First Post of the New Year With A New Makeup Junkie Contributor!

Happy New Year! Yes, we're 10 days into the new year and I'll admit - I needed an extra week to recover from the busy yet blissful holiday. Plus, it didn't help that I was feeling a little under the weather but I'm back and looking forward to another year full of beauty! To kick off the first post of the New Year I'm excited to introduce a new Makeup Junkie contributor! 

Meet Brooke. She's a young, beautiful gal who will be bringing some fresh, new content to Makeup Junkie! She's the only one here that has some true journalism credentials. Her love of writing and classic beauty style is a Makeup Junkie fit! 

Brooke's beauty must-haves? 

Chi Flat Iron, A&G hair products like Liquid Varnish and Fastfood, Shwarzkopf Osis Dust it, and tons of Loreal Double Extend Mascara! Brooke’s friends and family say that her look just wouldn’t be the same without long black lashes.

No wonder she's got fab hair and gorgeously long lashes! Welcome Brooke! Stay tuned for her first post!

Beauty News: Shu Uemura Opens New Location in Toronto!

If you haven’t already heard, Shu Uemura opened its third counter in Canada at the Holt Renfrew on Bloor St. and Makeup Junkie was there to get the inside scoop!

Let us introduce you to Mr. Shu Uemura, one of the greatest makeup artists of our time, and his philosophy behind the Shu Uemura brand. “Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.” With the company's philosophy of ‘nature, science and art', this theme is evident throughout the line. We have known Shu Uemura for the eyelash curler (which we swear by – this product should be a staple in any woman’s makeup case), but we were unfamiliar with some of the other products Shu Uemura had to offer.

The Holt Renfrew staff were most enthusiastic about the Cleansing Oil (shown above), another star product the brand is known for. Just apply on a dry face and it will gently rub off any makeup. Our Makeup Junkie staff have tried it for several days now and have fallen in love with the Cleansing Oil. More products to be excited about is a new skin care line launching this Fall called Red Juvenus. The line consists of 5 rejuvenating skin care products which will help correct the first signs of ageing (pictured below). After trying some of the products, our writers found that it immediately made their skin feel more supple and re-vitalized.

A favourite among us Makeup Junkies was their Tokyo Lash Bar. We loved the displays of the brand's fake lashes, ranging from natural to fantasy to theatrical.

Makeup Junkie also had a chance to speak with Taca Ozawa, the new principle makeup artist in Canada. He was very helpful and informative showing us different products from the UV Under Base SPF 10 (mousse-like tinted primer good underneath foundation, minimizes pores and gives skin a healthy glow) to the blush (with good pigmentation that only a little is required) to the eyeshadows and lipsticks (a wide range of colours and long-lasting pigment). He even demonstrated on one of our writers, Donna, the "Shu Uemura way" of applying blush.

All you need to do is take one side of your blush brush and dip it into your blush. Next, starting at the top of the cheek bone, stroke your brush forward only once in one fluid motion. Then sweep up to the temple using the clean side of the brush. And then 3 small strokes downward and forward to blend.

Our writers left with a new found love of the Shu Uemura brand. It was through Mr. Shu Uemura's passion of wanting to be the "most advanced makeup artist in the world", that the line has inspired so many makeup lovers and makeup artists around the world. Discover and experience the new counter until July 12th, and you will receive a complimentary application of Shu Uemura's bestselling luxe brown eyelashes with a minimum purchase of $45. Spaces are limited so be sure to book an appointment!

www.shuuemura.com
www.holtrenfrew.com

by Donna De Leon and Mae Atiga
Photos courtesy of Donna De Leon

Makeup Junkie Give Away Contest Delay!

Due to a hectic weekend we will have to postpone the contest announcement until Tuesday, November 18! Sorry! Some of the Makeup Junkie writers and I will be attending Michael DeVellis' Makeup 101 at Industry Cosmetics in Toronto which we will definitely feature some time this week. So stay tuned Tuesday for the contest details and to fill out our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 survey! There are some fabulous prizes to be won!! Thanks everyone!

