Benefit Cosmetics Kit Power!

Happy New Year Makeup Junkies! Benefit Cosmetics is starting 2013 just right with these absolutely gorgeous kits exclusively available at Sephora! From sultry eyes to glowing skin, there's definitely something for all your beauty needs. 

I'm a huge fan of Benefit and I've tried almost all their products. These kits do not disappoint. The World Famous eye kits are so wearable you really can't go wrong. You have the option of layering the creaseless cream shadows with the longwear powder shadows or wearing them on their own. Lets not forget about the countless looks you can create. There are a good mix of shimmery and matte shades so it will carry you from day to night. Easiest Nudes Ever is a good basic kit, Glamorous Nudes Ever is nice for going more bronzey, and Sexiest Nudes Ever has nice plum shades for when you want to kick up a neutral eye a notch. 

The All-Star Kits are Benebabe helpers because everyone can use a little help here and there. I love the deluxe travel sizes they come in because they fit so perfectly in my makeup bag or kit. If you're new to the brand, these are great sample kits to try. Primping With The Stars contains products that focus on giving you an overall polished look that will last all day. Do The Bright Thing will help enhance your eyes while giving you the most gorgeous glow. The Bronze of Champions will give your winter pale skin some life by adding warmth to the skin. 

1. Benefit World Famous Neutrals: Easiest Nudes Ever ($36 CAD)

2. Benefit World Famous Neutrals: Most Glamorous Nudes Ever ($36 CAD)

3. Benefit World Famous Neutrals: Sexiest Nudes Ever ($36 CAD)

4. Benefit Primping With The Stars ($38 CAD)

5. Benefit Do The Bright Thing ($38 CAD)

6. Benefit The Bronze of Champions ($38 CAD)

What Benefit kit are you lusting after? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Get the Look: NYE 2012

It's NYE! I don't know about the rest of you, but time just zoomed by! 2012 was an amazing year and like I say every year, the next year will be even better. I hope the rest of you Makeup Junkies have had a fantastic 2012 and I thank you for being apart of my world! Wishing you much love, peace and happiness for 2013!

Before I say peace out on my last post for 2012, check out some gorgeous NYE looks and beauty items you'll need to ring in the new year! 

NYE is the time to let loose, forget about all your 2012 woes, and get a little crazy. Go a little bolder with your makeup and have some fun with some jewel tones on the eyes and nails! 

1. YSL Pure Chromatics Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Arctic Night: I am loving these new palettes from YSL. These satiny metallic powders are intensely pigmented wet or dry. Arctic Night is a collectors palette from the holiday collection. The shades are a mix of icy blues and a plum purple. For a NYE look that will get you noticed, apply the purple across the lid and the dark blue shade on the outer crease and along the lash line for a sultry effect. Highlight the inner corners with the icy silver-blue. 

2. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel: I am all about the chubby lip pencils these days. The new Chubby Stick Intense lippies are amazing - pure pigment and shine. If you take a peek into my purse, you'll see a few Chubby Intense sticks in there. Curviest Caramel is the perfect shade for a jewel-toned smokey eye. Some might say it's the perfect nude lip. It has the right combination of pink and beige mixed together but leaning more beige. If you'll be snapping a lot of photos, you still want your nude lips to look visible! 

3. Maybelline Fashion Print Nail Stickers in Sapphire Jewels: Nail stickers are my new favourite mani-on-the-go. It requires no drying time and is really easy to do. Simply choose the right shape for your nail, press, and file to your nail shape. Thankfully the ones from Maybelline aren't terribly tacky and look pretty funky. I tried out Sapphire Jewels today and did it in less than 20 minutes while watching a toddler! Here's the only downfall: don't expect to be doing any outdoorsy activities with these stickers! They started to peel off as soon as I pulled my boots on before leaving the house. However, these are perfect for standing around and looking pretty at a NYE party! The patterns are sure to get conversations going and your nails will look like you actually put some time and effort into them! 

Before

After

Prefer something glam but a little rock 'n roll? Nothing says it better than a little smudgy liner and a bold lip!

