2011 IMATS TORONTO HAUL

Let me tell you... I had the most amazing time at IMATS Toronto! It was deffinitly an experiance of a lifetime and I'm so thankful that Danny from Crown Brushes/Jordane Cosmetics was able to hook me up with a two day pass! THANK YOU <3

I had the chance to watch a ton of great tutorials live from MAC Pro as well as meet Emmy Award Winning Eve Pearl live, which was fantastic because I've been watching her videos for years. She's a great makeup artist and an even more talented business women so deffinitly picked up some great words of advice.
Now for the best part of couse: HAULAGE!!

My 2011 IMATS Toronto Haul:



There was so many great products at great prices - If you're a makeup artist, a lot of the discounts were the same as if you were to apply for the pro card. Makeup Forever ran out of colours so quickly I couldn't even get my hands on a pallette (40%off, same as the pro card)



JORDANE BLUSH PALETTE: $10 or $15



LASHES: 15 Pairs for $20


OBSESSIVE COMPLUSIVE COSMETICS: LIP TAR $10 EACH - this product freakin rocks, I don't know how to explain it enough like even if I was to use the tube every single day it would still probally last me about 3 years! You just need the tiniest little dab of it and you can also mix the colours together to get some gorgeous custom shades!



JORDANE SHADOW PIGMENTS: 5 for $20!!

VARIOUS BRUSHES FROM CROWN BRUSHES AND ROYAL & LANGNICKLE: $2-$6 each! yup, thats it! And they're all really good! The brush belt was only $15





EVE PEARL: Thumb palette $7 or $10

, I think I already lost it :( It was so handy though



NYX PRODUCTS: The same price as if you were to get them at the discount cosmetic store at Bramalea City Centre... super long line.. deffinitly wasn't worth the wait but you know me - I can't help myself! Will be giving away some of these with my first giveaway!



FACE ATELIER: I was really excited about this one because I had been looking to get this foundation for quite some time. Built in primer, long lasting, sweat resistant but for me personally... I prefer something a tad bit more matte. 5 for $100 + 1 extra for myself for $20... to bad that the lady matched me with a a shade too dark! :(



AND FOR MY FAVOURITE BUYS!!...

MINK FALSE LASHES... Mink lashes are my favourite thing and I'm so excited to be launching my own line as well shortly. I got to try Velour for the first time and fell in love with the hype! JLO is addicted to mink and Madonna wears $10,000 lashes adorned with diamonds, I defiantly had my fun with these!

 



AND NARS... one of my favourite brands and I was finally able to pick up a palette. I know I spend a lot of money on makeup but never for myself, always for my kit. I could never really make spending $26 on ONE single eyeshadow colour make sense to me but I finally sucked it up. Sadly, nothing from NARS was reduced but I still picked up a palette for $60 and I love it! This is my favourite palette at the moment: (so much so, its already been used in the pic! )





And Of course... the brush belt! I've never come across one that has been big enough, visually appealing, enough compartments, easy to clean... so this deffinitly has me organized now!



And that's it for now folks :) <3 It's saturday night - This princess is headed OUT! ;)

Often have a random breakout that lasts a few days? It’s not always hormones

How often are you washing your brushes and thoroughly disinfecting?
What are you drying your face with? The same towel you've been using for the week?

Everyone’s skin is different and eventually when we experiment enough, we find out what works best for us. Here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me:

Skip the towel – I don’t know what it is, but using the same towel that I just used yesterday to wipe down my body on my face, kind of creeps me out (I wont even use the same towel after showering more than 2-3 times). Just the concept of moisture and dead skin from the day before being put back on my face – eww! I keep a roll of paper towels by my sink and use that to dry it after cleansing. (if someone has a better idea, please do share)



 

Cleanse daily – This is a given. Find a good cleanser (any new cleanser you purchase, use it for at least three weeks before giving up on it.) and make use of it. Exfoliate 2-3x a week as well. Just keep them on your bathroom counter and eventually it will be second nature to you.



