All posts filed under: Beauty

Chanel Rouge Coco Launch at Holt Renfrew

Chanel Rouge Coco Launch at Holt Renfrew

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I saw something pretty cool at the Chanel Rouge Coco Launch at Holt Renfrew. CHANEL introduces a modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour as an homage to the rich life and legacy of ‘Coco’ Chanel. New lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe and condition lips – even boosting their ability to hold in moisture – for a plumper, smoother and healthier-looking appearance. A range of wearable shades with full-coverage finishes, from matte to pearl to soft shimmer So Chanel was launching this new lipstick line called Chanel Rouge Coco. Part of the festivities was an artist who was painting with Rouge Coco lipstick. It was amazing. I didn’t try out Rouge Coco. I’m a little intrigued though, perhaps I can find a red lipstick that works for me.

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polish

geekiviews: Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polish

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I was sent a package containing some Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics Nail Polish. The package contain a base coat, top coat and four colours. The names are stewed in a lot of pop culture and rub some people the wrong way. Brazen Hussy = metallic dark fuschia; Camel Toe = medium dark neutral beige, Virginal Pink = light pink and Cougar = medium red with blue-orange. I’m ambivalent about the names to be honest. I like regular colour names, it’s easy. I guess I’m a traditionalist in that sense. Brazen Hussy was my favourite of the bunch. It’s the type of colour I would wear normally. I like dark colours in nail polish like purples and blues with metallic finishes. I’m also a fan of neon and grey based shades. I decided to try something different and went with Virginal Pink, a colour I would never wear. I applied the nail polish as laid out in the instructions with slight modification. Two base and top coats were needed. I went with three coats of Virginal Pink …

INOA by L’Oreal Professional Preview

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I received a black bubble envelope in the mail. I open it up and it’s an invite to the launch of Inoa, L’Oreal Professionel’s new ammonia free hair colour. Normally, I pass on hair relaxed things but I’ve enjoyed other L’Oreal presentations I’ve been privy to, so why not. The package had CD. I figured it was your typical press kit and photo combo. It wasn’t. It was a single video in English and French versions. Video previews for an event are a first for me; I had to share.

(untitled) by Maison Martin Margiela

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(untitled) is the first perfume by Maison Martin Margiela which was three years in the making. The scent itself doesn’t appeal to me but I’m very interested in its presentation. The scent is, as Martin wished, a ‘green flash’ – an olfactory equivalent and translation of the blank canvas and cleansing visual signature ‘white’ of Margiela. It is at once, clean, fresh and astringent, eschewing the floral hallmarks of contemporary perfumes and harking back to 1970’s trends, such as Chanel’s Nº19. The final chosen scent for (untitled) was selected by Martin himself, and went directly into production by L’Oreal (without market testing) after only three samples were created at Givaudan by Perfumer Daniela Andrier, who muses: “I know that perfume must not follow a fashion or a trend, but an instinct. This first perfume expresses a femininity which does not fit into formal categories. I am grateful to Maison Martin Margiela for whispering the formula for this perfume into my ear.” I love the idea of a scent with cedar in it, but musky perfumes …

geekiviews: Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Cream and Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate

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I’ve been using the two Lancome skincare products I received from L’Oreal Canada religiously since I returned from India. The products have ridiculously long names, Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Cream and Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate. I wonder about the names of products are created at beauty companies. not only do these products have ridiculously long names, they have big media kits also. The Absolue Precious Cells media kit was the largest I’ve seen for one product. Absolue Precious Cells is a skincare product geared for the woman in her 50s which uses a proprietary formula to “restore the stem cell environment and re-trigger the skin’s self-regenerative potential.” The media kit talks provides background information on epidermal stem cells. Lancome uses adult skin stem cells for anyone that is concerned. The results of Lancome’s quest to find the perfect combination of ingredients that create an atmosphere that allows epidermal skin stem cells to regenerate is detailed in the media kit. It’s fairly scientific for a media kit, I was a bit …

