Fragrance is such a personal choice that what smells divine on your best gal might not smell so nice on you! Whatever the case might be I had to rave about the latest fragrance addition to my vanity, Prada L’Eau Ambrée. This is a perfect fragrance for Fall, intense yet fresh but not over powering. The top note is citron, at the heart is may rose and at the base is amber. Not only does it smell fabulous but the atomiser bottle looks beautiful (& sexy) next to my display of draped necklaces.
The Prada L'Eau Ambrée campaign photographed by the talented Steven Meisel is a modern interpretation of ancient bas-reliefs*
Released at Holt Renfrew September'09 & available in department stores across Canada October'09. As for the US released at Neiman Marcus September'09 and I've also seen this in duty-free stores.
What are your current favourite fragrances for Fall?
*bas-relief=Bas-relief sculpture is stone sculpture made by chipping away at a slab of rock to make a picture that stands out. It is also called low relief sculpture (bas being the French for 'low') and is contrasted with high relief sculpture where the image stands out further from the surface. The Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and many others have used bas-relief. (http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/ancientart/g/BasRelief.htm)
You've most likely seen her work in Flare, Fashion magazine, Vogue Spain, Vanity Fair, Weddingbells, Marie Claire and more. Perhaps you've also seen the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, yup that's her work too. So you've seen her work but now you'll get to know her a little better in my mini-interview with the fabulous and talented Diana Carreiro. Professional makeup artist Carreiro has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years. She knows a "thing or two" about makeup and skincare so I had to ask the makeup genius just a few questions! (on top: Belle Magazine Photographer: Ishi Model: Lana Ogilvy on bottom: Gothic Tales-Dark Angels Flare, Sept'08)
(on left:Flare, Naughty or Nice September '09 30th Anniversary Issue Photographed by Brian Ishi on right:Fashion's Darlings by Chris Nicholls Photographer: Chris Nicholls Makeup: Diana Carreiro Hair: Justin Germain)
INTERVIEW: (1)Growing-up what did you want to do professionally? I'm pretty sure I wanted to be a ballerina... or maybe a princess.
(2) Your first memorable makeup experience? I found my mother's Chanel lipstick, the one she only wore on special occasions, and smeared it all over my Suzy Walker dolls face.
(3) Any common makeup mistakes women make? Women almost always test foundation on their face when they should be testing on their neck for the perfect match. If it disappears on the neck, it's the perfect shade for the face.
(4) Your prized makeup essentials?Items you can't live without. Personally? Concealer and a pair of sharp tweezers. No one needs to see me if I've been away from my tweezers for even a day!
(5) Three essential beauty items in anyone's kit. Concealer, tinted lip balm and lash curler. You can look presentable in a jiffy with just these three things.
(6) Your skincare faves. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant & Mary Kay's TimeWise Replenishing Serum+C
(7)Makeup trends for Fall'09 Retro 80's bright colour on the eyes, deep plum mouths, copper eyes.
(8)Any advice for wanna be pro-makeup artists. You need to learn how to walk before you can run. If you want to make it in this VERY competitive field, you must master flawless skin and clean beauty before moving on to the more 'edgy' looks.
(9)Lastly, what does beauty mean to you? I've been involved with the Dove Self Esteem Fund and am featured in their award winning 'Evolution' Video so it's no surprise that I believe beauty comes in many different shapes and colours. Makeup may enhance what's on the outside but real beauty comes from within. A smiling face and kind eyes are what I consider beautiful.
Thank you!
It truly takes a team of experts to create a "beautiful" campaign! You can catch a glimpse of Diana as she applies makeup to the model. I love this video, sends out such a strong message.
I would like to thank Diana for taking the time to take part in my interview. Although I've never met Diana in person, we've exchanged emails through-out the years having met initially on Makeupalley.com. Diana has always responded & been very friendly whenever I've asked for makeup breakdowns or any other beauty related questions. She's a true gem & doll!