1. Annabelle Roll On Eye Shadow/Liner in Brown: I was never a fan of roll-on eye shadows until now. I always found that the colour was hard to get out onto the roller or it was lacking in pigment. I don't believe this one from Annabelle is out yet, but be sure to add Brown to your must-have list. This shade is the perfect neutral and the intense shimmer kicks it up a notch. If you need more of the product just give it a little shake. If it rolls on to much in one area, take a brush or your finger and pat it across your lid. Always use a patting motion for loose shadows - you'll get less fall off and more pigment. To contour the crease, use a matte neutral shade to balance the shimmer. The liner fell a little flat for me. It was a little watery and needed a few layers to give it intensity. Otherwise, both the shadow and liner lasted all night on me! I used it for my family Christmas Eve party here. 

2. Marcelle Kajal Kohl Pencil: Kajal liners are becoming a new makeup staple. I am loving this water-proof, intense black from Marcelle. I don't think this has launched yet, but will be in the new year. For rock 'n roll glam eyes, you don't want a strong black smokey eye and a bold lip. It will look overkill. Instead, opt for smudgy liner by lining the top inner lash line otherwise known as "tight lining". Just flip your lid up and line the base of your lashes. Then line the bottom water line, close your eyes tightly, then line again. Load up on the mascara or use some falsies. 

3. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in The Red: Ok, so I'm kinda in love with the new Lip Maestros. My lips are loving the velvety smooth texture and the creamy, matte finish. They don't accentuate dry or chapped lips, but if you're doing a red lip it's always best to make sure your lips are in tip top shape. The slightly angled sponge makes the application easier, but if you do mess up don't try wiping it off with your finger (like I did). It'll just smear and these don't budge. It's best to take a cleansing water on a q-tip or moisturizer on a q-tip to remove it. Then touch up with a bit of a concealer. These also don't feather or bleed so while you're sipping on your champagne you won't have to think about your lips looking messy! 

What will your last look of 2012 be? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Beauty-ful Stocking Stuffers

Whoever thought up Christmas stockings was a genius! We open our presents then get to open more surprises in our stockings. Fill your stockings and your beauty junkies with my favourite beauty-ful stocking stuffers! To view my write up for the above stocking lovelies check out my post on Glow.ca. To view more awesome ideas keep reading!

7. Avon Pocket Mini Palette: This little palette is as big as a credit card and will be your clutch's BFF. The basic to bold colours will take you from work party to dinner party with friends. It contains 5 cream to powder eye shadoes, 5 lip glosses, and a liner and lip applicator. 

8. Aveda Renewed Hand Relief Gift Set: How perfect is this Hand Relief set from Aveda? After all the work your hands will be doing this holiday, your hands will thank you! I have always been a big fan of Aveda's hand creams and consider them an essential winter must-have. It includes 3 travel size Hand Reliefs in Original, Grounding, and Rosemary Mint. 

9. mark. Lipclick Luxe Shimmer Lipstick: Lipstick addicts will adore these adorable lipsticks from mark.  The eye-catching pink packaging, gorgeous shimmery shades, smooth formula, and signature click-close feature makes these lipsticks a steal. These are limited editions so get them in time to ring in the New Year! 

10. Aveda Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze: For the gloss addicts, these minty delights will keep your lips drenched with moisturizing shimmer and shine. Apply Nepali Berry to the lips then add Himalayan Ice to the center of the lips to give the appearance of fuller lips. Comes in a ready-to-gift holiday gift box. 

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Stuffer Picks On Glow!

Need some stocking stuffer ideas? Check out my latest post on Glow!

Event: L'Oreal Paris Canada Holiday Party

December is just full of holiday beauty events! Makeup Junkie guest contributor and pro makeup artist, Marlene Gordon, attended the L'Oreal Paris Canada holiday party held at the Trump Hotel! It was an event not to be missed - check out the dessert table and you'll see what I mean. Here's what she had to say about all the goodies and the slew of new products for 2013! 

