Opening of Studio Fontana at 400 Wellington Street West in Toronto ~ #PR

Lights!  Camera!  Hair and Makeup!  I had a lovely evening visiting Studio Fontana in Toronto that opened this month.  It is a great new space where hairstylist, makeup artist, photographers, and models could gather and create some magic.

It is a great space for people to get together to practice or create something that is wonderful and beautiful.  The studio is set up with all the salon equipment with perfect seating and washing stations.  The photo studio will be always set up ready to be used. I was also surprised to learn there is no fee to use the space.  It is a wonderful space and I could see so many uses for it like holding a small class to having a bridal party having their hair and makeup done all in one spot.

Vichy Purete Thermale ~ #Review & #Giveaway

I can't believe summer is finally here and school is out.  I was fortunate to attend the Vichy Event to promote their new products they will be launching this year.  One of the product lines was rebranded - Purete Thermale.   I don't know what it looked like before but this new look looks cleaner, calming, and refreshing.

All I want for Christmas is...Urban Decay ~ #Review #2014ChristmasGiftGuide

I am a huge makeup junkie and if you are shopping for someone like me and have no clue what to get the person for Christmas, remember two words- Urban Decay. Yes, they are the same brand that has the infamous Naked Palette. It is most likely that the person you are shopping for might already have Naked,1, 2, and 3. If not, get it for them, because every makeup junkie should own at least one of the pallets. If they have all three, check out Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for face and body.

Marcelle Prize Pack ~ #Review & #Giveaway

We only have a birthday once a year and I would love to doll myself up for my big birthday bash.  It would be the time for me to try and treat myself to some new makeup.  This time, I was able to try so many Marcelle goodies I have not tried before.

The Balm sold at ObsessedCanada.com ~ #Review

It has been only a couple of years that I have been shopping online.  Two big reasons is that sometimes I could get a better deal online and it also saves me time and stress.  Dragging two young kids on public transportation is alot of work and time wasted waiting for the bus.  Based on the winter we have been having, it is better to stay indoors than brave the bitter cold weather.  When I think back to what I purchased the most, they are cosmetics and beauty products.  I guess I consider them one of the easiest products to purchase online than other things.  For a few years I have heard NailPolishCanada.com through the grape vine and last year (2013) they had won Canada Post e-commerce innovation awards.  They had contacted me to let me know they had also expanded their business which sells more beauty products, including The Balm at ObsessedCanada.com, launched last month January 2014.

Marcelle Spring 2014 ~ #Review

With Spring around the corner it also means new makeup lines.  Each season it is fun to add something different to my daily routine.  A little change now and then makes life more exciting and interesting.  This change is the best from bitter cold winter to warm and sunny Spring.  This season, Marcelle has a few new products that could change you from wow to va-va-voom.

This season, Marcelle wants to focus on the eyes and introduces some hot products that could make your eyes look outstanding.  First, I know long and fuller eyelashes make women's eyes pop so Marcelle launched a new mascara Xtension Plus + ProLash Growth Complex that every women would need.  Marcelle took their award winning (winner of the 2013 ELLE CANADA/ELLE QUEBEC Beauty Grand Prix in the Best Mascara Under $20 category) Xtension Plus Mascara and infused it with a multifunctional conditioner to stimulate the growth of healthy lashes. Keep the same extreme length and curl, and treat your lashes to peptides and vitamins. Each lash will grow faster, stronger and suppler, making it more resistant to breakage.  Tested under ophthalmological control, Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, Paraben free, Hypo-allergenic and perfume free

Did you know that the eyebrows help shape your eyes?  The Marcelle Eyebrow Pen can help make anyone's eyebrows fuller to make your eye stunning.  It helps create the perfect brow shape, an ultra-natural look and a long-lasting impact.  It's in an easy to use pen and it is a fast drying formula.  The felt pen glides on skin and hair to enhance eyebrows or cover-up grey hair, and the slender tip creates soft strokes that imitates natural hair and the look of brows.  Long-lasting (12 hours + ) and smudgeproof formula, tested under ophthalmological control. safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, paraben free, and hypo-allergenic and perfume free

Lastly, check out Marcelle®2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner 2 new shades - Azurite (blue) and Purpurite (purple).  This is a creamy and already-sharpened tip of this waterproof eyeliner. Use the integrated soft sponge to turn any line into a smoky eye.  It is waterproof, long-lasting (12 hours + ) and smudgeproof formula, integrated sharpener and sponge, tested under ophthalmological control, safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, hypo-allergenic and perfume free.