Moisturize – find a moisturizer that’s meant for your age group. I’m 23 now and I can no longer use the same acne cleanser and moisturizer that I use to, I need something more hydrating now even with my oily t-zone. If you’re in your 20 somethings, opt for a moisturizer that’s loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals.



Know your ingredients – at the moment, I’m horrible with this but I’ve been consciously doing my best to opt for products that I know are more natural, organic, paraban free and read the labels. Why put something on your face every day that is damaging it more and more? We’re not using makeup from back in the Egyptian/Roman days (remember they use to put MERCURY on their faces!)



We have the knowledge to know what is good for our skin and what should be completely avoided. So educate yourself and make the RIGHT decisions… just because a product is on the shelf DOES NOT MEAN IT IS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN.

Some good articles to flip through regarding toxic cosmetic ingredients:
http://www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca/sites/healthyenvironmentforkids.ca/files/cpche-resources/Beauty_productsFS.pdf

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/canadas-cosmetic-regulations-could-use-a-make-over/

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/indust/hot-list-critique/index-eng.php#a6

The cosmetic toxic ingredient Hotlist: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/alt_formats/hecs-sesc/pdf/cosmet-person/indust/hot-list-critique/hotlist-liste_2011-eng.pdf



Drink water and cut out the junk – hydration is always key! Water is like a magic pill for your body. It helps you to lose weight, replenishes skin tissue and moisturizes, increases elasticity, fuel musles and protect organs and flushes out toxins from your body. Cut out the nasty oils, processed foods, start munching on more wholesome and mineral filled products… I promise your skin will thank you with a more beautiful glow!



My secret weapon: OXYLIFT- I’m not too sure how many of you are familiar with this but I’m telling you this electric shocking device is one of the greatest investments you can make. I was first introduced to it working at Caryl Baker Visage and last year my mom picked one up at a trade show she attended.

BEST DECISION EVER 

In a nutshell… the Oxylift is a high frequency device that produces oxygen…zapping pimples, reducing puffiness around the eyes, tightens your skin, kills bacteria, stimulates collagen production and gives your skin a wakeup call. I love using it after my night cream because it allows the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin thus more efficiently providing my skin the ingredients it needs.

 

And when I do get that occasional really bad breakout… it’s usually because I’ve been slacking and not following my advice above. 

Things to Look Forward to!

IMATS was a blast! Quality makeup brushes for $2-$5, tons of shadows, new foundation collection, lips tars.... I've taken pics of my haul and can't wait to share... hang in there just a little bit longer!



 

 

Also at IMATS.... I started collecting for:

That's right - MY FIRST GIVEAWAY! Just in time for the holiday season... My way of saying thank you to all my loyal followers <3 Picked up some great products from NYX and if my Mink Lashes come in before the deadline, those will also be included! Information on how to enter, rules and prize details to follow :)

 

 

 

Five Part Series on maintaining a sexy pout through the harsh winter - you have been anticipating this one for a while now and I've finally started writing it! This will include my first video and photo tutorials as well so it'll be a bit longer but well worth the wait ;)

 

My November Glymm Beauty Box has ARRIVED!! I am SUPER ANXIOUS to open it but I promised myself I wouldn't until I clean my memory card so you’ll get the first glance view with me and all my excitement :P It's still sealed - I swear!



If there's anything you would like to see or any beauty questions you may have leave me a message and I'll be sure to include it in as well <3 Neelu

Ever Wondered How to get Away With Wearing Coloured Shadow in the Workplace?

Now this does not refer to the neutrals, browns, peaches and shimmers that we usually wear when we are getting ready for work in the morning. This is in reference to the purples, reds, blues, greens etc. People can argue this one of several ways and if you don’t agree, leave me a comment with what YOU think is right! :)

Depending on your work environment, you can get away with dolling up your eyes with colour for work in the morning. I work in an office and am in corporate sales but I’ve found a way to apply my shadow just right, leaving me feeling professional yet still playful! (Just please don't do this every day of the week)

There’s just a few simple guidelines that you should follow to ensure you don’t look like you’re heading for a nightclub right after work or that you don’t get sent home for not keeping a professional appearance:

KEEP IT ON YOUR LID: You want to keep it CLEAN, I can not stress this enough… keep it CLEAN. Do not take colour above your crease and avoid a bright highlight if you can. Instead of a highlight, clean up any shadow that has gotten to high with a q-tip as you go along, a sponge with a bit of your foundation still on it, your finger, or even concealer. Then take a shadow that is close to your skintone and blend it above your crease. This also keeps cleaning up/diffusing any shadow that may have gotten above your crease.

