BlushPretty: Make-up Artistry Weblog

My Pretty Pink Box

Photo Courtesy of My Pretty Pink Box
www.myprettypinkbox.com

Email, MySpace, Facebook, Text, Blackberry Messenger.

Sure, all of the above are convenient ways to keep connected but wouldn't it be nice to just receive something in the mail?  That is, other than your utility bill and your Visa statement ...

Of course it is!  I love mail - handwritten notes and cards in my mailbox make my day.  Imagine my delight when I received My Pretty Pink Box iat my door just the other day.  Everything I love - snail mail delivery, cute packaging, and BEAUTY PRODUCTS! 

My Pretty Pink Box is an innovative way of receiving a bunch of beauty samples from different (and sometimes new) cosmetic companies.  It's a little taste of everything from samples to special discounts.  Each month, the people behind MPPB put together a box of goodies, price it accordingly, and send it out to all those who order.  All this for as little as $15 per month.  Bonus: there are no membership fees or obligation to purchase every month.  You purchase when YOU SAY you want to purchase!

I received the box for May which is already sold out.  While I plan to try everything, I'm dying to test out the Eyeko Fat Balm!  They have a new box for June 2009. Send it to a friend as a gift or send one to yourself when you need a pick-me-up.  Check out My Pretty Pink Box for more information!

-bp-

Studio News: Get Social!

Banner by John Paul Gomez
Make-up by BlushPretty

Check out BlushPretty Connects!!  A new way to get social ...

BlushPrettyConnects (www.blushprettyconnects.ning.com) is our new social network for those who love beauty!   The site is currently up and running and by January 2009, bp plans to have it updated daily with quick tidbits on tips, trends and news.  You can create a profile, share your own beauty tips (and secrets if you wish), plus participate in forums with your fellow beauty addicts.  And don't forget about GIVEAWAYS.  BP loves a good giveaway!!  Become a member at BlushPretty Connects and be eligible to participate in beauty contests and special events on a monthly basis.

You can also purchase tickets for our special event Beauty Nights - which come complete with food, drink, and shopping (food, shopping, and beauty - it goes hand in hand).  A couple of events we are looking forward to:

SPECIAL EVENT: BlushPretty Beauties 2008 Celebration Night, April 23, 2009 6:00 to 10:00
A special way to celebrate all the brides and clients that supported us in 2008! A night of cocktails, h'or d'ouerves, and a special 60 minute workshop! Invites will be sent out to clients in early 2009.

WORKSHOP: Glam Gal, May 21, 2009 6:30 to 8:30
Love using lipstick or have a penchant for smokey eyes? Sure you do - but if you aren't sure how to achieve the look, this workshop is perfect for you. We'll show you how to use lipstick, eyeshadow and blush all at once without going overboard.

SPECIAL EVENT: Girls Night - Pretty City, June 4, 2009, 6:00 to 10:00
Join us for a fun Girls Night Out!  H'or d'ouerves, cocktails, shopping and a beauty demo - what more could a girl ask for! We'll be showing you how to take a look from Day-to-Night, and then you and your girlfriends can try it on each other!

As a member of BlushPrettyConnects  you automatically receive 10% off registration fees.  For more information on our events and workshops, to receive a registration form, or to purchase a ticket for an event, please send an email to beautymail@blushpretty.com or call us at 416-727-1754.

It doesn't end here ... there are other ways for you to get social with BlushPretty: follow bp on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BlushPretty or subscribe to our newsletter by sending your email or snail mail address to subscribe@blushpretty.com.  There are so many ways to get your daily dose of beauty!

SO WHAT'S OUR GIVEAWAY FOR DECEMBER, YOU ASK??  Join BlushPretty Connects by December 24, 2008 and be eligible to win a Sunsilk Gift Set!  The winner will be announced on December 25, 2008!  

