Elegant Wedding Magazine Bridal Showcase

This past November 2nd, I was invited to the Elegant Wedding Magazine Bridal Showcase which was held at the stately Windsor Hotel Ballrooms in downtown, Montréal. The brain child of Elegant Wedding Magazine (founded in 2006) husband & wife team/founders, Steve Pinios and Theo Dermatis, this spectacular event is basically a one-stop destination for anything and everything prospective brides (or grooms) could possibly need to plan their dream wedding.

Upon entering the grand and venerable establishment that is the Windsor Hotel – built in 1878 and considered Canada’s first grand hotel, I was immediately transported to a luxurious fantasy world of elegance and exquisite beauty; all aspects of the bridal industry were on breathtaking display, and it almost seemed as if the exhibitors were on a secret mission to outdo each other with their beautifully curated booths – each was that fabulous to behold.

The bridal industry has seen many trends come and go, but certain staples remain; photography has moved beyond the traditional portraiture to include fantasy-inspired themes – and while I confess to being slightly creeped out by the bride in the tree branches (see photo below) I do appreciate the artistry behind the concept. I beheld wedding cakes customized to mimic the finest China patterns and/or adorned with edible jewels, while floral displays now offer so many never-before-seen options. The beauty industry was also clearly represented, and I was happy to finally meet Montréal makeup artist Ally Zwonok along with her business partner, hairstylist Maggie Semaan.

What made this event even more personal for me, were the founders themselves; Steve is someone I’ve known my entire life (our parents come from the same region of Greece and have been lifelong friends), while Theo and I went to the same high school together, but beyond that, both Steve and Theo are two of the most genuine and seriously nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

My visit to the showcase was rather brief (I had 2 other events/interviews to attend to that day) but one things was made clear to me, and that is had this event been around back when I was planning my wedding, I’d probably now have fewer regrets (don’t even ask – things were VERY different 25 years ago).

For more information, visit Elegant Wedding Magazine

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husband & wife team/founders Steve Pinios & Theo Dermatis

Esqido Mink Eyelashes | Unforgettable, BFF & Lashmopolitan

November 12, 2014

Not all false lashes are created equal, and this point was clearly brought home to me the day a package from Esqido Mink Eyelashes arrived. Made with premium mink hair that’s been ethically harvested, Esqido lashes are all hand-crafted to exacting specifications and each pair comes in a beautifully detailed reusable box to store them in. You might just spend the longest time simply admiring them and not want to disturb their pristine beauty. Or maybe that’s just me.

Mink hair is naturally lustrous and incredibly soft, and after being shed (no live animal is ever harmed in this process), the hairs go through a sterilization process to make them hypoallergenic and suitable for wear, prior to being hand-formed into each individual style. The natural glossy black/brown colour is fee of any dyes and is practically indistinguishable from human hair – as well as incredibly lightweight in feel, while the bands are all made of cotton. Each pair holds their curl throughout the wearing (NOTE: it is not recommended to apply any mascara to these lashes), and with proper care – as in, gentle treatment, removing all traces of glue after each wearing, and keeping them stored in their box – you can easily get 25 uses out of each pair. They also come with a handy insert that lists detailed interactions for their care and use.

To make the deal even sweeter, there’s a wonderful money-back guarantee on all unopened boxes and a one-time money-back offer on opened box(es). I am always so much more at ease with brands when I see that they are willing to stand behind their products, like Esqido has shown with this policy.

I was sent three pairs to try, that cover the gamut between subtle, dressy, and über-glam (there are 9 styles to choose from, 3 pairs in each of the aforementioned categories).

Esqido Mink Eyelashes | Unforgettable, BFF & Lashmopolitan

Esqido Mink Eyelashes

Unforgettable (US ~~$42.99~~ $36.00) | While the most subtle of the three pairs shown here, Unforgettable manages to inject just the right amount of length to lashes, making them easily suitable for daytime wear, or for those who want a whisper of drama to their eye makeup without appearing overdone.

I love wearing these lashes with just a touch of liner applied first; I basically need no other eye makeup after that, which makes my eyes/lashes appear ‘complete’.

Esqido Mink Eyelashes | Unforgettable

BFF (US ~~$45.99~~ $38.00) | With their graduating lengths of hair, the BFF style not only adds length, but major volume to your eye makeup look. I do find that the band is a little thicker than the other 2 styles shown, but I get around that by decreasing the amount of my applied liner. While obviously more of an evening lash, I was surprised to find how totally wearable this style is even for daytime events.

Esqido Mink Eyelashes | BFF

Lashmopolitan (US ~~$45.99~~ $38.00) | Serious oomph happening with the Lashmopolitan (honestly, don’t you just love that name?). There is absolutely nothing subtle about this pair and it’s definitely a style meant to add serious drama to your entire makeup look. The inner portion of these lashes have the same graduating lengths of hair, with the party happening on the ends: volume, length AND mega curl.

