Givenchy: Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara

If I was stuck on an island and could choose only one item, I would choose Mascara! My obsession started at 12 years old. Fifteen years later, I think I have tried every brush type there is out there. There is very few that impress me out there but Givenchy has come out with something new and revolutionary.

Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara
$35.00
A four-in-one mascara that creates intense volume,
strong curl, infinite length, and complete lash care.

Packaging:
The packaging is gorgeous and fashionable. The silhouette reminds me of a building. It's tall, dark and has a glossy silver accent.

Brush:
I love the idea of the three spirals. I own nothing like this in my collection. This brush can used in many different ways: Use all three spirals, use two or just just one. Whatever your comfortable with! If you want volume this brush will definitely give it to you. Since I already have super curly lashes, I can't tell you if it gives a strong curl.

Formula:
The consistency is perfect. Its not dry nor is it too wet. Each application is smooth. On a simple day, one good application is enough to last you one whole day. If you want sky high lashes wait 2 minutes after every coat.

 This multitasking mascara is formulated with Givenchy’s exclusive Lash Booster Expert Complex that provides nutrition, revitalization, fortification, and protection.

Overall, I'm in love with this mascara. I've been in a mascara rut and Noir couture has pulled me out of it! I'm so happy that I got to try and I can't wait to see what Givency has coming out for Fall/Winter.

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.

Cascatablu Fashion Show

Cheryl Gushue premièred her resort 2013 collection of Cascata Blu last Saturday during TIFF. The line features simple yet versatile designs that fit all body types in a wealth of textured, art-inspired prints. I was on hand with my photographer to check out backstage beauty & watch the show. What is Cascata Blu you ask? It's Italian for blue waterfall.

I loved the runaway look. It was a neutral face with a edgy cat eye & a bold lip. The hair was wavy and definitely gave that beach vibe. Check out the elusive shots that I got backstage:

I have to highlight the hair. The team from Kevin Murphy Hair worked it out!

They used their famous Mermaid Kit on the models.

 It was the first time I've ever seen the wave clip in action. 

I need these in my life!

The WAVE.CLIP is a multipurpose tool that smoothes frizz and flyways on naturally curly hair, enhancing waves to make them smoother. This clip can create smooth waves on straight hair by adding movement without frizz or flyaway’s.

Nail aesthetician Rita Remark re-created nail art to match the graphic fabrics. 

The show started out with a local graffiti artist painting the model live on a stage. 

I know you can't tell but it says Cascata Blu on her bathing suit.

The Cascata Blu resort 2013 collection has two different themes, Graffiti City and White Sands. They represent the balance between the urban cultures of a bustling metropolis versus the serenity of traveling to faraway destinations.

Check out http://cascatablu.com for more information.

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?

Fall Fashion- Leather & Leopard Print

Have u ever envisioned an outfit in your head 

and hoped that it went together?

That is exactly what I did on Saturday. I had a whole day of Toronto Film Festival events to cover and needed the perfect "all day" outfit. I bought the skirt last Fall but couldn't find anything to wear with it. Leopard print is hard to pair with. You would never believe me but I got the skirt for only $7.00 in the Winners sale section! I honestly feel like this skirt and I was destined to be together. It honestly fits like a glove. It wasn't too tight and most importantly, not too long. I'm 5'2 and I hate when my clothes brush the ground.

The top was another deal as well for $8.00. I know.. I'm a bargainer! It's from the Pure by Alfred Sung for Zellers collection. Super cute with a military feel on the shoulders. I bought it in a size up so I could tie it on the bottom.

Since it was windy outside, I paired it with a leather jacket. Ladies, for Fall one leather piece in your wardrobe is a must have!

Lastly, My jeweled cross is from Express. It was a gift from the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite. I have a great post on my experience coming up soon!

Ladies would you wear this outfit?

Make Up For Ever Breakfast with Gina Brooke

 Last week, I had the opportunity to do something quite amazing.
I was invited by Make Up For Ever to have lunch with Madonna's makeup artist Gina Brooke!

If you have never heard of Gina Brooke, I'd advise you to check her out!  She's gorgeous and extremely knowledgeable. Her story about how she got into the industry was amazing. Long story short - If you're passionate about something. Don't stop pushing. Your time will come.

She also shared how the partnership with MUFE came to life, her inspirations for the looks for the tour and what it's like working with Madonna. 

Can you believe that she has worked with Madonna for over 10 years! She has also joined her on 4 tours!

Gina collaborated with Make Up For Ever to make a custom shade in the new Aqua Rouge lip stain collection. This lip stain will be the official red lip of the Madonna's MDNA tour!

 The lip stain is called Color 8. I love the fact that it's appropriate for every skin tone. 

Gina was actually sporting the lip stain at the event!

 If you're looking for the ultimate lip product- I mean one that wont budge or smear during eating, talking or whatever! Check out the Aqua Rouge lip stain collection. Most importantly, get the color 8 for a vibrant red lipstick!

Introducing Footzyrolls!

Back in June, I made a promise to myself.

Start wearing heels occasionally!

I'm now in my late 20's. I don't look it, I know. 

I don't wear heels at all. My shoe collection is insane!

Wedges, platforms and pumps. You name it I have it.

My biggest issue is my low pain tolerance. Don't laugh! I can't handle the hassle of breaking in a new pair of shoes. I don't do blisters at all!

Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to try out a pair of footzyrolls.

The innovative shoe brand, Footzyfolds, makes traveling in style easier with their lightweight, foldable and rollable shoes & accessories.

 I know some of you out there are wondering how does foldable flats help me with my heel situation. These can easily be folded into my purse or tucked into my desk at work!

Each shoe comes with a gorgeous box or our new cylinder packaging, your Footzyrolls, a beautiful shoe bag for your heels, and a cute drawstring pouch to put your stylish Footzyrolls into when you need to put them in your small bag.

Basically, I don't have to leave home without them. I decided to go with the leopard loafers because I love animal print. This particular shoe can be found in the sale section.

The shoe sizes start at 4.5 and go up to 11.5:

Extra Small fits a woman's US Shoe size 4.5-5.5
Small size fits a woman's US shoe size 6 to 7
Medium size fits a woman's US shoe size 7.5 to 8.5
Large size fits a US woman's shoe size 9 to 10
Extra Large is a 10.5-11.5

 Footzyfold collections are currently sold in major department stores such as Macys, Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor, as well as over 3000 other retail stores. Canadians can order it directly from their website.

Hair talk: Textures & Extensions

I am so surprised how popular my hair posts are. I was very iffy about talking about weaves/extensions it at first. Now that I have stated my concerns, I'm willing to share more. I have been getting a lot of emails & blog comments for more topics to be covered such as textures & over all general care.

In this post I am going to address texture. Texture is one of the most important things to think about when picking out extensions. I haven't "permed" my hair in two years and my current texture is curly. It wouldn't make sense for me to go out and  buy bone straight extensions to blend with my hair because the textures would be completely off.I could straighten my hair to blend but I do not want heat damage.

Regardless of length, I try to make ALL my extensions/weaves look natural. I decided to ask Constance from Bella Dream Hair some tips on picking the perfect extensions for first-time wearers.

 I think the biggest mistake women make is looking at an image and saying that THAT is what I want without taking into consideration their hair texture. If you see a woman with silky straight curls and you want that style but your hair is not silky in the least...then you ma'am should not pick that hair texture. Find a texture that matches your hair rather it's natural, relaxed or permed. Work with what you got so that your weaves will be flawless. 

As basic as that information is, I still see styles which totally perplex me! I know I'm not alone with that feeling...haha.

Overall, the versatility of extension can change up your looks in seconds. 

Monica is my favorite example of that because she can rock short and long styles naturally.

I hope you all enjoyed this post. 

If you have any questions/requests leave them below!

L’Oréal Paris limited edition TIFF Festival ‘12 Cosmetics Collection

It's that time again! 

Toronto has become a hot spot for celebrities, movies and the hottest lounges.

The Toronto Film Festival is here!
This year L’Oréal Paris’ has a nine-product limited edition TIFF Festival‘12 Cosmetics Collection.

La Couleur Infallible Eye Shadow in a dazzling coral shade called Pepsy Coral

Colour Riche Lip Colour in Peach Fuzz and Golden Splendor offer beautiful coral
and golden pink shades for a natural look

Colour Riche Lip Liner in a complementary shade of Beyond Pink

Magic Smooth Souffle Blush in a soft pink shade called Angelic

Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black

Voluminous Power 24H Mascara in Blackest Black

Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

Colour Riche Nail Colour in a bold red-brick shade called Red Tote

The collection will also be sold onsite at the L’Oréal Paris Red Carpet Beauty Lounge/during the Toronto International Film Festival.

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.

Check out Bomb La Bon Bon!

After a long day, it's best to treat yourself! Instead of visiting the local cupcake shop, why not try out a bath treat! I'm more of a lush girl but it's good to try out other brands... especially if they're Canadian. 

I was sent some goodies from Bomb La Bon Bon shop to try out. 

 "A unique variety of Candy Inspired Bath Bombs, Sugar Body Scrubs, Tub Truffles, Whipped Body Butters and Tub Milkshakes that are sure to leave your skin deliciously soft and moisturized without the sweet cravings guilt."

My favorite item I received was their handmade Whipped Sugar Scrub- Cotton Candy.

This tub is packed with creamy goodness of cotton candy fragranced body scrub. Delicious fragrances team up to give you double the pleasure that will last for plenty of treatments. A moisturizing combination that leaves skin soft and silky, not greasy or heavy.

It smells and looks amazing!

The consistency is very light. It provides a light scrub without damaging your skin.

I would classify this as a scrub that you can use daily.

After using it my skin was very soft.

 Some other goodies I was sent was the Bath Bomb - Donut Goodness & Rose.

The owner did everything she could to prevent the bombs from breaking. She even wrote " Do NOT invert" on the box. That didn't stop the post office for possibly kicking it down the street. Okay.. well I know they didn't kick it down the street but I was still sad to see my Donut Goodness Bomb was crushed. 

As we all know bath bombs disintegrate in water so the fact that it was broken wasn't that big of a deal. I just wanted to highlight it in case it happens to you.

 I also wanted to share that Bomb La Bon Bon  is:

• Not tested on Animals or has Animal-derived ingredients.
• Most of the products are vegan friendly and are 100% biodegradable and recyclable
• 100% free of: Parabens, Phtalates, Propyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Artificial Preservatives (PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA or TEA)

Are you a Whipped Body Butter fan?