Even though there is no snow on the ground (might be a good thing) there is no denying that the 2011 holiday season is inching closer. With all the holiday events that will undoubtedly fill up you calendar dates, you might not be able to buy a new cocktail dress for every event but at least you can switch up your make-up routine! Really, all it takes is some fresh colour, some shimmer and a nice berry lip to spiffy up that little black dress.

The hottest trends this holiday season are inspired by the glamour of the 1950′s movie stars. Bold lip colors coupled with a more simplified smokey eye in a grey/gunmetal or golden palettes. Give your black eyeshadows a break this season. Don’t be shy about shimmer, use a golden/peach toned highlighter along your brow bone (highlight those fantastic arches!) and cheekbones. Even a light dusting of shimmery powder along your collar bone will make your holiday beauty look very alluring.

If you need some extra tips, advice or just how to gain some make-up artist secrets make sure to book an appointment with one of our wonderfully, talented make-up artists and get your kit geared for this holiday season. You can even bring in your own eyeshadow palettes for an updated look created just for you!

- Amy Maria
(Lead Brow Designer, Professional MUA)

It is a given that women spend a good amount of time perfecting their eyebrow shape and for good reason. Your eyebrow shape needs to complement the shape of your eyes and face to enhance or being out your true beauty. Eyebrows that are too bushy or thick will give others the impression that you are not grooming as you should and not taking better care of yourself. Overplucked brows will also make your face appear harsh and unfriendly. Either case is most likely not acceptable especially if you are in the type of work environment that requires meeting with people on a regular basis.

Aside from taking the time and effort to shape eyebrows, you can also look into pumping up your eye lashes. Some women may be naturally blessed with thick, luscious-looking eyelashes, but those who do not need to despair. Thickening your eyelashes can be easily done by a couple of swipes of mascara. Those who are used to applying mascara as part of their makeup regimen will, however, tell you that it is almost always necessary to include that extra step of curling your eyelashes first before reaching for that mascara tube. Using the eye curler may seem easy but you ought to know that if you are heavy-handed with it and press on your eyelashes too long, you will risk breaking them or pulling them out. Not squeezing the eye curler enough will not also give you that curl you are looking for that opens your eyes and makes you look more doe-eyed and pretty.

One solution to take out the guesswork on curling eyelashes is the curling mascara. By incorporating the curling part into its wand design, you can eliminate having to prep your lashes first. The mascara wand has been curved in such a way that with the correct use, it can distribute the mascara on your lashes and curl them while doing so. The formula is also lighter so it takes out the clumping that is a common issue when using mascara. The blend also contains special ingredients that will hold the curl you have created by wiggling in the wand. Because of the reformulation, the application is smoother and is less conducive to flaking. Those having sensitive eyes will rejoice because of it being hypoallergenic. These little improvements in your mascara can certainly save you precious time in your morning ritual.

Source: http://www.bakmansblog.com/2010/07/high-impact-curling-mascara-for-full-lashes/

When trying to create that flawless but dramatic look at night and sporting those best eyebrows Toronto ladies can opt to just drop by any salon for tips or learn the tricks at home. For the latter, you will need to arm yourself with a reliable set of brushes and a well-lighted mirror. Since, as compared to the more neutral daytime look, the nighttime makeup is all about enhancing your eyes, you will need more pigmented eye shadow colors in black, charcoal, and dark gray, a tube of eyeliner, and mascara.

To achieve that smoky eyes look that celebrity make up artists rely on to make their clients look glamorous on the red carpet, you first need to prep your eye lids and put on the eyeliner to define the shape of your eyes.

Using a brush, the next step is to sweep the dark gray over your whole lid under the brow bone. This should be the lighter shade in your eyeshadow palette. You can then dip your brush into the darker colors and apply it from the outer corners of your eye towards the center and keeping it only within your crease.

The key to getting the perfect smoky eyes is to blend well to the point that you would not detect any harsh lines between the colors and you can only see a soft graduation of the shades. Thick eyelashes will add more drama so pile on a couple of coats of mascara or put on fake lashes. You can also line the bottom of your eyes and smudge it to make your eyes look rounder. To avoid looking like a raccoon, be clean up any loose shadow powder that might have settled underneath your eyes.

Another favorite dramatic eye makeup look is the cat eye, and while this may not need that much shadow, you will have to practice putting it on with steady hands. You can have your pick on what shadow color you want as long as the focus remains on your eyeliner. The cat eye is that signature flick at the outer corner of your eyelid that adds a flirtatious touch to your eye.

