Summer Faves: Lips

It's not officially summer but it sure feels like it! My usual staples for the summer season has always been punchy brights on the lips but lately I've been reaching for my more muted shades. The effect is still gorgeous, effortless beauty.

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Secret ($30 USD): Everyone was raving about the new Rouge Coco's and being the makeup junkie that I am, I had to see what all the buzz was about. Back in April the lovely and fabulous beauty blogger, Michelle from Lipstick Rules, met up with me in her second home, Holt Renfrew. I was tempted to purchase Cambon (gorgeous) but since I had so many brights, wanted a subtle shade for everyday. Michelle excitedly suggested Mademoiselle, which is beautiful on her but I wasn't really feeling it on me.

Long story short, the sales lady suggested Secret, a peachy rosy-brown, and applied it with a nude lip liner and Galactic Glossimer which gave the most amazing shimmering effect (will have to save for another post). With many ohhs and ahhs from other Chanel fans, I purchased Secret and Galactic. However, when I got home and pulled it out of the box I wasn't too excited about it. I went a week later to exchange it for Perle but they were all out. Over a month later, I was curious to try Secret again on its own and I am in love! I think the nude lip liner made the shade look more muddy but on its own is divine. It's the perfect summer nude and goes great with bronzy skin and peach cheeks! The texture is ultra-moisturizing and the colour is long-lasting. Definitely a winner and I may have to pick up a few more shades!

2. Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Crazy Raspberry and Dot Apricot ($22 CDN): Juicy Tubes are a cult classic and the first glosses to come in a tube.  Lacome is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and has collaborated with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who has created 5 optimistic and colourful designs to customize this it-gloss. I absolutely adore the funky designs. Limited edition and if you're a die hard Juicy Tubes fan, a collectors item. 

The 100% Natural formula is made with shea butter and honey, leaving your lips hydrated and unbelievably smooth. These glosses are more for shine so if you're looking for more colour you won't find it with these sheer glosses. Crazy Raspberry has a tint of raspberry pink and Dot Apricot is a sheer apricot but looks more clear on my lips. These are fabulous for those days when you just want a glossy finish or layered over top of your favourite lipstick or lip stain.

3. M.A.C. To The Beach Tinted Lip Glass in Splashing ($16.50 CDN): I love the packaging of M.A.C.'s summer collection! In the past, I haven't really been a fan of the stickiness of the tinted lip glasses but the eye catching shades get me all the time. Splashing is the pink to wear this summer! This blue-toned pink with soft gold pearl makes it so versatile. Layer over top of a pink lipstick for intense pop, swipe over a peach lipstick for a peachy-pink finish (love pairing it with Chanel's Secret), and worn on its own gives just enough colour without looking overdone.

4 & 5. Balmshell Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Tabloid Tammy and Lip Gloss in Curse of the Purse ($20 CDN): Balmshell hosted a blogger event a few months ago which I wasn't able to attend. But the awesome ladies at Balmshell reserved a sweet swag bag for me with my chosen products.

I love lip and cheek stains and was very excited to try out Balmshell's version. Tabloid Tammy is beautiful bronze, a shade I had yet to add to my collection of stains. I tested it out on my cheeks bare and with a tinted moisturizer. Unfortunately, the stain on the cheeks was a complete fail for me. I really wanted to love it but  found it blended horribly and looked splotchy on my cheeks. However, on the lips looked lovely especially with the gloss in Curse of the Purse, a sheer creamy peach, over top. The stain and gloss combo made for a long-lasting lip colour and gave my skin a warm toasty glow. The gloss on its own is pretty and subtle and looks amazing with a colourful or smokey eye.

6. Everyday Minerals Lippie in Enough Talk, Kiss Me! ($8 USD): If you're looking for an organic, vegan, and eco-friendly makeup line that is packed with pigment and affordable you will love the products from Everyday Minerals. This new lippie is included in the On The Reef, Coral Collection. This warm coral shade can be worn anytime of the day whether you're off to work or sunning on the beach. The balm-like finish keeps your lips feeling hydrated yet stains the lips for lasting colour. Add a gloss over top for a shimmering effect. The easy and portable twist-up tube is great for throwing in your tote or beach bag!

Stay tuned for more summer favourites! Have you tried any of these lippies? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

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Spring Preview Review: Sweet Cheeks!

Stop, you're makin' me blush! From candy pinks to sweet peaches, you'll want to show off those cheeks this Spring. Don't be coy - blush on with these sweeter than sweet blushes!

