Vasanti Cosmetics NEW Shadows,Lipshines,Bronzer & BrightenUp! Swatches

If you follow my blog at all you will know that I'm a huge Vasanti Cosmetics fan, so I'm here to introduce you all to some more wonderful, exciting & NEW products that they have just launched.

The new products consist of 4 new Lipshines (Caspian, North Sea, Red Sea, Caribbean), 4 new Eyeshadow Duo's (Mount Rushmore, Lake Louise, Statue Of Liberty, The Colosseum) and 2 brand spanking new items to the line the Brazilian Bronzer & the BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator.

Vasanti adds a serious punch of color this season with 4 bright and bold new Lipshines. They are as always lightweight, non-sticky and are infused with Vitamin E! ($15)
Red Sea a cranberry red is one of the more opaque ones that would look amazing paired with their top selling USA lipstick.
North Sea a nude beige with flecks of gold is one of my favs, its also more opaque and will look HOT this summer with a tan.
Caspian a pink grapefruit that applies sheer, adds a beautiful hint of pink that will work with almost any skin tone.
Caribbean a true hot pink that looks almost like a neon pink in the tube but applies sheer to make this bold beauty work appropriate.

These perfectly paired duo's really take the guess work out by giving you 2 complimentary shades in one pretty compact! ($20)

The Colosseum pairs a soft nude beige with a pearly pink and is going to be a true favourite for those love soft and romantic colours.

Lake Louise brings together a bold shimmery teal with a matte navy that can be used a not only as shadows but liners too!

Statue of Liberty combines a ultra rich golden bronze with a stunning shimmery green that's both deep and bold and would look amazing on those with brown or hazel eyes ;)

Mount Rushmore with its silvery taupe and matte royal purple isn't for the shy type but those who try this day to night duo will most certainly fall in love!

Glowing goddess comes to mind with Vasanti's introduction of the Brazilian Bronzer. Not only is the unique artisan inspired packaging to die for but the product applies like a dream without looking orange or streaking!

This item is a must have for anyone looking for the JLo glow this summer. It is sure to become a best seller and at $25 this bronzer is a no brainer!

Another brand new introduction to the line is the BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. With the addition of a second skin care item (first bring the Eye Wonder) Vasanti has hit gold yet again with the BrightenUp!'s triple action formula that cleanses, brightens & exfoliates all at once.

Its clean white and silver packaging sets it apart from the rest of the line and is easy to spot with its generous size and squeeze bottle style. I was lucky enough to get a sample of this baby a few weeks ago and have added it to my daily morning face routine. Its micro-crystals are gentle on my skin and have totally eliminated my winter "dry spots" yay!

All new products will be available in select Rexall, Pharma Plus & Shoppers Drug Marts across Canada in the next few weeks but for those International readers or those who cant wait you can snap up all of these items online NOW at vasanticosmetics.com.

Is Shaving Your Face The Secret Behind Youthful Flawless Skin?

I read somewhere that Caroline Manzo from the reality show The Real Housewives of New Jersey admits to shaving her face daily in the shower to help exfoliate her skin. She swears by it and claims its the secret behind her flawless complexion.

This got me thinking, do other women do this? I had never heard of this before so of course I turned to trusty old Google and well apparently Japanese women have been shaving their faces for centuries! Upon further investigation I also read that the Late Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe shaved their faces too... not sure how true that is but it still makes me wonder just how common this practice is.

I have to admit the thought of flawless younger looking skin totally appeals to me but the thought of putting a razor to my face kinda makes me think Ill just stick to my regular exfoliation routine.

Would you or do you shave your face? Would you ever consider it in your quest for perfect skin?

That Famous Louboutin Red Sole is Getting YSL in Some Hot Water!!

We all know a Christian Louboutin shoe when we see it, greatly in part to its famous "red sole" that has been around since 1992, so its no wonder the company is a little peeved that other famous designers are jumping on the sole-train!

Louboutin is said to be suing Yves Saint Laurent because they claim that YSL is ripping off their trademark red-sole. Louboutin has built an empire around its red soles and is worried by another fashion house introducing its own red soled shoes this spring, it may lead consumers to believe the shoe is part of the Loubie collection when in fact it isn't.

Let's compare shall we?

Louboutin's

YSL's 

Similar? Yes..... but is it wrong enough to sue??
Let's hear your thoughts....

Beauty Tip: After Washing Brushes You Should....

After washing your makeup brushes lay them flat with the bristles hanging off the edge of the counter. This allows the air to dry them from all angles and in turn makes your brushes dry faster ;)

My Splitting Nails Are Taking Over My Life!

Every 3 weeks for about 4 years I made the short drive to the little nail place by my condo to get my bio gel refills done. They came to know me by name and I even had my own "box" of tools set aside for me but when I started doing makeup professionally I quickly realized that the nails had to go. I had them removed over 2 years ago and my poor nails have suffered since.

I feel like Ive tried everything to keep my nails for breaking, cracking and splitting including taking Biotin in hopes those little pills that claim to make nails strong would work but nada. No "extra strength" or "hardening" nail polish has worked and my nails are driving me nuts!

They catch on my clothing, make washing my hair a royal pain and I can forget about wearing nail polish because the cracks always come through. So Im reaching out to blogland for help!

What can I do to cure my nail blues? Do you know of a product or a suggestion that will help fix my situation for good?

HELP :(

Clairsonic - a models best friend backstage at Style Fashion Week Los Angeles!

