Away from...{be back shortly}

I'm off to catch a plane ride...my online powder room will have to wait atleast two weeks while I'm away on vacation. In the meantime catch-up with a few older posts! I'll be back to powder my nose soon enough...
xoxo
Monica
(image: Vogue issue June'07 photo by Mario Testino, vogue.com)

Vaseline Sheer Infusion {its in the suitcase}

I couldn't leave you without atleast one review. In this case I looked into my luggage and realized the item to write about has to be Vaseline Sheer Infusion (my boyfriend is taking one too).

You might think that thicker equals more moisture but this beauty of a moisturizer is a lightweight lotion that sinks into skin and moisturizes without the sticky feeling. Comes in three scents of which I have all three (ok I only have one left), the boyfriend "took" one & the sister "borrowed" the other. I guess a beauty junkie has to share!
Have you tried Vaseline Sheer Infusion?
(image: vaselinesheerinfusion.com)

its all about the jewelry...

There are only a few things a girl needs to play up an outfit and its as simple as jewelry. In my case I'm a huge fan of cocktail rings, however, I keep it simple. I limit myself to one large cocktail ring and its always worn on my right hand (no reason really). So I was thrilled when the offer to choose one piece of jewelry from Jewelry Art Designs (Lushae Jewelry) gratis! {Thank you! Merci!} No pressure here to write-up a pleasant post but in all honesty I'm so happy with my choice of ring I had to share. This site has something for every taste!  These were the other two rings I was deciding on but the Opal ring really stood out.

How do you like to play-up an outfit? Do you have any favourite jewelry sites?

(image: my own, jewelryartdesigns.com)

Put on your Dancing Shoes & Support {local events}

If your in the Toronto area put on your dancing shoes and support Haiti, Je T'Aime. Enjoy great music and a positive atmosphere as Revival Bar is known for!

The event will feature DJ sets from Eon of Bedouin Soundclash, k-os, Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene, Starting From Scratch, DJ Paul E Lopez and BLK BTLZ. MTV’s Nicole Holness and Aliya-Jasmine Sovani will host the event and Special guests include Sarah Taylor from MuchMusic and Matte Babel from CP24 among others. The evening will also feature a silent auction with more than 50 different items for bidding on including shoes signed from every Toronto Raptor player, concert tickets, jewelry, dinner gift cards and more. Auction items will be available to take home that night, and are payable by cash or cheque. The auction ends at 11:30 pm and winners will be announced immediately after.

Tickets available at door only for a minimum $10 donation

Doors open at 8:00pm
100% of all funds raised are being donated to Plan Canada
For more information please go to http://www.remgentertainment.com

Event takes place this Monday, January 25 at Revival Bar located at 783 College St.
 
(source:http://www.artistgrouplimited.com/)

January Beauty Favourites

january faves by beautyparler on Polyvore.

This month my favourites are a few oldies revisited, a few newbies like the SKII Facial Treatment Essence (with a detailed review to follow shortly), Burt's Bees Super Shiny lipgloss and Burt's Bees Daily Cleanser, and Yves Rocher Fatigue Cleanser. My ultimate shampoo (one of my faveourites of all time) is Garnier Ultra Suave Shampoo with Henna & blackberry vinegar (multiple repurchase but not sold in North America) and the Ultra Suave conditioner is a newbie (review of both to follow). Lots of cleansers! But they all serve their purpose, either as my morning (Burt's Bees) or evening cleanser (Yves Rocher) and one as a makeup-remover (FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil).
Also pictured:
Crest Expression toothpaste in Cinnamon
Nars Lovejoy blush (an old fave)
Any beauty favourites for the month of January?

I'll be at the Office this Weekend {VMagazine spread}

Trying to get in a few posts before I leave for vacation, however, the office beckons. I work all weekend and have to fit in packing of which I'm pro (sort of), blog posts including reviews, and a pedicure! Whew! Lots to do....

(Image: vmagazine.com styled by Kevin Michael Schmitz)

But Why? {Heidi Montag-the after}

American reality-star, actress, singer, Playboy bunny, media attention seeker, Heidi Montag has received alot of press lately for her over-the-top plastic surgeries at the age of 23. I was hesitant to even post about this because I normally don't want to fuel the attention she has been receiving, but, I'm disturbed by how a young pretty woman could get so many procedures done. She actually looks like she aged herself and I hate to write this but she looks like a plastic "cougar". The pictures above show her before (on the right) and after the first surgeries (on the left). Below in between phase & last pic the most recent and "the after".

