i♥makeupart

Poll Of The Week: Washing Your Brushes

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 24, 2012

Hey beauties!

How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

I wash my professional brushes after the last client of the day but of course, I sanitize in between clients too!
The brushes I use daily on myself, I normally wash once a week.

BLOGGIVERSARY

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 17, 2012

i-heart-makeup-art turns 1 years old today!

and to celebrate, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY. Up for grabs is:

  • a Sephora 2-sided mirror
  • a sample of MAC Pigment in Teal (click HERE for swatches)
  • Palladio Herbal Eye Primer (click HERE for review)
  • Joe Fresh Cream Blush in Bloom (click HERE for review&swatches)
  • Essie Nail Polish in Aruba Blue
  • a Bath & Body Moonlight Path Shower Gel

Thank you to all of my readers and supporters. You make this blog possible and you keep me writing! Think of this week long giveaway as a token of my appreciation, open to my Canadian & US readers.

To enter this contest, you must fill out a Rafflecopter form located on my Facebook Page.
You will find the form under the “1YR BLOGGIVERSARY” tab, located on the left, under my profile picture.
Click HERE to visit i-heart-makeup-art on Facebook and to enter this contest.

THANK YOU & GOODLUCK!

TUTORIAL: Spring Eyes using Jealousy Wakes

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 23, 2012

Hey beauties!

Here’s a little something I came up with using Temptalia’s Jealousy Wakes eyeshadow from the MAC Bloggers’ Obsession Collection.

I think it’s a really pretty look for spring and it’s super easy to recreate!

FACE

  • Caryl Baker Visage concealer in Medium
  • Marcelle BB Cream mixed with MAC Strobe Lotion
  • Benefit Hoola to contour
  • MAC Mineralize Blush in Subtle Breeze

EYES

  • MAC Pigment in Naked, all over lid and up to brow bone (also used as a highlighter)
  • Create a V shape by your outer lid with an angled brush using MAC’s Jealousy Wakes
  • Blend Jealousy Wakes into the crease with a fluffy dome brush, intensify color as desired
  • Create a smaller V by your outer lid with an angled brush, on top of Jealousy Wakes, with black. In this case I used Sleek Makeup in Espresso
  • Pick up some a tiny bit more of Jealousy Wakes with the fluffy dome brush and blend on top of Espresso, still using the same V shape motion
  • Go back in with MAC Pigment in Naked and blend out any harsh lines
  • With the same angled brush, smudge Jealousy Wakes about 1/4-1/2 way on your lower lash line
  • Then from your inner corner to the end of Jealousy Wakes on your lower lash line, smudge Naked to brighten up the eyes a bit
  • Line your upper water line with a black eyeliner pencil. I used Urban Decay in Zero
  • and finish with mascara. I used L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

LIPS

  • Line your lips with a nude lip liner. I used Gosh in Nougat Crisp
  • Apply a nude lipstick. I used KA’OIR in Love U
  • Then with a light hand, apply a soft, pepto bismal pink. I used KA’OIR in Wifey

MAC Chenman Spring 2012 Collection

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 23, 2012

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

Beauty Powder
Limited Edition, Repromote
$27.50 CDN

  • Play It Proper- soft pink with sparkles

Brow Set
$18 CDN

  • Clear

Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo
Limited Edition

$24 CDN

  • Supersweet- half bronze, pink, gold melange & half solid golden pink
  • Pink Union- half taupe, lavender, brown melange & half solid violet
  • Love Cycle-half light blue, white, dark blue melange & half solid royal blue