Coral Peaches:

Top swatch: not blended, Bottom swatch: blended

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Cabo Coral (available February 2010):  I am all over this creamy blush - one of my favourites for Spring! Cabo Coral  gives the cheeks a gorgeous healthy glow, perfect for this drab weather or if you suffer from dry skin. This coral-peach shade gives you a beachy pop of colour, a definite perk-me-up shade. I also found it to last into the evening without retouching. The texture works great as a stain if you don't suffer from chapped lips. I liked patting this onto the lips then adding a gloss over top for some depth and moisture.

Tip: To guarantee longer wear on the cheeks, apply after foundation then set with translucent powder.

M.A.C. Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach (Spring Colour Forecast available February 2010):  How gorgeous does this blush look in the compact? I love the gradient colour of coral to light peach - another staple for Spring! The Spring Colour Forecast features for colour stories: coral, pink/lavender, yellow/gold and plum/burgundy.

Ripe Peach is from the coral family and is a striking shade that gives your cheeks a sweet pop of colour. The texture is super blendable and leaves a subtle glow. The shimmer isn't over the top either so you don't have to worry about appearing too shiny.

Top swatch: blended, Bottom swatch: not blended

Beauté Cosmetics Liqui-Gel Stains in Neon: Memories of neon bring me back the garish 80's but Beauté's version is anything but! The neon orange may look shocking in the tube, but once its blended you will adore the coral-pink glow it leaves behind. These stains have some serious staining power too - you have about 12 seconds before it sets so I suggest dabbing a little at a time (if you don't want it to stain your fingers blend with a blush brush or sponge). You won't have to worry about this blush fading throughout the day.

Bonus: you can use this on the lips as well! The gel texture cushions your lips and works best when your lips are dry. However, if you have chapped-skin the stain will only enhance it. Moisturize your lips when you start applying your makeup.  By the time you get to your lips, the lip balm will have set into your lips then you can apply the stain. 

Benefit Sugarbomb Boxed Powder:  Swirl these four shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose together and your cheeks will get a sweet rush of colour - or so they say. I got to test this powder out back in October only I didn't test it on myself. This blush is a sheer peach-pink on fair to medium skinned beauties but on medium-dark skin like moi, it barely shows up. I was so excited when I was sent a sample but disappointed after trying it. However, it works nicely as a highlighter or an all-over powder but I have enough of those! 

Lancome Pop 'n Cheeks Blush in Coral Flirt (O My Rose by Aaron de Mey available February 2010):  Love the presentation of this blush - it's like a little piece of art. The peachy-coral shade is very pretty but the gold glittery shimmer is a little too intense for me. Yes, you can apply the colours separately then use the gold as a highlighter but if you're using a proper sized blush brush that just doesn't work. All that bling on the face during the day might cause some to squint so I'd recommend this blush for a fun night out.

Pinks/Berries:

Cargo Blush in Amalfi (available February 2010 in CVS and select indy boutiques): I was a Cargo blush virgin until recently! After I received a sample of Amalfi, I immediately knew why Cargo's blush was a cult classic. First of all, the texture applies like butter and is so pigmented. The jumbo size and the amount of colour pay-off is so worth the price!

Amalfi is a shimmering hot pink which my cheeks are just loving! If you're looking for a neutral pink then this is not your shade. Amalfi is like a baby doll pink with some attitude. For a girly flush, apply on the apples of the cheek but for something more sophisticated apply Amalfi over a bronzer - gorgeous!

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Plum: I was completely shocked at how much I would love this blush! I received a sample back in November and its been in heavy rotation ever since.These ultra creamy oil-free blushes not only give you a healthy glow but nourishes your skin with anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties at the same time.

The plum shade is a sophisticated version of a girly flush. When I apply this shade, my skin instantly looks brighter (love using this when I've had a late night). They are super blendable and long-lasting. It doesn't say you can apply on your lips but I do anyways. My lips look plump and soft and it doesn't dry out them out either.

100% Pure Strawberry Gel Cheek Tint: 100% natural, 100% vegan and gluten-free. This is the philosophy behind the all natural vegan line 100% Pure. The colour is derived from antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit.

Upon opening this blush you'll want to squirt it into your mouth but resist the urge! The yummy strawberry scent is delicious and the strawberry-pink shade is even better! The gel applies sheer so you won't over do it but you can definitely layer for more pop. And since it's all natural why not swipe some onto your lips!

Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush in Crush 201:  Vapour Organic Beauty is a certified organic line that uses organic mineral pigments to colour their products. Aura Multi-Use Blush can be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips - big fans of multi-tasking products at Makeup Junkie!

Crush is a soft petal pink that reminds me of the first bloom of spring. It applies sheer on the first application but becomes a brighter pink after 2 more applications. The dewy finish was fresh and natural. Love the on-the-go and travel-friendly packaging, perfect for when you're in a rush.

What blushes are you excited to swipe on your cheeks for Spring?

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Beauty Feature: Lancome Goes For Gold

What's all the fascination with gold? To celebrate this winning colour, Lancome has partnered with Canadian artist, Raphael Mazzucco, and his wife and makeup artist, Lisa-Marie, to create the limited edition Winter collection, Gold Fascination. Also former athletes, the line and package design was inspired by Canada's best female athletes and their quest for gold at this winter's Olympic 2010 games.

When I opened my package of samples, I fell hard for these beautiful little boxes of art! It's incredible how much these photographs look like paintings. I adore them so much that I want a blown up version to hang on my walls!

Lancome La Base Pro ($42 CDN): Lancome's primer has made a little home in my makeup bag. Because of the oil-free formula, I was afraid it would only enhance my dry winter skin. It actually hydrates my complexion, leaving it soft and silky to the touch. Fine lines and large pores are smoothed out and my makeup lasts all day without any touch-ups! The price is also comparable to Smashbox's Photo Finish Oil-Free Primer.

Lancome Color Design Quad in Showstopper Style ($48 CDN): Looking for a daily staple? Showstopper Style will take you from day to night. The neutral colours and mix of pearly and matte shades allow for versatility. These shadows are also highly pigmented and didn't crease or fade at the end of the day.

Lancome Color Design Blush in Pret A Plum Sheer ($38 CDN): Plum is such a pretty colour and looks fabulous on every skin tone. I really like the texture of these cream blushes because they set to a powder finish yet still give you a flushed glow. This blush won't leave a sticky or tacky feeling on your skin. A little goes a long way - just start with a small dab on the apples of your cheek and layer until your desired shade. These blushes are also long lasting - I didn't have to retouch once!

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Absolute Rouge ($35 CDN): If your lips are in need of some major definition and fullness then L'Absolu Rouge will do the trick. As you age, your lips loose density and shape, but thankfully I don't have to worry about that yet. While the Pro-Xylane ingredient in the lipstick defined and plumped my lips, I didn't care much for the flowery scent. Absolute Rouge is a classic true red perfect for that Old Hollywood look - although with my medium-dark skin tone I fancy deeper reds.

What do you think Lancome Gold Fascination collection? Love it? Hate it? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

www.lancome.ca

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Beauty Feature: Faux Tan, Healthy Skin

North Americans are notorious for believing in "the more tan the better", but at what cost? In places like China or the Philippines it is quite the opposite. Whitening and lightening creams stock their shelves while North Americans are saturated with tanning salons, self-tanners, and bronzers.

Warnings about tanning beds being one of the leading causes of skin cancer have been all a buzz everywhere, especially in the beauty world. It's a scary fact knowing that before the age of 30 our risk of getting skin melanoma increase to 75 %! I think I've used a tanning bed maybe 3 times in my life and only because it was all the rage with my friends back then. I remember not really enjoying the whole process of wiping down the bed, wearing those silly looking eye goggles, stripping down to my underwear, and having the feeling of claustrophobia come over me while my skin baked. Yes, having tan skin instantly was gratifying but definitely not worth skin cancer.

Sun in a healthy way without frying your skin to a leathery golden brown (or in some cases orange). Fake 'n bake is out, but healthy skin is always in! Faux tan with these skin saving products!


Protect your face with a moisturizer that has an SPF. Too much sun on the face will speed up the signs of aging. For the last few months I've been using Lancome's Primordiale Skin Recharge Visible Smoothing Renewing Moisturizer SPF 15 ($78 CDN). I love the soft creamy texture and how fast it absorbs into my skin. It's a perfect day cream that feels light-weight but moisturizing enough for even the driest skin. Designed to give your skin a smoother more radiant finish, my skin is exactly that.

