Check out the original post on Make-up Junkie!I love the all-encompassing 360-degree approach that Eyes by Design takes towards getting your best eyes yet! The Eyes by Design Ultimate Set aims to simplify the beauty process by including both the eye make-up and treatment products you need - all in one package. The user-friendly set also includes a manual that details how to use each of the set's components and achieve different eye make-up looks with the palette. Check out our review of the Ultimate Set!

Transforming Eye Cream
A light moisturizer that aims to diminish the look of dark undereye circles and fine lines. The eye cream has a light serum consistency, and I only needed two pea-sized drops to cover each eye area. I have to admit I was quite surprised by the size of the 15 mL Eye Cream; it's quite a generous sized jar to be part of a package like this (no complaints, here!). Yet, two weeks later after using it twice per day, there wasn't a noticeable difference in the darkness of my undereye circles. But it did help my trusty concealer to glide on smoothly and give better coverage!

Retouching Cream (Eye Primer)
The eye primer is also formulated to eliminate the look of fine lines and dark circles. It has more of a gummy texture than the Transforming Eye Cream, but really smoothes out the surface of the skin it is applied to. I used it on the undereye area, but also on the eyelid to smoothe out the surface for eyeshadow application. It definitely kept my oily eyelids in check!

Transforming Eye Palette (Blue Eyes - Peach Shimmer, Taupe, Plum Brown, Bronze)
The four pan eyeshadow palette comes in shades that are designed to flatter each colour of the eye. I test ran the Blue Eyes set, and found it worked just as well for brown-eyed beauties! The overall pigment of the eyeshadows was good, but I would have preferred if the three of four shadows weren't shimmer based. The peach shimmer makes for a beautiful highlighter, but may be a bit dark for fair-skinned blue-eyed beauties.

Lining Brush & Blending Brush
The kit also includes two soft-bristled and ergonomically friendly brushes. The brushes are fashioned with a "Design Grip", which allows for easier control of the brush and aids in precise application. The Lining Brush can be used to define the eyebrows or as a subtle eyeliner tool when paired with one of the eyeshadows. The Blending Brush is great for building colour into the crease. I love that the brushes are full-sized and the fact that you can actually use them! How many times do we all buy products where we find the included brush useless?!

Eyes by Design also offers mascaras, brow and eyeliner pencils. You can purchase the sets online through the Home Shopping Network (www.hsn.com). The products are available individually, but scoop up one of the well-priced sets for a better deal! Enjoy!

Here are the photographer's pics from our shoot with the talented and stunning Miss Shalli - be sure to check out her Myspace page and listen up!

Q: Do I apply blush on the apples of my cheeks or do I contour?

A: The answer to this one is really a matter of personal preference. I would recommend the apples of the cheeks method, as it’s the area where a natural flush would occur on the face. Blush applied on the apples gives the face a youthful glow and can instantly make a tired face look more awake.

A classic make-up artist trick is to actually use two shades of blush – one deeper and one brighter. Use a blush brush to contour with the deeper blush right under the cheekbone. Then, smile and apply the brighter shade on the apples of the cheeks. Blend the brighter shade upwards along the cheekbone and towards the ear. Be sure to blend well so that the two blushes fuse together to give the illusion of higher cheekbones.

ARTIST TIP: Be sure to apply a dusting of loose powder all over the face before applying blush. The loose powder will smooth the surface of the skin and absorb excess oil so that you can apply your blush smoothly and streak-free!

During the Canadian Make-up Show back in November 2008, I scooped up FACE atelier’s set of foundations and they quickly moved to the top of my fave foundations list. I’ve always wanted to try FACE atelier ever since finding out they were the sponsor for Madonna’s Confessions tours. But ever the aspiring practical consumer and only being able to view their products online, I was ecstatic to finally get the chance to try before I buy! I wasn't disappointed. The silicone-based formula glides on like a dream and most importantly, makes skin look amazing – smooth and youthful! A little goes a long way with this product. You only need a tiny amount to cover the entire face, and heavier coverage is easy to build without being cakey.

I had one of those moments when I looked in the mirror the other day (well, month) and thought I can’t do my make-up the same way I was doing it in my teens (bye bye powdered foundation). Thankfully, with its smooth consistency (oh the joys of silicone!), FACE atelier Ultra Foundation Pro has taken years off of my skin. In terms of staying power, other than the usual lunchtime oil blot and powder touch-up, coverage stayed fresh-looking throughout the day.

I bought the set of foundations that includes the make-up artist friendly foundations, Zero+ (a dark toned foundation) and Zero- (a white foundation). Having the two of these on hand is perfect for any make-up artist, as it makes any colour combination possible. Zero+ and Zero- are also great for the everyday woman, as skin tone tends to vary between seasons (and often skin tones even vary on different areas of the face i.e. darker forehead)! Just add a drop of either Zero+ or Zero- to darken/lighten as desired, and voila – an instant customized shade that’s a perfect match! Katie at right has gorgeous fair skin, and the lightest foundation will still a tad too dark. I mixed in Zero- to lighten it and match her skin tone exactly.

If you haven’t heard of FACE atelier, it was founded by Calgary's own Debbie Bondar, who started the line after her own quest to find a great foundation left her something to be desired. The foundation that eventually developed is an industry favourite amongst make-up artists, including celebrity make-up artist Billy B. I never thought I would be one for silicone, but luckily using this product doesn’t involve surgery! Thanks to Debbie Bondar and FACE atelier, my own quest for the perfect everyday foundation has thankfully come to a stand still (well, for the time being)!

ARTIST TIP: When was the last time you evaluated your make-up routine? Don’t get stuck in a rut. Make-up is the perfect inexpensive way to update your look and try something new! Whether it be a foundation or a lipstick, it’s a new year - maybe it’s time you try something a little something different?

More of the professional photos with Sam are now up at artistrhi.com, courtesy of ACM Photography! I had a blast working with these two, and look forward to much more :)

Check out artistrhi.com for more make-overs and creatives!

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BEAUTY SHOT | Sam