Cover FX Marketing Coordinator, Melissa, being swarmed by fans!
The Cover FX gals were in full force yesterday outside the Toronto Eaton Centre. In case you hadn't heard, Cover FX planned a flash mob event outside the Eaton Centre to hand out a free full size Conceal FX. It didn't take me long to find the mob - just follow the crowd!
I arrived 5 minutes after the event started and I was blown away by the hoards of people already there. I loved watching all the madness and excitement of beauty lovers and Cover FX fans clawing for a free concealer.
Cover FX is the first beauty brand that I know of that has done a flash mob and it was a success! I think the gals ran out of concealers within the first 10 minutes or so. I thought it was adorable how a guy came down to pick one up for his girlfriend but was out of luck. There was just no way he was going to get through a crowd of makeup loving women!
The lovely Cover FX team decked out in camouflage!
I was able to snag a full size of Conceal FX in Deep and a soft pack sample of Light. Review will be in a next post so stay tuned! It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to be apart of a beauty flash mob! Don't mess with a woman and her free beauty product! I also ran into a few beauty bloggers that I've been wanting to meet!
Me with pretty Arianne from The Glitter Geek! I feel like I've known her forever and after all these years finally met! Not pictured, I also got to meet up with You Tuber and beauty blogger, Mariana! Thanks to Melissa and the Cover FX gang for hosting such a great flash mob freebie!
Happy Earth Day! I think often we walk this earth and take it for granted. It's so vast that we don't think about how everything around us is all connected. We don't realize that whatever happens to the earth directly affects us. I still get surprised when I see people throw their trash on the city streets and sidewalks. I say, take care of the earth like you would take care of your home.
I'm celebrating Earth Day by wearing some new eco-friendly favourites from Canadian line Revolution Organics! Revolution Organics products are formulated with 100% natural and 85% certified organic ingredients. You won't find harsh chemicals, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum or artificial ingredients in their products. The packaging is also 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed ($36.95 CDN): I've always been a fan of multi-tasking products. Some critics think you lose some level of quality with multi-use makeup, but I've always found them useful on its own or for layering. This ultimate multi-tasker beauty balm can be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks for a natural dewy finish. It is also formulated with cold-pressed organic olive oil and deeply moisturizing organic coconut oil to keep your skin hydrated. The cool stick packaging makes it convenient for on-the-go gals. The line doesn't have nearly the same amount of shades as NARS' cult classic, The Multiple, but it's a good dupe that is cheaper and all-natural.
I adore Blushed, a true rosy flush. It truly is a beautiful shade and a fantastic perk-me-up that makes you look like you're glowing from within. The formulation never looks like it's sitting on your skin. Upon opening, the bright pop of pink may shock you but once on the skin applies sheer and can be layered for the perfect amount of pigment. Made with pure mineral pigment, the colour lasted on my cheeks all day with a setting powder and required a mini touch-up with no setting powder (I love my blush!).
On the lips, it feels like a lip balm but looks like a stain. I love it. When I'm in a rush, I dab a bit on my lips and I'm good to go. It had good staying power. Now, most wouldn't think to use this shade on the eyes but if you're into pinks you can use this to make your powder shadows pop. Apply first in the outer corner or in the crease and layer a pink powder shadow over top for more depth and staying power. Combine with a soft shimmering pink, white, or gold - pretty!
Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Integrity ($28.95 CDN): I love all the names because they inspire and evoke a feeling. Integrity is a shimmering golden rose. I'm already a fan of these ultra-moisturizing good-for-you glosses (you can read my review here). It is lovely shade and is very sheer. On its own it gives me a pretty shimmer with a hint of colour and highlights the lips when layered over a lipstick. This is the only gloss my son lets me kiss his cheeks with so that's an A+ in my books! It may be a little pricier than other brands, but that's the price you pay for quality, good-for-you products.
There are many ways to be good to the environment whether it is using reusable bags, eating organically grown foods, or using only all-natural beauty products. Do some beauty good with these earth friendly tips:
Use beauty products that aren't made with toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and bad for your body.
Refillable palettes are a great way to reuse, reduce, recycle. Palettes are also great space savers.
Choose brands that only use recyclable and 100 % biodegradable packaging. Some lines also offer a recycling program. Check this site for a list of recycling programs.
