivers a slightly more dramatic length. The overlapping hairs will make your lashes look more lush and full.


5. M.A.C. Tinted Lipglass in Naked Frost ($16.50 CDN): Keep the look edgy and cool with a muted lip. Naked Frost, a sheer taupe with silver pearl finish, is a gorgeous nude shade that won't give you that "almost dead" effect (darker skin tones should use this to highlight a darker shade of lipstick or gloss). It's no secret that M.A.C.'s Tinted Lipglasses in the past have not been my gloss of choice. I don't know if M.A.C. has changed the formulation over the years but the glosses don't seem as sticky and don't make my lips dry and flaky like they used to. Maybe it was the extra lip balm I applied right before applying??

www.maccosmetics.com

Holiday Look: Statement Lips

Ring in the New Year in a bold way! Nothing makes a statement like a kiss-me-red pout. Whether it's a siren red or a deep burgundy, there is a shade and texture for every gal!

1. Stila Paint Your Pout Red - The Talking Palette ($45 USD): Where would a makeup junkie be without Stila's fabulous talking palettes? With a press of the button and step-by-step instructions, all makeup newbies will be able to achieve the perfect red pout! This handy palette contains a lip primer, 3 red lip colour shades, and a lip brush! Custom blend for the perfect shade or wear each on their own. Dab on the lips as a stain for the day and layer on thicker for bold night time lips. I love how long-lasting the lip colours are and the primer helps prevent bleeding and feathering. Just throw this compact palette in your favourite clutch for touch-ups before the clock strikes 12!


2. Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash ($22 USD): It may not be the prettiest name but Gash is a sexy blood red! I LOVE this lipstick! This full-coverage lipstick with sheen goes on rich and smooth. I always get compliments when I wear this lipstick. It's a lovely deep shade and looks amazing with a gold or bronze eye. The packaging is just another fabulous element to these lipsticks. The tubes are made from purple metal and pierced with a mini gunmetal dagger which is used to twist the lipstick up and down. Embossed in the actual lipstick is the Urban Decay logo and a little dagger. Every eye will be drawn to this lipstick and your lips!


3. Tarte Berry Couture Rise and Shine Berrylicious Lipstain ($35 USD): If you're worried about your lip colour leaving its mark, stick to a lipstain that will last you sip after sip or smooch after smooch! This has been one of my go-to lippies for a day of shopping or a holiday party. I just love the deep wine stain it leaves on my lips. The berry lip plumping gloss is a perfect compliment but I like to use the shimmering deep mauve gloss from Tarte's Purse Your Lips over it instead. My lips can't handle the stinging sensation of a plumping gloss! Give your cheeks the same berrylicious flush as your lips with the Cheek Stain! The combo together looks so pretty and polished. The best part of Tarte products are that they are all natural so you can feel good about slicking these lovelies on!


4. Face Atelier Lip Glaze in Shiraz ($20 CAD): Still unsure if a bold lip is for you? Go shiny and sheer in a beautiful deep burgundy like Shiraz. Face Atelier Lip Glazes are super shiny like glass with a moisturizing finish. The frosted slanted tube makes the application a breeze! The colour is sheer but still noticeable. I found the gloss lasted for a while and left a nice stain on my lips after the shine had worn off. To prevent a gloss from bleeding, I like to use an invisible lip liner!

For tips on how to wear red lips check out our Makeup Junkie Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips post!

Holiday Looks: Lise Watier Pink Diamonds

Makeup Junkie has been featuring Lise Watier products all week for the line's stunning Holiday Collection that makes a great gift (to give or to keep!). This last installment will feature Pink Diamonds, the signature look and name of Lise Watier's 2008 Holiday Collection, as featured on the model above. The Pink Diamonds look features two key products (see below) from the collection: the Pink Diamonds Palette ($36) for mesmerizing eyes and Pink Icing Lipstick ($18) for a stand-out pout!The Pink Diamonds Palette has five rich and pigmented shades that are perfect for that holiday look. The gorgeous colours of pearl white, vivid fuchsia, metallic silver, black sparkle, and gold shimmer come in a fashionable mock-croc palette. Each eyeshadow glides on smoothly for vibrant colours that will last you well into the evening. Use all five eyeshadows simultaneously (as on the model above) or any combination your heart desires! You'll have fun experimenting with the colours and textures of this palette, and you'll have a multitude of looks to carry you forward into the New Year!