geekiviews: Test Driving Shu Uemura False Eyelashes

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I went to the Toronto Meets Tokyo Shu Uemura event at Holt Renfrew a couple weekends ago. I was treated to a make up application that included Shu Uemura lashes. I was going to find out why these lashes are so raved about. TORONTO MEETS TOKYO shu uemura will come to life this Saturday at Holt Renfrew; our principal makeup artist Taca Ozawa will be there to complete artistic makeup for the women who dare to try! Lashes application will be offered, as well as sketches done by a Japanese Manga Artist. The event will take place in the centre court at Holt Renfrew, with models dressed in kimonos and made up with artistic makeup. Taca Ozawa wasn’t my makeup artist. Stupid me didn’t ask/remember her name because I loved what she did. I chose something pretty simple for lashes. The Luxe Black style were huge but not over the top. I didn’t feel like feathers or sparkles at the time. Inspired by the mink false eyelashes custom-ordered by celebrities, this synthetic version features a …

geekiviews: Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster

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Someone asked me if my eyelashes were fake on Saturday at Shinan’s Boldface Names Party. I knew I had to get my but in gear and post about the Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster. It’s a godsend. My lovely friends at L’Oreal Canada send me a sample of Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster. I’m not a fan of primers in general. My Double Extend Beauty Tube experience didn’t change my mind about primers either.  However, a primer based on Ôscillation technology had me instantly interested. I’m a big, big fan of Ôscillation by Lancôme. I was excited about a primer with the same type of application. The idea of primer amplifying the already amazing effect of the mascara AMAZING. The combo of the Ôscillation powerbooster and mascara is amazing. My lashes are thicker and longer. I usually get a comment or two about how long and curved my lashes are when I use them together. I also use the powerbooster as a primer for my Benefit Badgal Plum mascara. The plum colour pops more with the primer on.  It …

Ask a Geek: Confused by perfume terms. Here are some references to check out.

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Okay, this isn’t a true Ask a Geek post but I thought it could be helpful. I couldn’t find the words to describe Flora by Gucci for my last geekiviews post. I didn’t know the language of perfumes and needed to find out. I found a few links and thought I would share. Basenotes – independent online guide to fragrances, with news and reviews PerfumeCritic – online magazine dedicated to fragrances Perfume Glossary from Now Smell This – glossary of terms. Check out the other pages on this site also. Glossary of Perfume Terms from Go Go Perfume – glossary of terms. General info on hard to grasp perfume terms and other trivia from perfumeshrine.fortunecity.com If you any readers have your own great perfume website, please leave a comment.

geekiviews: PunkMedics, Vegan Skincare with Edge

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I review the odd skincare or beauty product on the site, so it was nice to get pitched from a Canadian based company. The thing that makes PunkMedics different is that all it’s product are vegan. They carry a range of products from skincare, lipcare, piercing & tattoo care and even roadrash care. PunkMedics is also an sustainable company and you can read about their practices on the website. PunkMedics is a Canadian based company that manufactures, wholesales and retails a fun line of vegan skin care products with edge. Our products are made of natural plant and botanical ingredients from organic sources. They are 100% vegan (contain no animal by-products) and not tested on animals. They are free from parabens, sulphates, petroleum by-products and GMO materials. I first heard of Toronto based PunkMedics through twitter. Owner, Badur Ramji, offered to send me the Vegan Sample Pack which I used on my FDJ press junket trip. It contained a Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Leave in Conditioner, Facial Cleanser and Body Lotion. The only thing I …

i got: Neon Nails

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I went with friends to their regular nail salon in the Yonge and Lawrence area called Cozy Nails. It’s not in my area of town but I was curious and the price was right, $40 + tax for a mani and pedi. I always get the obnoxious nail polish. It used to be the metallics and dark blues. I went super obnoxious, the Essie neon collection. Perky Purple and Funky Limelight were like beacons guiding me to the colour wall. Funky Limelight for the hands and Perky Purple for the toes. The service at Cozy Nails was excellent. There were two girls working on me at once so it was very quick service. We sat in large black chairs with all the massaging extras. A number of drinks are available for purchasing including teas and smoothies. They also have a nail drying station with fans for both hands and feet. I was very pleased with my manicure and pedicure. The pedicure is still looking fresh a week later. The manicure doesn’t unfortunately and it was …

geekiviews: Lancôme Paris Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder

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Lancôme Paris Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder My friends at Lancôme Canada sent me two of the latest additions to their makeup line, Skin-Transforming Mineral Powder Foundation and Perfecting and Setting Mineral Powder. Ageless Minérale, the brand’s first brightening mineral foundation that brushes away the signs of aging. Ageless Minérale includes White Sapphire Complex, the newest innovation from the Lancôme Laboratories. The complex is comprised of a special combination of ingredients including Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Alumina, Aloe and Vitamin E. Working in conjunction, these ingredients help blur wrinkles, cover imperfections and visibly erase pores and lines. The SPF 21 keeps skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The ultra-fine loose Mineral Powder Foundation can be used alone or with the Setting And Perfecting Mineral Powder, which gently absorbs excess oil and further minimizes imperfections for a shine-free, soft-focus finish. Talc-free and never cakey, the powders wear beautifully for hours without irritating the skin. The modern packaging features a sliding cap ensuring an easy and clean application. Used with the ultra luxurious Powder Foundation Brush, the …

L’Oréal Paris Offers Complimentary Summer Beauty Makeovers for Luminato, June 5 – 7

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L’Oréal Paris Offers 1,000s of Complimentary Summer Beauty Makeovers to Torontonians for Luminato, June 5 – 7 To help Torontonians go to Luminato in style with the latest summer beauty trends, L’Oréal Paris is offering complimentary makeup and hair makeovers from some of Canada’s top makeup and hair artists. Participants will also get the opportunity to ‘walk the red carpet’ at the Beauty Tent where a photographer will capture their final beauty look as a special memento. Special guest appearances at the Beauty Tent by L’Oréal Paris’ Official Makeup Artist, Eddie Maleterre and Official Hair Artist and Colourist, Eric Del Monaco – the same beauty masterminds who created all of the runway beauty looks for LG Fashion Week, Beauty by L’Oréal Paris in Toronto and appeared on the hit TV show, Project Runway Canada. Eddie and Eric will direct the team of 20 makeup and hair artists for three-days at this amazing beauty hub, as they apply 1,000s of beauty makeovers on Torontonians using L’Oréal Paris ‘star’ products of the summer. The following special guest …

geekiviews: J.R. Watkins Lip Tint

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My good friends at Brill Communications also send me some J.R. Watkins Lip Tint. Basically J.R. Watkins Lip Tint is their famous lip balm infused with colour. The result is something that feels and applies like a lip balm but gives your lips a nice shade. Each tint is formulated with 100% natural beeswax and Shea butter. There are four shades to choose from: Tickled Pink, Strike-a-rose, Simply Mauve-lous and Berry Charming. Tickled Pink and Strike-a-rose were much too pink for my complexion and I stuck with the Simply Mauve-lous and Berry Charming. I really like that the Lip Tint acts like a lip balm and lipstick. I like a hint of colour on my lips and don’t wear much lipstick because I find it’s too much for me. You can layer the colour on as much as you like with the Lip Tint and I like that. The fact that it’s a lip balm means that your lips are keep moist and aren’t drying out. Available for $5.99 at various retailers in the city.

geekiviews: Nailene Nail Accessories

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My good friends at Brill Communications decided to send me some samples of Nailene. I couldn’t bring myself to use them and this is the first geekiviews post I’m making without trying the product. I have to admit, I’ve always been a little frightened of artificial nails. I put it out there on twitter that I was afraid of artificial nails and had a couple people reply back with horror stories. I also read the instructions and the removal of the nails which involves soaking in acetone. I really didn’t want to go through it. The artificial nails themselves are not tacky. They are in the french manicure style which is always classic and not obnoxious. I will overlook the nail art that was included with the Toenail set. I had no idea there was artificial toenails too. A friend of mine, who is way more into this beauty stuff, told me that Nailene is the best brand of at home artificial nail kits. She had these tips for creating the perfect set of nails. …

geekiviews: Mineral Flowers skincare

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I received a package containing Mineral Flowers skincare items from my friends at Brill Communications. Mineral Flowers is a link of skincare that incorporates minerals from The Dead Sea. Mineral Flowers delivers an unmatched spa-like treatments in the comforts of your own home. Ingredients such as Calcium to strengthen cell membranes and relieve pain, Bromine which heals skin diseases and helps relieve psoriasis and Zinc that clears skin and is a key ingredient in the production of collagen. Each product contains antioxidants such as green tea and ginkgo biloba, therapeutic essential oils and organic ingredients microalgae aka: seaweed and vitamin rich fruit and vegetable extracts; resulting in a pure way to pamper your skin, with every product paraben free, guaranteed. There are two products a hand moisturizer and body & massage lotion. They come in five different scents: Lavender, Citrus Blossom, Jasmine, Chamomile and Almond Blossom. I’m a big fan of the Almond Blossom Citrus Blossom and Chamomile scents. They aren’t overpowering or sickly smelling. I wasn’t a fan of the Jasmine scent, it was …

