CityLine Show Full of Bloggers = A Rowdy, Chatty, and Gorgeous Bunch!

(Warning: Most pictures appear blurry and have bad lighting. You can blame that on my Blackberry!)

Pre-show: getting set up and bloggers seated.

I've always wanted to sit in the audience of CityLine, particularly during one of the Fashion Friday episodes. But when I was invited to join the audience for a special Blogger episode I jumped on the chance - couldn't be more perfect!

Me and familiar face Anita from, From L.A. With Love and Primped and Proper,  waiting for the show to start.

The show was aimed at bloggers and how social media has changed all different industries from design, food, being a working mommy, and of course beauty! I had no idea who would be attending so when I arrived, I was immediately greeted with the familiar smiling faces of my fellow beauty bloggers. Everyone looked gorgeous and colourful. The energy in the green room was super hype especially when CityLine's stunning host, Tracy Moore, came in the room to say hi!

The two gorgeous Tracy's - Tracy Peart and Tracy Moore!

The show had some great guests including Erica Ehm from Yummy Mummy Club and one of my favourite makeup artists CityLine's awesome Tracy Peart! This was the only show where audience members could tweet and be on their phones. It was hilarious to see everyone's heads down furiously tweeting away! 

Each guest gave many wonderful tips on Do's and Don'ts of social media. Tracy P. had a good one that I also see often - if you're leaving a comment on another blogger's site don't include a your own website's url. I get it - you want to give your site more exposure but it may come across as spamming someone's site and the comments don't seem genuine. Other bloggers will eventually follow your blog if you visit and comment on their site regularly.


My favourite part of the show was of course the beauty segment with Tracy P.! She shared her favourite beauty products to use: cult classic L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (used to be a staple of mine - forgot how much I loved it! Will have to pick up the water-proof version.), Vasanti Liquid Cover Up, Hard Candy Visibly Wet Lip Pencil, and a new favourite of mine M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter. I have been using this a lot and I love it! Best part - we got to take Tracy's favourites home along with some other awesome giveaways! Tracy is always giving tips on her beauty blog and does beauty how-to videos on CityLine.ca - be sure to check her out for some pro tips!

I asked Tracy a few questions about beauty and social media - here's what she had to say!

MJ: Favourite Spring makeup trend?
Tracy: My favorite makeup trend for Spring 2011 is bright, brilliant, neon colors for the eyes. Whether it be an eyeshadow all over the eye or an eyeliner just to accent the eye. I'm excited about BOLD colors being IN again!

MJ: Favourite product for Spring trends?
TP: My favorite product that will work with the Spring Trend, is an oldie but a goodie "Electric Eel" Eyeshadow by MAC. It's an outgoing color that can be worn subtly or loudly!

MJ: Best thing about starting your blog and being on Twitter?
TP: Best thing about blogging and being on Twitter is all the new people I've come into contact with. Whether it's makeup companies, or the everyday woman who looks to my blog for advice, or fellow Bloggers like you! Before being involved with social media, I didn't know them and they didn't know me. For instance, you and I met at a Blogger Party and remain in contact via Twitter! It's GREAT!
And it's true - love Twitter for connecting with other like-minded peeps! Thanks Tracy!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to stick around after the show to get more pictures and to attend the Tweetup at the ritzy Ritz Carlton. It was a fun experience and it's always good to see my beauty blogger sistas! The show airs March 29 at 9 am so don't miss it! Thank you to CityLine and Tracy P. for the invite! Here are some more photos from the show!

Me tweeting away with lovely bloggers, Anjali from Rock That Look and Anita! Photo courtesy of Michelle from Lipstick Rules!

My lovely gal Jenn from Spiced Beauty and Michelle.

Some of the great beauty bloggers at the show: 

Spring Beauty Review: O.P.I. Pirates of Caribbean Stranger Tides - The Greens Are Winning Me Over!


The softer sides of green are drawing me in and is now this season's "it" colour of the moment for me. I'm loving all versions in teal, mint green, and now this more muted sage shade from O.P.I's Pirates of Caribbean collection called Stranger Tides.


Stranger Tides is not a shocking shade for spring, but it's a new neutral without being so neutral. On my skin tone, it looks more natural but I imagine on someone more fairer it would stand out a lot more. I love this shade especially since it's one I definitely don't own already. The only thing I find with this cream collection is that you need to apply 3 coats to cover evenly (maybe it's just the way I apply it). Otherwise, it's a lovely shade to add to your spring collection! 

Have you tried this O.P.I. shade? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

To see my review of Mermaid's Tears click here.

Available May 2011 and retails for $10.95 CAD.

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I really love it. 
 

