Marni for H&M-Spring 2012

creative director & founder Consuelo Castiglioni

H&M has teamed with the best fashion designers as part of their limited edition collections, this Spring 2012 that collaboration is with Marni. And I'm excited! Just by the snippets of images from their press release, colour and pattern is the main focus and no better way to start the Spring season.
“We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will  feel the same way. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of prints and colors, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time. as the collection will truly prove to be a lovely statement for spring,” comments Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor for H&M. (H&M press release-Nov.29, 2011)

Available March 8, 2012 in over 250 stores worldwide & online
(photographer: Magnus Magnusson)

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Review

Not all BB Creams are created equal! BB Creams (Blemish Balms Creams) are the craze in the Asian beauty market and they are slowing popping up in Europe and trickling into North America. However, after trying out the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream (not yet available in North America) which was purchased in the U.K I have to admit its not at the same level as the Asian BB Creams. For a review of my favourite BB Cream, read here!

As a product itself, the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector acts more as a tinted moisturizer with light sheer coverage. Not highly pigmented as I would like vs. the Asian BB Creams. Only available in two shades: Light and Medium. I have the Light shade which actually blends nicely. This is a thick creamy product that reminds me of a whipped creamy lotion (think Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation), has a slight tacky feel to skin upon application that eventually dries to a semi-matte finish.
Overall: as a BB Cream I was left disappointed as this product didn't live up to my previous experiences with BB Creams (Asian versions). However, if I was to classify this product more as a tinted moisturizer with sheer coverage its decent. Works well mixed with heavier foundations and that's how I've been using this product. Also, has the typical Garnier scent.
Price £10 at SuperDrugs or Boots

Have you tried BB Creams? And if yes, your thoughts?

Mr & Mrs. First Home

If you have been following my bridal blog, Bonita Bride, you know already that last month I married my sweetie! As if wedding planning wasn't stressful enough add house hunting to the formula and well you get the idea. So, after long five months of looking in the city of Toronto the sweetie and I have found our first starter home in the suburbs. OK so its a neighbouring city to Toronto but it isn't Toronto. Which for this big city girl is a big step...as I was recounting this story to a co-worker she summed it up perfectly, "your Miranda from Sex and the City, the episode she moved to Brooklyn!" and she was right. Yes, I'm Miranda & moving to my version of Brooklyn, Mississauga.
Look for future posts on my move to the 'burbs, with before and after pictures of the changes we will be making.

What are your favourite sites for interior design inspiration?

(image: Renaissance studios)

Emily Blunt is the new face of YSL Opium

It was the year 1977, disco music was in full effect as was feathered hair and rayon, the year I was born and also the year Yves Saint Laurent introduced the fragrance Opium. At the time the name itself, Opium, garnered much attention because of the word associations with the drug Opium. Regardless of the fragrance's name this exotic spicy blend quickly became a best seller. Fast-foward since its last ad campaign a decade ago, British actress Emily Blunt, is the new face behind the iconic Opium fragrance. Before the actual ad campaign hits world-wide on December 4th 2011 here are a few behind-the-scene images.

(images courtesy of L'Oreal)

Travel Tuesday {Lisbon, Portugal}

This week's travel feature is Lisbon, Portugal. 

I have a soft spot for Portugal as that's where my parents are from and where I lived for six months back in 2006. As a child I spent my Summers in the northern region of Portugal and wasn't that familiar with Lisbon., I soon fell in love with the capital City. It is one of my favourite travel spots!

Have you been there?

Where would you like to travel next?

(images property of beautyparler.ca)

Sparkle it up! {L'Occitane Giveaway}

What will you be wearing after a long bath? Maybe a bit of sparkle! L'Occitane limited-edition Delice des Fleurs Collection Set infused with rose, violet, and lilac petals adds just the right amount of sparkle this Holiday season without looking like an ornament. After Holiday shopping indulge in a long bath, you deserve it!

ONE lucky Beauty Parler reader will receive a L'Occitane Delice des Fleurs Collection Set, includes:

Hand Cream

Shower Gel

Eau de Toilette

Body Lotion 

Lip Gloss

Details:

Must be resident of Canada

ONE comment per reader

Enter before this Friday November 25th midnight

What is your Holiday beauty bath ritual?

Goodluck!!
Giveaway is now closed!

And the winner is....
Laurence
please email me your mailing address.
Congratulations!!