Liquid eyeliner will allow you a smoother, more seamless outcome, but if you want more control, you can try the gel or cream formula. The least favorite to use is the pencil eyeliner because aside from the tugging, you will need to go over your lids a few times to get that deep color that the liquid ones will give you in a single sweep.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/tips-for-creating-dramatic-eye-makeup-2853431.html

Most women have, at one time or another, been too heavy-handed with the eyeliner to the point of altering their eyebrow shape, or have been swipe-happy with their blush. While makeup artists can deftly use their skills to give celebrities a look that will go with their outfits or the events that they are attending, the purpose of cosmetics for daily use is often just to enhance the woman’s features and to make her appear as though she is not wearing any. If you are still in the process of experimenting with your day and night looks, you will tend to be clumsy at times or go overboard. Having a few tricks under your belt to correct these mistakes can certainly go a long way in saving you from spending too much time inside the bathroom.

Starting with your foundation, you only need to apply just enough to even out the darker tones of your skin. Putting on too much product will cause it to cake up and crease on your skin. To take the excess off, you only need to damp a sponge and dab off the areas where you had put more than necessary. You can then blend those sections with the rest of your face using your fingertips. There is no need for you to take it all out and start again. Too darkened eyebrows is also easy to remedy. To lighten the eyeliner on your brows or get back to your original shape eyebrows can be swept with a Q-tip to remove the extra color.

You will know that you have put on too much blush when the color appears like splotches on your cheeks. To take them off, just flick a powder brush a few times over them to get that seamless blending or mute down the color by sweeping translucent powder over them. Mascara smears can be unsightly and gross but if you get them, it does not mean that all your work has been for naught. You can leave the smears on until you are done with the rest of your face and just blot them out with a Q tip just before you leave and the dried mascara will not run when you clean it up. A dark eyeshadow can be toned down by dabbing on your lid a bit of foundation or translucent powder, and then blending it in such a way that the different shades are not anymore be identifiable from each other.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/superior-beauty-tips-to-fix-5-mistakes-we-almost-all-make-when-we-put-on-makeup-2113640.html

When you visit your favorite Toronto spa, you may find that they are now offering special services for men. At a time when the workplace has become more competitive, a professional should not only be able to do the job, he must also look the part of someone who can represent the company to its clients. A well-kept appearance is not hard to maintain as long as you have the basic routine down pat. Unlike the women who are generally more willing to invest time and money on their appearance, men are more inclined to stick to their regimen if they keep it simple and, as much as possible, have a professional do it for them. Not having to worry about cosmetics and and other treatments that women indulge in, men should have an easier time following through with their grooming.

A simple trim or hair cut can go a long way in conveying to those who you encounter at work that you are a professional. Even an occasional change of hairstyle or a subtle application of hair color that is neither too trendy nor dated can impress on people that you are flexible and can adjust to the times. Keeping your hair clean and neat with regular shampoo and the help of a few hair products is all you need to remember. When it comes to grooming mens eyebrow Toronto residents can easily schedule an appointment with any salon and have that unibrow plucked and trimmed. This will help you create a friendlier expression and enhance your eyes. If you choose to sport a mustache, make sure that you will not overlook it in your grooming lest you will look unkempt. Other facial hair are best shaved off.

If you think your skin will not show when you wear suits, your face and hands are still exposed. Making a habit of putting on moisturizers will keep them protected from the dry air indoors. Chapped lips can be remedied by lip balms so keep a tube in your pocket to prevent cuts from peeling skin. Your nails can also be a reflection of your cleanliness so be mindful of their regular clipping. Regular dental checkups and teeth whitening will also make you more confident about your smile. When you set aside time for these easy grooming practices, it will help you feel less awkward or anxious when the time comes for you to meet with your clients and close deals for your company.

Source:  http://illustra.typepad.com/illustra_image_consulting/2010/07/image-routine-tips-for-the-professional-man.html

Every red carpet event in Hollywood showcases not only the current fashion trends and styles of celebrities, but it looks into celebrity make up as well. With the number of photographers covering these events and the likehood of the celebrities’ photos being sold to and plastered all over magazine pages and popular websites, most stars work with their personal make up artists to give them that flawless look.

They are also aware that there is a chance for a bad angle or poor lighting to ruin an otherwise impeccably made up face so every tiny detail, like their eyebrow shape and the shadows they use to bring out their eye color, has to be exact.

