July 15, 2009

the new face of MANGO

Scarlett Johansson is the face for MANGO's Fall/Winter'09 campaign. MANGO chose the beautiful actress as the image for the campaign for her extraordinary personality, which embodies the ideal of the urban, enterprising, daring woman that we target. Johansson is the epitome of an elegant, sensual woman who is at the same time both creative and inquisitive, and always aware of the latest fashion. (MNG news) The MNG fall/winter'09 collection is influenced by the 80's decade; leggings (trend will continue), dominant shoulders, narrow waists, leopard print, leather, and splashes of cobalt blue & maroon. I'm a fan of MANGO, I did work as an Assistant Manager in one of their first Toronto stores, thus the love!
I will admit that I'm not entirely in love with the 80's influence that will be popular this Fall/Winter'09 in almost all fashion collections, not just MNG's. Anyone else not feeling the 80's vibe in fashion? Or perhaps you love the 80's? But I still love 80's retro music:)


(images: MNG news)

July 14, 2009

your online Powder Room {a little nip/tuck}

Once in a while a girl just needs a little something something...in that case it was my blog header & blog button. Voila! What do you think? You like?
After working with the lovely Deanna from domestic-chicky I think it was worth it! Although I loved the old header it was a "borrowed" image from a store in Japan, littleberry.jp and I wanted something that was all mine. Deanna was able to capture the girly in me & incoporate some of the old element designs that I loved into the new me! With the new domain name beautyparler.ca it now has a new image to go with it.

If your interested in getting a mini-makeover or perhaps the whole package Deanna offers very reasonable rates & is a doll to work with, I can be a bit picky:)

Thanks:)

July 10, 2009

the Basics {foundations/concealers in rotation}

Want to have a peak? Have a look at my current foundation & concealer stash. Now, I do have a few more in hibernation, however these are the ones I'm currently using on a rotational basis.

My Basic Face!
Depending on where I'm going & how my skin looks, these are the items I use.
Products in the top pic {Top row-Left to Right}
Faces Hydro Balance Foundation-shade 651 (yellow tone)
Bottom row {left to right}
MAC Studio Stick Foundation-NC27 I use this to cover any marks on my face, not as an under eye concealer
see pic below for under eye concealers
{top left to right}
{bottom left to right}
the Balm Time Balm Anti-Wrinkle Concealer-light/medium (really loving this)
Bobbi Bown Creamy Concealer-Sand (one of my favourite concealer's, a HG* status)
*HG=Holy Grail
Do you see any of your faves? If you have any questions on any of the above leave me a comment.
Have a good weekend!!

late night purchase {The Beauty of Color by Iman}

The other night I was doing laundry when I realized I was out of fabric softener, what's a girl to do! So, there I was at 10pm in my car driving to Walmart. My goal was to go directly to the laundry section get the fabric softener and out of there. Easy, right? Ha!Ha! Try again, detour to the makeup section...hmm nothing (whew! that's a first), I thought I might make it out this time with just that bottle in hand. Out of the corner of my eye I spy a clearance book bin and right on top is The Beauty of Color: the ultimate beauty guide for skin of color by Iman. I love beauty and fashion books, one more book to add to the collection. At $6.98 cdn (what a steal) that's one Starbucks latte less for me! This book cover's everything; skincare, makeup 101, makeovers (my fave), step by step makeup application, and more! A great book if your interested in makeup application and techniques. What I also like about this book is that Iman doesn't push her cosmetics line, Iman Cosmetics. You've all heard about Iman, right? if not click here. Here's few pics of the inside of the book. Enjoy!



My ultimate beauty tip:
a beautiful, clean, arched eyebrow
You can have no traces of makeup on your face but if your eyebrows are sculpted beautifully than honestly sometimes that's all you need.


July 9, 2009

Welcome to www.beautyparler.ca!

I'm so excited I finally purchased my own domain name. You can still use beautyparler.blogspot.com & you'll be redirected to http://www.beautyparler.ca/!

How many of you own your own domain name or are thinking about it? If you have any questions let me know, it was quite easy to do (I'm no computer geek) but blogspot.com help guidelines are very easy to follow.

July 8, 2009

S.O.S Damsels in Distress {StoryTailors S/S'09 Collection}


Once upon a time two young men met at fashion design school, by the third year of their studies they decided to pull their design ideas together. Thus the creation of Storytailors came about. I came about this design team by chance as I was watching RTP (a Portuguese television station) and showcased was the Spring/Summer'09 collection, SOS Damsels in Distress. Featured were fashion designers João Branco e Luís Sanchez from StoryTailors and I loved what I saw. The anatomical lines, the fitted tailoring, clean lines, and flowy fabrics in fresh/cool colours. Check out the collection (sorry I was unable to copy the pics) under Street Couture-SOS Damsels in Distress Summer'09.
Let me know what you think?
(photo:storytailors.pt)

July 7, 2009

Maybelline Pulse Perfecting Vibrating Mascara {the review}


Buzzzzzz...that's the sound of?? A bee, no...but Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara. Lately, there has been alot of hype on vibrating mascaras in the makeup market and this one is the first one I've tried so I can't really compare to other vibrating mascaras. Initial reaction...hmm interesting & kinda cool. Of course as a beauty junkie I'll try most beauty items anyway.
Maybelline's Pulse Perfection Vibrating mascara features:
*Our patented motor pulses the brush 100 times a second, transforming each lash like no hand can. Get ready for your richest, most luxurious, most perfect lashes ever.
*The revolutionary vibrating brush gives you the 7 signs of lash perfection at the touch of a button. Now, get lashes that are thicker, longer, defined, intense, curved, shiny and clump-free.
Instructions:
*While pressing the button, place brush at lash base and move slowly towards lash tip. No need to zig zag brush. Repeat as desired for top and bottom lashes. Release the button to stop pulsing.
Available in two shades: Very Black & Blackest Black

