CoverFX: Happy 10th Anniversary!

CoverFX has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.  Happy Birthday CoverFX!!  I was introduced to this line by my sister back in 2003 at Shoppers Drug Mart.  At the time I was suffering from a mild case of rosacea on my cheek and I could never find anything that would calm down that red which plagued my cheecks and not in a good way.  Since then the product line has grown and includes many exciting products which I carry in my personal and professional makeup kit.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend their anniversary party but Melissa Shum, the Cover FX Social Media and Marketing Coordinator in the Toronto area was kind enough to include the gift bag which all attendees received.  Let me tell you, the goodies were awesome and I am in love with The Big Cover Up.  After a long week of being by my sister's side at hospital that package that awaited me at my side door was a welcomed sight.  Thanks Melissa you made my week!!

 Typically, I switch between two types of foundations, Natural FX which is a water-based liquid foundation and Cover FX which is a total coverage cream foundation with SPF 30.  Frequently I mix both of these to get a foundation and concealer all-in-one-product.  I also like using the Cover FX Matte in medium for contouring my cheekbones, in addition to using it as a mid-tone eyeshadow colour.

What's awesome is CoverFX's latest launch, The Big Cover Up includes among other things a foundation/concealers and loose powder all in one container along with the perfect foundation brush.  Its going to be a must have in my makeup travel kit.

Professionally, I use this on clients and it photographs beautifully. The above two pics are of myself using the Natural FX on the left and photographed indoors under a skylight  and the other is a mixture of Cover FX total  coverage cream sheered out with a pea size amount of Brite Prep FX, a brightening foundation primer with a photo-aging defense of SPF 50!  Normally, I am not a fan of primers, its not my thing, but this primer I really, really like.  It has that slight irridescent glow which can be applied underneath your foundation or mixed in with your foundation and you can do what I do and dab the tiniest amount of Brite Prep FX between your ring fingers until is melts really well and dab on the high plains of the cheekbone after you have applied your foundation.  Another alternative I use to 'cut' the foundation and sheer it down is to use a couple of spritz of organic rosewater, works like a charm.

I have received many compliments when I wear this foundation.  Occassionally I have heard comments that CoverFX can be heavy looking, but I find that it all depends on how you prep your skin and how the product is applied.  Its a good idea to have a light hand when applying their foundations because a little product goes a long way and a well exfoliated and moisturized face will make all the difference in any makeup application.  I like to use clean fingers when applying the Natural FX foundation but I find that layering with a foundation or stippling brush gives the face a nice polished effect.

If you're wondering what shade I am wearing in the pics I am wearing series E40.  Typically, I teeter between the M and the E series.  Cover FX can be found in Canada at The Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora.

Thanks for stopping by. xxNadia

Boldly Bare Lips From MAC's Too Fabulous Collection

After Sunday's Toronto Beauty Blogger Meetup most of us took a stroll to the MAC's Pro Store on Queen Street.  After selecting a handful of items that I needed restocking, I added a couple of things from MAC Cosmetics' up and coming collection Too Fabulous.  A fellow blogger Delia showed me what she bought and I was complaining that Spice lipliner is too orangy on me and I wanted a neutral liner with a slightly more pink undertone.  Delia then pulls out of her bag a lipliner appropriately named Boldly Bare.  After swatching this on my hand I had to have it.

This lipliner from MAC is a beautiful neutral light brown-pink shade with no orange undertone.  I've included pics of of yours truly wearing this liner as a lipstick.  This color can definitely be worn alone as I did in the first pic or with a swipe of gloss overtop as I'm wearing in the second picture.  Its unfortunate the pics I've taken were not the best, but the color is still awesome!  Just a rule of thumb, if you're going to wear a lipliner all over your lips, please, please ensure that your lips are properly exfoliated and hydrated.  Just like a matte foundation lipliners/lipsticks with a matte finish are unforgiving and will enhance every indentation, wrinkle or dry spot.  A lipbalm applied over your lips then dabbed with a tissue is a good idea when wearing dry matte liners on your lips.

I've noticed my buddy Michelle from Lipstick Rules has posted her pics sporting the same liner.  Her pics are clearer.  Check out her blog.

I have just one regret.........that I didn't buy two of them.  That's next on my list.  Thanks for stopping by.

 xxNadia

First Toronto Beauty Blogger Meet Up

What a day on Sunday, the vibe was so incredible at the first Toronto Beauty Blogger meetup.  We had so many fellow beauty bloggers congregate at this event.  We celebrated with a yummy brunch and lots of great conversation.  What stuck out in my mind were all the gorgeous smiles from all the ladies, we had perma smiles.  When I walked into the restaurant I was thinking to myself, why aren't I nervous?  Its weird to explain, but I wasn't feeling nervous at all because I felt like I knew the majority of these beautiful ladies already.

