Beauty News: M.A.C. Bloggers' Obsession To Sell Exclusively Online!

M.A.C. really loves bloggers even when our opinions are brutally honest. They strategically created an exclusive line with nine beauty bloggers from all around. How amazing is that? And one of the bloggers just happens to be fellow Canadian beauty blogger, Lesley Ellen of Lipstick, Powder, 'N Paint - way to represent Ellen!

If you ever dreamed of creating a makeup line you can live vicariously through these bloggers! What do you think of the line?

Lesley Ellen (www.lipstickpowdernpaint.com) 

"Parisian Skies", a muted grey blue

Probably my favourite and not just because Ellen made it! I just love anything to do with Paris and the colour is beautiful!

Lianne Farbes (www.themakeupgirl.net)

"Hocus Pocus", dark sooty grey with silver pearl

Christine Mielke (www.temptalia.com)

"Jealousy Wakes", seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl

Amber Katz (www.beautybloggingjunkie.com)

"Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!", a deep rusty brown with champagne coloured sparkle

Patrice Yursik (www.afrobella.com)

"All of My Purple Life", deep purple grape with subtle sparkle

Lily Nima (www.beautymaverick.com)

"Caqui", persimmon orange

Karen Monterichard (www.makeupandbeautyblog.com)

"Evolution Revolution", a warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green, and blue micro glitter

Aileen De Los Angeles (www.theshadesofu.com)

"Sonoran Rain", deep coral red with gold and silver pearl

Wendy Lam (www.nitrolicious.com)

"Nitro:licious 2046", intense shiny red

Available in North America June 21, 2011 at www.maccosmetics.com only.

Summer Beauty Review: It's Bronzey Skin Everyday With M.A.C.

Is the cast of Jersey Shore responsible for putting bronzey, tanned skin back on the map?  More like orange, streaky, and muddy-brown! Definitely not my definition of a gorgeous, bronze glow. Snooki, you know what I'm talking about!

Thanks to M.A.C.'s new Bronze Everyday collection (which is permanent by the way!), you can get beautifully, tanned skin the right way - hope you're taking notes Snooki!

You had me at Skinfinish Natural - I adore these powders and now in bronzey hues? Give Me Sun! ($32.50 CAD)  is described as a light summer peachy tan. It's not as pigmented as a regular bronzer, but it gives an all-over naturally, tanned glow. I find the finish to be a little different than the original line too. It gives off less of a sheen on the skin and more a satiny almost-matte finish. 

Your bare shoulders and legs will be thanking you this summer! Compliment your pretty sundresses with shimmering skin thanks to M.A.C.'s Lustre Drops ($23.50 CAD). A liquid lotion that mimics your skin and is water-resistant is the way to get your glow on without looking like you layered on piles of makeup. It's versatile so you can mix with your foundation for a Hyperreal effect or you can dot on your face for precise highlighting. For an all-over body glow, mix with your favourite moisturizer and a little extra down the center of your calves for a slimming effect.

Sun Rush is gaw-geous peachy bronze with gold pearl. Sexy much? Yes!

For the complete collection visit www.maccosmetics.com. Available on counters now! 

Have you tried Bronze Everyday? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

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

Spring Beauty Review: Spring Neutrals With Some New Faves!

(WARNING: A lengthy but informative post if I do say so myself!)

I know, this season isn't about the neutrals. You want to see bright, bold and shocking right? As I mentioned in past posts, my makeup can be quite boring for a makeup artist. I love a neutral eye because it works for day and you can wear it with a bright lip. No matter what the trends, my neutrals are a staple and never go out of style!

I'm quite old school when it comes to makeup. I love learning new techniques, but I've always steered clear of airbrush makeup. I've always found that the products I use and my makeup technique has a similar effect to airbrushing. I've also heard from other makeup artists that airbrushing really isn't that much faster than doing it manually.

The beauty world was all abuzz when TEMPTU's Airbrush Makeup System was made available to consumers in Sephora. I was intrigued but not enough to buy it. So, when I got the chance to test it out I definitely jumped on the chance.

The basic Airbrush System is $225 USD. Depending on the bundle that you get the prices range. I was sent the System and Face Kit Airbrush Makeup System, a complete set with the airbrush, compressor, 2 foundations, one blush, one highlighter, and DVD instructional video for $345 USD. My foundation match was Warm Beige which matched me with Soft Peach Blush and Gold Highlighter. The pods range from $30 USD to $55 USD (2 foundations come in a package). With daily use the foundation lasts for a month or more and the blush and highlighter for 2 months or more.