Beauty Confession: My Bad Beauty Habit

Being a makeup artist, I pride myself on helping other women look and feel their very best whether it be giving flawless skin or beauty tips. But even this makeup junkie has a few bad beauty habits with this particular one being the worst. I would never tell other women to do this! 


Yikes! These are the state of my nails at the moment. I don't know what it is about nail polish remover (maybe the rancid smell), but I am lazy when it comes to removing my polish. As soon as I see a chip, I start picking and peeling at it until the point of no return. It's a bad habit and I'm addicted to it. I'll sit on my couch watching a show peeling my polish, not realizing the mess of chipped polish around me until my nails are all bare. In the end, my nails look horribly damaged. I'm not sure how much damage I'm actually doing to my nails but they don't look pretty. And as a makeup artist, my hands are always in my client's face so this is just embarrassing!


This is the wicked colour that was on my nails when they were all pretty looking. Meet Cheeky Monkey's Raunchy Bitch ($15 CAD). It's an awesome dark metallic blue with purple undertones. It lasted on me for about 3 or 4 days max but the shade collection is unique and the names are hilarious! It's also a Canadian company! I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Andrea Pahn, at Stephanie Daga's The Beauty Board event back in November. If you have ever met her then you'll know her line reflects her humour to the 'T'! If you don't have a sense of humour or are more on the conservative side, then this line probably won't appeal to you especially with names like "Hot Slut" or "Party Whore". Otherwise, check out this line - cosmetics are supposed to be fun so just go with it!

What are your bad beauty habits?

Spring Beauty Review: Get Glowing With Stila's Spring Collection!


Are you a Stila girl? My first purchase at Sephora back in the day was Stila's classic click pen gloss in Apricot and Seashell eyeshadow that came in the cardboard packaging. It's been a while since I last purchased anything from Stila but the Spring collection is drawing me back! 


Stila Kitten All Over Shimmer Duo in Kitten ($29 CAD): Stila's best-selling shadow, Kitten, now comes in a multi-purpose all over shimmer! The duo includes a pale iridescent pink and Kitten, a glowing gold. I love that it has two different shades and comes in such a sleek compact. This has been my go-to shimmer powder in my kit. The finish leaves your skin with a natural, luminous glow that gives you that healthy J-Lo glow. And the fact that you can use it as a shadow and a highlighter is a bonus!


Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Ethereal ($26 CAD): If you love shimmery shadows then you will love these trios. These lovely shadows can be worn wet or dry. Even when worn dry the pigment is pretty strong. This trio is also a no-brainer even for a makeup novice. It includes a light base shade (light pinky tan with shimmer), a medium lid shade (light mauve grey with silver shimmer), and a dark shade (dark brown with gold pearl) that can be used as a liner. But of course you can mix up the shadows any way you like. This is quite a shimmery palette so I would off-set it with a matte shadow in the crease especially if you'll be photographed. Ethereal pulls out the warmer tones in my skin which can make me look more sallow. To make it work for me, I use a cooler toned dark purple or dark brown. The sleek packaging also makes it kit friendly which I love! Ethereal is a new one for Spring and is also available in Gilded.


Stila Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($29 CAD): Being on-the-go all the time, I really appreciate multi-functional products that really work. There are a lot of products out there that claim to work on all areas of the face but skimp out on long-lasting pigment or just don't work on the eyes. I've always kind of passed by Stila's lip & cheek stains but have always wanted to try them. I have a lot of cheek stains, but have never found a bronzy shade that didn't look blotchy or streaky. The rose-gold tones in this bronze gel-stain makes it really wearable as a blush. The gel texture blends lovely onto the skin and isn't sticky but offers a nice dewy glow that stays on all day. I love layering a powder blush over top for some dimension or for lasting wear. I don't usually gravitate towards bronze shades on the lips, but the rose undertone really perks it up. It lasts a bit longer than a full-colour lipstick but I found once I ate anything oily it would come right off (oil does remove makeup!). The click-style pen applicator is super portable and easy to use! Now I want to try the other shades!

Have you tried Stila's spring collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Stila's Spring collection is available now at various Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques.

www.stilacosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I really love them!

Beauty Review: Fresh Supernova Mascara


It always makes me feel great to use products that contain more natural ingredients than the rest. Fresh is all about using nature’s gifts in all of their products – what a great philosophy!

Fresh’s Supernova ultra-conditioning mascara contains natural ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and linden bud extract which nourishes and fortifies lashes. What’s even better is that it doesn’t contain alcohol, sulfate, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

Application is a breeze, and it holds true to its claim that it defines, thickens, lengthens, and curls in one coat. However, applying another coat creates a more dramatic look if that’s what you’re trying to achieve.