I just realized that I review alot of mascaras! Next on the list is L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara, which is not available in Canada yet (November 2009). What makes this mascara different than others, the unique round spiked ball wand. Yes, Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension also has a round spiked ball wand but I've never tried that one & at $28 usd don't plan to anytime soon. Back to L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion, I'm neutral with this mascara. I neither hate or love it! Pro's: ability to precisely define lashes, lashes are separated beautifully, and lashes are lengthened. Con's: can get clumpy if you go over lashes too many times. Time consuming and quite frankly kind of annoying. I know that sounds silly! Literally it took way to long to apply this mascara & that's the reason for the neutral rating. With other mascaras on the market that provide what I want; define, volume, no clumping, no smudging & quick effortless application I won't be purchasing this one. Sorry L'oreal you have way better choices in your mascara selection! Although its a neutral rating I'll let my readers decide. Have any of your tried the L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara? Share your opinions in the comment section.
I remember when I was teen there weren't many gentle skincare products on the market that catered to my skincare needs, getting rid of blackheads! Thankfully that was the worst of my skincare concerns. However, as I've gotten older the need to wear sunscreen was only necessary at the beach or pool, now its part of my daily regime. Teens have it tough! Not only do skincare products have to cater to raging hormones but also protect against the harmful rays. Dermalogica has created a skincare line that addresses teenage skin, Clean Start. Not only did they develop a line that was geared towards teenagers but they also asked for their help in developing the naming of the products, labelling, packaging, and feedback on what "works and doesn't work".
The result is Clean Start, a system of eight dual-action, fun, fresh, skin-healthy products that feel and smell great without being full of stuff that’s bad for skin – such as artificial fragrances, colors, mineral oil, and S.D. alcohol. Another thing you might like: we don’t test on animals.(cleanstart)
Last month I attended the press launch of Clean Start in Canada. Oh! And what fun it was. Unlike other press events this one involved putting on roller skates. Ok so I'm not exactly a roller derby queen but who cares, it was fun being a teenager again.
Onto the products (I didn't try all the products, as for the ones that I tried comments were made);
Wash-Off Cleanser (sort reminds me of Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel, a fave of mine), bonus of this cleanser is that it contains Salicylic Acid, good for penetrating pores. Liked this!
All-Over Clear-you can use this as a toner or mist over face. Liked this!
Ready Set Scrub-masque & scrub 2-in-1. Nice scrub just that it contains menthol (minimal) & I'd prefer products without, personal preference.
Bedtime for Breakouts-again Salicylic Acid, good for pores. Haven't really been consistent with this so can't review at this time
Hit the Spot-benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, I didn't use this product as I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide & I don't really have skin issues that warrant me trying this
Welcome Matte spf15-good way to get teens to start wearing sunscreen daily. Feels nice on but I prefer a higher spf
Brighten up spf 15- like a tinted moisturizer. Didn't try this.
Smart Mouth Lip Shine-tiny particles when you apply that eventually melt, I gave this to the boyfriend because I didn't like the smell too much. Orangey scent...he likes it.
Overall, considering I'm not a teen I think that Clean Start offers great products for teenagers skincare needs. Of course you don't have to be a teen to try them! As stated before many teens actually contributed to the making of these products so obviously products were developed with their feedback. A couple stats that I found interesting from the press event were;
66% of teens don't wear sunscreen (Why? they felt that sunscreen contributed to breakouts)
79% of skincare regimes are learned from their parents (myths like putting toothpaste on pimples. Can't believe that one's still around)
For more information on CleanStart check out the website! They also have a facebook page.
Lastly, my only comment to Dermalogica is that they make CleanStart products easily available to teens. Dermalogica products tend to be sold at spa's & some teens feel intimidated walking into a spa to buy products. Stores such as Sephora, Murale, Shoppers Drug Mart beauty boutique locations & even Rexall would be great.
Any teens that read my blog, have you heard of CleanStart? Or any other comments are appreciated.
Although most sites are focusing on Spring 2010 due to Fashion Weeks across the globe & although in the near future I'll also post a few favourite looks, I'd like to keep the focus on Fall'09. I don't want to go out and purchase makeup for Spring (yet) but focus on the Fall 2009 season instead. Here are a few posts I wrote on Fall'09 trends and last year's Fall'08 makeup picks!! And from the runway here are a few Fall'09 makeup/hair trends:
(Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs) (3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs) (Dolce & Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld) (Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Zac Posen) (Gucci, Anna Sui)
(images: style.com from the Fall'09 RTW collections)
So I don't exactly have curly hair but I do have thick wavy hair that tends to get frizzy. So frizzy that in the past I've actually used thick hair leave-in conditioners like Pink Lotions. The main reason I wanted to try Curly Hair Solutions was that they are silicone-free products (silicone hair products tend to weigh hair down & add build-up). Also, I don't always want to straighten my hair. My favourites from Curly Hair Solutions:
Treatment Shampoo-I call this my "pina colada" in a bottle, because the smell. Washes hair clean, no residue left behind, and doesn't strip hair colour.