You know how much I love Marcelle mascara.  They are one of the few brands I could wear without tearing up.  I am so glad they invented this new mascara that includes a formula to create longer and fuller eye lashes.  I have Asian eyelashes so they are short, few, and fall off very easily.   This added ingredient is like getting two products for the price of one.  Immediately I could see my eyelashes fuller after I applied it the first time.  It is easy to remove and I barely notice I was wearing mascara at all.

The Eyebrow Pen felt like I am applying a marker to my brows.  I usually use a pencil or a powder but this pen is waterproof so it lasted all day.  You will need a good steady hand and don't laugh when using this pen because it dries super fast so a simple wipe won't fix it.  You will need a makeup remover to correct any oopsies.  If anyone wants to emphasize their brow this pen will do the job.

The 2-in-1 retractable eyeliner is so easy to use and the most fun to test.  I love how the sponge is attached to the pencil and ready to use when I need a quick fix of my makeup.  I love smoky eyes and the sponge can help achieve the look without too much effort.  The blue is a lovely shade and I believe my daughter will like it too.  I bet the purple looks just as good or maybe even better.

The Marcelle new eye makeup products can help many anyone eye's look beauty.  If anyone needs to bat their eye lashes to get someone to do them a favour, I think Marcelle can help you.  You might be the lucky ones and get everything you want with a bat of your eyes.

Suggested retail prices:
-NEW Marcelle® Xtension Plus + ProLash Growth Complex Mascara in Black
$14.95
-NEW Marcelle® Eyebrow Pen in Universal Light and Universal Dark
$13.95

New shade launch
-Marcelle®2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Azurite (blue)
$10.95
-Marcelle®2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner in Purpurite (purple)
$10.95

ALL items available at Marcelle.com and in stores starting February 2014

About Marcelle®
Marcelle®, hypo-allergenic and perfume-free products, is a registered trademark of Groupe Marcelle Inc., a Canadian manufacturer headquartered in Lachine (Quebec). Close to 200 people are employed in the research, development, production and marketing of its products. Marcelle® offers a complete line of skincare and colour cosmetic products.


*Disclosure - The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

You are #bornwithit Mabelline ~#Review

Yes, this post is way over due.  Are you #bornwithit?  Yes!  Every women has it.  Last Fall, I attended backstage at the #WMCFW (World MasterCard Fashion Week) just to take a peek behind the scene.  I got to meet Grace Lee, where she spent a few minutes with me to show me the makeup look on one of the runways she was working on.  It was pretty simple and easy to do. Basically, focus on your makeup on either your eyes or your lips.  I can't believe how many people are involved in a runway.  There were rows of mirrored tables which they were covered with makeup - all Mabelline products.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman is a Great Christmas Gift Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Giveaway #Review

I don't know about you but I could not get enough make up brushes.  Before I always thought the applicators that came with the cosmetics are fine.  Boy, I was wrong because they are not the ideal tools to use.  I consider them emergency tools.  I have discovered that make up brushes are the way to go.  There are so many of them and I have found another set of brushes that I adore.  I have been using them each morning and it pleases me how well it gives me the look I desire.   Real Technique brushes have become a staple of my morning routine.

This brush line is designed by the infamous makeup artist and beauty blogger, Samantha Chapman.  The Taklon bristles are ultra-plush and smoother than other brushes.  It is synthetic, 100% cruelty-free.  It helps create the flawless look you're trying to create.  Each brush head is hand-cut for the perfect shape to give the application the perfect look.

The set includes:
Base Shadow Brush - applies a smooth, flawless foundation colour
Deluxe Crease Brush - soft, oversized design for effortless contouring
Accent Brush - designed for presicion detailing spotlighting, highlighting, and smudging
Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush - tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application
Brow Brush - distinctive shape easily defines eyebrows
Plus a Panormic Case to hold all the brushes

I absolutely love my eyes/enhanced starter set brushes.  The plush brushes makes it easy to pick up the cosmetic and it is so gentle when I apply it to my eyes.  I really love there are step-by-step guide I could follow using the Real Technique brushes.  It is a great Christmas gift idea for a newbie just starting out.  However, I think they are perfect for anyone who uses makeup.  The videos are so easy to understand and follow to help to get the same look.  The set comes in a case and went bent it correctly it becomes a stand for easy access to the brushes.  It is a brilliant idea because my brushes have never been more organized.  Once I have tried these brushes I wish I have her whole collection because they are that good.  I can't live without them since I have have been using them.  The perfect beauty item to give for this Christmas season.

GIVEAWAY!!

Farleyco.ca would like to offer one of my readers to win their own Real Techniques eyes/enhanced starter set.

Kiehl's Christmas Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review

I'm counting down the days until Christmas and I hope you have started as well.  Not to worry, there is still plenty of time and ideas floating around.  Stores are open late so you can shop until the bitter end...well, that is the worst case scenario.  The females in my family are pretty much easy to shop for.  They love bath and beauty products so at least I know where to start.  One of the stores I would likely to visit is Kiehl's the home of the infamous lip balm.