The swag bag was brimming with products donated by Marcelle & Annabelle, Mary Kay, Biore, Balmshell Cosmetics, Vasanti, Cargo Cosmetics, Face Atelier, The Body Shop, Magique Kiss,
Revolution Organics, not to mention the giveaways from CoverFX, Nawaz Pirani, 3Shahs,
Jennifer Squires Productions, SleepyMoon Designs,  DaLish Cosmetics, Devon Consulting and Age Comfort

In honor of our first meetup I decided to get very girly and very delicious cupcakes decorated with a makeup theme and all wrapped in their own individual boxes.  I got them from a great place
We Bake In Heels......delicious!

Overall, the event was a hit and I wanted to thank Farah from Faces By Farah for organizing it.  Another big thank you to all my fellow bloggers who attended.  Please check out their blogs:

make-upjunkie.blogspot.com
dare2byourself.blogspot.com
makeupbydelia.ca
facesbyfarah.com
anjalihanda.blogspot.com
nancypowermakeupartist.blogspot.com
spicedbeauty.com
lipstickrules.com
beautybynaz.com
soveryfabulous.blogspot.com
davidagragor.com
makemeoverservices.com
lelo-theartist.blogspot.com
watercoloursky.blogspot.com
ifiwasarichgirl.ca
marianitamc01.blogspot.com

I'm anxious to give my goodies a try and I'll keep you all posted on what I think.  Thank you to all the attendees for making this event so much fun!

Thanks for stopping by.

xxNadia

Chanel Teint Innocence Fluid Makeup Spf 12: Foundation Review

About a month ago I purchased the Chanel Teint Innocence Fluid Makeup Spf 12 in shade 20 Claire-Cameo and have been using it off and on.  For a 1 oz. bottle I paid about $50.00 Cdn.  I first discovered this product from one of my gal pals Michelle from MupNorth who sent me a surprise package in the mail which included a sample of this foundation.  I tried it and noticed the quality that of this makeup is great.  The Chanel Teint Innocence went on really smooth and blended easily. I find that in general Chanel foundations are beautifully formulated and glide effortessly onto a well exfoliated and moisturized face.  This foundation was no exception.

When it comes to Chanel products I have to admit that I consider myself a late bloomer.  I have tried Chanel skincare through samples that I have received over the years but never really made it a point of going to a Chanel makeup counter and making a purchase.  Last spring all that changed.  I have since purchased and fallen in love with several of their products which I use everyday.  I will leave that for another post.

Chanel Teint Innocence Foundation is described as a fluid that is naturally luminous with a dream coverage and an Spf12.  The description is correct, however I did find it to be a tad on the sheer side and it was a little more challenging to build up the coverage if more was needed in certain areas.  It also has a slight perfume scent to it.  When I apply this foundation I always apply a little more than I normally would in order to get the coverage that I prefer.  The tools that I use for application are my fingers and a slightly damp non-latex makeup wedge.  

I would recommend this foundation to anyone who wants a sheer, natural coverage.  I can definitely see myself using this foundation during the summer months when a light makeup look is what I want to achieve.  If you do use the Chanel Teint Innocence I would recommend setting it with a powder using a large fluffy makeup brush or with a dry makeup wedge pressing some translucent powder onto your face where you normally would get grimey first then brushing off the excess.  I've included a picture of myself wearing this foundation.

Have any of you used this foundation? What's your take on this foundation?  I always appreciate your comments and read each and every one of them.

Thanks for stopping by.  xxNadia

Chanel Teint Innocence can be purchased at Amazon.com for about $46.

Earrings I'm Loving and Look of the Day

Today was a lazy day, no kids, no hubby. Going out shopping with my friend and I wanted to wear my go to earring lately. My angel wings I got during my trip to the UK while visiting my beautiful, yummy, funny adorable friend Liz. Hope you are all having a good Sunday.

Thanks for stopping by xxN

Mini Bourgois Blush: A Little Gem!

While I was devouring the aisles in Boots when I was in the UK I came across Bourjois' Mini blushes. I love these things. they come in several shades. I chose 07 and 08. They're tiny, cute and very versatile. The packaging is adorable. I use it as a cream blush and a lipstick. Its a little on the dry side so I would recommend applying it after your cheeks are well moisturized. You can use your fingertips and it blends fairly well or you can use a synthetic foundation brush or a more dense face brush, for example, MAC 109 and you get a more sheer application.

On the lips the color is a touch on the frosty side but your lips get just the right amount of pop for that kissable lip look. In the pics below I'm wearing number 07 on my cheeks and my lips. I've chosen to pair it with a clear gloss to add some dimension and make my lips look a little more full. I skipped the lipliner. What a great little item to carry around in your pocket or add inside a Christmas card. For my fellow Canadians, this little gem is the size of toonie!

Unfortunately, this time my camera and lighting were not the greatest and the pigmentation is not really captured in the pictures.

Thanks for stopping by! xxNadia

I'm Back From My UK Trip!!

Hello!!