The curved brush is very effective at coating and separating lashes, and preventing clumping. Removal is super easy with soap and water, which is always a plus.

The only issue I had with this mascara is that it tended to smudge slightly throughout the day on my upper and lower eyelid. Overall, I was pretty impressed with this product having used the same mascara for years.

Fresh’s Supernova mascara only comes in black, and retails for $25 at Sephora. 

Have you tried this mascara? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 


by Brooke

Spring Beauty Review: You Want Colour? Shu Uemura's Morphorium Blue Palette Is Full Of Sweet, Sweet Colour!




















In case you missed the Spring beauty forecast, bold colour is everywhere this season! For my everyday, my makeup is pretty boring and this coming from a makeup artist. Bronzy brown lids, mascara, concealer, pink or peach blush, bronzer, and a pink or peach lipstick or gloss are pretty much what I wear during the week. Before child (B.C.), I relished being in my 20's and loved wearing bright bolds on the eyes. But After Child (A.C.), I've become quite the plain jane simply because it's quick and I don't want to stand out too much in the crowd of moms wearing sweats at my kid's school.

When I first opened Shu Uemura's pretty new spring palette, Morphorium, it awakened the youthful silly girl that is still in me. I am in love with the bright purple and blue shades! I may not sport these during the day but I'll at least consider these hues when going out on the weekend now.


Shu Uemura's makeup never skimps on pigment. What you see is what you get. During a recent wedding, I had the chance to pull out this palette to create a purple smokey eye. I was so excited because I much prefer applying bold colours on other people plus I don't get to do too many evening weddings and this look was very appropriate.

All the shades with the exception of the deep purple have a shimmery finish. The bronze shade is actually a cream that you can use as a base. The chartreuse-gold was a bit more glittery and grainy than the other shades. I used this sparingly as a highlighter only in the inner corner of the eyes. The Shu Uemura ad uses the vivid blue shade as the focal of the look all over the lid and the deep purple as an accent in the crease to add dimension. At the wedding, I used the deep purple all over the lid and into the crease and added dimension with a black shadow and liner to give it a smokey effect. I used the sheer pinky-peach blush with silver shimmer to compliment the eyes. It gives the cheeks a very pretty glow. I finished the look with a soft pink lipstick and gloss.

I love the presentation of Shu Uemura's palettes. They are always so colourful with an artistic finish. This latest one is definitely spring in a palette, however, at $69 USD is pretty pricey. It also comes in a neutral palette called Sunset Gold but I'm sure most of you already have a lot of these shades. To be honest, although all the shades work beautifully together the deep purple is the only shade I'd actually use. If that's the case, you may want to just purchase a single shadow in this shade at a much cheaper cost. 

Have you tried Morphorium Blue Palette? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Spring Beauty Review: O.P.I. Pirates of Caribbean Mermaid's Tears - A Green I Can Get On Board With!


Finally, a green that I actually love! If you've read my blog in the past then you know green nails and I do not mix. Over the past years, bright day-glo shades have dominated the nail scene for spring. I'm actually loving the softer side of nails this season. I tend to gravitate to more bold, bright or deep hues but this season pastels have my heart!

O.P.I's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a beautiful, serene collection with a bit of edge. The collection comes with Silver Shatter which gives it that spackle, shatter effect that you're seeing everywhere now. I have a few favourites from the collection I'll be sharing, but for now lets gush over Mermaid's Tears!


I really heart this shade. It's been a while since I've fallen in love with a nail polish! Mermaid's Tears is a lovely pastel teal green. It really compliments my skin tone. I did find the first coat to be a tad streaky and I had to apply 3 coats to really get a full coat. Other than that I loved it! O.P.I.'s nail brushes are hands down the best for my wide nail beds.

What nail collections are you looking forward to? What do you think of the "shatter" nail trend?

Available May 2011 and retails for $10.95 CAD.


Product was sent for editorial consideration and I really love it.

Spring Beauty Review: Clinique Milly Pretty In Prints Palette


Spring is looking pretty! Clinique has partnered with Michelle Smith, renowned fashion designer of women's fashion and accessories, Milly, to create this positively pretty palette for Spring! The colours and print of the little sash bag were designed in a signature print from her collection. The print was inspired by a couture 1960's print.



Clinique Milly Pretty In Prints Palette (Limited Edition, $43 CAD) is a wearable palette for many skin tones but leans more towards warm skin tones. I was actually surprised by the strong pigment and long-lasting finish. The eye shades have a pearly finish all except the rich brown that is a matte. This has become one of my favourite palettes of neutrals to use on myself and my bridal clients. Since it's not frosty it doesn't look too shiny on the eyes and photographs nicely. You can create so many looks with this palette from subtle to dramatic. 

The Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy is a very pretty pink with peachy-gold undertones. It reminds me of NARS Orgasm blush. It's not too shimmery and leaves a gorgeous glow on the skin.

The Long-Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Milly Pink (LE) does have a long-lasting shine. I was surprised how shiny my lips were after hours of wear. It doesn't feel too sticky and adds incredible moisture to my dry lips. The pink shade is pretty sheer and doesn't really show up on my lips. If you don't have a lot of colour on your lips and have fair-medium skin it will appear as a soft pink, otherwise use it over your favourite lipstick for lots of juicy shine! 

Overall, I love the packaging with the print on the compact and the little bag you can throw all the products in. If you love neutrals with a splash of pink this is a great basic palette to have! 

Available on counters Spring 2011. 


Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Happy International Women's Day!

Photo Source: boncherry.com

Happy International Women's Day to all the amazing, beautiful, hilariously funny and intelligent women I know and admire! How are you celebrating the woman in you? Being a woman rocks! Hug a woman who has inspired you, send a special note to a woman that has touched you in some way, and show your love to all the women you admire. A woman's revolution is happening all over the world. Feel free and liberated! 

As a mother of a 4.5 year old with another one on the way, I raise my glass to women everywhere who give so much of themselves each and every day. Make some time for yourself today and love the woman you are and the woman you will become!

Found this article on the history of International Women's Day. Check it out here!

Spring Beauty Review: The New Lip Gloss: NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil


Are glosses taking on a new form? Are you loving these chubby lil' sticks of colour that many brands are carrying now? Don't worry - wand glosses aren't going anywhere but I'm loving glossy pencils. They are super portable and so easy to apply.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils now come in a gloss form! The Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils ($30 CAD) comes in 6 beautifully glazed shades just in time for Spring. They glide on smoothly, are light-weight and emollient with a slightly tacky texture. These chub-sticks leave your lips looking sensuously luminous.They offer a nice shine and pigment - the more you apply the shinier and stronger the colour is. The pigment doesn't last as long as a lipstick but for sure lasts longer than your regular gloss.You want a multi-tasking lippie? Use this to line your lips then fill in the entire lip! Can be worn alone or with over top of your favourite lipstick. One minor downside? The smell is a little off - smells a little waxy but doesn't last. 

L-R: Baroque and Hopi

Baroque is a beautiful raspberry sorbet shade. It's bold but the softer side of bold just perfect for Spring. I lovely the shimmer and the deepness of the raspberry. Wear with minimal eye makeup, bronzer on the cheeks, and this lippie for a fresh yet sexy look this season. Hopi will be your new favourite neutral for Spring! Love this honey beige hue - it's a nude that won't leave you looking dead and will compliment this season's bright pops of colour on the eyes. 

Check out some of the stunning stills and the short film created to celebrate the launch of Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils featuring Canadian model, Heather Marks. Makeup is so fresh and beautiful! Directed by Ruth Hogben. 






NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils are available on counters now nationwide. Have you tried these gloss pencils? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What's your favourite shade?

www.narscosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Beauty Review: Maybelline Superstay 24 Color




















How great would it be if you only had to apply lipstick once throughout day? Maybelline’s Superstay 24 lip colour makes the claim that it’ll last 24 hours if applied properly. This dual ended lip product works by applying the richly pigmented colour to clean, dry lips. Once the colour dries completely – which takes about two minutes – you apply the conditioning balm to add moisture and sheen.

L-R: Timeless Rose and Always Hot Chili

This is a very effective product at a great price point. I tried two different colours – Always Hot Chili and Timeless Rose. The colours are highly saturated, and even though I did have to reapply a couple times during the day, it did last significantly longer than many other lip products I’ve used in the past. I found that the key to maintaining smooth looking pout was to reapply the conditioning balm often.

Whenever I see that a lip product that claims to last all day, I’m always a little wary considering how often we drink water or coffee, eat or brush our teeth throughout the day. When applied properly, I believe this product puts forth a valiant effort. The first time I tried to apply it, I must have applied the conditioning balm prematurely which resulted in the lip colour shifting and clumping on my lips. Definitely not the type of product to apply while you’re in a rush!

Since these colours are highly pigmented, I would recommend using this product to accentuate your lips as the focal point, pairing it with a more neutral eye colour. [Editor's note: If you like the idea of long-lasting colour but find the colours too pigmented, where as a stain by dabbing the colour on with your finger. The effect is a bit of colour that will last all day.]

