Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

a day early as I'm flying out today for a mini trip

Be safe & fashionable my beauties...

xoxo

Monica

(image: PeterLippmann for Christian Louboutin s/s'09 ad campaign)

December Favourites

december favourites by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

If your still at home and haven't ventured out to the mall for Boxing Day madness sales congrats to you for having restraint. Although, having worked in retail before you must be mad to line-up for sales! Most stores mark down prices before Boxing Day and deals are to be had online too. But there are exceptions! You'll find great markdowns on electronics...and Sephora is having their 1st ever Boxing Day sale too but not sure on the deals. Regardless what you decide to do today enjoy! And check out my December favourites!
Items:
China Glaze Nail Lacquer in shade Salsa (love! this shade. The perfect bright cherry red)
Bioderma Sensibio H20 for sensitive skin (awesome makeup remover! Very gentle and soothing, completely removes makeup but traces of mascara will be left behind. To be honest I don't know of any makeup remover which completely takes off all mascara & this one has been the closest)
Lise Watier Nuits Magiques Illuminating Powder (gorgeous shimmery powder that can be worn over any blush. In this case I've been using it over the Eve Pearl trio blush because its a bit matte looking. I also use this illuminating powder on my browbone & on the inner eye corner) Kryolan HighGloss Brillant Lip Shine in Crystal Rose (beautiful gloss alone or over lipstick. High impact gloss! Non-sticky & moisturizing)
Eve Pearl Sassy Cheeks Trio Blush (at first wasn't loving this trio because I found it too matte looking & blotchy but after using the right blush brush and less product-this is very pigmented-looks beautiful! Highly recommend for Brides-to-be for that natural flush look & great for pictures. I love using the shade on the far left for contouring.)
Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Brunette (great pencil with attached brush! Will admit that I love my MAC Brow pencil in lingering a bit more but the Anastasia is a good runner-up. The pencil is softer than I'd like but works wonderfully.Luckily I purchased this at 50% off thus the purchase)
Burt's Bee Radiance Cleanser with Royal Jelly (a good gentle cleanser with jojoba beads-very little though so not really like a scrub. I use this as a morning cleanser as I like to use gentle cleansers in the AM that don't strip my skin of their own natural oils)
Beauté Luminous Volume Gloss in shades if, urge and paramour (all 3 are gorgeous, highly pigmented & non-sticky. Really suggest these 3 shades! I was fortunate to buy all 3 on sale for 50% off)
Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream (some of you have been waiting for this review! OK I love this stuff! I was worried that the mineral oil would be moisturizing & pore-clogging for me but no. Leaves skin hydrated without feeling greasy! However, I would only rec for those that have combination-dry skin. Although its title has "cream" in it I would label it more like a lotion)
What are your beauty faves for December? Or did you completely get taken over in the Holiday madness that you've forgotten about yourself:)

(disclaimer: I was not paid for any of these reviews. I did receive the Lise Watier & Burt's Bee products at no charge however not encouraged to review favourably)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! And if you don't celebrate Christmas Day wishing you a relaxed & happy day! Wishing you and your loved ones all the best during this Holiday Season. I took this photo back in 2006 when I was teaching English in Lisbon, Portugal. At the time it was the tallest Christmas tree in Europe! Enjoy today....
xoxo,
Monica

an Inspirational trail {tiny gingerbread houses}

For those beauty junkies that love to bake or just love a good cup of coffee and/or tea with a little sweet on the side...how cute are these tiny gingerbread houses perched on a mug! There are so many talented bloggers out in cyber space that they inspire me to try new things, in this case baking! My inspirational trail was found via blogger Raru of 79ideas who blogged about these delicious tiny treats made by Megan from notMartha. They almost look too cute to eat! And nothing says "Holiday Spirit" more than baking...Enjoy!

(images: notMartha)

T'was the night before Christmas {Frederick's of Hollywood-vintage}

Be a naughty girl tonight, its ok you had all year to be a good girl. Santa will forgive you! Just remember to leave him gluten-free cookies and organic milk! Ho-Ho-Ho!...


Hope you are enjoying your day & all your presents are wrapped!
xoxo
Monica
(images: flickr.com)

a few swell gift ideas {vintage Holiday ads}

Don't know what to get that special lady in your life...here are a few swell ideas! These vintage ads sure made me chuckle. And no I don't suggest any of these gifts unless of course that special lady in your life specifically asked for these. Different times, different kind of gifts!