Fluidline
Permanent
$18 CDN

  • Blacktrack- solid black
  • Waveline- navy blue

Zoom Lash Mascara
Permanent
$18 CDN

  • Black Lash- carbon black

Reflects Glitter
Pro Permanent
$24 CDN

  • Reflects Blue-sparkling blue

Pigment
Pro Permanent

$24 CDN

  • Naval Blue- deep blue

Gloss
$23 CDN

  • Clear

Lipstick
Limited Edition
$17.50 CDN

  • Force of Love- matte honeysuckle pink
  • Budding Love- pale lavender

Lipglass
Limited Edition
$17.50 CDN

  • Force of Love- honeysuckle pink
  • Budding Love- pale lavender

Nail Lacquer
Limited Edition
$19 CDN

  • Breezey Blue- dark blue
  • Pinkly Fresh- blue-pink

SOURCE

Bobbi Brown Brightening Nudes for Spring 2012 Collection

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 22, 2012

Available now at Bobbi Brown and retailers

Brightening Finishing Powder
$50 USD

Brightening Lip Gloss
Limited Edition

$23 USD

  • Pink Lilac- pale pink violet
  • Pink Opal- pink with opal pearl
  • Lilac Pearl- lavender pink with pearl

Sparkle Eyeshadow
Limited Edition
$28 USD

  • Ballet- light pink glitter
  • Silver Moon- light silver glitter
  • Sunlight- golden glitter
  • Mica- deep heather grey

Crystal Glitter Lip Gloss
Limited Edition
$18 USD

SOURCE

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Capri for Summer 2012

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 22, 2012

Available now at Nordstorm

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee
$42 USD
Shimmering Sands

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer
$28.50 USD

Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon Duo
$24 USD
White Sands/Molten Lava

Pure Color Five Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow Palette
$45 USD
Bronze Sands

Pure Color Gloss
$24 USD

Shimmering Mmirage

Pure Color Nail Lacquer
$25 USD

Molten Lava

Bronze Goddess Capri Eau Fraiche
$57 USD

Fragrance

SOURCE

Luxe Box by Loose Button: February Edition!

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 22, 2012

It’s that time again! I think this time around I was one of the lasts to receive their Luxe Box.
Oh well! Good things come to those who wait.

Loose Button teamed up with Flare Magazine for February’s box. The tissue paper reads Flare rather than Loose Button’s logo and the information card we get every month is filled with tips from Flare editors.
Flare is being offered for $14.98 CDN for 12 issues plus a Nicole by OPI polish as a bonus gift.

This months box was RED. I actually really like it!

This months box isn’t my favourite but it’s not terrible!
These are my goodies:

  1. DKNY PureDKNY Verben 7ml
    A lot of people complain about getting perfume samples in their boxes for various reasons but I actually like it. I get to try out perfumes I wouldn’t normally buy or wear.
  2. Cargo Lash Activator
    Apparently this mascara is supposed encourage growth and strengthen roots so lashes are less likely to fall out. I can’t attest to that, but if you scroll down to the last picture you’ll see that the mascara itself is nothing special.
  3. Redken Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner 3x10ml
    Last month we received one package of Fekkai Shampoo/Conditioner and there were complaints that the sample wasn’t enough for testing.This time, Loose Button sent us 3 packages of Redken Shampoo/Conditioner. I’m happy to see that Loose Button listened to the cries.
  4. Dermalogica Microfoliant 13g
    This is a rice based enzyme powder that is supposed to be used daily and good for all skin types. Just mix this powder with water and you’ve got yourself a thin paste that isn’t sticky or gooey or too liquidy. The scent kind of reminds me of Oatmeal.
  5. $25 off $75 or more on Dealuxe

I didn’t receive any full-size products this month but I sure got my moneys worth in samples.

Want your own Luxe Box? Sign up HERE

loose button and flare

february luxe box

february luxe box

february luxe box

The left eye is wearing the Cargo Lash Activator mascara, the right eye is bare.

