Rimmel London Vinyl Gloss: Love Bug

Turn it up! Rimmel’s iconic lip gloss, Vinyl Gloss, now has a great shine magnifying formula for beautiful juicy looking lips that are bursting with colour. Its pampering technology features a boosted magnifying Vinyl Shine Complex for a perfectly sculpted pout that is up to 80% shinier!

The formula also boasts incredible light refraction and high colour retention for incredibly sexy lips that are sure to catch attention.

On weekends I don’t like to overdo my make-up face.  So I usually opt for a pressed powder and foundation.  I stay away from eye make-up and too much product.  I love Rimmel London’s Vinyl Gloss in Love Bug.  It’s light; it adds a slight colour glint to my lips and is no fuss.  Perfect for the weekends!

I keep Rimmel London’s Vinyl Gloss in Love Bug in my work purse for my drive home because I need the moisture without the commitment of a lipstick.

Check it out!  Rimmel London’s Vinyl Gloss would make a great stocking stuffer!

http://ca-en.rimmellondon.com/

‘Honey’ by Marc Jacobs

I like finding an old faithful perfume that can become my signature scent.  It’s got to be a quality scent, feminine and modern.   I want to feel dynamic when I spritz her on in the morning.  She has to be able to walk with me all day and into my evenings without a fade.

My go to scent these days is ‘Honey’ by Marc Jacobs.  It’s a perfect match for my mood of late and coming off a long vacation away in the west of the U.S. – ‘Honey’s’ ode to nature keeps me in a lovely space.

‘Honey’ by Marc Jacobs is a sunny, delicious, floral, energetic and alluring, with a sparkling, golden touch. The perfect mix of brightness and warmth.  It reminds me of my time in the woods of Portland.  There was so much simplicity in those woods and I can smell the scent of those fire trees even now. I like to stay in that space when I can.

‘Honey’ energizes with the freshness of green pear brightened with a splash of fruity punch and juicy mandarin. At the heart of the fragrance is orange blossom, a note of sparkling femininity that mingles with nectars of honeysuckle and peach. Honey, vanilla and smooth woods dry down to a warm, golden base.

Pick up ‘Honey’ by Marc Jacobs before the holidays so you have a new scent to ring in the New Year with.

Top Note – Pear, Juicy Mandarin

Mid Note – Orange Blossom, Peach Nectar, Apricot, Honeysuckle

Base Note – Honey, Golden Vanilla, Smooth Woods

Pick up ‘Honey’ by Marc Jacobs before the holidays so you have a new scent to ring in the New Year with.

http://www.marcjacobs.com/honey-eau-de-parfum-1.7-oz/HONEY1.7EDP.html

Rimmel London’s: Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm in “The Redder the Better”

Rimmel London’s: Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm

I know I will be doing my usual rushing through airports this week which always causes me a bit of anxiety. But it is what it is.  I’m trying to streamline my travel purse with a few make up essentials to keep me looking fresh and not feeling weighed down.  It’s a science ladies.

I will be tagging along Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm in ‘The Redder The Better’ for my lip needs.

I really like the fact you get a rush of colour and moisture from the Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm from Rimmel London. It is easy to apply even when you are in-between modes of transportation (bus, to train to plane).

I have a few meetings, concerts, and cultural visits which are indoor and outdoor in Portland and Seattle. The Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm is an intensely smooth lasting balm that is comfortable to wear all day and doesn’t leave my lips chapped and feathery after multiple applications.  Who needs the safe confines of a lip gloss anymore?  I rather be bold.

Check out Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm from Rimmel London. The colours rush for hours in 7 high voltage shades.

Dermatologically tested.

http://ca-en.rimmellondon.com/

My Make-Up Bag

My Make Up Bag

The last post in my make-up date series is a look within my own make-up bag.  As you can see I tend to stay with lines that are affordable, road warriors and make me happy.

Indeed you can go crazy and pick up loads of expensive products and not use them.  Hand up over here!  I spent years spending loads of money on product which ended up being thrown out.

These days I stay true to my staples:  a good primer, colour corrector, foundation, loose powder, a bronzer, mascara, a few eye shadows, a few lipsticks, lip and eye liner and lip glosses for touch ups.

I like to feel natural in my make-up esthetic.  Thus, I keep a few good products which work great on my skin.  I have actually received compliments from fellow gals about how ‘natural’ my face looks.  This is thanks to a Mac consult a few years ago.  If you are able, try and get a professional make up consult done for your skin tone needs.  You will save loads of money, leave educated and feel great about your appearance.

I also recommend investing in a good face mask for the end of your work week rituals.  It will leave your face with a hydrated palette for your week ahead.