Since celebrity eyebrows contribute a lot to frame their famous owners’ faces, many celebrities, with or without the help of their expert artists, groom this feature well. While certain Hollywood denizens like Brook Shields, Martin Scorcese, and Jennifer Connelly are known for, among their many achievements and talents, their memorable eyebrows, most actors and actresses sport their brows in a way that works with their other features like their eyes and facial shape.

If you want to achieve your favorite celebrity’s signature looks, you have to pick someone whose face closely resembles yours. This way, when you apply their beauty tricks, they will work well with your face.

Beyonce’s eyebrows, for instance, have been expertly arched to play up her gorgeous eyes and oval face. They are also not distracting you from the colors she chooses for her hair. If you want copy her glamorous face, start by having your brows shaped at the salon and keep them groomed at home. Katy Perry’s brows, on the other hand, complement her favorite blunt-cut bangs and striking eyes. They also work well with the retro pin-up girl vibe that she effortlessly presents as her unique  brand. Taylor Swift is also another singer whose eyebrows are so shaped that they blend with her blond curls and cat-like eyes to complete her ethereal goddess trademark.

If you are the type to experiment with different looks and are spunky enough to change your beauty routine every so often, you can take heed from Rihanna’s arches. No matter how dark or blond her hair color becomes, her eyebrow color remains that soft brown that anchors her playful style well. You can do the same so your brows will not compete with whatever style you are in the mood for the moment.

Source:  http://hayriayakkabi.net/2010/07/be-the-celebrity-make-up-artist/

If you look closely at your eyebrow shape, you will appreciate how it frames your eyes and adds more personality to your appearance.  The curve, thickness, and length of your brows all play together to make your face manifest friendliness, glamour, or even aloofness — whether you intended for it or not.

Shaping your eyebrows the way you want or that fits your face best may need a visit to the salon where you will undergo a session of waxing or threading. While it would take some skills to do the job, you can extend the life your brows by grooming them at home with the help of the right tools.

Eyebrow combs work like the combs for your hair by setting your brow hair in place. You can also use the comb to sweep the brow hair upwards so you can trim off the tips of some strands that have started to grow beyond your eyebrow shape.

Eyebrow tweezers can be used to pluck out stray hairs without having to set an appointment with the salon for your eyebrow shaping. When plucking, it is best to err on the side of restraint since it may take some time for the hair to grow back. Just in case you over-plucked, you are not left without any remedy, because this is where the eyebrow pencil comes in. With short light strokes, you can fill in the gaps, accidental or otherwise, on your brows to help you with their thickness.

If your eyebrows are on the thin side and you want to add more volume to them, eyebrow gels and enhancers can plump them up and make them look less sparse. You only have to brush the applicator wands on your brows and allow to dry. There are also brow coloring kits available in the market.

Graying brows can now be restored to their original hues with a simple flick of the brow color applicator. You can even make the color deeper by re-applying. If the kit includes a mousse, you can use this to also add volume and set the color for longer lasting wear. Subtle highlights can now be applied to the brows as well.

If you want to add definition to your eyebrows, you can use any angled brush to apply the color or fill in the bare areas. Lastly, a mirror with good enough magnification can go a long way in grooming your eyebrows.

Source:  http://pocketchange.become.com/2010/07/a-guide-to-eyebrow-products.html

There is no excuse not to look good in your wedding day. It’s a special day that you should look your best. It’s probably the best time to visit your Toronto spa more frequently as you want to be prepared several months before your big day.

Your aim should be a glowing look when that day comes. Do what you must so you will look stunning on your wedding day. As early as possible, have your skin and nail taken cared of: at least 6 weeks prior. Ask your beautician as well on recommended facials and other services that will help you.

It is also advised that you stay away from the sun to avoid sunburns and skin peeling. If you want, you can go for spray-on-tanning option. But what is as important perhaps to looking good, is your inner beauty—so get enough sleep and eat right. Enjoy a relaxing massage and burn some essential oils to help relax your nerves.

Also, you may want to do a trial makeup, preferably, together with your bridesmaids. Do this 1 to 2 months before the wedding. You may bring along some magazine pictures that you want to show to your beautician. Mention as well if you have any skin allergies or problems. And if you are scheduled for a day wedding, then the trial makeup should be during daytime as well. And another important tip: bring your fabric swatches and tell your beautician the color of the flowers you will have, so that appropriate makeup colors can be used.

