Thanks to all you fabulous readers who entered and shared what makes you look and feel glam! The lucky winner of the contest is...Eve of Toronto! Congratulations Eve - hope you get to put this collection to good use with the season of holiday parties upon us! Enjoy :)To see what the lucky contest winner receives, check out my review here.

Q: How many times can I re-use false eyelashes?
A: False eyelashes can be re-used a good 2-3 times before it's definitely time to chuck them. To maximize the wear out of your falsies, be sure to clean them gently, but thoroughly, after each use. Keep the container that the false lashes come in, and store the falsies back on the rounded center to retain their curved shape. Once the applied falsies start looking too crusty or crunchy, it's time to invest in a new pair. Fortunately, many quality falsies don't cost an arm and a leg! Brands like Ardell, Revlon and Quo (available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada) all offer great looking falsies for under $7...and $7 for such a glamorous end result is definitely a steal to me!

Q: I have trouble with applying darker eyeshadows. Do you have any tips?
A: Typically when it comes to applying eyeshadow, the make-up products and tools you're using can really make or break the look. Stick to high-pigmented shadows that glide on smooth, rather than chalky (essentially, you shouldn't have to dig too hard at the colour for it to apply with intensity!). Most eyeshadows by prestige brands are worth the investment - they blend easier, last longer and you'll end up using even less because the formula is so pigmented. Try Make-up Forever or MAC eyeshadows in particular - both lines offer an extensive selection of beautifully pigmented colours.

When it comes to darker eyeshadows, blending with the right brushes is key to achieving a professional look. I recommend at least two (I would recommend more if I could!) brushes for a smoky eye look:

1. a crease/pencil tip brush (i.e. MAC 219)
2. a blender brush (i.e. MAC 222)

Use the crease brush to precisely apply the darkest colour in the hollow of the eye down towards to the lashline. Use the blender brush to soften the look; blend atop the area you just applied eyeshadow too by using a back and forth motion. Apply more eyeshadow as desired, but always be sure to follow with blending. You want the finished look to be diffused - you don't want to see where the line starts or stops!

More smoky eye tips: Save your concealer application until the very end of your routine. When using darker colours, there's always the potential for flakes of shadow to stray from where you intended them to be. Dust some translucent powder underneath the eyes (or place a tissue beneath the eye as you apply eyeshadow) to catch any flailing bits that can lead to a smudgy mess! Once your eyeshadow application is done, then it's safe to apply your concealer as normal and top it off with powder to set it.

For more smoky eye tips, get the look here (just in time for the holidays!)

Thanks M of Australia for these questions - hope these help!! :)

If you have a make-up related question you'd like to ask, drop me an email: rhia[at]artistrhi[dot]com. I look forward to hearing from you!

I like....how glam my readers are!
With this latest Marcelle Ultra Glam contest I've been gaining some insight into the lives of my totally glamorous readers. I'm also ecstatic to hear how tips and reviews on the artistrhi blog help to keep you looking and feeling fab. Thanks guys and good luck!

Have you entered yet? Contest closes this Friday! See more details here and the review of what you'll get here.

I like...Nadia Cheema Photography's new site!
Nadia Cheema is a talented fashion and portrait photographer I frequently work with, and also a dear friend. She recently re-launched her website to include a new format, where the pics can be viewed in super high resolution. It makes my jaw drop to see pretty pictures that big! Check out her new site...and you'll see some familiar pics! :) (Yes, slightly biased I know!)

I like...Claudia Hung, Editorial and Wedding Photographer!
Claudia Hung is a talented editorial and wedding photographer that I'm fortunate to work with and call a friend as well! Claud helped awkward me take the shots at left for a very exciting gig I have coming up! More details to come soon :)

Ok, so maybe it's more like "I love" all of the above.... :)

artistrhi weddings update! It's been an absolutely beautiful November for Toronto weddings and gorgeous brides! I had the honour of working with the lovely Maricar for her wedding during the first week of this month. Here's a recap of some of my fave behind the scenes shots with the bride and her party:

Adding the finishing touches to the bride-to-be

Such gorgeous lips!

I could play with make-up on eyelids like these all day :)

Setting the base with some translucent powder

Workin' away!

Glossin' it up!

See more from the Big Day on artistrhi.com!

Check out the Fashion section of rhiaamio.com for a shoot with photography by Denny Lee and styling by Ashley Storm. I had a great time on set with these folks and with our striking models! I hope you enjoy the pics, as I definitely enjoyed helping to make them! :)

credits
Photography: Denny Lee (http://www.dennyleephotography.com)
Make-up/Hair: Rhia Amio (http://www.rhiaamio.com)
Styling: Ashley Storm