Silk Leave-in Conditioner-apply this on clean wet hair, doesn't feel heavy & weigh hair down. Also you don't have to worry about going over-board with this product as its not greasy.
Slip-is a spray leave-in detangling conditioner. I use this on wet hair before I blow dry my hair straight & if I'm going to use a flat-iron.
ReMane Straight-although I try not to use the hair dryer every time I wash my hair if I'm going into work I like to straighten my hair with a large barrel boar brush. This leaves my hair shiny, hair is frizz-free, and remains straight.
My mom has curly hair so I gave her the Curl Keeper, which she's loving. A water-based product that leaves your hair frizz-free curly. To be honest curly hair people have alot of work cut out for them! I know that my curly-hair friends & mother have years of experience dealing with curly hair and it takes the right hair products and techniques to achieve a gorgeous curl, so I salute them:) Check out frizzoff.com, Curly Hair Solutions website for before & after pictures. Their site also has lots of great tips, a Curly Hair Club, and locations for where to buy products.
Do any of you have curly hair? What products do you use? Or any other hair stories? Share them in the comments section.
After 30 years Estee Lauder has decided to close the Prescriptives brand as of January 31, 2010. Although the retail outlets will close the Prescriptives website will continue to operate until products runs out, however only shipping within the U.S. Although I don't own many Prescriptives products I have a few friends that swear by their foundations. Products I've used in the past include; Super Flight Cream, Camouflage Cream, and a cream eyeshadow that's no longer sold.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc released a statement:
"We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest growth potential," said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. "Ultimately this action allows us to focus on those areas which we expect to benefit the Company, our shareholders and business partners. We intend to work closely with our retail partners and continue to communicate with our consumers to ensure a seamless transition."(source: The Estée Lauder Companies)
Although this month has not come to an end I've already picked out a few favourite beauty items that I've been using that I adore. Dermaglow Microdermabrasion Treatment-loving this rich creamy scrub, skin is left moisturized & smooth Mary-Kay NEW TimeWise® Replenishing Serum+C-I've been using this in the evening. Hydrates skin & I don't use moisturizer afterwards. Arbonne Cream Concealer-a co-worker of mine got me hooked on Arbonne products, I know that this is not easily available to buy in stores but if you find a rep or buy online its well worth it. I use the shade "light", doesn't crease & covers undereye circles well. Lise Watier Mineral Brush Foundation-in shade "beige pur", love this foundation. Light to medium coverage, doesn't cake, skin is left glowing. Arbonne FC5 Purifying Cleanser + Toner-washes off makeup well & doesn't strip skin. Olay Complete Ageless Skin Renewing UV Lotion- not greasy & oil-free
Any September favourites? Share your top picks in the comment section. (images: polyvore.com)
Just wanted to spread the word on the Blush Pretty Beauty Board Event fellow blogger and make-up artist Stephanie Daga is having on October 25, 2009. Get ready to smooth, slather and smear on the latest and greatest in beauty product. Try all those products you are curious about BEFORE you buy and support The Pink Tulip Foundation.
The theme is hydration for this “try before you buy” event – The mission: to help women choose a reliable beauty regime for the winter months. Ladies looking to try this year’s must-have products will enjoy a night full of expert beauty tips, makeovers, product demos, free samples and gifts.
Your favourite brands (or new brands you should get to know) will be up for review: Olay, Pantene Pro-V, COVERGIRL, dermaglow and Cake Beauty. Ladies can expect to receive info directly from the source, as dermaglow will be on hand with the latest hydrating products from their beauty line. Clean, easy and ready to go in 5 minutes or less – Toronto’s own DaLish Cosmetics will have a presence with founder, Melanie Cruickshank providing demo’s, makeovers and a presentation.