This is me wearing the complete system plus other products I'll be featuring in this post. Overall, the system was really easy to use. You can adjust the dial for more or less product. For sheer coverage, you have to hold farther away and for fuller coverage you can apply closer to the face. To make it smooth and blended, you have to apply in a circular motion. I couldn't really tell if my face was being covered when I held the airbrush farther away so I decided to go in closer. The above picture are the results. I found the finish to be really flawless and well blended. On areas like my eyes and under eyes, I did have to blend with my fingers a bit. It felt weightless on the skin and lasted all day long, no fading or sliding. It also applies beautifully over a primer. Warm Beige also matched me really well but I imagine once summer hits I'll have to get a darker shade.

The Soft Peach blush applied really sheer so it took a few layers to get my desired intensity. No matter how strong I went, the blush always looked blended and never left any harsh lines. The Gold Highlighter gave my cheekbones a gorgeous glow that didn't leave me looking overly shiny. Overall, I'm really hooked and think I may convert to airbrushing at least for foundations. However, it seems a bit much for me to apply if I'm just running some errands, but for a night out or a wedding I will definitely be using. The kit itself is really light-weight and easy to transport. Now I want to actually try doing this on one of my clients! Any volunteers? LOL Hopefully I'll get the same effects.

M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter ($21 CAD, LE) isn't new for Spring - it's actually from the Venomous Villain collection - but it's new for me this season! During a taping of a special Blogger episode of CityLine, each audience member was given CityLine's makeup artist, Tracy Peart's, favourite makeup products. Ever since that show, I've been using it whenever I get the chance. I'm so in love with this pencil/shadestick and wish it wasn't a LE. I'm wearing it underneath my shadow in the above picture but here is a closer swatch.

It's a gorgeous black-brown with a gold pearl finish. It glides on easily and blends out to the most perfect smokey eye. You can also wear it as an eyeliner but if you want an easy smokey eye all you need is this stick. It's long-wearing and didn't smear on me which was a surprise.

I have a love/hate relationship with NARS' spring shadow trio in Calanque ($45 USD). The top shade is a gold infused platinum with silver flecks, middle shade is a light matte caramel, and the bottom shade is a rich antique bronze infused with gold. In the photo of myself, I used the middle shade as a base and on my brow bone. I was actually surprised at how light it applied on my skin because in the palette itself it appears much darker. I don't find the finish matte at all and has a more pearl/frost finish. I like using it to highlight the eyes. I love the darkest shade and applied this over top of French Quarter, on the bottom lash line and into the crease. The top shade is a question mark. It's too glittery for my liking and has a lot of fall-out. I think this would have been better as a duo as the middle and bottom shades are very wearable. For the price, you're better off finding a dupe in a duo or single shadow. However, I do find myself reaching for this palette quite frequently and I just recently used it during a bridal trial!

When it comes to fake lashes, I have my favourites and know what works. I was really impressed with the style and make of Revlon's fake lashes. In the photo, I'm wearing Revlon's Fantasy Lengths in Intensifying ($6 CAD). It's a nice blend of feathery volume and length. To make it look more natural on my eye shape, I cut the lashes in half and applied only to the outer corner. I also applied the lashes underneath my lash line rather than on top. I learned this technique back when I was working at M.A.C. - the lash line is less visible and looks more like your natural lashes. Since I was going out (I can't remember for what), I didn't take a chance with the glue and used my go-to Duo. I'll have to do a separate review on Revlon's glue.

These two lippies are from M.A.C.'s Quite Cute Collection available this Thursday April 7! I don't usually use a lip liner on myself unless it's a bright or bold lip, but for the sake of testing the pencil Naked Lip Pencil ($15.50 CAD) was part of the lippie of the day.

