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:

Get Summer Ready: Hair Removal & Foot Care

If you're in Canada ignore the cold right now. Summer is coming! It's a little late but it's better to be prepared ahead of time. I know that you can go to the salon to get all the above done but what about the times when your too busy or strapped for cash. You do it on your own! 

Check out these products to help you look fab this summer!

First up is foot care!
This is one of the most commonly ignored parts of the body. No you can not slap on some polish on the toes and call it a day! What about your heels?!?!

Nothing makes more queasy than seeing crusty heels. Yes I said it! I'm being honest. If you can't make it to the salon regularly try Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer Lavender and Tea Tree Oil ($7.99 CAN).

A new patent-pending technology foam-release system with aromatherapy, Pedi-Scrub is a unique blend of glycerin, olive oil, shea butter, tea tree extract with lavender aromatherapy infused into a double sided sponge to exfoliate, smooth and relax your tired feet. Your feet will never feel the same again! Guaranteed for 15+ washes!

To hydrate your heels try Flexitol Heel Magic ($14.99 CAN)!

Flexitol Heel Magic is an innovative new way to hydrate dry, cracked heels and feet. This easy to use, no mess stick format contains a unique blend of emollients and moisturizers including Urea, Shea Butter, Lanolin and Olive Oil in a highly concentrated moisturizing base.

Now on to hair removal!
Hello tank tops! Underarm hair removal is pretty easy with this VEET Underarm Hair Removal Kit.
I love the fact that it's not messy. Apply/remove it with a spatula then apply the gentle finishing cream after.

VEET’s Hair Removal Cream leaves skin feeling smooth and silky-soft for up to one week with no risk of nicks and cuts.

Get rid of that upper lip hair! Try VEET Precision Wax & Care ($16.99 CAN).
Waxing scares me but I can take it in small doses. The cream contains aloe vera which is soothing for your upper lip.

Specially developed for facial hair removal, the easy-to-use tube lets you apply a precise amount of wax exactly where you need it – eyebrows, upper lip, and chin.Pamper your skin afterwards with our Aftercare Cream enriched with Aloe Vera. The result – your skin will be left feeling not just smooth but moisturised too.

If you're a good ole fashioned girl who likes to shave. Try the EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream ($3.99 CAN)! I personally prefer this nozzle over the typical shaving cream nozzles. Also this formula is not foaming- so it's rich and a little bit goes a long way.

Rich, non-foaming eos shave cream is packed with natural conditioning oils, shea butter and antioxidant vitamins E and C to provide 24 hours of ultra-soothing moisture. It’s so moisturizing, you can shave wet or dry. Plus, it’s enriched with skin protectants to help prevent nicks and razor bumps.

Ladies, I hope this posts helps.

Please let me know if you would like me to do more!

GIVEAWAY: Celebrate Mother's day with Topbox!

Celebrate Mother's day with Topbox! This year they are launching their Mother's Day Topbox+1.

This year it's a little different the box comes with 6 perfume samples plus a eGift Card. The gift card allows you to get one full size perfumes in full size from Topbox( $104 value). What mom wouldn't love that!

Vera Wang Lovestruck 50ml  Retail Price: $79

Calvin Klein Euphoria 50ml    Retail Price: $78

Oh, Lola! Marc Jacobs 50ml  Retail Price: $79

Roberto Cavalli 50ml             Retail Price: $80

Chloe 50ml                          Retail Price: $92

Calvin Klein Eternity 50ml     Retail Price: $72

Note:

There is a one time shipping fee of $5.95. The first time they send the box too you and again then redeem your voucher for a full size bottle of their favourite fragrance from the box.

Ladies boxes are available for pre-order now and will ship on May 1- Buy Now

Topbox is giving one Canadian Spiced Beauty reader the opportunity to WIN a BOX for your MOM!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Go Green for Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day ladies!

Did you know it's one the most celebrated environmental event worldwide?

We all have to do our part to sustain the environment. I remember when I use to hear the words like vegan and organic and I thought that meant boring! That's totally not the case now a days. These products have come a long way. You might not even notice but some of the products that you use daily may be fit into one of these categories!

Check out some "green" products that I've tried and are adding to my wish list.

SpaRitual polishes ($12.75 CAN)
Vegan polish brand dedicated to the spa tradition. Vegan ingredients from around the world are used to create this high quality line. This includes organic plant essences and naturally colored formulations free of synthetic dyes.
You would never have known these polishes were vegan. I've tried them in the past and loved the pigmentaton and overall quality of the polishes. Plus they always come out with cool collections that would rival any other brand.

