CK One - An Oldie But A Goodie!

CK One brings me back, way back to the days when my only responsibilities was homework and waking up for school! Since then I had forgotten all about this universally appealing scent until I was contacted by my friends at Matchstick who let me know that it would be relaunching at The Bay this month.

To make sure I remembered just how good this scent smells on me they scent me a 50ml bottle of perfume, an awesome logo tote, a bunch of mini sample vials and a stack of CK One USB diffusers which I had never used or even seen done before. 

I immediately sprayed the scent all over, pushed my neck in my fiances face and said "remember this scent?" lol... he did indeed! I tried to convince him it was unisex but he wasn't having it but that's ok more for me right?!

I was most curious about the diffusers so I shoved one into the USB port on my laptop (I literally had to shove it in as it was a tight fit) and as the diffuser warmed up the CK One signature scent floated into the air around me. While it didn't scent my entire room as I hoped it would it did make working on the laptop a wee bit more enjoyable!

 

 CK One is back baby!! Get your FREE samples until the end of the month from The Bay here!

NatandMarie.com Photoshoot with Billy Archos

A few months ago my girls and talented hosts of their own LIVE web show seen at natandmarie.com, approached me about teaming up for their (hot) geek vs (hot) nerd photoshoot with photographer Billy Archos. Of course I said yes and last weekend we finally got to work on the shoot.

The inspiration was a little bit 6o's, a little bit Barbarella and in the end all about big sexy hair and smoke'n eyes which I think worked out well if I do say so myself :)

Since we had about 2 and a half hours for hair and makeup for both Nat and Marie I knew I would need help which is where the beautiful Sophia came in. She was a huge help with teasing Marie's hair so thanks girl!
Nat's hair was teased back to front and then curled at only the ends to create the look. I played up the liner and lashes on both girls keeping the shadow light on the lid and a bit darker in the crease to give it depth. Lips and cheeks were kept light so the eyes would stand out.

Photographer Billy Archos worked his magic and the photos came out amazing! Everyone was so sweet and friendly and I hope to be back working on Nat and Marie's next big shoot!

Here are just  some of the shots courtesy of Mr Billy Archos.

Models: Marie & Nat (NatandMarie.com)
Photographer: Billy Archos
Makeup and Hair: Farah Balolia *moi
Marie's Hair: Sophia Karda

(Nat)

 

 (Marie)

I cannot wait to see the rest of the pics from the shoot!
Check out NatandMarie.com for their live web shows every Wednesday night at 9pm!

Mac Warehouse Sale March 11th 2011 Haul & Info

Today I went to the Mac Warehouse sale courtesy of a sweet fellow blogger Alicia from Funny Face Beauty who offered me tickets so thanks girl!

We got there around 3:15pm and we walked right in which I had a feeling would be the case as every other time Ive gone on a Friday between 2pm and 3:45ish there has never been a line. It wasn't really busy inside which was nice and we never had to wait in any lines.

I ended up spending $61.02 after taxes and another $15 on the charity bags. Here is what it got me...

From the 3 big rooms I picked up:
Face & Body in C6 (they had maybe 3 F&B bottles left) -$12
Lipstick Dazzle Lipstick in "Liquid Lurex" - $10
Lipgelee no idea what color as I didn't get a box but it was #8 on the table - $10
Lipgloss in "Soft Wave" - $10
Powder Blush refill in "Clove" - $4 bin (in my video I said it $15 but it wasn't)
2x Bottom Lashes - $4 bin

This is what was in the charity bags. 4 items for $5 and each person is allowed to buy 4 bags.
Lipmix in "Burgandy"
#41 Lashes
Creamsheen Glass in "Boy Bait"
Mineralized Foundation in "Medium Deep"

We got a dual ended 2 sized pencil sharpener as our free gift which isn't as great as the blushes or bronzers we usually get but its free and I suppose its useful right?

I also got this tin from the Tartan Tale collection lipgloss set (at the sale for $25, tins on sale for $5) for free because my friend bought the lipgloss set and gave it to me.

Since I am a Mac Pro member I wouldn't ever pay for tickets to the sale and after the last 2 times at the sale I wouldn't ever wait in line either. The deals continue to fade away and the prices continue to rise so while it is worth it for discontinued items and the $5 charity bags it isn't even close to what it used to be which was a bit of a let down for me.