Bronzed skin should never look heavy or flat. Whether it is a powder, gel, or cream, bronzers are a great way to mimic a sun-kissed tan without damaging the skin. Select a bronzer that has a luminous quality to it like Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($40 CDN). I have Bali and it gives me a natural deep golden glow. The formula is ultra-soft, super blendable, and the micro pearls leave skin looking naturally radiant! Apply bronzer to the high points of the face: temples, cheeks, bridge of nose and chin.

Your lips need some sun-loving protection too! I love tinted lip balms that have an SPF because it cuts down on your time and the amount of products you have to carry with you. M.A.C.'s Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm ($17.50 CDN) hydrate, protect and provide a sheer colour to the lips. I have Lilt of Lily (soft creamy pale pink) and Just a Smidge (soft pastel yellow with multi-coloured pearl). Both are very sheer and almost look clear on my lips - I prefer a little more colour but these are great choices for the "no-makeup" makeup look. The texture feels very smooth and my lips feel heavily coated. It's not quite sticky but feels rich on the lips leaving them moisturized for hours! Love the slanted squeeze tube packaging - very portable and easy to apply.

Prep your skin for a self-tanner by exfoliating. The dead, dry skin will be removed, leaving a fresh smooth surface for an even all-over application. Lise Watier's Gommage Bora Bora ($21 CDN) is an exfoliating gel for your face and body! I found this gel to thoroughly but gently exfoliate my skin. I had soft, radiant skin all day long. My favourite part about this product is that I could use it on my face. I find most body scrubs are too harsh for the face area but not this one. No streaky tans with this exfoliator!

Go faux when you want that glow! It's true that some self-tanners are a pain to apply and the results are often a streaky mess (a la Lindsay Lohan!). I'm really enjoying Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel ($48 USD) because the gel is easy to apply and the results are instant - no waiting around until the next day to see the tan! This gel was designed to be the alternative to traditional bronzing self-tanners. It firms, tones, and improves the skin's suppleness and elasticity while giving you that bronzed glow you love. The gel is also transfer-free and water-resistant, the perfect choice for summer activities. I have Exotic and LOVE the deep golden brown glow it gives my skin! The gorgeous shimmer looks especially sexy on my legs! Do wait a few minutes for it to dry before putting on your clothes and wash your hands immediately so they won't stain.

Lather on the sunblock for those outdoor activities. The longer you'll be out in the sun the higher the SPF should be. Neutrogena has a great range of SPF products that go as high as 100! Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 contains Helioplex technology which delivers the highest UVA protection. The Dry-touch technology helped quickly absorb into my skin and got rid of excess shine without a chalky-white finish. The sunblock has a light scent and never felt heavy or sticky on my skin.

Do you use tanning beds often? What is your sun protection regime? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

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Spring 2009 Beauty Trend: Pink Irreverence by Lancome

This collection is the coming together of Aaron De Mey and Lancôme. One is dedicated to magnificent and daring feminity; the other is an eclectic make-up prodigy, a master of colors, pigments and textures, who reinvents and twists the traditional codes of elegance.

Charismatic, visionary and free-spirited, Aaron De Mey is one of the most talented make-up artists of his generation.

Born in New Zealand , he quickly set up home in New York where he successfully fused a series of eclectic references. The depth of his creative universe, his contemporary and non-conformist eye and his unique talent will drive him to excel in his art form. Since then, he has worked with the greatest photographers, the most daring fashion designers, and the most prestigious magazines.

Together…

Emanating from this eclectic fusion, a rich, chic and irreverent style, where two star colors meet, reinvented by Aaron De Mey: rose pink and sparkling black, more volcanic than ever.

Ultra-modern, but ever elegant, Aaron De Mey and Lancôme share the same ideal: a woman who exudes daring feminity, truly French chic allure, inspired by timeless heroines who have marked their eras with their panache and style, and whose individuality was also inherent in their beauty routines…

The Pink Irreverence collection is cantered on a radical duo of strong colors: pure fuchsia, in homage to the emblematic rose, and sparkling black, inspired by the volcanic sands of Piha Beach in New Zealand , from where Aaron De Mey originates.

Lancome Color Design Quad in Irreverent Madame Limited Edition ($52 CDN): Love, love, love this palette! The colours are gorgeous, ultra-smooth, and long-lasting. You can create endless looks with this palette - elegant with a modern, edgy twist or feminine yet strong with a punk rock flare! The chic black compact comes complete with a mini-makeup guide for creating different looks. You'll definitely give Spring's usual delicate looks a run for its money with this palette - be irreverent in the most beautiful way!


