Valentine's Day Red: Natalie from DOS

Day 4
Meet Natalie from Discoveries of Self
Wearing Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom Matte Lip Paint

Tell me about your blog? -
My blog is a beauty blog aimed at WOC interested in affordable make-up as make-up for WOC in the UK is limited. I post product reviews and swatches as well as some videos here and there all aimed at WOC interested in beauty.

What are some tips to finding the perfect red or pink lip?
I think one of my tips for red lipstick is to opt for a blue based red (true vibrant red) as this type of red works well on all skin tones, for pink lipsticks my tip would be to always pair a pink lipstick with a purple/plum lip liner. This creates a flattering ombre effect.

Favourite High End Red -
Ruby Woo as this was my first ever red lipstick

Low End Red - Colourpop LAX Ultra Matte

High End Pink - OCC Anime Lip Tar

Low End Pink - Sleek Mystic Lipstick

Any advice on how to confidently sport a new lip colour?
My tip to sporting a new lip colour is to keep the rest of your make-up simple and make your new lip colour the statement.

IMATS Toronto 2012 Experience + Haul

Another Toronto IMATS has come and gone. As per usual it was a day filled with vloggers, bloggers and beauty lovers! For the second time the venue was at Toronto Congress Centre which is located in Etobicoke. I got there a little bit later in the morning (around 11) and was shocked at the sheer number of people which was there. I came with a direct game plan and didn't stray away from my budget. 

First on my list was bdellium tools!  After hearing several bloggers rave about them, I know I had to get a few brushes from the line. Then off to Beauty So Clean and lastly finish off at Face Atelier to see what's new.

This years exhibitor list was much smaller than the earlier IMATS that I have attended.
That didn't stop groves of people from coming out to enjoy the beauty deals and watch the seminars.

Believe it or not, the ATM's on site ALL ran out of money before 2pm!
I was so happy that I traveled with cash.

Check out some pictures that I took of the show on Saturday:

I finally got to see one of my favourite bloggers/MUA Joy from Makeup Junkie.

bdellium tools booth set up.

I was debating whether I wanted the 957 or 958.
I should have just taken both!

If you're squeamish look away!
I couldn't leave without taking a picture. It's actually a replica of a full-sized man.
It was like 5'10! He even had shoes on!!

End result from the Make-up as Art seminar featuring M.A.C. Pro artist Melissa Gibson.

 OCC Skin on display.
Such vivid colors!

Emmy-winning makeup artist Eve Pearl doing a seminar on
How to Turn your Career into a Thriving Business

Last but not least my Haul! 

• Opi Drop it- drying drops+ free nail polish
• Opi Chipslip
• Beauty So Clean 
• Mascara shield
• bdellium studio line brushes in 957 & 949
• bdellium green bambo series brush set
• FACE atelier lip glaze in Obsession

Such a small haul but honestly at this moment I have everything I want.

Did you go to IMATS this year?

Day 5: V-day Lips OCC Liptar in Strumpet

I had to end my v-day lip series with the color I will be wearing for my valentines Day dinner: OCC Liptar in Strumpet! I think i'm going to wear a little black dress.. so this color will definitely pop :)

How spectacular!! yes you heard me! Is this color?!?!

Strumpet is described as a Vibrant Reddish Grape

I love the fact that I don't have to wear any eyeshadow.. just liner and I look fab!

I can't wait until IMATS to buy more :)

Constancy: 

Creamy Liquid 

Price: 

$13.00 on the OCC site

Availability:

In stock!

I got mine at IMATS Toronto.

Staying power:

Amazing.. but it will definitely leave a mark on your glass or your date LOL

Would you wear this color? Why or why not?

HUGE IMATS Toronto Haul

I got three yes.. three Royal & Langnickel brush sets. First I got the 20 piece and a travel brush set. After debating I had to get another travel set because it's amazing!

These brushes are sturdy and there also labeled. This set will be added to my kit. I'm excited to use my first fan brush : D

Here is a close up of the Travel brushes. Double ended and FAB! This set gets thumbs up for having an amazing blending brush in it. Also there is a pocket with a zipper on the side.. So far I fit a mascara,liner, udpp & eyeshadow in there. It's like my little emergency kit LOL

I decided to get a makeup setting spray from Graftobian. This spray is waterproof,smudgeproof & moistureproof. In other words your makeup isn't going ANYWHERE!! This is great for long days.

Kett Setting powder for a perfect HD finish. Plus it works for ALL skintones. Don`t let it fool you just because it`s white.

I won a Purely Cosmetics Diamond Powder Perfect Finish Powder from Enkore. I read on the website that it's similar to MUFE HD powder. Can't wait to try it out!

Im excited to be able to really try out NYX! I have a few shadows but that`s it. I`ve dreamt about trying Black Bean forever! Smokey eyes here I come lol..

Also that bright blue liner would be GORGEOUS with a nude or fuchsia lip! I think that will be my next FOTD.

This OCC liptar needs no introduction. I`m happy that I got to swatch them and feel the actual consistency before I purchased.  I got Strumpet which is described as a red seedless grape... HOT!

Surprisingly I didn't get ANY brushes from Crown. I decided to get the 28 palette I have been eyeing for a while. Also an empty 28 palette is perfect whenever you`re in a depotting mood!

I really needed some beautysoclean for my kit and myself. This purchase showed me that shopping around is key. I went to one both and it was being sold for 14.95 with tax. I have nooo idea why I didn't buy but I`m happy I waited! I went to the alcone booth and they were 2 for 15.00 NO TAX. Score :) Plus she threw in a whole bunch of wipes.

Love this picture! Brushes and more brushes. I got a pack from rubber mascara brushes from Nigel Beauty Emporium. Also a lovely pencil brush I got from Cici fashion brush. Pencil brushes are great to deposit color evenly in your crease.

The ever so popular MUFE smoky lash. I`ve heard nothing but amazing things about this soo I had to try it :)

Also the brow corrector was a must! Its waterproof and will last me a VERY long time.




This was the greatest purchase at IMATS.On Sunday right before IMATS ended Evepearl announced that all lip products were $5.00! I got to the booth late but I managed to snag two great lip colors. The first one is called Vampire Kiss & the secondone is called Wet kisses.




This Faceatelier product was picked personally for me by Debbie the President & CEO. This color is gorgeous on it's own or ontop of a lipstick

Ladies: Please let me know if you want any reviews or swatches on any of these products!

I hope you all enjoyed my huge haul! I have a lot of pictures that I will be put into a flickr stream soon. For now enjoy these great pics.