My smokey eye is what I consider a "subtle" smokey eye. It's not overly dramatic so I could have went for more colour on the lips, but I wanted to keep the look easy and effortless especially for day. Naked is described as a light neutral. It's a bright peachy shade which looked pretty stark against my skin tone. To tone it down, M.A.C.'s Plushglass in Fashion Fanatic, a creamy pale pink worked perfectly. On its own, Fashion Fanatic is pretty much clear on my lips, but when you pair it over a pink or peach lipstick the pink tones really come out. I haven't worn a Plushglass in a while and back in the day I could have sworn it had a minty tingling effect. I'm probably wrong but that's the reason I stopped wearing it. I actually love the way it feels on the lips - it's moisturizing and just hugs the lips not to mention plumps 'em up! The lippie I'm really lemming for from the collection is Candy Yum-Yum, a matte neon pink but seriously - how many bright pink lippies can a girl have?? Never enough right?!

What is your look for Spring? Are you a neutral girl or like to mix it up once in a while? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

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

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: 

Jill: Batting A Lash
Farah : Faces By Farah
Jenn: Spiced Beauty
Anita: Primped and Proper
Anjali: Rock That Look
Nancy: Nancy Power Makeup Artist
Michelle: Lipstick Rules

NYFW F/W 2011 Beauty: Trend Report: Monique Lhullier

NYFW F/W 2011 Monique Lhullier

For Monique Lhullier's luxurious and feminine collection, the hair and make-up look was doll meets punk. Make-up artist Val Garland for MAC created a deep purple smoky eye, intense brows and berry-colored lips. Odile Gilbert for Kérastase created a doll-like, haute-couture updo, with ribbon-like curls topped off with a black bow.

NYFW F/W 2011 Monique Lhullier

 NYFW F/W 2011 Monique Lhullier

 NYFW F/W 2011 Monique Lhullier

 NYFW F/W 2011 Monique Lhullier

Photos provided by beautypress.com.

Beauty Trends 2011: Baby, it's cold outside! Warm up with M.A.C. Spring trends!

I know, we've all said it - we're so over you Winter! Spring cannot come fast enough! Thankfully, the buzz of Spring beauty trends and sneak peeks of Spring makeup collections have been keeping me warm. Back in December, I was invited to the M.A.C. Master Class featuring Spring trends. What a great way to forget the cold even if just for a few hours! 

M.A.C. Senior Artist, Jane McKay (left), and M.A.C. Trainer, Ricky Boudreau (Right), taught us makeup artists and bloggers a thing or two about Spring trends straight from the runways. 

L-R: Pop-Classic, Terra-Copper, Ice Dream, Raw-Fined

Four major trends ruled the runways: 

• Pop-Classic: Classic Shapes, Uber Saturated Colour
• Ice-Dream: Pastel Shades, Avante-Garde Application
• Raw-Fined: Nude, Minimal Makeup, Contrasting Textures
• Terra-Copper: Modern Bronze, Precise Application

Pictured above, Jane is demonstrating the Pop-Classic look. I loved this look and loved the technique. I would never think of using a brown base (Fluidline) under a bright blue shadow like Freshwater. It gave the eyes beautiful depth. 

The look consisted of complimentary colours - blue on the eyes and orange lips. 

Jane winged out the shadow to the temples which gave this bold look an edgier finish. She used Typographic on the bottom lash line mixed with Freshwater shadow for more depth. She sculpted the cheekbones with Bronzer in Golden and brought it up to the temples. This would be perfect for a night out, but if having bold eyes and lips seems too much for you try lining the eyes with a vibrant blue liner with a glossy orange lip!

Ricky demonstrated the Terra-Copper trend which was equally as gorgeous. It's all about dewy skin in monochromatic shades of bronze. To give the skin a dewy sheen, Strobe Cream and Care Blends Essential Oil is a must. When I got home, I did a little happy dance when I found that I did have the Care Blends! Love using this at night - in the morning my skin is baby soft. 

To enhance the model's glow even more, Gold Setting Powder was used as well. A certain blogger went absolutely ga-ga over this powder (she goes by the name GlitterGeek). 

Spring and summer are looking bold! And although Raw-Fined seems innocent and natural, it's actually a bold trend for someone that can't leave the house without makeup. If you're someone that loves to play with colour then you will adore all the Spring launches this season! 

M.A.C. Fluidline in Siahi ($18 CAD): Excuse my dry hands! Grrr, winter! A coloured liner is a great way to transition into the bold brights of Spring! Siahi is from M.A.C.'s Mickey Contractor collection. This deep turquoise teal is a must this season and because the shade is deeper, it's perfect for a day look. Just sweep on a neutral shadow and line the eyes with this liner for a subtle pop of colour. I forgot how much I miss Fluidline! The gel formula just glides smoothly onto the eye. I also love using this as a shadow base. For a bold smokey eye, apply this shade all over the lid, line the eyes with a black liner, and add a few coats of mascara. 