What are some of your earth-saving tips? Have you tried Revolution Organics? Love it? Hate it? Want it?
Makeup Junkie is thrilled to announce our Mother's Day contest give away featuring a gift basket from Philosophy worth $250! I've been a fan of the brand for a long time, particularly the yummy smelling 3 in 1 shower gels and Purity Made Simple. I love the whole 'philosophy' behind the brand - skincare that improves your physical appearance and your inner well-being. Their products are always packaged in fun 1950's inspired themes.
Mother's Day is one of my favourite holidays. After many years of spoiling my mom, I finally get to be spoiled and have a day all to myself! Being a mother has given me a greater appreciation and love for my mom's experience as a single mother of 3. And thanks to my mom, I credit her for my love of beauty products. #1 beauty tip my mom instilled in me? Take care of your skin! My mom's skin is like a baby's bottom and looks as youthful as a teenager's! She never goes a day without moisturizing her skin.
Here are the contest details (open to Canadian and U.S. residents only):
Twitter about our Philosophy Mother's Day contest and mentioning @MakeupJunkieJDT. Spread the word!
Leave a comment sharing the best beauty tip your mother has ever told you.
Contest will run until May 5th at 12 pm. One lucky winner will be randomly chosen and announced the same day.
Easy right? Now do you want to see what you'll be winning?
1. Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath ($17-34.50 USD): Best selling, uniquely feminine, moisturizing shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath created for the most gracious bodies. Because it is formulated with nourishing milk proteins, it calms even the most sensitive skin and nourishes the driest hair. clean skin and hair never smelled so amazing.
2. Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Firmed Body Emulsion ($22-44.50 USD): Amazing grace perfumed firming body emulsion is enriched with natural olive and macadamia nut oils to help soften skin and aid in moisture retention while shea butter helps nourish dry skin. Vitamins e and c provide antioxidant protection, and a firming ingredient helps tone the skin leaving it feeling velvety soft and smelling beautiful.
4. Philosophy Help Me Retinol Treatment ($18-45 USD): An award-winning, clinically-tested nighttime retinol cream. This advanced skincare treatment minimizes the appearance of large pores, fine lines, improves skin discoloration and clears congested pores.
5. Philosophy The Oxygen Peel In-Home Kit ($50 USD): The oxygen peel is a two-step skin rejuvenation treatment for problem skin. This unique, long-standing customer favorite bathes the skin in oxygen while rapidly exfoliating, smoothing and hydrating the skin.
6. Philosophy Makeup Optional Kit ($78 USD): This 4 step daily skincare regimen with a 2 step weekly peel treatment is designed to give you radiantly clear, beautifully bright and impeccably smooth skin. The kit includes: purity made simple one-step facial cleanser 8 oz., when hope is not enough firming and lifting serum 1 oz., hope in a jar world-famous moisturizer 2 oz. and hope in a tube eye and lip firming cream .5 oz. plus a three week supply of the microdelivery peel.
Amazing right? Pamper the special women in your life or yourself with this phenomenal gift basket full of all your skincare needs! I might just enter - kidding! Good luck! xoxo
I love being a makeup artist, but lugging around a heavy kit full of makeup is the bane of my existence! When I started out, I carried my makeup in the traditional aluminum case you get in makeup school. As my makeup stash grew, I graduated to a cheap carry-on luggage. Sure, it fit everything I needed but my makeup was loosely packed in there causing shadows and blushes to break from being dragged around the city. Eventually, I learned to cut down my kit and only take what I really used versus packing everything I owned. I was able to fit everything into a big shoulder gym bag. It was compact, but totally killed my shoulder.
Enter the Zuca! The buzz about the Zuca Pro Sport bag has been going on for a while and I know of many makeup artists that swear by it. For my birthday my husband, the sweetie that he is, wanted to buy me a Zuca that I had been lusting after for a while (but really I think he was tired of me complaining). Now, if it were in the budget the Zuca Pro Sport bag would have been my choice, but at $295 USD it just wasn't going to happen.
I ended up getting the Zuca Sport which is $130 USD without the utility pouches (on ebay it's $10 cheaper and I wasn't charged a custom's fee). The utility pouches, although really functional, were not a huge priority as I use clear packs already so to save on costs opted out. I figure when my clear bags give way, I can buy later on. It's 1 inch smaller in length compared to the Zuca Pro Sport which is not much. I was almost going to buy the soft kit with wheels on Yazmo but the double wheels are what sold me. Going up stairs, especially subway stairs, is a workout. The double wheels also make it easier on the kit and prevents getting banged up.