Lancome Laque Liner in Pure Black and Piha Sparkle ($29 CDN): The Laque Liner in Pure Black is rich, wet, and intense. It adds drama to any look and lasts all throughout the day. Piha Sparkle attracts attention to the eye with its delicate sparkle and shine. On its own, it gives a soft finish but applied over the black liner gives the eye rich, eye-catching definition.

(L-R) Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black ($29 CDN): I wasn't sure how wearable this lip gloss would be but once I played around with it the black hue made more sense to me. Don't be scared of this shimmery black gloss. It goes on sheer and is designed to be a top coat. Use it over any lip product and this shiny gloss will give it some rich depth. It will make light colours darker and darker shades deeper. Be irreverant and stand out from the crowd by wearing this black gloss on its own for a unique twist!

Lancome Laque Fever in Pink My Ride and Furious Fuschia ($32 CDN): Two of my favourite glosses of the season! Pink My Ride is a light pink with a sexy shimmery finish. It the perfect compliment to this bold colour palette. You can also use it to highlight the lips in the center for a voluptuous pout. Furious Fuschia is a bold, striking pink and I love it! It has the most gorgeous shimmer. The texture is non-sticky and has a lasting finish. Laque Fever will eventually be a permanent line with the same colours but in different names.

Lancome Le Vernis in Piha Black ($20 CDN): I tend to not wear black polish on the tips because I feel like it should only be worn on Halloween. Aaron De Mey's take on the black polish is edgier with little flecks of silver glitter. The polish stayed chip-free for 10 days!

Aaron De Mey's debut collection, Pink Irreverance, is available in Canada and online at www.lancome.ca February 2009!

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Beauty News: Lancome Oscillation Mascara Launch!

The moment you Lancome fans have been waiting for is finally here! Lancome's much anticipated Oscillation Mascara ($39 CAD) will be available at The Bay locations all across Canada and online at www.lancome.ca December 6, 2008! If you were privy to the exclusive one day sale that happened November 20th at The Bay in Toronto and Montreal, this most sought after Lancome product of 2008 sold out in less than two hours!

Performing no less than 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, Lancôme Ôscillation was designed to mimic the zig-zag technique used by professional make-up artists. The combination of the micro-oscillations and UFD (Ultra Fine Dispersion) formula provide an ideal 360°coating around each and every lash. Lashes appear endless, reshaped and infinitely multiplied.

“This mascara is like no other. After years of research, I have come to the conclusion that the application of the formula around the lashes in a non-random, ordered way, charging the lashes homogenously, declares a new era in lash make-up,” explains Jean-Louis Guéret, designer of all the Lancôme mascara brushes. “With oscillatory movement, the make-up result is truly unique.”

At the push of a button, the vibration is activated and Ôscillation responds to all needs by extending, separating and multiplying lashes. Place the brush at the root of the lash and smooth it towards the tip, all the while maintaining pressure on the button. This simple technique ensures lashes have a pure finish with absolutely no trace of clumping (I found it clumped a bit but I still love it!).

Lancome Oscillation mascara will be available at Lancome counters everywhere else January 2009! Hurry out and get one - you'll love the transformation your lashes will get!

To read my review of Lancome Oscillation Mascara click here.

Have you tried Lancome Oscillation? Love it? Hate it?

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Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Lips!

Makeup Junkie is on round 4 of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 surveys! We had to change around our surveys a bit so it will have a new look and you will be required to fill out your name and email address at the beginning of the survey. An invitation to the survey will then be sent to you via email for verification purposes but will take only a few seconds.

Round 4 is Best In Lips! If you're a lip product junkie like me, then you may have a hard time narrowing it down to the best one! We want to know what lip products have been on your hot list for 2008! We have many amazing beauty prizes to announce in the next week, so be sure to check back everyday for new surveys and prizes. We have posted our surveys and give aways on the right hand side at the top for those that missed our previous survey and prize announcements!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Lips 2008
Start: November 26, 2008
End: December 1, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 3 lucky winners will win a must-have holiday prize pack from Lancome! 3 winners will receive 1 Lancome Juicy Tubes from the World Tour collection, 1 Lancome Hypnose Mascara in Diamant - adds a glittery finish to your lashes for the holidays, and 1 Lancome Colour Design Defining and Sparkling Eye Pencil Duo in Sparkle Purple!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 1, after 12:30 pm!

