Check out the original post on Make-up Junkie! I was excited to test out the BECCA Stick Foundation (approximately $40 USD), as I’m always looking for the next kit essential to simplify my beauty routine. A foundation stick is a perfect go-to product, particularly when you’re hurried for time. It makes foundation application easy - no need for brushes and sponges - just apply, blend and go! The sample of stick foundation I had was a couple of shades too dark for my own skin tone, so instead I improvised and used it as a contouring stick. I loved how the BECCA foundation stick glided on creamy, but blended into the skin without feeling "thick".

Aside from applying well, the BECCA stick foundation is well-designed for skin care and protection. It offers a 30 SPF protecting against 97% of UVA and UVB rays. BECCA stick foundations are also infused with anti-oxidant vitamins A, D, and E that help promote collagen renewal and keep the skin youthful! Gotta love it.

BECCA Cosmetics was founded by Rebecca Morrice Wilson, a former make-up artist who decided to create her own beauty line after her search for the perfect foundation left something to be desired. The line now offers 34 foundation colours in a wide range of skin tones and in delectable names like Latte, Praline, Truffle and Butterscotch. Wilson's aim was to "make it possible for ALL women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion." The BECCA cosmetics line achieves beyond that with products that are both practical and delightful! Enjoy!

For us Canadian Make-up Junkies, BECCA is currently only available online at www.beccacosmetics.com.

Dame Edna has come to MAC! If you're not familiar with the great Dame, the world-famous talk show host character is the invention of Australian comedian, Barry Humphries. Dame Edna rose to fame in the 1970s, but has been in showbiz for more than 50 years. No stranger to modesty, Dame Edna describes herself as"as the most popular and most gifted" person alive today. Her signature lilac hair and cat-eye sparkle accented glasses are as over-the-top as her personality! The colours and textures of this latest MAC collection are well-suited to the Great Dame.

My sample kit included the Possum Nose Pink Lipglass - a bright coral gloss with sparkle. Once applied on my lips, the gloss looked like a gorgeous candy pink colour. I actually found the colour very similar to a current staple in my own kit, MAC's Lipglass in Lychee Luxe (a coral shimmer gloss). The two colours were nearly identical, with Dame Edna's Possum Nose having more of a multidimensional sparkle. I love Possum Nose for evenings when I still want to maintain the coral colour of Lychee Luxe, but give an added punch!

Packaged in lilac containers, the Dame Edna collection is as fun as the personality that inspired it. The limited edition collection includes lipsticks, nail polishes, highlight powders and eyeshadow trios (that have the blues of the season!). In the words of the Great Dame: "Follow my beauty regime possums, and you'll never be cosmetically challenged!" Enjoy!

Available December 26th in MAC stores and counters.

On your Big Day, you want to put your best face forward and foundation is key to achieving this finished look. Even if you don’t use foundation on a regular basis, wearing some on the Big Day can make all the difference! Foundation works wonders – it brings an even tone to skin and hides minor imperfections. The camera reads foundation well giving the skin a soft and milky texture in photos. Foundation also helps give skin a more vibrant and youthful appearance, but to make it work, we have to make sure it gets applied properly!

How to use it:
Apply primer and give it a few minutes to set. Have a sponge, foundation brush or your clean fingers prepared to evenly distribute colour on the face. Use about a quarter sized drop (or less) to cover the entire face and place a dot on the forehead, left cheek, right cheek and chin. Apply and blend the foundation downward so that the tiny hairs on the face remain flat. (If you apply upwards, the tiny hairs become more visible and you could be at risk for a “peach fuzz” effect). Blend well and into the jawline.

With foundation, I find it’s better to start off with less product and then apply more to build coverage as desired. You still want to be able to see the skin underneath - just smooth and improved! Skip yesteryear’s “cakeface” and don’t overdo foundation, which can make the skin look flat and dull in photos. Remember to set with a light dusting of loose powder to seal in that coveted milky finished look to the skin!

Favourite bridal foundations:
MAC Face & Body
FACE atelier Ultra Foundation

More make-up tips to come!

Check out my blog at: www.artistrhi.com

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

Check out the original post on your resource for all things wedding - Toronto Wedding Professionals.

I am always a fan of continuous learning, particularly when it comes to make-up. There’s so much interesting information out there to know in the constantly evolving world of beauty and beauty products. One of the latest books on the market, Bobbi Brown Make-up Manual, by the make-up artist herself helps to make sense of it all.

For the make-up novice, the book breaks down the basics of the generally overwhelming amount of products and tools out there. Beginners will find the thorough step-by-step photos and explanations on how to get Brown's signature clean beauty looks very useful. What I especially love about Make-up Manual is that for most of the featured make-up looks, there is an accompanying section on how to cater the look for Asian eyes - a topic that is lacking in many make-up books out there!

For the make-up pro and aspiring artist, Make-up Manual features a whole second section called "Artistry". This second section guides you through the steps required to break into the industry as a make-up artist. Bobbi shares everything from pro make-up artist tips for pro photography to the business side of being a make-up artist. There are tips on how to build a portfolio, what you need in your kit, the importance of proper bedside manner--and of course--hard work.

I picked up this book the last week of November and literally couldn't put it down. I found it inspiring not only for the great make-up tips, but for the passion you could see that Bobbi Brown has for what she does. Who doesn't love that?!! Make-up Manual makes a great read for make-up beginner and make-up pro alike. Pick up a copy today - it makes the perfect gift for the holiday season!

(...or you could just keep it for yourself too! Enjoy!)

Looking at the ad for MAC’s latest Chill collection takes me back to where MAC first started with its make-up artist roots. I love the creative energy of this collection! Yes, the look featured on the model is not an everyday look, but most looks on models aren’t meant to be wearable for us non-model people! Overall, the look is definitely eye-catching, as are the products within the collection.

I received a sample of Icescape, one the of the signature lip glasses of the collection. Icescape is a gorgeous baby pink colour with flecks of pearl. It makes a perfect combo when paired with a bold eye look. Try it with dramatic eyeliner or with a smoky eye, which is always a favourite look this time of the season.

Another goodie in the sample bag was Glitter Reflects Transparent Teal. Transparent Teal looks fabulous worn on its own or layered atop eyeshadow. When used with eyeshadow, it adds an instant pop to the area it's applied. It can be used atop your highlighting eyeshadow, on the inner corner of the eye or on the eyelid below the crease. Be sure to concentrate the glitter in one area - otherwise you may go from chill to ice princess! On its own, Transparent Teal creates a gorgeous highlighting effect with a subtle light blue sheen. I love adding a bit of it to my moisturizer and using it on the tops of the shoulders, the collarbone and the décolletage for an alluring effect. All you need is a tiny amount (the stuff is concentrated!) and voila - instant glam!

Along with Icescape and Transparent Teal, the new Chill collection offers a liquid liner, false lashes co-ordinating eyeshadows, more lip glosses and more glitter! Unfortunately, the products are limited edition, so grab it before it’s gone. MAC's Chill collection is definitely on my hot list this season!

All photos in this post courtesy of MAC Cosmetics