L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Collection

Last week I wrote about the feature that L'Oreal Paris is having in retailers across Canada.

The Dress Your Lashes promo features 4 of the top selling mascara's from the Voluminous Collection. I was fortunate to receive the full Dress Your Lashes collection to try out (just in the nick of time because I was running out of mascara!).

Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara
First up was the fiber mascara. For those of you who don't know, fiber mascara have filaments (such as silk, nylon, and rayon) added to the mascara formula, so that rather than sit on top of lashes, the formula coats the lashes, almost in tubes. This provides not only a lengthening effect, but also a volumizing one.

This one fell a bit short for me. The product didn't clump or smudge, but it didn't provide the false lash effect I was hoping it would. I've experienced this problem before with fiber mascaras, so it could just be me.

Voluminous Power 24H Mascara
I was actually already using this mascara. I kind of got hooked on it after Eddie Matler did my makeup in the Fall. However, comparatively, this one is probably my least favourite of the bunch. While I'm able to get nice long lashes, I generally have a lot of problems with massive clumping when using volumizing mascaras. But, it could just be me, because when Eddie used it on me, it didn't seem to be that clumpy. But then again, he's also a professional.

Pro tip: When using volumizing mascaras, apply a lot to the base of your lash, because if you apply a lot to the ends, the mascara will weigh down your lashes, getting rid of any curl.

Voluminous Original Mascara
This is the basic Voluminous mascara. It's easy to apply, but it didn't make me all tingly (at 6:30am) when I had to apply it. It was kind of just....there. Sure, it lengthened my lashes, but...meh.








Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
My hands-down favourite. This mascara uses one of those rubber brushes I love. Application was a breeze, there were no clumps, and I felt that my lashes were super long. I really felt as though I had a million lashes. Yep.








The past few months have been my first real foray into L'Oreal Paris, and I must say that I'm impressed. I have a tendency to use a lot of waterproof mascaras (or the Anastasia Lash Genius) because I was always experiencing smudging, but last week, I experienced no smudging, even with the massive snowfall we got in Ottawa.


Images via L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Paris Dress Your Lashes

The L'Oreal Paris feature "Dress Your Lashes" began today in various retailers across Canada. This campaign runs until March 13, and features 4 of the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous top-sellers: Voluminous Original Mascara, Voluminous Power 24H Mascara, Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, and Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara.

 

With these 4 products, make-up lovers can build their own ultimate lash wardrobe, mimicking looks from 4 of the spokespeople: Freida Pinto, Liya Kebede, Doutzen Kroes, and Claudia Schiffer.

Stay tuned to find out which of the 4 is my favourite!

Event: L'Oreal Paris Canada

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to have my makeup done by L'Oreal Paris Canada makeup artist, Eddie Malter. Having worked for L'Oreal in both France and Canada, Eddie (and L'Oreal Paris) have moved on from being the official makeup sponsor of Toronto Fashion Week and is now focusing on red carpet looks for celebrities at events such as the Toronto International Film Festival.

We chatted about the L'Oreal Paris products that had come out over the past few months and I'm excited to see what the line has to offer for the holiday season and early 2013.

One of the products we talked about is L'Oreal Paris' Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. We all know that BB Creams are the talk of the beauty industry these days. What's different about the L'Oreal Paris one is that it comes out white and self-adjusts to create the perfect shade for your skin (whereas other BB Creams are already pigmented). The formula is light and not sticky or tacky on your face. 

With Eddie Malter

My look from Eddie Malter (ft Magic BB Cream, Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner,  Power 24H Voluminous Mascara)

L'Oreal Paris swag

 The L'Oreal Paris team was kind enough to give me samples of all the products that Eddie used (and then some!), so I was able to play around with the BB Cream to see if I could make my skin look as flawless as Eddie had.

Success! The Magic BB Cream was as easy to use as Eddie said. I did use a bit of concealer, but not much. I'm pretty lazy with it comes to makeup, so for application to be that easy and successful, it's a definite win for me.

Beauty: Butter London Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

The Autumn/Winter 2012 trend report contains a huge list of trends and one of my favourites is making its way into the beauty world.

Butter London's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is reminiscent of the fabric blocking that we saw on the runways this past February at Herve Leger and Alexander Wang.

From the press release:

Sequins! Velvet! Satin! Tweed! This season, the catwalks were abundant with rich texture! We’ve translated this to nails through the infusion of glitter particles and metallic and holographic finishes. The colour tones speak to “earthiness” but are not specifically earth tones – think rust, shimmering greens and silvers. This collection feels future-forward but not futuristic. This season is all about using texture to add interest and depth to your look!

Lovely Jubbly

Trustafarian

Gobsmacked

Shag

Dodgy Barnett

Butter London polishes are $14 and can be found at various retailers across Canada and the US.

Review: Anastasia Lash Genius

One of my favourite mascara's is Buxom Lash Mascara. However, because it's not a waterproof formula, it smudges all the time, leaving me looking like a raccoon with no mascara left on.

When I heard about Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius, I knew I could ditch the waterproof mascara I was currently using and go back to my beloved Buxom Lash (I was actually still wearing my Buxom Lash, but was putting a waterproof mascara on top).

The Anastasia Lash Genius is a clear waterproof coating that you put over your mascara. It's lightweight and doesn't clump.

I find that the Lash Genius is much more effective than my regular waterproof mascara because my lashes are still long and full at the end of the day. Lash Genius actually even holds up through work outs - which is one area I find waterproof mascara's fail me.

Since it's wedding season, I'd recommend picking some up to ensure that your mascara isn't running down your face (Lauren Conrad, anyone?) for those heartfelt moments.

You can find Lash Genius at Sephora and Nordstrom - $21



Images via The Confluence.

