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?

Fun in the Sun + My Vacay Bag

I wish I could describe how I am right now...Stressed is an understatement. 

Instead of dwelling on my woes, my fiancé and I are going to take a nice island vacation. 

Just to clear our minds so when we get back we can work on the several tasks at hand. 

Nothing clears your mind like a beach, free drinks and sun.

It's so important to have a purse/wallet with you at all times on vacay. Especially something that can carry your suitcase keys, tip money, lipglosses.. need I go on.

This year I found the perfect sized cross body bag on Rosegal ($10.46 US).

I won't lie...

White is usually not the first colour I'd grab for but I wanted to get something outside of the box.

 The front of the bag is a hasp closure. Which is something that I usually avoid because if I drop my bag I don't want all the contents to fall out. But lucky for me this has an interior pocket. So if I drop my bag nothing falls out. Perfect! There is also a zipper pocket at the back. Plus another pocket inside. And of course the best thing about the bag (which made me interested in the first place)  is the fact that you can wear the straps around across your body or you can take them off and hold it like a clutch.  For me wearing it across my body would be best this will prevent me putting it down maybe to wash my hands and forgetting it to pick it up. Unlimited drinks might do that to you..

If you're interested in this bag use this 8% Coupon Code: May49rose

Holiday- Mary Kay: Limited-Edition Winter Wishes Shimmeriffic Shower Gel and Shimmeriffic Body Lotion Set

One memorable thing about the holiday season is the familiar scents!  

One of my favourite things from Mary Kay's Winter Wishes collection was the Shimmeriffic Shower Gel and Shimmeriffic Body Lotion Set ($27.00 CAN).

This limited-edition collection captures the magic of the season with its fruity, floral scent.

I love the fact that it comes in a cute festive tin. 

Once I have finished the products, I can use the tin for my little nicknacks.

What is it:

  Shimmeriffic Shower Gel 

Shimmeriffic Body Lotion Set

Holiday tin

Why would I want it:

Because it smells really good!

Body lotion leaves a subtle shimmer

The tin!

Where can I get it?

marykay.ca

Holiday: OPI-Sheer to the Top

It's November!

This month and next will be full of holiday beauty.

There is so much to share!

Sheer to the Top! ($27.00 CAN) is a great Christmas gift for the nail lover in your life!  

The set contains Top Coat, Matte Top Coat, and So Elegant.

This Winter it's ALL about layering. 

You have the perfect products to do so.

My favourite is So Elegant . It's a glitter nail lacquer studded with black and chrome particles.

Mattify it with Matte Top Coat or create a design by adding Top Coat on top. So many options!

“Top Coat provides a high-gloss, protective shine, while Matte Top Coat gives lacquer a velvety finish. So Elegant is a new, limited edition glitter with chunky black and silver sparkles that can be worn alone or over any OPI hue. As the name suggests, this shade lends a chic, glamorous element to nails,"Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador.

Are you ready for Fall nails?

Let's talk: Wedding Invitations- Part #2

My invites are here!

I know that it's suggested to send them out three to four months before.

We opted for something much earlier because we have a small list.

After getting all the information I needed, I decided to go forward with ordering on elegantweddinginvites.com.

Toronto: World Mastercard Fashion Week + Giveaway

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend World Mastercard Toronto Fashion Week. 

It was a great opportunity to check out everything fashion and beauty under one roof. 

What I really loved was that this time I had the opportunity to see the whole picture. 

The conception of the backstage look to the runway!

Maybelline-Mélissa Nepton:

This look was all about the brows!

"Well-Groomed, bold brows brought focus to the eyes at Mélissa Nepton" -Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist, Maybelline New York Canada

Love the brows? Get the look?
Start with the Define-A-Brow® pencil to shape.
Use the Eyestudio® Brow Drama to fill in.

Essie-Mélissa Nepton:

Hello Spring nails!