I have uploaded my first YouTube haul video so check it out if you want to hear what I had to say :)



Did you go to the sale?
Can anyone tell me what that lipglee color is?? lol

What would you do with these windows??

After moving into our new home we got our TV set up over the fire place and finally have a second to relax. Problem is these 2 bright windows on either side of our fire place/TV area. They allow so much light in that the glare on the TV makes it hard to watch so what do we do??

My idea is to flank each window with ceiling to floor neutral cream toned drapes so that it all kinda blends together with the stones on the fire place. FI isn't so sold on that idea so I was wondering what would YOU do to filter out the glare on the TV these windows create?

Guest Judging for Balmshell's Whats In Your Purse Contest!

If you haven't already heard Balmshell Cosmetics is having one fabulous contest called What's In Your Purse. You could win Balmshell Cosmetics ENTIRE collection!!!

It runs until March 31st just follow the instructions on Balmshells Blog.

The lovely ladies at Balmshell have asked me to help judge the contest along with 2 other fab bloggers Jessica from BEAUTEZINE and Jacqueline from A Brilliant Brunette which I'm completely honored by so head on over to their blog or facebook page and enter this amazing contest!

An Angelina Jolie Makeover you have to see to believe!!

My sister in-law (thanks Mira) sent me one of the craziest makeup transformations I've ever seen!
I knew I had to share this, so watch as this plain Jane Asian girl transforms into Angelina Jolies twin!



Nuts right?? Loves!

The wonders of makeup!

Everyone Loves a Sephora Giveaway right?

Including ME!
My girl Lena from ListenToLena.com is having a giveaway too good to keep all to myself ;) She is giving away a $100 Sephora Gift Card and a lucky second winner will receive the Flower Kabuki Brush Set pictured below! (Value $41)

 So what are you waiting for? Head on over to ListenToLena.com to find out how you can enter this amazing giveaway!!

My Oscar Night Best & Worst Picks.

I really only watch the Oscars for the Red Carpet fashion & beauty but I have to say tonight's Oscars is actually kinda fun (so far)! There was an F-Bomb via Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo, Anne Hathaway's infectious and every so bouncy laugh and even a surprisingly funny Kirk Douglas as he presented an award.

But lets get down to what Im sure most of you watch for.... Fashion's Hit or Misses of the night! Here are my choices...

Best Dressed:

Matthew McConaughey's stunning leading lady Camila Alves who wore a chic a Kaufman Franco dress. She is no doubt one gorgeous lady but this dress is something that made wish I was in her shoes even for just a second!

Celine Dion in Giorgio Armani Privé. Ok seriously.... did this woman really just give birth to twins?? Her hair, makeup & gown were for me 100% on point. She looked so classy, elegant and so out of place next to her husband Renee... ok that was a cheap shot!

Gweneth Paltrow looking sleek and sexy in Clavin Klein. While the belt or detail around the mid-section slightly bothers me because it makes my eye stop at her waist this dress is so modern and sexy and complemented really well with her pin straight hair and simple makeup.

Hillary Swank wearing Gucci Premiere couture and is probably one of my fav looks of the night! I now want the bottom of this dress for my wedding dress.... anyone know how I can make this happen? Loves!

And now for my picks for Worst Dressed:

Nicole Kidman in someone lied to her... err I mean Dior. Why on earth would anyone make a dress like this? Secondly what stylist would suggest anyone wear this to the Oscars?? It does nothing for Mrs Kidman and looks more like a curtain than a gown! Nicole I expect more from you... but then maybe that's my problem!

Helena Bonham Carter who went from role playing The Corpse Bride to walking the red carpet in made by costumer Colleen Atwood. All I really have to say about Helena's pick is... are we really surprised? NO!

Marisa Tomei looked cute from the neck up! This 1950 couture Charles James dress from Lily et Cie was ill fitting and looked 2 sizes too big as she walked the red carpet. The neckline does nothing for her and those chunky straps say 1998 prom dress.