FUN FACT: Rihanna wore Lashmopolitan lashes this past November 4th at the afAR Inspiration Gala.

Esqido Mink Eyelashes | Lashmopolitan

There’s good reason why Esqido Mink Eyelashes have become the go-to brand for celebrities, makeup artists, and the Victoria’s Secret models alike; quite simply, they are absolutely gorgeous in every sense. I am a firm believe in the “you get what you pay for” school of thought, and in my opinion, quality always has the last word. Broken down to a per-use basis, the initial cost of each pair of these lashes becomes a much more affordable option than mass-market brands, which don’t even come close to the look, feel and wearability of Esqido.

For me, these are total love and I absolutely refuse to wear any other type of lash – definitely must haves, and so worth it as the crowning touch to many of my makeup looks.

For US customers, shipping is free on orders over $25.00 – for Canadian and International customers, shipping is $5.00 on orders of $50.00 or more (although there are seasonal shipping discounts you can take advantage of).

Find more information by visiting Esqido Mink Eyelashes

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Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Tweezerman Brush iQ | Finishing Contour Brush & Line Glider Brush + a giveaway

November 11, 2014

Tweezerman® has just launched brush iQ, a makeup brush range that consists of 12 makeup brushes for face and eyes. Crafted with Natrafil® filaments, a patented technology from DuPont™, these synthetic hairs have been created to feel like – but perform better than – natural hair, along with being much more hygienic overall. According to the company, these brushes have been:

“verified by makeup artists to deliver unmatched performance, better pick up and release, and more uniform application”

The brushes all come with black glossy handles, and have their name/function embossed on one side – although with experimentation (and through personal experience), I’ve learned that some brushes can do double duty in other areas of the face, than what they were created for.

I was sent the Finishing Contour Brush along with the Line Glider™ Brush for review – and one lucky reader will also have the opportunity to win these 2 brushes as well! Entry form found at the end of the post.

Good Luck!

Face brushes (left to right):

Powder Brush CAN $85.00
Blush Brush CAN $45.00
Contour Concealer Brush CAN $30.00

Foundation Brushes (left to right):

Pointed Foundation Brush CAN $47.00
Foundation Brush CAN $36.00
Flat Top Foundation Brush $45.00

Eye/Eyebrow Brushes (left to right):

Blender Brush CAN $32.00
Shader Brush CAN $26.00
Pointed Concealer Brush CAN $26.00
Brow Brush CAN $24.00

Tweezerman brush iQ | Finishing Contour Brush & Line Glider™ Brush

Finishing Contour Brush CAN $60.00 | For subtle contouring & layering effects. This dual-fiber brush measures 6 3/4″ from the end to its tallest point, while the head measures 1 1/2″ at its widest point. The hairs feel incredibly soft and are denser near the ferrule (where the brush hairs meet the handle) while the white tips splay slightly to help give a diffused effect in application.

With its generously sized angled head (which happens to be too large for fine and/or detailed work), I prefer using this brush for light sculpting/contouring, although I’ve found it works equally well for bronzer application. The feel of the fibres is actually quite velvety and glides effortlessly along the skin, with excellent blending capability, as well as being suitable for both cream and powder products.

Tweezerman brush iQ | Finishing Contour Brush

Line Glider™ Brush CAN $24.00 | Made to ‘create a perfect line for eyes’, this brush measures 6 1/4″ from end to tip. The angled head works well in a lining capacity, in particular for a smokey eye look, but the fibres are slightly too dense for creating a fine line. There’s a nice mix of softness and flexibility to the bristles, which make the Line Glider™ Brush excellent for smudging powder shadow into pencil liner to create a defined yet diffused line.

Tweezerman brush iQ | Line Glider™ Brush

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As someone who is quite fanatical about my makeup brushes, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the new Tweezerman® brush iQ brushes. The Finishing Contouring Brush is easy to use and feels lovely along the skin – never scratchy or stiff. The Line Glider™ Brush works well in its capacity as a liner and while too thick for fine work, it works beautifully as a ‘precision smudger’ (I may have just created a whole new category here). Of the two, I would have to say that the Finishing Contouring Brush is comparable in quality and application to some luxury brand brushes I have, and while not cheap at CAN $60.00, it’s still priced within reach. The Line Glider™ Brush is a versatile addition to anyone’s eye brush collection – plus it’s attractively priced, making it well worth looking into.

Available now, find more information via the website.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 Collection | Sherwood, Algonquin & Berents Sea

November 10, 2014

The three limited edition shades of the NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 Color Collection, are all so surprisingly unique, as well as being standout shades from the brand. Each offers a different take on a metallic theme, with splashes of duo chrome and/or glass flecks for depth and visual interest – along with a stellar formula and colour palette – and come with complete with the Chris Kabatsi Nebula design on the bottles, reminiscent of intricate lace or in this case, snowflakes (which makes them even more perfect for holiday gift-giving, no?).