MAC Marcel Wanders 2 Spring Collection

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 21, 2012

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

Lipstick
all lipsticks are Limited Edition
$26.50 CDN

  • Annelie (peachy beige)
  • Annemiek (neutral pink)
  • Felicienne (mauve)
  • Inez (plum)

Lipglass
all lipglasses are Limited Edition

$26.50 CDN

  • Jana (creamy beige)
  • Julia (light pink)
  • Karin (pinky mauve)
  • Kim (plum)

Sheer Mystery Powder
Limited Edition
$72 CDN

  • Light-Medium
  • Medium Plus

Air of Style Solid Perfume
Limited Edition

$48 CDN

187 Brush
Limited Edition
$95 CDN

Brush Clutch
Limited Edition
$95 CDN

SOURCE

REVIEW: mark “The Big Fix” 15-in-1 Benefits Balm

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 21, 2012

Cost: $10 USD, $12 CDN
Where can I buy this: Avon, mark

MY 2 CENTS
Made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients, this 15-in-1 balm moisturizes chapped skin (elbows, knees, heels), smooths wild eyebrows, and softens cuticles.
(note: to read more about Fair Trade, click HERE)

The product comes in a twist-up container that appears to carry a lot of product (10g to be exact). The container actually holds about an inch and a quarter of product. Not a lot of product for the $12 I spent on this.

Ok, let’s talk about the product. It’s made with Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil, and Vanilla, blended with Sunflower Oil and Beeswax; although it is said to be fragrance-free, the balm actually has a slight olive oil scent to it. It’s not totally gross and it’s bearable, but I’d much rather it smell more like Vanilla or Cocoa Butter.
The balm has a waxy type feel to it and until it dries, your hands (presuming you’re using it on your hands) remain sticky and quite greasy. Once it dries, there is a slight greasy feel to your now well moisturized hands.

I use this balm mainly on my slightly wind burn hands but I guess you could use it on:

  • your lips, as a lip-chap;
  • dry elbows, knees, & heels;
  • a dry nose;
  • your hands (as mentioned), arms, legs, etc. (I wouldn’t waste the balm on such large areas, though);
  • on your face to protect from wind burn (although, I think this product is probably too greasy for this suggestion);
  • your eyebrows, as a brow wax;
  • your cuticles, to soften them for a manicure;
  • eczema, to provide relief;
  • a new tattoo, to soothe drying & itching

Truthfully, buy this product if you want to support the Fair Trade cause. Otherwise, it’s a waste of your hard-earned dollars because there is not enough product to compensate the “15 uses”.
I wouldn’t repurchase this balm.


Creator of KA’OIR Being Sued by Secret Kisses

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 16, 2012

Hey beauties!

I recently reviewed Keyshia Dior’s (KA’OIR) lipsticks but apparently I didn’t do my homework because I came across THIS article today.

Basically the article states that Keyshia Dior used to be a rep for Secret Kisses but disassociated herself and started her own brand, KA’OIR, using the same manufacturer (Lady Burd) as Secret Kisses. Keyshia Dior made claims that Secret Kisses stole her idea and company. Now she is being sued for Breach of Contract and Slander. You can read the full 65 page complaint HERE.

Clearly we don’t have all the details yet but I have tried to contact a KA’OIR rep. I’m sure they will not be able to tell me much but if any new information is revealed, I will update you.

There is no denying that KA’OIR Cosmetics is presented in quite the negative light but none the less, my experience with the company has been positive.
I placed an order, and the correct amount was charged to my credit card; my order was shipped in a timely manner, and I received with within a week or two of shipping.

I really don’t know what’s what at this point so until all of this is settled I will not be placing another order with KA’OIR or any order at all with Secret Kisses.
I still stand behind my review.  It is now up to you to decide which company, if any, you are supporting.

REVIEW & HAUL: Marcelle

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 16, 2012

This is just a mini-haul. I really wanted to try the Marcelle BB Cream so I ordered one online but if I spent $25 or more, I’d be eligible for free shipping. Of course, I had to spend a few extra dollars just to get the free shipping ;)

I bought 2 products and received 2 more as a gift:

Marcelle’s BB Cream has been a craze on the beauty blogging scene for a while now so I had to hop on board and try it out!
I must point out that although his Beauty Balm (BB) Cream has self-adjusting pigments, it only comes in 2 shades (light to medium, medium to dark). I think it’s a huge downfall and it’s really limiting potential consumers.