Enjoy your Holidays!
(images:flickr.com)

Guess who turns 2 today? {blogiversary}

I can't believe I've had my blog for two years now! What started as a hobby and a creative outlet has led me to meet so many great people....and at present my blog is still my little side hobby and I like it that way! Thank you for reading my blog which is just one out of millions and for leaving comments. I should have a giveaway?! So I'll think of something and perhaps post it after the Holiday season. Thank you for reading!

xoxoxo

Monica

(image: flickr.com)

after Christmas comes New Year's Eve...

...and that means par-tay! Nothing beats a good party hat, black liner, or a smokey eye.

(images:top two-wmagazine.com, natalie-vmagazine.com)

“Curiouser and Curiouser” {Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows}

New York is a city that I love to visit during the Holiday Season...there is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the famous Bergdorf Goodman's Holiday windows! Nothing can get better than strolling the streets of Manhattan with a hot chocolate in hand and your sweetie's hand in the other. This year I haven't quite made it south of the border so I will have to settle drinking my hot chocolate in the solace of my home and my computer as the window to New York! Enjoy this year's Bergdorf Goodman's windows, theme is "A Compendium of Curiosities" inspired by author Lewis Carroll and her works Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

store info:

Monday-Sunday

10am – 8pm

Located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 58th Street, New York-NY

The holiday windows will remain on display through January 6, 2010.

(images: bergdorfgoodman.com)

sshhh! Keep it a Secret {gift ideas under $20}

Don't know what to get for your Secret Santa or how about stuffing that stocking? Well, here are just a few ideas. You don't have to spend a fortune! All items are under $20 cdn. My faves are getting magazine subscriptions, gift cards (yes I like them & some might argue its tacky but I'd rather get a gift card instead of Reindeer ears with flashing lights), body creams, candles, a book, lipbalms, nailpolish, and of course LUSH always has gift sets:).




Also, new to Canada is E.L.F cosmetics (available at Zellers & sometimes at Winners) which is a perfect inexpensive gift for that teen or young lady in your life. Although I was sent these items I do recommend them as a "makeup on a budget" choice!{In the pic I'm wearing E.L.F lipliner in Mauve Luxe & one of their nude shades from the Beauty Encyclopedia Lip Edition and a picture of Beautiful Blush bronzer-gives a very nice sunkissed shimmer} another inexpensive choice is Jane Cosmetics (also available at Zellers), sorry no pics but can review if you'd like as I'm in love with the stick cream blush.
What are your Secret Santa gift ideas? Do the products above appeal to you or would you secretly sigh at my choices:)?

{I've added a disclaimer at the bottom of my blog! I do not receive financial compensation for any of the products mentioned above. Although I am sent products periodically I am not obliged to review favourably nor am I compensated. All opinions are from my personal experience}

How Naughty {Locher's Paris}

If you've been a naughty girl this year (or not) you have to check out Locher's Paris! This online boutique is the cutest shit & I mean that in an endearing way (once you check out the store you'll understand the usage of my language). I blogged about this sweet online presence last year, check it out! Anyhow, they have created the cutest handmade clutches and lipstick holders, which of course include your choice of charming sayings!

As I'm a "noisy little porker" that's subscribed to their newsletter I recently received a coupon code CUPCAKE for 20% off all items until December 20th (hope they don't mind that I'm passing on the amour).

(images: lochers.com)

Just chillin' on a Sunday...

Just got home from a nice walk on Queen st. with my sweetie, eggnog latte in hand, and good laughs! Equals a very lovely Sunday afternoon in Toronto. Now time to do laundry, wash my makeup brushes and surf the net while listening to a few tunes.
What did you do today?

Holiday Wishlist

wishlist by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Dear Santa....Here are just a few things! Oh and I'm still waiting on the mini-laptop (check last year's wishlist)...I swear I've been good;)

P.S-don't worry about the cruise I'm working on that for next month (it's my b-day gift to moi). Expect gluten-free cookies & organic milk by the fireplace.

kisses,

Monica

Spreading a little Holiday Cheer

Trying to get into the spirit of going gift shopping....