Want the look?
You need:
Apricot Cuticle Oil (base)
Ridge Filling Base Coat(on top)
Where’s My Chauffeur? or Turquoise & Caicos or Absolutely Shore (on all but the ring finger)
No Place Like Chrome (ring finger)
Good to Go Top Coat (top coat)
Quick-e (Quick drying)

Redken-Mélissa Nepton:

"It's simple but there is still technically behind it"- Jorge Jao, Redken's Lead Artist 

One of the staples to get the look is the Pillow Proof blow dry express primer. This is a must have for curly haired girls like me because it has a heat protectant hair primer. Which protects your hair up to 450 degrees. Plus cuts down blow dry time, provides 24-hour lasting volume and helps to reduce breakage. Totally wish I had this in my high school blow dry my hair straight everyday phases.

Not sure if you can pull of this look?

Jorge recommends a simple 3-step regime to get you started.

PRIME

Starting with Pillow Proof blow dry express primer to prep hair.

STYLE 

Using any Redken styling products. 

EXTEND 

Use Pillow Proof blow dry two-day extender a dry shampoo to extend your style.

Feeling more confident?

Canadians! 
Do you want to win a Redken Prize pack which will help you get Redken Ready?
*The contents are a secret but trust me..you will be happy*

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Fill out the mandatory fields & comment to enter.

Skin Care: Live Clean (Fresh Face) Line

Skin care is really major to me right now.

With the engagement shoot coming up, bridal shower and of course the wedding- I'm doing everything I can to maintain perfect skin.

I did have a skin mishap a few weeks ago which completely set me back but now I'm back!

I'll be introducing Live Clean Fresh Face into my regime. 

Live Clean Fresh Face™ is a luxurious and prestige collection of eco-friendly skin care promising exceptional performance with natural plant based ingredients and pure essential oils.

I love Live Clean Fresh Face™line because all of their products are composed of 98% plant-derived ingredients- plus:

• Petroleum free
• Hypoallergenic 
• Dermatologist tested
• SLS/Sulfate free
• DEA free
• Paraben, Phthalate and Phosphate free

The three products in my arsenal are:

Live Clean (Fresh Face) Hydrating Creamy Cleanser ($14.99 CAN)
Gently cleanses pores/skin of oil and makeup without stripping moisture.

Contains:

• Kaolin Clay
• Orchid extract
• Vitamin C 
• Lavender
• Cucumber
• Chamomile
• Milk Thistle
• Mallow
• Aloe 
• Buckthorn

Live Clean (Fresh Face) 24 Hour Hydrating Day Cream ($19.99 CAN)

Hydration for 24 hours
Contains:

• Orchid extract
• Vitamin C  
• Lavender
• Cucumber
• Chamomile
• Milk Thistle
• Mallow
• Aloe 
• Buckthorn

Live Clean (Fresh Face) Refreshing Facial Wipes ($9.99 CAN)

Alcohol and oil free wipes
Contains:

• Orchid extract
• Vitamin C 
• Lavender
• Cucumber
• Chamomile
• Milk Thistle
• Mallow
• Aloe 
• Buckthorn

Additional products:

• Foaming Daily Cleanser 
• Refreshing Facial Toner 
• Smoothing Facial Scrub 
• Soothing Daily Moisturizer 
• Nourishing Night Cream 
• Repairing Eye Cream
• Glowing Daily Serum 
• Anti Aging Recovery Cream

Live Clean (Fresh Face) is available at Walmart, Target, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and PharmaSave.

EOS Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

Eos has a limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness Collection ($9.99) which 100% of net profits are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The collection includes:

• Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
• Berry Blossom Hand Lotion,
• Limited Edition Strawberry Sorbet Smooth Stick Lip Balm 

I love eos because they're paraben-free, gluten-free and always smell sooo good!

You can the collection at Shopper’s Drug Mart, Loblaws, Target, Walmart, Giant Tiger, Rexall, Sobeys, Lawtons, and evolutionofsmooth.ca

NewYorkColor: Halloween Challenge #NYCbeautypro

Did you know that my love of SFX makeup has lead me to blogging.

I love using makeup to create a fantasy and have fun.

This months theme is "Black Magic, Witch Craft and more..

Every year, I do something gory..BUT I decided to switch it up and go cutesy.

In other words.. I'm in the "more" section.. HAHAHA!

This look is EXTREMELY easy to do.
Get a headband with ears or DIY one!

