Event: L'Oreal Luxe Beauty Blogger Holiday Party!

I'm really lucky to know so many wonderful people in the beauty world. When I entered the beauty blogging world almost 6 years ago, I didn't know what it would mean for my life. I'm very thankful that I get to test out products for free, blog about them, and get invited to swanky events. I have a healthy addiction to products, but that's not why I blog. I really do love to write and connect with other beauty fanatics.

What do you get when you put a group of beauty bloggers in one room? A bunch of lushes who pose endlessly in front of a camera, hilarious photos, and giddy excitement and squeals over products. 

PR powerhouses and sweeties, Isabelle and Kristina, hosted a beauty blogger holiday party on behalf of L'Oreal's Luxe brands like YSL, Giorgio Armani, Shu Uemura, Biotherm, and Victor & Rolf. This event was the first time in almost 2 years that I've attended one. I made a point to make it out for this one because Isabelle and Kristina have been amazing and I finally wanted to put faces to their lovely names! Plus, I got to hang out with some of my favourite beauty bloggers and friends some I haven't seen in years!

Reviews to come of the amazing products that we received - all I can say is that these holiday collections are a must-have. It was some serious swag! I'm so forever grateful!! 

Check out pictures from the party courtesy of L'Oreal and my Crackberry. Thanks again for one of the most fun events I've been to!

Say wha??? Naughty or nice? I guess I've been a very nice blogger!

Blogger babes Lisa from Beauty Crazed, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, and Stephanie from Blush Pretty.

The gorgeous Isabelle showing us the new lovelies from Armani. Uh, hi can I tell you how much I love the Maestro Foundation????

The stunning and bubbly Rema from The Burgundy Book. Isn't that hot red lippie from Armani amazing??

I loved Julie, the MUA doing Elaine's makeup! She did my makeup too. On Elaine she gave her some Old Hollywood glama - gorgeous! And there's preggers Steph photo bombing! 

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Prettiest gifts I ever did see! The lovely Kristina and Arianne from Glitter Geek.

Splurge worthy. Love these shadow palettes that can be worn wet or dry!

The adorable Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura collection.

Here we go trying to come up with a sexy pose. I could not "smize". Tyra would be disappointed.

Charlie's Angels? Sexy right?

Aww aren't we a pretty group? Back row: Jessica from Beautizine, Isabelle, Lisa from Beauty Crazed, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, me.
Middle Row: Christine from Perilously Pale, Arianne from Glitter Geek, Steph from Blush Pretty.
Front Row: PR rep (opps don't know her name!), Rema from The Burgundy Book, and Kristina.

Fall 2012: Beauty Favourites From Canada's Top Beauty Bloggers!

Photo Source: iVillage Canada

Itching to indulge in Fall's latest beauty must-haves? Who am I kidding? You've probably already have. iVillage Canada features some Fall favourites from some of Canada's top beauty bloggers - and I'm one of them! Thanks iVillage!

Beauty Buzz: Makeup Junkie Makes iVillage Canada's Top Blogger List!

Makeup Junkie is gushing! Thanks iVillage for listing us on the list of 8 top beauty bloggers to know in Canada! I'm glad to be among some of my favourite bloggers. Check out iVillage Canada now to get to know us! 

IMATS Toronto 2011 Part 2: The Experience

Like many makeup junkies, I look forward to IMATS like it's Christmas. For a makeup artist and anyone who is interested in makeup and artistry, IMATS is makeup playground. It's the perfect opportunity to build your kit if you're just starting out or to replenish things like sponges, wands and other accessories. It's also a great event to score some amazing deals on foundations. I always stock up on foundations because the prices and packages are usually phenomenal. IMATS also hosts an amazing line up of key speakers where you can learn a thing or two from top industry artists. You'll also see models walking around painted in the most fantastical and eye popping designs. 

 Crazy right? I love it! This makeup artist from Make Up For Ever is amazing!

 Nigel's had 15 lashes for $20, cheaper sponges, and mascara wands plus the ZPalette was $4 cheaper than at Alcone's!

And of course there are the amazing vendors which keep getting better and better each year. The vendors that do really well are the ones that offer amazing discounts and promotions. I'm always surprised at brands that offer wimpy discounts or no promotions at all. I also found that you really have to comparison shop before purchasing. I was really disappointed that I purchased sponges and brushes from Crown when Nigel Beauty Emporium and bdellium were offering much better prices.

Another reason to attend is to meet up with other makeup artists and beauty bloggers so if you run into any don't be afraid to say "hi". My friend and I attended the show in the afternoon so I sadly missed out on seeing some of my blogger friends. But I did run into Arianne (The Glitter Geek), Anjali (Rock That Look), and Naomi (Styleyes). I was talking to someone else about how the blogger presence didn't seem that big this year, but maybe that's because we were all dispersed or came at different times. It would have definitely felt weird if I didn't see a single blogger.

I love meeting new vendors. I snapped a photo with Edward from bdellium tools. Edward and his business partner (forgot his name) were such nice guys and very helpful. I'm really excited about my brushes and look forward to seeing them again next year! I'm thinking of selling some of my current brushes and stocking my kit with bdellium! I know their Maestro line is a tad better because of the nickle-plated brass ferrule (lasts longer), but I adore the yellow handles! Maybe I'm just bored of all black - shocking!

