Natural Daylight in a box will save this MUA from bad lighting!

I had been on the hunt for some decent lighting for when I do bridal trials at home in the evenings or for when I go to my clients and they have poor lighting when I remembered seeing something on the same site where I bought my automatic soap dispenser.

The site is AgeComfort.com and although most of their stuff is geared towards helping the elderly and those with mobility issues they do have some pretty useful things that I have been impressed with.

They have two different Natural Day Lamps and after reading the stats on both I went with the Day Light – Natural Light Therapy Model DL930 because it was a bit lighter in weight. I took it home and have tested out on a few clients now and I gotta say the amount of light it gives off is amazing. As most of my trials are in the evening this light keeps my condo bright without being over powering which is what I wanted.


I had to play around with where to position it as I didn't want to cast a shadow and in the end I think pointing it upwards so it reflects off my ceiling is the best option (it may be different in other rooms but for me this worked best). It will still give off tons of light into the room without being directly in the clients face or giving off shadows which make it hard to work.

It comes with height adjustable legs that are SO easy to attach you simply wind up the dial on each side of the arm, the legs make the lamp easy to swivel up or down and if you don't want the legs there is a built in stand that flips out like a picture frame that you can use.

The lamp also has 2 settings one that turns on 2 of the bulbs and one that turns on all 3. It is flicker & glare free, UV filtered & safe, has a built in stand & handle and only weighs 6.5 lbs!

Not only did this lamp really make a difference in lighting the room my clients were in so I could apply the makeup better but it really did have a calming effect.

The site states that The Day Light provides optimal light therapy and is clinically proven to treat Mood swings, Jet Lag / Shift Work Adjustment, Circadian Sleep Disorders, SAD and the Winter Blues, PMS and Antepartum Blues, Non-seasonal Depression as well as reduce food cravings, especially for carbohydrates.


I found that after having the lamp on in the evening when it was dark out for a few hours was very soothing. I almost didn't want to turn it off as it went back to my dull yellow lighting. You know its working when even others in the room request for it to be turned back on!

You know I never realized now dim and soft the lighting was in my place until I brought this light home. It makes you feel like you are out in the sun and almost everyone feels better in the sun no?

Here is a pretty informative video on this lamp and its benefits.



Overall I am so happy with my purchase. It retails for $189.99 which while it is a hefty price it ranks right up there if not cheaper than all the other lighting for MUA's Ive seen online BUT this is the only one I found that has all the added benefits such as helping with mood swings and the blues!

Its light weight and easy for me to transport it to shoots or to where my clients may be and all I need is an outlet to plug it into and I'm ready to go!

The bonus is that this item qualifies for FREE shipping in Canada & the US!

If you are a makeup artist, beauty junkie OR anyone who suffers from the winter blues or mood swings I highly recommend the Day Light – Natural Light Therapy.

Shhh Its a Secret! ;) FOTD

Well last night I was playing around with makeup and I came up with this FOTD look....

What I used for this look:

• Vasanti Liquid Cover Up Foundation in V3
  
• Vasanti Face Base Powder in V3
• NYX Jumbo pencil in Black Bean
• Marcelle High Definition Volume Mascara in Black
• Caryl Baker Visage Brow Blend Powder
• Face Atelier Lip Glaze in Cameo
  

Used my good old Canon SD1100IS in the B&W mode to shoot this.... however I really really want to do a professional shoot like this so I can get better quality pics...

What do you guys think??

Are you a Toronto Area Beauty Blogger?? Join our Network!

Do you live in Toronto?
Are you a Beauty blogger?
or A makeup artist with a blog?

Why not join our Toronto Beauty Blogger network?!

Check out our new blog (TorontoBeautyBloggers.blogspot.com) that already has a few great events for April with many more to come!

Also keep updated with our interactive Facebook Fan page , where you can share photos of your work, TBB events, your blog address and chat with the other TBB girls.

We love meeting new people and are a friendly group of girls as you can see from our massive TBBM brunch in Feb, so follow the blog, join the facebook page and start chatting!

Also for all you ladies that are a part of the TBB network and want to display this TBB Badge on their site to show your support you are more than welcome to use it :)

Official TBB Badge! (right click and save)

Cant wait to meet you all!

Before and After Glamour

This weekend my beautiful brave girlfriend let me do a before and after shot of her. I wanted to try something light and fresh on her as I had already done quite a dark look on her for a photoshoot in the past .I did this black and white shoot while I was in school and she did an awesome job posing and working the makeup and hair I did.



Anyways so this time I did the total opposite and went super light and pretty. This is what I came up with, a light lid with a medium toned brown crease. I personally love how big her eyes look there is just something stunning about them.

(Click to enlarge)


I added a mid tone brown gel liner and lots of mascara to finish off the look.