i got Hello Kitty On The Prowl Nail Lacquer

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Hello Kitty On the Prowl Nail Lacquer by M·A·C Cosmetics I didn’t think much of the Hello Kitty line from M·A·C until I met someone wearing the On the Prowl Nail Lacquer. It was grey and matched my Oakley sunglasses perfectly. I had to have some. I received some tips from M·A·C insiders that told me that it’s selling out quick and to get my but to a store. I was successful in my attempt. I would call ahead nearest M·A·C store to check availability if you are still looking. Limited edition shades of Nail Lacquer in a bottle featuring Hello Kitty and M∙A∙C and Hello Kitty logos. The promotional video for the line is interesting. Gotta love half naked men with Hello Kitty Heads.

i want: Valentine Moroccan Rose Body Treatment

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I normally don’t talk about Valentine’s Day on the site, but when I received a pitch about the Valentine Moroccan Rose Body Treatment from the 889 Yonge Yoga & Holistic Lifestyle Spa I immediately thought “I want that”. So here it is. It’s on for the month of February so it just doesn’t have to be a Valentines thing. The Moroccan Rose Body Treatment: Indulge your body and spirit in this deeply sensuous and soothing REN chemical-free skincare body treatment. A relaxing ginger two sugar body scrub warms your skin and boosts microcirculation to improve your tone, reduce ‘orange peel’ (we prefer this to cellulite!) and unveil your natural glow. The Moroccan Rose Otto oil is steam distilled from petals harvested in Morocco at dawn and is deeply moisturizing with exquisite aromatherapeutic properties. A gentle massage with rich Damask Rose Biosaccharide body cream contains sugar extract that releases endorphins and brings a sense of comfort to your body. Pamper yourself and feel loved! 75 min/ $135 Edit: I’ve restored this post to it’s intended look. …

geekiviews: Lancome Pink Irreverence Spring 2009

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Before the holiday break I was send a package that contained the new Lancome Pink Irreverence Spring 2009 collection. I really did squeal when I opened the package, black and pink OMG. This is the first collection with the new make-up Artistic Director, Aaron De Mey. This collection is cantered on a radical duo of strong colours: pure fuchsia, in homage to the emblematic rose, and sparkling black, inspired by the volcanic sands of Piha Beach in New Zealand, from where Aaron De Mey originates. “I love opposites and extremes, the clash of colours and textures”, explains Aaron De Mey. “I chose this vibrant fuchsia as a tribute to the Lancôme rose. As for Piha Black, apart from the black-sanded beaches where I grew up, this colour also echoes a multitude of references which have influenced my work: the punk culture of London in the 70s, the smoky eyes of Marlene Dietrich who created her own black by burning a cork …” Price list from left to right in above photo: Le Vernis – Piha …

geekiviews: Diorshow Mascara

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Diorshow Mascara You might remember my last run in with blue mascara. I bought the Cargo stuff in April and I promptly threw it out in the fall. I was left without for a few months and decided to give the Diorshow Mascara in Blue Azure a shot. I had received a tester of some kind of Dior mascara at a fashion event and loved it. Things I like about Diorshow The colour. It’s a great blue that’s not too bright The brush is massive It’s waterproof It doesn’t flake Things I don’t like It took 3 coats to achieve the look in the above picture It wasn’t easy putting the mascara on. You really had to wiggle that brush to get the product on the lashes. I really want Ôscillation by Lancôme to come in blue. Overall, I like the product and it produces quality results even though those results are difficult to achieve. If the Ôscillation comes out with Blue it’s all over for Diorshow; it lengthens and curls without the need of …

