makeup – Page 5 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

beauty– eye Draw the Line

With Stila, Kat Von D, Nars, Marc Jacobs and More

Eye just can't make up my eyes mind — Eye just can’t make up my ~~eyes~~ mind…they’re all pretty nice.

So happy to have discovered this curated collection of cult classics at where else….Sephora. Surprise, surprise. I sometimes shop the little local beauty boutiques (I like supporting them too) but must say that Sephora really knows how to put a pretty package together – especially around the holidays. I specifically went to buy the mascara set (the lash stash) as a gift – they only had two left. Anyway, “Draw The Line” is a selection of six leading eyeliners designed to mix and match. How could I resist? You can buy them all individually as I’m quite certain the kit is no longer available. They sell out fast.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Black Lace

These pencils have a very smooth application, so they are ideal when you want to contour the shape of your eye. They also work well for smoky eyes, as they blend well and are long wearing.

STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Dark Brown

This is waterproof and one of the easiest liquid liners to use. The chocolate brown color is subdued and optimal for creating a daytime winged look.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

This pen’s application is super precise. The brush tip has a multitude of fibers that give your hand control and stability. It’s perfect for creating any graphic liner look.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto

The color in this pencil is rich and creamy, and it lasts 12 hours. It’s great for creating a deeply saturated waterline, as well as a blending.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer
These pencils come with a sharpener on the end, so they are self-contained. The rich, waterproof formula glides on effortlessly and deposits just the right amount of color onto the eye. They are also excellent for smudging out.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Double Ended Eye Pencil in Perversion and Rockstar

The convenience of having two eyeliners with different finishes in one pencil is fantastic. The soft tips make them very easy to apply and create smoky eyes. Perversion (matte black) and Rockstar (dark purple) look beautiful when worn together or alone.

Not since I purchased the Fresh “sugar lips” set have I had so much fun playing with makeup.

What’s your obsession?

FUN

Beauty– velvet or satin?

NARS lip pencils in rich VELVET Matte or creamy SATIN lip

Warning: you can become addicted

The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. Which kid ~~like me~~ doesn’t love drawing with crayons right?

The result is long-lasting (more for the matte shades), non-drying and enriched with emollients for a creamy texture. Use for lining, all-over lip color, or pair with another lip product. Enriched with vitamin E.

François Nars

“I wanted to create a modern way to wear a very classic lip. The creaminess of the texture makes them very easy to use.”

MATTE

For a sophisticated look with intense shades that won’t dry out your lips.

SATIN

A modern, long-wearing, vitamin-enriched formula in a jumbo pencil format to provide great wear and intense color with a satin finish.

Key Benefits:

* High-impact intense colour

* Convenient, easy and precise application

Price: Canada $31 US $25

The *two universally flattering shades shown in the photo were a birthday gift from Sephora. Thank you. photo: d. king

*Matte in Cruella & Satin in Rikugien

FUN

beauty – vixen seductrice

No; that’s just the name of my two–sided flipstick

which is really two lipsticks for the price of one. Basically I couldn’t make up my mind between all the different choices and the shades at either end of this tube looked so pretty that I had to buy it. It’s not the most elegant packaging out there but it’s great to take on holiday and the price is unbelievably reasonable.

It’s one of the oldest makeup-artist tricks: To get a lipstick color that’s just right for you, mix a couple of different tones together. CoverGirl BlastFlipstick gives you two complementary shades—a cream formula at one end, a shimmer at the other—so you can experiment to your pout’s content. Available in 13 duos – for 26 different shades.

To buy: $8 at drugstores.

FUN

Beauty: eyes, lips, cheeks – favourites

Every year Sephora puts out the ultimate beauty boxed gift sets (even if the gift is meant for ourselves) so we can sample the best of the best.

The SUPERSTARS

This year I was eyeing “gimme more lip” when I realized that I already have almost half the box in my beauty cabinet at home. Which means it’s a pretty useful and gorgeous set.

For your EYES ONLY

It’s kind of like the makeup version of the Japanese boxed lunch where you want to sample a little bit of everything because you are so hungry for it all.

