Spring 2011 {Couture makeup trends}

Couture shows are pure fantasy...love looking at the different makeup artists interpretations. A few images from the Spring 2011 Couture Shows.

Armani Prive

backstage at Chanel

Chanel

Christian Dior

{glossy red lips}

Jean Paul Gaultier

Valentino

(images via style.com, Photo: Luca Cannonieri / GoRunway.com)

a girl could dream, right?

wishlist by beautyparler

Its somebody's birthday tomorrow....although my wishlist looks small it comes with a hefty price tag. The camera has been on my wishlist for about two years now. Basically, waiting till my little camera dies before I can justify spending alot of moola on a new fancy camera that will probably take me two years to learn how to use anyway. I've been really wanting to try the MAC face &  body foundation, but seriously how many foundations do I need...zero, zilch, nada. I need my fix! Ahhh! Those Christian Louboutin heels...my dream bridal shoes. I've heard that Louboutin's are actually uncomfortable (atleast that's what I'll believe so I secretly try not to want them). And the little house....no I don't want a doll house, as most of you know not only am I planning a wedding (check out bonitabride.blogspot.com) but I'm also looking for a place to live. Cha!Ching! yeah I know...donations are now being accepted. Kidding!
Have a great weekend!!
Hoping to post again before the weekend is over....

Brush your...skin! {Clarisonic Skincare Brush review}

What I'm going to write next might just change the way you view skincare and perhaps shut down my beauty review section...why? basically after you use the Clarisonic skincare brush there isn't a need to use alot of skincare products. But no worries a skincare junkie is always a junkie and I'll always find new products to try. However, if you can't afford to be buy new products or atleast an array of products the Clarisonic skincare brush will replace most of your skincare products and tools. Its quite basic actually;

-its a deep cleansing skincare brush that gently cleanses your skin

-micro-messages your skin while gently exfoliating

-products are better absorbed into skin

This chargeable brush glides over your skin, no need to press down as the brush does all the work & a beep reminds you to switch to other areas of the face. This is what my kit came with:

• Clarisonic Brush and Charger
• Sensitive Brush Head
• 3 x Travel size Cleansers (Nourishing Care Cleanser 30ml, Gentle Hydro Cleanser 30ml, Refreshing Gel Cleanser 30ml)
• Bonuses: Full Size 177 ml Gentle Hydro Cleanser, Cosmetic Case, Normal Skin Brush Head, Delicate Skin Brush Head

I've been using the delicate skin brush head nightly as I don't feel the need to cleanse so throughly in the morning. Also, you can use any of your favourite cleansers. This review doesn't include the Clarisonic cleansers as I'm in the process of finishing other cleansers. It will set you back a few dollars but well worth the investment. My skin feels smoother, pores are reduced (especially on my t-zone), blackheads are almost all gone, and skin tone is more even. In love with my Clarisonic brush! Lastly, I don't travel with my brush as its a bit bulky, there is a smaller version called the Clarisonic Mia, but I actually like the little break when I travel from using my brush (yes its gentle enough to use daily) but I feel like your skin doesn't need a deep cleansing everyday. A big thank you to Joy from Makeup Junkie as I won her giveaway sponsored by the Shopping Channel...a thank you to them too as I also received a gift card.

Anyone else use the Clarisonic brush? 

in love with Sandra {The 68th Golden Globes Awards}

Not sure if its because I've been obsessing over bangs but Sandra Bullock looked fantastic at the 68th Golden Globes. Her hair and makeup are gorgeous! Everyone in Hollywood should be using her stylist. Fresh, simple understated hair, and beautiful natural looking makeup=perfection & elegance.

(photographed by Robyn Beck, AFP)

(image via style.com)

Any hair & makeup faves from the 68th Golden Globe Awards?

visit Bonita Bride! {my other blog}

Hello,
Some news to share! So after much debate I have decided to keep all of my wedding inspirations separate. Think of it as an extension or bridal series of beautyparler.ca! Its also a method of keeping all of my wedding ideas together and organized, a means of trying to keep my planning as sane as possible.
Hope you enjoy Bonita Bride, I'm sure I'll be tweaking the design a bit but I'm pretty happy with the results.
Let me know what you think!
xoxo
Monica
P.S-thanks Farah (from Faces by Farah) for sending me the bride sketch. What do you think of the header?

the Winners are...{The 68th Golden Globe Awards}

A few favourites from the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards.  My style winners are...

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Elisabeth Moss in Donna Karan

Amy Adams in Marchesa

Eva Longoria in Zac Posen

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci

Which dress was your favourite?

