IMATS - Toronto 2014

You know when you have been looking forward to something so much that your expectations are incredibly high? Well, I think that is what occurred when I attended my inaugural International Makeup Artists Trade Show (IMATS).

I woke up bright and early Saturday morning, put on my face and boarded the subway at 07:45.  I had my list products, which is a must as it will cut your time in lines.  First stop - Makeup Up For Ever, which appeared to be everyone's initial purchase, too. Thank goodness I had my list; however, the variety of product was disappointing . For instance, the gorgeous Artist Shadows only had maybe 1/3 of the colours from the range and none of the colours I wanted - Oh well. At least, I purchased my HD Foundation in N117, Cream Blush in 310, and two Aqua Lip Liners 01C and 22C. In total, the experience at MUFE took about 1 hour.

Make Up For Ever

Then I moved on to some other vendors. Honestly, I thought the space would be bigger with more vendors present. Morphe had huge lines as did Nigel's Beauty Emporium and MAC. From what I have been told and watched on YouTube Nigel's has had crazy sales on lashes but I wasn't even able to see what they had to offer. I did purchase some Beauty So Clean for my makeup and saw the amazingly beautiful Pixiwoo Sisters - Nick and Sam. Shit they are tall and gorgeous.

Overall, I am happy I went to  IMATS and pleased with my purchases. If you want to see some great talent and are patient, then I completely recommend it.

Cheers,
Megs

Makeup, Makeup, Makeup

Hi my lovelies, I know I have been absent for a little bit. Work has been busy and I decided to take a little vacation from work and makeup, which also included buying (I know, shocking).  Sometimes one needs to take time away and reassess. For me, I literally took inventory of my "collection". Additionally, I have fallen in love with something other than makeup <3

However, with the aforementioned said, Holiday Collections will soon arrive and I am looking forward to M.A.C's Heirloom Mix. With pearls and Cameos as a part of its campaign stills - it conjures rich, luxurious and ornate textures and colours.  The packaging appears to be black with a glitter inlay with cameos adorning the palettes.

available Oct 23 online in North America

 Urban Decay's annual Vice palette offers a decadent mix of mattes and shimmers. We have become accustomed to UD's quality shadows and I hope this remains true. 
$70 Cdn

image source: www.xsparkage.com

Kat Von D Star Studded Eyeshadow Book $66 Cdn,  includes a mix of vivids and neutrals. This little palette might be a nice introduction to Kat Von D. Her shadows are generally silky that includes textures of matte, shimmer, iridescent and satins. .

Tarte Bon Voyage set $71 Cdn. Tarte typically offers ridiculous value sets at Christmas. This year isn't any different. Valued at $508, this limited edition includes:
20 x 0.07 oz Amazonian clay eye shadows
 0.13 oz Deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara
 0.17 oz Limited-edition deluxe cheek stain in Muse (soft nude)
 0.27 oz LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary (apricot)
 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic (peachy nude)
 0.23 oz Deluxe maracuja oil
 0.07 oz Deluxe smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder
 Limited-edition collector’s travel bag
as per Sephora.ca

Mascaras

For those of us not blessed with long, lush lashes, mascara is that lovely little product that creates the curtains to our windows. Whether it be Bambi or Spider, to have longer and thicker lashes has always been coveted.Thank God for Eugene Rimmel and Helena Rubinstein.

History indicates that like most makeup,it was the Egyptians who started to use products on the eyes and face. They used concoctions of malachite, crocodile stool, galena, charcoal, honey and water. While aesthetically appealing, the dark lashes were to protect the soul and ward off evil spirits. 

My favourites:

M.A.C. Opulash Optimum Black - Teddy Bear brush for volume and a kaolin clay formula that is great for girls with oilier lids. It is a drier formula, think Dior Show without the crazy price.  I can wear this for over 12 hours without smudges, flakes or clumps. The problem with this and other volumizing formulas, is that it will dry out before 3 months.

Maybelline Lash Discovery - such a small brush for those tiny lashes, it gives more of a natural look.Unfortunately, I can't find the little bugger, so I think it is discontinued. Similar would be M.A.C. Extended Play Gigablack.

Cover Girl Clump Crusher - love this little one, as it has a curved brush and literally no clumps. The brush is plastic, which I generally do not like. However, this works really well for giving definition, and separation, while being clump free.

