NEW Pulse Perfection Mascara from Maybelline!

Be the first to purchase Maybelline’s new Pulse Perfection Mascara before its nationwide launch on Tuesday, June 23! For only two days, you can purchase the mascara online for $18.99 and it’s free shipping!

Visit http://www.pulseperfection.ca/ to get your mascara now!

Get Friendly with EcoTools!

I went to run errands today and ended up at Wal-Mart. I decided to visit the cosmetics section to see what was new and was surprised to find eco-friendly makeup brushes. If you’re uncomfortable with using makeup brushes that are made with animal hair or are looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, these are great brushes! EcoTools offer seven different brushes and two brush sets. The handles are made of Bamboo and recycled aluminum and the bristles are made of synthetic taklon that are 100 per cent cruelty free.

I didn’t get a chance to actually feel the brushes because they were tightly sealed in the packaging. (Which is a really good thing so people can’t put their grubby hands all over the bristles- I'm a germaphobe.) However, I did examine the brushes intensely and they seem like really good quality brushes. Compared to other drugstore brushes that are sparse and flimsy, EcoTools’ brushes are full and dense. Available now at Wal-Mart and London Drugs in Canada, you can pick up a BAMBOO Powder Brush, BAMBOO Blush Brush, BAMBOO Angled Eyeliner Brush, BAMBOO Foundation Brush, BAMBOO Eyeshading Brush, BAMBOO Lash and Groomer, a five or 6 piece BAMBOO Brush Set or a RECYCLED ALUMINUM Retractable Kabuki. Environmentally friendly makeup brushes can get on the expensive side but EcoTools’ brushes are priced at $5-$14.

Lisa's Cosmetics/Fragrances Warehouse Sale 2009!

I hope many of you had the opportunity to attend Lisa’s Cosmetics/Fragrances Warehouse Sale this spring season because it was totally worth it! I swung by the sale during the first week and only spent around $30 but picked up some amazing things!

Here’s a partial list of what I purchased:
Four pairs of Sally Hansen False Lashes - $1.50 each
Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Gel Eyeliner - $2.99
Elizabeth Arden Cuticle Repair Cream - $2.99
Red Earth Beautiful Face Starter Kit - $12

I was completely unaware that Sally Hansen even made false lashes but this was definitely my favourite purchase. Not only does the package come with TWO pairs of lashes, but they are super soft and the spine of the lashes is thin so they look very natural. And for $1.50, who can beat that price? The only thing lacking was the glue. I was apprehensive about using the glue the lashes came with, so I stuck with what I know will guarantee durability – DUO.

For those of you that didn’t get a chance to attend this season’s sale, don’t fret because another one should be coming up around Christmas!

Freshen Up with Joe Fresh Beauty!

Starting tomorrow, hitch a touch up with the Joe Fresh Beauty Box! As part of a nine city tour, the Joe Fresh Beauty Box (a customized vehicle and trailer) will be making its way around Toronto from April 30th to May 4th. Consumers who visit the Beauty Box can receive five minute touch ups from a professional makeup artist as well as view the collection and learn about spring’s hottest trends. Those who take advantage of the free touch ups will also receive a $5 gift card to use towards the purchase of Joe Fresh Cosmetics.

Toronto tour dates & locations:
Thursday, April 30 – Yonge & Dundas Square
Friday, May 1 – Queen Street West at Soho Street
Saturday, May 2 – Queen Street West at Soho Street
Sunday, May 3 – Vaughan Mills Mall
Monday, May 4 – Oakville Place Mall

To follow the tour, visit http://www.joe.ca/tour/.

For more info about Joe Fresh Beauty, click here.

It's Sale Time in Spring!

Not a cosmetic sale, but just wanted to let you guys know about the Premium Retail Group Guess? Marciano Mega Warehouse Sale. Enjoy 60 – 90 per cent off Guess and Marciano and save on other brands including: G-Star Raw, Lucky Brand and DKNY. Denim starts at $35 (Two for $60), handbags start at $30 and top start at $15. Details are below.

