May Faves

May beauty picks by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

M·A·C Blush - Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen shade, One of my HG blush shades

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer

Love this bronzer, subtle hint of colour without looking orange

Lara Beauty - Detail

larabeauty.com

Conditioning Cleanser-awesome non-drying cleanser

Annabelle - Mineral Powder Foundation - Barely Beige
Never one to use loose mineral powder foundation, this one has converted me.

Nice, natural looking coverage without looking powdery

Replenishing Lip Balm with Acai Berry
I actually have the Acai Berry version (to be released in June'10), moisturizing & good lipbalm for those on the go.

Mai Beauty
maibeauty.ca

Loving these Mai Beauty lipsticks & especially the lipgloss in Andee.

What were your favourite May beauty products?

Mai Beauty Giveaway & Interview with Maija

I raved about Mai Beauty a few weeks ago and Maija, the creator of Mai Beauty, has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway! There's no excuse to not look gorgeous this Summer, here's what one lucky reader will get:
Sweet & Spice layering perfume oil kit
Andee, Olive and Greta lipglosses

Eva, Ella and Stella lipsticks

(lipstick images are from my personal collection & may not be the exact shades you receive)

Exclusive beautyparler interview with Maija:
(1) What are your Summer beauty must-haves?
Firstly, a bright lip-gloss in either hot pink, coral or red. I love minimal eye makeup with a bold lip for summer. Naturally I use Mai Beauty in Lolita, Olive or Greta! A face moisturizer with at least 30 spf. In summer you tend to be outside a lot more so it's important to protect yourself from the sun. I like kiehls 30 spf face moisturizer. Also a light finishing powder for those hot hot days, prevents your face looking and feeling greasy. I like cover fx setting fx translucent powder. Lastly a good bronzer. I love california in a compact by Too faced.
(2) Favourite Summer scent?
Falling in love by philosophy. It's really light and musky.. perfect for summer in my opinion. I get compliments every time I wear it!
(3) Your off to the beach, at airport customs they've pulled you aside, searched your carry-on, your makeup case has been stripped searched! Your only allowed one beauty item. What will that item be?
That is the worst, after swearing my head off I would pick my mascara. When going to the beach it's all about waterproof mascara!
(4) Your most popular Mai Beauty item is?
Our most popular item is our layering kits. They come in either Sweet notes or Spice notes and are all compatible. People really enjoy being able to create their own fragrance.
(5) Any plans for future Mai Beauty products?
Yes! We will be introducing "Bloom" to our fragrance family. A light floral scent that will also come in the layering roll-on kit and is compatible with Sweet and Spice! Also unscented organic lip balms that are meant to be worn as a primer before putting on our lip-gloss or lipstick.
Thank You Maija!
For more info on Maija & Mai Beauty go to maibeauty.ca

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
(1) OPEN to International readers
(2) Extra entry if you follow my blog using Google Friend Connect
(3) Enter before June 12, 2010 midnight
(4) Visit MaiBeauty & name one item that you'd like
GOODLUCK!
EDIT: WINNER IS.......
ANNA from In Honor of Design, Congratulations! And email me your addy:)
Thank you everyone who entered!

MAC To The Beach faves & Interview with MAC Sr. Artist, Melissa Gibson

MAC Cosmetics has found my soft spot with the To The Beach Collection, if you haven't noticed bronzers are my weakness. And this collection has'em! My favourite cosmetic colour palettes are browns, corals, peaches and pinks, this collection delivers. The packaging is also really pretty and Summery (is that a word...you get it).

Items on my wishlist:

New product! Cream Bronzer in either shade-Beach Bronze or Weekend

Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel

Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden (an old favourite bronzer, I've hit pan twice in the past)

Already own:

lipstick in Thrills-gorgeous frost copper with pink undertones

eye kohl in Rosemary & Thyme-green with gold flecks

Both were sent to me for review and at first I would've never picked up these two shades but I'm pleasantly surprised I love the shade of both products.

Exclusive interview with MAC Sr. Artist, Melissa Gibson:

(1) Summer means makeup melt-down, any suggestions on keeping makeup
looking fresh throughout the day?