Just in case your interested in the items above;

Women's Canadian Olympic Team Full Zip Hoodie (hoody, sweatshirt) -..., $50
Santa Is My Sugar Daddy tee, $20
Valentino Couture patent leather pumps, $745
Tiffany & Co. Browse Necklaces & Pendants United States
NARS Wild At Heart 15 Year Anniversary Palette ($87 Value) Wild At..., $75

Keep Calm...{Holiday Shopping}

The dreaded shopping mall parking lot...the hoards of Holiday shoppers. Holiday shopping can be dreadful & stressful. On that note who has finished their Holiday shopping? Anyone buy their gifts online? Usually I buy little gifts on layovers. However, this year I stopped flying (I'm a flight attendant just in case you haven't read past posts)mid-November because of a new temporary position I have taken on at work which means that moi didn't prepare. These Holiday cards from 3LambsGraphics(etsy.com)couldn't have said it better...

I'm a blush addict! {MAC Magic, Mirth & Mischief}

I have a confession...I'm a blush addict! What a surprise, right? Considering I'm a beauty junkie. But blush is my weakness. And if Santa is kind he'll know what to put in my stocking...maybe I need to talk to Mrs. Claus, I'm sure she has a weakness for beauty products! The Holiday's are a makeup aficionado's best friend, why? It's the time of year that cosmetic companies come out with Holiday palettes, not only are these a great deal but travel friendly. MAC has once again released their Holiday collection; Magic, Mirth and Mischief! Because I've been naughty in the spending department I have limited myself to one treat and that will be the Hocus Focus Colourful Face kit (shown below), although the Fab-Racadabra Bronze Face kit (shown above) is tempting (I already own Golden bronzer & Sunbasque which are in the kit-both are must-have's, expecially if your a NC30 like myself). $44.50 CDN each

What is your beauty weakness? Anyone else going to purchase Holiday released makeup palettes?

(images: maccosmetics.ca)

a little Holiday cheer {Spool no.72 clothing co.}

Looking for a few Holiday gifts or something for yourself? Check out Spool no.72, I'm having a hard time deciding on what to get because its all so lovely. And they have a blog too, here! Here are a few wishlist items I've picked out:

Dear Santa, I've been a good girl how about adding the above underneath the Christmas tree!?!

If not I guess I'll take the free shipping Spool no.72 is offering my readers. Enter code beauty for free shipping over $75.

Let me know what you like?

(images: spool72.com)

Holi-Smokes! {Christopher Drummond Beauty review}

Are you looking to create a smokey eye for the Holiday season? Well, luck would have it I've been testing out the smokey eye using all natural chemical-free products by Christopher Drummond Beauty. (And no I'm not paid for my reviews) As I wear contact lenses its important that I find products that don't irritate my eyes, Christopher Drummond products do not contain titanium dioxide or bismuth oxycloride so of course I had to try!

"I am excited to be introducing these new products," said Christopher Drummond, Creator of Christopher Drummond Beauty. "As with everything in the Christopher Drummond Beauty line, they are more than products, but part of our entire philosophy - beauty is individual, and every woman deserves to look and feel amazing while also using healthy ingredients."(ChristoperDrummond.com)

For the Holidays I love a bit of shimmer on the eye and CD sent me three eyeshadows from his newly released line: two are shimmery-mystique/slate, blue-grey, amethyst/purple (my fave) and the 3rd is feline/charcoal matte shadow. Combine all three or use feline wet as an eyeliner! Price $17.50 usd each

Lastly, I was sent a lipgloss in shade Luscious. As you can see in the picture its a beautiful berry/copper shade for the Holidays. I would pair that with a simple black lined eye. Although it's a lipgloss I would classify it as a creamy lipstick. Its actually very pigmented & a little goes along way. Price $17.50 usd

For more info & to purchase check out christopherdrummond.com
When purchasing cosmetics do any of you look for all-natural products? Share some all natural brands that you like. Also, I would love to know if anyone else has used Christopher Drummond products, share in the comment section.

