Goodbye Chanel ProLumiere Foundation

Word on the beauty blogs circuit is that Chanel Prolumiere foundation is retiring. Yes, farewell! Why do cosmetic companies discontinue fabulous products to only replace them with not so fabulous products? Chanel Prolumiere is my go-to foundation for when my skin is not so fabulous. Its replacement Perfection LumiereE Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF10 will be in stores in October 2011. Read last year's review here!
What are your favourite beauty products that have been discontinued?
(image via chanel.com)

bridal shoot {behind the scenes}

Check out behind the scenes at my bridal trial photoshoot. Here's photographer Carey Ann!
(image via JoyOfMakeup)

M·A·C BLOGGERS’ OBSESSIONS {Limited online Collection}

The power of the written word in the beauty blogosphere has materialized in a limited-edition MAC Cosmetics collection called Obsessions. What happens when nine beauty bloggers get together in a makeup laboratory;

Eyeshadow Hocus Pocus

The Makeup Girl–Lianne Farbes

Dark Sooty grey with silver pearl

Eyeshadow in Jealousy Wakes

Temptalia–Christine Mielke

Seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl

Eyeshadow in Parisian Skies

Lipstick Powder N Paint–Lesley Ellen Mirza

A muted grey-blue

Eyeshadow in Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!

Beauty Blogging Junkie–Amber Katz

A deep rusty brown with champagne-colored sparkle

Afrobella–Patrice Yursik

Lipglass in All Of My Purple Life

Deep purple/grape with subtle sparkle

Beauty Maverick–Lily Nima

Lipglass in Caqui

 Persimmon orange

Makeup and Beauty Blog–Karen Monterichard

Lipglass in Evolution Revolution-A warm peachy pink

with subtle purple, green and blue micro glitter

Nitrolicious–Wendy Lam

Lipglass in Nitro:licious 2046 

Intense shiny red

The Shades of U–Aileen De Los Angeles

Lipglass in Sonoran Rain

Deep coral-red with gold and silver pearl

M·A·C BLOGGERS’ OBSESSIONS Available ONLINE ONLY June 21^st through August 2^nd at www.maccosmetics.com

If you could develop your own makeup product what would you come up with? I have an idea for a cosmetics makeup line but I'm keeping hush hush....

(images via maccosmetics.com) 

Get Rid of Unwanted Hair Contest {Philips Epilator}

Summer is here and the last thing you want to worry about is body hair. But when shaving just doesn't cut it because seriously who wants to shave their legs daily in the Summer. Last minute barbecue plans at a friend's house could be stress-free if unwanted hair is gone for weeks not days...answer, a Philips Epilator! Last year I  raved about the must-have Philips Satin Perfect Epilator  and when I was offered to try out the latest version, Philips Satinelle Soft Epilator, I decided instead to offer it to one of my lucky readers. I'm so happy with mine already there really wasn't a need to own two!
A review recap:

Easy to use and painless are not always terms used to describe hair removal but Philips SatinPerfect Epilator is pretty close to being the perfect at home body hair removal system. Depending on your pain factor you will feel a bit the first few times but no more than waxing, you just get used to it. Back in the early 90's I owned an epilator (the one with coils) now that sucker hurt, used it once and never again. So, I knew I had to try the newest modern version. Not only did the Philips SatinPerfect not have wire coils but its head is made of textured ceramic discs...sounds gentler too! Better yet you not only get the epilator head but a shave attachment for sensitive areas like your underarm and bikini line (unless of course your brave enough to use the epilator head for those areas...moi was just not ready).

Features include:

·         Two speed settings: extra gentle and extra efficient epilation

·         Fully washable, metal epilating system: hypoallergenic discs for sensitive skin that remove hair as short as 0.5 mm

·         Double waved massage roller: lifts even short hairs for an extra close epilation and relaxes skin for  gentler hair removal at the same time

·         Shaving head attachment: perfectly follows contours of bikini line or underarms for a close and smooth shave. Comes with additional comb to cut longer hairs before epilation or to trim bikini area

·         Ice glove: soothing properties relaxes skin directly after epilation and minimizes irritation

·         Exfoliation glove: prepares the skin between epilation sessions by removing dead skin cells and leaving skin perfectly smooth and in optimal condition to epilate

·         Includes carry case and cleaning brush

Rules:
(1) Open to residents of Canada ONLY
(2) Leave a comment about Your worst hair removal story!
(3) Entries will only be accepted under this post's comments section (i.e not on Facebook), one entry per person.
(4) ONE winner will receive the Philips Satinelle Epilator, each entry will receive a number which will be inputted into random.org & voilà a winner is selected. 
Deadline is June 10, 2011!
GOODLUCK!!
CLOSED!!
using random.org to pick the winner.... is Christina!!