Looking forward to getting social wtih you ...  :)

-bp-

The Neverending Search for the Perfect Mascara

Photo Courtesy of Matchstick Inc. for L'oreal

A simple swipe of mascara can make all the difference.  It instantly defines and opens up the eye and brightens up your look with minimal effort.  It's no wonder that women everywhere are always on the lookout for a new mascara that does it better than the last ...

Matchstick Inc. recently sent to me a tube of L'Oreal Paris' newest mascara, Double Extend Beauty Tubes.  Not yet available in Canada, Double Extend Beauty Tube Mascara is a lengthening formula that L'Oreal promises will extend your lashes by 80%.  How does it do this?  With it's two step application of course!

According to L'Oreal, "Double Extend® Beauty Tubes™ Technology forms lash-extending tubes that firmly attach to the tip of your lashes" .  It's main ingredient, Ceramide R, is a nourishing agent that conditions the lashes and protects them before applying the second coat.  The ending effect is long, extended lashes ...

I've been using this mascara for one week now. While I've tried other two-step formulas, as well as separate lash priming products before applying my regular mascara of choice ... I've never been a fan of the two step process for lashes.  (I like keeping my routine quick and short, and coating my lashes once with primer and then again with colour seemed tedious.)  That being said - using this product is an absolute breeze!  The primer (step one) is neither clumpy or goopy and slides on easily over the lashes.  Also, unlike some primers, it doesn't have an offensive scent.   It provides an even coat that allows the tint (step two) to also glide easily over the lashes without getting thick or heavy.  Lashes are coated, extended and separated for a very clean lashline. 

Double Extend Beauty Tubes are great for providing length but not volume.  If you have skimpy lashes like me, and prefer a fuller lashline, you may also need a volume inducing mascara.  I would suggest adopting a third step and use a volumnizing mascara after you have applied your first two steps.

The best thing about Double Extend is that is gives a nice, natural look that is completely smudgeproof and doesn't run, yet you can remove it easily with just warm water.  No need to excessively rub it away and damage the sensitive and delicate skin around your eyes.

As mentioned, Double Extend Beauty Tubes is not yet available.   It will be launched later this month in drugstores across Canada and retail for $14.99.  So, keep your eyes open and try it for yourself. 

-bp-

fresh. beautiful. Fridays: November 21, 2008

True Blue Spa's Shea Cashmere Body Lotion
Photo Courtesy of REV Communications

So there are 33 days until Christmas, and six Fridays for bp to dish on any and all possible stocking stuffers for the beauty addicted in your life.  :)

Between sisters, bffs, mothers (and mothers-in-law) and teenage (or pre-teen) nieces, you're already running out of ideas.  Luckily, beauty counters and boutiques love launching holiday specials and products so there is a multitude of new possibilities.  The problem is trying to park, shop, and purchase them all in a crowded mall in the one lunch hour you have to do it - right?  Hopefully bp can help take the guesswork out of which products will be a success no matter who you give them too.

We are going to start with some new products from Bath & Body Works that will be introduced for the holiday season.  Given that the company is new to Toronto, chances are you haven't given a gift from Bath & Body Works to anyone before.  So, not only will your gift be sweet smelling, but the recipient will be introduced to something NEW!!

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Kids, 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Body Wash and Shampoo: Perfect for the junior miss (or mister!) in your life, these fragrant body washes make bathtime fun - and I would know because I had my little one test it out for me.  Available in three scents: Blueberry Vanilla, Strawberry Kiwi, and (my kid's favourite) BUBBLEGUM, this silky wash leaves any child - no matter how dirty, sticky, and grimy they get - fresh and clean.  Not to mention, the idea of smelling like bubblegum makes them WANT to take a bath!

True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Body Lotion: There are countless raves about B&BW's lotions and potions here on blushpretty.com - and this particular lotion from True Blue is no disappointment.  This luxe lotion smooths on easily and melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy or sticky film.  Unlike other shea butter products, the scent is noticeable but light - a perfect way to wear a scent when your office has a "no perfume" policy.  The lotion will hydrate the dryest of skin, but if you're like me and are neurotic about keeping your skin soft and smooth and prefer something thicker, you can try the body cream version. (See picture above).

