Monthly Archives: September 2010

Ready for Another Round of IMATS Toronto?

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Can you believe it’s already October tomorrow?  You know what that means — in just a little over a month, the International Makeup Artist Trade Show a.k.a. IMATS will once again be taking Toronto by storm!

My experience last year was extremely fun, and this year is going to be bigger (literally) and better!  On November 6 and 7 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Toronto Congress Centre, join me, other Toronto beauty bloggers and makeup artists for two fun-filled days of makeup and artistry.

If you are not familiar with the show and its exhibitors, let me introduce you to some of them.

  1. MAKE UP FOR EVER.  If you’re even a tiny bit interested on getting MAKE UP FOR EVER products, get there early on Saturday.  Otherwise, expect a long line up as MUFE offers a delicious 40% discount on all of its products.  40% OFF.  Need I say more?  Here are some of my must haves: Smoky Lash mascara (amazing volume), HD Blushes, HD Concealer, #112 Blush (for a healthy pink glow).
  2. FACE atelier.  I still think there’s no better liquid foundation than FACE atelier’s.  It is super lightweight, natural looking, and cruelty free.  I also am planning to pick up a full sized Peach Lip Glaze.
  3. Crown Brush.  Excellent quality brushes for cheap ($2-$7).  They make fantastic eye brushes and a big flat top kabuki brush, so stock up!
  4. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.  I didn’t get to buy any OCC last year as they sold out fast, but I plan to pick up one or two of their lip tars this year.  I’ve been told that they are also bringing the new Fall 2010 colours.
  5. Alcone.  Alcone makeup remover cloth is my top pick for lazy face makeup removal (come on, we all have those days!).  They are non-scratchy and in my opinion, better than MAC wipes.

If shopping is not your thing (LOL, yeah right ;) ) the workshops are equally fascinating and great for picking up new tricks.  I went to see a MAC workshop last year, where the MAC Senior Artist recreated this runway look:

From what I remember, the artist used Teddy Eye Kohl, and my old standby Dainty Mineralize Blush to get the pink cheek.

So, Will I See You There?

I hope so! What’s on your list of things to get so far? By the way, tickets are now on sale, so get yours here!

IMATS is produced by Make-Up Artist magazine.

Getting My Booty in Shape with Booty Camp!

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This is a post on fitness, which I rarely do on this blog. I feel that it is important because this is a beauty blog after all, and being fit definitely makes us feel good about ourselves. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you may have already read my spam tweets about my newest fitness challenge: Booty Camp!

I started working out with Booty Camp four weeks ago, after quitting the gym (again!) because I rarely went and lack of progress. I joined Booty Camp for two reasons:

  1. In the past, I have had incredible results working with a trainer.
  2. I enjoy and feel more motivated in group exercise than working out on my own.

After eight, 1-hour outdoor workouts over four weeks (plus DVD workouts), I am happy to report some progress! :)

  • Start Total Measurements: 207.25 inches
  • Week 4 Total Measurements: 201.25 inches (down 6 inches)
  • Start Body Fat: 27.8%
  • Week 4 Body Fat: 25.3% (down 2.5%)

It’s so exciting to see results fast!  When I exercised alone, I found many excuses to delay my workouts (“I’ll do it tomorrow!”). Now, it has really helped to have a schedule that I have to stick to.  While these numbers are great, I know I can do even better.  Right now I eat better but still don’t eat as well as I should.  I really gotta try to keep my eating habits in check.

I have already signed up for 8 more weeks, so if you are interested in following my progress, I will report back on weeks 8 and 12!

If you are looking for a new fitness challenge, take a look at the Booty Camp Fitness website or have a chat with them on Twitter (@BootyCampFit).

Are You Currently on a Fitness Routine?

I’d love to know what you’re doing to keep yourself in shape. What are your fitness goals? Lastly, keep up the good work! :D

P.S. As a reward I am (temporarily) lifting my Chanel ban. :P YAY!!!

Geek Chic: A Look for Ladies Who Wear Glasses.

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Here is a really simple look that I wanted to do because I recently got a brand new pair of frames.  I find that I can get away with wearing more eye makeup when I’m wearing glasses.  I have smallish eyes to begin with and I think my eyes get lost behind my glasses if I’m not wearing any eye makeup.  In this look I emphasize the top lash and leave the bottom quite bare to brighten the eyes.

Swatches (from left): MAC Carbon, MAC Smoke ‘n Diamonds (LE), MAC Coquette, GOSH Bananas

Get the Look

For the eyes, thickly line the top lash line with a creamy black pencil eyeliner (Annabelle Ohmygoth!) and smudge up slightly.  Go over the eyeliner with a matte black (MAC Carbon).  Place a shimmery gray taupe (MAC Smoke ‘n Diamonds) all over the lid  and blend into the black.  Smudge more black into the lower lash line and blend into the grey. Place a medium matte taupe (MAC Coquette) into the crease, and the outer half of the lower lash line. Add light by lining the inner half of the lower lash line with a light gold (GOSH Bananas). Add lots of black mascara (Marcelle Power Volume Mascara) to the top lashes only.

For the cheeks, keep it simple with a pinky brown blush on the apples (NARS Douceur).

For the lips, finish off with a quick swipe of a neutral pink lipstick (Chanel Mademoiselle).

Read on for more pictures!

Click here to see more pictures!