Lise Watier's Pink Icing Lipstick is literally that - like icing on the cake! The creamy and metallic texture of this intense fuchsia looks and feels great on the lips. Use Pink Icing with Lise Watier's Black Stars Pencils or Precious (Liquid) Eyeliners for a bold lip look. Or pair it with the Pink Diamonds palette for a dramatic look that will have you set for any holiday party! Watch out for that mistletoe :)

The signature Pink Diamonds collection is perfectly named - just like diamonds, the make-up of this collection is a girl's best friend! Enjoy and Happy Holidays to all!

To see more Makeup Junkie coverage of the gorgeous products from Lise Watier, check these out:
24 Carats Gloss and Precious Eyeliners
Magic Pearls Eyeshadow and Black Stars Eyeliner Pencil

Merry Christmas from Makeup Junkie!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy Kwanzaa! Stay safe, be merry, and stay warm!! Peace and Love! xoxo

Holiday Look: Lise Watier Part II

...Lise Watier Holiday Collection continued!

II. 24 Carats Lip Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Liquid Liner Duo
With Lise Watier’s 24 Carats Lip Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Duo in tow, the hanging Christmas lights won’t be the only thing sparkling this season. The warm gold gloss and metallic liquid liners will help you achieve a delightfully rich holiday look!
24 Carats (pictured above) is a warm gold gloss with sparkles that brilliantly reflect the light. It has just enough stick to keep the sparkle where you apply it and feels comfortable on the lips. The gloss can be a bit gooey when coming out of the tube, but you quickly forget about that once you see the results. Usually I’m not a fan of smells when it comes to make-up, but the vanilla scent is so light that I actually find it pleasant! You can use 24 Carats on top of bare lips for a perfect pairing with a smoky eye (a la Magic Eye Pearls eyeshadow and eyeliner combination as in the previous post). Or layer it atop your favourite lipstick to kick up your lip look with some glitter. Any way you wear it, Lise Watier’s 24 Carats gloss is sure to give you a look that sparkles this holiday!

In addition to a smoky eye, another great pairing for 24 Carats is the liquid liner duo of Precious Eyeliners (see pic above). The liner comes with classic black on one end, and either metallic gold or silver on the other end. For a precious metals inspired look, apply the metallic eyeliner first keeping it tight to the lashline and drawing it slightly thicker. Use the black liquid liner next and again keep it tight to the lash line, but this time using a lighter hand to draw a thinner line. You can even smudge the metallic liquid liner to get a long-lasting intense eyeshadow effect. Just be sure to work quick, as lliquid iner generally tends to dry up fairly quickly. The two-in-one action of the liner duo is fab - just pop that baby in your purse, and you’re set for when need to take your daytime look into night!

24 Carats Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Duo make a killer combination, but both of these products can be mixed with the other fabulous products of Lise Watier's collection. See more from Lise Watier here!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: Last Minute Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

It's getting down to the wire and I'm sure many of you like me are scrambling for last minute gifts! Here are some great last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!

1. Pop Beauty Beauty Goddess Clutch ($25 USD): I love all in one palettes and Pop Beauty's all-in-one face palette is the must-have accessory for those holiday parties! Includes eight velvety shadows for endless combinations, one whisper pink and 1 peach bronze cheek glows, and one nude lip glow. You can expect rich, long-lasting colour. An accessory for your face and outfit - what more could a girl want?

2. Liplicious 2-in-1 Moisturizing Lip Colour & Sugar Scrub ($5 USD sale price): I've been looking for a great lip scrub that I don't have to wipe off and because this scrub is brown sugar you just need to lick your lips after buffing for soft, luscious lips in seconds. I like the shade of the lip colour on the other end, however I find it to be a bit drying and very waxy. You also have to be careful when applying the scrub as it disintegrates when warm. I would almost prefer to have the sugar scrub as one product because it is definitely a necessity in this cold, drying weather. But this lil' duo is a great buy for stuffing those stockings and you can beat the price!

3. Panasonic ES-8429 Shaver ($349.95 CAD): Lets not forget the special men in our lives! I love a smooth face I can snuggle with! Your man will no longer have to suffer from nicks and cuts with this shaver. With curved blades, the entire surface fits closely under the chin without problems. In addition, approximately 1,100 foil holes facing in 800 directions catch the hard to reach whiskers under the chin or under the nose. Just placing it against your skin automatically shaves cleanly. "Gives a very close shave that rivals a manual blade", says the hubbie! Once he goes electric he'll never go back!

