Showing posts with label make up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label make up. Show all posts

Flower Beauty + Drew Barrymore

I went to an exclusive Flower Beauty event a while back and I had the opportunity to try out a lot of their products and meet Drew Barrymore. She is amazing- literally everything I thought she would be and more. I'm so impressed with the line. The pigmentation, the colour range, and the overall products that they have makes it unique.


Fell in-love this amazing red lipstick- Rosebud (shown above). Which I'll post about it soon. Plus I was also introduced to a new favourite: Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadows $7.98 CAN. It that comes in six shades. The packaging is extremely cute and the consistency is soft like a soufflé.
You can apply it with your fingers or with a thin brush like a concealer brush. After eight hours of work- it did not crease. I used one of my make up removers to take off the eyeshadow and I had no issue. Each creme eyeshadow has vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
I would recommend getting every colour.


My favourite 5 minute face products

I was asked how did I perfect my 5 minute face....I think it started in college.
I had to take 2 buses and 2 different subway trains to get to my classes.
My go-to was always cream shadow and a full volume mascara.

Here is an example of some of items that I'd use daily.

In college, I was on a strict budget but I always made sure my brows were decent. These TRIM eyebrow shapers ($3.88 CAN) are perfect to get the stray hairs away and clean up your brows. 

I've raved about the importance of using SPF daily- no matter what your skin tone is. L'oreal Paris Sily Sheer Face Lotion ($12.96 CAN) is amazing. It's non-greasy and lightweight for daily use.
Swisspers Cosmetic Applicators ($2.00 CAN) are a double duty products. I use them to apply my makeup and clean up mistakes. Hard Candy "All lid up" cream shadows ($4.98 CAN) literally last hours. I usually don't have to worry about creasing throughout the day. 
Use them with your fingers or an applicator.
Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam ($5.98 CAN) is a perfect mascara to use because I hardly get ANY clumps. The hourglass shape also helps to fan out your lashes.

Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lip colour ($2.37 CAN each) compares to any high-end lipsticks I own. 
Long lasting & they come in a vast amount of colours.
Eyes:

What's your 5 minute face?

Caryl Baker Visage - Notorious Beauty Collection (Guest Post)

 The collection is called Notorious Beauty and from first glance I knew this collection was going to make me think of a film noir Greta Garbo type of evening.

The Notorious collection boasts Intense Colour, All of the Drama and Irresistible Glamour and I must admit I think Cary Baker Visage hit the nail on the head with these claims. The collection showcases a great selection of eye shadows, lip-glosses, lipsticks, lip pencils and blush in earth tone and plum/berry shades.

I was able to try an eye shadow trio, a lip pencil, a lip-gloss and a blush. There was also a single shadow in the mix from the Spring Awakening collection (I swatched it also cause it was just so darn pretty)
Left to Right: Caryl Baker Visage Lip-gloss in Corruption, Caryl Baker Visage Lip liner in Desire

Caryl Baker Visage Lip-gloss in Corruption
(Regular Price $17.50, Beauty Club Price $15.75)
The formula of the gloss is a tad sticky but it has some serious staying power I was sporting a ghostly heart shadow on my forearm for most of the night after I swatched it. The lip gloss smells much like other glosses of the same caliber (like a vanilla cookie) I’m not a huge fan of sparkle so chances are this wont be my go to gloss but the pigmentation is pretty great so maybe on a glamorous night out I might just bring this beauty along.