As well as being suitable for all ages and skin types, this 8-in-1 cream claims to:

  • Act as a primer and evens out skin tone
  • Hydrate the skin
  • Protect from premature aging and environmental stresses
  • Promote skin regeneration
  • Mattify and control shine
  • Soothe and calm skin
  • Reducesthe appearance of  imperfections
  • Provide a radiant complexion

Marcelle’s BB Creams are also:

  • hypo-allergenic
  • perfume free
  • paraban free (chemicals used as preservatives, linked to breast cancer)
  • oil free
  • non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t bock pores and reduces acne)
  • and dermatologist tested.

Now that you’ve lowdown on the BB Cream and why people have gone bat-shit crazy for them, I’ll share some pictures with you and then my thoughts. And then, we’ll get on to the rest of my goodies.

before BB Cream

After BB Cream

I used the BB Cream (without a primer) as soon as I received it. It felt kind of sticky but blended nicely into my skin. After wearing it for a few hours, it still felt really greasy and I looked shiny.
I was hesitant to wear it to work the next morning but I grabbed it anyway. This time (again without a primer), I applied it with my fingers and then used a translucent powder to soak up that greasy feel. 9 hours later, my skin doesn’t feel greasy, it’s not shiny, and the foundation hasn’t rubbed of.
The BB Cream has a thicker texture (I blame that on the cream components) than most foundations, and a light, natural coverage. I’m still not sure if I’d repurchase it but I definitely wouldn’t cross it off the list just yet.

This multi-colored eyeshadow is way too confusing to use as an eyeshadow! Some colors aren’t even big enough to fit a brush without picking up multiple colors.
Here is the look I created using each “eyeshadow”:

I used the coral color has a highlight on my brow bone, the light lavender color all over the lids, the pink in my inner corner blend up into the crease, the dark burgundy color in my outer half of the crease and the light taupe/brown color to blend it out.
I hated the way this look turned out so I tried it as blush instead:

A little too dark for my skin, but with a light hand I could make it work.

I love milk cleansers so I had to try the Marcelle Essentials Cleansing Milk.
In comparison to my favourite milk cleanser (by Vichy, Purete Thermal), Marcelle Essentials Cleansing Milk isn’t far behind. It is slightly more liquidy than Vichy and it kind of stings the eyes but it’s completely bearable compared to other milk cleansers I’ve tried (ahem, NUYU!).
I still prefer the Vichy milk cleanser because it’s creamier and so much more hydrating that I don’t have to put on moisturizer. I also prefer Vichy because this one doesn’t sting my eyes at all! The Vichy milk cleanser is about $10 more than Marcelle for essential the same product, so I may be persuaded to reconsider.

Lastly is the Marcelle AC-Solution Exfoliating Gel that I received as a gift. I really like the product but it kind of smells like chlorine. I love swimming pools so I don’t mind the smell!

REVIEW: KA’OIR Lipsticks

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 15, 2012

"Beautiful is KA'OIR" by Keysha Dior

Cost: $14.99 USD
Where can I buy this? Only available online at KA’OIR

I have no idea where I stumbled upon this company so if you’re not familiar with it, let me tell you a little about the company.

ABOUT KA’OIR
KA’OIR is (pronounced KAY-OR) is a new cosmetic line by Keyshia Dior.
They feature Lipsticks, Lip-Pops (lip gloss), Nail Lacquer, tank tops (KA’OIR Kouture), and gift cards (available in $25, $50, and $100).
All lipsticks have a satin/matte finish and can be worn with or without a lipgloss. They have a stunning collection of 24 lipsticks, 16 lip-pops, and 14 nail lacquers.
KA’OIR is not tested on animals.

