Marcelle + NYX Matte Lip Cream + Self portrait

Hey Ladies!

It's been a while since I've done a self portrait. Believe it or not, I'm holding the camera with my right hand. I've perfected this because nobody has the patience to wait for me to take the perfect "shot". After 20 pictures this one was my favorite!

I'm not sure if you can see my clothing but I'm rocking my favorite Jessica Simpson denim vest with a long black tank.

I need to highlight my "Canadian eyes":
Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner - Midnight Black
Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - Black

Marcelle (Canadian brand) has great EXTREME black liners and mascara.

I've been obsessed with reds this year. I think I should do a post on my favorites soon. Here I'm rocking NYX Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo.

I bought it at IMATS Toronto last year for $3.00.
If you are a matte lipstick wearer, I'd definitely recommend these.
Soft, creamy & long lasting.

Would you be interested in a favorite red lipstick post? 

FOTD: Jennifer Hudson Inspired make up look using Annabelle Cosmetics

This look has to be my favorite look I have done this year. The main reason I think it came out well is because I had a lot of time to perfect it. I will admit as a makeup junkie I neglect a few brands, but after re-organizing my kit I found my Annabelle Cosmetics quad: Gold Digger, Metallic Meltdown, Bronzed idol and Snowflake.

Here is the look. I know it`s not an exact replica but you can tell I was defined inspired by the bronze, gold and red lips.

Random fact about me I love Jennifer Hudson! It`s not just because she has an amazing name :) But because she has been through soo much and always keeps on smiling. There is definitely a lot to learn from her outlook on life.

The funniest thing is that I wore this look to the mall and movies. Sometimes I feel that you should just dress up and feel fab for one day..no questions asked :)

Ladies, What do you think about the look? Also do you have any other celebrity looks that I should try out?

Every Girl should have a Canon PowerShot!

No I was not paid to write this post. I am just sharing my new love I bought for myself recently. I always get asked the what camera do you use question. The camera I have been using lately is the Canon Powershot sd1400 IS.

If you have met me in real life you will know that I'm the girl with the "Big Camera" LOL. I'm much more comfortable going out with this baby. It fits in my purse and makeup bag.

Quick rundown:
*14 mega pixels
*Price range 179.99 to 250.00 CDN
* Several cute colors like pink, orange or black
*4x Digital zoom
*HD video capturing! Perfect for youtube :)

Hope this help any girl/guy deciding what camera to get next!

I was an Annabelle Makeup Artist for the Much Music Video Award Pre-Party

I was sooooo excited to be chosen by Annabelle to be one of their make-up artist for this event.

This was my first time in an event setting & I loved it! The energy & gratitude from the guest made me happy.

Honestly their happiness made me realise why I do make-up. It's crazy how blush or lipstick can really brighten up someones day.

I live for moments like that <3

That picture is from the first look of the day. I gave her a neutral smokey look with a plum lip (not shown).
I love how I coated each lash so carefully LOL... you can totally tell by my facial expression!

OMG! I forgot to tell you all how I did some Male make-up application for the first time. Super easy!
Annabelle's Mineral powder was lightweight and perfect for even coverage : D


Click here to check out more pictures of me in action..and the hotties I made up!

How do you treat your phone?

My phone goes everywhere with me, so I see no reason for it to not look it's best!

My mom got this plate for me for $20. Which is a pretty good price because it has a graphic on the back. I love Hello kitty so she made a great choice :)

My question for you is how do you treat your phone?

Mac Warehouse Sale Haul Spring 2010

I had the opportunity to attend the MAC Warehouse Sale for this spring. I spent a bit more this time but I got some really lovely stuff! 

 I forgot to take a picture of that mineralized blush!! It's called "Daft Pink"<--Cute

• 2 Mac #20 lashes 
• 2 Mac #38 lashes
• 5 Mac eye shadows

From left to right
-Bold & Brazen "frosty light copper"
-Mont Black "black with flecks of glitter"
-Et Tu Bouquet "metallic pink"
-Matte shadow in Signed Sealed "dark burgundy brown"
-Smoke & Diamonds "frosty dirty taupe" 

OMG I fell in love with Lustre drops from the Style Warriors collection!

• Sun Rush
• Bronze Hero
• Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Expresso... This is not my color but this is the perfect color to mix with my other Bobbi Brown foundation.
• Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 foundation NW45 

Swatch of Bronze Hero. It's really pretty. Click pic

•  Mac lipglass "Style warrior"
• Mac monogram lipglass "Distinguished"
• 2 Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Gloss
• Mac Lustre lipstick in "Lovin' it" (great nude!)