It felt kind of odd not buying anything from Face Atelier this year even though I wanted to pick up their new Facade lip and cheek stain. I swore I would not get any colour cosmetics and I'm glad I stuck to my plan! But I still had to stop by the booth to see my girl, Eunique, working her magic! 

This is the MUFE booth later in the day. The crowd around them finally died down!

I love their Aqua Creams and wanted to pick up a few more, but I restrained myself. I'm not in total need of any, but wanted to pick up a few of the lip/cheek shades for my bridal kit. These work amazing in the humid heat!

These are the gorgeous founders and creators of my new favourite faux lash brand, Velour Lashes. Mabel and Angela were absolutely sweet! If you have a friend that loves faux lashes as much as you do, these mink fur lovelies make a perfect gift for the holiday. Or better yet, splurge on a pair (or two) for yourself!

This year, it was all about the shopping for me and my friend. With two kids each, it's hard for us mamas to get out and shop! I've made a promise to myself that next year I will do much less shopping and go to all the seminars and workshops. I usually miss out because I'm too busy shopping! Thank you to Makeup Artist Magazine for putting on another terrific IMATS! Until next year!

Check out more IMATS posts from these blogs! If you missed my IMATS haul click this link!

Glitter Geek

Makeup by Donna Marie

Loretta 
Spiced Beauty

Toronto Beauty Reviews

UPDATE: Beauty News: IMATS Is Almost Here In Toronto!!

UPDATE: Promos Added

I added the prices to the special promos and HD Blushes were added! The MUFE booth is always crowded with people. I haven't been able to buy anything from the booth because of the crowds but that is about to change this year! Favourites: HD Blush, Aqua Creams, Aqua Liners, HD Primer.

Floriane David, Director of Education at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy in NYC will be doing body painting demos on Saturday Nov 12th between 12-3pm. She will also be hosting a seminar on Sunday Nov 13th at 11:30am.

Special Promos: 

1. $130 ($230 value) with the purchase of any 5 HD Foundations

2. $90 ($160 value) with the purchase of any 5 HD Concealers
3. $49 ($87 value) with the purchase of any 3 HD Blushes
4. $61 ($108 value) with the purchase of any 3 Full Cover
5. $74 ($131 value) with the purchase of any 3 Perfect Primers
6. $125 ($213 value) with the purchase of 10 eyeshadows Palette
7. $81 ($144 value) 15 Lipstick Palettes
8. $165 ($293 value) Brush Kit - 9 Brushes

The name "Eve Pearl" is a name that is well-known in the makeup industry. Emmy award winning makeup artist, Eve Pearl, and her team will be at IMATS Toronto and they have some amazing deals for us fans!!

Enjoy 60% off all their products! How phenomenal is that??

And they will have their popular makeup artist must-have, Thumb Palette! It's a genius product if you're applying makeup on other clients especially if you're clumsy like me. I don't know how many times I've dropped my palette! I will definitely be picking this up.

And for the first time in Toronto, the brand will be featuring their HD Liquid Foundation! Oil Free, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Water Free, Petrolatum Free and Cruelty Free!

Photo Source: www.imats.net

Can you feel the excitement in the air?? IMATS is descending on Toronto November 12-13!! In 11 days, I will be shopping my favourite brands, listening and learning from the best of the best in the industry, and most importantly connecting with all my fellow makeup artists and beauty bloggers! It really is like a reunion. If you haven't experienced IMATS yet, you must! It's not only open to makeup pros but to all you makeup lovers! 

When: November 12-13

Where: Toronto Congress Centre, North Hall H
650 Dixon Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hours:  Saturday, (General admission) 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, (General admission) 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Buy Tickets: Click here.

List of Exhibitors: Click here.

List of Speakers: Click here.

IMATS is a place to learn about new products and new makeup techniques. It's also a great place to score on amazing discounts. IMATS is my favourite place to stock up on quality brushes at insanely affordable prices! Here are some special promos from some of my favourite brands. To view more, check out my friend Arianne from Glitter Geek's page here!

The MUFE booth is always crowded with people. I haven't been able to buy anything from the booth because of the crowds but that is about to change this year! Favourites: HD Blush, Aqua Creams, Aqua Liners, HD Primer.

Floriane David, Director of Education at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy in NYC will be doing body painting demos on Saturday Nov 12th between 12-3pm. She will also be hosting a seminar on Sunday Nov 13th at 11:30am.

Special Promos: 

1. 50% discount with the purchase of any 5 HD Foundations

2. 50% discount with the purchase of any 5 HD Concealers
3. 50% discount with the purchase of any 5 Uplights
4. 50% discount with the purchase of any 5 Aqua Liners
5. 50% discount with the purchase of a Brush Kit

In addition, everything is 40% off!

Face Atelier is my go-to foundation! I love stocking up on their foundations. But this year I really want to try Facade, their lip/cheek stain which they will be debuting in Toronto! They will also be introducing their Ultra Matte too. 40% off for professional makeup artists.