(images: christopherdrummond.com)

Foundations on a Budget {mini-reviews}

How many of us have spent money and countless hours searching for a perfect foundation? Way too much and way too many hours. Finding the perfect foundation can be a nightmare but it doesn't have to be. The main issue with foundation is finding the perfect match and drugstore foundations are notorious for not having testers nor colour selection. Which in itself can make the search difficult. However, with patience, a mirror and the right lighting you can find your match. Next, finding the right formula for you! If there is one beauty item I splurge on, its foundation. But we can't all afford to spend close to $60 on foundation and maybe you don't have to! Up till now my favourite foundation (HG status) has been Chanel Vitalumiere, I will admit that the above four budget-friendly foundations are pretty close to pushing that Chanel off the vanity table.
A little background on what I'm looking for in a foundation:
(a) I normally wear foundation in the drier/colder months (in the Summer I prefer a tinted moisturizer)
(b) at work, if I'm working long hours because of the dry conditions of an airplane. I find that foundation gives my skin a barrier.
(c) although I would classify my skintype as combination I prefer foundation targeted at Normal-Dry (obviously because I'm wearing it in drier conditions)
(d) I want a foundation that offers medium to full coverage (although I lean more towards medium coverage).

Items in this set:
Revlon - ColorStay® Makeup with SoftFlex® for Normal/Dry Skin: is a staple for most beauty junkies. It's a medium to full coverage foundation, blending is key! I also set this with powder unless I want a more dewy look. A little goes along way as this is a thick oil-free liquid foundation. It photographs well even though there is SPF (which can give you a mask like look in pictures). Colour selection is good! Shade I use: 240 Medium Beige (its a tad dark so I use this when I want a tanned look). Comes in a screw top glass bottle & is a bit messy.
Faces Cosmetics Hydro Balance Foundation: medium coverage water-based liquid foundation, semi-dewy, needs to be set with a powder if you want it to last all day. I like this foundation if I'm just heading out for shopping or a day off work. Why? Doesn't feel heavy on the skin. For all day wear doesn't last all day (long days=12hr+ work day). Photographs really well actually! Shade I use: 651 (very good match). Comes in a screw top glass bottle & has a build-in spatula in the top.

Yves Rocher Flawless Finish Fluid Foundation: one of my top budget-friendly favourites! Lasts all day long, I don't have to set with powder & I'm not shiney by the end of the day. Offers medium coverage, is not as thick as the other listed foundations. Feels very natural on the skin! My only gripe is the fragrance which does fade but is quite apparent at first. Shade I use: Rose 200-teint clair. Comes in a pump glass bottle (which I love for hygienic reasons & easy to travel with)
Maybelline New York: Products: SuperStay™ 24HR Makeup: this is tied in 1st place with my Yves Rocher foundation (above). Offers medium-full coverage, no need to set with powder. This is a thick liquid foundation. If you want full coverage & set with powder can feel slightly mask-like (but what full coverage foundation set with powder wouldn't?). This is my go-to foundation when I feel like I'm having a bad skin day. Shade I use Sand Beige. Comes in a screw top glass bottle.

All of the above are under $20 (before tax) and purchased on sale! Lately, I have been applying my foundation with my favourite brush, Quo Precision Foundation Brush (which I got on sale) but I also use my fingers when in a hurry:)

What are your favourite budget-friendly foundations? Have you tried any of the above favourites? Let me know!

Paint the town Red {Holiday Top Makeup Picks}

This Holiday go red or go home! Ladies bring out the Rudolph in you by not donning on a shiny red nose but lips instead. This Holiday season look your best! With the help of Pro Makeup Artist for FACE atelier Amy Zdunowski-Roeder, she offers her top Holiday makeup product recommendations:

1. 
   Face Atelier Ultra Foundation: As the weather changes your skin does too. The winter brings intense heat indoors and blustery cold outdoors- both of which can negatively manipulate your skin. This amazing silicon-based foundation will combat any weather and simply give you an unbelievably flawless, youthfully radiant look. Lady Gaga is “gaga” over this product! Where to buy http://www.faceatelier.com/
   
2. Smith’s Rosebud Salve: Where there is winter, there are chapped lips. Lips need extra love during this season and Smith’s is the answer to our frosty woes. Not only will it protect your lips, it can be used on chapped skin, rough cuticles, etc. Your best wintery friend in a tiny blue tin. Available at Amazon.com and Sephora
   
