April 30, 2011

Royal Wedding Recap {makeup}

(image wenn.com)
Did you watch the Royal wedding yesterday? I caught the beginning but was working for the rest of the day so didn't catch the live feed. Thoughts? As a bride-to-be I can't fathom how Kate must've felt yesterday, nervous, excited, oh my...but she looked gorgeous! Check out my take on the dress on my other blog Bonita Bride. And now for the makeup...
Tradition has it that the bride does her own makeup, Royal Wedding tradition that is! But prior to the big day Kate had lessons with London's top makeup artist Arabella Preston.


The look:
(1) EYEBROWS-a groomed eyebrow is a MUST! A clean trimmed brow, filled in where necessary, completes this look.
(2) FOUNDATION/tinted moisturizer-after applying a face primer, apply a sheer layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer. Build up foundation in areas that need more coverage but don't go overboard. That's what concealers are for.
(3) a BLUSHing bride- pink/healthy looking flushed cheeks, checked! A cream based blush brings out a natural dewy look. Top it off with a powder peachy blush just on the apples for staying power.
(4) Kissable LIPS-exfoliate lips prior to applying a rose/flesh tone sheer creamy lipstick, top off with gloss. My favourite bridal lipstick is MAC's Syrup shade. Your lips but better shade!
(5) a dusting of BRONZER-just where the natural sun hits your face and also use as contour.
(6) emphasis your EYES-lots of waterproof mascara, a natural smokey eye, in Kate's case I would've skipped the eyeliner or atleast softened it up a bit.
(7) Finish with a dusting of translucent POWDER with a large face powder brush.
 For more bridal beauty tips read my post on Bridal Beauty with professional makeup artist, Joy David.
What are your thoughts on Kate's makeup?
(images: gettyimages)
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April 29, 2011

Confessions of a Flight Attendant {London-travel}

By now most of you have watched clips of the Royal Wedding. I caught a few clips between mini-breaks at work but what I really wanted to see was the dress!! Anyhow, I'll be posting my faves and a recap later tonight. Last week I was in London with work and filmed a clip about my daily routine, where I go to have my usual latte, Boots pharmacy and just my little street where I like to unwind after/before a flight. The street is St. John's Wood High Street (click on this link to check out the shops), its within walking distance from where I stay, its away from all the chaos thus my little relaxing oasis. Its an area that alot of nannies like to go for walks with strollers, lots of Americans (and I don't think tourists either, must live in the area) and just the right shops including my favourite second-hand store Wellingtons (amazing designer handbags to be found).


Right after I filmed this clip, three pre-teen American girls walked by me (wish I had snapped a picture), they were the exact mini versions of Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda from Sex and the City. They couldn't have been older than 12, wearing heels and designer outfits. And they had the New York accent too!
Enjoy the clip! Maybe I should start a travel series?
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April 26, 2011

Happy Days {London haul}

Hope everyone had a well rested Easter long weekend. Although mine wasn't a well-rested long weekend it was fabulous. Was in London twice within the last week (due to work), did a little shopping, had a private appointment with bridal shoe designer Aruna Seth's associate and got to meet Helena from A Diary of Lovely. All while I was jet-lagged and lost in London...I'm pretty good with a map but sometimes a little help is needed and in my case following the concierge's directions didn't quite work out. Next time sticking to google map. I'm a little upset with my cell phone as I had recorded a video while in London that I think you all would enjoy but I've tried everything to download it onto my computer but just can't, so I've given up. So, a picture will sum up my little beauty shopping haul from Superdrug.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara
Bourjois Blush Pot in Rose Frisson
Revlon Photo Ready Concealer in Light/Medium (have not seen this in North America within the Revlon range, have seen it as a promo with the Photo Ready foundation)
Bourjois 3D MAX lipgloss in #61
Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect foundation in shade #72 Rose Clair
Have any of your tried any of the listed makeup above? Do write your opinion.
And, how was your weekend?
On a side-note, I will try within the next few days to get that video up.
xo
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April 18, 2011

battle of the hair treatments {LUSH}

Dry Divas "Tickle Me Peach" shower cap
Cute shower cap from shopruche.com




With Winter finally behind us (not entirely true as its freezing in Toronto as I write this) its time to take this hair out of its ponytail rut. Which means, condition condition condition! Yes, my hair needs moisture and on the battle field I decided to test out two of LUSH's best selling hair treatments, H'Suan Wen Hua and Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Eaze. Honesty is my policy and not a fan of the smell of either of these hair treatments. Nonetheless, if condition is my battle plan I'll get over the fragrance factor. Use treatment once a week.
LUSH H'Suan Wen Hua:
Of the two treatments this one was my fave! The consistency of the treatment reminds me of my teen years when I use to add mayonnaise to my hair. The good for your hair ingredients; free-range eggs (ah the mayo connection), organic bananas, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, balsamic vinegar, and lots more. Directions; apply generously to dry hair & leave on for 20 minutes. The beauty parler method; apply to ends of dry hair, about two heaping tablespoons, put on a shower cap & either blog or go on facebook. Wait....wait...leave on for about an hour or more for really dry processed hair. Wash & repeat! Leaves hair soft and smooth. Really deep conditioning, so only those with really dry hair should use this. Prefer the smell of this treatment vs the next review.
Jasmin and Henna Fluff-Eaze:
Not a fan of the smell as this one lingers even after you wash it. However, this actually works well as a conditioner after shampoo so if your a fan of the scent & have dry hair this will make a great conditioner. The goodie ingredients; olive oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba oil, coconut butter, henna, and lots more. Good for colour treated hair, especially highlights. This treatment leaves your hair soft and shiny. As for directions; same as above. LUSH recommends you use alot of product but generous amounts on dry ends is sufficient.

