tokidoki is a line that reminds us what make-up is all about - having fun!! Looking at this collection is like re-living my make-up crazed teenager days - the colourful textures and playful packaging make me want to experiment with colour again (yes, despite my age!) :)

The collection includes a range of make-up products and accessories, all encased in decorative packaging by the brand's creator, Simone Legno. Legno is of Italian descent, but his main inspiration for tokidoki derives from Japanese culture and anime, as showcased on the collection's eye-catching exterior.

Products that I think will be ones to watch are:
i). Cromatico eyeshadows ($20 CAD) - these are available in 16 shades and boast quality Italian and Japanese finely milled ingredients that glide on to leave a smooth, velvety finish (currently, I'm test running the eyeshadow in Samba - review will follow soon!)

ii). Fantastico Lip Stain ($20 CAD) - now i know my friends are going to make fun of me for this, but I'm actually quite drawn to the idea of a 'mango' flavoured stain. Oh yes...and all day wear - I suppose that's appealing too :)

iii). Perfetto Eyeliner ($21 CAD) - I'm all about precision when it comes to make-up applications, so the chisel tip of the Perfetto liquid eyeliner is right up my alley! The formula is waterproof and comes in some seriously funky colours for liquid liner (i.e. even pink, bright blue, white). They can be used for lining the eyes, but also for doing temporary body art. I smell artistrhi kit essential on this one... :)

tokidoki will be available exclusively at Sephora as of May 2010. To celebrate tokidoki's launch in Toronto, the Sephora at Eaton Centre will be hosting a meet-and-greet on May 13th with the line's creator, Simone Legno. While you're there, you can also receive a complimentary make-over inspired by the tokidoki collection from a member of Sephora's Pro Make-up Team....and just to entice you even more, if you're one of the first 200 people to spend $25 on tokidoki products, you can also receive a free mini-gift from tokidoki! Please check with Sephora Eaton Centre for further info.

Event details:
Tokidoki Launch at Sephora Eaton Centre (220 Yonge Street, Toronto)
May 13th 6:00PM - 8:00PM

See??! Fun!!
:)

Over the weekend, I had the chance to also work with Claudia on a photoshoot for the lovely ladies of a string quartet. Check out some of the pics from the shoot below. Claud did an amazing job as always...and all from her very own living room! Good times :)

On a side note, I wish I could play the violin...

Photography: Claudia Hung Editorial
Make-up: Rhia Amio

Q: I have eczema on my face, especially above my upper lip, and around my cheeks. When I apply make up, especially powder (I use MAC Studio Fix powder plus foundation) it goes a little flaky. I moisturize my face quite well with Lancome Aqua Fusion and only when I apply make up do these parts of my face flake up. Also, sometimes when I apply eye shadow (I use Lancome eyeshadows) you can tell that they're dry. Do you have any suggestions to what I could do?

A: With eczema, (as you probably already know!) you have to be especially careful in what products you use. Look for key descriptors like "sensitive skin", "non-comedogenic" and "non-scented" when buying. The less the amount of synthetic ingredients that a product has, the less of a chance of a flare-up for eczema-prone skin. As with any type of skin, be sure to moisturize thoroughly before applying your make-up, as a great face always starts with a great base (of hydrated skin!)!

Foundation
For foundation, the MAC Studio Fix powdered foundation is likely too dry of a formula for eczema prone skin. The trick with applying foundation on eczema-prone skin is finding a formula that provides coverage without looking dry/cakey. If you use a product that's too drying in nature, you can end up drawing more attention to any irritation/dry spots from eczema.

Instead of a powdered foundation, try one of the following options:
i). mineral powder
Mineral make-up is derived from natural ingredients, which versus other foundation can greatly help to reduce the chance of a flare-up. A couple of layers leaves the skin feeling lightweight, but mineral formulas are also quite buildable so moderate coverage is easily achieved. Use a soft (and clean!) large-sized kabuki brush to gently apply the make-up on the face. Bonus: The soft bristles of the kabuki massage will feel like a well-deserved mini-massage for the face!

ii). water-based foundation
Water-based foundations are non-comedogenic, making it a better choice for sensitive skin types. You can apply a non-comedogenic water-based foundation on its own using a brush or a sponge. Use a stiple motion to build up coverage and blend evenly over face. If you only need minimal coverage, add an equal-sized drop of the foundation to a pump of your moisturizer. Mix well and you'll instantly have a lightweight tinted moisturizer. Once your base is done, set your foundation with only a light dusting of powder. For eczema prone skin, always avoid over-applying powder as too much powder will only accentuate dry spots.

Products to try: CoverFx foundations - their entire line is developed for the most sensitive of skins, and also includes skin primers, concealers, bronzers and blushes

Redness
Redness from irritation often goes hand in hand with eczema. You can easily create an even canvas by applying a few layers of foundation. But for more prominent redness, target a creamy yellow colour corrector atop the red areas to neutralize them. Follow with your skin tone foundation for an even complexion and set with a light dusting of powder.
Note: You can also use a green corrector to conceal the redness, but I personally prefer the warm finish that applying the yellow corrector gives rather than the typically white-ish cast (I know, 'white-ish' not a word!) that a green concealer leaves behind. Whichever colour corrector you choose, be sure to blend your skin tone matching concealer atop to camouflage the area!

Products to try: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Cream Concealer

Eyes
Make sure you are also moisturizing your eyelids as you do the rest of your face at the start of your beauty routine; smooth skin on the eyelids is a prerequisite for blending eyeshadows with ease. For eczema-prone skin, opt for mineral-based and matte eyeshadows rather than heavy shimmer or glitter textures. Particles of shimmer and glitter eyeshadows can irritate sensitive skin, and also draw attention to to any dry spots around the eyes.

Overall when it comes to eczema, use a 'less is more' approach and make sure you always read the packaging. Hope this helps and let me know how it goes! :)

Had a great weekend including Saturday afternoon with the awesome couple featured below! Meet Melissa and Christian who will be getting married in June of this year. See more of their e-shoot with my pal and master photographer, Claudia Hung, by clicking on the pic below...enjoy!

A couple of behind the scenes photos from this past Saturday - had a great time with Karen + her bridal party of sisters! Such gorgeous ladies and all with naturally glowing skin! Just call me jealous.

See more from Karen's Big Day on artistrhi weddings! Congratulations Karen! :)