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Beauty Feature: Mascaras Battle It Out Round 3!

Round 3 of "Mascaras Battle It Out!" is a special edition featuring the newest innovations in mascaras! Gimmicky products peak my interests for a second, but I always go back to what works. Some may argue that oscillating or vibrating mascaras are the future of mascara, but you don't know until you try them!

My Lashes: stick straight, lacking volume and length
Mission: To find a volumizing, lengthening, smudge-free, non-clumping mascara.
Round 3: Oscillating, vibrating mascaras that do all of the above!

Mascara: Estee Lauder TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara
Rating: 6 winks
Special Feature: Brush vibrates to give you volume, length, and curl.
Smudge-factor: none
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes especially after 2 coats
Volume: moderate
Curl: yes
Wand: Full vibrating bristles that tapers at the end to reach all the little lashes. As soon as you twist the wind the vibrations start.
For: Gals who want long, natural looking lashes and hate all the mess from wiggling the wand back and forth.
Overall: My rating is mediocre but I actually don't mind the mascara - it's the price. My lashes on the right eye are super long and separated but not very voluminous. The first coat is natural looking but I wanted a more dramatic effect. After swiping on 4 coats, my lashes were a little more dramatic. Although, I didn't like how wiry my lashes looked up close. The vibrations definitely help with the lift and separation but I hate how long it takes to apply the mascara. To ensure every lash is coated, you have to brush the wand up slowly. You'll need to work in 10 extra minutes every morning to rock this mascara!
Beauty Stash Worthy: I've tried non-vibrating mascaras that give you the same effect plus the volume, but the vibrations really do help lift my lashes at the root. And that's where it's most important - for me at least! Would I pay $40 + for another mascara? Probably not.


Mascara: Lancome Oscillation Mascara
Rating: 7 (10!) winks
Price: $39 CAD
Special Feature: 7000 oscillations per minute vibrating Powermascara.

Smudge-factor: none
Clump-factor: YES!
Lengthening: very
Volume: yes - extreme!
Curl: yes
Wand: Thin, rubber-like bristles that get at every lash. Press the button on the cap before pulling wand out of tube.
For: Gals who love clumpy, faux lashes without having to move the wand back and forth.
Overall: Ok, did you see my left eye?? Seriously, this is only 2 coats! The Estee Lauder version took 4 coats to stand out. The only time my lashes have ever looked this extreme are when I apply fake lashes! I gave this a 7 because from far away or in photos my lashes looked fabulous! But up-close it was just a clumpy mess! To get the clumps out I had to use a razor sharp eyelash brush to comb through it. The oscillating brush definitely makes a difference with lift and coating each lash. However, the tiny rubber-like bristles and oscillation don't seem to do a good job of separating and de-clumping. At the unveiling of this mascara, Jean-Louis Guéret, THE designer of all Lancome brushes was lovely enough to demonstrate the motion on his lashes! Again, the whole process is really slow - start at the root and slowly work your way up. I was also told I wouldn't need an eyelash curler but I definitely do. The formula seems so heavy it weighs down my barely-there lashes. I would have given it a higher rating if it weren't for the clumping, but the faux lash effect has got me! If you're going to come out with an innovative mascara with a high price your lashes better look dramatically different!
Beauty Stash Worthy: Uhm, yes I hate clumps but YES I love how my lashes look after! Isn't this so wrong? I'll sacrifice a few minutes to comb out the clumps! Would I pay $40+ for another one? If it'll save me money from buying fake lashes and glue why not!

Estee Lauder TurboLash Mascara is available in Canada October 2008 and Lancome Oscillation Mascara won’t be available until December 29, 2008 and will be sold at The Bay exclusively for one month. On January 30, 2008 it will be available everywhere else at all regular Lancôme counters.

Have you tried either mascara? Love it? Hate it?

www.lancome.com and www.esteelauder.com

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Makeup Obsession: Liquid Liner

Every woman loves the look of a well defined, crisp liquid liner a la Angelina Jolie. Getting that perfect look however can be somewhat frustrating with the vast liquid liners out there promising the perfect line which only disappoint due to their awful tip applicators. One liquid liner that rises to the challenge would be Lancôme’s Artliner. It is much thinner than most applicators and makes for easy application even amongst the novices. This incredibly precise felt tip applicator is perfect for achieving that Fall liner look which nicely complements the season’s very berry lip. Artliner comes in five beautiful colours to match your desired look. Don’t be afraid to pair liquid liner with false lashes this fall for sultry evening eyes. Catwalks near and far oozed with sexiness and no better way to get that look then with false lashes! For lashes we turn nowhere but MAC. The perfect accessory to your liner look would be either the MAC # 3 lashes or the #7’s. For the more cat eye look opt for the #36 lashes or the #20 half lashes. Be sure to use the Duo Adhesive sold at MAC because that is by far the best lash glue on the market. This surgical adhesive stands up to tears and leaves lashes intact all night.