For anyone who has vogued, posed, primped or worked it for the camera - now is your chance to do it for thousands to see. Yorkdale Shopping Centre - the destination for luxury fashion and style - is looking for shoppers that are undeniably Yorkdale to be featured in the Yorkdale is Me spring 2010 ad campaign. The Yorkdale is Me contest, which runs until October 9, 2009, seeks to uncover 10 brilliant, stylish, fabulous and unforgettable individuals to become the faces of Yorkdale. To enter, applicants must upload their photo and answer why they are undeniably Yorkdaleand why they love Yorkdale. Applicants can apply as an individual or along with a friend, sibling, mother, grandmother, etc - the choice is up to you! Fifty finalists will then be selected to take part an in-mall casting photo shoot. A panel of celebrity judges – including Melissa Grelo, co-host of CP24 Breakfast; Lisa Tant, Editor, Flare; and Amy Verner, Style Reporter, the Globe and Mail, to name a few – will be selecting nine winners. The 10th finalist will be chosen through an online people’s choice vote, which begins October 30, 2009 Aside from being featured in the ad campaign, all 10 winners will also receive: a$1,000 Yorkdale gift certificate two-hour wardrobe consultation with a member of the Yorkdale Dream Team Toronto Fashion Week sponsor prize package VIP access to the spring 2010 collections during Toronto Fashion Week. In addition, the people’s choice winner will have exclusive use of a reserved parking spot for one year at Yorkdale and the other nine finalists will receive free valet parking for one year!
Visit www.yorkdaleisme.com for further contest details. This contest runs until October 9, 2009! (sources: yorkdaleisme.com, Edelman Canada)
A girl can never refuse an invite to look at bling bling! That's exactly what I did last week. Swarovski was hosting a styling suite for the Toronto International Film Festival and although I didn't bump into any actors I did get a chance to see some gorgeous archival pieces that had previously been featured in films. Films featured; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Sex and the City, Moulin Rouge, Fortunella, Toto Peppino e la Malafemmina.
The must-have accessory on any starlett is the Star Collector "HIT" clutch, which was not only offered to actresses at the TIFF but also at the Cannes Film Festival. Limited to only 99 pieces this one was #60 (I peaked inside). Available in silver (shown), black and gold.
A few of my other favourite Swarovski pieces are from their Autumn-Winter 2009/10 Nature Reloaded Colection. Although nature elements such as the snake were used what is really apparent is the 1980's influence; the bangle is from the Highlight collection (I thought of the show Dynasty), snake necklace (Pat Benatar comes to mind) is from the Hypnosis collection, bangle & earrings from the Best Fit collection (retro rock). The 80's called & I'm not giving them back anything!
But wait there was more but I'm saving those pictures for my bridal posts coming up in October. No not getting married yet (atleast not for another two years) however I have a few Bridal posts I'm working on. (images: swarovski)
The Toronto International Film Festival known as TIFF is on its final curtain call September 19 & many "stars" have fallen in the city. A few makeup & fashion takes from the red carpet;
Megan Fox & Diablo Cody (right)
Jennifer Connelly Penelope Cruz (I wonder if that dress is from Mango?)
Mariah Carey (looking very circa 1990's...haven't seen her wear this much clothes in a while & the curly hair too!)Oprah (we share the same birthday...just a little tid-bit about moi)
Drew Barrymore (loving the Alexander McQueen dress, not so crazy about the two-tone hair)
Demi Moore
Jennifer Garner
Robin Wright Penn Natalie Portman Zhu Xuan at the premiere of Prince of Tears (I wish I looked that hot in dark lipstick)
Last month I was asked to take part in the Pond’s Superior Clean Challenge! Not only do I love a challenge but obviously I love skincare products, its pretty obvious right? I'd like to add for the record I'm not paid for any products I receive. Yes, they're free but no money. OK with that out of the way let's move on shall we:) I can't rave enough about travel friendly products & cleansing facial wipes are one of my travel staples. If you recall last month I purchased a pack in Hong Kong (click here! Um yeah that little green box of wipes didn't quite work out...smells like alcohol so now I use them as hand sanitizers) I actually have used Pond's cleansing cloths before on a recommendation of a sales consultant at Shoppers Drug Mart, they were very similar to these but in a different packaging. Thus, I was excited to try the Original Clean (blue pack) of Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes.