Caryl Baker Visage Lip liner in Desire
(Regular Price $15.00, Beauty Club Price $13.50)
I am super impressed with this lip liner. It is a solid texture but creamy and pigmented. At first I thought it was going to lean towards a cherry red but upon further inspection I noticed it’s much more of a deep raspberry. There isn’t much else I can say other than I can already tell this is going to be a go to for the holidays.
Left to Right: Caryl Baker Visage eye shadow in peachy, Caryl Baker Visage eye shadow in Silhouette, Baker Visage eye shadow in Sabotage, Baker Visage eye shadow in Smoldering, Baker Visage blush in Dial M for “Makeup”

Caryl Baker Visage Blush in Dial M for “Makeup”
(Regular Price $22.50, Beauty Club Price $20.25)
I would categorize this blush as a spiced rose colour. It is a soft matte pigmented blush and fromm what I can tell a pretty universal colour. I happen to be a pretty fair lady so to use it I would have to be light handed but a light hand is easy to do with a pigment as nice as this. This blush is such a great autumn colour and will really help to warm up you complexion as your sun kissed glow starts to fade.

Caryl Baker Visage Eye Shadow Trio in Silhouette/Sabotage/Smoldering 
(Regular Price $18.00, Beauty Club Price $16.20)
The eye shadow trio is a beauty at first glance but once you get into swatching you notice that there are some flaws. Silhouette is a light matte grey and a colour I would gravitate too but it is a bit chalky and doesn’t play the nicest with a shadow brush or a finger for that matter. I think its still usable but it will take a bit more work. Sabotage is a cool shimmery brown and is my most favourite. The shadow is buttery and very pigmented. Smoldering is a warm deeper shimmery brown and felt quite gritty in comparison to Sabotage. The trio its self is beautiful and the colours will look great together but there was a lot of fall out and the textures and formulation were not consistent.

I happen to live in an area that doesn’t have a Caryl Baker Visage location so this is my first experience with the brand. I have to say though the products are a pleasant surprise. I’m not sure that this collection is totally for me but there are certain products that I really do think will end up mixed in my regular beauty routine. I am also very certain that this is not my last time hanging out with Ms Baker. I cant wait to try more collections in the future.

The Notorious Beauty collection is still available while supplies last online and at your local Caryl Baker Visage location so I suggest if you feel like spending a little money on some glamour products you do just that.



Revlon: Do you match your Lips and Tips?

Have you ever matched your nail colour and lipstick before?

Revlon is celebrating its heritage of matching Lips & Tips with a fun activation on their facebook page encouraging others to share their photos of their Revlon Colour Authority paired Lips & Tips.

I thought it would be cool to get in on the action with my own Lips & Tips selfie!
I am rocking Revlon Nail Enamel in Fearless and Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rich Girl Red.

Love this colour and want to add it to your collection? 

Canadians! Save $2.00 off your next: Revlon purchase
Check out more Lips & Tips combos over on Revlon Facebook page!


It Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length Black Primer


When I first took this out of the box, I didn't know what to do with it! 
I've never seen a brush so thin and I also expected it to be white!
Just like all the other primers I've used in the past.

I was sooo impressed with this product that I would definitely 
add it to my top five favourite mascaras list for 2013.
Tightline Full Lash Length Black Eyelash Primer is a true game-changer in mascara and eyeliner technology. This multitasking beauty must-have uses an ultra-skinny wand to let you coat your lashes at their actual roots for the ultimate in length and volume. But the best part is, if you have sparse or missing lashes, the Tightline brush lays down black pigment along your entire lash line, filling in sparse spots for a full, beautiful lash line and the look of an eyeliner!

Never would I thought such a small brush would do much! It's an mascara that can be worn alone, under or over your favourite mascara. Perfect for anyone who wants full lashes with little effort.

The skinny wand also allows the conditioning serum to infuse a blend of lash-enhancing ingredients, including peptides, collagen, proteins, biotin, nettle extract, green tea, jojoba, and vitamins all the way down to the roots for the most effective dosage of nourishment and protection.
Application: I start at the root on top of my lashes and sweep out. Then I let it dry and do the same process under my lashes. Then I wing out my outer lashes. 

I do the same application whether I am going to wear another mascara over or not.



Summer Make up: Annabelle Cosmetics, Make up For Ever & Mark Cosmetics

I love summer makeup. It's so natural and dewy! Plus it doesn't take a lot of effort.