Scarlett Johansson looked interesting in Dolce & Gabbana but I wont lie it reminded me of a dyed doily. Her hair as I watched her on the red carpet looked soft and pretty but as I saw her present her award it looked undone and even worse looks greasy in this pic. Oh and her tattoo looks horrible with this dress.... well with any dress really... why ScarJo why??

All Images Courtesy of JustJared.com

Jennifer Hudson wore what seemed to be a bright orange bad bridesmaids taffeta dress by Atelier Versace. This is is right there up there with Nicole Kidman for the worst dressed of the night for me. Yes her makeup and hair look flawless but the color, material and style of that dress is all wrong. Not to mention the squished "girls" and the fact that her pasties were peeping out of the dress as she walked the red carpet. Her chest bugged me beyond belief and if you happen to see my tweets during the red carpet you would know just how much!

There were a few others that stood out in a good way such as Halle Barry in a soft and pretty Marchesa gown and Mila Kunis in a gorge lavender Elie Saab number.


At this point in the show is usually where I tune out but there you have it my best and worst dressed of the night!
What were your picks for best and worst dressed??

Time 4 an Update!

I have gotten a few emails asking me why there is a lack of posts or wondering where I have been so I thought id just do a quick update post.

Ive been MIA for a few good reasons! I sold my condo on New Years Eve and in the last month and a half Ive been planning the Toronto Beauty Bloggers Step Into Spring event, I got engaged :), purchased a home with my Fiance, have started planning the wedding which is happening this year and so required instant attention and now... well we move in to our new house next week!

So you can see why Ive been a tad bit busy ;) Things should be back to normal after the move though.

Either way I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that Im still here, Im on Twitter all the time even if Im not tweeting as much and I still love reading all your comments and emails!

I also wanted to share a little project I started last year before I got engaged lol my wedding planning blog. Feel free to follow along as I chat about my upcoming wedding, move & life in general! ;)

xo

My top picks from CoastalScents.com

When a friend recently asked where she could get an eyeshadow palette and some brushes at a good price I instantly thought of CoastalScents.com. Over the last few years Ive tried multiple products from the site and so I thought I'd mention a few of my top picks to help those wondering about the quality of the products they sell.

28 Neutral Palette

 

Price: $18.95 usd

This palette is great for mua's looking for a good bridal palette or any beauty junkie looking for a palette with multiple options for daily wear. I really like this palette when I know ill be on set doing a simple neutral look because I have all the colors I need in one compact palette. There is a mix of matte and shimmer shadows that are pretty pigmented and for the price it really cant be beat!

Gel Liners

 Price: $6.95 usd

I have several of these gel liners and really like them. They come in so many beautiful colors and rival some of the top name gel liners out there that cost 2 or 3x more! At only $6.95 a pop you can afford to try out a few shades ;) Check out my swatches and review of these liners here.

Divine Taklon Liner

 Price: $1.95 usd

I have 2 or 3 of these brushes in my kit because I really like them for applying gel liner. Although for a fine line I prefer an angle brush that is a bit thinner this brush keep sits shape, has never frayed and for only $1.95 its probably the cheapest great investment you can make to your makeup collection!

CoastalScents.com has added tons of new items since I last ordered and I'm tempted to order and try items like the Pro Blending Fluff Brush which looks like it could be a great dupe for Mac's 217 blending brush. Also on my wish list is the Smokey Palette which looks like the last smokey eye palette one would ever need!

Whether you are just starting out or a beauty junkie CoastalScents.com is definitely worth a look.

Do you have a fav product from the site?

Your chance to WIN a pair of UGG Boots!!!

I got my first pair of UGG's about a month ago and have been wearing them almost everyday since! Not only do they keep my toes toasty but they are super comfortable too.

 Whooga Ugg Boots has a great giveaway, you have a chance to win a pair of Uggs each and every month and all you have to do is sign up for their newsletter! Who wouldn't love a pair of FREE Uggs??

The lovely people at Whooga have also offered FacesByFarah.com readers an exclusive discount code in case you cant wait for the draw and need your Uggs now, because it doesn't look like this winter weather is going anywhere. Use coupon code 1459FARAH at checkout for 10% off your order (valid until Feb 27th 2011).


Happy Shopping!

Products Im loving at the moment!

I'm a creature of habit and routine but when it comes to beauty, skin care and makeup I try to switch it up every once in a while. Here are some of the products I'm digging these days.