4. Liplicious Dual Wand Lip Shimmer ($10 USD): New for the holiday season and ultra glamorous to create the perfect pout, this duo comes in a range of shades. The most universal duo is definitely the Platinum Glow and Gold Dust which is a silvery shimmer on one end and a gilded gold on the other. What I like most about this set is the convenience of two colours that work great on their own or to spruce up any shade you already own. Plus they aren't sticky and taste delish! Buy 2 get one free right now! Two for your friend and 1 for you (or vice versa)!

5. SLEEP Black Chamomile Pillow Mist ($10 USD): "The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads..." With the joy of family bonding, shopping for last-minute gifts and hosting dinner parties, the holiday season always gets the best of us with stress and exhaustion. This limited edition formula of Pillow Mist is enhanced with Chamomile essential oil, rescuing anyone in need of restorative, soothing sleep. At first I thought the scent was too strong but it fades into the sheets leaving a subtle, comforting aroma. This is a great unisex scent that will calm any room, and actually helps when you're aching for sleep. A good sleep is the perfect gift these days!

6. Sothys Homme Skincare: If you're tired of your man secretly using your face wash or lathering his face with your expensive moisturizer, surprise him with his own luxurious yet masculine skincare line! Sothys Homme skincare collection includes Detoxifying Active Cleanser to elimnate impurities and prepare skin for shaving, Exfoliating Scrub to clean pores and eliminate roughness, Hydrating Active Care a light non-oily moisturizer to keep skin supple, and Soothing After-Shave Balm to bring immediate comfort to the skin after shaving. He'll appreciate the masculine scents, packaging, and the look and feel of great skin!

Holiday Look: Lise Watier Part I

We’re closing in on those last few days of shopping for the Christmas season! For any last minute shoppers out there and any Makeup Junkies looking to spruce up their holiday looks – we have you covered! There are plenty of options to choose from with the gorgeous Lise Watier Holiday Collection 2008. (In fact, there are so many products Makeup Junkie loves from Lise Watier that we'll be reviewing them in several posts!) The products and colours of this collection suit a host of skin tones and Christmas wish lists!

I. Lise Watier’s Magic Pearls Eyeshadow & Black Stars Eyeliner Pencil
Lise Watier’s Magic Pearls Eyeshadows ($20) are dome-baked in an eye-catching swirl of colour. Choose from one of three swirl combinations: Gold, Orchid or Teal. The pigmented eyeshadows glide on smoothly in a colour that first appears to be black - but as you tilt your head in the light, you notice a subtle tint of the colour portion of the eyeshadow. When paired with one of the matching eyeliner pencils [in Black Gold, Black Orchid & Black Teal ($16)], the result is absolutely eye-catching!
I sampled Magic Pearls Eyeshadow in Orchid and paired it with its counterpart Black Stars Pencil in Black Orchid, a deep violet colour with small light-reflecting sparkles. The result was a sultry smoky eye that was fitting for an evening out. I love that the eyeliner is waterproof and long-wearing, which means you can party into the night without worrying about exaggerated raccoon eyes!

ARTIST TIP: Use Magic Pearls Eye Pearls eyeshadow with some water or Lise Watier Magnifix (an eyeshadow mixing medium) to produce a more intense liquid liner like effect.

Believe me, once you take a look at these shadows and liners – you’ll be thinking that they’re just too pretty to give away! So much for being done your Christmas shopping, but hey at least you'll look fab for all that partying!

Stay tuned for more from Lise Watier!!

Beauty Review: BECCA Foundation Stick

I was excited to test out the BECCA Stick Foundation (approximately $40 USD), as I’m always looking for the next kit essential to simplify my beauty routine. A foundation stick is a perfect go-to product, particularly when you’re hurried for time. It makes foundation application easy - no need for brushes and sponges - just apply, blend and go! The sample of stick foundation I had was a couple of shades too dark for my own skin tone, so instead I improvised and used it as a contouring stick. I loved how the BECCA foundation stick glided on creamy, but blended into the skin without feeling "thick".

Aside from applying well, the BECCA stick foundation is well-designed for skin care and protection. It offers a 30 SPF protecting against 97% of UVA and UVB rays. BECCA stick foundations are also infused with anti-oxidant vitamins A, D, and E that help promote collagen renewal and keep the skin youthful! Gotta love it.

