Summer Faves: Bronzers

You don't have to be "Jenny from the Block" to get that J-Lo bronzey glow. I am all for bronzers when it's done right (sorry Snooki!). There's just something about a summer tan that makes everyone look healthy, gorgeous and radiant! The key to a natural looking tan is to stick to bronzers that have a golden undertone rather than an orange base. You want to avoid the "Jersey" tan at all costs! Use a fluffy powder brush and apply bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose, and chin. 

Get gorgeous this summer with some of my favourite bronzers this season!

1. YSL Terre Saharienne in No. 2 Copper Sand ($60 CDN): This is pure luxury in a bronzer. The bronzer is formulated with the new "Sun Radiance" pigments which capture the light and diffuse a golden reflection in all directions (don't all bronzers do that?). What I love about this bronzer is that it imparts a natural glow to the skin rather than a shimmer. It blends amazingly onto the skin so no streaky tan lines! It's available in 3 shades: Sand (fair to medium skin tones), Copper Sand (med-dark to dark) and Golden Sand (medium to medium-dark). Copper Sand is my favourite. I get really dark in the summer so the warmth of the copper undertone enhances my tan nicely. The price tag is very steep so I'd only recommend if you are a YSL junkie or you feel like splurging on a bronzer ( a staple in my books). 

2. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer ($39 USD): After being a fan of the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder (you can read review here) I knew I would instantly love this bronzer. It gives all the same softening, luminous effects as the powder just with a lovely bronzey hue. It is designed to minimize the signs of aging over time while hydrating your skin. This one-shade suits all gives me the perfect tan, however, I'm not sure how it appears on darker skin tones so I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried it. The finish on the skin is more sheen than shimmer which I love. I found the packaging of the original powder very bulky but the bronzer comes in the same shaver-dispense design in a travel-friendly size. The price is still a bit steep for a bronzer but you can double as a shadow!

3. Everyday Minerals Hiking Everest in Heels Blush/Bronzer Duo ($12 USD): If you're looking for value in a bronzer then look no further. This vegan, all-natural line has quality products at affordable prices. Love the name of this bronzer duo. You not only can achieve a faux tan with this pressed powder but the other side is a peachy-coral blush. Gorgeous! At the moment, this is only available in the On The Reef, Coral Collection which is a definite must-have. For $34, you get a sweet collection of loose eye shadows, blushes, face powder, lippie and brushes with a reusable canvas tote included. 

4. Mary Kay LE Cooling Bronzing Stick ($25 CDN): There's all this buzz right now about Mary Kay's newest crop of products. This line has been around for ages but is slowly replacing the "granny" image to suit a much younger makeup-loving audience. The cooling sensation of this bronzing stick could not be more perfect for the hot steamy weather. It has the creamy texture of a cream but the staying power of a gel stain. The finish is high-shimmer which is perfect for highlighting the cheekbones and bridge of nose. Great for giving the skin a dewy finish. However, if you plan to use it as a blush prepare for lots of shine. If you have imperfect skin, I would stay clear as it will only accentuate blemishes. To tone done the shimmer and for extra staying power, dust a translucent powder over top. If you're in a hurry, swipe on the lids and lips! 

As for the price, I was actually surprised it is $25. I've never bought anything from Mary Kay in the past. If you love NARS The Multiple, this could be a cheaper dupe for South Beach. (Limited quantities while supplies last. Offer expires September 15, 2010.)

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? 

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Beauty Feature: Beach Babe Beauty

For most of you summer started in June, but my summer didn't start until last Friday! This past weekend was a scorcher (after a month long drought!) and what do you do when it's sticky hot? Go to the beach! And that's exactly what we did. Most women that go to the beach don't wear anything on their face other than sun block. I was tempted to bare my natural skin but the makeup junkie in me just couldn't! I decided to use this opportunity to put some talked about beach must-haves to the test!


1. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go: I had featured this product last week (click here), but I didn't really get to test it's sweat-resistant/water-resistant claims. After sitting in the hot beating sun and splashing around in the water, my face didn't melt off all day and looked bronzy and glowy. Even with all the sweating, my skin didn't feel heavy or sticky. Great alternative to a tinted moisturizer and bronzer!


2. Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Mascara: This is the one mascara I've been using all summer long. It perfectly defines, separates, adds volume, and lengthens all in one. It also doesn't flake or smudge. My lashes looked great in and out of the water. This mascara also has tube technology which means it comes off in little tubes with warm water!


3. Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: The last thing you want to do is bring your whole makeup stash to the beach. This creme stain for cheeks and lips is a definite must-have! It is oil-free, streak-free, and waterproof. Surprisingly it didn't sweat off my watermelon glow and lasted on my lips after drinking. It did come off a bit on the lips after eating something oily but that is to be expected. A little goes a long way so start with a tiny drop and blend into the skin with your finger. This colour also looks gorgeous on tan skin. The light watermelon scent is just delicious!


4. YSL Gloss Volupte Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick SPF 9 in Iced Lychee: New for Fall but a must for Summer! Gloss and lipstick in one - LOVE! This sheer gloss stick gives your lips extreme shine and drenches your lips in moisture. I love the way it feels on the lips, although I wish the moisturizing factor lasted longer. I layered this over top of the Becca Tint to enhance the colour a little more and to protect my lips from the sun. Iced Lychee is a sheer pinky-coral and gave my lips a bit of colour, but I prefer using it over top of a stain for more colour and moisture. While I've become a fan of this gloss stick, I'm not sure I would pay $30 USD for a sheer lip colour!


5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85: Sunblock is essential when frolicking in the sun. This sunblock 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. It's also water-proof and sweat-proof! I love the high SPF factor because I didn't have to reapply every half hour.

Have you tried any of these products? Hate 'em? Love 'em? What are your beach babe must-haves? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

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Adventures of a Makeup Junkie: Do Makeup and Outdoor Activities Mix?

I'm flying to BC next Tuesday (my first trip on a plane since before I was prego!) and I'm VERY excited! We'll be visiting my mother-in-law in what's referred to as the beautiful "Sunshine Coast". There will be lots to do including kayaking, canoing, hiking, and mountain biking. For the most part, I'd probably say I'm 85 % city girl and 15 %
outdoor-camping-roughing-it kind of girl. I much rather prefer stilettos over hiking boots and consider going without mascara as "roughing it". Sounds high maintenance, but I'm really not - I swear! I just like to look put-together in every situation. And although canoing is not my first choice of fun, I'm very open to new experiences.

As a child, my family wasn't really the camping type. The last time I did anything camping related, I was in grade school. Don't get me wrong - we won't be sleeping in tents or anything but in a beautifully renovated home just off the water. But cute flats or wedge sandals just won't cut it. Since I'm fairly new to the whole kayaking-hiking-canoing thing, I'm a little unsure if wearing makeup is a faux pas. This is my question to you - would you wear makeup while doing outdoor activities?

Here are the products I'm thinking about rockin' while canoing along the coast:

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Water-proof Mascara in Very Black: After rave reviews of the original formula, I was very bummed that my lashes went limp instead of lush and full. But I decided to give the water-proof version a try on recommendation of Arianne (thanks girl!). Well, I think my lashes have found a new love! I was fully committed to L'Oreal's Voluminous Waterproof mascara but I have moved on. I LOVE the results my lashes get - voluminous, super-long, lush non-smearing lashes! Mascara always manages to make you look polished without over-doing it with lots of shadow.

Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy and Flush: I know I'll probably get a natural flush from all the physical activity but a little help doesn't hurt right? I love Tarte's cheek stains because they give you a natural flush and stay put. Tipsy is a nice sheer coral-peach and Flush is a sheer berry. I like to have choices so I'll bring both. :)

Juice Beauty Lip Trio: SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers: I think when you're working out it's important to not look done up. These tinted lip balms are the perfect choice especially for outdoor activities. These lippies give you sun protection, moisture, and a natural tint of colour that goes on like a lip stain. My favourite is Delightful, a deep berry shade that makes your lips looks like you've been getting some serious snogging action.

