Mary Kay & FacesByFarah Fall Collection Giveaway!!

Yet another amazing giveaway!!

FaceByFarah.com and Mary Kay Canada have come together to offer my blog readers an exclusive giveaway because we love our readers and fans!

I am certainly a fan of the Mary Kay products Ive tried which include their Tropical Fruits Collection & now their awesome new Fall collection called Metro Chic Collection click to read my reviews. But not onto the giveaway!

Enter for your chance to win the new 2010 Fall Metro Chic Collection!

What you can win:

• One Liquid Eyeliner (Skyline purple)

• One Eye Glimmer Stick (your choice of shade)
  

• One Be Radiant Baked Powder (your choice of shade)
  

• One Vinyl Lip Shine (your choice of shade)

• One Nail Lacquer (your choice of shade)

• One Base/Top Coat

• One Red clutch cosmetic bag

A total giveaway value of $91.50!!

How you can win (mandatory):

• Do you have a favorite Mary Kay product? If not which piece in the new Metro Chic Collection are you most looking forward to trying? (enter your answer in the comments below)
  
• You must be a follower of the FacesByFarah blog (click the follow button at the top right, I will be checking this if you are chosen as the winner)
  
• Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner.
  

Bonus Entries:

• Follow Mary Kay Canada on Twitter (1 entry)
  
• Follow Mary Kay Canada on Facebook (1 entry)
• Follow FacesByFarah on Twitter (1 entry)
• Follow FacesByFarah on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog or Facebook about this giveaway and comment with the link (2 entries)
  
• You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know you have followed and where or it wont count.

Details:

• Open to Canadian & US residents.
• Contest closes at 11:59pm on September 30th 2010 & winner will be chosen at random & announced the next day
• Winner must be ok with their shipping address being passed on to Mary Kay Can as the item will be shipped directly from them.
  
• Winner will be contacted via email and have 48hrs to respond or a new winner will be drawn

Good luck and thank you for continuing to support FacesByFarah.com I appreciate every comment and email I get.

What does Mary Kay have in store for Fall 2010?

Mary Kay Introduces the Fall 2010 Limited-Edition Metro Chic Collection to its consumers.
I have been testing the new collection for a new weeks now and I have to say yet again I'm super impressed with the quality Mary Kay continues to put into its products.


This collection includes:
Mary Kay Vinyl Lip Shine $19 CDN
• Available in two shades: Attitude and Audacious
• Provides extreme shine and a glass-like finish
• Sheer yet pigmented colour offers buildable coverage
• Can be worn alone or layered over lipstick
• Creamy, long-wearing texture
• Flexible and non-tacky formula

I used the Audacious shade over matte red lipstick for a bridesmaid recently and it totally made her lips pop. I love that these glosses are buildable, highly pigmented and super shiny they make my job that much easier!

Mary Kay Be Radiant Baked Powder $20 CDN
• Available in two shades: Dawn and Dusk
• Features three shades swirled together in one compact
• Blendable, transparent matte finish with a slight shimmer

• Baking process in which powder is aerated creates a velvety, soft and weightless texture

Mary Kay Eye Glimmer $15 CDN
• Available in three shades: Disco (purple), Drama (blue) and Dynamic (gold)
• Buildable, cream eye colour in retractable stick format
• Lightweight formula cools and revitalizes the eye area
• Glides on with a touch of shimmer, imparting an alluring sheen on the skin

• Shades can be blended together or layered with other eye colours

I love these eye glimmers, they feel almost wet when applied and are so easy to blend. You can use it on its own to create a easy smokey eye or use it as a base as shadow sits really well on top. They are small and great for travel as powder shadows can break.

Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner $17.50 CDN
• Available in Skyline (purple)
• Felt-tip applicator provides control
• Provides intense, all-day colour
• Quick-drying formula will not crack

Purple is huge for fall and this purple liner is just in time. Has a great felt tip for an easy cat eye!

Mary Kay Nail Lacquer $10 CDN
• Flattering, high-gloss
• Long-wearing nail lacquer in shades of red, deep purple and silver.

Love these colors and the texture of this polish. Everyone knows I suck at applying polish but with the consistency of these I found it easier than others to apply.

Mary Kay Base Coat/Top Coat $10 CDN
• Versatile for use as a base and top coat, providing a lasting ultra-shine finish.

Way to go MK you did it again! Another collection that gets 2 thumbs up!

Available September 16th, 2010. Limited quantities available while supplies last. Available exclusively through independent Mary Kay beauty consultants. Head to www.marykay.ca or call 1-866-455-5454 to locate a consultant near you.


* These products were sent by Mary Kay for consideration however all reviews are based on my honest opinions.