How to Get the Look:

• I took the HD Trio Eye shadow ($2.99 US) in Skyrise Steel(The darkest colour) and applied it on the tip of my nose and down to my cupids brow. I used the same palette to make the whiskers and highlight my inner eye (the silver). 
• On my lips I used the Expert Last lip color ($1.99 US) in Red Rapture.

Final question:

Do I look like a cat, mouse or ?

Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliners Swatches

What do you look for in an eyeliner?

For me, I need a brand that is:

• Waterproof
• Pigmented
• Doesn't smudge

I found that with Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliners ($11.99 CAN)! 

Cone tip applicator and cream stick formula with intense kohl pigments provide a bold smoldering line.

Tip: With Kajal's it's important use them sideways while rotating. 

NEVER on the tip because the tip can not be sharpened. 

As you can tell from the swatches the colour you see is what you get. 

These are really pigmented and suitable for all skin tones.

Jet Set into Fall with Revlon- London

Revlon Canada gave a few bloggers the opportunity to participate in a challenge which allowed us to receive products based on a fashionable city. We had no idea what city we were getting ahead of time. I was so happy that I got London, England!

When I was younger, I spent a few summers in England with my Granddad and Grandmother. From early age, I've had the opportunity to experience London's Fashion forward culture and loved it. 

I still have some of the items in my closet, years later.

Revlon's London look is an intense smoky eye with a natural lip!

Makeup Products:

• Revlon Colorstay ShadowLinks- Onyx & Gunmetal ($3.49 CAN)
• Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner in Blackout ($10.49 CAN)
• Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black ($10.49 CAN)
• Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in London Posh ($13.59 CAN)

-Glide charcoal along inner corner of the eye to outer crease creating an angled line. Use Onyx to extend the line slightly outside the outer edge and blend colors together.
-Create definition by using liner on upper lash line and outer edges of lower lash line. Apply Onyx along the liquid line to add sparkle. Finish with mascara.

-Keep lips neutral with London Posh.

Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner in Blackout
Create whatever line you want skinny or thick!

Revlon Colorstay ShadowLinks- Onyx & Gunmetal

This is actually the first time that I 've used the eyeshadows.
I was pretty excited to see how pigmented they were!

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black

This is a holy grail product! It's the darkest mascara that I've seen on the market.

Final look with Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in London Posh applied.
I reviewed them here: Moisture Stain

Nails:
Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy™ Longwear Nail Enamel- All or Nothing & High Stakes

Canadians! 

Do you want the opportunity to win some of these products? 

Check out my Twitter  @JennMUA for more information.

Everyday Makeup: Cat eyes & Pink Lips

Right now my to go look is a cat eye and pink lips. It's a face that I can do in 5 minutes flat! I find it also looks best whenever I go with a natural canvas. That means no foundation, contour, highlighter or blush. No extras!

It's important that your cat eye is clean. There are so many advances out there right now to help you achieve that! A pointy tip liquid liner pen is vice of choice. Essence's liquid eyeliner waterproof “Black” is one of my top fives under $5.00.

As a woman of colour, finding a perfect pink is crucial. I always go with the one that has a blue base. If you see L’Oréal Paris Extraordinaire by Colour Riche  “Rose Symphony” in stores- Pick it up! It's a pigmented lip gloss that has a smooth application.

On the brows, I'm actually using a Revlon® Colorstay™ eyeliner. It's long lasting and the perfect shade.

What is your everyday makeup look?

Let's talk: Wedding Invitations- Part #1

Let me start off by saying wedding planning is not as easy as it seems. 

Time really flies by quickly. My advice is start early and get help.

I do have a church, venue and food planned but everything else has not been determined yet. 

I did send out my Save the dates (in August) but now it's time to pick my invites. 

Did you know that some invites can cost you $600+? 

THE BEST OF ME Movie

I love movies!
It's the perfect way to get away from reality and float new somewhere new (for at least 2 hours).
I also love a great love story! 

Coming to the theatres soon is a movie called THE BEST OF ME. 

It’s based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks and follows two former high school sweethearts, who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart. 

Check out the trailer:

Doesn't it look good?

THE BEST OF ME prize pack includes mini manicure & Tissue sets.

Winners have been chosen check your email ladies!