So, would it be too much to also add a bit of YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch under the eyes, Cargo's blu_ray High Definition Mattifier for an even complexion without adding foundation and to double as a mattifier, and my Benefit Hoola Bronzer for a matte sun-kissed glow? I would love to hear what you think and if there's anything else you'd recommend please let me know!

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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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Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

What do you get for the woman that has everything? From experience, it seems beauty products never get old! For a few years my brother's and I would get my mother a new fragrance or bath and body products every year. And every year she would still glee with excitement because my mom is Mama Makeup Junkie! If you've been fretting over what to get the woman that let you try on her lipstick when you were four, that scolded you when you picked on your little brother, that read your diary during high school, that paid your rent when you were broke, and that is the best grandmother to your kid(s), fret no more because you're bound to find some wonderful gifts for the woman that has everything!

How utterly gorgeous is this bag accessory from YSL ($56 USD)? It's like a jewelry piece and cosmetics, two of my favourite things, in one! This bag accessory can customize a bag or belt includes a solid perfume and fuchsia pearly lip gloss. Perfect for that glamorous mom-on-the-go!
For more luxurious gift ideas visit YSLBeauty.

You can give your mother breakfast in bed without lifting a finger thanks to Philosophy's yummy 3 in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath trio ($30 USD) in Cafe Au Lait, Fresh Cream, and Belgian Waffles. Mmm... I am a huge fan of any of Philosophy's shower gels because they come in such mouth-watering scents! Your mom will love the idea of having breakfast in bed anytime she'd like!

For more beautiful gift ideas visit Sephora.com

For the mother that can't decide on what lip colour to wear or loves to mix and blend, Bobbi Brown's limited edition Lip Gloss Palette is a staple of gorgeous shimmery neutrals. Bobbi Brown is known for creating beautiful convenient palettes. She takes the guess work out of matching the right colours together. This is one palette you just can't go wrong with!

For more gift ideas visit BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

Oh Chanel, why do you make me covet so? Chanel's Multi-Use Makeup Palette ($85 USD)is a mix of best-selling colours and exclusives, four eye shadows, four lip colours and one blush. This is for the mother who is a sophisticated, social butterfly. This palette will take her from day office to evening gala!

For more lovely gift ideas visit Chanel.com

For the earth-conscious mother The Body Shop is full of planet-friendly pampering treats! Pick up a Bag For Life bag and fill it up with any of The Body Shop's gift sets. A Bag For Life is only $5 and every time you buy one $2 from every bag sold goes to the Canadian Women's Foundation, an organization working to stop violence in the home. Buying this bag also saves the planet because you're refusing the use of plastic bags. This bag is made from Teddy Exports, The Body Shop's Community Trade supplier in southern India. I love gifts that just keep on giving!

For more planet-friendly gifts visit The Body Shop



Don't forget about TotalBeauty.com's Totally Green Sweepstakes! Prizes are being given away everyday so hurry be one of the lucky winners! Click here for contest details.

Know a busy mom-on-the-go? Hah! What mother isn't busy? Three Custom Color understands what products busy mom's need which is why the brand created the ultimate beauty survival kit called Mom-On-The-Go ($98.50)! The kit was inspired by co-founder, Trae Bodge, when she found out she was first expecting. The set is available in Cool and Warm and consists of an eye shadow, lip and cheek stain, bronzer, their best-seller Clarifier Pencil, Face Powder Brush, Clear Brow Gel, Refillable Trio with Mirror, and Double-ended Brush, and a Dante Beatrix Bebe Carry-all Envelope. Not sure if this is the right gift? If your mother is in the NY area get her a Gift Certificate for a One-On-One consultation ($85-$125 USD) at The Three Custom Color Specialists Color Studio! Her personal Color Specialist will provide application tips and expert color advice based on mom's personal needs and preference. If she's not in the area, give her the ultimate gift and fly her in!


Thinking a spa get-away is the ticket to her heart? Check out some sweet deals and spa ideas from Spa Beautifully by Ellen Mirza also of Lipstick, Powder, 'n, Paint!

As fabulous and covet-worthy as these gifts are, nothing beats hearing "I love you mom" followed by lots of hugs and kisses! Who am I kidding? Splurge for a gift please or make one from the heart! lol Happy shopping!

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