Note that all NARS nail lacquers come with removable outer caps on the bottles and a newly reformulated brush. I had experienced some issues with this new brush on some previously reviewed shades, but I’m happy to report that all three of this collection were a dream to work with, both in terms of colour and the brush.

Previous review on the Holiday 2014 Colour Collection Lip Glosses can be found here.

NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 | Sherwood, Berents Sea, Algonquin

Sherwood, limited edition (CAN $23.00) | A mid-sheer greyed mauve/plum based colour with a complex ultra fine shimmer in bronze, silver and copper. The self-levelling formula has an excellent flow and applies brush stroke-free, with a glossy shine at the finish. There’s this unique dusty tone to Sherwood – an effect where the nail edges appear darker as though framing the centre portion. Love it! Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS Holiday 2014 | Sherwood, limited edition

Algonquin, limited edition (CAN $23.00) | A dusky lavender with grey/mauve undertones filled with violet and prismatic ultra fine glass-flecked shimmer, in a crème/jelly hybrid formula. Smoothly applying and glossy at the finish, Algonquin is quite unique and mysterious looking, with these blue flashes that remind me of a blowtorch flame. Minimal shimmer spread upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS Holiday 2014 | Algonquin, limited edition

Berents Sea, limited edition (CAN $23.00) | Rich metallic royal blue shade with some violet flashes seen at certain angles. Excellent density and flow to the formula, but you do need a steady had with application to keep any visible brush strokes to a minimum (TIP: keep a light and even pressure on the brush to achieve an effortlessly smooth finish). Best part is that Berents Sea is non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS Holiday 2014 | Berents Sea, limited edition

My initial impressions upon viewing these shades were mixed; I immediately fell in love with the packaging (details like that just push ALL my buttons), and apart from the sophisticated vibrancy of Berents Sea, I wasn’t sure what to make of the either Sherwood or Algonquin. The verdict? I absolutely LOVE each – not only are the colours and actual formulation of complex shimmers and/or glass flecks so well thought out, but the colours manage to be unique – not an easy task to accomplish when you consider the breadth and scope of a nail polish collection as large as mine. In summary: you need these.

Available at all NARS counters now but for a limited time – find more information via the website.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 | Soleil d’Orient, Corsica & Burning Love

November 9, 2014

The NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 Color Collection has arrived at counters, complete with a computer-generated algorithm design on the packaging, adapted from LA-based architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s Nebula print – which, according to François Nars, is meant to depict a modern take on lace. The effect is at once abstract and hauntingly beautiful, standing out in glossy black relief on the brand’s usual rubberized black caps.

The three limited edition lip glosses of the collection – Soleil d’Orient, Corsica, and Burning Love, come with a new doe-foot applicator for precise application, and have been re-formulated for ultimate comfort throughout their wearing, as well as a higher pigmentation level to last longer while coating lips with a ‘futuristic shine‘.

NARS Holiday 2014 Lip Gloss | Soleil d’Orient, Burning Love, Corsica

Soleil d’Orient, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as ‘shimmering pink champagne’, Soleil d’Orient pulls a little cool on me, and appears slightly silvery/beige. Surprisingly pigmented for such a pale shade but not sticky in feel, I suggest starting with one swipe of colour and building up with additional layers for more depth and intensity. The wear-down of this shade is excellent as well, looking good long after the majority of colour has faded. I’m able to easily get 3 hours of solid wear, with a pearly shimmer that gets left behind on the lips after that.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Soleil d’Orient Lip Gloss, limited edition

Corsica, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as a ‘shimmering pink raspberry’, Corsica appears dusky rose on me, with a less obvious shimmer than Soleil d’Orient, which nevertheless shows up in brighter light. This is the type of shade that transitions well between the seasons, and is the great for those who want a touch of colour, but still desire to keep things close to neutral. Wear time is about 3.5 hours, with a light rose tint left behind on the lips when most of the glossy shine has faded.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Corsica, limited edition

Burning Love, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as a ‘bright ruby with subtle shimmer’, Burning Love is an über-glossy red/berry hue with cooler undertones. Highly pigmented for a gloss, I’m able to get the colour fairly opaque even at first swipe. Wear time is excellent, going long past 4.5 hour mark, with a light red stain left behind on the lips once the gloss fades. After about 2 hours of wear, I experienced some migration into my surrounding lip lines – something to keep in mind and which can be adjusted by either applying a matching lip liner or a barrier type lip pencil such as No Bleeding Lips (reviewed here) before the gloss.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Burning Love, limited edition

Of the three glosses, I naturally gravitated first to Soleil d’Orient since nude shades are well within my preferred colour range. What impresses me even more, however, is the level of pigmentation you get with each; almost as intense as a lipstick but in a glossy format, and all completely non-sticky. The slighter thicker than average formula means that these glosses will adhere well to lips, although Burning Love might need a few extra steps to keep it in place. Overall, a beautifully curated colour selection – and absolutely perfect for the holidays.

Available now for a limited time, find more information via the website.