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew ($3.50 CAN)
Delight your lips with the irresistible flavor of fresh honeydew and with moisture that keeps your lips feeling soft and smooth all day long.
I love the way these balms feel on the lips. Plus they are small enough to fit into your make up bag.

Matrix Biolage (Various prices I have seen are around $26.00 CAN)
One of the star ranges from Biolage is Matrix Biolage Delicate Care, a powerful fade-fighting range that is gentle, sulfate-free, and helps prolong hair's colour vibrancy. Free of silicones, parabens and mineral oil, this fade-fighting formula has a fair-trade complex of acai berry and conditioning argan oil, as well as a UV filter that leaves hair manageable.
I've switched all my shampoos to sulphate-free last year. My scalp is in a much better condition after doing so. This product is on my wish list!

Weleda Skin Food ($21.00 CAN)
Intensely hydrates and cares for the skin. Ultra-moisturizing, pure Lanolin and anti-blemish, organic Pansy nourishes and soothes dry and damaged skin. A precious essential oil blend of lavender, rosemary and sweet orange oil refresh the skin and the senses.
I'm obsessed with anything that involves lavender! Another product on my wish list!

Lush Green FUN mouldable soap ($6.95 for 250g)*
A citrus burst of tangy lime and lemon essential oils that will make you feel refreshed and focused. FUN is a solid, 4-in-1 multi-purpose, mouldable soap-- for your body, hair, bubble bath and fun.
Another great vegan product that I was excited to try out. This is the perfect bar to bring on vacay because it has various uses. For sensitive skin users it has a softening base of corn flour, talc and glycerine. You have got to love a product that you can pronounce all the ingredients!


*I received a sample of Green FUN*

Current Obsession: Essence Stay With Me Long-Lasting Lipgloss

Essence Cosmetics is a brand that I carry everywhere I go. Whether it's their eyeliners, mascaras or lip glosses- the line is amazing! NOTHING is over $5.00 CAN. Plus they're always coming out with new products and colour stories. I'm obsessed with their Stay With Me Long-Lasting Lipgloss ($2.99 CAN)!

The name Stay With Me Long-Lasting Lipgloss by Essence says it all! The color-intense texture is so wonderfully creamy and durable that it's simply irresistible. It won't even leave a sticky feeling behind. The special shape of the precision applicator allows an effortless application. Trendy colors are waiting to make your lips pop!

I have pigmented lips and some lip products don't show up "true to colour". These glosses are vivid, moisturizing and provide even coverage. I found this colour at shoppers on sale for $1.00. 

It's called "Pretty Witty". 

Do you own any of the Essence Stay With Me Long-Lasting Lipglosses?

Trend: Deep Red lipsticks

I think everyone has one lipstick shade which they love seeing on other people but are not sure if it would look "you". That's how I felt when I saw MAC Diva for the first time. For anyone who doesn't know what Diva looks like it's a deep burgundy with a matte finish.

Whether you are a red lipstick wearer or not, now is a perfect time to one try it out! Summer is coming up and there a lot more outings to attend and try out a deep red look!

I've met several girls who tell me red is not for them. My advice is "You haven't found the right one yet!”.

When you’re inside a store try swiping the lipsticks on the inner part of wrist. Why? Because your undertone shows up the best in that area. Once you have done that, compare the colors and choose one that works for you.

To end my post: I present you with my favourite deep lipsticks worn my Rihanna. I know that we're not the same skin tone but she looks amazing in these lipsticks!

Are you a fan of deep red lipsticks?

NEW Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer!

Lazy girls unite!

I'm joking! It's been a while since I've been generally obsessed with a lotion. I've known about this product since 2012 and I've been in awe ever since. 

Vaseline® Spray & Go® Moisturizer ($7.99 CAN) is a line of quick, convenient, continuous-spray lotions. They moisturize deeply and absorb in seconds to leave skin instantly soft, not greasy or sticky.

No words can explain how amazing this product it. After you come out of the shower, spray it on yourself rub it in and it absorbs quickly.

You never have to worry about the fact that you used too much lotion or the nozzle broke off! Don't ask me about the last one..haha.

Cocoa Radiant variety is infused with pure cocoa butter for healthy glowing skin in seconds!

Plus it comes in three different "scents" that works with your skin type.

Have you tried this product yet?