This season, Kiehl’s proudly announces its 5th Annual Limited Edition Holiday Collection in collaboration with NYC-based artist Eric Haze. “Haze” has been creating artistic imagery on a variety of mediums for over 30 years and is best known for designs that span the art, graphic design and fashion arenas.

Kiehl’s Limited Edition Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter will make a charitable impact though Kiehl’s Gives, the skincare company’s philanthropic platform. Locally in Canada, 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Limited Edition Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter will benefit the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps, a national collaboration of independently operating children’s oncology camping organizations committed to excellence ensuring that every child affected by childhood cancer has the opportunity for a safe, first-class pediatric oncology camping experience.  The Limited Edition Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter will feature a special label designed by one of CAPOC’s member campers.

Ecotools Six Piece Day to Night Clutch Set ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Anyone planning a getaway?  A dream vacation?  Seeing the family?  Some kind of a long day trip?  As for me, for any trip or just going to work, I need to bring a few essential brushes when I am out and about.  My criteria is that it has to be small and able to fit into my purse or carrying on (if I was flying out) in case I need some emergency makeup application and don't want to be kept off guard without one.  I just can't believe I have found the perfect brush kit!!

Ecotools Six Piece Day to Night Clutch Set

Vichy at Luminato Festival (III) ~ #VichyLuminato #Review

I wasn't kidding when I tell you I have the most problematic skin and this is the last batch I received from the Luminato event.

I don't think I could stress how much I love their new Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa.  I have mentioned in my previous post and many beauty bloggers also share my same enthusiasm.  I don't think I could live without this new night cream.  If you have not tried it, you have to.  If you have dehydrated or dry skin this might be the magic cream you have beenwaiting for.  I apply a thin layer on my skin and makes it feels wonderful in the morning.

Vitabath: Luxury Bath & Body Products ~ #Review & #Giveaway

If you have been following me you know how much I am addicted to lotions and hand creams.  Regardless if I am at work, on the go, or at home, there is always one by my side like a side kick - my partner in crime.  I am constantly washing my hands so my hands often need a little TLC because they get dry and annoying.  There is one brand I would like to share with you that I know you will love as much as I do.

Marcelle: DD cream ~ #Review

As I mentioned before, there is a new kid in town and its name is DD.  What does DD stand for?  "Dynamic Do-All".  If you are like me and is lost with all these new ABC cream...don't worry.  You are not alone.  My understanding is that BB cream is a light coverage with added benefits.  CC cream is a medium coverage with more benefits.  DD cream is the combo of both BB and CC cream and the primary focus is its anti-aging - to diminish wrinkles and fine lines.  I hope this clears things up for you...

The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipsticks and Eye Shadows ~ #Review

Can you believe it is August and Fall is just around the corner?  When the season is going to change you know what that means...new products!!  Let me tell you that The Body Shop will be launching great new products this Fall and you dont want to miss it.

Back in July, I attended The Body Shop's Girls Night Out and there they introduced to me products that I'm itching for, and can't wait to get my hands on it.  This season they will be launching new lipsticks and eye shadows which I had the pleasure to try out before they hit the stores and online on August 12, 2013.

Chocolate Linger (wet, dry) - Chat-Up Lime (wet, dry) - 230 Rush of Pink - 240 Damson in Distress

The Body Shop will be introducing 24 New Colour Crush Lipsticks in three colour families at a reasonable price of $13.  This will replace the Colourglide lipsticks but not to worry since there are plenty of shades that will meet your needs.  These lipsticks are 100% cruelty free, 100% vegetarian and each shades will give you 100% high impact.

Oxygen Pur Skin Serums ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Oxygen Pur Skin Serums - World's first and only 100% chemical free, ultra oxygenated skin serums that hydrate, nourish and rejuvenate skin from the inside and out - Day and night
Post-cosmetic procedure healing from botox & fillers, microdermabrasion, IPL laser treatments, chemical peels, non-surgical facelifts and waxing, and hair removal.
Advanced Oxygen Pur Skin Serums - healing power of oxygen - enters the dermis, instantly elevating tissue oxygen levels in excess of ten times of the norm.  Recommended for women and men of all ages, with all skin types and conditions.

Honeymania at The Body Shop ~ #Review

Sugar, Oh honey, honey.
You are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you
Honey, Oh Sugar, Sugar
You are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you....

First came the Chocomania now The Body Shop will launch a new line called Honeymania in stores and online on October 7, 2013.

This new collection "is enriched with wild honey goodness for skin that feels as nourished and fragrant as if it had been dipped in honey itself."