I'm not a particularly festive person, but when I got an invite to the L'Oreal holiday party, taking place at the Trump Hotel- I got festive pretty quickly!

After noshing on  hors d'oeuvres and sipping on (several) cocktails, I got down to business and previewed L'oreal's 2013 products. There are some exciting things in the horizon!

Here are my favourites:

• Colour Riche eyeshadows: 4 shades in each palette. 20 different colour combinations available.
• Miracle Blur: A priming product that softens fine lines and smooths imperfections.
• Telescopic Mascara: Boasts extreme length and definition. I've tried it and it gives super long, individual lashes, no clumping.

Swag!

Look out for all these goodies in January!

About Marlene Gordon

Mar Gordon has always shown an affinity for art and beauty. Her career path was solidified at the age of sixteen when meeting the late, great make-up guru Kevyn Aucoin at a book signing. 

Mar has worked in the make-up industry for the past twelve years in many different facets; from editorial to bridal to runway. 

She is available for private and commercial bookings.

www.margordon.com

Get the Look: Holiday Glam

Get the Look: Holiday Glam
with
Lise Watier, Make Up For Ever

Photographer: Camille Rojas, Makeup: Joy David-Tilberg, Model: Jenna (Peggi Lepage) Assistant: Heather

Glitter, sparkle, and shimmer is in full force now that the holidays are just around the corner! Don't be afraid to add a little bling to your look as you head out to your many holiday parties.

The look I created is classic Old Hollywood with a slight twist. It's all about glowing skin, bold brows, winged liner and bold luscious lips. Take this iconic look and play around with different colours.

Get the Look:

1. Even out your skin with a foundation that has a semi-matte finish and good coverage.
2. To balance a bold lip you need to have a full brow. I used Make Up For Ever's Aqua Brow which is a water-proof formula. If you're new to filling in your brows, using this gel will take some time to get used to but you can be sure your brows will be there until you remove your makeup! The best way to use this is to dab a pin-size drop onto your hand and dip your angled brush in it. Remove the excess off on a tissue. Use light strokes in the direction of your hair growth and only apply where you need it. If you need to soften or blend, do it quickly because it sets rather quickly. This is excellent over top of faded tattooed brows too.
3. If you love cream shadows that won't budge you must have the Make Up For Ever Black Tango Palette (limited edition palette for the holidays). I adore these shadows because they glide onto the eyes and blend superbly! The palette includes black with red highlights, black with green highlights, black with blue highlights and an ivory shade. For this look, I used the Ivory shade as the base and concentrated more in the inner corner and brow bone. Rather than using a traditional black liner, I chose the black with blue highlights which is just beautiful. It has a slight metallic finish and looks stunning when the light catches it. I used a thin liner brush and gradually thickened the line until I was satisfied with the shape.
4. Over top of the ivory shade from MUFE, I used this absolutely stunning gold shadow from Lise Watier. I also used this to highlight her cheekbones, cupid's bow and even dabbed some onto the lips. It has to be one of my favourite gold shadows I own. The texture is luxurious and is velvety smooth. I was a little bummed when I received it though because it was shattered. I will have to give it some makeup fix TLC - I love it that much!
5. With all the yummy eats you'll be chomping on and champagne you'll be sipping, you'll want a lip colour that won't budge. If you haven't tried Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge lippies you must. It's one of the best long-lasting formulas I've tried and it doesn't dry out the lips. The clear gloss keeps your lips hydrated for a long time even after eating. The shine disappears but the gloss keeps your lips feeling comfortable. I used #9 on Jenna which is a gorgeous burgundy shade. The gold shimmer looks amazing over top. Just add a little to the center of your lips.

Give your hair some sexy waves, add some blingy jewelry and your holiday glam look is complete!

IMATS Toronto 2012: The Haul

The weekend of IMATS is bittersweet. We excitedly make our lists, shop, shop, shop, and then it's all over. I think this year's IMATS has been the biggest turn out yet. I got pretty much got everything on my list except my lashes from Nigel's Beauty Emporium. Yes, this makes me very sad. I arrived in the afternoon and all the good lashes were gone!  Hmm, maybe all us bloggers blogging about their crazy deal last year was a bad idea?! I spoke to a few vendors and a lot of them didn't expect to be almost sold out. Well, that's good news for IMATS - it's here to stay in Toronto!