Melissa-Try utilizing all products that hold up in high humidity weather. A tinted moisturizer is a great place to start on the face. Stop the oils from pooling with Blot Powder to set. Stick with powders instead of creams with your shadows and blushes. A water proof mascara is a must and so are water resistant liners like Fluidline. A sheer lip gloss or Pro Long Wear for the all day wear on the lips and your good to go.
(2) Your favourite MAC foundation formula for Summer?
Melissa-I’m loving my Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15. It’s sheer, never feels heavy in the heat and has an SPF 15 for daily wear.
(3) Must-have vacation beauty essentials?
Melissa-Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15, a tinted lip conditioner, Black Splash Mascara (waterproof!), and a bronzer. Keep the sun off the face and use the bronzer instead!
(4) Your off to the beach, at airport customs they've pulled you aside, searched your carry-on, your makeup case has been stripped searched! Your only allowed one beauty item. What will that beauty item be?
Melissa-EEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!! I’m going to have to go with a Concealer. That one little product can hide a multitude of sins!!!
(5) Name your favourite MAC To The Beach product?
Melissa-For me it has to be the Creme Bronzer in Beach Bronze. Sunkissed in the most natural way and so easy to use.
Thank you Melissa!

Anyone else excited about MAC's To The Beach Collection?

(image: maccosmetics.com)

Anyone in the mood for Sex? {Sex & the City 2}

At the premiere for Sex and the City 2 the girls look radiant in designer dresses. Who will be watching Sex and the City 2 tonight? I'll wait a few days before I head for the line-ups. Perhaps next week! Can't wait, I'm more excited to watch this one than I was the last movie.

(images via style.com & sexandthecitymovie.com)

get your dose of Vitamin A {Neutrogena Retinol NX review}

Although there's no fountain of youth there are products out there in helping your skin look its best. One ingredient that I've introduced into my skincare regime is retinol, which is basically vitamin A. Why retinol? It penetrates the skin and stimulates collagen production. Since I'm no dermatologist, here's a better definition, click here. For the last two months I've been using NEUTROGENA® DermatologicsTM Retinol NX Concentrated Retinol Serum (try that as a tongue twister) exclusively sold on The Shopping Channel. As I am in my early 30's I often get confused for a 20 something year old and I'm not suggesting that being in your 30's is "old", but your first signs of aging are beginning to show (if only minimal). Everyone is different! However, if I could use a little help I'm not one to refuse. I received three products from the Neutrogena Dermatolgics TM Retinol NX line:
Concentrated Retinol Serum
Concentrated Retinol Daily Moisturizer with helioplex SPF35 (in need of another bottle as I'm finished)
Concentrated Retinol Eye Cream
Note: only the serum is available in Canada
I love all three & my ultimate favourite is the moisturizer with the SPF35! I alternate usage, the facial serum I use every other night & the eye cream on opposite nights. The SPF moisturizer every morning. What I love about these products is that they don't dry my skin out.
A bit more info:
NEUTROGENA® DermatologicsTM Retinol NX Concentrated Retinol Serum is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In a double-blind, 12-week clinical study comparing the efficacy of Retinol NX versus placebo, dermatologists saw significant results:

• 100% of subjects showed improvement in overall skin appearance and radiance, starting in just 8 weeks
• 97% showed improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines, starting in just 4 weeks
• 89% showed improvement in the appearance of stubborn forehead wrinkles in just 12 weeks
• 70% showed improvement in the appearance of stubborn under-eye wrinkles, starting in just 8 weeks

NEUTROGENA® DermatologicsTM Retinol NX Concentrated Retinol Serum contains a patented Stabilized Retinol technology that keeps Retinol in its purest and most effective form. Our Stabilized Retinol works to continuously renew skin’s appearance, visibly reducing the signs of wrinkles and fine lines. As a result, this formula works to continuously provide noticeable results and improve overall skin texture. The exceptional, long-lasting hydration helps to keep skin plump and moisturized, giving skin a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Would definitely purchase, especially the moisturizer. Anyone else use retinol in their skincare regime? If yes, what specific retinol products do you use?

(image: neutogena, disclaimer: products received for NON-paid review, review based on personal experience and not encouraged to review positive or negative)

Katherine Heigl on the cover of Harper's Bazaar June'10

Looks like Katherine Heigl went back to being blonde, too bad as I was loving her burnette-do. Heigl graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar June'10 issue looking very prim and proper, loving the vintage-inspired look. She speaks about marriage, motherhood, and her career. On her daughter's baby's fashion versus the rest of Hollywood,"“Dude, I try, but I’m not nailing the baby fashion. It’s intimidating. I get beautiful outfits from Gap and baby Juicy, but I’m not layering it or putting her in Prada flats. It’s really stressing me out.” Heigl looks glamourous in the spreads of the magazine, also pictured are dogs which represent the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, named after her late brother, the foundation aids in rescueing dogs from high-kill shelters throughout South California and finding the dogs loving homes.

What do you think of the vintage inspired spread?