Here is where I store the majority of my makeup and tools.
Doesn't seem like much right? If I kept everything I've accumulated over the years as a makeup artist and a blogger, I would need a whole room dedicated to just beauty products! I even know when enough is enough! If you know me, then I've probably given you a bag of beauty products at some point. Every month or so I go through my stash and weed out the ones I'll never use. My friends love coming over because they know they'll be leaving with some sweet swag.
This is where I store products I still need to test and review (this is not including products laying around in the living room!). Some will make the kit and some will not. In the words of Heidi Klum, "You are out"!
And after all that, this is what I take on a typical bridal job (hot wheel car not included). Like I said, I've learned to cut down - am I really going to use a bright blue shadow on a bride? Probably not. Don't let those clear bags fool you (3 Clear Bags from The Powder Group and the flap velcro pouch from Make Up For Ever) - they are stocked up with loads of product and carry all the essentials I need. However, for a fashion or beauty shoot I'd have to stick my hair stuff in a separate bag that can sit right on top.
This is what the inside of the Zuca looks like after it's all packed up. I pack any miscellaneous items in the extra pouches and compartments - so handy for lashes, sponges, mascara wands etc. I love the mesh compartment inside the top of the bag for extra palettes and pigment powders. My clear bags fit really well in there, but I'm thinking the utility pouches probably carry more. I'll probably buy a few later on (on back order on the Zuca site until June!).
All packed up and ready to go! I've taken it out a few times now on a couple of jobs and so far I'm extremely happy with the purchase! Did I mention that the top of the bag can be used as a seat that can support up to 250 lbs? I was hesitant to sit on it but it came in handy waiting for a couple of buses. Yup, the aluminum frame is pretty solid.
The wheels move around really smooth and the bag is easy to maneuver. Mind you, I have to get used to lugging around something with wheels again! My first time taking it on the subway, I had stuck a large book in the side mesh compartments - bad idea. Two times I turned too sharp and the book got wedged between which almost caused me to fall back (have you ever tried running down an escalator going up??)! Thanks to some nice people, they helped move my bag and saved my life Zuca. Going up stairs is much easier with the double wheels as compared to a normal luggage, but definitely still requires some muscle-power.
I highly recommend the Zuca bag if you are a makeup artist especially if you are footing it all around the city. Even if you aren't a makeup artist and just have a ton of makeup, it's great for storing all your items especially with the utility pouches. My Zuca has got to be one of my all-time favourite beauty buys! My makeup finally has a home!
Not convinced? Check out some of my favourite Zuca reviews from makeup artists Rhia at artistrhi and Andrea Claire at Beauty & The Blog! How do you pack your kit or makeup stash? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!
What do you think of the highly coveted Zuca bags? Love it? Hate it? Want it? Too much hype?
Flash mob wha?? No, it's not what you (or mainly I) would think - a group of people flashing each other. If you're unfamiliar with what a flash mob is it is defined as:
d: where a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse.
I think it's awesome how brands like Cover FX are doing something fun and outside the box to promote their products. This will force me to get off my butt and get some physical activity in my day!
If you want to be apart of the fun and get a FREE retail size of the must-have Conceal FX, head on down to the Eaton Centre across from Dundas Square on April 22nd between 12-12:30 pm and look for Cover FX troops decked out in camouflage gear. Show them your dark circles (check), brown patches (check), and red spots/patches (check) and they will arm you with this amazing concealer to banish them all! While quantities last! See you there!
Congratulations to our tarte multiplEYE Mascara give away winner, Alina! Enjoy this new mascara and let us know if it works for you! To receive your prize, please contact joy[at]makeupjunkie[dot]ca with your full name and mailing address. (Winner was chosen randomly at Random.org)
Thank you to everyone that entered the give away! As always, there could only be one winner but stay tuned for more contest give aways!
Hey Everyone! It's Donna Marie. In case you’re wondering I’m getting rid of all this stuff because I’ve been neglecting them and they really need a loving home.
WARNING! This post is picture heavy. So I’ve decided to purge my makeup collection. Below you’ll find used and new makeup. I will indicate whether the items are new or used beside the picture.