So, which one of these appeals to you the most?

FUN

Beauty biz – Chanel LES OMBRES

Eyeshadow redefinedand inspired by threads of Chanel tweed. And who can resist that?

I was testing out the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip colors (more on this later) when this exquisite eye palette caught my attention. Normally I’m not one to get too excited about eye shadow. Concentrating on eye makeup takes time, precision and knowing what works for you. And when it cakes or runs it looks god awful. So I don’t spend time on this however I was drawn to the endless possiblilities of these new versatile multi-effect compacts with rich pigment shade combinations ranging from matte to satin to shimmer. The formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour. Dermatologist tested. Simply Stylish!New LES 4 OMBRES Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Tissé Vendôme, Tissé Gabrielle, Tissé Cambon, and Tissé Vénitien.

Available in Canada at Holt Renfrew

Have you tried them?

FUN

Beauty biz – a visit to Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s on Robson St., Vancouver draws inspiration from Kiehl’s New York east village roots as an old–world neighborhood apothecary developed by innovative pharmacists and herbologists.
Kiehl’s has an unorthodox marketing approach, exceptionally large male clientele base (they have a section dedicated to men) and its products’ simple and straightforward packaging.

I remember visiting the original location in New York (they have a Norman Rockwell Holiday Window) where I bought my first bottle of ultra-facial moisturizer and recently on Robson I sampled the new multi-corrective cream. L O V E at first sample!

There’s something else I like about Kiehl’s besides their skincare products:

In 2010, Kiehl’s introduced the Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, an annual, week-long motorcycle ride through major U.S. cities that includes multiple high-profile events at Kiehl’s stores along the way to raise consumer and media awareness about amfAR and the fight against AIDS. In the last four years, LifeRide has raised over $400,000 for amfAR.

Super Multi-Corrective Cream Key Ingredients:

Jasmonic Acid

Inspired by “signal molecules” secreted by plants that begins a self-repair process – corrects wrinkles and fine lines, loss of suppleness and elasticity. Beech Tree Extract

Sugar extracted from Beech Tree which helps improve skins overall firmness.

Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid

A power booster, discovered to enhance Jasmonic Acid’s efficacy, super charging the improvement in skin elasticity and smoothness.

Have you tried their products?

Photos: d. king

FUN

beauty biz – THE quick FIX

How does a girl-on-the-go get a Glamorous Glow? I will tell you….

GLAMGLOW was originally designed for exclusive professional backstage use in Hollywood. In 2011, GLAMGLOW became available to consumers worldwide and is now known for fast-acting and innovative mud treatments with patent-pending formulas and high-end technology to deliver instant, visible results.

I tried GLAMGLOW BRIGHTMUD EYE treatment which is a 3 minute instant eye treatment and found it very refreshing as well as hydrating and softening. It claims to minimize puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the eyes. It worked but I can’t tell you how long exactly it lasted.

It’s the world’s first tap-on-wipe-off eye product designed to work for Hollywood actors in just a few minutes, just before going in front of a camera on-set. So it would work for just before going on a date then??

The package contains 12 ChromeCells and each one provides a single treatment for both eyes.

Aside from the claims and everything else, the packaging will certainly get your attention.

Available at Sephora. Price: approx $76 CDN

FUN

beauty – AWARENESS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I thought it would be good to post a roundup list of skincare & makeup product ingredients (in alphabetical order) to make recognizing, understanding, and avoiding these ingredients easier for you.

THE NEVER LIST:

Animal fats, oils, and musks: tallow, rendered beef or mutton fat, oils or musks from animals like mink, emu and sharks that are procured after an animal has been killed. Found in: soap, salve, shaving products, lubricants, paints, and all types of cosmetics.

Benzalkonium chloride: a disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.

Benzophenone and derivatives: a possible human carcinogen and hormone disruptor used as a fragrance ingredient and to absorb ultraviolet light. Found in: nail polish, sunscreen.

Bisphenol A (BPA): a hormone disruptor that may also alter DNA, used in plastics and resins. Found in: plastic bottles, lining of aluminum food cans, possibly in eyeshadow and styling gel.

