IMATS Toronto Make-Up Show Details

 I was sent the details in a press release earlier today and wanted to share with you Canadian Make-Up Addicts who didn't get a chance to go to the recent show held in LA... If you're lucky you may even get to meet some of the Youtube Make Up Guru's:

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) is the only place where the public has access to creative new cosmetics, as well as professional lines, at incredible discounts. Visitors to “The Show,” as it is called in the make-up world, collect hard-to-find products, pick up samples, listen to famous make-up artists offering their and tips and tricks of the trade, and discover the latest trends and techniques before everyone else, without emptying their wallets.

Among the exhibitors are some of the most well-known and sought-after brands including Nars, Make Up For Ever, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and FACE Atelier. Also available are products more familiar among professionals but highly consumer-friendly, including Pari Beauty, Embryolisse, Naked Cosmetics, Naimie’s Beauty Center, and Temptu Pro. Professional make-up artists stand by to give visitors friendly one-on-one guidance, beauty tips and suggestions.

Aside from shopping opportunities, highlights include seminars by the industry’s top professionals, fashion shows, body painting and a student competition. Educators from various brands engage visitors in instructive seminars throughout the show.

Additional features include the Make-Up Museum, featuring make-up effects, sculptures, animatronics and more from some of the world’s best-loved films. During the student competition, advanced make-up students will race to create winning looks in two divisions: Beauty/Fantasy with the theme of Alice in Wonderland and the Grimm’s Fairy Tales themed Character/Prosthetic category.

(IMATS takes place in six cities internationally: Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, B.C., London, and Sydney, Australia.)
The IMATS in Toronto will be held Saturday, November 6 from 8:30 am - 5 pm and Sunday, November 7 from 10am to 5pm at the Toronto Congress Centre located at 650 Dixon Road. Presale tickets are priced from $15-60 and are available at www.imatsshow.com as are details on speakers, educators, vendors and special events.

The Pigment - Water Test

The Pigment Water test? What in the world is that, is what you're probably thinking.
The other day I was sent the video below to check out, made by an ex Bitch Slap Cosmetics affiliate. I don't really care to dig deep and figure out all the past drama this brand has caused, but this video definitly was an eye opener. Specially after I recently became more aware of certains damages cosmetics may bring with them.

Below you'll find a video (by Claire1047) where a test is done with the Bitch Slap Cosmetics "loose paints" vs. MAC loose pigments:






When the MAC pigment is added to water, the pigments remain intact.
BUT..
When the Bitch Slap Cosmetics loose paint pigment is added to water, it almost turns into water coloring paint! Pretty scary, and definitly something to think about when buying repackaged/cheaper quality cosmetics. Makeup pigments should never mix completely with water. If they do, they are not safe for the eyes because if they go into the eye imagine what could happen. (Bear in mind that extremely pigmented pigments may slightly mix). Fabric dye pigments and paints are the only ones that usually mix in water and are meant to be used on clothes and walls, etc.

I apologize as there is a bit of profanity used in this Youtube video while doing the test.



I don't own any BS cosmetics nor have I tried them. But I got worried about my other cheaper pigments I own. So I decided to do the same pigment-water test with 2 Coastal Scents pigment samples I received with past orders:

Step 1: Plain ol' water in a small plastic container

Step 2:
Added Purple Punch Glitter pigment

As you can see this one didn't blend AT ALL with the water. Which left me kind of relieved, seeing as Coastal Scents cosmetics are also known to be re packaged. Then I figured that it probably didn't blend with the water either, seeing as it's GLITTER! Doh..

Then I tried another actual shadow pigment.

Using S'Amore shadow pigment

This one slightly blended in the water, but for the most part, remained intact.

I feel a bit less worried now knowing that not ALL cheaper cosmetics are completely dangerous, and yet really... really dissapointed with cosmetic companies (like BS cosmetics) who don't even take the time to test their products and/or have complete disregard for the consumers safety and health.

What are your opinions on the matter?

Is Your Make-up Harming Your Skin And/or Body?