BECCA Cosmetics was founded by Rebecca Morrice Wilson, a former make-up artist who decided to create her own beauty line after her search for the perfect foundation left something to be desired. The line now offers 34 foundation colours in a wide range of skin tones and in delectable names like Latte, Praline, Truffle and Butterscotch. Wilson's aim was to "make it possible for ALL women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion." The BECCA cosmetics line achieves beyond that with products that are both practical and delightful! Enjoy!

For us Canadian Make-up Junkies, BECCA is currently only available online at www.beccacosmetics.com.

Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips

GET THE HOLIDAY LOOK | Red Lips
If you’re donning that little black dress for your holiday party, a pair of red lips is the perfect make-up match to complete the look. Red lips make a bold statement and can be an intimidating colour to buy (and wear!). But rest assured, there is a red out there for everyone!

How to apply:
Trace the desired shape of your lips with a matching red lip liner. Lip liner will help prevent lipstick from feathering into the fine lines around the mouth. Fill the lip in completely with lip liner to act as a base for the lipstick. Blot. For a sharp finish, use a lip brush with your red lipstick and trace around the edges of the mouth. Then apply the lipstick directly to the mouth from the tube, swiping back and forth a couple of times on the top and bottom lip.

How to make it go the distance:
Once lipstick has been applied, blot with a one-ply tissue and reapply one more coat of lipstick. You can also take a large clean powder brush and while holding a tissue to cover your mouth, dust some translucent powder atop the mouth area using a brush. These methods will help stain the lips with some colour so if you end up caught under the mistletoe, you’ll still have some colour on the lips post-kiss!

Complete the look:
Keep the look balanced by going light on the eye make-up – a stroke of black liquid liner and neutral eyeshadow on the lids looks gorgeous with red lips. Red lips also have the tendency to make the face look washed out. Add blush/bronzer for colour and definition after applying lipstick, but use just a small amount so that the lips remain the strongest element of the make-up look.

Artist tips:
If red is still too bold, blot the colour slightly and apply a clear gloss atop to soften the look. If you're not a lipstick kind of girl, there are plenty of red lip stains or cherry coloured glosses to help you achieve that festive red look!

To avoid the dreaded lipstick-on-the-teeth look, take your index finger, place it in your mouth and pull it straight out. This technique will help remove any excess lipstick and keep your pearly whites in check!

It's best to first try on a red you plan on buying and looking at it outside of department store lighting. Use this as a guideline to narrow in on reds that will work best for you:
For pale skin tones, try a cool and bright cherry red. (Think Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera).
For medium yellow and olive skin tones, give a warm-toned fire-engine red a go.
For dark skin tones, try a berry colour or crimson red.

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Pretty Nails

Exclusively at KOHLS and here for a limited time only, Flirt Cosmetics introduces the Nail Wishes Holiday Set, $12.50 US. This set consists of 6 lustrous nail polishes in colours that’ll make the perfect accessory to any outfit. The pink packaging with holiday stars will bring cheer to any recipient or you can split up the set for economical yet lovely stocking stuffers.

The set includes: a snowy white, cotton candy pink, 24K gold, classic red, hot fuchsia and a vino burgundy. This is my first time trying this brand of nail polish and I am absolutely loving them. First coat applies streak-free with strong colour. Add a little base/top coat for extra long wear and you’re good to go!

www.flirtcosmetics.com

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Facial Treatments

The other day while braving the cold waiting for the bus, I could feel the harsh wind giving my skin a few slaps. My cheeks were rouge and not in a good way. Here are some new facial treatments I cannot live without this winter!

1. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($52 USD): If there is one skin care product I've fallen in love with this winter season it's this product! This frothy mask releases oxygen into your skin, leaving you instantly brighter, fresher and more youthful looking. You don't even have to wait 20 minutes or more before washing it off - all you need is 5 minutes! I love using this when my skin is looking its worse especially when I'm in a hurry. Seriously, my skin looks amazing and feels dewy soft. Flaky, sensitive skin? Then this is exactly the quick moisture fix your skin needs. Take home a little of the Bliss Spa experience with you everytime and anytime!

2. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion ($30 USD): Just like a foundation performs better with a primer, your skin care regime should begin with a product to help optimize its performance. This extremely light, hydrating lotion with Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms along with Ginger, Holy Basil and Turmeric quickly yet gently soothes and penetrates skin for hydration and a calmer complexion. Ever since I've started using this, I rarely have a flaky moment or sensitive flare ups. It's one skin saver your skin will happily soak up this winter season!

