Check out my final write-up for Make-up Junkie!!Fabulous Feel Liquid Colour glides on smoothly to give opaque colour with high shine. The formula is non-sticky and just like the name - feels quite fabulous on the lips! I test ran Amaretto, a pretty neutral pink-brown colour that works well on different skin tones. The colour stayed true for the most part, but I found a touch-up was required after about 3 hours. The one thing that took me a bit to get used to was the strong fragrance of the gloss. I like subtle scents to my glosses, but found this one initially overpowering. A minor setback, but the look and feel of this gloss is still a steal for $12 USD (approximately)!

Double Lush Mascara Plus Primer I'm not a usual fan of 2-step primer and mascara products, but I was pleasantly surprised by American Beauty's version. I found the formula gave my lashes much needed volume, versus other 2-step mascaras I've tried in the past. I tried out the mascara in Black, but Double Lush is also available in Brown and Midnight, which is a first that I've seen for primer plus mascara products (usually they're only available in Black). I love what Double Lush does for my lashes, and I'd definitely be willing to shell out the $12 US that this mascara retails for.

Ultra-Easy Automatic Eyeliner (Auburn) The simple twist-up and no-sharpen action of this eyeliner definitely makes it ultra-easy. I had the chance to try out Auburn, a gorgeous maroon brown with faint shimmer that looks particularly lovely on blue-eyed ladies. The creamy eyeliner glided on smoothly and lasted well throughout the day to keep my eyes defined (minor midday touch-up was required though!). This eyeliner is perfect for the no-fuss make-up junkie – no need for sharpening – just roll up and apply as desired!

Pretty Bronze Bronzing Powder (High Summer) Get that coveted bronze goddess look with American Beauty’s Bronzer months ahead of the summer season! The sheer tan brown powder accentuated with flecks of gold sparkle. With just a couple of swipes, you can instantly revive that glow and say goodbye to blah winter-skin (all my Canadians are saying amen right now!). The sheer consistency of the powder makes it very user-friendly to work with – it builds and blends well for a more of a natural appearing non-streaky glow. Dust some of the powder along the collarbones or atop the décolletage for the piece de resistance!

Be sure to check out Make-up Junkie for all the latest, greatest (and not so great) in beauty products!

Along with blogging, I've been keeping busy organizing the upcoming wedding season (begins February 21st!) and doing trials with my lovely brides. Here are the results of a bridal make-up trial I had with the beautiful, Dorothea, who was a complete joy to work with this past weekend! I'm definitely looking forward to her Big Day in June!

To inquire about make-up services for your Big Day, be sure to check out www.artistrhi.com or drop an email to rhia@artistrhi.com. Some dates are still available!

Related posts:
BEAUTY SHOT | All
WEDDINGS | All

True-to-Dame-Edna form, the eye-catching and mauve-packaged limited edition collection hit MAC stores late December. Inspired by the beauty routine of the Great Dame, the collection is for the glamour girl that likes to make a bold statement with her look. In Dame Edna's own words: "We all need a MAC-over, possum." I couldn't have put it better myself - read up on my review of Gladiola Matte Lipstick and Possum Nose Pink Lipglass from the Dame Edna collection!

Dame Edna MAC Collection - Gladiola Matte Lipstick
The inspiration behind this bright and bold lipstick was clearly Dame Edna's coif (all natural, by the way!). The matte mid-tone blue pink is a super trendy look when paired with cat-eyed liner and false lashes . Dare to wear this colour only if you know how to rock it like the Great Dame (i.e. this colour is not for the subtle)! Pair it with the collection's Hot Frost lipgloss for some added dimension and shine.


Dame Edna MAC Collection - Possum Nose Pink Lipglass
Possum Nose Pink Lipglass is a gorgeous coral gloss that is more of a universally wearable colour than Gladiola above. The sheer bright colour gloss has multidimensional sparkle built-in. I love wearing this gloss for daytime, but find it very similar to a colour already in my kit (as in my earlier review here). You can never have too much of a good thing though and since this colour works for me, it's a welcome addition to my personal touch-up kit!

Photography and Make-up by Rhia Amio

Related posts:
PRODUCT PREVIEW | Dame Edna for MAC

Check out original post on Toronto Wedding Professionals, your e-source for all things wedding!

With plenty of flash photography going on, you want to be absolutely sure that your make-up is in check on the Big Day! A handy item to pack in your bridal purse is a package of blotting tissues. To use, simply press the blotting paper against any areas where you notice shine (pay particular attention to the T-zone area). Use a gentle patting motion (rather than a wiping motion) as you don’t want to shift the make-up that’s already been carefully placed on! The blotting tissue will pick up excess oil from these areas of the face and prevent a shiny t-zone from stealing your spotlight. Follow with up with a layer of pressed powder to keep your skin camera-ready.

ARTIST TIP: Using blotting tissues prior to powder touch-ups helps to limit that cakey look you sometime get when applying more powder. Once the blotting tissue has worked its magic to absorb excess oil, the powder will glide on better on a more uniform surface.

Recommended products:
Quo blotting tissues (approximately $6)
vailable through Shoppers Drug Mart

Body Shop blotting tissues (2 packages for $10)
assorted types including tea tree oil infused blotting tissues. Available through The Body Shop

More make-up tips to come!


Rhia Amio, Toronto Make-up Artist
web: http://www.artistrhi.com
blog: http://artistrhi.blogspot.com
email: rhia@artistrhi.com

Some of the professional photos of Cheryl's wedding from April 2008 have been posted on artistrhi.com. The photos come courtesy of the inspiring and talented photographer, Claudia Hung. Here are some of the latest additions (check out the site to view the rest!):CREDITS:
Make-up by Rhia Amio
Photography by Claudia Hung