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Celebrity Beauty Style: Sun-Kissed Beauty Hayden Panettiere!

Hayden Panettiere, actress and singer, has graced the cover of many magazines this year. Not only does she star in the popular series Heroes she is also the current face of fashion brand Candie's. She always looks gorgeous no matter what she’s up to and she’s definitely following the summer trend of natural, glowing makeup. Here’s how you can achieve a look like hers:


1. Face: Skip the foundation and go for something a little lighter like a tinted moisturizer. There are tons on the market but my fave right now is Dior’s HydrAction Deep Hydration Skin Tint. Not only does it even out skin tone and correct imperfections, it contains SPF 20 to help protect against the sun. Only problem, it comes in 4 shades which may make it difficult to find your perfect match. In that case, try Stila’s Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil Free, which is slightly sheerer but has a higher SPF, perfect for those of you who are sensitive to the sun.

2. Cheeks: For a pretty glow try NARS blush in Torrid, it’s very similar to the ever popular Orgasm but is a little more on the coral side and the gold flecks really stand out. Apply to the apples of your cheeks for that fresh, sun-kissed look.

3. Eyes: Using the new Lancome Brazilian Earth Colors palette, designed by top model Daria Werbowy (who is from Mississauga!), you can achieve a natural but defined eye. Apply the taupe shadow to the full lid and contour with the darkest brown in the crease, don’t go too high on the brow bone as this look is meant to be as natural as possible. Highlight the eyes with the shimmery yellow on the inner corners and on the bottom lash line for extra sparkle. Line the eyes with a dark liner, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Liner in Star Black or Pearly Brown are great options because they are water and sweat resistant. Last step is to apply a few coats of your fave mascara, Dior Diorshow Mascara always does the trick.

4. Lips: Finish off the look with a glossy gloss, try a champagne nude colour like Sephora Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss in Silver Toupe 17.

by Shiv

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Beauty Review: Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner and thoughts of digital cameras, watches, plasma tv's, and golf clubs are milling about in your head. As a kid, I never used to panic about what to get my father because he was always happy with a cute drawing and lots of hugs. Now that I'm a wife of a husband that is a father, I'm thinking an amateur drawing of us and lots of hugs would be a nice thought but wouldn't cut it lol. If high-tech gadgets are a little out of your budget, cologne and men's skin care is always the next best gift! Here are some gift ideas that will keep him smelling good and his skin looking great!

Tommy Bahama Set Sail South Seas Cologne ($52.50): It's a light, refreshing scent perfect for summer. With a fusion of watery nuances, violets, rum, and citrus blends it's crisp and woodsy scent is fresh but masculine. The scent and the packaging remind me of a beautiful island escape. Every time I smell it on my husband I'm whisked away!


YSL L'Homme Limited Edition Design by Jean Nouvel ($79.50): For the modern man that appreciates style and architecture. The bottle, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, was inspired from the shape of a test tube or rather a symbol of a man's virility. A fresh, woody fragrance that is both sparkling and sensual!

HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm: If your father is an eco-friendly/organic kind of guy, then load him up with HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm! Every man has to shave so why not give him something that is nutritious for his skin and environmentally friendly? My husband appreciated the clear shave gel because you can see exactly where you're shaving which means no ugly razor nicks! He also didn't mind the sweet almond scent. The after-shave balm was soothing and didn't leave any residue on the skin. Sounds like a winner!


Lancome Men Energizer Total Gift Set ($65): Most guys tend to neglect their skin and figure that those dark circles and wrinkles will disappear on its own. The problem is men just don't know what to buy so why not make it easier and buy the gift of energized, revitalized and supple skin! This gift set includes 1 Energizer Total, 1 Ultimate Cleansing Gel, 1 Trial Size of of High Definition Shave Foam all packaged in a sleek black pouch.

Happy shopping! Wishing all the father's a Happy Father's Day!

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