It's all about the BB cream. Why? Because it has good things such as SPF to shield your skin from UV rays. I will be honest there is a fine line between oily and dewy skin. If you find yourself on the oily side carry blotting paper with you. My favourites are from The Body Shop & Hard Candy.

To top of the skin I add a light rosy cheek using a cream blush. On my lips I tried out a new Mark Glossworks lipgloss. I will be reviewing it soon. It kind of applies like a liquid lipstick and it contains SPF15.

I try to use some waterproof products on my eyes. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes makes a gorgeous gold eyeliner in “Gold 9L” that I used on my inner corners. It’s doesn't budge or smudge! I finished off the look by using Annabelle Cosmetics Expandable Mascara on my lashes.

This look was featured in Fashion Magazine's Beauty Panel Challenge

Makeup Master Classes with Julie BĂ©gin: Power Beauty

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend a master class with Makeup Artist Julie Begin. I haven't had the time recently to do "faces" as much because I work full-time (all the time) but I love hearing tips and tricks from others. The class was around 12 people and lasted three hours.

Some one the points I took away from the class were:

  • Be original.
  • Look for inspiration in everyday things.
  • Don't be afraid to try something out of the box.
  • Keep a notebook to record your thoughts so you don't forget them.
  • You don't need expensive products to do a look.

My favourite part was looking into her kit. I LOVE looking into other MUA's kits for products to use on myself or others. She even took products out of her kit and let us swatch it and try it out. Some of her favourites are MAC, Annabelle, L'oreal and MUFE.

Plus there was a model there which she used to demonstrated two looks on. We also had the opportunity to ask questions any time throughout the whole class. The classes are $300 USD (which may be a lot for some) but being an MUA is a "pricey" profession so the price doesn't surprise me. Especially from someone who has clients such as Balenciaga, John Galliano and Mark Jacobs.

Check out some pictures of Julie's work:





Hard Candy Spring 2013

I recently I had the opportunity to attend the Hard Candy Spring 2013 Launch party in Toronto.
I love Hard Candy! I've reviewed them on the blog before. They have great products which can be found at your local walmart. I took a fellow beauty blogger Rasilla with me to get the scoop on what's new for 2013.

This February you will see Hard Candy apparel in-stores($12 to $18 US). The apparel was fun. Sequins, hearts & stars. Typically the type of items that every girl has in her closet. It's more weekend wear for me because I work in an office. But If you are your a tween/teen it's very cute for school.

Check out some of the new items:

Eyeshadow Collection Mirrored Compact $5.98 US
  • Neutrals
  • Smokey
  • Greens
  • Blues
  • Pinks

They now have bath products in two flavours:
Poison apple berry & Black orchid &vanilla
There was balms, dry oils, body scrub, balt salts & bubble bath.
Shown here:
So Foam So Good
Foaming Body Wash $ 7.68 US

Under So Foam So Good you can see "Shadowholic".
Waterproof eye shadow crayons $ 4.98 US

9 different shades.

Nail Lacquer $3.98 US
Five Concepts:
  • Crushed Chromes
  • Itsy Glitzy
  • Crystal Confetti
  • Glitteratzi
  • Candy Sprinkles

 Various Mascara ranging from $5.98-$6.98 US

All Glossed Up $4.98 US
Glossy lip stains in 8 different colours.

Lip Def $5.98 US
Super shiny lip colour 10 different shades.

Poppin Pigments $5.98 US
Loose shadows sets available in 8 shades.

*Under popping pigments you can see "All Lid Up".
Long wearing creme eye shadow $5.98 US
10 different shades.


I was pleasantly surprised with the products I tested. Let me start off by saying the pigmentation on the products I swatched was amazing! If you're like me and gravitate towards products that are long lasting you will be in for a huge treat this Spring.

Is there a product that you have your eye on?