Tips:
- When taking mascara out of the tube, twist it out. Pumping it pumps oxygen into the tube and increases bacteria.
- Remove excess product either on the lip of the tube or wipe it on a tissue.
- Generally after 3 months, formulations will start to be ineffective and flake

Tell  me about your favourite mascaras
xo Megs

Trend - Liquid Lipsticks

If you are into makeup as yours truly, you would have noticed the trend in liquid lipsticks. They have been around in guises of stains, opaque glosses, long lasting and laquers. However, the newest round have produced opaque, matte and non-drying formulations. As someone who works over 12 hour days and cannot be bothered to touch up their makeup, the new formulations are perfect!

In previous blog posts, I mention Pretty Zombie Cosmetics and Kat Von D. Thus far, these guys are at the top of the matte liquid lipstick trend.






Lime Crime's Velvetines are suppose to be very similar to the aforementioned, but I have yet to try. However, I would love to get my hands on their matte chocolate colour in Salem, very witchy.

 

Among other companies creating matte liquid lipsticks are Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (no doe foot applicator), Stila, Essence (3 colours), NYX,  Hourglass (remains sticky), Sephora, MUA, Chi Chi, Australis and Too Faced

Pros: Long lasting, ease of application, smudge resistant, bold colours, 

Caveats: Eating something with oil, these puppies will transfer and disappear. Additionally, they wear in the middle of the lip first. With the exception of OCC, the lack of colours from each collection is unfortunate.

Cheers lovelies,
Megs

Indie Makeup Companies

I feel there is a change in the cosmetics industry as of late. More and more indie cosmetics company have popped up and are succeeding. There is almost this ravenous desire for something new, unique and high quality.  There will always be L'Oreal and Estee Lauder, but hopefully the following companies with stay true to themselves and maintain their quality and quirkiness.

Lit Cosmetics - A great Canadian indie company that is finally receiving its due. Known for its glitters in every colour and four sizes ranging from #1 "sexy sophisticated", the smallest, to #4 "Diva", the largest. There are also four textures; shimmer, metallic, solid and electric. Jodi is effervescent and so lovely.

Yaby Cosmetics - Liz Yu, a respected Canadian makeup artist based in Toronto, made this cosmetic line containing everything you would need in a neat and travel- friendly package. Shadows are pigmented, foundations are fantastic and everything is so portable and affordable. Industry professionals such as Kim Greene, Kandi Johnson and Wayne Goss love her products.

Portland Black Lipstick Co. - Your alternative choice in lipstick, glitter and corpse makeup. With its Steampunk/NeoVictorian packaging and dark, gorgeous colours, it definitely appeals to my style.  Kim's lipsticks have smooth application, opaque coverage and are mineral based. It also sells smaller sizes at a reduced price, which allows for more than one application.

Lime Crime -  Unicorns do exist, and no they are not fat and grey and called Rhinos, they live through Lime Crime. Opaque lipsticks with cute packaging are what made them popular. Most  YouTube Beauty Gurus have at least one of these in their collection. Check out their Velvetines too.

SauceBox - Old English for "Rude, impudent, obnoxious",this sassy little company was started by a mother and daughter duo and self-proclaimed makeup addicts who believe every beauty needs to shine. Their Creme de la Creme palette and now the Etude palette, have gain in popularity amongst the YouTube beauty community. They also produce a black eyeshadow is suppose to be one of the most pigmented and truest blacks.

Sugar Pill - Bright and colourful eyeshadows and pigments, as well as, lashes and brushes. All of which are cruelty-free and mostly vegan. Shrinkle, or Amy, is the vibrant creator behind the line and has quickly become a cult favourite amongst the beauty community. You must try goldilux, bulletproof,and the cold chemistry palette.

Melt Cosmetics - The provocative company, consists of  two former M.A.C. makeup artists, one of whom is Rhianna's makeup artist. Lipsticks are bold, retro matte texture and finish with cool and edgy colours such as Bane (black), DGAF (royal blue) and 6six6 (deep vampy burgundy). These girls are talented and gorgeous.

Pretty Zombie Cosmetics - Liquid Lipsticks that dry matte with bold colours. They apply smoothly, and do not dry out the lips. Gorgeous, opaque colours include 3 Witches (dark purple), Black Cat (black), Zombettie (deep red). The vibe is definitely alternative pin up and I love it.

Other Indie Companies:

Makeup Monsters Cosmetics  http://www.makeupmonsters.net/

Jeffree Star Cosmetics http://jeffreestarcosmetics.com/

Fyrinnae - http://www.fyrinnae.com/

Glamour Doll Eyes - http://www.glamourdolleyes.com/

Geek Chic Cosmetics -http://www.geekchiccosmetics.com/ - Embrace your inner geek with cosmetics. This little gem of a company have  eyeshadow sets that pay homage to Star trek, Game of Thrones and Supernatural, just to name a few.