(images via style.com)

MAC Wonder Woman Collection {Spring 2011}

As a child I remember watching The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, the TV series starring Lynda Carter. Carter's makeup and hair were always perfect and I loved that she kicked ass butt...

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman

This Spring MAC Cosmetics has chosen Wonder Woman as their heroine. Bright, bold, colourful packaging is the look for MAC's Wonder Woman Collection to be released February 10. On the fence about the packaging, although I like the graphics and design its limited to a younger demographic. But I'm a sucker for the product shades and fell in love with the following;

MAC Lipglass in Emancipation

MAC lipstick in Marquised

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power (wishlist, Love! the skinfinishes)

MAC Powder Blush in Mighty Aphrodite 

MAC Ultimate Pen Eyeliner in rapid black

 MAC makeup bag (perfect for travel)

Comments on MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection?

(product images courtesy of maccosmetics.com)

ELLIS FAAS-tastic {ELLIS FAAS makeup}

make up not war belt, ellisfaas.com

If you really know your makeup than you have most likely heard of ELLIS FAAS, if not, your not as makeup savvy as I thought. Ellis Faas is a makeup artist and has her own brand appropriately called ELLIS FAAS. The makeup is professional, sleek, and the concept very different. Keep reading because rumor is ELLIS FAAS cosmetics might be coming to Canada. I'll keep you updated...
The first time I saw ELLIS FAAS cosmetics I was intrigued by the sleek bullet-pen shaped packaging, all the makeup in this line comes in its signature style. And its meant to fit in a sleek holder by sliding each pen in a compartment. Luckily, I received the Winter Glow Set (I admit I squealed like a little girl on Christmas morning) I've been wanting to try this line for a long time. In the set:
- Creamy Lips “Ellis Red” L101
- Ellis Eyes Light E305 
- Black Mascara E401
Three of their best sellers! 

ELLIS FAAS Creamy lips in L101 is truly creamy, its also a stain lipgloss so I suggest a lip pencil because
(1) its a dark red (a dupe for Revlon's oldie Toast of New York)
(2) once it fades looks like you've been drinking kool-aid & forgot to wipe your lips
A pencil will prevent it from bleeding! I would love to try a lighter shade:
Milky formula in shade L207 or Creamy lip in L108 as either shade would look amazing for bridal makeup.

Ellis Eyes Light in shade E305;
Forget about a primer this liquid eyeshadow dries to a creamy/powder, no smudging, and crease-resistance. Also, works perfectly as a liner along the lash line. The favourite of the three products. Easy to apply!

Ellis Black Mascara in E401;
I liked that lashes were seperated and lengthened. CONS: when putting the brush back in the container it was as if the hole wasn't large enough so product would come off. I've also mentioned that when it comes to mascara I'm not fond of high-end due to price. So, although I liked the finish on my lashes I'd have to pass on this in the future.
Another must from this line (atleast reviews I've read) are that the foundations & concealers are phenomenal. Hopefully, ELLIS FAAS crosses the pond soon because I'd love to play around with this innovative line.
For more information or to shop visit ELLISFAAS
Have you tried ELLIS FAAS makeup?

Shake It, Foam It, Love it {Clairol Nice'n Easy Blend Foam}

Last time I dyed my hair from a box was....can't even remember but I must've been in my late teens and that was a very long time ago. I could never get the color even, my hair always turned splotchy, so I won't lie with a little help I applied Clairol's new Nice'n Easy Color Blend Foam. Yes, I needed a bit of help. I actually realized I could've done it on my own but I only came to that conclusion after all was done. My highlights had turned a brassy/greenish/blonde. I was embarrassed by the dark roots and my 6 year old niece asked why I had yellow stripes in my hair...Oh dear! Rewind back to December when I attended a Clairol event in Toronto at Hair on the Avenue.

Shake it, Foam it, Love it Demonstration on the model

I was sworn to secrecy about this new Clairol Nice'n Easy Color Blend Foam, thus the month later post. Plus, only this week did I have time off to dye my hair...this blogging gig can get busy. 

About the product:

What's this foam dye all about? Its a permanent foam hair dye that changes the way you dye your hair. Why? Its super easy, no drip, no messy applicator and easy to apply. And, its not expensive dying your hair at home. There are 18 shades and will be available February 2011. I used shade 5G in Medium Golden Brown, as you can see in the after looks like there's a bit of a red tint, a chestnut shade. Really like it for the Winter season. In the before pic my highlights actually look way better than I explained earlier as that pic was taken a couple months ago.

Do you dye your hair at home? Easy/hard to do? share...

shades of Spring {Spring beauty trends 2011}

What shades will you be wearing this Spring?