Makeup Artist Corner: Canadian Makeup Show 2008

The Makeup Junkie team was in full force at the Canadian Makeup Show this past weekend. In its newer and bigger home at The Better Living Center, makeup professionals and enthusiasts flocked to the show in hopes of learning the ins and outs of the industry plus score some pretty sweet deals on some of the top makeup brands in the world.

One of my highlights of the show was catching up with the adorable and inspiring Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group! Some of my writers and I volunteered to help out at The Powder Group booth which was an amazing experience for all of us. Makeup artists crowded the booth for a chance to chat with Michael for advice and many signed up for a subscription to his industry must-have, On Makeup Magazine.

Also featured at The Powder Group booth were the infamous Powder Group Clear Soft Packs that sold out quickly and a new limited edition makeup collection, 9x9 Artists which writer, Nicole, is so gracefully showcasing in the photo above.

A makeup show wouldn't be complete without some incredibly wicked makeup artistry! The photo above is the makeup works of some talented artists from Make Up For Ever. This model was so fi-errrce (my inner Tyra coming out)!

It was all about gore and fantasy over at Obsessive Compulsive!



Of course, Nicole and I did have some time to go and peruse the different booths. I didn't do as much damage as I had intended to because we were able to come away with some awesome freebies! Stay tuned for reviews on the Make Up For Ever Dany's Pouch and Flap Velcro Pouch, The Powder Group Clear Soft Packs, 9x9 Artists Makeup and Nail line, Crown Brush, aDesign brushes, Face Atelier Lip Glazes and Powder Eye Pencil (I also had the pleasure of finally meeting founder and CEO of Face Atelier, Debbie Bondar!), and makeup artist cult favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre!

I love events like this where people who have a common love can come together and connect in one place. It was such great fun meeting new people, learning their stories, and chatting with old friends and co-workers. I definitely look forward to it next year and have no doubt it will be much bigger! Thank you to Michael DeVellis for being so amazing and taking care of us Makeup Junkies! And thank you to that special reader who visited me at the booth to tell me she was a big fan of Makeup Junkie! It's always nice to meet our readers!

To read more about the CMS visit Makeup Junkie writer, Rhia's site for her write up!

Beauty News: Canadian Makeup Show November 8/9 2008!

Canadian makeup enthusiasts and professionals will be attending the Canadian Makeup Show this weekend, November 8 and 9, in its new and bigger home at The Better Living Center! The show will be hosting a fantastic list of makeup brands including some Makeup Junkie favourites like aDesign Brushes, Face Atelier, Industry Cosmetics, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and Make Up For Ever! Some key note speakers to look forward to: Eve Pearl, Canadian celebrity makeup artist, Veronica Chu, Kevin Bennett, Michael Westmore, and the one and only Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group! Speaking of Michael and The Powder Group, be on the lookout for us gals from Makeup Junkie helping out at The Powder Group booth on both Saturday and Sunday! So be sure to stop by!

Show details:

When: November 8, 9
Time: Saturday 9 - 6, Sunday 10 - 6
Where: The Better Living Center, 195 Princes Blvd, Toronto, ON, Canada
Ticket Prices: At The Door (During Show Hours Only)
One Day Ticket $40.00
Two Day Ticket $65.00
Info: http://canadianmakeupshow.com

Stay tuned for details from the show!

Happy Thanksgiving in Canada!

I apologize for the lack of posting in the past few days but for us Canadian makeup junkies it is Thanksgiving! I, and on behalf of the Makeup Junkie team, are VERY thankful for all the readers and supporters! You mean a lot to us and we appreciate all your feedback. I'm very thankful for having such awesome writers and most of all thankful that I get to do what I love! Wishing everyone in Canada a Happy Thanksgiving!

Makeup Junkie Welcomes New Writer Rhia!