I used my 28 color neutral palette from CoastalScents.com along with a white Sephora brand shadow I got recently and Face Atelier foundation & lip glaze.



What do you guys think?
I was really pleased with how it came out but it was made easy by the beautiful canvas I had to work with!

Eye Wish Smashbox.....

Eye Wish Smashbox..... had better customer service!

If you follow me on twitter you may have noticed my tweets a while back on my frustration with Smashbox and its customer service team. Ugh anyways so after 2 months of waiting I finally got my Smashbox WISH Eye Wish Palette!!

It is a A limited-edition mega eye palette with a value of $234 that includes limited-edition eye palette of 12 shadows, 4 cream eye liners, and a mini Photo Finish Lid Primer. In December I saw a promo code that allowed me to get this palette for 50% off so even though it retails at Sephora.com for $44 I only paid $22!

Once I brought it home it kinda just sat there in my collection because I was mad at Smashbox lol I know silly but it was such a headache to get it I couldn't be bothered to try it right then. Once I finally did get around to trying it though I was in love.... I wanted to find something wrong with it believe you me but I just couldn't..

The shadows are pigmented, the Eye Wish Look Book attached is helpful even to a makeup artist, the lid primer is not bad and the cream liners are to die for. I would definitely say the cream liners are my fav part, they are so rich in color and glide on with such ease that I use them more often then my liquid liners now.



If you are in the market for a shadow/liner palette this is a great choice for you. Its magnetic closure and faux leather packaging make it great for travel or personal use, however if you plan on using this on multiple people make sure not to double dip your brush into the liners as it can cross contaminate, instead just scrape some out with a clean scoop or steel mixer.



Its still available and retails for $44 US on the Sephora Website so pick one up before they are all sold out!

A Winner! .... Who me?? Yes me!

Last week I was surprised to find out I was the big winner of Naomi's favorite items giveaway!
She delivered the items super fast and I was excited to see what it was since she didn't mention the names or colors in her post.

I won a Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in "Sunbasque" a gilded peach with pearl,
Mac Frost Lipstick in "O" a intense purplish-red with metallic golden shimmer
& Vasanti cosmetics Shimmer Powder in "Arctic Shimmer" a color with subtle silvery highlights and sheen.

Here are the swatches.


I happen to already own Sunbasque and LOVE it! Its one of those blushes that I sometimes use as a contour color and I'm almost finished mine, Ive always wanted to try the Arctic Shimmer by Vasanti as I've heard people rave about how great of a highlight color it is and though I think the lipstick is a bit too dark for me it will be fab on some of my clients. Thank you Naomi for choosing me and your big winner!!

Who doesnt love free stuff??

Ladies and Gents who give things to ladies, AgeComfort.com is giving away 3 Authentic Freshwater Pink Pearl Bracelets!!

Think gifts for mothers day, grandma/aunts/sister/friends birthday, graduation, baby shower, bridal showers... the reasons to enter this giveaway are endless.

You have some seriously great odds at winning right now too so head to their facebook fan page and enter, its super easy and you could win this fab bracelet!!



Here are the rules to enter according to their page.
Rules:
- Must be a resident of Canada or US
- Must be a Facebook fan of AgeComfort.com
- Must leave your answer on this post only to qualify
- Must be able to receive private messages via Facebook so we can contact you if you are a winner
Contest closes Thursday March 11th 2010 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be drawn at random on Friday March 12th 2010.

Good Luck!

The Body Shop's New LOVE ETC.. ™ Eau de Parfum

Its time to review more loot from the Toronto Beauty Blogger Meetup event!

I have been using this perfume since the day after the event, it was one of the first things I wanted to try out since I love fragrances but tend to stick to the same ones over and over. The first thing I noticed about this product was the feminine, colorful package and the name of the fragrance LOVE ETC.. ™ loves it!

Described on TheBodyShop.ca as 'A sensuous blend of Egyptian jasmine with warm, radiant notes of vanilla and sandalwood' its got a very unique yet sensual scent that I quite enjoy. I'm normally a girl that goes for sweet candy smelling perfumes such as Aqualina's Pink Sugar but like to switch it up every now and then, this was perfect scent to switch to.

Especially created by The Body Shop with one of the world's finest "noses", Dominique Ropion, even the name chosen signifies love in all its forms. You don't have to change the world wearing this fragrance, but you will love that this is the first Eau de Parfum to feature an alcohol perfume base created from an ingredient which is fairly-traded and organic.

Overall I really like this perfume and its adorable little bottle that I can throw in my purse or take on vacation. The 30ml bottle (pictured below) retails for approx $24.00 and the 50ml is $29.50, which in my opinion are very reasonable prices. It also comes in a milder Eau De Toilette form that retails for $25.00 for the 50ml bottle. The fragrance when applied to my pressure points I found lasted about 6-8 hours, left me smelling like a flower in bloom and worked well with my body chemistry so for this reason I'm giving this Eau de Parfum 2 thumbs up!