Butoxyethanol: a solvent used to control viscosity, or a “fragrance” additive. It irritates skin and may cause cancer and reproductive toxicity. Found in: fragrance, hair color.

BHA and BHT: synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors, and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients: a byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.

1,4-dioxane: a by-product of manufacturing that is a probable human carcinogen (a known animal carcinogen) as well as toxic to organs and the respiratory system, and a skin irritant. Likely to be present where ethoxylated ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, PEGs, and ceteareth are listed on ingredient labels. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): a chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.

Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

Formaldehyde: used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol) and several other preservatives are listed. Beautycounter does not use any of these formaldehyde-donating preservatives. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Hydroquinone: a skin lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin
and is a linked to cancer, organ toxicity and skin irritation. Found in: skin lightening creams.

Methyl cellosolve: fragrance ingredient and solvent that is an irritant and a possible neurotoxin, developmental toxin, and cause of DNA mutations that could lead to cancer. Found in: anti-aging creams.

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone: chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.

Mercury and mercury compounds (also listed as Thimerosal): metallic element used as a preservative and antiseptic known to damage brain function. Found in: ear and eye drops; may be used in mascara.

Mineral Oil (also listed as liquid paraffin; liquid petrolatum; paraffin oil): a by-product of petroleum distillation that may cause contact dermatitis. Found in: baby lotions, cold creams, ointments.

Oxybenzone: sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.

Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, proply- and others): a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Specially, parabens mimic estrogen; they can lock on to our cell’s own estrogen receptors and mess with important natural signals. They may play a role in triggering breast cancer. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.

Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.

Resorcinol: a colorant and fragrance ingredient that is a skin irritant, toxic to the
immune system and organs, and suspected to cause hormone disruption. Found in: hair color.

Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A): a nutrient that may damage DNA and speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. Found in: moisturizer, anti-aging skincare.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Synthetic flavor or fragrance: an engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000+ stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets, and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.

Toluene: a volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can
cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.

Print out an Always-With-You Never List and carry in your wallet for easy reference while on the go.

Source: http://www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list

FUN

Beauty biz – the Facial

For many years Optaderm has been my go-to place for facials.

Products that work in plain packaging.

Okay there was a period of time where I tried other skincare specialists. They lured me in off the street with their luxurious looking salons and some of their facials were very good but I’ve never been as satisfied as when Elizabeth attends to my skin at Optaderm. She takes care of business. Hopefully she’ll be there as long as I continue going.

Optaderm will not lure you off the street. In fact they’re located on the 3^rd floor of a medical building. You have to know about them. The place is very pristine but not at all fancy. Just the basics. If you’re looking for fancy shmancy you must go elsewhere.

During the course of the complete one hour facial, we receive a relaxing aromatherapy massage, thorough deep pore cleansing, skin-smoothing peeling and calming facial masque. And I always ask for *extractions (most other places will not do this maybe out of fear of messing up). They are not the most pleasant part of the facial but there always seems to be some to get rid of.

skincare line which you can use after the facial if you choose to

Optaderm also sells their own brand of skincare & some makeup (made at their in-house lab) with healthy ingredients like plant extracts, amino acids and vitamins. They’ll probably give you a few generous size samples to try. They’re able to sell their goods at a lower price point than competitors by being a direct supplier to the customer. You won’t be disappointed.

Optaderm, since 1987 has offered high quality products and one-on-one skin care advice.

http://www.optaderm.com/

*Extractions – meaning tiny (sometimes not so tiny) black & whitehead removal. That’s all you need to know.

FUN

beauty biz – BIOÉTHIQUE Provence

This appeals to my sense of ALL THINGS BEAUTY.

A space where everything is truly pure and simple.

And white without being stark. It looks very FRENCH (which in itself is a bonus – as in French woman really look after their skin), and it has old world charm.
oh, did I forget to say what it is? A certified Organic Boutique and Day Spa right here in Vancouver. A genuine oasis for health and relaxation.

One more thing….the two women who run it are super friendly, not snobby and they liked my dog.

Which is another PLUS factor.