3. Origins Modern Fusion Skin Transforming Catalyst ($37 USD): This may have a fancy name but it really does transform the skin! A weightless serum containing a Rice Refinishing complex fused with radiance-restoring Rice Optics, dull, sallow skin will eventually disappear as will roughness, brown spots and signs of sun damage. It promises with regular use the glow, luminosity, clarity, vibrancy, and a more youthful experience will return! I've been using it for over 4 weeks now and my skin definitely looks brighter and more luminous. Even my dark spots and blemishes have lightened! It may be one too many steps in your skin care regime but after seeing the results it's worth it!

Makeup Junkie Urban Decay Set Winner!

Many apologizes again for the late announcement - I was having some problems with my laptop but all seems good again! The winner of the 2 Urban Decay Best of Urban Sets are:

Kerry!!

Congratulations! You will be contacted via email for your mailing address. Makeup Junkie hopes you enjoy this wonderful beauty prize! Again, we thank you to everyone that left a comment! I wish everyone could win but we promise there will be more chances in the New Year for more prizes!!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Great Skin

Having great skin is always on my list of wants and needs so why not be a doll and give it to your loved ones? Pamper them head-to-toe with these luxurious gift sets!

1. La Mer The Connoisseur Collection ($505 CAD): Alright, it's a little pricey but come on - it's La Mer! And when it comes to your skin you want only the best! This holiday pleaser includes Creme de la Mer (2 oz.) and The Eye Concentrate in a pearlized holiday box! The lucky person who receives this gift will be able to say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to a luminous future!

2. Ojon Tawaka - The White Ball ($65 USD): If you love Ojon for their hair care you'll love the brand for their skin care as well! This rich, decadent body cleansing and conditioning ball gives your skin a well-deserved treat! My skin is left soft, fresh and glowing! It also comes with a gorgeous tribal-inspired dark bowl for storage in the shower. Formulated without fragrance, artificial color, sulfates, silicones, or preservatives, "The White Ball" is a lavish luxury that suits all skin types.

3. Origins Extremely Green ($79.50 CAD): Give the gift of Green with this eco-conscious set! It includes Purifying Tonic to keep your skin clean and clear, Nourishing Face Lotion to soothe dry skin, Cleansing Body Bar and cotton bath mit to wash away impurities, and Silkening Body Spritz to hydrate skin. You just can't go wrong with gifts that are good for your skin and good for the environment!

Beauty Review: L'oreal Wear Infinite Star Secrets in Aishwarya Rai's Greens

L'oreal Wear Infinite Star Secrets in Aishwarya Rai's Green ($10.95 CAD):

It’s been a while since I’ve used L’oreal eyeshadows, but I’ve always loved L’oreal products and still swear by their Lineur Intense! I was excited to give the palette of Aishwarya Rai's Greens a test run - who wouldn't want even just a little bit of Aishwarya's glamour in their own make-up routine? It certainly can't hurt!

The colours of Aishwarya's eyeshadow quad are pictured at right. The first colour is a faint wasabi matte green that acts as a base for the application. (I thought this colour might make me look too sallow, but it actually turned out to be brightening and fairly neutral). The second shade is a matte cream to highlight underneath the eyebrow. The third shade is a shimmery moss colour to be used for definition in the crease. The fourth shade is a burnt brown to define the lashline.

The individual shadows of the quad were well-pigmented and smooth, blending with ease. The effect was actually very subtle; the burnt brown didn't appear as dark on my skin as expected (likely because of the shimmer texture to it). A cute thing I liked about the packaging was that it was very user friendly; it detailed on the back what eyeshadow went where on the eye, making it a great choice for novice eyeshadow users. The palette also works great for both day and night looks - just add eyeliner and deeper eyeshadow in the crease to translate this look into a smoky evening eye.

I did find that the long-lasting formula didn't last as long as I would have hoped, but I do tend to have slightly oily lids. The problem was alleviated when I applied a cream eyeshadow base before applying the eyeshadow. Despite that, Aishwarya's Greens quad is still a great deal for 4 eyeshadows that let you be your own star! Add some glamour to your routine today!

Available now at your local drugstores!

www.loreal.com

Beauty News: Benefit's Brow Bar

The Benefit Brow Bar is now open in Canada and just in time for the holiday season!

Who doesn't love perfectly arched brows? Visit the Brow Bar at Holt's located at 50 Bloor St. West in Toronto or call 416-922-2333 Ext 2599 for more info!

If you've had a chance to visit the Brow Bar, do share!