Here's my recap of my day at IMATS and my haul!

Shopping with my partner in crime, Marlene, makeup artist and guest contributor on Makeup Junkie. We had some fun times - it's always more fun to shop with someone who loves makeup just as much as you do.

My first purchase of the day started with bdellium Tools. I lost all my face brushes earlier in the summer so replacing them with some awesome brushes from bdellium was my focus. All their lines are fantastic, but I am a huge fan of the Studio line. They are amazing quality and the yellow handles are so eye catching. I always love stopping by the booth because Edward and Daniel are always super nice and make a point to remember the bloggers.

I usually don't get a chance to see the seminars, but this year I made a point to see the uber talened and inspiring Lottie Stannard! I have been a fan of hers since her Model Mayhem days. Now she's an international artist keying the biggest fashion shows and working on some of the most famous celebrities. I really enjoyed her seminar on working in the fashion industry. She revealed a lot of important tips and personal experiences of how to make it in the industry. Some key points:

1. On building your book: Don't start out doing crazy makeup. It won't work for commercial work. Choose a photographer's who's work you love and that has the same aesthetics you do. Don't say yes to every shoot. Do shoots that will only benefit your portfolio. Ask the photographer lots of questions like will there be retouching or no retouching, what the photog's retouching style is like, lighting, what the hairstyle will be, etc. A shoot has to be a whole collaboration. If hair and makeup or wardrobe don't go together, the whole image will flop.
2. How to start doing fashion work: Runway work is the best way to break into fashion. It forces you to pay attention to detail and to be fast. There is no editing your work when you do fashion so you have to be at the top of your game. Contact agencies, the brands that sponsor the show, or the key makeup artist to see if you can start assisting at shows.
3. Working in an agency: Getting into an agency is not the end all be all. There are a lot of misconceptions about being in an agency. It doesn't mean you'll be busy everyday, but it does open up many opportunities because they have access to the world's biggest clients. Choose the right agency for you, an agency full of artists who's work you admire. Be around people who are amazing at what they do because that's what you aspire to be.
4. Other important tips: Lottie touched on assisting which I was happy she brought up because I had written a post about this last week here. When you are asked to assist it is a privilege. The artist is asking you to be on set because he/she trusts you. As an assistant, you are not there to network. Werd! Her top 5 foundations: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, Face Atelier, M.A.C. Face & Body, and on celebrities Armani or Dior. On bridal work - invest in good foundations and lipsticks.

I'm pretty proud of myself because for the first time I actually stuck to my list and got less than I had planned. Here's the haul:

• Embroylisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24 Hour Miracle Cream): It moisturizes, primes, and acts as a makeup remover.
• bdellium Tools Studio Line Brushes:
  • #953 Duet Fiber Foundation: I have a travel size one I use on my self so I decided to get 2 for my kit. I love the way it buffs foundation onto the skin. I really love using this for liquids because it doesn't leave any streaks like a flat foundation brush does. Also good for powder foundations. Apply in a circular motion for a flawless finish.
  • #957 Precision Kabuki Airbrushed Effect: I have found a new love for applying blushes with a flat top brush. Creates a perfectly flushed cheek every time. I wish I had bought 2 of these, but will have to wait until next year!
  • #948 Foundation Application: I got an extra traditional foundation brush to replace the other one I lost. These are still good for cream foundations or liquid.
  • #980 Large Natural Powder Brush: Needed one of these to replace my MAC brush. Love how soft the hairs are on this brush!
  • #546 Square Lip Brush: You can never have enough lip brushes especially when you're doing bridal. There isn't enough time to clean in between clients sometimes. I love the square brushes because they are wider and makes the application quicker while still being precise.
  • #760 Precision Eye & Brow: Great for defining the brows and lining the eyes.
  • #710 Eyeliner Applicator: I go back between an angled brush and a thin pointy brush for winging out the eyes, but I'm starting to prefer the thinner brush for getting a defined winged tip. Love the #710 because it's not too flimsy yet not too firm that it can't contour to the shape of the eye. 
    
