Check out wnetwork.com for my latest Q & A on Mascara Brushes!
Here's a bit more on the mascaras I recommended in my response (click on the photos below to enlarge).

Brushes that Lengthen:
A thin mascara wand (like that of Maybelline Lash Stiletto or Lancome Definicils) works to lengthen lashes and help make even those tiny hairs in the corners of the eyes stand out! I love Maybelline's Lash Stiletto for the overall finish it gives the lashes and for its affordable pricepoint (under $10 when on sale!).

When it comes to the splurge option, I was first hooked on Definicils the first time I tried it in a Lancome gift with purchase. I love the long, separated lash look that Definicils leaves (it ain't award-winning for nothing!), but I can't rationalize spending the $30 on it! I'd rather go for the deal in this instance! :)



Brushes that build volume:
A plush and full bristled brush like those of the Loreal Voluminous and Dior's Diorshow mascaras (pictured below) to add volume to your eyelashes. L'oreal's Voluminous has been a staple in my personal kit since the day I discovered the power of mascara. Usually after trying something new, I always revert back to this old faithful because it doesn't disappoint!

Dior's Diorshow is a mascara I've bought a few times - even at the splurge price of approximately $30! I love the big, bold lashes you get with Diorshow. Even though I wouldn't spend the extra dollars on Definicils above, when I'm in the mood to treat myself, I definitely splurge on Diorshow. Guilty as charged!

It's nearing the one year mark for the artistrhi site, and I was definitely itching for a change! I wanted to adjust the design layout to have a cleaner and brighter aesthetic...and I'm extremely happy with the results, all with the help of Rosie of Design in Rotation (aka my awesome and talented sister!).

To further improve the user experience, you'll also notice the following changes:

1. Removal of borders and titles within the galleries to let the pictures speak for themselves :)

2. Minimizing the amount of scrolling! Don't you hate it when you go to a site, but it's optimized for a different resolution so you have to scroll up and down, AND right and left?!

3. Compatibility with more browser versions, including Internet Explorer 6...which means it will look as it's supposed to!

4. Icons on the main page that allow you to easily connect via Facebook, Twitter, Blogspot and the new gig at wnetwork!

5. Moving towards uniform branding for 'artistrhi' with logo changes on the site, the blog and on rhiaamio.com

I'm always open to suggestions on how the site can be improved. Let me know what you think!

You may have been read about this on your Facebook or Twitter feed... :)
I'm extremely happy and excited to announce that I'll be contributing as a Style and Beauty Expert on wnetwork.com, the online presence for the leading specialty network for women (channel 27 in Toronto, people!).

Have a beauty or style question? Check out my page or the vast archives of previously asked questions on the W site. Even if you have any other questions in the realms of Style and Beauty, Food and Health, Money, Relationships, Shopping or Home and Garden, there's definitely a W expert that can help! I'm in some awesome company with the Style by Jury team on the Beauty and Style Page. Love that show! :)

In all honesty, I'm still in awe of this wonderful opportunity, but hopefully (crossing fingers!) it's just a hint of even bigger and greater things to come! It's been two years since the humble beginnings of this blog (which I started initially as a portfolio of sorts, because I'm hardly computer programming savvy!)....and it's evolved into this information resource for make-up products and beauty tips. Really, I just have too much stuff in my head about make-up to not share (and it's probably abnormal). So this blog is kinda selfish, because I would otherwise have no outlet! I'm sincerely just very thankful for everyone's support and encouragement. It's why I do what I do :)

Remember you can contact me through the wnetwork site or always email me at rhia[at]artistrhi[dot]com to have your beauty and style question answered! For now, back to writing my responses for upcoming questions!

Check out the "Men" section (under Fashion) at rhiaamio.com for the latest from a creative session with photography by Mat Wilson!

(...yes, men sometimes need make-up too!)

Photography: Mat Wilson
Grooming: Rhia Amio
Stylist: Emily Harris-Brandts
Model: Mike (Icon)

Today is World AIDS Day.

Did you know that you can look good and feel good while doing something great?!

I've always been a fan of MAC - obviously for their make-up products, but also for their trailblazing charitable efforts as a cosmetic brand. Since its establishment in 1994, the MAC AIDS Fund has raised $135 million dollars (US) to benefit those affected by AIDS internationally. Amazing.

The MAC Viva Glam collection is a beautiful line of lipsticks and glosses, ranging in shades from red to pink. Every cent of the proceeds from a sale of a MAC Viva Glam lipstick or gloss go towards the MAC Aids Fund (that's about $16.50 CAD or $14USD!). So if you're gift shopping for the holiday season, keep the Viva Glam collection in mind. It's literally like a gift that keeps on giving....and that's always beautiful. :)