Here are my make-up bag essentials for your perusal.  Tell me yours!

Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Primer 001

Lipsticks:

Avon (Totally Kissable)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish By Kate Moss 01

Rimmel London Lasting Finish By Kate Moss 111

Rimmel London Lasting Finish By Kate Moss 04

Avon Eye Primer

Rimmel London Scandaleyes (Kohl)

Pixi Softly Smokey Crayon Combo

Rimmel London Match Perfection 060 Natural Beige (2 in 1 Concealer and Highlighter)

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (Black)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Contouring Pencil (041 Coffee Bean)

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation (303 True Nude) Anti-Fatigue Effect & Radiant Glow

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer

EOS Lip Balm

Pixi Large Lash Mascara

Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder – Colorless

Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads

Mac Pro Conceal & Correct Palette (Medium Deep) NC40, NW40, NC42, NW43 Rich Yellow, Burnt Coral

Mac Studio Tech Foundation (NW40)

Avon Mark Glowdacious Illuminating Powder (Shimmed Up)

http://ca-en.rimmellondon.com/

http://www.avon.ca/

http://www.pixibeauty.com/

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/

http://evolutionofsmooth.ca/

http://soniakashuk.com/

http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Target Canada The Perfect Loose Powder: Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder – Colorless

Third in my makeup update series, we look at Sonia Kashuk’s ® Undetectable Loose Powder – Colorless available at Target Canada.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, Sonia Kashuk® makes some quality products at the fraction of the price.  Really you are a ‘winning’ customer when you leave Target Canada with her wares.  You are guaranteed not only a flawless complexion upon application of her products but also compliments galore.  Let me tell you about the Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder.

Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder – Colorless

Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder – Colorless

The Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Loose Powder is a high performance setting powder that absorbs excess oil and diffuses light to soften fine lines and imperfections for an airbrushed appearance. The invisible powder is universal for all skin tones and mattifies without dulling the skin, for a shine-free yet vibrant complexion.

Review:

I have been using the Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder for a few months now after my Mac pressed powder ran out.  Not only was the price right for a Loose Powder but it was able to put up with my rigorous schedule while keeping my makeup locked in.

I use the Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder on top of my primer and colour corrector.  It sets both of them beautifully and then takes on my makeup ritual of foundation and another dusting of a loose powder or my bronzer (depending on the season).  I love how it mattifies my oily to dry skin and adds a lovely finish to my skin tone.

There are times when I am on the road and need a touch up, the Sonia Kashuk® Undetectable Loose Powder is a perfect mate and takes off the edge from my day instantly.  I also really liked the luxe packaging of the loose powder. It looked like a Parisian make up puff case.  Thank you Target Canada and Sonia Kashuk® for making me always look my best!

http://www.target.ca

Target Canada Make-Up Must Have’s: Pixi Makeup

Second in my makeup update series, we look at Pixi Makeup available at Target Canada.  I have been ooing and ahhing at the design of this line for months and only recently picked up a few of their products to test.  My favourite two products that I encourage you to try out are the Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer – Translucent and Pixi Large Lash Mascara.

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer – Translucent

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer – Translucent

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer is a miracle-in-a-tube primer which smooth’s out fine lines & hydrates while making pores instantly disappear. This primer creates a seamless, silky canvas with a beautiful no-shine, cashmere finish. The formula’s skin-loving ingredients clear and unblock pores to allow for an utterly flawless, long-lasting makeup application. It is the perfect skin primer for all complexions and skin types. Pore minimizing. Shine controlling. Hydrating. Oil free. Hypoallergenic.

Review:

In a market flooded with primers promising perfection based on what makeup dreams are made of; I found that the Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer gave that to me and more.  Not only was it effective but it was a perfect match for my skin tone and type.  Applying a primer is a necessity especially if you want that expensive make up you own to last all day.  If you buy anything from the Pixi Makeup line, this should be it.

I tend to have oily and dry skin (which is changing as I age) and I found that not only did the Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer lock in my makeup for the day but I didn’t need to apply a press powder touch up mid-day.  Talk about a lot of bang for my buck.  If you are going to any summer festivals this year, the Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer will be a perfect fit.  Its light, no fuss and an easy ally in your makeup regimen.

Pixi Large Lash Mascara

Pixi Large Lash Mascara

Specialized, buildable formula along with oversized brush delivers extreme volume & intense colour in one sweep. Separates, lengthens, and plumps each lash for a false lash look without clumping. Smudge-proof. Water-resistant. Ophthalmologically approved. Paraben & fragrance free.