May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is skin cancer awareness month. And now that the weather is finally becoming nice in Vancouver, it's time to think about your summer sunscreen choices.

The reality is that we should be wearing sunscreen all the time, even in winter. Harmful UVA & UVB rays are present even during the winter months, but we often neglect to apply sunscreen during this time. Well, if you're lazy, like me, make sure that you make up for it over the summer. We all need to make sure that we're applying sunscreen on a daily basis, not just when we're hitting the beach or plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time. Aside from skin cancer, prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging - which could result in some expensive skincare bills from the spa.

Women are fortunate that there are a large array of makeup products that contain some sort of SPF. There are BB creams, concealers, moisturizers, and even foundation with SPF. These products are good on a day-to-day basis, but what about when you're hitting the beach with your friends? Then what? Personally, I don't want to be sweating off an entire face of SPF makeup. There is nothing chic about that.

Fortunately, Avene offers a full line of skin care products, including 100% mineral sunscreens, which means that they're chemical-free. Using thermal spring water, Avene products soothe and soften your skin, rather than giving it that oily feeling.

Eau Thermale Avene SPF 20

Eau Thermale Avene SPF 30

So this summer (and winter!) remember to slather on your sunscreen. You'll thank me later.

Bombay Brow Bar - Shangri-La

My favourite local business recently opened the doors to their new location at 1113 Alberni St, at the Shangri-La.

My favourite local business? Yep. I first came across Bombay Brow Bar just over 2 years ago when they had first put up the signage at their Yaletown location. I had always loved getting my eyebrows threaded, but it was hard to find somewhere that did it and did it well. So, I kind of stalked them (but nothing like THIS...well, ok maybe) and it's been love ever since.

What I love about Bombay Brow Bar is that it's a family business. Sisters Ravy & Amy own the company and are the sweetest girls with a great feel for design aesthetic, and a good dose of business savvy. They're not afraid to take risks, which is huge, especially in Vancouver.

Now, $23 may seem a bit extreme to some people for an eyebrow threading. Well, it's definitely not your typical experience. The brow mavens at Bombay know their stuff. They understand the importance of eyebrows - they frame your face. You also get a free brow makeup application, and the best part? The ever amazing brow massage. I usually pop in to get my brows done on my lunch break, so the massage is a great pick-me-up to beat the afternoon lull.

So pop in to the location nearest you. Now.

Shangri-La  
1113 Alberni Street  604-669-BROW (2769)
Kitsilano
2206 West 4th Avenue  604-734-BROW (2769)
Yaletown
1056 Mainland Street   604-683-BROW (2769)


Images via Hong Photography & BBB

Beauty: The 2012 Oscars

Spotted! Four Spring 2012 beauty trends on the red carpet last night!


Bold Lips

Seems like every season is bold lip season, but it's such a classic look, how can you go wrong? Spring 2012's bold lip comes in a variety of colours, from your typical reds and pinks, to purples and greys (seriously). The one thing that rules them all? A matte finish.
Seen on: Rooney Mara

Bold Brows

Are bold brows still considered a trend? I guess if the old trend was bleached brows (remember ANTM where the girl cried??), then I guess going au natural would be considered a trend. Spring 2012's bold brows are bold and architectural, bordering on androgynous. Sign me up.

Seen on: Rooney Mara

Winged Liner

I love winged liner but I really suck at doing it. (Does anyone have any tips??) Spring 2012 brings eyeliner to a whole new level. At times it was used to draw intricate designs around the eye and crease, and others, it was just used as extreme liner. The winged liner on the red carpet wasn't super avant garde, but obvious enough to meet the trend.
Seen on: Emma Stone, Jennifer Lopez

Tone on tone on tone

Monochrome isn't only just for clothes anymore. The buzzword for this look is "tonal", but I'm a Yeezy/HOV fan, so... Utilizing various shades of one colour enables you to create that fresh faced, dewy look that everyone loves. Even though you could be wearing as much makeup as a tranny, no one will be able to notice. All joking aside, this is one look I'd love to master.
Seen on: Gwyneth Paltrow

Images via Getty.

Tangerine Tango - 2012 Colour of the Year

It's official, Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463 for all you geeks out there) is the colour for 2012. This haute colour was spotted on a number of Resort & S/S'12 runways.

Isabel Marant

Tibi

Tibi

While tangerine can seem like a bit of a daunting and intimidating colour to work into your wardrobe, I've put together some ways to work this punch of colour into your 2012 colour palette.

Taking risks, either in life or sartorially, was one of your resolutions, wasn't it?

1) Make-up - try blush for a subtle look or go for the gusto with lipstick.
2) T-shirt from ASOS
3) Balenciaga sandals
4) Haute Hippe maxi dress - (Holt Renfrew or Shopbop)
5) H&M earrings
6) Half d'orsay pumps from ASOS
7) Pants from H&M

Images via H&M, ASOS, Shopbop, Farfetch, & Style.com

This Life Lately

Candy Bar at Style Spy X GAP event

Looks styled by The Style Spy team

Purchase from the Obakki warehouse sale #1

Obakki warehouse sale purchase #2

Velvet men's blazer from H&M that I got altered

Score secondhand find - $30 Dries van Noten

Amazing

Ballin outta control

TEDxVancouver

Muffin frittatas

Rainy day sunshine

Vintage fanmail

A good reminder

Fun in Chinatown

The Anthology at the VDxBR event

I'm the It Girl at the VDxBR event

New cape from ASOS

Pretty skirt from Banana Republic - channeling my inner Blair Waldorf

TEDxSFU

Mozy19 giving his Five Hole for Food talk - Charity 2.0

The holidays are here!

Lights at work

My un-holiday holiday mani