Enter the HUGE Vasanti Cosmetics and FacesByFarah Giveaway!!

Another amazing giveaway!!

FaceByFarah.com and Vasanti Cosmetics have come together to offer my blog readers an exclusive giveaway because we love our readers and fans!

I happen to adore Vasanti products you can check out my reviews on their 2010 Spring Collection, Liquid Cover-up foundation and Face Base foundation powder, "Cancun" tinted lip balm & "USA" lipstick.

What you can win:

• Vasanti Cosmetics USA lipstick - Soft Matte Red. Great red for all skintones.

• Stockholm shadow - Metallic taupe with silver highlights

• Cape Town brow powder - Cool dark brown that beautifully blends in with almost every brow color

• Swiss alps blush- Fresh Plum with subtle highlighting shimmer

• Sweden Lipstick - The perfect nude pink that works on all skintones without looking to girly or chalky.

• Manhattan 24/7 Eye Colour Palette - Inspired by the women of Manhattan who work hard and play hard. This palette contains 5 shades that can be worn by any woman no matter her skintone or age.

A total giveaway value of $115.00!!

How you can win (mandatory):

• What is your favorite Vasanti Cosmetics product? If you haven't tried Vasanti products yet please go to their website & let us know which item you would want to try.
  
• You must be a follower of the FacesByFarah blog (click the follow button at the top right)
  
• Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner.
  

Bonus Entries:

• Follow Vasanti Cosmetics on Twitter (1 entry)
  
• Follow Vasanti Cosmetics on Facebook (1 entry)
• Follow FacesByFarah on Twitter (1 entry)
• Follow FacesByFarah on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog or Facebook about this giveaway and comment with the link (2 entries)
  
• You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know you have followed and where or it wont count.

Details:

• Open to Canadian, US & UK residents.
• Winner will be drawn at random on September 23rd 2010 & announced the next day
• Winner must be ok with their shipping address being passed on to Vasanti Cosmetics as the item will be shipped directly from them.
  
• Winner will be contacted via email and have 48hrs to respond or a new winner will be drawn

Good luck and thank you for continuing to support FacesByFarah.com I appreciate every comment and email I get.

This contest is now CLOSED.

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger....

Applying nail polish just ain't my thing!

It doesn't matter the colour, texture or brush applying nail polish on myself (and others if I'm being totally honest) just never comes out right.

I have tried tons of different brands blaming my inability to apply polish on the consistency or brush shapes, I've tried slowing down and really concentrating, even steadying my hand on a table all with no luck at all. The colour gets on my nails sure, but it also ends up on the surrounding skin, my other "applying" hand and yes even my table tops.

so I ask you is my only hope hitting up a salon to have a pro keep my hands from looking like a 9 year old child? Or is there some sort of secret to getting the perfect self polishing application??

Help!

Signed,
Messy Polisher

FacesByFarah.com was Featured in the September Issue of Anokhi Magazine & on HipUrbanGirl.com!

That's right I have some very exciting news to share! I was featured along with some other amazing South Asian bloggers in the September/October issue of Anokhi Magazine, a Canadian South Asian mag.

The article is entitled "The Beauty Blogosphere" which takes a look at the role beauty bloggers play in this ever growing beauty industry. The article was written by Amanpreet Dhami who is also a fab blogger herself!

Amanpreet had interviewed me a few months ago and after much anticipation the article was printed and published online with only 1 hiccup.... my last name was misspelled in both yikes!
Despite this hiccup which was quickly fixed online when it was brought to their attention I'm still proud of the article and accomplishment.

Check out the article in this months Anokhi Mag (with singer Jay Sean on the cover) available on stands now or read the online version that can be found here "The Beauty Blogosphere". Also featured in the article was my blogging buddy Anjali yay!

More exciting news! I was featured this past Sunday on HipUrbanGirl.com as their Hip + Urban Girl of the Week! Their new bi-weekly column that features a local hip + urban girl of the week, who encompasses a fabulous attitude, job and lifestyle. So feel free to check out the interview I did with my girl Lisa Ng and let me know what you think ;)

Sunday Feature 'You Go Girl' Best of Edition!

Today I thought I would do a run little recap of some of the most talked about and loved 'You Go Girl' features. Do you have a favourite?

Former MTV Hills star Jenn Bunney
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring The Hills Reality star Jenn Bunney!

Celeb Makeup Artist Andrea Claire
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist To The Stars Andrea Claire!

MTV Host & Producer Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring MTV Host Aliya-Jasmine Sovani!

City TV Makeup Artist Tracy Peart
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist to the Stars Tracy Peart!

Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Sandy Gold
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup artist and Guru Sandy Gold!

Comedian and Actress Carla Collins
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Starring Actress Carla Collins!