Blue Eyeshadow at Giorgio Armani Spring RTW 2011

via style.com, photo: Luca Cannonieri/GoRunway.com

Red Lips at Gucci Spring RTW 2011

via style.com, photo: Luca Cannonieri/GoRunway.com

Bold Lips at Fendi Spring RTW 2011

via style.com, photo: Luca Cannonieri/ GoRunway.com

Colour Confidential at Christian Dior RTW Spring 2011

via style.com, photo: Luca Cannonieri/GoRunway.com

Fresh faced at Chloe Spring RTW2011

via style.com, photo: Luca Cannonieri / GoRunway.com

the Faves of the Favourites {2010}

2010 top favourites by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Here are the top picks of all my monthly favourities. It was tough choosing but someone has to do it!
The Clarisonic Skincare brush hands down is the best skincare tool on the market. A proper review will follow shortly (I know you've been waiting for it but you'll have to wait a bit longer) sorry but this newly engaged gal has a wedding to pay for & must work...on a side note will take advice on any wedding budgeting tools.
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster
MAC cosmetics lipstick in shade
Mary Kay cooling bronzing stick (limited-ed)
Yves Rocher Perfect Primer in apricot
Glissandra facial serum

What were your top beauty favourites of 2010?

Priscilla:Queen of the Desert & interview with MAC makeup artist Justen Brosnan

A few weeks ago I was invited to watch Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, which has now ended its Toronto run on January 2nd. What a musical! I was dancing in my seat. The makeup, the costumes, the music, and the performers were spectacular. MAC Cosmetics were the official sponsors of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, and the makeup was full-on drag. Loved it! You could actually see the performers makeup from afar. Sparkle! Contouring!! A fun night indeed, thanks to the lovely MAC girls for the invite.

I also interviewed MAC's key makeup artist of the musical, Justen Brosnan;
(1) Firstly, the makeup and costumes were phenomenal! Loved all the sparkle & glam. My understanding in theatre is that each actor applies their own makeup, as the key makeup artist for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, how is each character's look created?

Thanks Monica for the lavish praise of our show, and I do have to agree, it is truly fantastic!!! Each look was designed to complement the costumes and hair so the look is viewed as entire piece, not as 3 separate parts. It makes the show look more cohesive and brings out different aspects of the performer and really makes it all pop!

(2) There are over 300 costume changes in this production. How many makeup artists are necessary for each costume change, if makeup is altered?

It takes a team of 4 to run the Makeup/Hair dept. The cast has also been shown how to make adjustments to their makeup so they are self sufficient. Also, a lot of building and layering is achieved throughout the show by adding bit by bit.

(3) Which key MAC products are used in order to create a main character like Bernadette?

Ahh, Bernadette, such an elegant, classy woman...MAC Full Coverage Foundation and Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, MAC Prep+Prime Skin as an underbase, soft eye shadow colours like, Bamboo, Soft Brown, Corduroy, and a variety of soft rose tinted lipsticks, just so it keeps it interesting...

MAC lipstick in Quite Please!

MAC Studio Fix Powder

(4) OK I have to ask, how does all that makeup come off?

MAC Oil Cleanser and THOUSANDS of MAC Makeup Remover Wipes!!!

Thanks Justen!

MAC Cleanse Off Oil

MAC Remover Wipes

I found an awesome video on youtube by CC Swan,  getting into drag makeup. No affliation with MAC cosmetics or the Toronto production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert but none the less a great vid on the process of applying drag makeup.

(product images via maccosmetics.ca)

December'10 beauty faves {monthly ed.}

December favourites 2010 by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

MAC 'Cham Pale' Special Reserve Highlight Powder
I raved about this a few weeks ago & still loving this powder. Amazing glow to the skin!

New Buriti Baby Body Butter - Baby
Slightly scented, moisturizing, perfect for Winter weather.

Winter glow-ellis faas.com
Review to come of this amazing makeup line by makeup artist Ellis Faas

Olay Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths—Normal/Dry Skin | Olay
Perfect for travel, these facial wipes are dry but you add water. Either these are the Dove wipes are fantastic at getting off all your makeup. I only use these when I travel.

Vaseline® | Petroleum Jelly
I like to use the 50ml squeeze tube & only recently rediscovered vaseline. My facial skin & lips were so dry I ended up applying this all over my face prior to bed & my skin looked great in the morning. I was worried this would clog my pores but no breakouts. However, take note I wouldn't use this every day, just for those extreme days of dehydrated skin.

Veet® Ready to Use wax strips

Can't believe I've never written about these easy to use face strip. Been using these for years to get rid of upper lip hair.

Look out for my top beauty picks of 2010, hopefully I'll post before the end of the week. In the mean time any stand-out beauty picks from December you'd like to share?