I have attended this sale a couple of times. The first time was a breeze with no lineups, no crowds and tons of selection. However, the last time I attended this sale in December I walked out empty handed after standing in line, outside, for an hour and a half. (I arrived approximately 20 minutes before the start of the sale and decided to stand in line thinking it wouldn’t be too bad. I was so wrong.) When I was basically shoved through the turnstyle gate that hardly did anything to organize the entry, the stock was pretty depleted (People who were lucky enough to beat the madness sauntered out of the sale with boat loads of Guess handbags) and there was a gigantic lineup that wrapped around the inside of the building to cash out. Tired and discouraged, I left feeling that it was a BIG waste of time. So I’m torn on whether or not I should make the trip. If you attend, let me know how it goes!

Special Notes:
· Limit of 5 handbags per customer.
· More cashiers are supposedly being arranged to limit wait times.
· Become a VIP member on http://www.premiumretailgroup.com/ and save 10 per cent off your purchase. (Only valid on April 15th)

Date: April 15th – April 19th
Time:
April 15 - 10:00a.m. - 8:00p.m.
April 16 - 11:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.
April 17 - 11:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.
April 18 - 11:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.
April 18 - 11:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.
Location:
Toronto International Centre Hall 4
6900 Airport Road
Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1E8

ALSO…

Shiseido is having their warehouse sale this April 18th and 19th. Unlike the M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale, you do not need an invitation to attend. Pick up hair, skincare, makeup and fragrance products. Details are below.

Date: April 18th and 19th
Time:
April 18 - 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
April 19 - 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Location:
Shiseido Inc.
303 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario

Happy shopping!

M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale...Info Part.2

This sale was much better than the one I attended back in December. For one thing, the weather was much warmer (Still cold but bearable) as we stood outside for approximately half an hour. Another great thing was that there were sale promotions. (Something I never seen before at these sales.) As if discounted M.A.C Cosmetics and Estee Lauder products weren't good enough to entice the attendees to spend their money, there were numerous sale promotions. For example, if you purchased three lipsticks or lipglasses you would receive the fourth one free. It was the same for the eyeshadow quads, holiday palettes, sparkle eyeliners and many other products.

I'll post some pictures of what I purchased in another post! =)

P.S. I had to break this up into two posts because the layout in the first one was going all wacky for some reason with the extra paragraph.

M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale...Info Part.1

So a couple of weeks ago I attended the M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale at the Markham Fairgrounds. Luckily, I remembered to bring my camera along to snap some pictures of the sale. For those of you who have never attended, I wanted to give you an insight into what it is like to wake up early and and see the suffering we have to endure as we stand in line after line after line. However, all is forgiven and forgotten when we enter the first building and go nuts and spend hundreds of dollars on cosmetics.

Already standing behind an army of people around 8:50a.m. (The sale opened it's doors at 9:00a.m.)

The line in front of us as we stood in the back.

The line as we got closer to the building doors.

The line inside the first building.

The line behind us as we entered the building.

Shoppers checking out products on the tables.

R.I.P.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a weekend trip to Montreal. Between leaving on a Friday morning and returning on a Sunday evening my favourite flat iron died. I don’t travel with this flat iron for fear it might get lost or stolen so it stays home on my bathroom counter where I know it’ll be safe. The last time I used it was on Friday morning and it worked perfectly and I had perfectly straight hair for a perfectly planned weekend. When I arrived home Sunday evening and was getting ready to go out, I turned the flat iron on and waited for it to heat up. To my dismay, it never got hot. Not even warm. It was arctic cold. It just stopped working. So I may seem a bit dramatic but if you’re like me and you use your flat iron everyday sometimes more than once a day you understand that this is tragic.

Now, I have about four different flat irons. The first one is super old that I received as a Christmas present from my cousins in high school. I dropped this one in University and as a result it has a nail bolted in one of the plates to keep it from falling out. The second flat iron is the Conair Instant Heat 1-1/2” Curling Iron/Straightener which I purchased after using the one my friend Michelle owns. (This is the one I travel with.) The third flat iron is the Andis Gold 1” Multi-Heat Ceramic Flat Iron and my friend Charlene gave it to me for curling hair. And the fourth used to be the BabylissPro ceramic flat iron which I purchased about three years ago for approximately $200.