Christina said...

My worst hair removal story is when I try waxing. I end up all sticky, red, swollen with the hair still there!! That's why I would love to win an epilator! Thanks :)

(image Philips.ca)

Hair 101 with Robin Barker

(image via RobinBarker site)

At Robin Barker Hair'Sociates attitude is left at the door, a relaxed and down-to-earth environment is most welcomed in this Yorkville salon. Meeting Robin Barker is like meeting that cool British uncle you never knew you had and who happens to know hair! And hair he knows well, he opened his first salon in 1971 but has been a hairdresser since the 1960's. He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Hairdresser Mirror Awards, he was recognized for his contributions to the hair and beauty industry and charitable work.
Tips to follow this Summer;
Cut
·Freshen your look up by adding layers this season, it will add body and movement  for a more polished and healthier finish. 
·Today’s longer hair has moved away from the flat-ironed straight look and towards a sexier bouncy, flowing style. 
·Short hair is once again hot, either with a very strong, clean geometric feel or with softer edges and a fluffier crown. 
·Remember, the key to a good haircut is to shape with the natural movement of the hair, and not to over texturize. 
Colour
·Picking the right colour is very important when creating a successful new look. Your colour choice should compliment not only your eyes and skin colour, but accentuate the hairstyle as well. 
·When having your hair coloured, especially hi-lighted, make sure the technician does not overlap, as this will lead to an over-processed look and breakage.

At your first visit you fill out a questionnaire and receive a personal consultation, there's no cookie-cutter hair cut at Robin Barker. Your hair should reflect your lifestyle, texture and face shape. I went in with a bun and left with a side part (my natural part is on the left) healthy shiny hair. I wanted to maintain my length for my upcoming wedding thus Barker kept my length and cut layers using his "cut with gravity" technique. He suggests getting a hair cut atleast every 8-12 weeks, protect hair from styling tools using heat protectant products, and using salon quality moisturizing products to get my hair in optimal shape. Best part, I love my hair cut! You know you have a great cut when your able to style it perfectly after a salon visit. Typically, after a cut I complain about layers cut too short and have to wait atleast a good month to get my hair to cooperate. Not in this case! Thank you Robin for listening.
Do you have a favourite hairdresser? Or are you still on the hunt? Share your hair stories.

hair 101 by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Pureology Hydrate

Kevin Murphy LUXURY.RINSE

Nioxin System
I asked for a recommendation for hair shedding & Nioxin was recommended.

Alterna Caviar Texture

Alterna Caviar Working Hair Spray

its Britney....{Harper's Bazaar}

I admit...I'm not the biggest Britney Spears fan but I do love a good fashion magazine cover and Harper's Bazaar June/July 2011 cover is fabulous! Its just says "Summer", natural sunkissed looking makeup and white Bill Blass dress scream out Miami Night Club Party with the girls. What people don't know about Britney,

“I’m pretty normal, you know? Like I said, the type of day I love is just like everybody else’s. I’m like everybody else.”-Britney Spears

For more photos and the full story, go to http://www.harpersbazaar.com/britney 
Photo credit: Alexi Lubomirski for Harper’s Bazaar

Leave it to the Experts {Simple Skin Beauty: Book}

No matter how many beauty blog reviews you read sometimes the best decisions are to be left to the skin experts...dermatologists. Yes, beauty blogs (mine included) aide in helping atleast I hope so in making thoughtful consumer decisions. With so many beauty products out there what's a gal/guy to choose! However, first its important to understand your skin. Therefore, educate yourself. In this case, an easy to read skincare book is;
Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin by Ellen Marmur, MD with Gina Way.