I've returned from London and I had a wonderful time. The six days went by at lightening speed but I managed to spent some quality time with my friend Liz (lizzclare) and we did some serious shopping. Liz and I acted as if we'd known each other for ages, what a great gal!! For now, I'm posting one of the items I had to have the moment I laid eyes on them. The weather in Northampton wasn't the greatest, damp, windy with a slight chill, but that's not the reason why I made the trip. When I returned home the weather wasn't any better.

I've included a look of the moment which I've been sporting lately. I'm wearing a double-breasted trench from Zara and a wool beret which I've had for ages. These gorgeous boots are Bronx and were purchased from TK Maxx in Northampton. The brand Bronx is found in Toronto in higher end shoe stores and I've only ever seen them at one of my favourite stores Trove and occassionally at Winners. Even with the currency exchange they were less expensive than if I were to have purchased them in my area.

I will continue with this post very soon. Thank you all for your lovely comments, tweets and emails that Liz and I received during my visit to the UK.

Thanks for stopping by. xxNadia

London Calling!

Just a quick note to say that I'm excited about going to London next week. I'll be gone for a week and when I get back I'll post a blog sharing all the wonderful details and the goodies that I'm hoping to bring back. My first stop is to visit the lovely and oh so clever fellow blogger, motorcross mamma and youtuber Lizzclare!!! I'm going to the english countryside....woohoo! Also, if all is okay with Anna's dog Albi then I'm hoping to visit with the one and only The Style Diet creator, Anna Saccone in London. Oh, and lets not forget her forever faithful and uber charming boyfriend Jonathan Joly, the 3D Animation dude.

Jumping Into Fall: Lise Watier Teint Lift Foundation and Blush Review

Every so many months I start itching to try a new foundation. I don't always give in to that urge but, since I have made good use of my Chanel ProLumiere Foundation I decided to use my Shoppers Optimum Points which are rewards points offered by our large chain of drugstores in Ontario called Shoppers Drug Mart and buy a new foundation.

I've been eyeing the Canadian company Lise Watier for a while and decided to test their Teinte Lift Anti-Rides Spf 20 foundation. I have already repurchased Lise Watier's Portfolio Professional Concealer/Corrector in both color wheels and their eyebrow powder because I use them often in my freelance makeup work. The texture, the shades, the payoff and the buildable coverage are amazing. By the way, the dark corrector wheel has some of the best shades for concealing imperfections on dark skin tones.

I purchased the foundation in 'Neutre' shade and used one and a half pumps of product to apply onto my face and I found it was enough coverage. I also purchased the Lise Watier Blush-On Powder in Natural Glow. The blush is beautiful and it really does give you a natural peachy-pinky glow, not too shimmery and not too oily looking. Plus, its packaging is great and it has an ample fan brush underneath the blush compartment. I already knew that Lise Watier made good makeup, its quality is above average and it has not been given the credit its due. I must say I'm happy with my purchase. As my skin will change over the next few months we'll see if this foundation can keep up with my skin's needs this winter which can become dehydrated and ruddy at times.

Before I mention the other items I used to create this fall daytime smokey eye and neutral lips look I wanted to mention, I LOVE FALL!!!! Its all about the gorgeous, deep colors, the harvest holidays and the never tiring and comforting smell of pumpkin pie, free Wi-Fi and outdoor cafes, farmer's markets and drinking really good, robust red wine, and dinner parties, ooh la la! Also, all the amazing berets, toques and hats that I love to rock out. Its my favorite season. I may be genetically 100% Italian, but I'm Canadian born and bred and with our wacky, humid summers I welcome the bright and chilly days.

OKAY, back to what's on my face and nails:

Eyes: MAC Painterly Paint Pot allover lid and brow bone, Twinks eyeshadow allover lid, Kid e/s in my crease, Vex e/s inner eye corner and Brule e/s on my brow bone. I've lined between my lashes, top and bottom with PowerPoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown and then smudged and used again in the waterline. Eyebrows are more defined in MAC's Lingering Eyebrown Pencil and then set with a bit of Lise Watier's Eyebrow Powder in Dark Brown. Mascara is Maybelline Stylist at the base of my lashes and L'Oreal Telescopic, for the length, both in Black.

Face: Lise Watier Teint Lift Spf 20 in Neutre, Kid eyeshadow as cotour for cheekbones and then Lise Watier Blush-On Powder in Natural Glow on the apples of my cheeks. For highlighter on top of my cheeks I used a hint of MAC's eyeshadow in Claire de Lune (ltd edition).

Lips: Cupids bow topped with Vex Eyeshadow and a touch on my lower lip and I slighty lined the bottom of my lip with Lingering Eyebrow Pencil. Gloss is Revlon Super Lusturous in the shade Nude Lustre, lately this is my to to gloss thanks to Yorkieluvs

Nails: MAC's Nail Lacquer in Vintage Vamp (a must have color)

For those of you who follow my blog and notice every detail on posted pics like I do.....yes, I did chop off a good chunk of my hair. It was getting drab and too long. When I wear it straight its about 2 inches longer, so I get the best of both worlds. I feel sexy again.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Fall!! xxNadia