 The other day the Boyfriend was trying to bring to my attention that make up ruins skin and how so many women look terrible by the time they're in their 50's, due to so many cosmetics used during their lifetime. As you can guess, I brushed those remarks off as him being too worried, and continued carefully applying my blush and gloss.

Later, I couldn't help but wonder: was he right? Was I really preventing my skin from "breathing" by slopping on these chemicals?

I asked a few people about their experiences and opinions and even googled here and there. But at the end of the day, there's no predicting exactly how some one's skin will react after years of using beauty products.






Did you know that make up, fragrances and all cosmetics are not subject to any FDA approval in the US and no claims made by these companies are required to be true (as per laws and regulations)?
Did you know that over time you will ingest several ounces of lipsticks and glosses?


Some time back I began making a post about the topic, but never got around to finishing it. I was reminded about it when I found an interesting video about the topic on Youtube from SPNation where he talks about a few precautions you could take when using make up and skin care products (mineral make up, powders, glosses, fragrances, etc.) and some precautions to take - gathered from Dr. Oz's show.





My recommendations and precautions:

• Make sure to properly remove ALL your make up:

If you DO use make-up, your cleansing method is crucial. I used to use Olive oil as a make up remover, along with a gentle face wash. But if you're like me and use even a bit of foundation on a regular basis, you may not be aware that not all make up removers nor olive oil get your skin deep clean. I used Revlon Colorstay foundation which gives heavy coverage. So here's my make up removal routine:

1. Olive oil: natural and great for removing powder products and most eye make up. Plus it adds moisture to your skin. But it's NOT enough to remove foundation and dirt.
2. Pond's Cold Cream: If I could I'd shout it from the mountain tops: "this is my favorite, Holy Grail product for make up removal and I can't live without it!!" It's so gentle and moisturizing, yet it astounds me how deep clean it gets my skin. (P.s. if you have dry skin it can even double as a moisturizer).
3. A gentle facial cleaner: I can't wait to get the Philosophy facial cleanser, but in the meantime I'm using an extra gentle cleanser from Noxema, so as not to strip my skin of too much moisture, even though I have oily, acne prone skin.
4. Toner (optional)

• Use less make up, fragrances and skin products (duh!):

This goes without saying but you need to use this stuff less. Have make-up free days whenever possible and take it off as soon as you can. And whenever possible switch up your lipstick and gloss for a less chemical beeswax lip balm.

• Be careful when using Talc and other powder products:

You don't want to be inhaling the dust particles (which you may not even be able to see!) while applying your translucent powder, blush, shadows or mineral make up.



Wanna check to see if your make-up is "safe"?  Check out cosmeticsdatabase.com to see if it ranks as a "High", "Moderate" or "Low Hazard". I love this site and the only thing I didn't like was the fact that most of my products ranked as a "health hazard". Pretty scary facts.



What do YOU think about the subject: does make-up damage skin or is that just a myth? Have you seen cases where this has happened? If you're taking precautions, feel free to share them.

Review: Coastal Scents Camo Quads

One of them was the Coastal Scents camo quad palettes (in Medium), which I think of more as 1 base, 1 correcting color and 2 concealer shades.
I usually have pretty dark under eye circles, which never seem to go away even if I've had 12 hrs of sleep. So after seeing all the hype, I had to try it for myself.  Here's my review, description and tips for using the product.

• PRO: Very cheap. Costs about $7-8 only and you get 4 shades.

The lightest shade (white): the color and consistency of this shade remind me of the NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk so I use it for the same purpose like highlighting/lightening my brown bone or an eyeshadow base. It doesn't get alot of use from me though.
2nd and 3rd medium shades: The 2nd lightest shade is wayyyy too light on my tan skin, but to avoid wasting product, sometimes I'll use some under my eyes and then even it out with the darkest shade.
Darkest shade: I used to think this was a concealer but later realised it's more of a peach dark shade, thus a corrector for greyish under eye circles.

• PRO: Comes with 3 skin toned shades so you can pick which best suites your skin tone.

CON: The consistency is very very thick and creamy, which gives heavy coverage, but at the same time it looks horrible if you have dry skin. So I recommend it for the eye area only, and in emergencies on the face (e.g. a zit or scar that is very noticable and needs quick coverage).