M.A.C. Lipstick in Style Curve ($17.50 CAD): I've been on the bright pink lip bandwagon for a while now but one shade I'm starting to love are violets and purples on the lips. This swatch is of Style Curve which is from the Stylishly Yours collection. My review is a few launches too late, but it was this lipstick that got me loving violets on the lips. It is a bright clean violet that I love on my skin tone. Looking ahead to Spring, M.A.C. is launching a line of Sheen Supreme Lipsticks due out March 3rd and they have a purple pictured above that looks amazing called Quite The Thing! I'd say so!

What Spring trends and makeup collections are you looking forward to?

www.maccosmetics.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I really do love them.

Makeup 101: New Year's Eve Makeup That Will Last

Happy New Year! I raise my glass to the end of 2010! What a year it has been for myself and pretty much everyone I know. 2010 was full of crazy bumps but despite it all, I've come out with a much clearer head. I've failed, succeeded, but above all learned from each and every one of those significant moments in my life. I'm excited for 2011 for more reasons than one and can't wait to get this party started!

Sorry peeps, this was the best close-up photo I could get of myself. This was taken on Christmas Eve close to the end of the night, but figured if you want makeup that will ring you into the new year then you'll want to read up on the long-wearing products I used!

Star Products: 

 

Top Left: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Steel #2 ($26 CAD):  You want a shadow that won't budge? MUFE's Aqua Creams are a dream! I used this as the base of my shadow, on the lid, inner corner, and lower lash line. I wanted a warm, charcoal-silver smokey eye with a hint of shimmer. Steel is a gorgeous silver with an almost taupe undertone. I prefer this over a true silver as it looks too cool on my warm skin tone. The Aqua Creams are budge-proof and set pretty quickly. They apply really easy onto the skin but you have to blend it really quickly. The finishes are pretty shimmery, but when paired with a matte shadow the shimmer is toned down. It would be great if matte shades were introduced to the line - fingers crossed!

Top Right: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Print ($17.50 CAD) This one is an oldie but a goody! Print is one of my beloved true greys. I find some greys either have too much blue or too much black. It's not quite a matte but has a more satin finish. I applied this close to the top and bottom lash line, outer lid, and crease. M.A.C. as always delivers on amazing pigment, doesn't crease or fade, and blends so easily. 

Middle: Sephora Favourites The Little Black Eye Liner Kit ($36 USD): Like an LBD, every woman should own at least one black eye liner. This set includes 7 of Sephora's most essential black eye liners plus an eye brush from the following brands: 

• 0.02 oz Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx
• 0.07oz Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay ShadowLiner in Black
• 0.005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Eye Rim Pencil in Black
• 0.02 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
• 0.06oz Sephora Collection Jumbo Eye Liner in Grey
• 0.003 oz Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony
• 0.025 oz Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Black
• Smashbox Eye Liner Brush 

For this look I reached for one of my favourite liners, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero. I didn't want an obvious line so I lined underneath my top lash line, smudged it close into my lash line, and along my waterline. To make the liner last in the waterline, line, wait for it to set, then line again. I have more reviews to come from this kit! 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily ($7.99 CAD): My night started out with NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss, but as the night wore on it was my Burt's Bees Tinted Lip balm in Tiger Lily (not pictured) that my dry lips longed for and is the lippie shown on myself. I have been using this non-stop ever since I received it and I can't wait to snatch all of them up! Sadly, we'll have to wait until February 2011 to purchase these. 

It comes in six shades: Honeysuckle (nude), Tiger Lily (peach-nude), Pink Blossom (soft pink), Hibiscus (rosy pink), Rose (red) and Red Dahlia (wine). It's 100% natural and is made from natural botanical flower waxes (ylang-ylang and jasmine), Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Beeswax. I adore the pear scent. It's a nice change from the common minty and vanilla flavours of so many other lip products out there. The packaging is simple and true to the Burt's Bee's line, but I love that they didn't go with their traditional yellow honeycomb packaging. The lip balm comes encased in a lovely cardboard tube package which I just love! The texture is super smooth and will help keep your lips moisturized all night long. For a sheer tint, you definitely see colour on the lips. Tiger Lily was the perfect peachy-nude for my smokey eye.