Inner Corner – keep it neutral or lighter and then the darker more colorful color just at the outer ends. Blend it well for the seamless transition from the lighter to the darker. After blending you may have to go back with a small brush just to lightly dap that deeper/brighter color back in to make it pop a bit more.

Under Eyes – apply a lighter concealar again where you normally would to brighten up the under eye area and clean any of the colour that may have fallen. If you have big eyes like me, avoid liner underneath… it looks a lot cleaner if you just put a light coat of mascara on the bottom even though I love liner half way across the bottom. When I’m working with colour for work, I just keep the liner on top and leave the bottom completely clean.

Lips: Nude, glossed or a creamy tint - avoid anything too bright or dark

Blush/Highlight/Contour: If you’re wearing any of these, keep it blended and as natural as possible.

Wardrobe: Work Attire is Essential (I find this to be a big one) Ensure your wardrobe is professional, clean, pressed! If you have a wrinkled shirt, cleavage, dress pants and black runners on, with coloured eye shadow… don’t expect anyone to take your seriously. Heels (even a small heel) is almost mandatory and is an instant confidence boaster! If you can, always keep a blazer at work. This way if you have a very important client, a wardrobe malfunction, spill or anything of the sort – you always have a backup and still look like a strong professional business women :)

Lack of Personal Makeup Playtime / Kat Von D's New Tattoo Chronicles: Candelabra Palette

I’m strange, I’m not sure if I’m the only one (and if you’re like this too, please tell me so I don’t feel alone!) but being a makeup artist, I have a wide range of colour palettes that I love to use on others, experiment, create gorgeous shades and blends and yet when it comes to myself I almost always opt for the same look – liner, mascara, pink lips & gloss (of course with my foundation, powder, contour, highlight and blush). When I’m going out to a club or somewhere to doll up – throw on lashes, bit of shimmer and maybe if I’m in the mood I’ll play with some deeper shadows in my crease and outer V.



During the week I’m in an office so I have always assumed that I can’t really wear color there. Then on weekends I have our bookings and by the time you do 10-15 makeup applications and it’s your turn to get ready to hit the town for the evening – you just want it to be fast and clean! So two years later, I've found myself in this routine now yet wanting to play.

Well you know what? I’ve done it, I’ve gone out and bought myself (after much debating, owing and aweing in Sephora with Sharon at the colours) a makeup palette that I promised myself to keep out of my kit and on my dresser for personal use and actually use!

Kat Von D - Tattoo Chronicles: Candelabra Palette




Kat Von D is beautiful, talented and always amazing us.



This palette was $59 with 16 colors and a full size Mascara that was actually similar to Dior's Diorshow Mascara (which has been one of my favorites for years so that was defiantly a plus) They all have amazing payout except for a couple of the matte shadows but then again, I've never really been a fan of matte shadows at all really so that could be another reason for that.

One of my favorite things about the palette (other than the colors of course) is the drawings and scriptures in the pages before it. One of which says:

"Looking out the window- it's gloomy out there- Everything's grey.... but in no way do feel like how it looks outside.
The time spent with you, regardless of both of our ups and downs has left me with an overwhelming sense of aliveness that I've never felt...
I think - for you - I'll draw a million drawings...
Just one small way of saying you own my heart...."

Awww! So cute! <3 Anyways....

I figured this palette would do a couple of things:

1. Get me out of my slacking, not dolling up and not looking as good everyday as I want to stage

2. Experiment with colour in different ways, practice and get ideas, increase speed

3. I did have a 3^rd but I lost it as I was writing the two above LOL

 

Has it worked?
I’d say so! I was at IMATS over the weekend and bought my first NARS palette for personal use along with a Makeup Forever Gold Diamond Dust (LONG overdue) and I’m in love <3 I really should start posting some pictures of the looks I do with it but my camera is not all that wonderful.