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 ~ #Review #CicaplastB5

Shh...want to hear La Roche Posay new kept secret is?  They are launching their Cicaplast Baume B5 Smoothing Repairing Balm - available August 21 in stores that sells La Roche Posay products.

A rich, nourishing texture: enriched with 5% Panthenol, soothes stringing and tightness linked to dry skin irritation while its antibacterial-adhesion texture protects the skin.  Skin is repaired  soothed and regains comfort.  Applied twice daily to pre-washed and dried skin.  Can be applied to body, face and lips.  Suitable for sensitive skin, Paraben-free, and Fragrance-free.

NEW! Vichy's Normaderm Hyaluspot ~ #Review & #giveaway

My teenage years are so long ago but I still get those awful pimples.  I hate the ones where there is a spot you can't keep touching and you know it is the start of a new pimple.  As we get older, our skin takes a bit more time to heal and these pimples take longer to heal and may lead to scarring.  When a new pimple is irritating the skin and we keep on touching the spot, it causes a bigger and more painful pimple.

Vichy understands how much these worry women so that they introduced the Noramaderm Hyaluspot which it proclaims in 2 hours, 99% of contamination is stopped and from 48 hours the imperfections disappears faster without leaving a mark.

Yves Rocher: Retropical Party ~ #Review

Yves Rocher has launched a whole new makeup collection called Retropical which will remind you of a retro pin-up summer with colours of reds, oranges, pinks, blues, and greens.  The makeup collection is inspired by paradise and is filled with flamboyant colours, and warm light fragrances.

The colours are so vibrant that they reminds me of Hawaii or somewhere tropical.

Looking for a lovely and fresh scent for this summer.  Try the Retropical Eau de Toilette (75ml, $25).  It is light, floral and has a fruity scent for any occasion.  During the summer I like to wear something that is light and not heavy so I could see myself wearing this fragrance often this season.

I hardly wear lip gloss because usually I don't like it sticking to my loose hair.  It is messy and uncomfortable.  However the Retropical Gloss (4.5ml, $4.95) is amazing, really!  I love how vibrant the colour is and it is non sticky.  After a few hours of wearing it it is still as vibrant as when I first put it on.  I really like the applicator, it is like a lip brush.  A+ in my books.

I have quite a few eye pencils but they are all the same old black, brown, or white.  This time I had the opportunity to try Retropical Eye Pencil in Eucalyptus (3.25g $5.95) and the Retropical Duo Khol pencil in Tropical Mint/Bougainvilles  (0.52g, $4.95).  The Retropical Eye Pencil in Eucalyptus could be used as a kohl or an eyeshadow which I love how pretty it looked on my eyes.  It goes on smoothly and very easy to use.  I love how this green shade looks on my Asian complexion.  OK ladies I feel like hitting the beach!  Who is with me?

These products are available in all Yves Rocher stores, online, or by catalogue at 1-800-361-2746.

Don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Pinterest page.


*Disclosure - The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Annabelle: Colour Control Cream & Pressed Powder ~ #Review

First there is the BB  (Beauty Balm) cream and now there is CC (Colour Control) cream. Another popular product from Asia (Korea) that provides natural looking skin coverage.  BB cream is a cross between a foundation and tinted moisturize with added benefits.  CC cream is for colour correcting for redness and uneven skin tones so you apply before your foundation with more added benefits.  Also the DD cream is already in the market.

Annabelle offers three CC products - Instant perfecting Base Natural Finished (30ml, C$16.95), Instant perfecting Base Luminous Finished (30ml, C$16.95) and pressed powder (8g, $16.95).
They are are oil free, paraben free, perfume free, non comedogenic, hyper allergenic, and dermatologist tested.

This cream can be worn alone or under your foundation.   For best coverage, mix the BB cream with the CC cream.  Annabelle states that the CC cream neutralizes the redness, dull, and uneven skin tones, while also reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and leaves a flawless anti-shine finish.  It primes the skin for makeup and improves foundation wear.

In the mornings I apply the CC cream first then put on my foundation or my tinted moisturizer.  Both of them combined made my skin look more healthy and made my skin soft.  It blends on my face easily and it provides me with great coverage.   When I apply the CC cream first I don't need my foundation or tinted moisturizer as much as usual.

The press powder is enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants which I apply after my CC cream and foundation. It mattes my face giving me the complete and perfect look for the day.  For the few days I didn't had time to apply the CC cream, my co-workers would ask me "what is wrong, you looked tired".  How interesting is that?

These products are available were Annabelle products are sold.

Great news.  Now you can order Annabelle online at www.annabelle.ca.  They ship to Canada and US.

*Disclosure - The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.