Rhia's love for make-up began the fateful day her mom purchased her first lipstick when she was just 10 years old. "It was a god-awful colour--Maybelline Wild Berries to be exact--and I had no idea how to apply it. I'm sure that some days I walked around with a pink mustache!" But that didn't matter - that tube of hot pink lipstick would start off a continuous love affair for beauty products that remains with Rhia to this day!

In high school, Rhia frequently experimented with her own make-up and soon became the go-to person for doing make-up for family and friends. While in university, she started working part-time for various prestige make-up brands. Yet, even upon graduation in an unrelated field, Rhia still couldn't suppress her passion for make-up: she continued to freelance and work part-time with Inglot Cosmetics while starting her first real world full-time job within the financial industry. Recently, Rhia decided to build on her self-taught make-up techniques and completed a course through Ryerson to learn more about everything from bridal and glamour make-up to make-up for stage and special effects. Today, she continues her passion and freelance work through her site www.artistrhi.com while also working as Make-up Artist with a local salon. She is a proud volunteer with the wonderful organization Look Good Feel Better on a regular basis. When she's not freelancing or playing make-up, you can find her blogging on artistRhi or on Toronto Wedding Professionals.

I'm a makeup junkie because...you know you're addicted when you have so much make-up, but still can go out and spend on more without hesitation. Take me to Sephora and it's like sensory overload--I feel like a kid in a candy store! (and I really love candy...)

Gloss Girl of Lipstick Lady?

Both! Depends on the look I'm aiming for, but I usually love lipstick topped with a hint of gloss. You'll find both in my purse.

One beauty product you absolutely can not live without?

Umm...only one? Too many to choose from. I would say my eyelash curler, but it would be lonely without my mascara!

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

I love the feminine sophistication of Valentino designs, but I also love the practical downtown chic of Michael Kors and Jil Sander.

Chocolate or sex?

Chocolate! You can have it anytime (well, and be appropriate that is)!

What makes you smile?

My family, my friends and being able to do what I love and see someone smile once it's all done.

Welcome Rhia! Stay tuned for more!

Makeup Junkie Welcomes New Writer Megan!

Megan has loved make-up since the moment she stepped behind her Shopper’s Drug Mart cosmetic counter. From the age of 16, she began her passion doing the make-up of friends and family members for parties and special occasions. Leaving University, Megan completed her course in make-up techniques, and began perfecting her work doing weddings and boudoirs on most of her weekends.

Years later, not only has Megan begun her own make-up company in Toronto Make-Up By Megan, but she has also begun to lift off her up-and-coming cosmetic software company, Cosmetek. This new innovative software will be the answer to skin-tone matching colour products across Canada, and is currently working with one of the world’s largest cosmetic companies to get this revolutionary invention underway.

Megan continues to not only have these two companies on the side, but works for a marketing company during the day, drawing on her experiences in the real world to move her forward to success.

Fun Facts:

I’m a make-up junkie because…I want people to feel as good on the outside as they do on the inside. A little eyeshadow never hurt anyone!

Gloss Girl or Lipstick Lady?

I would definitely say gloss…I pay too much attention to the eyes to distract them with a big pair of painted lips! Not that I mind lipstick on the right person!

One Beauty product you cannot live without?

My moisturizer. How could I put make-up on top of unhappy skin?

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

It would be Kevyn Aucoin. His ability to take a person’s face and make them look like a completely different person is so much fun. I could learn and grow so much, and absolutely adore looking through his books…Is it wrong I once turned my ex-boyfriend into “Julia Roberts”?

Chocolate or sex?

Oh my…I am a chocoholic…Both at the same time? Bliss…absolute bliss!...And awkward!?

What makes you smile?

Finishing my work on a bride, being there on her special day, and as she looks in the mirror, and she smiles she tells me that she absolutely loves my work…And it is there, I am happiest. That and Nutella makes me smile..Now that I’ve gotten chocolate into my head!

Welcome Megan! Stay tuned for more from her!