What do I not love from CoverFX! If you're looking for some serious coverage be sure to visit CoverFX! I also love their primers. 

General show special: $70.00(value $165) - 1 Cover FX Trio, 1 Conceal
FX, 1 SkinPrep FX, #160 brush

Special for the Pro's- for the artists that want it all. The last day
special for $195.00 (value over $300): 16 pro pots (8 light to medium
and 8 medium to dark), Setting FX light 6.5gr, Matte FX Medium, SkinPrep FX,
#160 brush
Pro Pot Shades:

C - 10, 30, 50, 60

E - 0, 20, 40, 60

M - 20, 30, 50, 80 

B - 0,15, 25, 45

Other brands to check out: Crown Brush (amazing brushes), Alcone (for sponges, wands), yaby, temptu (for airbrushing),  Eve Pearl, Kett Cosmetics, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and Zuca (the only makeup kit to have!). 

To read past posts of IMATS Toronto click here. I will be attending the Saturday show and hope to catch Eve Pearl's Flawless Bride seminar at 2:30 pm! I look forward to seeing some familiar faces and saying "hi" to some new ones!

CityLine Show Full of Bloggers = A Rowdy, Chatty, and Gorgeous Bunch!

(Warning: Most pictures appear blurry and have bad lighting. You can blame that on my Blackberry!)

Pre-show: getting set up and bloggers seated.

I've always wanted to sit in the audience of CityLine, particularly during one of the Fashion Friday episodes. But when I was invited to join the audience for a special Blogger episode I jumped on the chance - couldn't be more perfect!

Me and familiar face Anita from, From L.A. With Love and Primped and Proper,  waiting for the show to start.

The show was aimed at bloggers and how social media has changed all different industries from design, food, being a working mommy, and of course beauty! I had no idea who would be attending so when I arrived, I was immediately greeted with the familiar smiling faces of my fellow beauty bloggers. Everyone looked gorgeous and colourful. The energy in the green room was super hype especially when CityLine's stunning host, Tracy Moore, came in the room to say hi!

The two gorgeous Tracy's - Tracy Peart and Tracy Moore!

The show had some great guests including Erica Ehm from Yummy Mummy Club and one of my favourite makeup artists CityLine's awesome Tracy Peart! This was the only show where audience members could tweet and be on their phones. It was hilarious to see everyone's heads down furiously tweeting away! 

Each guest gave many wonderful tips on Do's and Don'ts of social media. Tracy P. had a good one that I also see often - if you're leaving a comment on another blogger's site don't include a your own website's url. I get it - you want to give your site more exposure but it may come across as spamming someone's site and the comments don't seem genuine. Other bloggers will eventually follow your blog if you visit and comment on their site regularly.

My favourite part of the show was of course the beauty segment with Tracy P.! She shared her favourite beauty products to use: cult classic L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (used to be a staple of mine - forgot how much I loved it! Will have to pick up the water-proof version.), Vasanti Liquid Cover Up, Hard Candy Visibly Wet Lip Pencil, and a new favourite of mine M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter. I have been using this a lot and I love it! Best part - we got to take Tracy's favourites home along with some other awesome giveaways! Tracy is always giving tips on her beauty blog and does beauty how-to videos on CityLine.ca - be sure to check her out for some pro tips!

I asked Tracy a few questions about beauty and social media - here's what she had to say!

MJ: Favourite Spring makeup trend?

Tracy: My favorite makeup trend for Spring 2011 is bright, brilliant, neon colors for the eyes. Whether it be an eyeshadow all over the eye or an eyeliner just to accent the eye. I'm excited about BOLD colors being IN again!

MJ: Favourite product for Spring trends?

TP: My favorite product that will work with the Spring Trend, is an oldie but a goodie "Electric Eel" Eyeshadow by MAC. It's an outgoing color that can be worn subtly or loudly!

MJ: Best thing about starting your blog and being on Twitter?

TP: Best thing about blogging and being on Twitter is all the new people I've come into contact with. Whether it's makeup companies, or the everyday woman who looks to my blog for advice, or fellow Bloggers like you! Before being involved with social media, I didn't know them and they didn't know me. For instance, you and I met at a Blogger Party and remain in contact via Twitter! It's GREAT!

And it's true - love Twitter for connecting with other like-minded peeps! Thanks Tracy!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to stick around after the show to get more pictures and to attend the Tweetup at the ritzy Ritz Carlton. It was a fun experience and it's always good to see my beauty blogger sistas! The show airs March 29 at 9 am so don't miss it! Thank you to CityLine and Tracy P. for the invite! Here are some more photos from the show!

Me tweeting away with lovely bloggers, Anjali from Rock That Look and Anita! Photo courtesy of Michelle from Lipstick Rules!

My lovely gal Jenn from Spiced Beauty and Michelle.

Some of the great beauty bloggers at the show: 

Jill: Batting A Lash
Farah : Faces By Farah
Jenn: Spiced Beauty
Anita: Primped and Proper
Anjali: Rock That Look
Nancy: Nancy Power Makeup Artist
Michelle: Lipstick Rules