Holiday Look: 'Tis the Season for Glitter!

It’s the season for tinsel so why not add a little glittery glam to your evening look? Try out these products to add a little bit of sparkle and a whole lotta glam this holiday season:

Annabelle Silverstar Glitter Mascara
As part of their recent Space Baby collection, Annabelle released a glitter silver mascara, aptly dubbed Silverstar. I initially was a bit taken aback by the idea of glitter mascara. Whenever I hear the word "glitter", I have flashbacks to the '80s and memories of dancing to Fame & Flashdance soundtracks and rocking the ever popular legwarmer look! Needless to say, glitter has come a long way. Glitter is no longer the chunky bits that churn up my memories of the 80s. Today's glitter is finely milled with more of a subtle, but still eye-catching, sparkle.

In a mascara though? Whodathunkit?! But after giving Silverstar a test run, it turned out I was pleasantly surprised and an immediate convert!! Once applied, Annabelle's Silverstar mascara made my lashes look like they had been kissed by diamonds! The effect is actually very subtle, but catches the light brilliantly as you blink and bat away those lashes (and believe me, you'll be batting them even more!!).

I tried the mascara on its own a few times and then tried it again with a black mascara as a base. I preferred the look with the black base coat of mascara first. The black base coat helped give my lashes the necessary oomph factor to stand out (they need all the help they can get!). From there, applying the glitter mascara was like the icing on the cake! Be warned that this mascara is highly reflective, so it takes a little bit to get used to seeing sparkles in the corner of your eye (think of when a snowflake catches your eyelash - similar to that feeling!).

Glitter mascara is definitely a fun and super easy way to add sparkle to your evening out. So pop in it that purse, add a coat or two and bat those lashes (and the night) away!!


MAC Reflects Glitter
Similar to MAC Pigment, MAC Glitter has the same staying power and potent shine, but with a larger sparkle finish. You can use this versatile product around the eyes, on the lips and on the body! Add it atop your eyeshadow, apply it over your gloss or mix in a tiny bit with your body lotion for a simply dazzling effect.

I was lucky enough to scoop up a container of Reflects Transparent Teal Glitter, which looks amazing when you add a tiny bit to your lotion for use as a highlighter. Teal Glitter also looks great atop blue eyeshadows so layer it on for an extra pop!

Here are some more options for glitter around the eyes (Note: Try only one glitter look on the face at a time…otherwise you may risk glitter overkill!):

1. Use glitter to highlight the inner corner of the eye. Layer it atop a highlighting eyeshadow for a stand-out look that makes the highlighting eyeshadow more visible from afar.
2. Use a tiny amount of glitter and place it on a tissue (you can control the amount better this way). Use the tip of your ring finger or a sponge tip eyeshadow applicator and lightly pat on the centre of the eyelid (where the eye is the most prominent). This gives a nice highlighting effect that truly makes the eye come forward.

Disclaimer: Glitter has its limits, so be sure to consult here on how to make glitter work for you!

Makeup Junkie "Best In Bath & Body 2008" Survey Winner!

Many apologizes again for the late announcement of the Stila and Bobbi Brown beauty prize winner! I did not realize the survey was scheduled to close at midnight and we still had readers filling out the survey. Well, without further ado the winner of the Best In Bath & Body 2008 survey is:

Denise!!

Congratulations!! We hope you will enjoy this amazing beauty prize! Makeup Junkie is a fan of both Bobbi Brown and Stila and we know you will be too!

Thank you again to everyone that has participated! We wish we could send prizes to everyone but if you weren't a contest winner we have one more prize to give away! We will be giving away Urban Decay's Best of Urban Set in Baked and Spandex! All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address saying you want it! Easy right? Winner will be announced Wednesday, December 17 at 12 pm! Good luck!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Sophisticated Elegance

I'm a sucker for packaging especially around the holiday season when beauty brands go all out in the most exquisite packaging. These scented lovelies are for the friend, mother, co-worker, who enjoy sophisticated elegance.

1. Tocca Florence Bagno Da Viaggio Bath & Body Gift Set ($48 USD): A perfect gift for the woman who loves to travel. Included in this cream coloured box set inspired by old Italian candy boxes are travel-sized Florence shower gel, body lotion, and candelina. The luxurious lotion is very moisturizing and will help sooth dry, sensitive skin. The shower gel gently cleanses the skin while leaving the skin soft and smooth. The popular Tocca Candelinas will fill your room with a beautiful aroma. She'll be able to enjoy the fragrance of the orris rose scent of Florence wherever she goes. The boxed set makes gift giving easy especially for those last minute gifts!