PLEASE READ RULES CAREFULLY BELOW:
1) METHODS OF PAYMENT: PAYPAL , E-MAIL WIRE TRANSFER (if you live in Canada and bank with any of the 5 major banks)
2) SHIPPING:Canada & USA only:
$4.00 (CDN) flat rate for small items ($1.00 each additional item)
$6.00 (CDN) flat rate for larger items ($1.00 each additional item)
Tracking numbers: If you would like a tracking number for your parcel please state that in the email and I will charge an additional $2.00 (CDN)
INSURANCE IS NOT PROVIDED
3) Please e-mail me at donnamariedeleon@gmail.com and let me know which items you’d like to purchase and which method of payment you will be using. I will then send you an invoice.
- If you are using PayPal I will charge an additional $2.00 (CDN) for PayPal fees
- If you are using e-mail wire transfer there are no additional costs
ONCE PAYMENT IS RECEIVED (NOT PENDING) I WILL SEND YOUR PACKAGE OUT EITHER ON THE SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY.
4) I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS
5) ALL ITEMS ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
6) FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
7) PENDING ITEMS MUST BE PURCHASED WITH 2 DAYS OF REQUEST
8) NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES – ALL SALES ARE FINAL
Okay I think that’s it…Oh and FEEL FREE TO SPREAD THE WORD...HAPPY SHOPPING!!!
(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in Knight (new in box)
$9.00
(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in Sugarshot (new in box)
$9.00
(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in 100 Strokes (new in box)
$9.00
(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in Glamour Check (new in box)
$9.00
MAC Mineralize Blush in Light over Dark (new in box)
$20.00
MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Engaging (used 3x - practically new)
$10.00
(SOLD)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Rock Out (new in box)
$9.00
Victoria Secret Very Sexy Lipglosses (used 98% remaining in all)
(L-R: Intimate, Secret, French Kiss)
$4.00 each or $10.00 for all
MAXMELL Makeup Kit (used 5x - most items are untouched)
$8.00
(SOLD)
NYX False Eyelashes (new in box)
$2.00 each or $5.00 for ALL
NYX Eyeshadows (used 2x)
Dallas, Hawaiian Coffee
$3.00 each or $5.00 for both
Red Earth Eyeshadows
(These don't have names just codes, all used 90% remaining)
PK094, MS118, BE033
$3.00 each or $7.00 for all
MAC Solar Bits
(SOLD) Bronzescape (new - I accidentally spilled this - 50% remaining) $6.00
Scatterrays (used-80% remaining) - $8.00
or $12.00 for both
(SOLD)
MAC Lipstick in Fantasia
MAC Dazzleglass in Get Rich Quick
MAC Lipliner in Cedar
MAC Cosmetic Bag (small in size)
I'm selling all these items together (all new). I bought 2 sets at the MAC Warehouse Sale. It was one of their charity packages. I bought it for $5.00 so I will sell all of these for $5.00 as well.
(SOLD)
MAC Charged Water in Youth Aura (new in box)
$15.00
(SOLD)
MAC Charged Water in Revitalizing Energy (new in box)
$15.00
(SOLD)
MAC Fix + (new in box)
$15.00
(SOLD
MAC Fix + Rose (new in box)
$15.00
Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist (new-no box)
$17.00
(SOLD)
MAC Curiositease: 5 Softsparkle Eye Pencils (new in box)
Don't be shocked - I like to put the makeup away once in a while and indulge in some good reading! I love a good book especially for those sometimes long subway rides. Here are my recent top beauty reads!
1. Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To Looking Gorgeous ($21.95 CAD): This compact "beauty bible" is full of Cosmo beauty insider beauty tips covering everything from a good skin care regime, how to achieve a smokey eye, to eating healthy. The front cover features an interactive dial with a few beauty tips and the corresponding page.
I own a few beauty books and this one is a good basic beauty guide. It is full of pretty images with quick how-to's. I recommend this book if you're a beauty novice or a fan of Cosmopolitan. It makes a great coffee book for a girl's night in! Spin the dial and practice on each other!