Whatever your style of makeup though, is a matter of personal preference—that which is comfortable for you. A good rule of thumb: during daytime a lighter makeup is ideal; night-time can allow for a more dramatic style.

For flash photography, foundations with yellow undertones will get better results. It is wide to keep away from shimmer highlighters. Your eyes should have no heavy dark lines. Also stay away from make-up trends that may not fit you well. Your eyebrow shape should be perfect and avoid heavy dark shadows. The same goes for your lips—avoid a dark lip line. Lip-liner should be the same color as that of your lipstick.

Source:  http://www.anewsviews.com/the-perfect-bridal-makeup-tips/

The stars have the clear advantage over the regular folks like us. They have more money than we do, and they have beauty experts to make them look attractive all the time. But there are many famous actresses though, that also subscribe to super cheap beauty products—because it works. These alternatives are surprisingly readily available in most homes and will not cost you that much to become beautiful.

Here are your alternatives to celebrity make up and beauty products:

Have you ever thought of cold cream for lines? There are actresses who previously used botox, but now choose cold cream because it really works and can make a difference for them. If this can work for them, this may work for others as well. You must definitely try this one and see for yourself.

Do you want in on Julia Robert’s secret for her beautiful, soft hands? She soaks them in olive oil mixed with warm water. Let it soak for a few minutes. Around ten minutes is fine. You can do this for your feet as well. With this, you get the same benefits Julia gets for her hands and feet.

Now we go to a supermodel’s secret to removing make up: baby lotion. Using a cotton wool pad with this, instead of regular cotton balls will remove make up quickly. You won’t ever have a problem removing make up that seem to just take a long time.

Have you heard of honey and salt for exfoliation? Well, no less than Catherine Zeta-Jones uses this to keep her skin soft and glowing. Honestly, who doesn’t want to look like her? So try this the next time. You can wash this off and you will see your skin becoming amazingly gorgeous.

But that’s not all. Catherine also uses beer to condition her hair. If you have seen her hair, it’s nothing short of gorgeous. And there’s one more beauty secret from her—her secret to sparkling white teeth: crushed strawberries. Now, those are a few but easily doable beauty tips we can learn from her.

All these celebrity beauty secrets can quickly move you to the right direction in taking care of yourself like a celebrity does—with little to no cost, of course. The next time you visit a Toronto spa, ask their staff about these tips—and find out what they have to say about these celebrity beauty secrets.

Source:  http://www.nextbigspace.net/celebritys-cheap-beauty-secrets/8200/

As a woman ages, it is natural to see a few lines and age spots on their faces. But this should not be a reason for older women to stop looking beautiful. When one ages, the more she should take care of herself to become beautiful and feel beautiful. And the way to do this is through the use of makeup. Many may think that makeup is only for young folks, which should not be the case. Older women should find out what looks good on them and see what type of application can bring out their beauty.

Here are a few tips for aging women:

Find a way to conceal your wrinkles. You can do this by determining the right places to put makeup. Also, a primer should be applied first before putting on makeup. This helps avoid highlighting fine lines on the face. Do this, and you will already look better than you previously were.

Avoid heavy foundations. It is also better to use tinted moisturizer when covering certain areas. When choosing foundation, some will be confused what shade to use. The recommendation is to use the ones that are a shade darker. In this way, the wrinkles will be covered.

Put on eye makeup. Some totally neglect this one. But this is important for older women so that they bring emphasis to their beautiful eyes. Doing so will put the attention on the eyes, and not the wrinkles.

Use neutral shades for your eye shadow as this will make you look younger. Also, you are better off using a cream-based eye shadow than the powder type. The cream type hides the fine lines on your face better. You should also avoid bright eye makeup and those with glitters. Use eyebrow pencil that matches well with your hair color. You can also make yourself more beautiful by sporting an attractive eyebrow shape.

You may also want to avoid using powder on your face. You may be surprised to find out that oily skin actually moisturizes itself and makes it glow. With this, you will look younger. But if you should want to use powder, you can—on selected areas as your nose and chin.

And lastly, carry that confidence with you—and you will look lovely inside and out. Your makeup can also help a lot in showing off your best facial features. Visit a Toronto Spa to get you started. Even if you are older now, you have the right to look good and feel good now.

Source:  http://www.webparade.co.uk/2010/09/5-makeup-tips-for-older-women/