September favourites {monthly report}

september beauty faves by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Avon Hair Serum
This is my 3rd time purchasing this (on & off) for years. Packaging has changed throughout those years but this serum is awesome, not thick & heavy, watery-like & leaves your hair super shiny.

Prada d'Iris Perfume
I know scent is a personal thing so I won't rave about how much I love this scent!! But you must smell it:)

MAC Mineralize-Perfect Topping
I had this sitting in my vanity drawers for months...wish I picked it up sooner. I use this all-over for a radiant glow! Must pick-up the MAC mineralize face powder in Medium, hear such great things about MAC's mineralize makeup.

LUXURY.RINSE by Kevin Murphy Kevin Murphy Luxury Rinse Conditioner
Fave new haircare line!

Cover FX - EyePrep FX - Anti-Age Smoothing Primer
Gentle, soothing eye products, works well under eye makeup.

Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Be Radiant Baked Powder
Look out for swatches of the Dawn shade (been waiting for sunny weather to take pics)...Gorgeous healthy looking flush to cheeks!

LUXURY.WASH by Kevin Murphy
My new fave hair care line!

Heat Protection Spray | TRESemmé
Finally purchased this thermal protectant spray after hearing great reviews on youtube. Doesn't weigh hair down or make it greasy. Leaves hair frizz free & smelling fresh.


Lots of hair favourites this month for me, perhaps because I got a "trim" and instead my hair was chopped off. Why do hairdressers do that? You ask for a trim and they hack off your hair. Anyhow, due to the "trim" couldn't seem to manage all the layers. Above products mentioned helped tremendously! On a side note: loving the mineralize makeup from MAC...why didn't I try this sooner. Mark Kay has a limited-edition baked blush that is a must for gorgeous flushed cheeks.
What were your September beauty faves?

Burt's Bees Giveaway {Anti-Blemish Solutions}

Have you changed your skincare routine lately? How about I make it easy for you...GIVEAWAY time.  Over $85 worth of Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Solutions Skincare line, one lucky winner will receive all 5 products;

Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser

Anti-Blemish Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub

Anti-Blemish Targeted spot Treatment

Anti-Blemish Clarifying Toner

Details:

Only open to residents of Canada (sorry International readers)

Entry deadline is October 15 midnight!

Either follow my blog with Google Friend Connect 

OR

Follow BeautyParler's fan page on Facebook 

If you follow both you get 2 entries (double your chances) just let me know!

That's all I ask...and a big thank you. xoxo

Would love feedback on the Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Skincare line as I haven't tried this line yet. A few of these products sound promising!

GOODLUCK!!

  

(images: burtsbees.ca)

Winner is...

Ella Pretty

Congrats! winner was chosen using random.org

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask {review}

The latest addition to the Boscia skincare family is the New! Luminizing Black Mask, which I've been testing out for a little over a month in hopes of justifying the cult following & sold out status of this new mask.  Boscia skincare products have some really good items; their cleansers for example. However, with this new mask I'm on the fence. The Boscia Luminizing Black Mask claims;

The latest groundbreaking innovation from boscia is all strip, no tease. This jet black, mineral-rich peel-off mask delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results as it exfoliates skin and refines pores. Dead skin, impurities and excess oil are stripped away along with the dried mask for immediate and visible results.

The Luminizing Black Mask's exceptional treatment benefits include:
• Dramatic improvement in skin's clarity and radiance. Skin is brighter and smoother.
• Impurities, bacteria and excess oil are drawn out.
• Powerful antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage, such as lines, wrinkles, dryness and dullness.

• Reduced skin roughness and minimized lines and wrinkles, resulting in younger-looking skin.

PROS:

Think of this mask like a BIG Biore nose strip but for the face! You do see fine hairs & pore plugs (gross right) but that's the point of a strip-off mask.

If applied correctly (in a thick layer) does come off fairly easy.

Loaded with good ingredients; rich in minerals & antioxidants

CONS:

If not applied correctly & if you don't allow to dry can be messy to take-off, cleansing wipes come in handy.

You use alot of product vs usage.

Price $34 US

Didn't notice any luminizing effect.

Overall, for the amount of product you get and the amount necessary for each usage I can't justify the price tag for the effect I noticed. Except for the visible "impurities" on the mask once peeled off I rate this mask a

5/10.

Judge for yourself, available at Sephora and Boscia Skincare (if you can find it in-stock).

Do you use peel-off masks? Name a few faves? Also, opinions on the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask if you've tried it.

(image of product bosciaskincare.com, disclaimer: product sent for review, no financial compensation received, review based on personal opinion)

backstage with OPI nailpolish {NYFW Spring'11}

While the rain drops fall against my window a bit of colour was needed to brighten up the day. At New York Fashion Week this past September, OPI showcased a garden of pretty pastels for Spring'11. Shades included;

(1) Above image, Z Spoke by Zac Posen used shades:

Alpine Snow, The ‘It’ Color, What’s With the Cattitude, Who the Shrek are You? and Black Onyx was used to create a cheetah pattern

Z Spoke by Zac Posen (again shown) shades used;

Alpine Snow, Chop-sticking to my Story, No Room for the Blues and That’s Hot! Pink

Doesn't the above image look like a garden of petals? So pretty!