Poppy takes you through her inspirational journey of starting her lipstick line at the young age of 18 and the lessons she learned along the way from the highs to the lows. It started with one idea: to create an ideal matte lipstick, something that was not widely available in the '80's. Who knew an idea about matte lipstick would turn into a multi-million dollar company! The book also includes helpful exercises and tips for budding entrepreneurs or anyone that wants to become better at their career. Her tips help you realize what is a good idea and make it work for you. I refer back to this book often for inspiration when goals just seem out of reach. It's one of my go-to books that puts me back on track.
3. If You Have To Cry, Go Outside, by Kelly Cutrone ($29.50 CAD): How awesome is the title of the book? I say that to my son now as a joke! I think like most people, my introduction to Kelly Cutrone was on the MTV reality show The Hills. She was a refreshing contrast to the bubbly, tanned, drama filled crew. We obviously saw only one side of Kelly - the edited parts where she was berating someone in front of everyone and anyone. If someone was being cut down by Kelly Cutrone then he/she must have seriously f-ed up.
After reading this book, Kelly to me is Mama Wolf, rock god of fashion PR. She protects her own and is a power to be reckoned with. Kelly's book is a personal tale of how she built her company from the ground up, never once selling out who she was. She inspires others to wake up and stop pretending and truly live the life that was meant for you. I loved her personal and professional stories because it reminds you that everyone struggles and nothing is just given to you on a platter (ok, maybe for some). At least with Kelly, you know what to expect - she's honest, will get in your face if she doesn't like something, and tell you to get out. It's the ones that creep the bitch-factor on you that you have to look out for (at least in my experience)! My admiration for her as a successful woman entrepreneur and single mother goes deep. I only wish I had the chance to meet her when she came to Toronto!
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
If you suffer from wimpy lashes and are searching for THE best lash enhancing product then this give away is a great way to test out tarte's multiplEYE Clinically-Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara! This mascara fortifies lashes by naturally increasing lash volume by - wait for it - 638%! At the same time, it increases the lashes overall length and strengthens them.
For optimal lash enhancement tarte has a 3-step multiplEYE regimen:
To win tarte multiplEYE Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara all you have to do is leave a comment sharing why you want or need this mascara! Easy right? One lucky winner will be randomly chosen and announced on April 13 at 12 pm.
I am THRILLED to announce that I have joined the fantastic PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Media Panel of Moms as the resident beauty expert! Founded by Sharon Vinderine, PTPA Media was created to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing products for their family. If you're a parent then you know how important it is to find the most desirable products for your family that actually work! At PTPA Media, products are tested and evaluated by thousands of parents all across North America and the ones that work are awarded our PTPA stamp of approval. PTPA Media has received countless media attention and was featured on Rachel Ray this past January!
I don't always talk about being a mother on my blog, but for those of you that aren't aware I am a mom to an incredible almost-4-year-old boy! He's my little sunshine but despite his adorable smile, he's added a few more wrinkles and grey hairs! Sure, I may not get enough sleep but that doesn't stop me from putting on my face everyday (mostly everyday). I'm delighted to have the opportunity to connect with moms from all over and I hope I can help simplify your beauty routine or add a little glam to your life.
Check me out at PTPA Media for all your mommy beauty needs! I'd love to hear from you and I'm always here to help! For my latest post click here.
Thanks to the lovely Farah from Faces By Farah for the introduction and to the fabulous Lena from Listen to Lena for getting me on board and for the amazing opportunity!
If you fancy yourself as a beauty guru and love to share tips head over to Smashbox's new blog! To celebrate the launch, they want beauty readers to post their favourite beauty tip on the blog. The winning tip will get their name and tip featured on the blog and receive the ultimate Beauty Suitcase packed with $500 of Smashbox makeup plus a canvas beach tote from Allure Magazine! Winner will be announced the week of April 12. (Total Prize Value $1200)
*Please note: contest only open to US residents.
For the latest product launches, beauty tips, behind-the-scenes at Smashbox Studios and much more be sure to bookmark this beauty blog!
If there is one beauty product I have a lot of it would have to be brushes! I'll be honest, on myself my tools are my fingers when I'm in a real hurry but if I want to create a specific look brushes are essential.
When it comes to any of my clients especially brides, I want their complexion to be seamless. Think airbrushed without an airbrush machine. My go to brush for creating a flawless canvas is my beloved M.A.C. #187 brush! Read Makeup 'n The Bride to see why this brush is an must in my kit!