So there you have it, a list of the flat irons I own. Now, I must confess that with having numerous flat irons, I definitely play favourites. And since my BabylissPRO has died, I’ve taken to using my Andis flat iron as my everyday straightener. However, it doesn't really compare and I’m looking to change it up a bit and try some new flat irons that can replace my beloved favourite so if you have any suggestions let me know!

Bumpit Up!

Last night, I returned home from celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a few friends. (A celebration not complete without drinking green beer of course!) Anyways, I turned on my TV to one of my favourite channels - TLC.

Luckily, I tuned in at just the right time to catch an infomercial for one of the greatest hair inventions EVER!

Everyone, say hello to Bumpits!

These plastic, self-gripping hair accessories promise to create perfect volume for your hair that will comfortably stay in place and last all day long. They come in four colours: light blonde, dark blonde, brunette and black so that they are camouflaged under your hair.

I know a ton of girls who are always looking for ways they can add volume to their hair without it falling flat by the end of the night. I have read some reviews about Bumpits and a lot of women, like myself, seem eager to try it. The only con I have read is that the accessory doesn’t stay in place but I’m sure with enough bobby pins and hairspray you could make that thing last through a tornado.

For more information about this product, visit https://www.bumpits.com/?mid=544268.

Come Celebrate Barbie's Birthday at Sephora!

Mark your calendars! On March 21st, Sephora at Fairview will be celebrating Barbie’s birthday. Enjoy cake and party refreshments while you experience the Sephora exclusive NEW! Barbie by Cake Collection. And while quantities last, pick up your free limited edition Barbie goodie bag. Reserve your spot by calling Fairview at (416)492-5500.

Details:

Date: March 21, 2009
Time: 8a.m. – 10a.m.

Location: Sephora at Fairview
Who’s invited: Everyone!

Joe Fresh Beauty!

Loblaws customers will not only be able to shop for clothes, wardrobes and accessories from Joe Fresh, they will now be able to complete their looks with a line of beauty products!

Launching this month, Joe Fresh Beauty presents over 200 shades of eyeshadows, eyeliners, brow pencils and powders, lipsticks, foundations and cream tints. Not only is this a complete beauty line, but it is also affordable. Prices range from $4 to $8 for makeup and up to $16 for brushes and accessories.

The beauty line was created with the help of Canadian makeup artist, Simone Otis and tested with professional makeup artists before hitting the market.

I can’t wait to sample products from Joe Fresh Beauty. It almost seems too good to be true!

Winter Weather Woe

For those who know me personally, they know that I figure skate, I snowboard and I generally enjoy the winter weather. Unfortunately, my skin does not.

This brutal winter weather has left my skin looking and feeling dry, itchy and flaky. Acting like a sponge, my skin would soak up the moisturizer I lathered on three times a day. Luckily, Pure + Simple came to my rescue! Just when I needed to replenish my line up of skin care products, Pure + Simple emailed their devoted customers a promotion where if you purchase $200 or more worth of products, you could book an appointment for a Super Hydrating Facial for FREE! (FYI - promotion has ended)

Thus, on Tuesday, I made my way down to Pure + Simple’s Yonge and Eglinton location where I spent one hour in sweet bliss. Senior Esthetician Georgetta, (whom I’ve been receiving facials from since I was 17) totally replenished and restored my dry skin. The Super Hydrating Facial focuses on facial and décolletage work and includes a skin restorative collagen treatment.

For those interested, Pure + Simple is now offering the Super Hydrating Facial for $75 (regularly $99) for the month of March. I know it’s a splurge, but everyone needs a little self-indulgence once in a while.

It’s Just Pure + Simple!

Pure + Simple has expanded again with now four locations across Toronto. Based on Holistic Health Principals, this spa offers professional makeup, skincare products with no petroleum or chemical fragrances, colours or preservatives for men and women.

Personally, I started using the Just Pure line from Pure + Simple six years ago and it has been my saving grace ever since. As a teenager, I suffered from acne that caused many facial pimples and mild scarring. Now, I cannot live without the Sage Mint cleanser, toner and cream to help keep my face from breaking out. Although on the pricey side, these products probably last for a year or more. And when it comes to obtaining and maintaining healthy and beautiful skin, these products are definitely worth breaking the piggy bank for.

