The Beauty Board 2011

This was my first time at the annual "Beauty Board" event, put on by the lovely Stephanie Anne Daga. (Of BlushPretty). I attended the event with fellow blogger Anneke (of Rogue Beauty). We really weren't sure what to expect from the event, but we ended up having an amazing time!!!

Lots of brands (many Canadian, yea!!)  were in attendance. Brands like: Cheeky Monkey, Consonant, Avon/Mark, Vasanti, Revolution Organics, Covergirl, Olay, Secret, and Dalish.

Two companies that really stood out to me, were: Vasanti and Cheeky Monkey.

What I love about Vasanti Cosmetics, was that it had foundations and concealers to match women of ALL colours. Many lines seem to overlook women with darker skin colours, but not Vasanti. Another item I loved from there line were the lip glosses. They were super moisturizing!!!! I wanted all of them!!!

Plus, the two ladies working the Vasanti booth were super nice, and did a little makeup touch up for me....sadly I forgot to take a picture. The eye shadows however, seem to be made with a lot pigment!!! Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like a wimpy shadow.....I like my shadows with a good punch of pigment!!! Vasanti did not disappoint!

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics, was another brand that I just fell head-over-heels for. First off, the colour range is amazing! So many shades to fall for....my fav's were "pop my cherry" and "hungover". I will post pictures of the colours once I get a manicure! I have a serious weakness for nail polish and "Cheeky Monkey" is my new addiction!!!

Another notable mention is this cheek tint from Revolution Organics. I want it so bad. It wasn't for sale at the show, but Stephanie from Blush Pretty sells it at her shop on Queen st.

What do you think of the Beauty Board event? Will I see you there next year?
xo,
S.

Attn: UK beauty bloggers....help me shop!

I've been away for a while, mostly because I recently moved apartments.  Besides moving being super tiring, it also sucked out any creative juices I once had, (for the last couple of weeks). But I'm back, baby!!!

And volcano eruption permitting, I will be leaving with my boyfriend to visit his family in Scotland. I can't wait!!!
So, this brings me to my question for UK beauty bloggers.....what cosmetic lines should I be looking for across the pond? I love shopping at BOOTS, and I've been to Superdrug....just wondering what makeup and/or skincare lines to look for?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! And please keep your fingers crossed that the Icelandic volcano doesn't spoil my trip!!!

xo,
S.

For all the Make-up Artists out there.....

I have a question on preferred technique when it comes to applying foundation.  Do you usually use a brush or a sponge? I was taught by an instructor that definitely preferred using a sponge, but I personally found that it uses almost double the product. However, I recently did purchase a foundation sponge from Sephora, which I really quite like. It just made me think about what most artists out there would use on a regular basis? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter, and also any new products that you just love!!!

xo,
S.

Tom Ford Lipstick

Look at this image for Tom Ford lipstick. It sure makes me want to buy some.  HOT! HOT! HOT!

I love that he designed it with his initials stamped on the actual lipstick itself. Very luxurious!

xo,

S.

MAC- Liberty of London

I can't wait for Mac to launch their "Liberty of London" line of colours.

The packaging is amazing and the shades are totally fun for spring. Here's a sneak peak at a few items that I will be purchasing.

xo,

S.

Wow, what a face!

I was looking through Sephora's Beauty and the Blog and came across a pic of such a beautiful face! This model Gwen at the Susan Woo show. Makeup artist Tina Turnbow (for Tarte cosmetics), did such a wonderful job with beautiful, under-stated makeup. I just loved this whole look....beautiful makeup on a beautiful model! I'm going to try this look on myself this weekend!!!

p.s. I really think that short "pixi-like" haircuts are coming back into fashion. I've had a lot more requests for them, from ladies young and old. It is the perfect cut to experiment with bolder hair colour, like seen on model Gwen. Doesn't have to be bleach blond...try brighter reds, or darker violets.

xo,
S.

Sephora

So, last night I went to Sephora with a gift certificate that I received for my birthday. I was extra thrilled because I thought that I had lost the g/c. (My b-day is in July, so that's a long time to go without).
I bought two items that I have wanted for a long time. For most make-up mavens, these products are nothing new. However, for many.....they are trusted "gems".

The first is Urban Decay's eye primer.

I've wanted this product for a long time, and I don't really know why I haven't purchased it before now? Anyways, on the packaging, it is stated that it is Urban Decay's best selling product and I can totally see why. No creasing!!!! I'm in love.

The second purchase was a Nars blush in "orgasm". I have friends that have raved about this shade for years. I do really like the colour....I just have to get used to it on me. It is a little more pigmentd then the "springsheen" colour from MAC that I have been wearing for ages.

Maybe I need to start using my Jergens Glow again to get a little more colour in my complexion. I will be making another trip to Sephora soon, to check out all of their holiday packaging that has been released. Can't wait!!!

xo,
S.

Scarlett Johansson for D&G

Scarlett is one of those lady's that I would really love to hate. She's beautiful and talented......not to mention that she has a great figure and a deep smouldering voice. She's really my worst nightmare. Ok, fine...I'll admit that I'm being quite dramatic, but ScarJo is quite a force to be reckoned with.

She has been the spokes model for Dolce and Gabbana for the last couple of seasons and I have to say that the imagery is beautiful. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a big fan of the 1950's glamour look, mainly that of Hollywood pin-ups.

I have yet to try out any of the D&G cosmetic line, but the retro through back in their advertising has me wanting to rush to the nearest cosmetic counter to purchase everything in sight.

Another fragrance with Rose!!!

xo,

S.