TIPS:
*most importantly, use a very light hand (my #1 recommendation is to use a tiny concealer brush) so as not to get a cakey effect, specially around the under eye area. Then you need to wait a minute and blend out any concealer that has settled into fine lines (under eyes).
*Apply an eye cream first. When it mixes with the eye cream it just glides on and looks much better.


OVERALL RATING:
8 out of 10 stars.

I've gotten other cheap drugstore brands in the past which gave me NO coverage. But this concealer has delivered better results then I expected.
Is it the best concealer out there? For the price... YES. I like the amount of coverage.
If you're looking for light coverage this may be too cakey for you.

The thickness and creamyness is a plus, but at the same time I worry that it may clog my pores and cause more breakouts, so I make sure I take off all my make up as soon as I get home.


Would I re-purchase?
It's greay if you don't want to spend alot of heavy coverage eye concealers or want a back up for your make up kit.  Personally, I'm thinking of just splurging on more expensive concealers to avoid the hassle and worry of this looking cakey or not lasting long.


Note: all items where purchased with my own money and I received no compensation for this review.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Review

I thought about getting the much talked about Urban Decay Primer Potion, but then I figured the packaging of this one was way better and fuss free. I have very oily lids so a product like this was a must have.

A few reasons why I prefer Too Faced Shadow Insurance better then the Urban Decay Primer Potion:
-the tube is very easy to get all the product out and you won't need to cut open any packages/tubes.
-a little goes a long way. All you need are 2-3 dots to cover you're entire browbone and lid. It also dries quickly and you're ready to go.

-since it doesn't have a sponge tip, and the product comes straight out of the tube, it's much more hygenic. Sponges can create bacteria. And you just use your fingers to blend and apply.


Other things I liked about this is that my eyeshadow doesn't crease, even after I once fell asleep with all my make up on! Crazy. I've read some reviews where people say this product sucks and does creases but honestly, I don't understand how that could be possible. As soon as it dries, it transforms into a matte/dry finish and my lids never get oily when I have this on. Plus it intensifies shadow colors.

My only complaint is that the product can separate: when you squeeze some out you get a clear liquid first, so it's best to smush the product around in the tube before using so it mixes.
I use it with my cheaper eyeshadows like Coastal Scents eyeshadows, Revlon and Boots No7.
Have you tried this one? Which is your favorite shadow primer?

**I just read somewhere people use this as a lip primer.

Benefit Moon Beam Review + Swatch

I've been meaning to review this product for some time now, since I picked it up at Sephora 2-3 months back. The first time I was intrigued to try it was when I saw it on Pixiwoo's Youtube channel: Moon Beam was mixed with Chanel Vitalumiere foundation - to achieve that glowing-goddess-look all over. [FYI I haven't dared to try that combination yet since I already struggle with oily skin - even when I use skin mattifiers- so you can imagine why I really don't want more highlighting shine on my face.]

In the bottle it looks yellow-gold/champagne with a peach, pearl hint and it comes with a brush that reminds me of a nail polish bottle.

While I was in Sephora I did some swatches of both products and blended in.

I felt the High Beam was more on the silvery-frost side- great if you want a more noticeable highlighter and specially if you're on the pale side. Moon Beam blends into your skin tone and is more subtle- supposedly nicer for tan/medium skin tones.

What I LOVE about this product:

-A little goes a long way. I don't use it everyday, only for nights out, but all I need is 1-2 drops of this for all the areas that I want highlighted (cupids bow above lips, cheekbones, straight down the nose). I mean, priced at $24 I was reluctant to fork over the cash, but when you think about how long one bottle will last, it's well worth it.

-How to use: It's insanely easy to apply. After my foundation, I just dot it onto the areas that need highlighting, then use my fingers to pat into skin for a flawless look. This is basically my Holy Grail highlighter.
After that use powder products like you usually would (liquid products always should be used BEFORE powder to avoid a cakey look).

-Unlike so many powder highlighters there's no glitter! Nor shimmer. All you get is this dewy glow. I've been wanting to try a Mac Mineralize Skinfinish (highlighter) but then I thought about it and this already does such a good job, I don't think I need to look elsewhere.