Do's & Don'ts for the Holiday Season

Have you thought about how you'll be doing your makeup for the festive Holiday season? Usually a black lined eye or a bold statement lip works for me. What is your beauty Do's and Don'ts for the Holiday Season?

image: Luca Cannoniere, GoRunway.com via style.com

D&G Fall 2011

image: Luca Cannonieri, GoRunway.com via style.com

Gucci Fall 2011

the J & J giveaway #5 from ebeauty.ca

Here's your last chance to win a prize sponsored by ebeauty.ca! The last giveaway is what I've coined the J and J Giveaway. John Masters & Jemma Kidd Set:

John Masters Organics Shine On Leave-In Treatment

&

Jemma Kidd Define Eyeliner

Shiny hair and a smoldering eye, sounds like the perfect Holiday combo look.

And while your at it ebeauty.ca is offering beautyparler.ca readers 15% off with code SAVE15 for the month of November. Plus, FREE shipping & handling for the month of November.

Happy Weekend & Goodluck!

Details:

Residents of Canada

One entry per person

Deadline this Sunday, November 20th midnight!

What's your favourite Holiday Beauty Look?

Now Closed!
Winner is....

Lisa (IMC1971)
Email me you snail mail please:)
Congratulations!

Travel Tuesday {Hong Kong}

Yes today is Wednesday, however, since I didn't get to post my Travel Tuesday post yesterday here it is today. Yesterday, I didn't have access to my home computer which hosts most of my travel pictures. Hope you enjoy Hong Kong!

my usual breakfast at Cafe Coral

Sasa, a must stop beauty product haven

Where would you like to travel next?

Time for Giveaways! #4 from ebeauty.ca

If you haven't heard ebeauty.ca has sponsored several giveaways here at beautyparler.ca and so what are you waiting for? Enter! Also, if your thinking of starting or finishing your Holiday shopping head over to ebeauty.ca, as the month of November take advantage of free shipping + handling and get 15% off with code SAVE15. Now to the goodies #4....a Paul & Joe Beaute Set, being a fan of Paul & Joe this giveaway is a must as not the easiest makeup brand to find (unless of course you order off ebeauty) check out a past post on Paul & Joe (one of my travel finds) and review (isn't the package adorable?).

Paul & Joe Beaute Set includes;

Refreshing Leg Emulsion

Creamy Cheek Powder

Details:
Deadline this Thursday 17 midnight
Open to residents of Canada only
Leave a comment: Have you finished or started your Holiday shopping?
Goodluck!!
NOW CLOSED
the winner is....

Kate
Congratulations!
Don't forget to email me your snail mail.
Happy Weekend!

the Bridal Basics {makeup pt.1}

(image: Clint Russell from Renaissance Photos)

In all, for makeup to last for any of your special occasions the basics are the most important. Good quality products and primers make a difference. Would I wear all this on a daily basis, no, as I prefer to wear less. However, my face didn't feel plastered with product. The key is also layering your basic makeup well. Start little and add where necessary. Also, use a professional makeup artist for your big day, even if you think you can do your own makeup, your nerves might get the best of you and you'll end up spending more time trying to correct. Makeup artist Joy David-Tilberg from The Joy of Makeup, did an amazing job + her calm, down-to-earth attitude helped on the big day. Surround yourselves with professionals who you vibe well with and you'll be extremely happy.
More bridal makeup breakdowns coming + my hair "go-to" gal breakdown!

To book with Joy check out her site:

The Joy of Makeup

bridal must-have makeup by beautyparler on polyvore.com

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer -Sand
An old favourite!

Chanel Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup Spf 15
My ultimate soon-to-be discontinued "go-to" foundation, mixed this with the Illamasqua foundation for a  better colour match & ultimate staying power.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
Picked this up in a whim at Selfridges, love the finish of this foundation. However, works best when mixed with either a  moisturizer or primer as this is concentrated and doesn't spread easily.

Biotherm Aquasource Moisturising Gel Pot Normal/Combination Skin
Love the feel of this light weight moisturizer! A staple in Joy's makeup kit

Kett Cosmetics Setting Powder
In Joy's bridal makeup kit! A first time use for me.

Cargo blu_ray HD Mattifier
another Joy's staple

Urban Decay Primer Potion
A favourite of beauty editors! I have a love/hate relationship with this product sometimes it works other times just doesn't do it! So, not sure if formulation changes over time or I just have the oiliest eye lids. Worked like a charm on the day of the wedding!

Mary Kay - TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer
A new product from Mary Kay & from my kit. Honestly, a must-have for the whole bridal party! Lipstick lasted beyond the first kiss, yay!