  • Complimentary set: Edward and Daniel are always so good to the bloggers. In the travel set I received all the brushes I wanted to try! Includes the 731 mascara fan (love to comb through the lashes with this or apply mascara when I don't have wands), 542 bold lip brush (the tip is rounder and will give precise application), 768 round dome shadow brush (great for contouring smaller eyes or in the crease), 746 bold angled eye brush, 775 duet fiber shader for all over application, and another 546 square lip brush for myself!
• Mascara wands from Nigel's Beauty Emporium: So I didn't get the lashes but I picked up some wands. They were only $2.50 for a pack of 25 - much cheaper than any other booth. I only got 3 packs and wish I had bought more! I had bought the red wands last year and didn't really like how flexible they were. They were too flexible and didn't really grab the lashes as good.
• yaby cosmetics Blush Refill in bl015: I love the pigmentation of yaby's shadows and blushes. I needed a peachy-pink matte blush to complete my collection of blushes. This shade is so pretty and soft - great for bridal or everyday wear.
• OCC Lip Tars in Feathered and Narcissus: This booth was packed all day. I picked up Narcissus a lavender toned pink because it's different from a lot of the pinks I own. This could be great for fashion or toned down for bridal work. I also picked up Feathered a true white that could be awesome for fashion work or mixed with other shades to lighten. I can't wait to work with these lippies!

That rounds out my IMATS haul! I was only there for a few hours but I bumped into so many people I knew and finally met people I have talked to over Twitter and FB. I don't get out much to socialize so it was really awesome to catch up with some of my fave beauty bloggers and makeup artists. It was great to see Fiona, Jenn from Spiced Beauty, Donna Marie, Nicole Richards, Arianne from Glitter Geek, Tess from Makeup By Tess, Ande from Make Me Over Ande, from across the room makeup artist Delia, Dawna Boot, and Laura Amaya. Be sure to visit their pages to see what their hauls were!

Until next year! What did you pick up? What were your favourite moments at IMATS?

Beauty Buzz: IMATS Toronto 2012!

The event of the year for makeup enthusiasts in Toronto is fast approaching! If you haven't heard about IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) Toronto, here is all the info you need to know. Open to everyone!

What: IMATS Toronto

When: November 17 (8:30 am - 5 pm) & 18 (10 am - 5 pm)

Location: The Toronto Congress Center North Hall

650 Dixon Rd

Buy Tickets: https://makeupmag.com/imats_tickets/cPath/238/

For more info: http://www.imats.net/toronto/toronto_index.php

For me, it's time to restock the kit with some makeup must-haves. Check out my shopping list!

1. bdellium Brushes: I discovered this brand at last year's IMATS and now I can't get enough. A while ago I sadly lost my face makeup brushes - devastating for a makeup artist! I bought some cheapie brushes to hold me over until this year's IMATS. Can't wait to restock with some new bdellium brushes! For past reviews click here.  

2. yaby: I took advantage of yaby's pop-up sale in Toronto and fell in love with their shadows, highlighters, and custom palettes! Now I want to pick up a couple of blushes in peachy pink and baby doll pink. 

3. OCC Lip Tars: I will be surprised if I can get the shades I want. OCC is a popular booth at IMATS. I'm hoping to pick up some bridal friendly shades and a couple of shocking shades for fashion work. Fingers crossed! 

4. Nigel Beauty Emporium: This is a must-visit booth for cheap deals on lashes and mascara wands! For past reviews click here. 

I am also hoping to catch Lottie's workshop on working in fashion. I look forward to seeing some old friends! Stay tuned for my IMATS haul! 

What's on your IMATS shopping list? 

Fall Beauty Roundup

Makeup Junkie: Fall Beauty Roundup

It's November which means it's time to start dishing on my favourite holiday products and collections! But before I do, check out my fave Fall beauty products this season. What made your list?