-It's a liquid so it doesn't rub off and lasts longer then powders.

(Swatch: Dotted on, then blended into skin)

Have you tried Moon Beam and/or High Beam? And which is your favorite highlighter?

MAC Fall/Winter '10 Daily Face Charts for Friday, February 12th

COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA

Eyes:

Left bare

Face:

Studio Moisture Tint – Buffed with brush

and applied to the skin where needed.

Strobe Cream – Applies with fingertips to the skin where needed.

 

Lip:

Matte Lipstick in Russian Red and Lady Danger – Layered onto the lip

Lip Pencil in Redd - Applied around the shape of the upper lip and slightly overdrawn on the lower lip line.

 

PREEN

Eyes:

Eyeshadow in Pink Freeze – Brushes along the lower lash line.

Eyeshadow in Quite Spoiled (available fall 2010) – Softly applied to the crease of the eyelid.

Eyeshadow in Beautiful Iris and Quite Spoiled – Layered and winged out horizontally from the outer corner of the eye.

Face:

Studio Moisturecover Concealer – Applied to the nose, eyelids and under the eyes, for a satin finish.

Blot Powder  – Dabbed onto the shine areas.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Brushes along the cheekbones and temples to contour the face.

Lip:
MAC Pro Cream Colour Base in Pink – Dabbed onto the center of the lip.

JASON WU

Eyes:
Pigment in Golden Lemon – Applied wet onto the eyelid.

Fix+ - Blended with the pigment to activate colour.

MAC Pro Pigment in White – Pressed into the centre of the eyelid.

Glitter Reflects in Gold - Pressed over the pigment in white into the centre of the eyelid.


Face:
Select Cover-up Concealer – Applied where needed.

Strobe Cream – Used as a highlighter across the cheekbones, brow and above the lip for a luminous, satin finish.


Lip:
Lip Conditioner– Matted to produce a natural, winter lip.

 

Eyes:

Pigment in Platinum – Applied wet onto the eyelid.

Fix+ - Blended with the pigment to activate colour.

MAC Pro Pigment in White – Pressed into the centre of the eyelid.

Glitter Reflects in Silver - Pressed over the pigment in white into the centre of the eyelid.

Face:

Select Cover-up Concealer – Applied where needed.

Strobe Cream – Used as a highlighter across the cheekbones, brow and above the lip for a luminous, satin finish.

Lip:

Lip Conditioner– Matted to produce a natural, winter lip.

MAC To The Beach Summer 2010 Collection

The MAC To the Beach collection will be available May 27 in the US and is going to knock your flip-flops off.

U.S. Launch Date – 27 May 2010

International Launch Date – May 2010
Asia Launch Date – June 2010
This summer release features over 30 pieces for lips, eyes, face, nails and body in beach-inspired colors.

Eyeshadows

Eyeshadows

From left to right: Eye Kohls, Lip Pencils, Nail Lacquers

Lipsticks

Lipglasses 

High-Light Powder

Powder Blushes

Powder Blushes

Cream Bronzers

Cream Bronzers

Bronzing Powders

Bronzing Powders

Lustre Drops

Bronze Body Oil, 130 Short, 130

MAC to the Beach

Lips
Lipstick in BeachBound (a sheer frosted pale peach), $14
Lipstick in Lazy Day (a light blueish pink), $14
Lipstick in Thrills (a rosy copper with golden pearl), $14
Lipstick in FunBathing (a mid-tone plummy bronze), $14
Lipglass in Easy Lounger (a light baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl), $14
Lipglass in Flurry of Fun (a sheer sparkly peach), $14
Lipglass in Splashing (a mid-tone blueish pink with golden pearl), $14
Lip Pencil in Life’s a Breeze (a soft pink), $13
Lip Pencil in Temperature Rising (an orange), $13



Eyes
Eyeshadow in Sun & Sand (a light peach matte), $14.50
Eyeshadow in Firecracker (a frosted mid-tone reddish orange), $14.50
Eyeshadow in Sweet & Punchy (a bright yellowish-green), $14.50
Eyeshadow in Shimmermoss (a pearly green), $14.50
Eyeshadow in Humid (a shimmery green), $14.50
Eye Kohl in Float on By (a dark greenish turquoise), $14.50
Eye Kohl in Rosemary & Thyme (a shimmery golden olive), $14.50