To check out another great review visit this site. 

Complete List of Products: 

Skin: 

Embroylisse Moisturizer

MUFE HD Primer Perfection

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #7

Tarte Mineral Powder

Benefit Erase Paste in #3 (under eyes)

Cheeks:

Smashbox Halo Bronzer (all over and as a contour)

NARS Douceur Blush on cheeks

Eyes: 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

MUFE Aqua Cream #2 Steel

M.A.C. Print Eye Shadow

UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

New Maybelline Mascara (Review to come but I think I'm actually loving it!)

Lips: 

First half of the night: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok and Orgasm Gloss

Second half: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Tiger Lily (available February 2011)

For New Year's definitely amp it up by adding more shimmer or a glittery silver liner. Add a pair of falsies to make your peepers stand out more.

What do you think of this look? What's on your look book for New Year's?

I hope everyone has a safe and an amazing New Year! Thank you to all my readers, friends, and family that have been through it all with me. I cherish your love and support more than you will ever know. I won't bore you with any NY resolutions because we've heard them all. Wishing you all much love, happiness and success for 2011! Cheers!

Products were sent for editorial consideration with the exception of M.A.C. Print. I really love all these products.

World AIDS Day & M.A.C. - What's Your Favourite Viva Glam Lippie?

 

Everyday should be World Aids Day, but sometimes we just need a little reminder that more help still needs to be done in finding a cure. I love the M.A.C. Viva Glam lip products because you can buy them all year round and 100% of the selling price goes towards their M.A.C. AIDS Fund. Want even more reason to snatch these lippies up? They come in beautiful colours and different finishes - you'll be sure to find (or 2 or 3) that suit your style. 

What's your favourite Viva Glam lippie? I started working at M.A.C. around the time Viva Glam V launched so this one will forever be my favourite. Plus, it looks amazing on every skin tone and all my brides love it!

Top 5 Reasons To Buy A Viva Glam Lipstick or Lipglass:

1. Today is World AIDS Day. What better way to show your support than by buying a product that supports HIV/AIDS with 100% of the selling price directed to the M·A·C AIDS Fund?!
2. A purchase with a tangible effect. What exactly does the $17.50 you pay for your Viva Glam lipstick do?
   For men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in North America, one Viva Glam lipstick can pay for:
   
   
   • 8 individually tailored, nutritious home-cooked meals
   • 1 week’s supply of groceries (about 4 bags of food) for 2 clients
   • 14 blood glucose monitoring strips
   • Fuel for MANNA trucks for 37 deliveries of nutritionally sound meals
   • A Sunday meal for 5 people at the Denison Residential Housing Program in Toronto
   • 1 Hospitality Kit containing personal hygiene and grooming essentials for a client entering a housing program
   •  
   • For men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS internationally, one Viva Glam lipstick can provide:
   • 2 children with 2 meals per day at Noah’s Ark for 1 month
   • 1 pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS
   • Support and education for 5 pregnant women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, giving them the tools to prevent transmission to their unborn child
    
3.   Support the M·A·C AIDS Fund and the Viva Glam Program. Since 1994, the Viva Glam program has raised $190 Million (USD) for HIV/AIDS organizations globally. MAF offers a large number of grants to these organizations and the money helps these charities in a variety of ways. Here in Toronto, MAF donates to a few different groups, two of which (Casey House and Fife House) are hosting World AIDS Day events at which a number of M·A·C employees are volunteering. Casey House is a specialty hospital for people living with HIV/AIDS and Fife House is a homeless outreach program/residence for people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. M∙A∙C artists from Toronto will pitch in to help at Casey House for their annual Voices of Hope concert, and at Fife House to treat residents and clients to a spa day. Along with their skincare tips and products, M·A·C is also bringing a $50,000 check to donate to Fife House this afternoon, on behalf of the M·A·C AIDS Fund!
4. Raise awareness. Ever get questioned about your fabulous lip colour? What better way to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and M·A·C Viva Glam than by letting your lipstick do the talking?! Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, our fabulous Viva Glam spokespeople, have a limited edition lipstick and lipglass available (photos attached) that they helped to design! This year, they are focused on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS with the female population. Forget the stereotypes. Women are more likely to become infected with HIV than men. While the overall rate of new HIV infections has slowed, the number of women infected with HIV is growing. And in every part of the world.
5. Gifts that give back. Throughout the holiday season, there is even more that you can do to raise money for HIV/AIDS. M·A·C offers a Viva Glam lip bag and Sir Teddy, perfect stocking stuffers that support the M·A·C AIDS Fund with 100% of the selling price directed to organizations helping people living with HIV/AIDS. And don’t forget to pick up your Kids Helping Kids cards - deliver your message of holiday cheer knowing that you’re helping children all over the world that have been affected by HIV/AIDS. 
   