MY 2 CENTS
I placed an order with KA’OIR using the sale that they have constantly going on.
I purchased from their MIX & MATCH 4 for $54 (USD), choosing between lipsticks & lip pops. I really wanted to try their lipsticks (more than anything…lipstick queen!) so I ordered 4 lipsticks:

  • Jamaica: a tropical, bright green;
  • Wifey: a soft pink;
  • Gorgeous: a hot, magenta pink and;
  • Love U: a nude, earthtone

I loved these lipsticks from the moment I received them.
The packaging of the lipstick is awesome because there’s a clear part to the lipstick that you can see the color through. I think all companies should incorporate a little window like this for their lipsticks. It’s just so much easier than memorizing a lipstick name and what shade it is.

I swatched the lipsticks on my hand, first:

Top to Bottom: Wifey, Jamaica, Love U, Gorgeous

And in just one coat, I got amazing color pay off.

Then I tried each one on my lips (I muted out my natural lip color with concealer first):

Wifey

Love U

Gorgeous

I was kind of disappointed in Gorgeous because I expected it to be a really deep pink with purple-ish undertones because that is what their picture depicted. Regardless, it’s still a great color!

Jamaica

These lipsticks have a waxy type texture but are still creamy. They glide on smoothly and are incredibly pigmented.
Shipping is a bit steep (somewhere along the lines of $15.99) so I would definitely order more than one to get your moneys worth.

I’m definitely going to place another order with KA’OIR and this time around, I would love to try their Lip Pops!

The 2012 Grammy Awards

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 14, 2012

AND THE AWARD FOR WORST DRESSED GOES TO…

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj shows up in a red Versace nuns’ attire. She wanted shock value and she got it! Showing up with the “Pope” as her date was a nice addition, too.

AND THE AWARD FOR BEST DRESSED GOES TO…

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood looks like a beautiful snow princess. I love everything about this look. The high neckline, the sequence, the fishtail, her chandelier earrings, her nude lip, and her doe eyes. She looks phenomenal in this Gomez-Gracia shimmering white gown!

AS FOR THE REST OF THE LADIES…

Lady Gaga

It looks like she’s popping out of this dress in all the wrong places.

Esperanza Spalding

Hating this tie-dye dress but I love her hair! So big, puffy, and natural!

Gwenyth Paltrow

Nothing special about this Stella McCartney. Some say it’s similar to Rihanna’s but I’m going to disagree.

Rihanna

THIS is Rihanna’s dress. Thigh-high slit, plunging neckline, open back, no belt. The similarity between Rihanna’s Giorgio Armani and Gwenyth’s Stella McCartney is the open back, black frock.

Hillary Scott

Loving the Ombre effect of this dress. I almost wish she would have done a vampy, plum lip rather than heavy, dark eyes.

Kathy Griffin

I love this woman’s hair. She’s looking beautifully tanned in this one-sleeve cream colored frock.

Taraji Henson

Among the “worst dressed” is Taraji Henson. I really dislike the Cheetah print half of the dress, but the lilac halter part is cute.

Bonnie Mckee

ewwwwwwww those tassels are horrid. So is her hair.

Snookie

I only have one question. Why was Snookie at the Grammys?
ps. I like the hair bow. Reminds me of Purse Buzz.

D'Manti

I don’t know who this is but I love the studded heels and her dress isn’t that bad. Maybe not Grammy appropriate but I’d rock this.

Adele

How can I say anything bad about this chick? She had a Grammy hat-trick! I love her lip color and new hair!

Alicia Keys

Ms. Keys looking classy as always. Love the pointed black toe.

Amber Rose

I was shocked to see that she was fully clothed. The dress isn’t fantastic but she could have done worse. I love, love, love the orange lip.

Anne Vyalitsyna

Levine is loving have this Russian model on his arm. She looked a little scandalous for the Grammy’s but the dress is super sexy.

Fergie

The dress wouldn’t have been so bad if she wore nude undergarments. I like her matching eyeshadow, though! It really brings out her blue eyes.

Jessie J

I like nothing about her look or her dress. I’m not even a fan of her songs. It looks like her dress is made of broken mirrors and her bangs have got to go.