Shiro Cosmetic- http://shirocosmetics.com/s "Making nerds sparkle" big fan of GOT, they have a Seven Kingdoms Collection. Pretty damn cool.

Darling Girl Cosmetics - http://www.darlinggirlcosmetics.com/

Thanks for taking a closer look,
xo Megs

Portland Black Lipstick Company

 Portland Black Lipstick Company

I have become a little bored with the Drugstore and High End offerings. So I decided to look online and on Etsy for unique coloured lipsticks. Then I came across Portland Black Lipstick Co. With its Neo-victorian / Steampunk look, Portland Black Lipstick Company appeals to my alternative side. Mainly concentrating on its lipsticks, Portland Black offers a variety of distinct colours like Indigo Bridge (metallic deep black/blue), Chaiborg (metallic brown), The Purple Cloud (matte lavender) and Pewter Cauldron (duck tape grey). Whilst the colours are not for everyone, they are different and a nice break from the generic reds, nudes and corals. They are mineral based and come in a Chapstick-like tube. Personally, I prefer a lipstick bullet, but this is a minor issue.

The texture is creamy and smooth, no chalkiness and fairly opaque. Most of the lipsticks have either a metallic sheen or matte finish, so if you do not like frosts, you may not enjoy these. Additionally, frosts generally dry out my lips; however, these remained creamy. Furthermore, I am generally not a fan of mint added to my products, which these contain. However, it does not last long and does not make the lips tingle.

Full lipstick: my favourites too :)
Indigo Bridge - blackened metallic navy
Black Lagoon - blackened green with blue undertones
Pewter Cauldron - creamy duct tape grey
samples:
Artificial Amethyst - blackened metallic purple
Chaiborg- metallic silvery grey with soft a milky brown
Graey - creamy, milky light grey with blue undertones - the hardest to wear
The Purple Cloud - creamy, pastel lavender -nice but can make the teeth look yellow

Along with full size lipsticks, Portland Black offers samples, glitter and corpse makeup. I ordered two sample colours, Artificial Amethyst and Chaiborg. Kim was kind to include Graey, The Purple Cloud and a green glitter. Since I already familiar with the sample packaging, I wasn't surprised when a little baggy containing a sagittal slice of lipstick was delivered. It isn't the easiest to use, but nothing a lip brush can't fix.

Quick and Dirty:
Price: $12 for 0.15oz
Packaging: Tube, unique graphics
Customer Service: Great! When I emailed to follow up with the order, Kim quickly responded.
Shipping: To Canada, about 7 business days.

Cheers,
Megs

M.A.C. Alluring Aquatic

 

M.A.C., you little sea nymph. How dare you lure me with your siren song of metallic turquoise packaging.....damn you!! Ahhhh I digress. Packaging aside, this year's summer collection is just swimming (like that eh ;) )  Check out my latest video about it.

cheers Megs xo

Lime Crime

Lime Crime

Unicorns do exist.....thanks to Lime Crime. I couldn't help smile when I first saw this packaging. I pictured myself skipping with fairies and glitter, lots of glitter. Whilst some may find it juvenile and tacky, I think it's cute and unique. To me, the line is whimsical and creative. Mind you I still love my black and chrome.

Recently, I purchased seven shades of Lime Crime's Opaque Lipstick:

• Airborne Unicorn- mid tone bright purple. Good amount of pigmentation and very comfortable on the lips.
  
  
• Glamour 101 - brick deep red. Glamour 101 glides lovely on the lips  and is slightly sheerer then the others. Extremely wearable red and formulation. One of my favourites.
  
  
• Chinchilla - creamy grey with lavender tone. Chinchilla is my favourite as it is creamy, opaque and a unique colour.
  
• Styletto - black.  Satin formulation that needs more than one coat on the lips. Extremely comfortable to wear.
  
  
• Cosmo Pop - soft, creamy, milky orange. Cosmo Pop is more chalking and opaque, one just has to be careful not to go over the lips many times or patches may peek through.
  
• Coquette - peachy nude. Creamy and opaque. This is a great nude for most people.
  
  
• Poisonberry - deep bright purple blue undertones. It goes on smoothly and slightly sheer. Poisonberry stains the lips. Personally, I do not have a problem with that as it makes it last longer.

L-R Chinchilla, Styletto, Coquette, Poisonberry, Glamour 101, Cosmo POP, Airborne Unicorn

Most are creamy and opaque, with a satin finish without being dry. Additionally, these lovelies have a vanilla fragrance.