•  Pearl Glide eye liner in 'Jade" (pretty purple)
• Cremestick pearl liner in "Gingerroot"

• MAC dual ended pencil sharper!! 

Free gift of MAC Strobe liquid lotion. You can wear it alone or mix it with foundation.

 I got two 5-piece Holiday eyes sets! These colors are very pretty :) If you didn't know colors are in for spring 2010.

My favorite items were the 2 quads I got.
On the left:

• Rose is a Rose 

On the right:

• 6 Devil May Dare Warm eye shadows

These colors are amazing! This is my new go to palette :)






That was my haul not as big as other but I'm saving up for the next sale in June!
What do you guys think of the haul?
Do you have any of these products?

Eshakti.com clothing review + $250.00 and 25 other prizes giveaway!!!!!

I was contacted by Eshakti.com to do a clothing review. I've never heard of the company so I made sure I did my research before I accepted their offer. 

Quick Eshakti.com facts:

• It's an online clothing store that makes "custom clothes to your size, your style. YES, YOU GET TO TWEAK THE STYLE - the length, the neckline, the sleeve -to your taste."
• Sizing 0 to 26W
• They ship in 3 business days. Yes, even custom clothes ship in 3 days. And the transit time from us to the customer is typically 4 days. So in 7 business days or less. 

Once I read that I was sold! Finding clothes that fit perfectly is a struggle! I constantly have to go up a size to fit my bust but then its way to loose on my small waist. I know many of you have a similar story, whether it's a bust, hip or booty problem.

After looking at the website I decided to get a super cute ruffle dress.

 The Fit:
I ordered the dress when I was 8 pounds heavier (go me..lol), so the elastic band is a livesaver. I can also add a belt to the dress to dress it up :) I plan on pairing it with some bronze heels & leather jacket.

Quality:
This is not cheap filmsy cotton! It's quite sturdy.

Prices:
The prices are reasonable if you take in account the tailing to make each item specific.

Overall:
This dress is super cute & I am satsified!

Check out http://www.eshakti.com

Currently Eshakti has an amazing contest which everyone is a winner!

 How do you see the eShakti woman?  Is she under 30 or over?  What does she do for a living?  What would you say about her lifestyle?  Children?  Employment?  Career?  You decide as no answer is wrong and just for giving it a shot, you will receive a $10 gift certificate!

To Enter: 


Click Here and complete the questions but you have to remember to enter in the Blogger's Name:  Spiced Beauty & URL www.spicedbeauty.com 

Cover FX Blogger event (PIC HEAVY)

I had the chance to attend the first ever Cover fx blogger event!
I don't think I have ever told this story but the first brand I ever used in school was COVER FX!

First some background on CoverFX:

Since 1985, Lee Graff, a corrective makeup specialist at the CosMedic Clinic at a leading Canadian hospital, has worked with thousands of patients with various skin conditions. Together with Chemical Engineer Jenny Frankel, and leading Dermatologist Dr. Neil Shear, Lee began development of Cover FX.

Click here to read more

 Lee Graff working on a model with rosacea

 

Wanda Longo working on Jenny Frankel 

The whole event was VERY educational and hands on! I was surprised that Lee Graff & Jenny Frankel attended. They told us their personal stories about the brand and how much it means to them. Also they answered EVERY single question we asked!

 

Lee Graff, Client & Jenny Frankel

  

Melissa explaining the set up 

As a MUA I know that a flawless canvas is the best to work with. Since everyone skin has different needs Cover FX has 6 formula options!

• Cover FX 
• Natural FX
• Powder FX
• Mineral FX
• Skin Tint FX
• Concealer FX

The formula's I love are Cover FX because a little goes a LONG way & Skin Tint FX because it's light and water resistant :)

Wanda Longo explaining the steps of the "bullseye" method

 In the background lovely bloggers Farah & Anjail 

 

Another lovely blogger Joy!

Did you know Cover FX can also cover Tattoos!!

She had wings on both wrists..amazing

At the end of the event each girl walked out with "The Big Cover Starter Kit" + BritePrep FX, Mint Glaze lip primer &ClearPrep FX.
The kit includes:

• Cover FX trio
• Skinprep FX
• How to DVD
• Setting FX
• Foundation Brush #170

 

The colors I used: B0, B25 & B45

That #160 is my new love..lol

I'm sooo happy I had the opportunity to attend this event. As a woman of color I know it's super hard to find a foundation to suit my skin tone. I'd recommend CoverFX because it ranges from lighter to deep dark. No one is left out :)

Need more information? Check out: www.coverfx.com

Annabelle Smudgeliner in Ohmygoth! FOTD

Hey Girlies!

