Positively Stunning

What's really great about being a makeup artist is that I get to meet some incredible personalities.  Seriously, considering that I pretty much invade people's personal space and attack them with my brushes, it's amazing to hear what some people are willing to share.  Maybe it's more natural than I think since I have the opportunity to be a part of their transformation in front of the lens.  Anywho, check out MF and her beautiful transformation.

Photographer:  Ella Photography  MUA: Janet Persaud

Brow Power

It's probably the thing that is most over looked on our face, but can make all the difference in our photos.  Our eyebrows not only help frame our face, it completes our look. While shape is really important, something as simple as filling them in or making them darker will help a lot too.  So this post is going out to those light weights, skimpy, sparse, and thinning brows, because we all deserve to be fearlessly fierce.

Bleached out brows are a thing of the past; start framing! Photo from: Makeup Artist Meet

EyEnvy

Ever wanted fuller, longer lashes or wanted to erase the effects of over tweezing?  Well this year at Toronto IMATS I stumbled upon a product, EyEnvy, that promises to do that exact thing! EyEnvy's unique formula is suppose to help practically double your lash length and help stimulate the regrowth of hair that is no longer there. So say goodbye to falsies and hello to a wink that will always get your way!

EyEnvy formula to fuller, longer lashes and badass brows!

Food for Thought

Did you ever think that a fruit's water could be the answer to healthier looking skin as well as a healthier body?  Well allow me to introduce you to one of Mother Nature's best gifts on earth, the coconut.  While this fruit can be used in many different forms like milk, pulp or the flesh, I will only focus on the water.

Be Cheeky

When it comes to getting your makeup done, a lot of focus is usually given to the eyes.  Refocus your attention to those lovely cheekbones and I promise you these tricks will make the boys blush.

Photo from LahoriMela

For the Love of Lashes!

This week I had the opportunity to work at the trade show Esthetique Spa International held at the Palais des Congrès with Jem Beauty Supply.  We were super busy doing demonstrations for two fabulous products which I will share with you this week; one of which is Red Cherry Lashes, Have you ever heard of them before? Well be sure to remember that name because it's a definite must have when it comes to falsies.

Picture from Colored Faces

You won't find these bad boys in store, in fact you'll have to order them online but they're worth every penny. These 100% natural human hair lashes can be compared to brands like MAC and are six times less in price. MAC lashes retail at $18+ whereas you can get a pair of Red Cherry's starting at $2.99 on sites like Jem Beauty Supply.  Keep in mind that right now there are shipping costs, which is $12.95, but I was informed that it will be free within a month. If you're in a hurry, buy a few lashes and you've already saved a tone of money.

Fundamentals to Foundation

At times, trying to find the right foundation can be a daunting task. With so many choices nowadays how do you really know what is the best thing for you?? To help narrow down your search, I'll share with you a few tips I've learned along the way.

It all begins with understanding your skin.  This will enable you to pick the right formula and avoid a cakey mask or foundation running down your face.  For instance, if you have oily skin, choose a foundation that says it is oil-free or oil control formula.  The same applies for dry skin too; there are formulas that are hydrating or "moisture rich" that will help rejuvenate your skin.  By understanding you skin needs, you have a better chance of achieving that flawless finish.

Next, it's all about coverage. The end result we want to achieve is a flawless face, but some skin will need a little more tlc than others.  For those lovely faces that have no breakouts or blemishes and have been blessed with no bags under their eyes, opt for a tinted moisturizer to help balance out the depth of your skin. That being said, let's discuss what are some of the options available!

Photo from Oprah.com

The Low Down Dirty Truth...

Makeup has the reputation of beautifying women and boosting confidence too but there is a very ugly side to it and their tools.  Prepare yourself for some hard hitting facts and solutions to minimize your risks of bacteria invading your face.

First off, a few questions!  How often do you clean you makeup brushes or tools like eyelash curler?  Do you share any of these tools?  Where do you store them and how often do you use them?  Do you share your makeup? How long have you owned your mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick  or gloss etc?  I am asking you these questions just to get you thinking and hopefully change a few bad habits.  No passing judgements over here!!! I too am guilty of some of these sins...

Model in a Bottle is a MUST HAVE!

So you've spent some serious time getting dolled up for tonight's big event only to have your make up fade away into the dark as you dance the night away... We've all been there; trust me when I say it's happened to me one too many times!! However, do not fret my pet, there is a solution. Are you ready for it?! Well it's simple - Model in a Bottle, a make up setting spray with a matte finish that holds your work in place all day long.

Beat the Heat Makeup Ideas! - Face edition

Holly hotness! Talk about heat wave! I love this weather but your makeup may not.  It's only natural that your body reacts with sweat to help keep you cool, but it doesn't mean your makeup has to wash away with it. So enjoy a few easy tips to keep your face in check.

Take time to prime. Yes, this simple step helps prolong foundation and keeps color rich.  All you need is about a pea-size amount of this lightweight serum to cover your whole face.  Things to consider when deciding which primer to use (yes, there are many to choose from), what does your skin need?  Is your skin oily or more mature? Prone to breakouts or really sensitive? My favorite brand, Cover Fx, actually addresses these needs. It's a two-in-one deal for awesome makeup and fabulous skin.

A matte finish that helps treat acne

A nourishing primer and anti aging formula

I'm Addicted to You...

Everyone has at least one thing they can't live without; that guilty pleasure that leaves you feening for your next fix.  For me it's my lip balm; more specifically Blistex.  I constantly find myself reapplying even when my lips do not need it but I just love the tingling sensation.  All you Blistex users know exactly what I am talking about! I am notorious for leaving my stuff anywhere I possibly can (and forgetting where I left it too); which has left me continually buying a replacement because I need it with me all the time...

Bombshell Beauty!

Now that Valentine's day is out of the way and Isabella of Ella Photography officially released some of the pics from the Boudoir Shoot, I can officially share a few tricks with you lovely people!!

Photos by  Ella Photography

5 Makeup Tricks to Transform Your Look

5 Makeup Tricks to Transform Your Look

Yes, it is true... I am a fan of What Not to Wear! Stacy and Clinton really crack me up... But I am not here to share my passion for fashion, I came across this article too from resident makeup artist Carmindy sharing 5 tips on how to update your look without breaking the bank. Notice the last tip... PRIMER you'll love it when you try it ;)

Fast Face Fixers

Time is scarce around the holidays; so maybe these three-in-one solutions can give you a hand before you hit the eggnog.

Fast Face Fixers

Kaitlyn's fabulous face

A few weeks ago, I had an amazing opportunity to do Kaitlyn's makeup. I actually anticipated a mini outdoor photo shoot, but neither one of us expecting the snowfall and opted to stay inside instead.

Bare as she dares! Kaitlyn without any makeup.

The finished product =)

A Fierce Face...

Really starts with a solid foundation and I'm not referring to that stuff found in a bottle that's suppose to magically erase every flaw we perceive on our face. I really am speaking about our skin and a few simple steps that will make a major difference!

First things first - the basics! Increase your intake of water especially if you have big events coming around the corner. Skin needs to be hydrated and it's one of the easiest ways to rid your skin of toxins!