So I went to the Mac Warehouse Sale and all I got was...

This past weekend was the first Mac/Estee Lauder warehouse sale of the year (they usually have 3 a year) and I was lucky enough to grab 1 ticket from a dear friend who totally hooked me up. My ticket was for Saturday and even though I was booked to work an event at 1pm I was determined to get up early to check out the sale.

I got there at about 8:30am and the line was surprisingly moving, I ended up waiting outside for about 30 mins and then moved to the inside line which took another 30 mins.

The outside line behind me 2 minutes after I arrived... it wrapped the building.


The inside line... at least we were warm!


There are 3 rooms to filter through however in my opinion the first was a waste of time. The first room if I remember correctly had 1 eyeshadow palette to choose from I guess the others had sold out and some other items such as Clinque and Origins that I wasn't so interested in so I skipped that room and went to the next.

I didn't get the $75-$120 perfumes and candles... like really who comes to the Mac sale for that?


In the second room I picked up some brushes and 3 shadows and 1 pigment and moved right along to the last room. This is where all the lip products, blushes and $3 items were and it was line up after line up.

I didn't want to spend too much time looking at every single blush or lipstick because I didn't need much so I just got 2 backups of one of my fav blushes ($12 each), 1 lipgloss and 1 lipstick (2 for $10) and headed to the $3 line where I grabbed 2 mini fix+ sprays and half lashes.

All the ladies digging through the $3 bins...


Then it was time to pay and I gotta say I stayed under budget!! I got some charity bags which cost $5 each and included 1 makeup pouch, lip liner, lipstick and a dazzleglass lipgloss, got my free gift a mineralize skinfinish and left the building before I could do any more damage!

Here are all the goodies I got this time.

• 2x Mini Fix + Sprays
  
• Half lashes #20
• Half Lashes #38
  
• 2x 'Other Worldly' Shimmer Tone Blush
• 'Circa Plum' Pigment
• 'Wintersky' Shadow
• 'Talent Pool' Shadow
• 'French Cuff' Shadow
• 'Blow Dry' Lustre Lipstick
• 'Splendid' Lipglass Lip Gloss from the Dame Edna collection
  
• #272 Brush
• Set of Brushes #212se,#168se, #219se, #275se & #187se
  
• 'Perfect Topping' Mineralize Shinfinish (Free Gift)
• 'Get Rich Quick' Dazzleglass (Charity bag)
• 'Cedar' Lip Pencil (Charity bag)
• 'Fantasia' Lustre Lipstick (Charity bag)
• Mini silver makeup pouch (Charity bag)

Overall I'm so glad I got the chance to go but I was a little disappointed at the lack of selection. I wanted to get more eye shadow quads and lashes but there was no variety. I really think that if you don't get a chance to go Friday you really miss out on some serious goodies.

Did you get a chance to go to the Mac Warehouse Sale? How did you find it? What did you get?

Vasanti Cosmetics Foundations? Yes please!

I have been a long time fan of Vasanti Cosmetics as you can see from my post on their "Cancun" tinted lip balm & a "USA" lipstick, still 2 of my favs.

It all started at the 2009 Suhaag Bridal show where my makeup school was doing the hair and makeup for the fashion show. I was behind the scenes for the most part but did get a chance after the runway show to walk around a bit. I headed straight to the Vasanti booth as I had heard many great things about them in the past. It was packed! As I waited to speak to one of the artists I glanced at all the fun products but was mostly drawn to the foundations and powders because at the time I had such a hard time finding a perfect shade for me. An artist's chair opened, I was greeted very warmly and asked if I wanted to try any of the products.... I sat down right away and with a huge smile said "I sure would!"

Well that was a year ago and Ive been hooked ever since. I'm a HUGE fan of their Liquid Cover-up foundation and their Face Base foundation powder. Not only because they match my skin tone to a tee but because they feel ultra light which for me is important.



I start each morning with my Liquid Cover-up Foundation in the V3 shade (for reference im a NC35) which Ill sometimes only wear it under my eyes and other times all over my face. Its easy to apply with its attached brush and acts as a concealer and foundation in one. It blends into my skin so well I often forget I'm wearing it and is oil free which I prefer.


It comes in 15 different shades, cost approx $23.00 and a little goes a long way with these foundations and since they are buildable the possibilities are endless!

I finish off with the Face Base Foundation powder which can be used with the sponge provided for a fuller coverage or with a powder brush for a light dusting. In my case I generally don't need more coverage after the Liquid Cover-Up so I just use a fluffy brush and it keeps my face nice and matte. The Face Base is oil free and oil absorbing, non- comodogenic and light weight. It also comes in 15 different shades, cost approx $25.00.