I'm trying out a new site called Beauty Sets. It's similar to Polyvore, but this is made just for beauty bloggers and allows you to lay out your photos like a magazine. Pretty cool! You like?

Latest On Glow: My Secret Beauty Weapons

Check out my latest post for Glow! What are your secret beauty weapons? http://glow.shoppersdrugmart.ca/blog/Secret-Beauty-Weapons

Latest On Glow: How Do You Fake It?

How do you fake it? Check out my latest post on Glow!

My Splurge and Steal-Worthy Eye Liners Listed On Glow Canada!

I dish about my favourite LBL (little black liners) both splurge and steal worthy on Glow Canada! Check it out! http://glow.shoppersdrugmart.ca/blog/blogger-joy-on-products-worth-splurging-on

My Get Flawless Tips on Glow Canada!

Check me out weekly on Glow Canada's blog. My first post is up and it will have you looking flawless! 

http://glow.shoppersdrugmart.ca/blog/blogger-joy-david-tilberg-shares-flawless-skin-tips

Makeup Moment: M.A.C. So Chaud By The Seine...

Taking a wee break from the Fall beauty trends today. It's been a crazy September. Back-to-school, TIFF, shoots, and weddings oh my! I'm not complaining, but lately my mind has been drifting and dreaming of far away places like my trip to Paris back in April. I never did tell you how M.A.C. So Chaud lipstick and I fell in love in Paris...

If I want to glam it up a bit but don't have a lot of time, doing a bright bold lip is my go-to. My time was much better spent sipping the famous Angelina's hot cocoa in the Tuileries. Much thanks to my bold lippies and saving me time! 

I wanted a orange-red matte lipstick and after much "serious" research, I decided M.A.C. So Chaud was the winner. It's matte without being too drying like their matte lipsticks of the past and gives me the richest pop of colour a gal could ask for. I found myself reaching for this lipstick a lot. We spent time by the Seine watching the boats go by, buying posters and post cards from street vendors, doing goofy poses in front of the Louvre with the Eiffel Tower always in the background. Even after noshing on many buttery, flaky croissants So Chaud still stayed on with barely any touch-ups needed. 

This lipstick will forever have a special place in my beauty stash. After all, we did share Paris together...

Fall Beauty Review 2012: Vamp Out Your Lips

Classic red will never go out of style, but I'm loving the much edgier, gothic version of this season's red. Think berry-reds, wine, bordeaux, and brown reds. While it is an extremely bold look to carry off, it looks best with minimal makeup on the face. I prefer to vamp out in velvety, matte textures but if this shade is too scary for you wear it as a stain or choose a gloss. Here are 3 vampy lippies I've been reaching for this Fall!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #11 ($27 CAD): I've been weary in the past of long-wearing formulas because they would always dry out my already dry lips. But MUFE's version lasts alllll day - even with eating something oily only a bit faded. The best part is that the gloss top coat really keeps your lips moisturized and when it wears off your lips don't get that tightening effect. It feels comfortable on the lips. For longevity, make sure you wait for the stain to dry and then apply the gloss. And hi, you can't get any vampier than #11! LOVE. It's a blood red and a must-have!

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani #408 ($30 +): I adore the formula of Rouge D'Armani lipsticks. They go on velvety smooth and have great staying power. This shade is different than a lot of reds I own because it leans more brown on me which I am loving! I love combining this with MAC's Cremestick Liner in 80% as seen here. To make it an everyday shade, I've been dabbing this on as a stain and it's gorgeous! I also love the uber chic packaging with the magnetic cap closer. This is pure luxury on the lips. 

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick Terre de Feu ($32 CAD): This one is an oldie but a goodie! Terre de Feu is one of my all-time favourites. I barely ever have to touch up my lips and it never dries them out. The shade is described as "black cherry" and it is so flattering against many skin tones. I want to get Volga from this line which is a deep aubergine! 

Do you like the vampy lip look? What vampy shades do you love? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them!