Vasanti Cosmetics Eye Wonder Eye Cream
An eye cream that helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles, no matter the cause! Most people don't know why they have darkness under the eyes - Whether it's hereditary, thinning skin, broken capillaries, inflammation or lack of sleep, Vasanti has included the latest in botanicals and peptide technology to help combat, no matter the cause. Retails for approx. $42.00

I use this every single morning and every single night not just around my eyes but all over my entire face! The jar is huge and we don't just have fine lines around our eyes right? Its rich enough to keep my dry skin moist in the winter but not too rich that I feel greasy. Its helped the darkness around my eyes when nothing else Ive tried could so that's why I tell everyone about this product!!

(Photo Credit VasantiCosmetics.com)

Cargo Cosmetics "Bronze" Essential Palette
Four graduated shades of neutral shadow are selected to perfectly coordinate and create that perfect bronze goddess look.  Each shadow is even embossed with its function (BROWBONE, LID, CREASE, OUTER CORNER) to make application a breeze.  These palettes have a combination of matte and satin finish, which perfect for a daytime look but increase the intensity of the outer corner color to take your look into evening. Retails for approx. $32.00 US

I really like this palette because I love neutral shadows that can go from day to night. This palette is compact and when I travel it comes with me so I don't have to lug 4 separate shadows. I use the top "highlight" color all over my eye from lid to brow almost daily. I mean just because it recommends using it as a highlight it doesn't mean its not a pretty all over color right?

(Photo credit makeupandbeautyblog.com) 

The Body Shop's Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

This cleanser works by giving you a deep cleanse and by minimizing pores with a mild, oil-free, foaming gel cleanser that won’t over dry your skin. The soap-free formula is less drying to the skin than soap too!

I picked up this cleanser a little while ago when I used my Body Shop Groupon and I haven't looked back! I like a cleaner that removes my makeup and cleanses in one go and this product does just that. It leaves my face feeling fresh and it doesn't dry me out like some of the others Ive tried Bonus!

(photo courtesy of amazon.com)

What are some of the products you're loving at the moment?? Anything you think I should add to my next trip to the drugstore? 

My go to hairstyle these days the side rope braid fast and easy!

Ive been so busy lately that just the thought of washing, blow drying & styling my hair exhausts me so ever since I came across some hairstyling videos online and learned just how simple and easy a rope braid is its been my go to hairstyle.

While it does look better when done on dry hair it does work on wet as you can see in my pic above. Its amazing how many comments and compliments I get on this style. People always ask me how long it took me - my response "2 minutes". This usually raises an eyebrow and is followed by "can you teach me how to do it too".

Ive searched all over the net for a good video that shows you how to do this and this is the best one I have found.


As you see in the video its a fabulous style for those with bangs who want the option to wear them up.

Have you tried this look?
What do you think?

Apothica Giveaway winner announced!

Thank you to all those who entered the $50 Apothica gift card Gift Certificate giveaway, there were 91 entries!

The winner was drawn at random and is the lucky lady named Camelia Andrasescu!!!


I will be contacting you shortly to get your information.


Not to worry, as always there will be more exciting giveaways here at Faces By Farah ;)

The Wedding Show at The Carlu was the place to be this past January!

When my Twitter feed was flooded over the holidays with announcements of love and engagement I knew "proposal season" was in full swing so it was no surprise that January was filled with wedding shows. The "boutique" style wedding show at The Carlu stood out with its collection of unique hand picked exhibitors and beautiful venue. This years show also celebrated The Wedding Co.’s 10th anniversary!

We took the elevator up to the 7th floor where the doors opened to reveal a fabulous grand chandelier made of 10,000 origami cranes and tables filled with dozens of stunning 3,4 and 5 tier wedding cakes. From one of a kind gowns to fun photo booths there was no shortage of inspiring designs and ideas for any bride to be!  

(picture courtesy of theweddingco.com)

The show takes place once a year but if you missed it you can always catch the other fabulous shows theweddingco.com puts on like the The Destination Wedding Event coming up on February 3rd 2011 or the The Spring Wedding Show which takes place on April 30th 2011. For more details on these and many other event visit The Wedding Co. website.