(images via Langton Communications)

a Sunday read {MakeUp 4 All online mag}

On lazy Sunday mornings I love blog surfing and today I discovered makeup4all via MusingOnBeauty. Marina from makeup4all publishes an online seasonal beauty magazine that is a joy to read; see and read the latest on beauty trends, and my favourite section is the interviews with other beauty bloggers. Check out the latest issue!

Open publication - Free publishing - More beauty

What do you think of the latest issue?  What is your Sunday pasttime?

getting back to basics {Fall'10 wardrobe}

fall'10 basics by beautyparler featuring footless tights (via Polyvore.com)

Perhaps not the most colourful palette but sometimes you just need the basics! Starting to go thru my Fall wardrobe and realized I need a few things...not much but just a tweak. I love wearing dresses with tights in the colder weather; easy for travel, easier to slip on boots without getting the bottom of your pants wet on rainy days, and looks cute. A must on my wishlist is a messanger bag and I'm loving those lace-up Hunter boots. In terms of beauty products, I'm going to try to wear the red lip more often.
Have any of you purchased your Fall wardrobe yet? Any must-haves?

a Kevin Murphy hair event {local events}

Last week I attended a Kevin Murphy hair event, featuring Kevin's latest hair products and trends for Fall. Who is Kevin Murphy? An international hairstylist that hails from Australia, Kevin has worked with many celebrities and mainly works in the fashion and magazine industry. His latest work was as Hair Director for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Not only is he a talented hair stylist but his professional haircare line, Kevin Murphy, also reflects his care-free attitude. Products are simple in packaging but powerful in product! Paraban-free and sulfate-free and made with essential oils. Products are packaged in square/rectangular containers to reduce waste and contain the same amount as other leading haircare products but take up less room. My favourite Kevin Murphy products; Luxury Wash & Luxury Rinse contain mango butter, shea butter, buriti nut oil and packed with lots more other good ingredients.  Doesn't strip hair, replenishes dry hair & leaves a delicious fresh scent.

makeup by the talented makeup artist Cheryl Gushue

hair & makeup inspiration, 1950's glamour, screen siren, & a bit of rockabilly

Product makeup shot courtesy of Cheryl; lips were meant to be matte & vibrant

product used on the lips; MAC So Chaud lipstick

Kevin Murphy products are available at Salons.
For more pics from the Kevin Murphy event in Toronto check out my Facebook fan page.

Vogue Espana {travel indulgences}

After a few days across the pond and over another smaller pond I'm back from a girls retreat! One of my travel indulgences is buying Vogue, from which ever country regardless if I can read the language, in this case it was the October'10 Vogue Espana issue (thankfully I can read Spanish...not fluently but most of it I understand). However, with such beautiful layouts all you really need is to look at the images.
What are your travel indulgences?

(photographed by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue Espana)

Just feel like Dancing {Christian Louboutin}

Just looking at these heels by Christian Louboutin makes me want to dance...I also think of Spain! Have a great weekend (a day early) as I'm leaving on a flight to celebrate my best friend's stagette/bachelorette/hen party, whatcha call it...If you recall, earlier this year I blogged about attending lots & lots of weddings but October takes the cake. I have an invite for every Saturday of that month...so bring on the dancing heels!

(image via Christian Louboutin)

How to...Marion Cotillard at TIFF {hairdo}

My motto is when in doubt K.I.S.S, Keep It Simple Sister! And Marion Cotillard did just that in the hair department at the TIFF premiere Little White Lies, in order to acheive her look celebrity hairstylist Robert Vetica used Moroccanoil® products;

“I first gave Marion a new haircut with bangs to reshape her hair and make the bangs prominent. I then blow dried her hair using argan-oil infused Moroccanoil Treatment to give smooth shine and protect it from the heat of the dryer.

After making a low, side part, I blow dried her hair from the part to the side, and did a bit of back combing to add some fullness at the crown. I sprayed Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to help the teased hair stay in place.

I then re-wet her bangs and restyled them, adding just a bit of Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to give her hair a touch of weight and hold them in place. Next, I swooped up the hair into a high ponytail placed just below her crown.

Finally, I wrapped the base of the ponytail with her own hair to cover the elastic. This gave the ponytail more swing, thanks to its greater width. "

For a review on the Moroccanoil Treatment check out a blast from the past review, here!

What is your easy K.I.S.S hair-do?

(disclaimer: non-paid post, post is meant to be infomative & easy how-to do look)

(image: Joe Scarnici for GettyImages)

TIFF 2010 Beauty & Fashion {events}

The Toronto International Film Festival is well underway as is New York Fashion Week and although the lovely invites are in my inbox I haven't been able to attend either events due to my work schedule (I also got food poisoning), a girl has to pay her bills and although my blog has its perks getting paid isn't one of them. But that's alright because I sure love the perks!