Review:

The brush is indeed the secret to the Pixi Large Lash Mascara.  The brush picks up every lash and instantly lubricates each hair strand to take you from quiet girl to vavavoom chica in seconds.  Even on days when I am not wearing a lot of eye makeup, I use the Pixi Large Lash Mascara with some simple lip gloss.  It looks like I’ve made an effort when really I am just staying on the down low.  On nights out I pop on two coats for an added dramatic effect which really brings out my eye makeup.  A perfect must have for your makeup bag and for any summer festival travel you have up your sleeve this year.

http://www.target.ca

Target Canada Make-Up Quickies: Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil and Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads

Today I start a weekly series on makeup essentials that could offer some inspiration in updating your make up bag.

My two favourite Make-Up Quickies that I tend to gravitate to daily are from Target’s Pixi and Sonia Kashuk lines.

Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil

Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil

The Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil is a multi-use, double-ended eye pencil to create a gorgeous look in moments.  The Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil effortlessly awakens, enhances, or smokes up your gaze with these longwearing pencils.  Super-smooth, high-performance formula is waterproof, can be used on inner rim and has rich colour payoff.  Easily blends for a soft-focus effect.  The chamomile soothes while the pearl powder brightens.  Pixi Crayon Combo Eye Shadow Pencil brightens under the eye & on the lower waterline.  You can lighten the end on brow bones, inner corner of eye, lids & bow of lips to highlight for a wide awake look.

Review:

I chose the “Softly Smoky” Pencil to test for my daily looks.  Indeed it does goes on quite easily and stays committed to my lids throughout my work day.  I love either playing it up or keeping it simple depending on what I choose to go with on the day.  As it’s been quite humid – I’ve been adding an eye primer to my lids just to keep the ‘lined’ pencil colour intact.  If you are going out and want a more dramatic look keep the ‘definer’ pencil ready in your on – the- go cosmetic bag and play up the colour accordingly as a more defined eye shadow.  No fuss! The Pixi line is affordable and a great addition to your make up essentials.

Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads

Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads

Seamlessly take your look from day to night with the Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad, featuring four complementary shades to create multiple looks, housed in a convenient palette. Combination of creamy matte shades that allow for high-impact, buildable color.

Review:

Whenever I go to Buffalo I’m sure to frequent the Sonia Kashuk ® line at my local Target.  It is like a gold mine of colours, neat palettes and daring styles that I may normally not gravitate to.  Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads is my daily go to mainly because it takes the fuss out of thinking up colour combos when I need to be out of the house in 30 minutes.  I picked up the Textured Mauve10 from the Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads.

I have worked on my full make up face for years by keeping it looking simple and natural.  I heart the Sonia Kashuk ® Eye Shadow Quads because not only does it add a dash of sparkle but it also keeps my overall look clean and fun.  If you are looking to build on a look for a night out; just go step by step within the quads case to get you ready.  Start with the lightest shade first to cover the full lid.  Depending on how much shimmer you like – pick one or both of the lighter shade shimmers.  If you are looking for a dramatic lid, go for the 4^th and most glittery quad.  It won’t disappoint.  If you have time to experiment, break up the full quad on your lid – again cover the full lid with a lighter shade, pay attention to corners with the lighter shimmer shades and lastly cover the whole lower lid with the 4th and most glittery quad.    Just because its summer, it doesn’t mean you can rock a bit of glitter to work and play.

http://www.target.ca

The Spring CaftCad Movie Wardrobe Sale

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The CaftCad Movie Wardrobe Sale is always a blast.  The trick is you need to get their nice and early, come with small bills in hand, be ready to bargain and watch your hard earned wage just disappear.  But it’s all in good fun and there are deals to be had.

CAFTCAD began from a collective desire to bring together costume professionals from all corners of the industry, regardless of union affiliation.  Twice a year these lovely folks sell their frocks and baubles from industry events to the public at amazing pricing.

Housed in a Toronto’s Pinewood Studios warehouse, a good 35 vendors hawk their gear for bargain basement prices.  Primarily film, commercial and video stylists, young designers and small boutique owners sell off one of a kind, samples and gently used clothes, accessories, shoes, bags etc. for one day in the Spring (and one day in the Fall).  Be ready to have a root around like a rummage sale.

My favourite vendors are Aaron H., Loretta Chin and Joanna Syrokomla.  Their prices always seem to be very close to what I can afford and the quality and uniqueness of their pieces seems to shine out from the rest.  But don’t get me wrong the other vendors are pretty styling as well.

This year I spent $80 and managed to pick up a bunch of cardis between $2 and $5 each, a tote bag for $2, some black flats between $5 and $10 each and some blouses.  Well worth the 7:45 a.m. train journey to east Toronto for a 9 a.m. start.