3. St. Ives Cucumber & Elastin Eye and Face Stress Gel: After a long night of a little too much holiday cheer, sometimes the gift of distressed and puffy eyes awaits you the next morning. St. Ives to the rescue! This easy to apply gel instantly, yes instantly, reduces swollen eyes and leaves your face feeling alive and energized. It won’t break your bank either. Keep it in the refrigerator for an even more cool and refreshing sensation. Available at most drug stores
   
4. Red Lipstick: This holiday season red is all the rage. The deeper the red... the better! Red is transforming and will bring any outfit to life. From home, to the office to a holiday party red lipstick is a head turner. Don’t worry about smudging, to keep red lipstick in place either apply a thin layer of Chapstick over top or seal it with some loose powder and Voila! Face Atelier in Red Fuscia – available at http://www.faceatelier.com/

Pro Makeup Artist for FACE atelier, Amy Zdunowski-Roeder, has worked as part of America's Next Top Model Makeup Team, is a regular on movie sets and has credits in People Magazine, NYLON and OUT Magazine.

What is your favourite red lipstick? Let me know in the comment section.

(image:modelmayhem.com, makeup by Amy Zdunowski-Roeder)

Who is having a meltdown? Not me {Skindinävia Review}

No more meltdown ladies! Makeup meltdown that is. Who knew that all it took were a couple sprays of Skindinävia products to make it all better! I didn't until I was fortunate enough to try two of their best sellers, 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish and No More Shine Makeup Finish.

No More Shine Makeup Finish
Benefits:
Helps control shine and absorb excess oil
Fewer required “touchups” throughout the day
Helps reduce appearance of makeup smudging or creasing
Helps reduce makeup slippage into pores, lines, wrinkles, or scars
Save up to 50% of makeup usage
Surface cooling technology holds temperature to avoid melting or sliding (Skindinävia.com)
With the drier & colder weather here in Canada I couldn't really test the "No more shine" theory but I did use it as a primer instead. Works lovely as a primer actually! I also use this to thin-out full coverage foundations (hey I'm on a no-buy policy right now got to finish what I have), spray my face & apply my liquid foundation with a foundation brush. My favourite method was using this spray mixed with my MAC Studio Stick Foundation (shade NC27), you can try this method with any stick foundation. I apply 5 dots; one on each check, chin, forehead and a little dab on the nose. Spray & use my foundation brush to spread the foundation. Makeup stayed on all day & no streaks:) You can apply this product before &/or after.


10 Years Younger Makeup Finish
Benefits:
Helps diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Six moisturizers alleviate dry or powdery appearance on makeup surface
Helps reduce makeup slippage into pores, lines, wrinkles, or scars
Surface cooling technology holds temperature to avoid melting or sliding
Fewer required “touchups” throughout the day
Saves up to 50% of makeup usage (Skindinävia.com)
Of the two sprays I liked this one the best because I found it more hydrating. Of course this one does state it is more moisturizing and No More Shine Makeup Finish is for oilier skintypes. I only apply this after my makeup application (although I should try it as a primer) and I also liked using this spray on flights. Leaves skin with a nice glowy finish but not shiny. Makeup lasts all day!

Both products are oil & paraben free. For more info visit Skindinävia.com

List any facial sprays you like in the comment section.

(images: Skindinävia)

today is World AIDS Day {M·A·C AIDS Fund}

Head over to MAC today and support the MAC AIDS fund by purchasing any of the Viva Glam lip products. 100% of the sales price of the Viva Glam lip products goes directly into the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Not only will you feel fabulous but you'll look fabulous too!

“Every time a M·A·C employee creates, designs, packages, ships or sells a Viva Glam lipstick or lipglass, they are helping to save and improve the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS,” said Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President of M·A·C Cosmetics and Executive Director of the M·A·C AIDS Fund. “Our employees around the world are critical to the success of our programs. Extending this effort to include volunteering on World AIDS Day is a new tradition of which I am very proud.”(maccosmetics.com)

For more information, visit http://www.macaidsfund.org/

(images:maccosmetics.com)

Winner of the Ombra gift basket is....

Drumroll....Using random.org to pick a winner....

edmontonjb!!! She answered:

I became a follower (of beautyparler.ca)and my at home spa experience would include a manicure and pedicure followed by a long bubble bath and a good book.

Congratulations!!!

Thank you to all who entered:)

(image:ombra products)