Who knew lipsticks and glosses could be so powerful and make a difference??

www.maccosmetics.com

Beauty News: Pink 4 Friday by M.A.C. Cosmetics and Nicki Minaj Launches This Friday!

Miss Nicki Minaj - gotta love her mix of sexy and in-your-face persona. With her amazing talent and pink wig, she is the Lady Gaga of hip-hop. To celebrate the launch of her highly anticipated debut album, Pink Friday, Nicki has collaborated with M.A.C. and designed a Limited Edition lipstick named after her album. 

M.A.C. Pink Nouveau was her favourite lipstick but the bright, creamy pink satin Pink Friday lipstick definitely has her trademark barbz glamour twist on it!

Nicki's exclusive shade will be available for four Fridays beginning Friday, November 26, while supplies last. What do you think of Pink Friday? Will you be adding this fun pink to your lippie collection? 

www.maccosmetics.com

Celebrity Beauty: Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev

The gorgeous Nina Dobrev from hit show, The Vampire Diaries, was in town last weekend to attend the Gemini Awards. In case you didn't know, Nina is Canadian! My husband makes fun of me all the time because, I, a woman in her 30's, has a major school girl crush on the entire cast!

The uber talented Senior M.A.C. Artist, Jane McKay, created Nina's beautiful look for the Gemini's. Check out what she used: 

Skin: Nina's skin is so perfect she wore minimal foundation.

• Strobe Cream and Care Blends Essential Oil to moisturize the skin
• Select Moisture Cover Concealer and Mineralize Skinfinish Natural to even out skin tone
• Sculpting Powder in Lightsweep and Mineralize Blush in Dainty to give her cheeks a sculpted glow

Eyes: Jane went for natural drama.

• Fluidline in Dipdown for liner that stays all night
• Eye Shadows in Club, Carbon, and Soba - Nina's blue dress was the inspiration behind the duo-chromatic eye shadow in Club (blue/brown shade)
• Eye shadow Quad in Caviar Dreams (Champale Collection, not out yet. Pictured above) for a smoky eye that draws lots of attention. Iridescent Powders in Silver Dusk and Golden Bronze
• Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack for extra volumized lashes
• Chromagraphic Pencil
• #32 Lashes for that extra oomph!

Lips:

• Dazzleglass Creme in Passing Fancy (from our Tartan Tale holiday collection. Pictured above). A glossy neutral coral lip is the complimentary colour to her blue eye makeup, which allows the eyes and lips to stand out against each other.

What do you think of Nina's look?

Photos credit: George Pimentel/WireImage.com


www.maccosmetics.com

M.A.C. for Ashley Rowe Spring 2011

 

M.A.C. for Ashley Rowe Spring 2011

Photo Credit: Jenna Wakani

I am so in love with this look. I love me a bright bold lip with flawless skin and minimal makeup. M.A.C. Senior Artist, Melissa Gibson, is the genius behind the Spring look for Ashley Rowe. The show was last night and sadly I missed it. Doesn't the look make you excited for Spring?

To compliment the tie-dyed clothing of Ashley Rowe, Melissa drew focus to the lips layering three products:  M·A·C Chromagraphic Pencil in Processed Magenta, M·A·C Lipmix in Fuchsia, and M·A·C Pro Neon Pigment in Red Electric. The face was kept matte in order to emphasize the lips. The lashes were coated with M·A·C Zoomlash Mascara and the cheeks were slightly contoured with Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural (love this powder!).

What do you think of the look? Did you see the show? 

www.maccosmetics.com

www.ashleyrowe.com

Makeup 101: Flirty Plum Eyes With Bride-to-Be Erica!