2. Jo Malone Tasting Kit ($110 USD): Want to introduce a fragrance junkie to Jo Malone colognes? The Tasting Kit is a fabulous introduction set for the Art of Fragrance Combining. Jo Malone designed her scents to be layered with one another or worn individually. This kit comes with Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30 ml), and a tasting of three of its notes: Raspberry (9 ml), Casablanca Lily (9 ml), and Guaiacwood (9 ml). Pomegranate Noir is a sophisticated sensual scent that is spicy, woodsy, yet fruity. I usually love a combination of spicy fruity scents, but I'm on the fence with this one. It's a rather strong scent (the husband is not a fan) that sometimes makes me sneeze, but I'm still giving it a chance. The upside is that you have the option of mixing with the other 3 fragrances. Raspberry is just lovely on its own and my fave out of the set. Fragrance lovers will love creating their own signature scent. The leather boxed case alone makes a fantastic gift!

3. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Radiant Powder Spray in Vanilla Noir ($12.25 USD sale price): Vanilla lovers will love spritzing this on before an evening out. The Radiant Powder Spray will give your skin a kiss of golden shimmer and a sweet hint of Madagascar vanilla. It also leaves your skin velvety soft. My favourite part is the glamourous vintage bottle! How luxe would this look on your vanity?? Love!

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Holiday Look: All Aglow

Last night we put up the last of our ornaments on the tree and my son stood beside the twinkling lights illuminated and all aglow. It was such a precious moment! For brands like Prescriptives, their holiday collection, Aglow, was inspired by the light-catching effects against winter's frosty backdrop. Let your holiday look set you aglow in shimmery shades in all the right places.

1. Prescriptives Winter Reflections Warm Eye Color Quad ($54 CAD): I love neutrals and bronzy shades. These are my go-to colours for everyday when I'm not in the mood for something different. This was my first time trying Prescriptives eye shadows and I am impressed! Each shadow in this palette goes on velvety-soft. The pigment is amazing and the shimmery finish is just gorgeous. These are colours you can wear for day and night. Just swipe on Banana (far left) all over the lid and add Suede (2nd shade from left) to the center of lid and inner corner to brighten the eyes, and line the eyes with Chestnut (far right). If you're hurrying out to a party after work, swipe on Brunette (third colour on right) on the lid and contour and line with Chestnut for a dramatic effect. The compact comes with a mirror for those quick touch-ups! Also available in a Cool quad.

2. For that perfect luminous glow with a touch of colour, brush on Prescriptives Winter Reflections All Over Highlighter ($45 CAD) to the apples of the cheeks. It leaves a soft pink glow on the skin. If your cheeks are calling for a pop of colour, brush on your favourite blush and dust this highlighter over top for a luminous finish. You can also dust on lightly on the bridge of your nose and your chin for more radiance. These little pink and white balls provide a lot of pigment on your brush so tap the excess off onto a tissue.

3. Prescriptives Colorscope Lip Gloss in Rosy ($26 CAD) will have everyone wondering why your lips look so wonderfully plush. This soft pink pearly shade catches the light leaving a shimmery high-shine, pouty-full finish. I love this gloss on its own especially with a dramatic eye or over top of a lipstick for some extra oomph. You'll love this gloss for the non-stick factor and its ultra moisturizing qualities. Also available in Twinkling, Peachy, and Icy.

Have you tried Prescriptives Aglow Collection? Love it? Hate it?

www.prescriptives.com

Makeup Junkie "Best In Nails 2008" Survey Winner!

Makeup Junkie apologizes for announcing the winner a day late! There's just never enough time in the day! Alright, we're down to the second last survey and we know you are anxious to find out who the winner is. The winner of the fabulous Pink Beauty Lip Gloss Trio is:

Darlene!!

Congrats! These glosses are Makeup Junkie approved and we hope you like them as much as we do! We will be emailing you for your mailing address. Thank you to everyone that participated! There is one last survey so you still have the chance to win the Stila/Bobbi Brown beauty prize. Winner will be announced this Friday. We ask that you do not try entering the contest twice. Thanks!

And because we love our readers so much we will be doing a give away just for fun! Stay tuned for the give away details this Friday! It's a good one!