Available at drugstores and retails for $9.99 CAD.

Have you tried Superstay 24 Color? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration. 

Milan FW F/W 2011 Beauty: Giorgio Armani Trend Report

Milan FW F/W 2011 Giorgio Armani

An image that suggests a world of dreams; dreams that evoke tales of passion.The Giorgio Armani woman is dressed with soft pink make-up. Directly inspired by the soft pink tones from the Giorgio Armani collection, Linda Cantello re-interprets boudoir playing with light and shadow. Focusing on graphic eyes, more than make-up she creates illusion.

Milan FW F/W 2011 Giorgio Armani
 
"A new femininity a contrast between soft satiny dusty pinks on eyes, lips and cheekbones, with a new contemporary take on eyeliner, two black parallel lines worn under the eyes as opposed to on top. Strength and softness. A sensual new vision for woman." Linda Cantello

Photos provided by Giorgio Armani Cosmetics.

Spring Beauty Review: Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in Stellar


Eye primers are essential period, but even more so if you want to wear the bright hues of Spring this season. Despite Kat Von D's choices in men (Jesse James? Really? Really!), her love for permanent designs gave me an idea that her eye primer would be anything less than amazing.

The High Voltage Eye Primer ($20 CAD) is very light-weight and has a silky smooth texture. It feels really great on the eye. Your eye makeup stays on all day without creasing. You have to apply with a wand applicator which works fine when swiping across the eye, but I prefer squeeze tubes since you know when the product is finished.


The primers come in 3 shades: Skin (universal neutral beige), Smoky (sultry deep grey), and new for Spring, Stellar (pink beige pearl). I prefer my primers to be either colourless or nude with no shimmer. Stellar has a soft shimmer so it's not too shiny under other shadows. I do find the shade a little light for my colouring but underneath a shadow it's not noticeable. It definitely helps intensify the colour though. When I'm in a rush, I like swiping a little on as a quick shadow. Overall, it's not a primer I would normally reach for because of the shimmer and the shade, but I'm interested in trying the other 2 shades. 

Have you tried Kat Von D's eye primers? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?


Product was sent for editorial consideration.

If I Had To Choose...Oscar Favourites

I wasn't planning on watching the Oscars in its entirety, but all the hype about James Franco and Anne Hathaway presenting peeked my interest. The youngest presenters to ever host the Oscars - pretty big deal. Not that I know, but I can imagine hosting a show as big as the Oscars isn't an easy thing. That being said, I kind of feel sorry that they bombed so bad! Wow, awkward much? It was so uncomfortable watching them host - no chemistry at all. Where James lacked in charisma, Anne sure did make up for it - a little too much. But she redeemed herself with her 8 gorgeous outfit changes. My favourite were here sparkling shoes she wore with the man tux - oh and her shimmering lashes! Love!

As for the red carpet fashion, I was a little disappointed that most stars decided to tone it down for the Oscars. It seems like by the end of award season all the effort was just gone. But there were a few stunners and repeat favourites.

Best Dressed:

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Natalie definitely represented us prego ladies! Of all the award shows, this gorgeous eggplant Rodarte number was my fave. The dress just draped beautifully on her and overall she was just glowing! Let me tell you - I went out this past weekend trying to find a dress for a wedding that wouldn't make me look like a tent. It was hard, but I finally found one that fit in all the right places!

Runner Ups

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein

I loved both the looks from Mila Kunis and Jennifer Lawrence. The vintage lace detail of Mila's Elie Saab dress was amazing!! I also loved the lilac colour which really stood out on the red carpet. The vintage feel of her hair and soft makeup were perfect.

Jennifer Lawrence on the other hand was the complete opposite. Simple, chic and effortless. From the top up it may remind you of Pamela Anderson from Baywatch but this dress just worked for her. It was young, hip, and fit her body so well. Super sexy without looking slutty - hard balance in Hollywood! 

 Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Love seeing a 14 year old look like a 14 year old! Hailee, America's new sweetheart, looked darling in this Marchesa gown. She looked like a princess ballerina - so girly and soft. Up and coming young starlets - take note!

Halle Berry in Marchesa

Another Marchesa favourite, this is probably my favourite look of hers of all the award shows this season. Plus, it's Halle Berry - put a garbage bag on her and she would rock it! She's just stunning. That. Is. All. 

Most Improved:

Michelle Williams in Chanel

I am so glad Michelle turned in her over-sized daisies for this sleek number from Chanel. She looked great, but is it just me or is she super awkward in interviews? Probably best to lay off the Xanax!

Who were your Oscar favourites? What did you think of the show? Hit or miss?

Photo source: JustJared.com