Joy Williams

One word: Classy. Even with the mid-thigh slit. The lacy neck and one sleeve makes this dress.

Kate Beckinsale

I love this woman. She always looks fantastic. This cream colored dress really brings out the tan and the black accents make it a little more than a basic frock. Flawless!

Katy Perry

She would have been my favourite of the night if she just got rid of the blue hair. I love her light pink lip. It’s a really fun color for this baby blue gown.

Kelly Osbourne

I know I’ve previously stated that I hated her grey hair but it’s lilac now! I love it. She looks prettier and prettier every time I see her! Ms. Osbourne has really come a long way.

Kelly Rowland

I love this embroidery and chiffon upper half. Her jewelry is on point with the embroidery. WIN for Kelly Rowland!

Robyn

Excuse my French but what the F*&! was Robyn thinking? It’s bad enough she’s a D-Lister at the Grammys but she shows up in this? Really, the dress wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for that ugly looking train and those construction boots. And if the dress was a tad longer. She looks strung-out though

Skylar Grey

I like the vampy look she was going for but her dress looks like it’s made of Doilies.

Taylor Swift

Not a terrible dress for this beauty. It’s flattering and sexy enough for Ms. Swift. Up-do is a win and her make-up is on point.

REVIEW: Annabelle Smudge Paint

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 13, 2012


Cost: $10.95 CDN
Where can I buy this? Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart

MY 2 CENTS
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Smudge Paints are a duo-use product; it acts as a gel liner, and a cream shadow. I love using it both ways!
Smudge Paints are:

  • smooth & creamy (no tugging!)
  • long-lasting
  • waterproof (easily removed with makeup remover)
  • crease-proof (when worn as a shadow)
  • rich in color, pigmented
  • and they have a quick dry time

Annabelle Smudge Paints are available in 5 highly pigmented colors:

  • Tar (true matte black)*
  • Sludge (dark matte brown)
  • Muddy (shimmer bronze)
  • Skyline (royal blue)*
  • Plummed (purple)

The Smudge Paints also includes a snap-on brush that isn’t useless! This brush works well with this product.
I do wish the opening of the pot was a little bigger, though!

SWATCHES

skyline, tar...sorry! I got excited before I the took pictures :( lol

top- skyline, bottom- tar

Tar

Tar (smudged)

Skyline

Skyline (smudged)

Print off your $1 OFF coupon!

POLL OF THE WEEK: Waxing vs. Threading

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 10, 2012

When it comes to your eyebrows, do you prefer to get them threaded or waxed?

As much as threading hurts, I love it because it shapes them better.

Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Her

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 9, 2012

Not to worry, fellas! I didn’t forget about you. Shopping for a woman must be exhausting. I feel like the possibilities are endless. I’m here to help you come up with a gift for the sweetheart (or sweethearts) in your life!

  • The #1 can’t-fail gift for any woman is CHOCOLATE. Unless of course she’s dieting, then stay far far away from chocolate, or maybe opt for a “healthier” dark chocolate.
  • The second gift you can never go wrong with is pampering us! Massages, spa days, manicure/pedicures, etc. Us women love this stuff! (hint, hint to the man in my life!! haha)
  • Perfume. This is a little trickier since everyone’s preference is different but if you chose something you would love to smell on her, she’ll definitely appreciate that!
  • Flowers & a sweet card. Maybe some chocolate & a teddy bear, too. Flowers can be expensive, we know that but don’t cheap out on us, or we’ll know that too!
  • Body products. Lotions, oils, bath salts. Head over to Bath & Body, The Body Shop or Lush. We eat this kind of stuff up, too.
  • Make us dinner. Yes, you read that right. Taking us to dinner is sweet & all but if you make it for us, it’ll show more effort. Effort = good.
  • Lingerie. We can wear it after you make us dinner. Or during. Or maybe not at all because you’ll bloat us with carbs. Regardless, this will benefit you more than your girl. Figure out her body type & her size, then head to La Senza, La Vie En Rose, or Victoria Secret and ask for help!
  • Jewelry is great. It doesn’t have to break the bank but it can’t be fake. We’ll know once it turns our neck, ears, wrist, or fingers green. If you’re in the beginning stages of a relationship, steer clear of jewelry. Oh and if you’re not ready to propose, stay away from rings. None of that promise ring crap!
  •  Buy books or an e-reader for a bookworm!
  • Make a mixta…I mean mixed CD of all her favourite songs in MP3.
  • Scented candles!
  • Valentines Day is about romance! Woo her with her very own message-in-a-bottle. And yes, you have to write your own message.
  • Shoes! This may be difficult to pick out for your girl so a subscription to Kim Kardashian’s shoe club will have to do. Visit Shoe Dazzle.