Anyhow, off to the actual reason of this post. To highlight a few fashion and beauty faves thus far from the TIFF carpet!

Blake Lively-love the red lip!

Hilary Swank-legs, if you have them flaunt them!

Carry Mulligan-natural/fresh looking makeup, flawless!

Jennifer Garner-love everything about this look! Hair & makeup just perfect. 

Marion Cotillard-love the bangs, makeup, dress, and those blue nails!

Megan Fox-love the red lip & shiny hair!

(images: Wire Images & CP Images via msn.com)

Lady Gaga for Vogue Hommes Japan

Individuality is a creative trait especially in a world of trendsetters and trend followers but when do you draw the line? Lady Gaga loves to push the boundaries and although I'm not a fan of all her original outfits I'm not in the position to write if its wrong or right because at the end of the day its her interpretation of herself. Here she is wearing meat on the cover of Vogue Hommes Japan! Barbeque anyone?
On a beauty aspect: I do love that shade of red lipstick & nailpolish.
Have a great weekend!
(image via Vogue Hommes Japan)

Search for CoverFx Treasure

Only a few days left to search for CoverFx treasure!! Of the beauty events I attend I have to add that the lovely ladies at CoverFx are the most enthusiatic about their products, always fun events and great products. Last week I attended the launch of their EyePrep Fx product, review to come! To see pics from the event check out Joy's fabulous post at Makeup Junkie, you'll also get to see a pic of me too!

Back to School Beauty

back to school beauty by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Nina Ricci - Le Paradis De Nina Eau De Toilette Spray
This new Nina Ricci perfume is not exactly budget friendly however a nice smelling fragrance always is in style & will last a long time. I also thought the apple shape was perfect for this school post!

PEACH blush by NYX
NYX is inexpensive makeup that is amazing, especially this universal peach shade. Their lipglosses are good too!

Rimmel : Eyes : Sexy Curves Mascara
You all know I love my Rimmer Sexy Curves & CoverGirl LashBlast mascara.

Rimmel : Face : Natural Bronzer
A great inexpensive bronzer that will last you forever and you won`t look like a pumpkin.

Annabelle - Volumelip Lip Plumping Gloss - Sweet Tweet
Great lipgloss that budget friendly! Check out Annabelle eyeshadows, great dupes for MAC cosmetics.

Annabelle - Mineral Powder Foundation - Barely Beige
Forget heavy liquid foundation (unless you have a great tinted moisturizer), keep skin looking fresh & natural. Mineral powder makeup will keep shiny skin looking semi-matte but glowy.

JOE FRESH CHEEK TINT
A natural flush is better than looking like a clown at lecture hall.



Back to school doesn't mean break the bank, text books already cost a fortune therefore makeup shouldn't. Yes, I do love my beauty splurge products but sometimes a girl has to compromise and I remember how expensive university was and can`t fathom how much its gone up since a few years back. Best advice; if you don't have disposable income to spend on cosmetics invest in skincare. There is nothing worse than seeing a young woman with layers of foundation on covering bad skin. Not only is it not helping your skin issue but making matters worse, my motto is K.I.S.S; Keep It Simple Sister. Honestly, your skin will get better. Although, I never suffered from any major skin issues we always think our skin is worse than it is, we are our worst critic. Its not that bad! And embrace your skin while your young. 
Have a great school year!

end of Summer...almost

Summer is almost at an end, this weekend is the last for community outdoor pools to stay open, alas looks like the season is coming to a close. Which also means that Autumn is around the corner, my favourite season for fashion and I admit I like crisp Fall days. As much as I like lazy hot Summer nights, the cool breeze on a Fall day holding a hot latte in hand is bliss! I bid adieu to Summer...ok so there are a few more weeks left... but goodbye to humid bad hair days, as my best hair days are actually in the Fall. But before I say goodbye, this Labour Day Weekend will include a barbeque and a trip to the CNE (an amusement/entertainment fair in downtown Toronto).
Have a great Weekend!
(Photo by Steven Klein for WMagazine)

Grace Kelly: Style Icon {V&A Museum, London}

From Philadelphia to Monaco, the fairy-tale story of Academy Award winning actress turned Princess, Grace Kelly is still popular decades after her death. Her classic style and elegance made her a style icon, a glimpse of her timeless wardrobe which include designer pieces by Christian Dior,Yves Saint Laurent, and the famous Kelly bag can be seen at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England. However, you only have a few weeks left as the exhibit ends September 26. On one of my last visits to London I spent the afternoon at the V&A Museum, the transition from Hollywood actress to Princess is chronologically arranged to reflect the change and role of duties. No photos are allowed in the exhibit (as I discovered after snapping a couple of shots) therefore not much to show you. Thus, if you have a chance to see the exhibit it is a well spent afternoon!

For more info visit:

V&A Museum

(image credits: fotopedia.com & Life cover image via google.com images)