Makeup Junkie Welcomes New Writer Nicole!

Nicole Antionette has been expressing her creativity through makeup for the past twelve years. She began to explore her craft as an apprentice under one of Toronto’s top makeup artist Shauna Llewellyn who introduced her to the world of music video, television commercial and editorial makeup. She has since then flourished and expanded her skill and knowledge of the art, specializing in fashion and beauty makeup. She has had various opportunities to work in the fashion industry doing makeup in large scale fashion shows such as Fashion Cares and working with various designers in Toronto’s Fashion week. Using makeup as an art form she has taken her skill from the face and extended it to the body doing body painting for such events as Jeanne Becker’s FQ Magazine launch and M.A.C’s deck of cards.

As a freelance artist Nicole enjoys doing makeup for weddings as well as creative photo shoots. Her main philosophy about cosmetics is that “Every woman has their own sense of style and beauty. Makeup can only enhance what already exists. Trends come and go but your beauty remains your own...and a little mascara never hurt anyone!”

Welcome Nicole! Stay tuned for more from her!

Makeup Junkie Needs More Writers!

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

Meet The Writers!

I'm excited to announce three new writers to the Makeup Junkie team! All three are as equally obsessed with makeup as I am so it was the perfect fit. I owe it to the readers to have fresh new content everyday. We hope you enjoy the new additions and keep coming back for more!

Ell began her makeup career at a young age, being surrounded by it through years of dancing competitively. She immersed herself in makeup becoming fascinated by its endless possibilities. After learning as much as she could on her own, Ell enrolled into the makeup program at Seneca College in Toronto to build on her skills and truly hone her art. Immediately following that she worked with numerous freelance artists and was a resident makeup artist for salons. Ell has worked in the makeup industry for over 6 years, providing her skill and talent to one of the biggest makeup companies in the world. Ell has worked on numerous fashion shows including Fashion Cares, Brown Shoes, and others throughout the city. Ell also provides her services for photo shoots and weddings working with fine talent and creative geniuses. Ell continues to work in the industry and draws her ideas and inspiration from everything around her. You can never stop learning and growing when it comes to makeup. The minute you think you have mastered everything is when you truly haven’t learned a thing at all.

Fun Facts:

I’m a makeup junkie because... makeup doesn’t judge you! It never gets too tight on you and it doesn’t matter how much you’ve indulged in that chocolate cheesecake, it will still fit!!!

Gloss Girl or Lipstick Lady?

I’m a gloss girl but not just one gloss, it must be at least two for optimal shine and patent leather lips!

One beauty product you absolutely can not live without?

I can't live without my foundation- what else is out there that will even out my skin and make me look flawless! I know you were all assuming I would say mascara or bronzer- but come on, really, can you really live without your foundation?!!? I know I can’t.

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

I would be both Billy B’s and Roberto Cavalli’s muse- Great clothes and a great face.

Chocolate or sex?

Definitely sex, however it must be immediately followed by chocolate- immediately.

What makes you smile?

Women who have their makeup on before entering their vehicle make me smile. Sunshine. Women who wear blush; they are the ones who truly understand the power of the cheeks. And of course sunshine…. Did I mention sunshine? And great shoes on sale.

Shiv enjoys socializing with her girlfriends, spending time with her family and trying out different cuisines with her wonderful boyfriend. She currently works full time for a TV network in marketing/advertising and part-time at Sephora. Shiv is also a freelance makeup artist for weddings and fashion shows.

Fun Facts:

I'm a makeup junkie because... I love all things to do with beauty. I started my makeup obsession when I was 10, spending hours at Shoppers trying on different products. My first makeup purchase was Revlon lipstick in Coffee Bean (don't ask how I remember that!). I love how makeup can take you from drab to fab in a matter of minutes.

Gloss girl or lipstick lady?

I'm definitely a gloss girl, I carry 6 in my purse, leave 2 on my desk at work and have a gazillion in my drawers at home.