 

(Photo credit: Alexi Lubomirski for Harper's Bazaar)

May the Force be with you {hair shedding}

After a certain age, according to most mature women I've spoken to, your hair goes down the drain...literally. Various factors could be the culprit for women experiencing hair shedding/loss, one is a thyroid condition which runs in my family but doesn't effect me. So after ruling that out and stress I've come to the conclusion that after my mid-20's, when I noticed less hair, my only option is getting plenty of nutrients in my system. My hair is still pretty thick but I have alot less of it, ironically when I was teen I hated my hair because it was so thick and I had alot of it. But the girth of my ponytail is alot thinner and I can see my scalp (but no patches). So, without stressing out about it, which makes the situation worse, I've tried to ignore my hair shedding problem. As I finished my bottle of multi-vitamins I ventured out in search of a "cure" because I couldn't ignore the problem any longer.
My plan of attack:
Prairie Naturals Hair Force Nutritional Supplement-a multi-vitamin & mineral formula, contains Biotin which is good for hair
White Lightning Intensive Hair & Scalp Revitalizing Serum-a hair serum containing amino acids, trace minerals & vitamins

Murad Professional Scalp Treatment for Thinning hair Shampoo & Conditioner- I happened to find this on sale & decided to give it a try. Ingredients: pomegranate extract, artemia extract, & AHA's

I've only been using this for the last week so no results or conclusions yet.
(images: muradhair.com, prairienaturals.ca)
All of the above was purchased by me & no affiliation with any of the mentioned products.
Have any of you experienced hair shedding/loss? If yes, what works for you?

dear Chris... {Christian Louboutin}

Dear Chris,

Just in case your reading this post (insert a BIG yeah right...) I would love any of the following heels.

Love you,

xoxox

Monica

Now back to reality...so I have four weddings to attend this year of which one I'm the maid of honour. Two involve me catching a flight overseas, crossing my fingers for no ash cloud, of the two overseas the wedding in October is the one of which I'm the maid of honour. To my surprise I've already purchased the maid of honour dress. Early I know but the bride let me pick which ever style and colour I liked so I lucked out and found the perfect dress at BCBG Max Azria on sale. Score! Now I just need to find the perfect shoes.

If I was the bride I would love any of these Christian Louboutin heels, except for the mid-heel on the bottom left, those would be perfect for the maid of honour dress, they're the perfect height to wear all day. As for the day I become a bride, forget comfort, I love the higher heels especially the first two. A girl could dream....

(images: net-a-porter.com)

No Strips Required! {Pure Smile Teeth Whitening Pen review}

Forget teeth whitening strips which can get messy and come with alot of extra packaging. Pure Smile Teeth Whitening Pen is an easy to use pen which only takes 60 seconds twice a day and whitens your teeth up to 1-3 shades brighter. The pen lasts about 30 applications! The best part is that its an all-natural product, gentle and effective. I noticed an improvement after a week. Teeth whitening can't get any easier!
Retails for about $50 cdn & available at http://www.puresmilestudio.com/
(image: puresmilestudio.com)

5 minute face on a budget {my routine}

When doing a 5 minute face my motto is K.I.S.S....Keep It Simple Sister. Last week I purchased two items that are quickly becoming huge favourites:
Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact makeup in shade 02 Tender Peach (far right in pic) is a cream foundation that blends beautifully into skin and the result is a natural flawless complexion. Best for combination or dry skin gals.
The other recent favourite is Physicians Formula Bronze Booster bronzer in shade Light to Medium, a gorgeous subtle apricot/bronze shade that has a bit of shimmer. Looks alot more shimmery in the package but is a very subtle colour and best for light to medium skin tones. Definitely check this product out next time your at the drug store, I purchased mine on sale normally its around $20 cdn but I got it for $13 cdn.
Milani Minerals Blush in shade Luminous, beautiful pinky/mauve with gold shimmer that gives a natural hint of flush to cheeks.
Almay Brow Defining Pencil in shade 01 Dark Blonde (as mentioned in my April faves), great drugstore brow pencil.
Marcelle Concealer Palette in shade Universal Beige. A good on a budget concealer, pigmented, creamy and the shade on the bottom left corner of the palette is a good dupe for MAC nc20 concealer.
Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara in shade 003 Extreme Black, my favourite mascara at the moment. And I always buy the blackest shade available in any mascara. This mascara never fails, volume, length and clump-free.
Vaseline Lip Therapy in Rosy Lips, lush, moisturized lips with a hint of colour and lots of shine without the sticky factor.
What are your favourite on-a-budget products for an easy 5 minute face?