Canadian Recording Artist Farahri
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Canadian Recording Artist Farahri!

MTV Makeup Artist Lucky B
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Starring MTV's MUA Lucky B!

Hollywood Socialite Courtenay Semel
Sunday Feature: 'You Go Girl' Starring Hollywood Socialite Courtenay Semel!

Catch up on the rest of the past Sunday Features here.

Enjoy!

Cover FX launches NEW EyePrep FX Anti-Age Smoothing Primer!

Cover FX is launching the NEW EyePrep FX Anti-Age Smoothing Primer this Fall!

They want their fans and customers to be the 1st to smooth their way to Bright Eyes with the chance to have EyePrep FX FREE (value $43/£41) before it's available in stores.

You're Invited!
Eye Spy With My Big Bright Eyes... The Cover FX International Treasure Hunt

WHEN: Sept 7th - 11th

HOW: FAN Cover FX on Facebook for clues which will be posted between Sept 7th-11th to uncover hidden treasures in a city near you.

WHAT: Treasure boxes include the NEW EyePrep FX and select boxes will include redeemable Gift Cards up to $100/£100 at participating retailers (Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser).

Keep your eyes peeled and let the games begin!

Trust me you don't want to miss out on this I have been testing out my EyePrep FX and I adore it! Feel free to pass the word of the treasure hunt on to your friends or make it a group event ;)

The Scent Genie is Genius!!

Whether traveling to work, going out for a night with friends or taking a vacation, every woman wants to smell her best right?!

The Scent Genie is the size of a tampon, fits in the palm of your hand and will most certainly fit into even the tiniest of handbags. It allows you to take your favourite scent with you anywhere and not only is it so easy to use but its now all I take on my weekend getaways or overnight stays because of its perfect size (4ml).

Its very user friendly, glass free, environmentally friendly, super compact, refillable & aircraft approved!
It retails online for approx $11.00 and is available in five stylish colors which makes this pocket sized atomizer perfect for men and women.

Here's how it works.I love my Scent Genie and was so surprised at how easy it was to use. I will be purchasing a few of these babies for friends and family who have seen mine and are jealous!
Scent Genie + your fav scent = On the go happiness!



With the holidays right around the corner it makes a great stocking stuffer or gift and is sure to be a hit with almost anyone.
Scent Genie is available at retailers including: CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal Mart, Dillards, Hudson Indulgences Shops, Duty Free Americas Travel Shops & online (not such a user friendly site though) at http://www.geniesbeauty.com

* These products were sent by Scent Genie for consideration however all reviews are based on my honest opinions.

Winner of the Liquid Keratin Hair Treatment Kit GIVEAWAY!

Thank you to all those who entered the Fabove & Faces By Farah Liquid Keratin Hair Treatment Kit Giveaway.
The winner was drawn using random.org which pulled lucky # 20 which was a comment left by

Margaret44!!!

Congratulations Margaret I will be emailing you to get your info. You will have 48hrs to get back to me or another winner will be chosen.

Since there was such a huge response to this giveaway, Ive teamed up with more fabulous companies to bring you more giveaways!!!! Stay Tuned ;)

Beauty at the 2010 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards

The 2010 Fall Beauty trends were in full swing at the 2010 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards this past Sunday at the Nokia theater in LA.

The smokey eye, with emphasis on lashes of course was seen on almost every diva, starlet & newbie on the red carpet, from birthday girl Lea Michele to Claire Danes to newlywed Anna Paquin. Paired with a neutral sexy lip this look was a big hit.

(Image courtesy of Temptalia.com)

(Image Courtesy of socialitelife.com)

(Image courtesy of InStyle.com)

Special mention goes out to one of my fav’s Kim Kardashian who wore an amazing white goddess Marchesa gown and had simply flawless hair & makeup as usual!

(Image courtesy of Temptalia.com)

When it came to misses at this years awards although not many there were a few. Keri Russel with her prom style hairpiece, lack of lip color and that awesome Pepto Bismol coloured dress that simply did not suit her skintone at all.

(Image courtesy of InStyle.com)

Another miss for me was Heidi Klum. I hate to say this since I simply adore HK but her lashes just looked like mascara gone clumpy. Top lashes would have been ok on their own but adding those bottom lashes and white liner just killed the look for me.

(Image courtesy of InStyle.com)

The night went on as Jimmy Fallon hosted and then performed his tribute to the shows we lost this year while impersonating Elton John, Boyz II Men & Green Day - hilarious!

Overall there were more hits than misses on that red carpet and although January Jones blue dress left me questioning how her makeup artist (who did a wonderful job) didn't say anything to her stylist, at least there weren't any dresses with images of the president on it a la Victoria Rowell's 2009 Emmy getup.

