I attended Saturday's installment of the Canadian Make-up Show and had a fab time! I was thrilled to have the pleasure of meeting Michael DeVellis of the Powder Group. Michael is an industry veteran having (among other accomplishments) worked as Executive Director of Artist Relations for a little known company named MAC. Yeah, I know - he's kind of a big deal, right?!

Among other endeavours, Michael now runs the NYC based Powder Group, which offers resources for make-up artists and make-up lovers alike. The Powder Group brings current industry professionals to locations continent-wide to hosts workshops on everything from professional development to make-up techniques. The Powder Group will be back next weekend in Toronto, and I believe there were still just a couple of spots for the workshop being held at Industry Cosmetics (if they weren't scooped up already on the weekend!).

Another one of Michael's recent projects is On Make-up Magazine, a mag that focuses on the artistry of make-up with many of the professionals of The Powder Group as its contributors. Despite having so much on his plate, Michael's energy and enthusiasm was still constant and infectious. You could tell he really loves what he does, and that's always something to aspire to and be inspired by. Thanks, Michael!

To read more on the Powder Group, click here. Here are some shots from Michael's labour of love at the CMS this Saturday:...and of course the day wouldn't be complete without doing some damage of my own. These photos come courtesy of Crown Brushes, FACE atelier and my subconscious refusal to incorporate the words 'beauty budget' into my everyday vocabulary(!) :
A huge special thanks to Joy of Make-up Junkie for setting up the day and the quality time with Michael! Blogger high-five!

I'll certainly be posting shortly about these products and other tips I picked up from the seminars so stay tuned!

For me, there's no better way to start off a weekend (or a day for that matter) than doing make-up! Early Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of working with Gabriela, who was in town visiting Toronto from NY to attend a family wedding. Gabriela is a full-time portrait and fashion photographer and she said she wasn't used to being on the other side of the lens--but please--she's a natural!! Even though it was our first time meeting, she was very warm and friendly - we talked everything from fashion to family to Obama!
I hope to see you again soon on your side of the border - thanks Gabriela!

MAC is terrific for the extensive range of pigments they offer. Whether you’re looking for something more neutral or more daring, you’ll find it here. Some of my faves and their uses include:

Naked and Old Gold
Use these neutral shades as a highlighter atop browbone, on the inner corner of the eye, and on cheeks. Add a bit to your lotion for a body glimmer.

Mauvement
Great for medium yellow and olive skin tones. Use dry for a subtle effect or wet your applicator for an intense shimmer atop the eyelids.

Matte Pigments
MAC Pro online offers pigments in matte formulas that are essential for any artist's kit. Some of my faves are Basic Red and Full Force Violet.

TIP: Combine any of the pigments with MAC's Eyeliner Mixing Medium and instantly have any colour of liquid liner your heart desires!

Q: At what age, should I stop wearing shimmer?
A: First it's best to distinguish between shimmery, sparkly and luminescent make-up.

• Modern shimmer has come a long way since it's '70s and '80s predecessors, when it had more of a heavy-duty glitter quality that matched the outrageous hair and make-up of the times. Today, shimmer beauty products are way more flattering due to advances in make-up technologies that allow for a smoother and finer jet-milled finish.
• Sparkly make-up has larger glitter particles that are best left for 9 year old girl's dance recitals or a night out clubbing (for those 30 and under).
• Luminescent make-up has tiny light-reflecting ingredients that help to give it a subtle shimmer. Luminescent products include foundations, concealers and powders.

With age, you do have to be mindful of wearing shimmer. For females in their teen years to their early 30s, shimmer is anyone's game. But as the skin tends to crepe up, women in their late 30s and up will likely have to adjust their make-up routines if they've always worn shimmer in the same way. For women in this latter age group, I would avoid using shimmer eyeshadow on noticeably crepey eyelids. We have to be especially careful with shimmery make-up, as we want people to notice you from across the room and not your high shine make-up! Instead of using shimmery make-up, choose luminescent make-up products as described above. These will help to give the skin a hint of shimmer, while the light-deflecting ingredients will help to take the focus off fine lines. A subtle amount of shimmer also helps give the skin a dewy glow that is characteristic of young and healthy skin. For tips on where to highlight, check out a previous post here. So as long as the choice and placement of product is adjusted with age, women of a diverse age range can pull off shimmery make-up - there is hope for us perpetual shimmer addicts yet!

The 2nd annual Canadian Make-up Show is making it's way to the Better Living Centre in Toronto this weekend. The CMS promises to be bigger and better this year with a slew of vendors, professional artist demonstrations and seminars. I'll be there throughout the weekend checking things out and reporting back along with the contributors to Make-up Junkie...and of course, I'll also be doing some damage to the credit card!

I've been anticipating the CMS to get a chance to stock up on Crown brushes, that are typically only available south of the border. Yes, serious damage. See you there!