DMG Designz: More than Just Another Hair & Makeup Service

DMG Designz is a mobile in-home service that was created to make our clientele look and feel like celebrities. Our motto, “Are you DMG approved?” is what defines us from other aesthetic companies, as we firmly believe that to look & feel great you need the "DMG stamp of approval."

Mission Statement

We are determined to provide our clients with the best service possible. No event or party is too big or small for the DMG Designz team, we can handle it all with our staff of four Makeup artist and four Hair stylist. We can transform your place into a salon for a couple of hours, and then back into your home when we are done. We travel to you on your special to save you time and money; our prices are lower than the salons and the quality that is incomparable. Our passion will surprise you, as we love waiting till the end when our clients are in their dress, just to see how amazing you look. All our approved girls have never been late for their event, we always make sure we arrive on time and leave more than enough time for your dressing. Every girl is a celebrity it’s just a matter of having it brought out and that’s exactly what our service does!!

 We treat each client specially and appreciate their unique physical attributes. We work with your face shape, clothing, jewellery and shoes to create an overall look that is unique to you. We will have you looking like you just walked off a runway in Paris, or straight off the scene of a magazine shoot. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are flexible with our schedules AND we accommodate you to the fullest. We will come to you and get you ready in the comfort of your own home, using only the best quality products the industry can possibly offer.

DMG will create a look that is long lasting and will undoubtedly capture your fabulous look in all of your pictures to ensure that your memories last forever and will always be captivating. We have significant experience with the industry as we have affiliated ourselves with clothing designers, Magazines, Beauty competitions and Fashion shows so we are always on top of our game.

How are we different & how do we set ourselves apart from others?

-          We enjoy what we do, and have successfully participated in many events free of charge so that people can witness our talent first hand.

-          We work with what you have to make you magazine ready, helping you choose the proper jewellery to wear and which shoes look best.

-          We work with your vision and make sure you are completely thrilled with the final outcome.

-          We follow you to the washroom or mirror to witness your face when you see what we have done

-          We do not overbook; we have a record of always being 15 min early for all of our appointments.

-          We create a mini pre party while we get you ready, talking, gossiping in order to get you "pumped" for your special day

-          We work as your personal therapist, trainer, motivational speaker as we have witnessed first-hand that events can be stressful and it’s so refreshing to have a shoulder to lean on.

 Why I choose to be a part of DMG Designz: In this competitive industry I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside my best friends of, wow time flies to fast to say how many years now, Darick G as well as Damara Oliveira and be a part of a team that has as much genuine passion for what they do as I have. It’s not about just doing a “gig” or making money, for us it’s about leaving a mark, creating a memory and providing our clients with the utmost respect and highest level of service – we are, after all, hired to work for you. DMG Designz has become a family, always striving for better

A Message to my Beautiful Brides-to-be

So you’re engaged! Congratulations! <3  Now what? 

Between invitations, décor details, disagreements with family, and all that running around and planning you have leading up the big event, make your final moment’s stress free and be at ease with the DMG Designz team.

Many brides contemplate doing their own makeup, having their friend/relative do it, or having it done professionally. A makeup artist understands elements of video/photographic makeup and how it will be affected by camera/film/lighting. As a professional makeup artist, I work with you prior to your wedding day, taking notes and I help you complete the look and vision you’ve been dreaming up for years. Working with colours that compliment your complexion – not just what the latest trend is - weather it is soft and natural, summer bronzed with shimmer, bombshell kitten, Bollywood goddess, traditional or anything in-between or beyond, always focusing on enhancing your features. Your personality and style plays a very large role in your overall look, which is why I always recommend a trial prior to the wedding date. This not only gives us the chance to try ideas, but also the opportunity to get to know one another before the wedding day to put you further at ease. Allow us to wrap your entire wedding party in pure romance and luxury with makeup that lasts through the tears, dancing, kisses and running around <3

Lots of Love,

Neelam K saini