Beauty Review: L'Oréal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Powder (Pressed)

I wasn’t one to jump on the mineral make-up bandwagon (I love me my make-up and really don’t mind a full make-up routine of foundation, concealer and powder!). But for lighter days and times when you’re rushed, mineral make-up definitely makes sense...and it doesn't hurt that the ingredients are made to be better for your skin! For a mineral make-up product, I initially found L'Oréal's Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Powder to be quite heavy and even cakey in appearance. I thought it might be the flat brush that came with the product or the fact that it was a pressed (rather than a loose) powder that made the application seem to apply thicker than usual. Not one to give up on a product after only one try, I did manage to have better results on the second day by using a dome powder brush and a lighter hand in application. Using this type of brush helped to better distribute the powder over a larger area of the face - I didn’t have to keep dipping my brush to grab more powder for application, which also meant less risk of using too much product (likely the cause of the initial cake effect). Instead with the dome brush, it only took a couple of swipes and I was good to go!

In terms of coverage, the product was good without being too thick and cakey once I adjusted for the brush and technique. I did like the fact that when I checked the mirror at lunchtime, there wasn’t as much shine in the T-zone as other powders I’ve tested out. I tried to tweak the application technique for the remainder of the week, still using the dome powder brush and a lighter hand in application. I tried the powder with foundation on one day (I know...defeats the purpose of mineral make-up, but I had to try!) and without foundation on another day. With foundation, it worked as a good setting powder. Without foundation, it went on smoothly, but I had to ensure I thoroughly moisturized to avoid any drier areas of my face from standing out. Throughout the week, the results were the same: decent coverage that didn’t require much touch-up after a half day’s wear. I found L’oreal’s Bare Naturale to be an ok powder, but it lacked the wow-factor that made me think I have to scoop up several of these right now!! Also, since I had to use a separate brush not included in the orginal packaging, I think I will save the $12 that you’d pay for this and put that money towards a mineral powder that has that ‘it’ factor!

Have you tried L’oreal’s Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Powder? Did you have better results? Leave a comment and let Make-up Junkie know!

ARTIST TIP: If you feel like you’ve applied too much powder, use a clean buffer brush and use circular motions in the areas of concern to buff off any excess product.

Beauty News: Lancome Oscillation Mascara Launch!

The moment you Lancome fans have been waiting for is finally here! Lancome's much anticipated Oscillation Mascara ($39 CAD) will be available at The Bay locations all across Canada and online at www.lancome.ca December 6, 2008! If you were privy to the exclusive one day sale that happened November 20th at The Bay in Toronto and Montreal, this most sought after Lancome product of 2008 sold out in less than two hours!

Performing no less than 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, Lancôme Ôscillation was designed to mimic the zig-zag technique used by professional make-up artists. The combination of the micro-oscillations and UFD (Ultra Fine Dispersion) formula provide an ideal 360°coating around each and every lash. Lashes appear endless, reshaped and infinitely multiplied.

“This mascara is like no other. After years of research, I have come to the conclusion that the application of the formula around the lashes in a non-random, ordered way, charging the lashes homogenously, declares a new era in lash make-up,” explains Jean-Louis Guéret, designer of all the Lancôme mascara brushes. “With oscillatory movement, the make-up result is truly unique.”

At the push of a button, the vibration is activated and Ôscillation responds to all needs by extending, separating and multiplying lashes. Place the brush at the root of the lash and smooth it towards the tip, all the while maintaining pressure on the button. This simple technique ensures lashes have a pure finish with absolutely no trace of clumping (I found it clumped a bit but I still love it!).

Lancome Oscillation mascara will be available at Lancome counters everywhere else January 2009! Hurry out and get one - you'll love the transformation your lashes will get!

To read my review of Lancome Oscillation Mascara click here.

Have you tried Lancome Oscillation? Love it? Hate it?

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Bath & Body!

Makeup Junkie has reached the end of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 surveys with one last survey: Best In Bath & Body! I know, finally right? Well, your input on the best beauty buys for 2008 is important and we appreciate all you Makeup Junkies that have participated! The results will be posted towards the end of December so stay tuned!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Bath & Body 2008
Start: December 5, 2008
End: December 12, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 1 lucky winner will win 2 must-have palettes from Stila and 1 Bobbi Brown lip palette! Stila palettes: Day to Night Talking Palette and Smokey Eye Talking Palette in "The Emeralds". Bobbi Brown lip palette: Bobbi Brown Basics Lip Palette. These fabulous palettes will come in handy for those after-work holiday parties!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 12, after 12:30 pm! Good luck!