Happy Mother's Day

Since I'll be working the friendly skies this Mother's Day just wanted to wish all the Mothers including mine a wonderful Mother's Day. Thank you Mom for being so wonderful.
xoxo
Monica

Boeing 707 and 720
Originally uploaded by jlemmers

Just Frame it {eyebrow pencils}

For me its all about the eyebrows! I cringe when I see over tweezed brows. I know for some that the hair doesn't grow back but a little bit of help is all you need. My favourite beauty product to fill in brows are pencils. In the past I've used powders and gels but I find that pencils are easier to work with and more precise. However, not every brow pencil is created equal. Here are a few favourites & not so great brow pencils.

For reference I have chestnut brown hair (at times with caramel coloured highlights).

1. 
   
   My ultimate favourite is MAC Eyebrow Pencil in shade Lingering, twist style pencil, easy-to-use, good thickness of pencil, not too soft & not too hard texture.
2. 
   
   Almay Brow Defining Pencil in shade Dark Blonde 01, great dupe of MAC's lingering pencil above. Twist style pencil, great medium texture, and bonus is the mascara style brush (which I wish the MAC had).
3. 
   
   Quo 3-in-1 Brow Pencil in shade Medium, a good on a budget pencil. I don't care too much for the wax end part of the pencil nor the cheap brush attachment. Not as soft in texture as I'd like but works well.
4. 
   
   Milani Easybrow Automatic Pencil in shade Natural Taupe. Too soft in texture, smudges a bit and the shade is too muddy looking on me. Not as sharp as I'd like the pencil to be.
5. 
   
   Beautique Eyebrow Pencil (from Sally's Beauty Supply) in shade Brunette. An ok pencil, smudges and a bit too soft. Better off as an eyeliner pencil.
6. 
   
   Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in shade Ultimate Brown. I expected greatness from this pencil and it failed. Too hard texture and thus hard to work with.

There you have it! A perfect brow is a perfect face frame. A few times a year I'll also bleach my brows a shade lighter. Another option is using a clear mascara as a brow gel to keep them in place.

What is your favourite eyebrow product? If you use any.

(image: Versace Fall'10 via style.com, all of the above purchased by me)

Splish! Splash!

We've come along way baby! Swimsuits have definitely changed over the last few decades but I still love the styles from the past...Oh the glamour!

(images: myvintagevogue)

Bailey Cosmetics {event & review}

Canadian fashion designer and Project Runway Canada mentor Brian Bailey has recently launched Bailey Cosmetics and guess who was there at the launch...moi! It was such a nice treat to be invited to a lovely beauty event and meet the creators of Bailey Cosmetics.. Bailey Cosmetics in collaboration with Beauty Never Sleeps Inc., was developed and tested with celebrity makeup artist Maryellen Howe, who was at hand at the event and give me a touch-up, and cosmetic developer Gerald Poirier. 

"Gerald and I worked very hard to create makeup that is modern, fresh and easy to apply. We used high pigment colours and textures that match and enhance a wide range of skin tones in women of all ages," said makeup artist Maryellen Howe.

At the event I had the opportunity to play with several of Bailey Cosmetic products and also received their complete collection:

5 Easy Pieces

• Mineral Foundation Duo in Medium (very fine smooth powder)
• Eyeshadow Duo 
• Lip Gloss (a nude shade)
• Eyebrow Pencil 
• Blush Duo (highly pigmented powder)
• BONUS: black binder style cosmetic bag

Powder of Youth Kit in Light

Beauty Tools Kit (goat hair brushes)
I haven't put any of the above down since I received my kit in a travel-friendly black makeup case, the case is like a binder where each product has its own sleeve. Really cool kit! Best yet is the makeup is paraben-free, no added artificial fragrances or petro chemicals.

Bailey Cosmetics is available exclusively on The Shopping Channel.
(images property of baileybeautycom) disclaimer: products received at the media event, review is based on my personal experience & not influenced to review favourable or otherwise.

there's a new COVERGIRL in town...Taylor Swift

COVERGIRL has announced that multi-platinum singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Taylor Swift is the new CoverGirl. Swift will represent a new line of luxury items and the Swift ads will be released in January 2011.

“With her fresh beauty and authentic style, Taylor is a wonderful addition to the COVERGIRL family,” said Vince Hudson, General Manager, COVERGIRL Cosmetics. “Through all her success, Taylor remains a grounded and sincere woman who connects with fans everywhere just by being true to who she is. She personifies the iconic image of the brand while representing the next generation of both inner and outer beauty.”
“I am so excited to become the next COVERGIRL,” said Swift. “I have admired many of the COVERGIRLs since I was a little girl . . . great artists and actresses who are confident and still themselves. It’s like a dream come true to be a part of the future of COVERGIRL”

I'm excited to see what these new luxury items will entail. Swift is a great role model for young women and its nice to see that she seems so well grounded with all her success.
What do you think of the new COVERGIRL?

(image & news release: pgbeauty.ca, covergirl.ca)