Makeup Master Classes with Julie Bégin: 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?

Eylure Lashes- Up Close & Personal

I have a confession... I am a lash junkie. My obsession is a little different than others because I collect them. The funniest part of my obsession is the fact that I don't wear them! I can put them on others perfectly but not myself. I told myself this year that one of my goals will be taking the time out and having patience to put them on-without getting frustrated!

Thankfully Eylure has added four brand new Naturalites style additions to their line. 

These lashes are very natural looking and perfect for every occasion. 
I took close-up HD pictures for you all to see if these lashes are for you.

Feel free to click them to see them in their original size

The 011s, 032s, 035s and 083s are variations on current popular Eylure varieties 

and compliment both day or night looks.

Eylure Naturalites 011 Lashes are sweet and romantic, full lashes without fuss.
These are my faves! I love how it goes short to longer on the edges. 

Eylure Naturalites 035 Lashes add natural volume for a subtly full look.

Eylure Naturalites 083 Lashes adds fullness and length to lashes.

Eylure Naturalites 082 Lashes is a superfine lash one of the most natural looking.

They also debuted two new styles in the Katy Perry Lashes collection.
These lashes can be reapplied and are perfect for first-time wearers!

DARLING
Katy Perry Self Adhesive Lashes Darling. A full and fabulous style for a classic evening look. A great style for defining the eye and the self-adhesvie strip makes this so quick to apply.

Katy Perry - Darling Lashes

PRETTY
Katy Perry Self Adhesive Lashes Pretty. The style is `Pretty' and is as lovely as its name. A brilliant lash for adding volume and extra length, the self-adhesive strip makes this so quick to apply.

Aren't these lashes GORGEOUS!

I also forgot to add:

• 100% Natural Hair
• Can be trimmed to appropriate size
• Reusable
• Contact lens friendly

Which lash would you wear?

Suggested price is $7.99 CDN.