There you have it, gentlemen! Pick something off this list and you’ll have her wrapped around your pinky finger.

Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Him!

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 9, 2012

Some people think Valentines day is a load of crock. That you should show your love for someone every day of the year. That it’s just a way for companies like Hallmark to make more money. Not to say that you are wrong but we are each entitled to our own opinion.
For those of us who do celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are some gift ideas that we can get that special boy in our lives!

If your man loves DIY projects:

  • a toolbox, cabinet or storage system so he can organize his tools neatly in the garage or basement.
  • portable work lights so he can work on his projects into the wee hours of the night. Plus, wouldn’t he look dorky & cute in something like THIS?
  • a gift card to Home Depot, Rona, etc. A man with his tools is like a woman with her makeup (at least that’s what my boy always tells me!)

Help your man embrace his creative side with:

  • Does your man want to see his name in lights? Buy a frame and spell out his last name using unique photo images. Think something like THIS.
  • Turn his favourite picture into art. Blow it up and print it on a canvas like THIS.
  • If he’s a writer, you could buy him a leather-bound journal.

For the food & drink connoisseur:

  • Buy him a set of distinctive wine glasses.
  • Buy him a bottle of his favourite wine.
  • Head to The Beer Store & pick up some imported beers he’s never tried before. They even have beers with an orange flavour!
  • Create your own Manly gift basket! Include things like beer nuts and pretzels orhis favourite candy, a framed picture of you two, different beers from around the world, a gift card to his favourite restaurant, etc.
  • Cooking classes. You can do that together & they’re offered at Loblaws.

Is your man a techie and love gadgets?

  • If he’s a gamer, buy him a funny gamer t-shirt.
  • Or maybe he needs a shoulder bag to carry all his gadgets.
  • Did you know there’s also gadget-friendly jackets? Under Armour makes them. The jackets are water resistant and protect his gadgets.
  • You can even customize his iPhone case with his favourite picture or car or even a photo of you two.

If your man’s looking to get in shape:

  • a membership to a gym
  • a session with a personal trainer
  • buy him a Wii or if he already has a Wii, a game that will keep him active
  • Running shoes. It might motivate him to go for a job with you.
  • A duffel bag that he can take with him to the gym
  • Keep him hydrated (and stay green) with reusable water bottles!

For your manly-man or Hipster:

  • a subscription to a Car magazine like PASMAG
  • comfy pants to lounge around in
  • if he’s a sports fan, a custom caricature
  • shot glasses
  • a watch
  • a skinny tie (or reclaimed wooden tie)
  • anything to do with Indie films
  • a blazer, suspenders, or bow ties
  • high-top or retro sneakers
  • a messenger bag

REVIEW: Beauty So Clean

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 8, 2012

Cost: $4.99 CDN – $9.99 CDN
Where can I buy this? The Bay, Beauty So Clean

MY 2 CENTS
First and foremost, these products are more expensive off of the Beauty So Clean website but are dirt cheap at The Bay, which is where I bought the Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes ($4.99 for 48 wipes) and Conditioning Brush Cleanser ($9.99 for 125ml)

Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes

  • ideal for lipsticks, lip gloss wands, pencils (ie. eyeliner, lip liner, etc),  mascara wands, liquid eyeliner;
  • it cleans and removes bacteria from your product;
  • 100% effective in 10 seconds.