I love the colorful boxes and sleek silver packaging that helps the line stand out and I find the more I try out the brand the more I love the products. Vasanti Cosmetics products are available in select Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall's (click here to find a location near you) as well as online at Amazon.com and on their website vasanticomstics.com.

Check back soon for my review of their new spring line set to hit stores at the end of March.

Thank you Smudge Eyeliner & High Definition Volume Mascara!!

I got around to playing with more of the wonderful donations from the Toronto Beauty Blogger meetup a few weeks ago.

This time it was the Annabelle Cosmetics Smudge Eyeliners & Marcelle High Definition Volume Mascara. I was so happy when I saw the smudge liners were included because the one I had been using (also Annabelle one of my favs) was about the size of my pinky finger and becoming very hard to sharpen!

I have been wearing the Rich Chocolate color everyday for the past week and love it. The color isn't as harsh as black so its perfect for daytime. The smudger tool attached to one end of the liner makes creating a softer look a lot easier than using my finger or a qtip and the creamy texture of the pencil really allows it to glide on smooth.

The Smudge liners come in 12 different colors.


With their superior long-lasting formula and rich colour pay-off, Annabelle Smudge liners are a must-have to add depth to any look! Let them glide to create a defined line, or blend gently with the built-in smudger tip to achieve a smoky, sultry look.

The colors I tested were Rich Chocolate, Vortex Violet & OhMyGoth!
Here are the swatches.


The rubber smudger on the back is easy to use and soft enough that it wont pull your skin too hard. Debuting in February of 2009 this liner was voted as the 2009 Chatelaine winner so you know it must be fab! (for a list of where you can find this product click here)



I also received the Marcelle High Definition Volume Mascara which I didn't think anything of until I tried it and WOW!

Just look at these lashes! Need I say more??


The website states it has a ultra-flexible polymer brush with microchambers that seizes lashes one by one, without clumps. That's exactly what it does however I don't find the brush all too flexible, in fact the bristles are quite sharp and I teared up the first time I used it as it hurt when it accidentally hit the inside of my eyelid. Once I got used to it however I haven't had that problem again and am totally satisfied with how well this mascara works for me.

It curls and separates my lashes just the way I like and although most times I use 2 coats by habit I really don't need to as one coat does just as good of a job. Its also enriched with oil olive and rice brand wax, and the revitalizing lightweight gel formula provides maximal volume without any heavy feeling. Another great thing that I find is super important these days in terms of mascara is that its hypo-allergenic and perfume free so reactions are less likely to happen.

Also released in February 2009 its available in 3 colors: Black, Soft Black & Brown and can be found at pharmacies and mass retails stores across Canada (for a list of where you can find this product click here)

The Marcelle Group has done a fantastic job at keeping us happy with wonderful and innovative products. Do you have a favorite Marcelle or Annabelle Cosmetics product?

How I get my Glow on Nars style!

For the last little while I have been getting compliments left right and center on my skin. I kept thinking to myself what am I doing so different that I'm getting all these compliments. After thinking about it for 2 days now Ive finally figured it out..... Its the addition of Nars Orgasm Blush to my daily routine!

I received my first ever Nars blush in January in a gift exchange and was delighted when I saw it was the shade called "orgasm". I had seen this shade at Sephora many times but always thought it was too pink and bright for me. After seeing it on a friend with my skin tone I wanted to try it out.

So Ive been applying it ever since and absolutely LOVE it! Its a pinky-peach color with subtle accents of golden shimmer that provides a glow to flatter any skin tone. I thought it would have too much shimmer but was surprised to see that it gives my skin a healthy glow without making me look like a disco ball!

Picture from the Sepora site.

Actual picture from my camera.


Recently Ive been pairing it with Mac's Limited Edition "Other Wordly" sheertone shimmer blush. I think this is my winning combination!
(I know the color of the blush looks different in this pic but it was the lighting)

Swatches



What I like:

• Gives a healthy glow
• Universally flattering shade so I know it will work for my clients too
• Color isn't too strong or pigmented which I like because you can layer it
  
• Works well when paired with other blushes/bronzers
• Looks like it will last quite a while
  

What I dislike:

• Price ($26 + tax at Sephora)
• Matte packaging
  

I really wish they would change their packaging as I find the matte black cases SO difficult to keep clean no matter how hard I try but I guess its a small price to pay for such a wonderful product!

This is my compact just after I wiped it down... still dirty!

Overall this blush has worked wonders for me. I have never gotten this many compliments on my skin or been told I have a glow this many times before. If you haven't tried this blush and have about $30 to spend I would highly recommend Nars Orgasm blush as an addition to your collection.