Any opinions on plastic surgery?

(source & hotos: accesshollywood.com, thehollywoodgossip.com)

Most Desirable Woman is Canadian {Emmanuelle Chriqui}

Beautiful fellow Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui has been voted as AskMen.com's, Top 99 Most Desirable Women. Not as well known as some of the other women on the list, its refreshing to see a woman who not only is naturally gorgeous and stylish but hasn't been pictured leaving a car panty-less. No paparazzi loving actress here!

“It’s refreshing to see a respected but relatively low-profile actress like Emmanuelle top the Top 99, while many of the tabloid regulars didn’t even make it,” comments James Bassil, editor-in-chief of AskMen.com. “To me, this outcome really reflects what is unique about our annual list: that it is a real indicator of the kind of women that men want, rather than simply those ones that we are continuously exposed to.”

Chriqui who is first generation Canadian, her parents are originally from Morocco, is from Montreal. She is best known for her role in Entourage.
The top 10 of the 99 Most Desirable Women are;
1.Emmanuelle Chriqui
2.Marisa Miller
3.Kate Beckinsale
4.Alessandra Ambrosio
5.Jessica Alba
6.Beyonce
7.Penelope Cruz
8.Cheryl Cole
9.Eva Mendes
Anyone else notice, that except for Miller, brunettes top the list!

(source & photos: AskMen.com, Rubenstein Communications Inc.)

Think Mink... {local events}

Nestled in Toronto’s Little Italy you’ll find the darling and très chic accessories boutique Mink. Owned by the effortless fashionable Christine, you’ll find vintage and one of a kind accessories. This cozy pink boutique will bring you back in time! Vintage Eaton’s department store displays (a famous Canadian dept. store which closed its doors in 2002) showcase fabulous costume jewellery which Christine personally picks from small-designers. Stop by Mink this Tuesday, January 19, 2010 to Saturday, January 19, 2010 and enjoy 40% off!

Location:

Mink

550a College St.

Toronto, ON

Tues-Sat

11am-7pm

(416)929-9214

(images: property of Mink)

Bye prescription glasses...Bye contact lenses {Lasik surgery}

As a Birthday gift to moi I have finally decided to get Lasik surgery and I am so excited and nervous. This is a prodcedure that I have researched and contemplated for years! Being that I'm in my early 30's and my prescription has not changed in the last few years I feel like "I'm up to bat". My question is:

Have any of you had Lasik done? Experiences (the good & the ugly please)?
(polyvore.com)

Looking Pretty at the 67th Golden Globes {top makeup picks}

You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to achieve these makeup looks from the 67th Golden Globe Awards. In most of these looks black liner is the key and a nude lip (with the exception of Christina Hendricks).

Halle "Hotness" Berry

Courtney Cox

Christina Hendricks

Jennifer Aniston

Zoe Saldana

Marion Cotillard

Kate Hudson

(images: getty.com, forums.superiorpics.com, justjared.com, imagevenue.com)

Must have beauty product of the moment {NARS Orgasm illuminator}

When all else fails just fake it ladies...in this case NARS Orgasm illuminator will hopefully do the trick! In my current makeup stash sits the original NARS Orgasm powder blush and Orgasm lipgloss so what's one more Orgasm ( hello! 3x an orgasm is a charm). OK enough with the faking it! But seriously the Nars Orgasm illuminator is going on my wishlist...all the way to the top!

Has anyone tried it yet? The Illuminator that is (ha ha sorry had to throw that in)...