If you are looking for vegan lipstck and not tested on animals, then look no further than Lime Crime. In Canada, one can order them online from Limecrime.com 18.99 + shipping or nailpolishcanada.com $19.99 cdn

xo Megs

Spring/Summer 2014 Makeup Trends

Adjectives for 2014 Spring Summer makeup trends were easy to conjure: Macarons (sweet), Sexy, Simplistic,and Girlie.  Spring is fresh, clean and tranquil, and the makeup reflects this idea. I am looking forward to trying each of these looks.

Bright Matte Lips- especially in orange, pastel bubblegum pink, bright lavender
Bronzed skin - bronzed skin that is one or two levels deeper than one's skin tone- think Les Beiges by Chanel.
Black liner- winged, inner rims it all works this summer
Washes of colour - aqua, pink, lavender, chartreuse and white.

elle.com

allure.com

Michel Kors- telegraph.co.uk

Versace - vogue.co.uk

Rochas - allure.com

Burberry - vogue.co.uk

Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers Megs

Blue Cut Crease

The Cut Crease is a dramatic look that is generally accompanied by an equally dramatic winged eye. It requires blending, blending and patience.

Step 1: Draw a thin line above your natural crease. Pick a colour you desire, for this look I used Plumage - a dark teal. This line can be drawn with a eye pencil, cream liner or shadow.

Step 2: Smudge the top of the line upwards, to show a gradient effect and there needs to be a line of crisp demarcation. Also, blend outwards for a thick wing
Continue to add and blend to this line

Step 3: Underneath the brow bone, add a transition colour. I used a warm brown.

Step 4: Add a lid colour and use it to "cut" or make the crease sharp

Step 5: Drawn your wing liner- here I used an Eyeliner in Cyan.

Step 6: Place your brow highlight.

Step 7: Smudge under the bottom lashes and join it with the top lash corner.

Step 8: Use concealer to make the look crisper

Thanks for stopping by,
xo Megs

April Ipsy- Beauty Rocks

Finally, I have a beauty subscription. I decided on Ipsy and there are others I might look into. Here are my first impressions with this month's goodies.

Enjoy
xo Megs

Sephora VIB 15% Sale Haul

Twice a year beauty enthusiasts are able to enter Sephora's magical candy land of makeup and shop at a discount. Let me tell you, my list was made and as soon as the sale started, this girl was in the store. My excuse.....new spring colours.... oh who am I kidding? I don't really need an excuse.

Buxom
*True Hue Blush - Shangri-La -La Blush 5 g $30 Cdn

Kat Von D
*Rehab Elixir Primer 1oz $36 Cdn
*Everlasting Blush -Essex 7g $30 Cdn



NARS
*Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder $41 Cdn
*Contour Blush Olympia

Laura Mercier
*Second Skin Cheek Colour -Rose Bloom 3.6 g  $31 Cdn

Make Up For Ever
*Star Powder -# 940  0.09 oz $24 Cdn

Tell me what you purchased...
xo Megs

M.A.C. Patentpolish Lip Pencil

Love these new Patentpolish Lip Pencils from M.A.C. They are sheer, glossy, moisturising and easy to use. Anything that can be tossed in my bag and not need a mirror for application, gets an A+ from me. I gobbled up four colours :

Innocent - nude beige
Sultana-sheer grape
Spontaneous - plummy rose
Revved Up- peachy-pink coral

They are touted as a lip gloss in stick form and therefore, their lasting power is about the same as one. However, that doesn't put me off as I enjoy a good, non-sticky gloss for hotter months. They also have a twist up end and can be used for Back to MAC.

$24 Cdn Limited Edition available online, in freestanding stores and counters.

xo Megs

REVIEW: Lorac Pro Palette

There are so many palettes out there and with only a handful actually worth purchasing, I decided to do a review on one of the more popular assembled eye shadow offerings - the LORAC Pro Palette. I am not one to "ooooo ahhhh" over the popular palettes. I don't own the Naked 2, Naked 3

Haulin'- Kevyn Aucoin, Hourglass, M.A.C., and Drugstore!

I just can't help myself, I had to give in. Over the past couple of months,there have been some beautiful collections and wonderful new products. 

2013 Beauty

Happy New Year Lovelies.

I feel that New Year's Day, most people look back on the past year and reminisce. For me, it is about looking forward to the adventure that awaits. With that said, the year in beauty has forced me to be slightly nostalgic.

www.sephora.com