Apparently everyone loves them some Clairsonic even the models backstage at Style Fashion Week Los Angeles! Models got treated to mini facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Sonic Infusion System before heading out on stage, lucky them!

Next time you view a fashion show and wonder how the models got such great, glowing skin think Clairsonic!


Check out the info I got on how Clairsonic prepped the models for their runway strut!


Preparation

	Time to Get Runway Ready! Models arrived backstage at the Vibiana, a historic church in downtown Los Angeles, in the late afternoon.  They were thrilled to received Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System treatments, which removed makeup 6X better than manual cleansing.  Models were happy to hear that sunscreen and other topicals are absorbed 61% more effectively by the skin after using the Clarisonic.  They also learned that self-tanner goes on more evenly after using the Clarisonic PLUS Model on the arms, legs and décolleté—a must in Los Angeles! (left, backstage at Stop Staring!)
Tighten and Brighten! With a week full of shows and parties, it’s easy for a model to look tired. Thankfully the Opal Sonic Infusion System came to the rescue!  After providing facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Eva, Dottie and Jennifer used the Opal around the models’ eyes.  The Opal combines sonic micro-massage with proprietary anti-aging serum to work immediately on appearance of lines and wrinkles and also helps to depuff. (right, backstage at Stop Staring!)
	Don’t Forget the Men! Female models weren’t the only ones enjoying Clarisonic treatments.  Male models at the Future Heretics and Gypsy 05 shows loved them too! Most male models said that their skin had never felt as clean as it did after using the Clarisonic.  One male model came back for a second treatment because it was so relaxing! Dottie and Jennifer used a Normal Brush Head instead of a Sensitive or Delicate Brush Head on the men’s skin since Normal is better at cleaning men’s skin, which is typically rougher and thicker than women’s skin. (left, backstage at Future Heretics & Gypsy 05)
Top Model! Melrose Bickerstaff, a runner-up on America’s Next Top Model, was introduced to the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal at the Future Heretics show. She loved how smooth her skin looked after her Clarisonic treatments and was amazed at how gentle the devices felt on her skin!  (right, backstage at Future Heretics)

Getting the Look

Hair & Makeup! The looks for each show were bold and beautiful.  The models at Stop Staring! channeled Old Hollywood glamour with bright red lips while the models at Gypsy 05 and Future Heretics shows put an emphasis on eyes with dark sultry eye shadow.  Ina Soltani fused the vibe of all the shows with bold eyes and lips!  Hair also made quite a statement.  Luscious pin-up girl curls took center stage at Stop Staring!, while loose and wild crimped hair flowed free at Gypsy 05.  Loose waves let bold makeup make a statement at both Future Heretics and Gypsy O5 shows. (right, backstage at Stop Staring! and Gypsy 05)
	Go Red for Women! On March 17th, models and actresses such as Shanna Moakler, Ashlan Gorse, Molly Burnett, Camila Banus, Brittany Powell, Kate Mansi and CariDee English received Clarisonic treatments before hitting the runway in red designer gowns to raise awareness for women’s heart disease.  Not only did these celebrities have glowing skin and look great on the outside, their participation in the event helped raise awareness for a great cause!   (left, backstage at Go Red For Women Celebrity)
The Final Look! Thanks to gorgeous skin, hair and makeup, models made the dreams of designers a reality at Style Fashion Week.  These beautiful looks embodied the soul of local Los Angeles designers and well-known labels as they made strong statements on the runway.  Clarisonic was thrilled to be able to help designers create their perfect look! (right, Stop Staring! show)

 A Clairsonic has been on my wish list for so long now and after reading all about its benefits its just been bumped to the top!

Toronto Beauty Bloggers Network & Events... Join Us!

When I put together the first gathering of Toronto area beauty bloggers last Feb I had NO idea a year later it would be a full fledged network! The blog & event page at TorontoBeautyBloggers.com  now has 150 members and the Facebook page has over 200 members!

After many meet ups for brunches, lunches & drinks we held the second annual BIG Step Into Spring event this past weekend which was a huge success. Approx 40 bloggers gathered to chat about everything from makeup to kids to work, we ate cupcakes and veggies and in the end everyone received a complimentary swag bag valued at $500+!!

These events are such a great opportunity to network & meet other bloggers in the GTA with similar interests - beauty! There isnt always swag or cupcakes but one thing you can always find is smiles, laughter and makeup chat!

If you are a Toronto area beauty blogger and haven't checked out one of our events head on over to the facebook page and blog to find details on all our past and future events. Dont forget to sign up at the top with your email to be informed on future events so you dont miss out!

Feel free to add the current button to your site if you are a member but keep an eye out for a new button designed by Vibrance Designs coming soon!

3Shah's Help Raise Awareness on Homelessness With Jewelry!

Ive always been a fan of talented 3Shah's jewelry designer and friend Shah Emily Noaman so when she told me she was featuring her exciting SS 2011 collection: ‘Venus Upon Havana’ in a fashion show to help raise awareness for a local downtown shelter I was on board to help spread the word.


Using fashion and jewels as an avenue to raise awareness, Shah's latest collection will be featured on Wednesday April 27th from 7pm-10pm at Nyood Restaurant. Proceeds from the event go to the charity WoodGreen Housing Help Centre, supporting the ‘First Step to Home’ program.

Come for the show and stay for the delicious hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live performances, guest speakers and the silent auction!

 To get more details on the event visit the Gems In The City event listing.

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!!