Product claims (with regards to the OriginalClean pack):
More effective at removing make-up than any other leading towelette (up to 40% more makeup than other leading towelettes) Contains Triple Tea Antioxidant Complex, Vitamin E and Chamomile Luxuriously quilted cloths with a unique diamond texture allow for a deep clean without leaving any residue behind(ponds)
Review:
The Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes are in fact very gentle. They are pre-moistened so no water needed! Removes makeup well including foundation, but slight traces of mascara are left behind. No other brands of cleansing cloths (without the aid of water) have been able to remove all mascara either. These leave your skin feeling clean & soft. Skin doesn't feel sticky & no residue is left behind, instead skin feels hydrated. I also love the fresh scent of chamomile. Another great benefit is that you also lightly exfoliate your skin using the textured cloth.
30 towelettes in each pack
Travel tip: on long flights prior to landing wipe your face with these & reapply makeup (if any worn) & you'll arrive feeling fresh (my facial skin always feels dirty after a flight), they also don't count towards your liquid restrictions
How many of you use cleansing wipes as part of your skincare routine? Which brands have you used & liked?
The British are coming! Perhaps not in Canada (yet) but the British cosmetic company Illamasqua has been launched at Sephora in the U.S therefore its only a matter of time that they'll cross over the backyard into Canada. You can order online too! In my case while on a layover in London. A very short layover actually & I wasn't feeling well either but I mustered the strength & energy to hop on the double-decker & get thy self to Selfridges. The sales girl/makeup artist must have thought I looked crazy (& green) but I had a list & stuck to it. I felt terrible that she wanted to show me the whole collection but I couldn't stand never mind listen. I love talking makeup but when you have a fever & about to puke the last thing you want is to ruin the makeup display cases, by the way "gorgeous" shades of blushes! And you thought my job was glamorous:) All in the name of makeup!
On my list:
Illamasqua Bronzing Duo in Glint & Burnish (from the Sirens Collection)
Love!Love! These two shades. I use Glint (on the left as a highlighter &/or eyeshadow) & Burnish as bronzer (of course) & or to contour. Powder is very pigmented so a little goes a long way. No strong fragrance (which I love). Soft powder that's easy to blend! This has been added to my list of favourite bronzers!!
Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Dixie
I don't own too many cream blushes & although I was
tempted to buy a powder blush I couldn't resist this shade, Dixie. Glad I ventured into the cream territory as I love this shade, peachy/pink. Blends beautifully & buildable colour! Also great as a lip product. Just don't leave it out in the sun.
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Move
This shade is a mauve/pink. Its very creamy, like a liquid lipstick. In the pic it looks a bit more sheer but this has great coverage. Non-sticky & glossy impact! Can't wait to get more shades.
OK I'm in love with Illamasqua, makeup for your alter ego! Reviews on the net tend to compare this line to MAC but I would say its a little more avant-garde. I find the shades more intense & dramatic. And although MAC carries more selection & perhaps similiar shades Illamasqua is a bit more playful with regards to the texture & blendability of their products. The quality of the products are fabulous & worth checking out in person if you can get to a counter. Their colour swatches on their site don't do the colours justice. Prices are comparable to other department store brands, along the line of NARS makeup prices. For my Illamasqua haul I paid about $86.00 CDN in total, which also means no more makeup shopping for awhile.
Have you heard of Illamasqua? Thoughts and/or reviews you'd like to share?
When I'm not working the friendly skies as a flight attendant, you can find me browsing the beauty aisle in pursuit of the latest & greatest makeup and skincare products! Sharing my experiences with you and hoping you find products you love and not so worth buying.
Welcome to my online powder room, join in by leaving comments or become a follower.
I take no responsibilty for creating sudden urges to shop.
Onto the products (I didn't try all the products, as for the ones that I tried comments were made);
A few of my other favourite Swarovski pieces are from their Autumn-Winter 2009/10 Nature Reloaded Colection. Although nature elements such as the snake were used what is really apparent is the 1980's influence; the bangle is from the Highlight collection (I thought of the show Dynasty), snake necklace (Pat Benatar comes to mind) is from the Hypnosis collection, bangle & earrings from the Best Fit collection (retro rock). The 80's called & I'm not giving them back anything!
Oprah 
Zhu Xuan at the premiere of Prince of Tears 
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