*only available at Sephora

(image: sephora.com)

inside the Cover {a few Stars in upcoming magazine issues}

Jessica Biel looking unrecognizable in the Feb. issue of Vogue (US)'10

Jennifer Lopez always looks hot ( is it just me that loves her hat) Feb. ELLE(US)'10

Christina Aguilera looking adorable while getting primped-up for MarieClaire (US) Feb'10

(credits: vogue.com, elle.com, marieclaire.com)

Anyone for the Spa? {SPA WEEK®1st Annual National Wellness Giveaway}

Who doesn't like to go to the Spa? I see no hands up so that means everyone loves to go! Start 2010 off right and enter SPA WEEK® 1st Annual National Wellness Giveaway! 28 lucky winners from across North America (including Canada) will win a day at the spa in their region. Deadline to enter is February 28, 2010!
For those in the Toronto area, Windsor Arms Spa is the featured participant:
•60 Min Spa Facial
•60 Min Swedish Massage
•Classic Manicure
•Classic Pedicure
•Pass to the steam room and other amenities, including indoor pool and fitness facilities

Don't miss this awesome giveaway! I know I'm in need of a day at the Spa.
How many of you go regularly to Spas? Any favourite Spas?
(image: spaweek.com)

2009 beauty favourites

Finally my 2009 favourite beauty picks have been chosen...here are items that I discovered in 2009 and stand-out from all my monthly favourites. These are items that I have purchased more than once and get a beautyparler approval stamp.
What are your 2009 beauty picks?
Items in this set:
Illamasqua Bronzing Duo Glint & Writhe
Rimmel : Sexy Curves Mascara
Maybelline New York:SuperStay™ 24HR Makeup
Beaute Lipgloss
Mary Kay TimeWise Replenishing Serum+C
LUSH shower gel in Ghost
Bioderma H2O Sensibio
Sampar Eye Rule antidote
Lise Watier Illuminating Powder
Missha BB Cream
Arbonne FC5 Cleanser
MAC eyebrow pencil in Lingering
Joico K-Pak Therapy Restore Oil
Dermaglow Microdermabrasion Treatmentrce

(source:polyvore.com)

I'll take collagen with my coffee...{Nescafe 3in1 coffee}

I love coffee! And not just any coffee it has to be either a shot of espresso or latte. I have a feeling it all began with a baby bottle and a shot of espresso (thanks mom & dad)...but I'm not one of those coffee drinkers who "has" to have their morning fix to wake-up. No its more of an enjoyment of the drink & I limit myself to two a day however this might have to change! Nestle has introduced a line of coffee with health benefits into their NESCAFÉ® Body Partner line, its 3 in 1 with Collagen. The launch is only in Singapore, which is not surprising as having been to China and Japan, the market and trend in Asia for well-being products with added beauty benefits is huge.

What are your thoughts of everyday food/drink products having added beauty benefits?

(image: popsop.com)

Sex and the City {pt deux}

I'll admit I'm more excited to see the Sex and the City 2 movie for its fashion, anyone else? Although I have a feeling I'll like this part better than the first movie. Did anyone else notice the cupcakes & Carrie in a catering/waitress uniform? Hmm maybe event planning or catering business. Discuss!

What's better than Makeup...a good deal! {Mango}

Today after work I decided to make a pit-stop at the mall and I'm sure glad I did! What's better than makeup? A good deal! And Mango had great deals. I've always been a fan of Mango (I worked at MNG a few years back as an Assistant Manager) and I know one of the best times to shop there is in January. I wasn't looking for anything in particular (shopping is best when we're not looking) and I couldn't resist this leather jacket...I bought mine in black on sale for $89.99 cdn. Hurry not much left!
Have you purchased any items on sale lately? Any really good deals?
(image:mangoshop.com)

Welcome to 2010 {NYE look}

NewYear'sEveLook by beautyparler featuring French Connection

Bonjour! And welcome to 2010, hope you all had a great New Year's Eve and are looking forward to 2010! I haven't created any New Year resolutions and not sure if I will as I like to think that they can be created anytime throughout the year. But, I have a few goals that I'm sorting out... First, I'd like to thank you all for visiting and supporting my blog and welcome new readers as well:) Second, I'd love to know what you would like to read/view more of on my blog. So please leave me suggestions! Above is my look from New Year's Eve...the FCUK outfit is the exact jumpsuit I wore and the accessories are similar as I couldn't find exact items on the net. As for makeup, I finally purchased the Chanel ProLumiere (so far loving it, review to follow soon), also used Lise Watier glitter (awesome glitter in a gel-base that goes on smoothly over black liner), and my sweetheart bought me Dior Show mascara (review to follow).
What did everyone else wear on NYE? Any New Year's resolutions? Do share!