The book explains medical jargon in an easy to read language, no need for confusion. Did you know that most cosmetic companies fund their own scientific research, of course that means that in-house studies will support their claims. Thus, read products carefully when shopping just like you would when you go grocery shopping. Best approach if you can pronounce it that's a good start. For serious skincare issues the advice of a dermatologist is always the best. And simple is better, even for a beauty junkie like myself. My skin is in better condition when I use less products. The key is finding those products that work for you. When I'm reviewing products I use that one product consistently for a period of time, in order to determine if it works for me.
How do you know if a new skincare products works for you? And, do you read skincare books also?
To buy Simple Skin, check you local bookstores as most carry it.
(image: simpleskinbeauty.com)

Favourite Facial Cleansers {just in time for Summer}

favourite cleansers by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

With seasonal changes comes seasonal skincare tweaking. Since, my skin tends to get oiler in the Summer I like to change it up. Here are a few of my favourite facial cleansers, I've listed the ones I like for different skin types although most work for any. What all these have in common is that none over dry your skin.

Olay Professional Pro-X Restorative Cream Cleanser
Great cleanser for any skin type, don't let the Cream Cleanser title fool you into think its a milk lotion that's the wipe off type. Its a milky cleanser that suds-up, removes makeup well.

Dermalogica - Special Cleansing Gel
Been using the lavender scented gel cleanser for years (on & off). Higher price point but will last you more than 6 months. A gentle cleanser that removes makeup. Good for combo to oilier skintypes.

Nivea visage oxygen power reviving cleansing gel Normal/ Combination.

Haven't seen this gel cleanser in North America yet. Great gentle cleanser for combo to oilier skin types, foams nicely and removes makeup. Depending on eye makeup might need a seperate makeup remover for stubborn mascara.

CLEAR by Paula's Choice Normalizing Cleanser
Gentle, slight foaming gel cleanser. Great for oilier & sensitive skintypes, fragrance-free.

dermaglow - Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Great foaming cleanser in a liquid format that the pump foams up. Perfect morning cleanser, not the best for removing makeup so a separate makeup remover is necessary. A gentle cleanser that's good for any skin type & performs well as my AM cleanser for this reason.

CLEAN & CLEAR® CONTINUOUS CONTROL® Acne Wash

Same type of cleanser as above, good for those that are oiler.  Contains BHA so good for those with blackheads as helps unclog pores, but since your washing it off its good to combine with a BHA leave-on treatment for really stubborn blackheads.  

Olay Foaming Face Wash

Milky cleanser that foams well. Removes makeup, gentle, soap-free & fragrance-free. Good for combo to oilier skin types. Excellent price.

Yves Rocher Fatigue Cleanser
Not going to remove fatigue but will remove makeup. A nice gel cleanser that works well for combo to oilier skintypes.

Cover FX - Clean FX - Makeup Cleansing Mousse

Gentle foaming cleanser that works for any skin type. Doesn't remove all makeup, especially eye makeup. However, for sensitive types this is a great option to use after a separate makeup remover. Also, good on it own as a morning cleanser.

What are your favourite cleansers? And do you change your skincare according to season?

Eva Mendes & Naomi Watts have nice hair {Pantene's new celebrity ambassadors}

Pantene is one of those brands that makes its way into my hair routine on & off throughout the years. Two new hair celebrity ambassadors have been chosen to represent Pantene. Eve Mendes will be supporting the Breakage to Strength Collection while Naomi Watts will be supporting the Flat to Volume Collection.
Love that both of these actresses were used as both have distinctly different hair types, while my hair is similar to Mendes others will relate to Watts as well. Mendes explains:

“The amount of torture I put my hair through with flat irons, blow dryers and curling irons leaves my hair extremely damaged,” said Mendes. “With Pantene I can use all of these tools and still keep my hair healthy looking,” she continued. “It’s amazing to be working with a brand like Pantene that is so honest; there were no tricks on the set of the photo shoot. Each look was natural and never manipulated and my hair looked healthy and beautiful for every shot. Pantene products truly live up to what they promise.” 

Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts Announced as New Celebrity Ambassadors for Pantene

Watts explains:

“I am excited to join the Pantene family. I want to let women with fine hair know that achieving beautiful, voluminous hair is possible without damaging your hair or adding extensions,” said Watts. “I am truly blown away by the research and science that goes into making Pantene. No matter what your hair type is, you can find a Pantene product that will give you the result you are looking for.”   

Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts Announced as New Celebrity Ambassadors for Pantene

Both actresses were a great choice, both have great style and hair! Whenever I get highlights I mention, "give me Eva Mendes colour". What do you think of Pantene's new celebrity ambassadors?
(images property of pantene)

SkinCeuticals, a worthy investment?

Lets get serious about skincare, as you get older anti-aging skincare is pretty high on the list of skincare concerns. Being in my early almost mid-thirties I can attest to that concern, I have no issue with getting older as its inevitable but having healthy looking skin takes a of bit dedication. Being care-free in your teens and twenties especially careless with sunscreen application starts to show. Although, I've never considered myself to be a sun worshiper I've also haven't been diligent when applying sunscreen. Without having to repeat what we all know, sunscreen is the #1 product against aging skin. However, are all sunscreens created equal, no. Just like not every skincare product out there works for everyones skintypes. What works for me might not work for you and vice-versa. Recently, I attended a launch for Skinceuticals, a top-grade quality skincare brand sold by health-care professionals & Spas, for the release of two new products;
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
Not only is an effective sunscreen necessary but a proper antioxidant in a well formulated solution. 

I'm thrilled to try out the two new products as Skinceuticals has been a brand on my radar for quite some time. Since being a member on MakeupAlley since 2004, the skincare forum raves about Skinceuticals. And the reviews are mixed, which is good as one can attest the theory as I mentioned above, not every skincare product works for everyone. With that, I'm here to report that my findings will be posted next month as I truly want to see the results properly before giving my final review on the above products. 
My question to my readers is:
What anti-aging products do you use with good results?
And, do you use sunscreen diligently? 
(photo credit: Tom Sandler Photography)

Colour at the MET

The annual gala at the MET this year was in honour of the late Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. The exhibit will run May 4, 2011-July 31, 2011, I'm hoping to get to see the exhibit whilst in NYC for a wedding in June. Loved the colour on the red carpet this year...enjoy!

Giselle, Alexander McQueen red gown on the red carpet

Vera Wang in a gorgeous Vera Wang lime gown, perfect for Spring

Jennifer in Gucci, rasberry

Aerin Lauder, simply white

Diane Kruger with Jason Wu in the designer's design

Evan Rachel Wood in a gorgeous aubergine Gucci dress

Eva Mendes in a royal blue dress by Stella McCartney
(images via style.com)

April Favourites {monthly series}

May is here and the weather in Toronto does not represent Spring time at all, grey days with rain. But, beauty products always put a smile on my face and here are my April beauty favourites:

Marc Jacobs DAISY- the roll-on version is so practical for travel! A sweet, fresh scent that's perfect for Spring/Summer.

CoverFX Natural FX Water-Based Foundation SPF15 in shade M30-great colour match for me. A natural looking foundation that gives a dewy look to skin without looking oily. Very concentrated therefore a pea-size amount is all you need. Best applied with a foundation brush, and for a sheer look use a damp brush. Light-medium coverage, honestly the coverage all depends on how you layer this foundation. Very versatile! I do find that a finishing powder works best with this foundation.

Yves Rocher Culture BIO LipBalm-a basic lipbalm but packed with hydrating ingredients. Natural, moisturized lips with a bit of sheen.

Sally Hansen INSTA-DRY Fast Dry Nail Colour in shade Peachy Breeze- total impulse buy & worth it! This nail polish is thick and drys quick. Gorgeous shade for Summer, got alot of compliments.

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polish in shade Tease-milky lilac/grey, really fun pastel shade for Spring/Summer.

StokoVitan Care Cream for Dry/Very Dry Skin-no clue where to buy this as the boyfriend gave it to me. Says the Air Force pilots use it so must be good & it is. All my co-workers loved it! Very thick cream & a little goes along way. Moisturizing without the greasy feel.

Live Clean {Exotic Shine} Bali Oil Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner-pure vegan, SLS/Sulfate-free and paraben-free hair care products. The shampoo suds nicely for a sulfate-free shampoo, hair feels nicely clean and fresh. While the conditioner moisturized without adding too much oil. Affordable too! Smells like pina colada.

What were your April favourites?