Face
Powder Blush in Hipness (an intense coral with soft white pearl), $18.50
Powder Blush in Get-Away Bronzes (a mid-tone frost tan), $18.50
High-Light Powder in Marine Life (a multi-colored pressed powder), $26
Cream Bronzer in Beach Bronze (a golden glow with a soft gold finish), $25
Cream Bronzer in Weekend (a mid-tone orangey brown with soft pink pearl), $25
Bronzing Powder in Golden (a muted golden beige-y tan with golden shimmer), $22
Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden (a finely spun golden with a soft pearl finish), $22
Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel (a blueish pink with golden pearl), $18.50
Lustre Drops in Sun Rush (a peachy bronze with golden pearl), $18.50
130 Short Duo Fibre (a face brush for cream and powder application), $38
130 Short Duo Fibre Powder/Blush Brush (a shading/highlighting brush), $34


Nails
Nail Lacquer in In the Buff (a muted taupe avocado cream), $12
Nail Lacquer in Scorcher (a creamy bright reddish coral), $12


Body
Bronze Body Oil (a glowing tan with multi-dimensional shimmer), $22


Accessories
MAC to the Beach Bag, $50

Lady Gaga Make Up Tutorial

Here are make up products you can use to recreate Lady Gaga's look at the 2010 Grammy's.

The MAC Trip Spring 2010 Travel Exclusives Make Me Want To Get to the Airport Early

If you're traveling or heading to the airport soon keep your eyes peeled for MAC’s latest Trip travel exclusives for spring/summer 2010.

.

WHAT’S A TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE?

Several of the bigger lines like MAC, Clinique and Estee Lauder periodically release limited-edition makeup collections for sale at airports and other travel hubs (domestic and international) that aren’t typically carried in their free-standing stores or counters

Cremesheen Trio

•Creme de Nude (a pale, muted peachy beige)

•Speed Dial (a light blueish pink)

•Modesty (a muted neutral pink)

Dazzleglass Trio

•Like Venus (a light bubblegum pink with red pearl)

•Sugarrimmed (a milky pale pink with pearl)

•Smile (a light coral with pink and pearl)

Eye Liner Trio

A combination pencil/pen/kohl liner that covers the eye-lining basics.
•Penultimate Liner in Rapid black (a true black)

•Pearlglide liner in Black Russian (a black with navy blue glitter)
•Technakohl in Graphblack (a rich black)

Zoomlash Trio
Here’s a trio of Zoomlash Mascaras in Zoomblack to help you keep your mascara stash stocked.

Define and Blend Brushes

A great brush starter kit and carrying case with five pieces for eyes and face!
•Zip-up carrying case (CUTE polka dots) with inner pocket

•129 SE Powder/Blush Brush

•190 SE Foundation Brush

•209 SE Eye Liner Brush
•219 SE Pencil Brush

•252 SE Large Shader Brush

Shape and Perfect Brushes

Expand your brush repertoire even further with these five eye and face brushes for contouring and blending.

•Zip-up carrying case (white gingham pattern) with inner pocket

•168 SE Large Angled Contour Brush

•187 SE Duo Fibre Brush

•194 SE Concealer Brush

•212 SE Flat Definer

•275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush

Prices on travel exclusive collections can vary by location, but are usually priced in line with products at regular MAC stores and counters.

Have you gotten your hands on any of these yet?

[Photo: makeupandbeautyblog.com]

MAC Preps for Colour and Too New Fabulous Spring Collections

Release dates:

Too Fabulous (March 4) 

Prep for Colour (April 8).

MAC Too Fabulous, clockwise from upper left: Mineralize Blush Duos ($23), Lip Pencils ($13), Cremesheen Glasses ($18)

MAC Prep For Colour

MAC Prep For Colour Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer ($30)

See anything you like? I'm in love with those mineralize blushes and nude lip pencils...

MAC Cosmetics Daily Face Charts