LUSH offers other hair treatments, one in particular that I want to try is the Marilyn. Read good reviews online and although it states for blonde hair a few brunettes beauty bloggers rave about it.
What's your go-to hair treatment for dry hair?
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April 13, 2011

walking on Sunshine [Spring 2011}

Although it doesn't feel like Spring in Canada, can't wait to bring out the heels....
Armani Prive
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
Christian Dior
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
Elie Saab
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
Valentino
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
Miu Miu
Photo:  Miu Miu
Gucci
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
Versace
Photo: Gianni Pucci / GoRunway.com
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April 12, 2011

Spring clean your pores {Olay Advanced Cleansing System}

The weather here in Toronto is finally cooperating. Sun is out which means I'll be spending more time at the patios with a chilled drink in hand and the last thing I want are my pores in full view. Time to clean out those suckers! Earlier this year I raved about the Clarisonic Skincare Brush, fact is not everyone could afford it so a great alternative for around $30 CDN is the Olay Advanced Cleansing System. In the kit you get;

Olay Professional Pro-X Two-Speed Facial Cleansing Brush
o Lightweight handheld two-speed, rotating brush that delivers daily deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (20 mL)
o Fragrance-free lathering microbead formula designed to purify and renew skin’s texture for refreshed, smooth skin One replaceable brush head attachment Two AA batteries
Its smaller than the Clarisonic but what I love about it is its so portable and easy to travel with. As you don't have to charge it (uses two AA batteries) you can take anywhere in the world and no need for an adapter.
The idea of the brush system is to prime your skin, by removing your makeup and other impurities properly your skin is capable of absorbing skincare products afterwards. Basically, a gentle exfoliation process. I actually just use either of my brushes a couple times a week as you don't want to over exfoliate either. Find the system that works best for you as all our skins tolerance is different. The Olay brush version is a great affordable price!
Do you change your skincare routine every season?
(image: Olay)
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April 08, 2011

Yves Rocher has put me in a Spring mood {Spring'11}


Every season my inbox is flooded with beauty campaigns, the latest in beauty trends are introduced with new beauty products. In this case Yves Rocher has hit the nail! Love the eye combo makeup, the use of colour is amazing. Perhaps not so wearable in real-life but just love that eye combined with the glowing skin and nude lips. The eye makeup was achieved using Yves Rocher Water-Proof Eye Pencils and Yves Rocher 12h Felt Tip Eyeline. Lips, Yves Rocher Couleurs Nature Moisturizing Cream Lipstick in shade 42 Orange Capucine perhaps with gloss on-top. The above image has totally put me in the Spring mood...
Who has purchased new makeup for Spring? Share...
(image via Yves Rocher)
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April 06, 2011

Bridal Beauty {Must Haves}

Brides-to-be or those that are looking for camera perfect makeup, visit Bonita Bride for the exclusive interview with makeup artist, Joy David-Tilberg. Lots of other fabulous product suggestions!
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April 05, 2011

March Beauty Favourites


Lush Colour Supplement
I blogged about these tinted bases last year. I've been playing around with the Light Pink shade this time around as I looking pale & find the pink counteracts my paleness. These LUSH colour supplements can apply sheer to medium coverage, I like using them as a sheer to light base.


AVEENO® SMART ESSENTIALS™ Nighttime Moisture Infusion
This was a fail product for me. Picked this up in the U.S as my skin was feeling dehydrated and wanted more moisture. This cream is definitely for dry skin, but really dry! Found it too moisturizing and actually irritated my skin, broke out in little skincolour bumps.

WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner
If you haven't heard of CO hairwashing click this thread here (no affliation with that site, just been visiting there forever). Basically, washing your hair minus shampoo. Well, WEN's shampoos makes the process easy. I've tried with other brands & found my hair still felt dirty but not the case with the WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner. Not using this every time I shampoo as I'm still fiddling around with the CO method. This leaves your hair clean and looking healthy.


M.A.C. Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15
Got my hands on a full-size sample (thanks to my MAC pimp, your the best) the shade is Medium Plus. If I was to purchase, I'd get the medium shade as I found the Medium Plus too peachy. However, still managed to make it work because its sheer enough to add just enough tint. In my case, a bit of colour as I was having a pale month.

AG Therapy Control Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
With the seasons changing my skin and scalp were acting up this past March. Yes, flakes! Happens...Love the smell of this Pepto Bismol coloured shampoo (doesn't smell clinical) and leaves scalp clean without stripping your hair.


MaryKayTimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation
Can't rave about this foundation enough! Read my review here. This time got my colour right, I could go either with the Ivory 5 or 4. I never thought I'd be categorized as an ivory shade but works for me. Lovely elegant finish!


Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
Back in November I raved about my Clarisonic but I realize its not affordable for everyone. Thus, Olay has released a cleansing brush and have to admit this is pretty good! Smaller, uses 2 AA battery so travel-friendly, and works well.

Lets me digress...March, weather wise has been crappy! Sunny, snowy, windy, rainy and repeat! My skin looked like crap...I looked pale ( bronzer didn't help) and tired. Yes, the makeup helps but I don't want to use makeup to camouflage I like to use it to enhance. So, there you have it I might think I know it all when it comes to makeup and skincare but doesn't mean I always look or feel my best. Vacation anyone?
What was everyone's March beauty favourites? 

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