Liplicious 2-in-1 Moisturizing Lip Colour & Sugar Scrub in Pomengranate: The two things any set of lips needs when facing the winter cold - an exfoliating scrub to remove chapped skin and a moisturizing lip tint to replenish.  Packaged in a convenient dual ended tube, the exfoliating scrub is a tasty brown sugar flavour that doesn't smell or taste medicated at all (like some lip scrubs out there).  As well, the scrub isn't harsh but does have enough oomph in it to remove dead skin. As for the pomengranate lip colour - LOVE IT - just enough colour, not too sticky, not to slick ... it's perfect!

Well, hopefully you now have a place to start your holiday shopping plan ... be sure to take the time to visit the B&BW store nearest to you ... there is a tonne of product to choose from and there is always a special sale or promotion (as in Buy ONE Get ONE 1/2 off) meaning more bang for your buck!

Happy Shopping Readers!

-bp-

Gowns, Garters and more ...

Make-up and Hair by BlushPretty
Bride: The beautiful (and so stylish) Christina D.

Calling all brides!  Just wanted to share a couple of bridal resources available in the GTA.

We all know its about the dress, right??! Well, for all you brides still looking for the perfect dress (and at a reasonable cost), check out this liquidation sale at Paris Boutique in Unionville (156 Main Street).  The boutique (formerly Paris Fashions) is undergoing new management ... and you know what that means ... INVENTORY LIQUIDATION!! Apparently there are dresses for as low as $99 - seriously.  Check out their website at www.parisbridals.com.

If you are a DIY bride, The Sewing Studio (located at 266 Avenue Road) has the right course for you.  Bride-to-Be is a sewing class where you will make three projects: silk and ribbon flowers, ring pillows,  and sexy garters.  At the same time, you will learn the basics of sewing including different stitches, seams, and embellishments.  The class only runs twice a year so check out the studio's website, www.lovesewing.com, for further information. (And if you just want to learn to sew in general, the Studio is as true to their tagline - it is your haute spot for learning to sew!)

This past weekend was a busy weekend for BlushPretty, with three weddings and three beautiful brides to glam up.  At one of these weddings, I met a very talented photographer.  Calla Evans, a British Columbia transplant, is a photographer in the GTA specializing in weddings and the hottest trend, Super 8 film.  (I didn't realize it yesterday, but I believe Calla also worked on a wedding I did back in July 2008.  What a small world.)  Calla and her assistant, Alex were a pleasure to get to know.   I visited her website and blog, and her work is beautiful.  Check it out at www.callaevansphotography.com.

Looking to have videos done up for your wedding day?  You can't go wrong with Justin Borja. Rather than having your usual 30 - 45 minute wedding video covering all the speeches verbatim or the the inaudible dialogue of the bridal party getting ready, why not turn your day into a 15 to 20 minute montage with a musical score instead? Your own personal music video of your big day!  Justin's skill set and eye for detail has been sought after this past wedding season and he is currently booking for 2009.  You can check out his personal video website here! His wedding videos from 2008 will be posted soon!

And why not try something different for your engagement party or "baby picture" slideshow that everyone does at some point during their reception??  Have Vivid View Productions film and edit a tribute to the groom or the bride instead.  Headed by Allison Ballantyne, Vivid View Productions specializes in making tailor made videos: classic biographies and heartfelt tributes.  With interviews from close family members and friends, its a wonderful way to have those you love get involved in your wedding day! View her website for more information.

There are so many more resources I'd love to share with you.  If one of the above isn't available, try Jonathan Ponce, Jocelyn Lopez, or Rhommel Bernardino for photography.  Need a DJ, try Trickel Down Productions! Invitations, programs and seating cards?  Send me an email - I can refer some great graphic designers!

As for make-up and hair, I know this girl.  She runs a site called www.blushpretty.com - have you heard of her??  :)

Happy Planning!!!