Travel Tuesday {Sao Paulo, Brazil}

a favourite past time in Sao Paulo is shopping

& of course having a coffee

melissa shop in Jardim area of Sao Paulo, Brazil

get it right for the Holidays with the basics {ebeauty giveaway #3}

Before you go by the makeup counter in search of the perfect lipstick for the Holiday work party start with the basics, a flawless face. Giveaway #3 sponsored by ebeauty.ca is just that, CARGO Activating Face Primer and CARGO Oil-Free Foundation.

Also, ebeauty.ca is offering FREE shipping & handling throughout the month of November + use code SAVE15 for 15% off.
Giveaway details:
Must be a resident of Canada
Deadline Thursday Nov 10 midnight
One comment per person
Goodluck!
Giveaway now CLOSED!


And the Winner is....


Jennifer L. 
Congratulations!!

Truth or Dare {a new fragrance by Madonna}

Madonna has joined the fragrance celebrity wagon and will be releasing her first fragrance in a joint venture with Coty Inc. The fragrance, Truth or Dare by Madonna, will be released next year in April exclusively to Macy's stores in the U.S. With a global release of May 2012.

"I have always been obsessed by fragrance and for years wanted to create something personal that was an expression of me but that other people could relate to as well. Something honest, and yet daring, hence the name Truth or Dare.”-Madonna, Women's Wear Daily

I'm curious as to the scent of the fragrance and ad campaign.

Weekend Treat {ebeauty giveaway 2}

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! Giveaway two of five is up next, prizes are courtesy of ebeauty.ca. And don't forget for the month of November FREE shipping + get 15% off with code SAVE15.

Giveaway #2

Just in time for the cold weather

Winter Moisture Set

B. Kamins Maple Body Lotion

&

Caudalie Lip Conditioner

deadline: Monday Dec 7

One entry per person per prize (so you have 5 chances to win if you enter each of the giveaways)

Must be resident of Canada

Winner will be chosen randomly

Goodluck!

And visit ebeauty.ca for your chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for Two
Now Closed

And the winner is.....

The Procrastinator

Congratulations & email me your snail mail address!

Thank you to all that entered.

house hunting express

via apartment therapy

My husband and I are on month five of house/condo shopping. And boy its like looking for a needle in a haystack! We have put in three offers on three separate locations with no avail. But we're not worried yet! Seems like housing in Toronto is HOT HOT! Or just the places we like + being on a budget as this will be our first "grown-up" place is proving to be hard...thus far I've learned not to get emotionally attached to any of the homes. As I did the first place we saw. With every weekend off we go and spend our afternoons at Open Houses & our realestate agent is our new BFF. Was really hoping to have our own place for the Holidays.
Share your house hunting experiences! I want to read about the good & ugly.

photo: Simon Upton via ElleDecor

inspirational home pics check out my pinterest boards

too early for the Holidays....{ebeauty & giveaway}

Is it too early to start thinking about Holiday shopping, hmmm I think not! Every year I mention that the Holiday season is the must season to stock up on cosmetics. Why? Because cosmetics companies create the best gift sets and palettes. Seriously, you need to stock up! Without breaking the bank or leaving your house, Canada's newest online destination for beauty products ebeauty.ca is offering FREE shipping and handling for the entire month of November with no minimum order, yay! Plus, get 15% off with promo code "save15".  And you could win a trip to Las Vegas for Two, hello Santa I've been a good girl too.
Wait there is more!! I'll be awarding 5 lucky beautyparler.ca readers with one prize each;

First giveaway is a Kim Vo haircare set values at $50cdn

Kim Vo Weightless Hairspray

& Kim Vo Curling Balm

One entry per person & comment here on beautyparler.ca

deadline this Sunday Nov 6 midnight

GOODLUCK!

Winner will be chosen randomly
residents of Canada only
Giveaway Closed

the winner is...........
Elaine A
Please email me your snail mail address.
Thank you to all that entered!

Travel Tuesdays {Paris}

Considering that my full-time job is as a flight attendant its only fitting that I start to share with all of you the World as I see it. Every Tuesday I hope to do just that....

Enjoy!

sometimes a little help is needed...Top 10

all in the Wedding details

By now you've probably heard I got hitched!

For more details check out my bridal blog:

Bonita Bride

where I'll be posting details in the upcoming days, including makeup breakdown.

xo

Monica

(images: Renaissance Studios)