geekiviews: Cromwell and Cruthers Shaving Oil

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This edition of geekiviews features a guest blogger, The Grumpy Owl. He’s a guy and the Cromwell and Cruthers Shaving Oil is for men. So it made sense that he review it instead of me. I hate oiling up my body. It’s the sort of the thing that one should have a person for. Preferably young, buxom and foreign. So, when Geekigirl gave me a plastic vial of Cromwell and Cruthers Shaving Oil, I viewed the product with some trepidation. Oil is bad enough but shaving is worse. The last time I combined the two, I spent an entire weekend cleaning hair, blood and assorted perfumes from my sheets. It was not an experience I was looking to repeat. But geekigirl quickly explained that I was to use this product to shave myself. Specifically, my face. While alone. I might not like oil or shaving but I do love my face. So I decided to give this shaving oil a whirl. Having used it for the past few weeks, I now feel competent to review …

geekiviews: Vera Wang Look

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I went to the launch of Vera Wang’s new perfume, Look. It was sponsored by Fashion Magazine and held at Panorama. It was a fun event and I spent time with friends and enjoyed the view. That’s me in the picture at the bar. Yup, the mustard tights. Love them! The skirt was a present from the owner of Print Vintage. It was originally a halter top dress that was unwearable. She couldn’t sell it and gave it to me one day when I was buying a dress. I got my handy sewing friend Danielle (finalfashion.ca) to turn it into a skirt. It’s pretty kick ass. There was a large ice sculpture display for the launch to show off the glass prism characteristics of the bottle. The ad campaign doesn’t bother me and that’s a very rare thing for perfume. Coty developed the fragrance. I’m by no means a perfume expert so I’ll let them describe it for you: Look was created in cooperation with Firmenich. It introduces notes of mandarin, watery greens, litchi and …

geekiviews: More thoughts on Care by Stella McCartney

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In the post geekiviews: Care by Stella McCartney, I talked about the new Stella McCartney skincare product line I’m testing out. I’ve been using the product for a month now and I’m liking it a lot. I am a little surprised that the line doesn’t have eye cream, facial scrub or mask offerings. I received a bunch of different products. Two cleansers, Three elixirs and three moisturizing creams. I love the foam cleanser. It smells great and isn’t irritating to the skin at all. It also does a very good job of cleaning and removing water based makeup. I have kept the Dermalogica practice of washing my face twice, which first removes any pollution and then gets to cleaning the skin proper. I like the results of this cleanser better than my regular Dermalogica routine. I also received a cream cleanser which I’ve had no experience with before. I wasn’t even sure how to use cream cleanser until a few months ago. I’ve used the product a couple of times. It’s great for those late …

geekiviews: More thoughts on Ocillation by Lancome

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I’m drinking the koolaid hard. The more and more I use the Ôscillation by Lancôme the more I like it. The main reason I love this mascara so much is the consistent results. My lashes look the same every time I apply. I’m not a big fan of the clumpy mascara look and I really like the application of the product. They are thin, long and separated. There is a Canadian website now, oscillation.ca. The product will be at The Bay from December 6, 2008. I missed out on the Ôscillation One Day Sale on Thursday November 20th at Lancome.ca, The Bay Queen Street and La Baie Montreal. It was sold out by the time I goto the website. Seems demand will be brisk on December 6, I hope I can get another one before they are all sold out. I have no idea when or if they will restock and I was told that supplies will be limited. When I attended the preview, the reps really had no idea if people will pay for …

geekiviews: L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes

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I tend to avoid mascara that requires two products to work. Too time consuming and I think that it’s a bit of overkill. The product should deliver results without the white base coat first. I managed to score myself a sample of the soon to be released L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes. A nourishing and lengthening mascara. Canadians will be able to purchase this mascara in January of 2009. It was the official mascara for L’Oreal Fashion Week Spring 2009. Here’s the corporate speak Unlike traditional mascaras that paint or coat your lashes with mascara formula, Double Extend® Beauty Tubesâ„¢ Technology forms lash-extending tubes that firmly attach to the tip of your lashes. These tubes visibly lengthen your lashes up to 80%, and provide excellent wear, as they will not run, smudge, clump or flake all day. The beauty tubes remove easily from lashes with just water – no makeup remover or rubbing necessary. The ultra-nourishing patented base coat with Ceramide R nourishes lashes, and provides a unique layer of protection that prepares lashes for …