If you haven't check out my Annabelle Smudgeliner review click here.

How amazing is this black!! I still can't get over it! I think it really brings out my brown eyes :)

I'm wearing it on my top & bottom lid.

 Other items I'm wearing are:
-Black mascara
-clear gloss

P.s I was having a good skin day :) LOL

My baby is here.. Spicedbeauty.com

 

 I finally got a domain name!!

www.spicedbeauty.com

This is a big step! I know I don't have alot of followers but this is a great start!

First off I wanna thank everyone of you all who reads my blog! It started out so small but it's glowing nicely..You all leave amazing comments! I was soo impressed when I left for 3 weeks the comments never stopped pouring in! Thank you <3

Shout out to Kev & Rai who I consulted to make sure my domain name wasn't stupid...lol O ya another shout out to Kev for making my banner which you see on the left side. My baby is so talented <3

As you all have seen I'm trying so hard to keep it updated. Being Canadian I don't have all the exposure as my American girlies but you know I try my best to stay up there...If you have any suggestions or ideas for my blog..HOLLA!

Lastly I have sooo much amazing things coming up for 2010!!
Alot of reviews, hauls and giveaways! So stay tuned.

Again thank you all sooo much!

Do you want to your face to glow and stop an upset stomach at the same time?!?

 I really wanted to say diarrhea but upset stomach was more appropriate! LMAO

On my DIY beauty search for my blog I came across a funny face mask, that might actually work!

Using good ole Pepto Bismol:


"This is a face mask particularly suited for those with sensitive skin. In the same way that this product coats the stomach, it gently caresses the face. Apply it straight from the bottle, using a cotton swab. Allow to dry, then rinse with cool water." Source


After searching the web I found out that Pepto Bismal has:

"Salicylic acid, and if you put a coating on your face, let it set for a few minutes, then wash it off, and your skin will have a mega-glow that shines through even after you put on your makeup,"

What's Salicylic Acid you ask?


Salicylic acid is known for its ability to ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. In other words Asprin!

Now that this makes alot of sense!

I may have to try this out..lol

Will you?

I'm Back from Jamaica + Rant + New year Resolutions

I'm kinda sad to be back in Canada but life goes on. Let me explain.. I love being in the presence of family(even if they drive me insane). I am quite fortunate that both my mother and father family lives in the area where I stayed. All and all it was super fun going to parties, unlimited drinks, going to the beaches, eating yummy food, visiting family and meeting new people BUT that can't be my life (for an extended period of time.)

Canada is my home and I've been living this lifestyle for almost 25 years now.. (No flying roaches, overly begging people & bugs that eat you alive!!)

Enough ranting! How have you all been. I've missed like over 500+ blog posts from you guys. I'm slowly catching up! I also owe 2 people packages. I was soo busy getting ready for vacation that I forgot to send before I left!

Back to the vacation stuff. Do you guys wanna see some pictures from it? I took some lovely scenery ones!

This is personal but I REALLY wanna share my 2010 Resolutions!

1. Read a book EVERY MONTH. (please send your suggestions along)
2. Lose 9 more pounds. ( I did well in Nov & Dec losing 10 pounds, so why not keep it up)
3. Take better cake of myself. ( more mani & pedi's out and at home :) ...stuff like that)
4. Drive longer distances (Hopefully I'll be more confident to drive to Brampton)
   
5. Reconnect with some friends & new family members.

Thanks for reading :)

My favorite shot from my recent photoshoot by ME

If you don't know I'm a director, videographer, producer, editor and MUA. Try saying that 10 times fast.. TONGUE TWISTER!!

But on top of that I love taking pictures! I've never really showed my work before..mostly because my portfolio needs more work....

We did a few different themes glamour, dramatic and neutrals.

BUT this shot spoke to me.

This was completely NATURAL no pose or anything like that!!

Super Cute and basically NO photoshop:

Face-

MAC Matte gel

Cover FX liquid foundation in B45

MAC Deep Dark mineralized foundation

MUF blush in Orange( I don't know the number)

Eyes-

HIP duo in Riotious

Mac Swiss chocolate in the crease

Lips-

Cover FX foundation in B45

I set it with MAC's deep dark again

Let me know what you all think <3

Do you want MAC warehouse sale tickets? All your Questions answered here! _ UPDATED

I DON'T HAVE ASSESS TO TICKETS ANYMORE!!
This is an invite only sale.. Tickets are the only way to gain entry!

I don't recommend this but...if you don't have a ticket.. it doesn't hurt to go down to the sale and ask the ladies in line if they have extras.


I've seen it before and 9 times out of 10 the girl gets a ticket. This is not a thing to do if you don't have a strong sense of character because rejection sucks.. and you might go home empty handed!