These tiny wipes are a dream! My only issue is that they are so tiny, you can only really clean one lipstick at a time. So when I’m working on 10+ girls, I have to go through 10+ of these wipes; a pack of 48 really isn’t much.
On the Beauty So Clean website, they sell a box of 2 (96 wipes, total) for $20.00 CDN but considering you can buy a box for $4.99 CDN at The Bay, it’s not really worth it. Or you can buy the pro size (200 wipes) for $25.00 CDN or you can spend $19.96 CDN for 192 wipes at The Bay.
Basically I’m saying I would not purchase these products off of the Beauty So Clean website because they are overpriced.

I only use these wipes on lipsticks and pencils, like eye pencils, brow pencils and lip pencils.
I would never use these wipes on a lip gloss or a mascara wand because in the event that you forget to sanitize it before putting the wand back in the tube, you’ll contaminate your product. For lip glosses and mascaras, I use disposable brushes and wands and rather than liquid eyeliner, I use gel eyeliner on clients. It’s easier to keep sanitized.

I really like these wipes. They clean really well, I notice a different right away. If your lipstick or liner is a bit dry, these will restore them. If the color is looking a little dull, these will rejuvenate them. If it’s just plain dirty, these will clean them up! I totally recommend these to everyone to have in their personal or professional stash!

How to use: I gently swipe the wipe along my lipsticks and carefully wrap them wipe around my pencils.

Beauty So Clean Conditioning Brush Cleanser

  • made with natural ingredients (witch hazel extract, lime essential oil, and chamomile extract);
  • quickly dissolves makeup and residue from brushes;
  • prevents cross-contamination;
  • can be used on natural and synthetic brushes.

You can use this brush cleanser to sanitize my brushes in-between clients but it should never replace washing your brushes.
This cleanser comes in spray form and is fast drying. The fast drying formula makes it perfect for quickly sanitizing between clients.
The cleanser is also good for ridding your brushes of residue between eyeshadows, blushes, etc.
I recommend this cleanser for professionals and amateurs alike.

It sells for $9.99 CDN (125ml) at The Bay and $20 CDN (125ml) on the Beauty So Clean website. Less than half the price for the same amount of product can be purchased at The Bay. Again, it looks like the products are overpriced on the Beauty So Clean website

How to use: Spray your spray the cleanser on the brush and wipe it away with a paper towel.

Marcelle Promo: Free BB Cream

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 7, 2012

Want to try the BB Cream for FREE!?!?

Fill out THIS form on the Marcelle Facebook Page. Refer 10 friends to fill out the same form with your own personal link and Marcelle will send you ONE FREE BB CREAM.
Sign up with THIS link and I will giveaway the  Marcelle BB Cream if I win!
Open to Canadian residents only!


TUTORIAL: Kiss Me, Cupid!

Posted by: i♥makeupart on: February 7, 2012

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Here is a quick and easy Valentine’s Day tutorial!

FACE

EYES

  • Highlight brow bone with the eyeshadow on the top row, second one in of the ELF 24K palette (champagne)
  • Highlight inner corners with the same ELF 24K palette, top row first eyeshadow  (shimmery white)
  • L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Forever Pink, applied all over the lid with the MAC #239
  • ELF 24K palette bottom row, second eyeshadow in the crease (matte brown), applied with the Make Up Geek Outer V brush
  • Sleek Make Up eyeshadow in Singapore Sling (hot pink) from the Caribbean palette, blended over the matte brown(in the crease)  with MAC #217
  • Sleek Make Up eyeshadow in Purple Haze from the Caribbean palette, applied to your Outer V with MAC #266 and blended with the Make Up Geek Outer V brush
  • Purple Haze also applied to your lower lash line with MAC #266
  • Tightlined upper water line with a black eyeliner
  • White eyeliner on my lower water line (set with the inner corner eyeshadow)
  • My mascara is L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

LIPS