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Marketing Guru & Former MUA Megan Pais!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring marketing guru, former MUA, Cargo Cosmetic rep and bride to be Megan Pais!

After meeting Megan this past February we realized we meshed very well we kept in touch and become good friends. I will also have the honor of being her personal makeup artist in just a few weeks at her wedding and I couldn't be happier.

Read her thoughts on beauty, business & Cargo Cosmetics below :)

__________________________________

Who is Megan Pais and why are you so fabulous?

Haha Fabulous? Me? I am a mid-20's beauty junkie who prides herself in being able to cut through the crap of marketing cosmetics. I see things for their true value. As a *retired* makeup artist, I have seen alot through the wedding and fashion industries and now try to make an impact with the current company that I work for - CARGO Cosmetics - through enhancing their online reach from zero to hero.

Also, when I was in retail I noticed a huge need for finding the perfect foundation/concealer and blush match. I then invented a technology that would mathematically match your skin to a foundation/concealer/blush within 30 seconds. I'm still trying to get the technology on its own two feet, but the point is there - Making makeup easier, better and smarter for the people. L'Oreal took a stab at using the system, anyway, and they did see an increase in sales.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

Unfortunately, the places you can find me aren't scandalous. :) haha!

I am on youtube under "BeautyCrime" and I had a website up for when I was an artist full-time called http://make-upbymegan.blogspot.com/. Now, it's just an old blog. Although, I think I need to revive that part of my life. I do have the website up for the ColorMatch technology but there's not alot of meat on there.

How did you get your start with Cargo Cosmetics?

People really disregard getting relevant experience when they're young. They take jobs that are in a completely different path to where they want to be. I always knew makeup was fun but I also knew I wanted more than to be an artist. I built the software for the Color Matching Technology and threw myself into internships in marketing. Everything's starting to come full circle but I still feel like I'm still not where I want to be.

What is your favorite Cargo product and why?

That's a difficult question! I love the blu_ray Pressed Powder. For me, I don't like to look anything but natural. People always think I barely wear makeup, and even though I do, the blu_ray keeps me looking fresh and even without that powdery approach.

Youre in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?

OneBase, hands down. It's a foundation and concealer in one. If I'm on the go, it's probably because I got up too late and didn't give myself enough time to do my essentials in daily pampering. OneBase is great to *dot dot dot* on the face, blend, and out I go!

Has working for a makeup company changed the way you think about beauty & makeup?

Absolutely. It's made me appreciate the hard work that goes into every season. I am able to see everything from the conceptual stage to the actual launch and then the consumer feedback. Every year you try to come up with something you hope everyone will adore. Sometimes you hit and sometimes you miss. As for the makeup itself and working in the marketing/customer service department, I get to see a lot of concerns people have about their makeup. Gluten-free, aluminum-free, animal testing etc., these things really affect the way people live their lives and you understand buying habits a lot more.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand?

Oh gosh, yes. What is up with the orange face/ white neck? I don't understand how in this day in age people can walk out the door looking so terrible. Also, less is more. If I can take a fingernail to your cheek and see makeup in my nail bed, put the bronzer down - You've gone too far.

You're about to walk down the aisle, what are your beauty must haves for your big day?

Yes, I am! For me, CARGO's Better-than Waterproof Mascara, CARGO's blu_ray pressed powder with the new Magic Brush which is AMAZING for brushing and buffing on the powder, a mattifier to keep me from looking like a pubescent boy and a lip stain because I have a terrible memory for re-applying lipstick. One last thing which has never really been big on the market, but I love, is the Kryolan Finishing Spray. This is my "Botox-in-a-Can" and I swear by it to set my makeup. I can't stand wet sprays and this is a nice dry aerosol.

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't pleased with once you tried?

People are very informed consumers, which brings me to the point that word of mouth hype is usually correct when it comes to purchasing. Reviews and feedback are so big now because unless there's a mixed review, the general consumer knows the if claim is real or not. I personally have never bought anything anyone has told me about because even though I love makeup, I love to beat my own path on what I love or don't love.

What can people expect from Cargo Cosmetics in the future?

Definitely some great things. We have our new website to be launched this fall, and that will be full of pro-artist discounts, sales, specials, ability to Ask an Artist and best of all - shop us online! That is going to have a huge impact on our brand image and the way consumers connect with us. What we want more than anything is to be able to be contacted at any time should someone have a question or comment. Customer service is our number 1 priority and we feel that gets lost in many other companies. We want you to feel like you can be our best friend and we can help make you look and feel like the fox you are. I hope that people enjoy the site as much as I have working on it!

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Huge thanks goes out to Megan for taking the time to chat with me :)