These are FREE tickets to employees to give out to their friends and family but people make a business out of them by selling them on kijji and craigslist. They can range from $10 to $50 dollars!

If you do buy off the internet make sure they have a gold stamp because the ones without are fakes!


The sale is located at Markham Fairgrounds which is located in Markham. This place is in the middle of frigging NO where... When my girl and I went the first time we got LOSS hardcore.

The MAC warehouse isnt actually in Markham fairgrounds...BUT it's probably the only place that big to hold all that makeup!

This event can happen anywhere from 3 to 4 times a year. This year I've seen spring, summer, fall & winter! I went to Spring, Fall & Winter..LOL. I know. The sales are always held as a 3-day event and are usually take place on a friday, saturday and a sunday.

The sale is divided into 3 rooms.
OLD INFO


The first room has stuff like makeup bags, train cases, concealers, eye pencils, nail polish, eyeshadow quads, perfume and etc...

Second room has brushes, foundations, collection sets, eye shadows / pigments...etc

Third room has blushes, compacts, bargin tables, lipsticks./lip glosses, perfume sets and cash check outs

MAC also gives out free gifts at the end and has a cancer donation table. Where they sell 3 to 4 items in a gift set for cancer!


Quick facts:

• you can only buy 4 of each item
• go the first day because things sell out fast!
• be prepared for lines

I hope this post helped!

Lippy of the Week: MAC Hello Kitty lipglass "Dreamy"

I got a new segment for you all! I have a few lip products just sitting there. I feel like this is a good way for me to fall back in love with them!!

Lippy of the week is Mac Hello Kitty lipglass in "Dreamy"

Color: Gold-glittered pink (Crystallina)

Isn't it gorgeous!! OMG! When I first got it, I wasn't too interested. Mostly because I had so much other lippies open BUT this color is soooo FAB!

The best part about it is that it's suitable for ALL skin tones. Ranging from Light to Dark!

LOVES IT!

Let me know what do you think below!

18 months of saving done in less than 1 hour!

This WAS my very first Back to Mac. If you don't know what Back to Mac is CLICK HERE. I saved all my empty containers since March 2008. Yes you heard me March 2008!!

At about 4:50 I went to the pro store in STC and picked out 2 lippies and my free item Play on Plums.

At the cash, instead of putting the goodies in my purse I opted for a bag.. WRONG MOVE!!

I walked around with the goodies in a bag(in hand) ..smiling at it ever 5 minutes because I could wait to get home and swatch the hell out of them!!

After parading about Payless..which is a whole other haul. My mom and I sat down in the mall waiting for my dad to pick me up..

Somewhere between the bench to inside my dads car the bag fell!! Yes you heard me again fell. I could have sworen I came into the van with the bag but after tearing up the seats.. and almost having a breakdown I came to the reliazation that it's in a better place (hopefully).

Has this ever happened to anyone?!?!? Maybe not $60.00 worth of MAC but have you lost something that you saved for??

Let me know below!

Purple Haze: Girls with Glasses Can be FAB too!

TRUE / FALSE if you wear glasses your eyes don't matter?

WRONG!!!

You can still wear rock any color you want and look FAB!

I don't wear glasses everyday..maybe every 2 weeks but I really wanted to share these pics :)

EYES:

• Royal HUE Shadestick
• Smashbox Eyebrighter
• MAC Violet Pigment
• MAC Primal Eyeshadow
• NYX Redbean Pie
• MAC Amazon
• LA COLORS white eyeliner
• MAC Vanilla Pigmnt
• Mascara
• Liquid Eyeliner

So my girls out there who wear glasses..My question is do you glam up the eyes or NOT?

Halloween, "How did I get Here"

The atmoshpere is pitch black and smells like rotting flesh.
All I remember is a party last night. ... And boy was it wild..Since I didnt live too far I decided to walk home taking the backroads. This was nothing new to me...climb  over the fence, turn right and your on my street...that was truly not the case this night.."How did I get here" By: Jennifer F

Hey Girlies, This is my Halloween post. I wrote that story in 3 minutes on my blackberry. I wanted to set the mood for these great pics! These were actually done Last year...but I was too shy to post them on my blog..

I used a 2.00 kit to achieve this look. After playing with this kit I fell in LOVE! SFX make-up really made me happy and I was going to go back to school for it, so I could add MUA to my list. Long story short I ended up going back for glamour make up instead.

So we have brusing, "dried" blood under the nose and on the forehead &"runny"blood coming from the gash on the forehead and lips. Pretty fab I hope you like it!! Happy Halloween!