Photo credit:  Becca Lemire

New products from Korres Fall 2012

Korres is a beauty brand that makes some amazing skin products. Everything in the line is made of organic and natural ingredients. These products are gentle on the skin and can be found in select Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores. I honestly feel like there is something for everyone in the line.

Benefits of Mink Lashes

The beauty world is constantly changing. As a blogger/MUA, I try my best to stay on top of everything but it's hard. I recently interviews Min of Toronto Based Minx Lashes to get the scoop on the Mink craze!

What are Mink Lashes?
Mink lashes are made from Siberian mink fur that have been shed after brushing the tails of the mink and some of the natural shedding. The shed fur are dyed and hygienically treated then handcrafted into wearable eyelashes. Mink lashes were first introduced by celebrities such as JLo, Heidi Klum and Oprah at red carpet events but they were off limits to most women since they cost hundreds to even thousands of dollars. They remained as Hollywood’s secret to beautiful, capturing eyes until recently they've become much more affordable and available.

What is the different between mink & synthetic lashes?
Mink lashes are much more softer, fluttery, natural and weightless compare to the synthetic lashes. Mink fur looks and feels like the real human lashes and can duplicate the most natural looking false eyelashes on the market. Mink lashes have very beautiful natural shine and gloss compared to that of a fake plastic shine of a synthetic lash.
How long do mink lashes last?
Mink lashes are highly durable and can be worn up to 20 times with proper care. It's very important that these lashes are properly cared for; use a tweezer to remove it from the box, gently clean off the glue residue from the base of the lashes and store it away from moisture and heat.

Why should I get a pair of mink lashes?
Mink lashes are so much more beautiful, softer, fluttery, natural and weightless. Not only does it look so much superior to the synthetic lashes, it also feels so much better because of it's softness and weightlessness. It doesn't feel heavy and uncomfortable like what most people experience wearing synthetic lashes. Mink lashes are also not perfectly lined in shape like the other mass manufactured lashes, just like the natural lashes they tend to be a bit imperfectly shaped and flares out in different ways which make them so much more natural and beautiful. There's a reason why some A-List celebrities only wear mink lashes, they've got team of beauty experts who research the best ways to look gorgeous and beautiful. Mink lashes may seem expensive but you can reuse them up to 20 times so it's worth the price you are paying for. They are so addictive once you try mink lashes you'll not want to use any other lashes again.
Ladies, I hope my interview with Min helped you clear up any questions that you have about Mink Lashes!


The views expressed in this blog post belongs to Mink Lashes and does not reflect spicedbeauty.com. Do your full research to find out if this style is for you.

My Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite experience

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to get my makeup and lashes done at the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite. After a very busy two weeks this was exactly what I needed.
It was definitely one of my favorite makeup experiences.

I had an amazing makeup artist named Shannon. I'd recommend her because she was able to do my skin with no problems.

It was great to see what other make up artist use on their clients. I fell in love with the stila foundations that she used on me. I didn't even know that Stila had shades that complimented my skintone! I definitely have to explore that brand more. I also need to explore YSL. The highlighers and bronzers are gorgeous.

To finish off my look I was given Duo Lashes. I decided to get DUO professional eyelashes D14 (SHORT AND SPIKED). Great lash for a first time wearers like me. At first it was hard to get use to lashes on my lashes. Thankfully,within minutes I forgot that they were on!

One of the best tips I got for lash application is to add some glue to your lash line before applying. I had NO budge throughout the day!


Last but not least I was given the opportunity to pick an item from the EXPRESS table. I'm so happy that EXPRESS is now in Canada. I remember traveling to NY and shopping there with my boyfriend. We would always come out with great pieces.

I chose a jewelled chain to compliment my outfit. A very unique piece to add to my collection. Love it!

Overall I had a great time! I was treated like a queen. Thank you Murale!


Final look:

When was the last time you had your makeup done?