Visit http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/ to find a Pure + Simple spa near you.

Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist!

For those of you who don’t have cable, get it NOW! If you love drama, makeup and more drama, catch Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist on Star TV. (Saturdays @ 9pm)

The six-part reality show is hosted by Vanessa Marcil and features nine makeup artists who compete in weekly challenges that range from doing a Las Vegas showgirl’s makeup to working in teams of two to complete a bridal party’s makeup.

The last artist standing will receive a contract with Max Factor Cosmetics, the opportunity to be the makeup artist for an In Style magazine photo shoot and a cash prize of $100,000.

I’m totally rooting for Nolan Makaawaawa, the 33 year-old makeup artist from California. He’s adorable, sweet and oh-so-talented.

P.S. The reality series premiered in November 2008, so Star TV is playing reruns….but don’t tell me who wins!

Dolce & Gabbana Makeup Line!

Luxury brand duo Dolce & Gabbana is launching a makeup line! Working with renown makeup artist Pat McGrath, the makeup line will feature deep blues and golds, which will also be the main packaging colour. Interestingly, the lipsticks will be scented with rose. The duo is quoted as saying that, “when women open makeup, they smell it first.” (I totally agree. Especially when it comes to lipstick, I instinctively smell it first because I hate it when they smell like crayon.)

Dolce & Gabbana’s makeup line is set to debut in Spring 2009 with beauty Scarlett Johansson as the face of their new collection. Prices range from $20 US to $59 US.

Loveee these Palettes!

Back in November, I attended the Canadian Makeup Show where I purchased two 88 eyeshadow palettes (One matte and one shimmer) from Crown Brushes. Let me tell you, these are some of the best eyeshadows I have ever used! These palettes are highly-pigmented, soft and have every colour imaginable. With its slim and sleek design, they are now a staple in my makeup kit.

Although I purchased these palettes from the Crown Brushes booth, they are actually available on www.coastalscents.com and they are very reasonably priced. Hurry now and order your palettes as they often sell out very quickly.

Below is a picture from a photoshoot where I used the 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette.

Photographer: Matthew Lyn

Model: Sheila Hui

Stylist: Tricia Campbell

Makeup Artist: Me! :)

Eyelash Transplant Surgery?

We all know that some woman go to extreme measures for beauty. We’ve all heard of procedures that include but are not limited to tucking, implanting and suctioning…so here’s another one to add to the list.

Originally intended for people who have lost their eyelashes due to burns, accidents, genetic disorders or cancer treatments, lash transplant surgery is becoming ever more popular. For approximately $3,000 per eye, you too can have long, permanent lashes. The procedure includes light sedation, local anesthetics and transplanting 30-40 follicles from the back of your scalp and implanting them into your lash line. Since the transplanted hair is scalp hair, your new lashes will grow as scalp hair. Regular trimming and curling of the lashes is necessary. Think of it as giving your lashes a haircut.

I do think this a great procedure for those who do not have eyelashes. I understand that many people who suffer from Trichotillomania (An impulse control disorder which creates the urge to constantly pull out one’s hair) find relief with this procedure as being without eyelashes can create insecurities. I guess it’s hard for those of who do have lashes to understand. My only concern is that 80 per cent of these surgeries are now done for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think? Yay or nay to this procedure?

M.A.C List!

As promised, here’s a partial list of what I purchased at the M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale back in December.


M.A.C Paint in Untitled - $7
M.A.C Paint in Graphito - $7







M.A.C Shadestick in Overcast - $9







Estee Lauder Platinum Illuminator - $12






Numerous pairs of M.A.C Lashes (20 Lash) - $3 each
I LOVEEE these lashes!







M.A.C Warm Eyes x 5 - $20






M.A.C Lip Dress Set (Including Bountiful, Wonderstruck, Spring Bean, Florabundance and Instant Gold) - $20







M.A.C Upstarts/Prepare kit (Includes Cleanse Off Oil, Fix + and Strobe Cream) - $20