Follow CaftCad on Facebook and Twitter.  There will be another Movie Wardrobe Sale in The Fall to look forward to.  Happy Shopping!

http://www.caftcad.com/

2014 Summer Music Festival Outfit Ideas

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Seeing as that Coachella is upon us, I thought it would be a good time to pinpoint some key festival fashion ideas. I am not planning on going to any festivals in the U.S. this year but for my Toronto jaunts I’m thinking low key, comfy, stylish but also practical.

A pom pom snood would make for great mid-day coverage when the sun’s rays become too intense. If you are feeling a little cold at night; you can use it as a bit of a snuggle scarf.

A cool purse is an essential. I don’t like backpacks in my regular life. If you can find a neat purse that you can stuff water, sunscreen, a lipstick and some snacks into.

Sunglasses are a hand’s down must. I like the idea of Ray Ban’s because they are always in style and look good on no matter what you choose to sport.

If you are keen on a hat which I am, try a nice straw fedora hat or a lighter fabric hat. Think Woodstock meets modern day cool. Don’t go too far out there and then sacrifice fashion for comfort.

Hairbands are neat too if you are into that kind of thing. But again try to be yourself and pick a headband that suits your personality and your overall fashion esthetic. Stay away from culturally inappropriate head band wear too. Ahem.

For shoes I like booties. Sandals are indeed romantic but are not practical if it rains or you have to trek to port o potties which maybe slightly wet inside. If you catch my drift.

I like wearing a dress or skirt when I go to festivals. They are less constricting and at the same time you can feel even more comfy lying out on the grass or again with the bathroom situation. Easy peasy.

Shorts are always welcomed if you are keen on getting your tan on. I suggest staying away from denim and finding a comfy satin flavour in shorts. They will feel cool on your skin and no fuss.

Lastly in blouses, a sleeveless again satin or cotton number is always a winner.

Have fun wherever you end up be it Coachella, Lollapalooza, Osheaga or Outsidelands. Email me with your good times and your fashion hits and misses.

P.S. All items seen in this piece can be found at www.asos.com

Style Alert: Vintage Eyeglasses Online

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My favourite frames for the past few years have always been a play on Tart Arnel versus Moscot. I really enjoy a nerd chic stable frame. It fits my personality and makes me feel comfortable in my sense of self.

After perusing Moscot’s shop in NYC last Fall and that experience falling flat in customer service and product as seen here Moscot; I opted to avoid forcing myself into a pricey investment and stick with what has served me well in years past.

Off to Vintage Eyeglasses Online I went.

For the past few years I have been patronizing a seller on eBay by the name of ‘egamon’. His real name is Elliot Greenberg. You can even find some of his diverse wares on his website Vintage Eyeglasses Online http://www.vintageeyeglassesonline.com if eBay isn’t your game.

Vintage Eyeglasses Online offer unique, vintage eyeglass frames for both men and women. His frames are ideal for prescription or sunglass lenses at very competitive prices. You can find Plastic Frames, Metal Frames, Gold Filled Frames, Cat eye Styles, Jewelled Frames, Combination Frames and Sunglasses. Other brand names they carry include of: Tart Optical Arnel, American Optical, Bausch & Lomb, Ray Ban, Imperial Optical, Kono, Liberty Optical and Marine Optical.

I found this lush pair which fit my needs. It’s called Victory Optical Milano Honey Amber (size 46-20). Not only was it in a faux Tortoiseshell but it was a little less intense than my current everyday Black Frames (also from Vintage Eyeglasses Online) called Kono Brute.

The frames were a perfect fit and were far better quality than what Moscot had on offer for far less the price point.

When you are perusing Vintage Eyeglasses Online ensure you know your frame size. You can have a measurement done by an optician beforehand so you have a point of reference. As Elliott says ‘these are vintage (new) frames’. They are in perfect condition and in a sense you are getting a bit of history nestled onto your nose. He also indicates the size specifications for each spectacle listed to make your life easier and to avoid making any mistakes.

Reflecting back at the two experiences I have had with Vintage Eyeglasses Online thus far – it has been impeccable. For an online vintage eye glass seller you are guaranteed quality product, a true vintage one of a kind piece, a solid addition to your eye glass collection and far more than reasonable pricing for your pocket book. I suggest buying more than one pair of frames as I have in years past. Not only have I received compliments in travel, at work or at play but as I mentioned earlier these frames make me feel awesome.

Tell Mr. Greenberg I sent you.

http://www.vintageeyeglassesonline.com/