My review:
{PROS}I like the formula of the actual liquid & the shade (Blackest Black) which was a dark grey/black. I also liked the wand's flexibilty & rubber material (like Maybelline's New Define-a-Lash, the one in the green tube which by the way is great). Separates lashes and adds length! Washes off easily (I had the non-waterproof type).
{CONS} Can smear if you don't allow the liquid to dry. I much prefer NOT using the vibrating technique because I'm a creature of habit & can't help but zig zag the wand. The trick in using the wand while its in vibrating mode is to NOT zig zag. However, I just couldn't grasp this technique & instead ended up smearing it.
On a side note, a friend of mine that's not into makeup loves the Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating mascara. So, maybe its a good try for those that don't wear makeup everyday.
Sorry, Maybelline but this one's a NO on my part. I think I will bury it along side Maybelline's Great Lash mascara (another miss for me).

(images & credit: maybellinenewyork.ca)

July 2, 2009

and the winner is...

The winner of the Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara giveaway is.....
drumroll......




Congratulations!!
EVE


I picked the winner by using random.org, I was going to draw from a hat but decided to use this site as it's easier to use & is effective in randomly picking a winner.
Eve email me your snail mail address & I'll get the mascara out to you by the latest Monday.
Thanks to all who participated, more giveaways to come!

July 1, 2009

have a Happy day, eh!


By now most of my regular blog readers know I love etsy so here's a feature on some Canadian designers and/or etsy sellers that used Canadian symbols.
(EnglishMuffinShop-framed map, CrowBiz-map blocks)

(VerreEncore-MapleLeaf necklace, Alice in Paris-painting)


(TorontoKeepCalm-poster, theLittleRedDoor-pottery house)


Happy Canada Day!

June 29, 2009

Protect yourself from skin's #1 enemy {dermaglow® 70 SPF Cream review}



Protect your skin today and it will thank you tomorrow! Fellow Canadians, did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada. What does this tell us? Well for starters, considering we don't live in tropical weather conditions overexposure to the Sun is a cause for concern. Regardless, of geographic locations (most believe that colder climates=less sun exposure) protection is key to prevention of skin cancer and other skin related issues (i.e aging). Health Canada recommends:
If possible, avoid being in the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Look for shade, stay under a tree, or use an umbrella.
During outdoor activities, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. When the UV index is three or higher, you should also wear protective clothing and a large-brimmed hat.
Remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin.
(Health Canada)

Since last month I've been testing out dermaglow® 70 SPF Cream. Not only do I use sunscreen as a preventative against skin cancer but also as an anti-aging treatment. Dermaglow® 70 SPF Cream is a non-greasy, light cream (don't let the cream in the title fool you, its acually lightweight) that's recommended for all skin types. For reference I have combination skin & didn't feel overly oily as a result of using this product. I also do not burn or turn pink while wearing this and I don't get that "white mask" face, key is to blend well into the skin. No strong fragrance and no breakouts (as some other sunscreens have done in the past). If your planning on buying a new sunscreen this season I highly suggest you give this a try.

For more info visit dermaglow.ca, as of May'09 can be found at major drug retailers across Canada.

(image courtesy of VitalScienceCorp, dermaglow.ca)

time for a pedicure {a look at my favourite pedicure products}

pedicure
pedicure by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

There's nothing that screams Summer is here than a good pedicure. Make your feet happy and looking fabulous by using just a few products. Of course the best feeling is getting a professional pedicure but that's not always possible and can get pricey. With a little practice and the right tools your feet can look as sexy as mine:)
A few faves:
OPI nail polishes {my favourite, other good choices are Essie & Avon}
Tweezerman tools
Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter
LUSH Ocean Salt Cleanser {makes a great foot scrub}
Nail Polish remover {no preference}
Nail File {no preference}
foot bath {no preference, any tub will work if you don't want to spend $ on a messaging one)
What are your favourite pedicure products?

June 27, 2009

the Politics of Blogging {recap of the last few days in the beauty blogging community}

In the blogging world there is drama and politics, unfortunately. That being true in any realm and we all see it a work. However, the net is an open book and within the blogging community "drama" was/is expected. I'm not going to repeat what my fellow bloggers have written so well. So grab a latte and get comfortable:

For myself, blogging was a result of being a member on a couple of beauty communities such as makeupalley, Specktra, and makeuptalk. I enjoy & continue to be member of those sites because of my obvious love for beauty & skincare items. Blogging for me is a hobby! Its not a "money making machine" and I don't do it to receive free products. Yes, I have received generous samples & full -size products however my philosophy is if I'm not pleased with the products than I don't review them. Also, if I feel that the products being offered are products that I would never personally purchase than why would I want to review them. My philosophy is to write honest reviews based on my own personal experiences with beauty products and hope that others can make their own purchasing decisions based on those experiences (or prevent others from spending money on products that will sit on their shelves). I try to write in a conversational manner because quite frankly I'm not writing a thesis and rather write the way I speak. At the end of the day I write this blog because I have fun with it & love meeting others who have the same interest. That's the most important thing...to do what you love and enjoy:)

What are your thoughts on the above post links? Why do you read blogs? Or any other comments.