One beauty product you absolutely can not live without?

I absolutely cannot live without my Carmex lip balm, it does wonders for dry, chapped lips.

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

Definitely Jay Manual. He's got a great personality and I love his style. He always does a fabulous job enhancing a woman's beauty and it's even better that he's from the GTA!

Chocolate or sex?

Hmm, this is a tough one but I think I would choose chocolate because I can get it whenever I want it, lol.

What makes you smile?

Lots of things make me smile, but as an artist the biggest satisfaction I get is seeing a bride completely happy with the way she looks. I love being part of her big day.

Mascaraholic is a 22-year-old university student living in the beautiful city of Toronto, Ontario with a love for books and all things beauty. While she is always busy with classes, essays and work, she refuses to subscribe to the belief that all work and no play make her a dull girl! A touch of highlighter on the cheeks, some peachy-pink liner on the lower waterline and a tiny bit of shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes and she looks rather radiant while working, thank you very much! Mascaraholic loves trying new products and experimenting with the newest beauty tips and trends. Most importantly, she loves giving recommendations and writing reviews!

Fun Facts:

I'm a makeup junkie because... makeup is my creative outlet. With different shades, textures and finishes, the combinations you can come up with are endless. I love playing up neutral, daytime looks with a tiny splash of colour just to keep things interesting. It's one of the things that makes being a girl fun and some days, all you need is the right shade of lipstick to make you feel like you can take on the world.

Gloss girl or lipstick lady?

Both! I wear lipstick more often during the fall and winter and I prefer gloss during the spring and summer seasons, but my new favourite thing to do is layer them together.

One beauty product you can't live without?

Mascara! It's the one product I never leave the house without. Two coats and I look bright-eyed and awake!

If you could be a muse who would it be for?

Maureen Kelly of Tarte Cosmetics. I'm a huge fan of her line and I would love to inspire some products that are both practical and pretty.
Chocolate or sex?

Chocolate. More specifically, Lindt 85% Cacao dark chocolate. It's indulgence #2 (after makeup!).

What makes you smile?

Autumn in Toronto. I love everything about the season! My favourite thing to do is walk through local parks toward the end of September and the first week of October. The scenery is stunning.

About Makeup Junkie

About Makeup Junkie: Makeup Junkie reviews the latest and the greatest (and not so great) in beauty products, features pro makeup tips, dishes on the latest buzz in the beauty world, answers all your beauty questions, and of course gives love to Canada's top talents in the beauty and fashion industry!

Makeup Junkie is also proud to have been featured in Lou Lou Magazine's March 2009 issue!

 
Chief Makeup Junkie, Joy

Joy is a certified Makeup Junkie mommy, professional freelance makeup artist, and beauty blogger based in Toronto. She is the founder of MakeupJunkie.ca where she shares beauty reviews, celebrity style, and beauty tips.

As a makeup artist, she specializes in bridal, runway, television and print. Some of her makeup work has landed in the pages of Flare and Fashion magazine, and Slice.ca. Joy has also worked backstage during LG Toronto Fashion Week, We Day 2010 in Toronto, and in the eTalk Lounge at the Toronto International Film Festival 2010. Most recently, her beauty expertise has led her to be a beauty media spokesperson working with various beauty brands and has been quoted in The Globe & Mail, 24 Hours Toronto and other media platforms.

When she’s not working, Joy likes to spend time with her three favourite boys: husband and her two sons.

To view Joy's makeup work visit www.joyofmakeup.ca!

Now that all the formalities are out of the way, lets gab makeup! I've been obsessed with makeup from as far back as I can remember. From using crayons as lipsticks to carrying my mom's makeup in my purse as a kid, makeup was always on the brain. I started this blog to (1) gab about makeup, (2) provide useful beauty tips and tricks, and (3) to connect with other like-minded beauties and share with them all my beauty must-haves.

So, I hope you'll stay and read awhile and become addicted to beauty like I am!