I love that we're going into the second week of October and bridal season is still going strong! Meet Erica, one of my gorgeous brides-to-be! She's a natural beauty with lovely green eyes and long lushes lashes. I instantly wanted to play up her green eyes so we decided to go with a neutral base and plum accents in the crease. Plum, being one of the big trends for Fall, is a perfect palette for this November bride! (Quick shout-out to Naomi for inspiring me to do this post! Thank you!)

Here are the star products: 

Skin: 

Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier Primer (t-zone)

Make Up For Ever HD Primer (rest of face)

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #2/#3 mixed (all over and under eyes)

YSL Touche Eclat #1 (under eyes)

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Bailey Cosmetics Foundation Duo in Tan (contour)

Eyes:

CoverFX EyePrep FX

Bobbi Brown Caviar Eye Shadow (brows)

M.A.C. Vanilla and White Frost (brow bone)

the fake lashes were not glued on for the trial which explains why it is falling off the left eye!

1. NARS Rajasthan Duo Eye Shadow ($32 USD):  I love this duo. For this look I only used this metallic almond shade as her lid colour. I also applied this on the lower lash line. Even though we were using plum shades, we still wanted the overall look to be fairly neutral. I have used the metallic almond colour on just about every skin tone and every result is beautiful. I will definitely do another feature using both the shades because the navy-grey is a sexy alternative for a black smokey eye. 

2. M.A.C. Sketch Shadow ($17.50) Sketch is an oldie but a goodie! This burgundy-plum shadow with red shimmer is deep and gives the eye a real sultriness to it. I added this shade in the outer crease to middle of the lid and over top of UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush. This shade was also applied on the lower lash line.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush ($17 USD): I've had a love affair with these eye pencils for a few years. This is actually from last Fall's collection. Crush is a deep plum with teeny silver glitter. I love using cream bases like an eye pencil to bring out the hue of a powder shadow. Plus, it helps enhance the staying power of a powder shadow. Thankfully the glitter does not fall off onto the skin and gives the hint of sparkle appropriate for a grown woman. I also used UD's Zero black liner to line the top lash line. She didn't want a heavy line so I smudged it into her lash line and dipped an angled brush in black shadow to help lock it in. 

L'Oreal Black Mascara (bride's own)

4. Quo #803 Lashes Shopper's Drug Mart Brand ($7.99): I adore Quo lashes. I do not love the glue but their line of fake lashes has never disappointed me. There are a variety of styles to choose from and all are made with 100% natural human hair. One of my favourite styles from the line is the #803. The hair is longest at the center and shorter on the sides which makes the eyes really pop. The feathery quality also gives it a flirty quality and looks very natural against her own lashes. Erica already has long lashes but these falsies just enhanced them even more. Tip: I don't always like to add an obvious line with liquid liner to hide the band. Since she doesn't want the liner to look thick, I will use a flat synthetic brush dipped in black liquid liner and smudge it right onto the band of the fake lashes.

Cheeks:

5. Benefit PosieTint Cheek and Lip Stain ($28 USD): Another beauty crush. When it first came out I tried it on in the store and wasn't too impressed. A month ago, one of my bride's asked me to use it on her underneath a powder blush. I fell in love! I finally decided to pick one up and can't get enough of it. I love cheek and lip stains especially since I wear minimal makeup for everyday. I love it on its own or layered underneath a pink or coral-pink blush which is what I did with Erica. It's creamier than the original, Benetint, and gives a true girly flush. On my skin tone, I need about 2 layers on my cheeks and 3 layers on my lips but once it's on it stays on. I applied this first then dusted a translucent powder to set it.

NARS Douceur Blush (dusted over top of PosieTint)

M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne (cheekbones)

Lips:

M.A.C. Dervish Lip Liner (all over)

Beaute Cosmetics Luminous Volume Gloss in Paramour

6. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle Lipstick SPF 15 in Stellar Pink ($34 USD): This bride is a gloss junkie but I think I've made a lipstick convert out of her! Stellar Pink is a soft pink-beige from the Fall collection and is a shade that is "your-lips-but-better". This luxurious, creamy lipstick is packed with pigment but the glossy finish keeps your lips ultra moisturized. It's not a long-lasting lipstick but if you don't mind reapplying you'll love how it just cushions your lips!

What do you think of Erica's bridal look? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Most products with the exception of Benetint PosieTint, Quo #803, and M.A.C. Sketch Eye Shadow were sent for editorial consideration.