MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 - In Stores Now!

LADY GAGA EMPOWERS YOU TO LIVE WITH PASSION. LOVE WITH PROTECTION.

THE M·A·C AIDS FUND WANTS EVERYONE TO FEEL EMPOWERED –FIVE MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS SUPPORT CRITICAL PREVENTION PROGRAMS AROUND THE WORLD

February 17, 2011 – New York – Live with Passion. Love with Protection. Lady Gaga, the voice of the latest M·A·C Cosmetics VIVA GLAM campaign, wants everyone everywhere to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. For the second year in a row, Lady Gaga continues to inspire individuals around the world to make a difference by purchasing her newest shades of M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass – Gaga 2.

Since the M·A·C AIDS Fund’s inception in 1994, every cent from a VIVA GLAM Lipstick or Lipglass purchase has been donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Today the Fund celebrates a significant milestone, raising more than $202 million to support HIV/AIDS programs around the world. This accomplishment represents an enormous commitment throughout the years from the 19 VIVA GLAM spokespeople, Makeup Artists and VIVA GLAM customers around the world.

“As one of the most iconic artists of our time, Lady Gaga has been a powerful and influential voice for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. She is an extraordinary spokesperson and advocate for self-awareness and empowerment and we are excited to have her as the face of our 2011 campaign.” – John Demsey, Chairman, M·A·C AIDS Fund and Group President, Estée Lauder Companies.

In honor of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, the M·A·C AIDS Fund is announcing five million dollars in new donations to fund diverse programs that address HIV/AIDS protection, treatment and prevention.

The new VIVA GLAM campaign focuses on self-empowerment and encourages everyone to take control of the HIV/AIDS risk in their lives by using condoms, getting regularly tested, accessing care and treatment, combating stigma and advocating for change. From South Africa and the U.K. to the U.S. and Japan, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports programs around the world that confront the causes of HIV infection including violence, discrimination and unequal access to financial and social resources.

“I am incredibly passionate about this campaign and strongly believe the M·A·C AIDS Fund has the power to create a global movement not only to combat HIV/AIDS but also to encourage men and women everywhere to protect themselves. I feel honored to be part of such an important cause. My new VIVA GLAM lipsticks are intended to be a reminder to people to live passionately, but do it safely. Be your own biggest fan and protect yourself.” – Lady Gaga, M·A·C VIVA GLAM Spokesperson

The statistics cannot be ignored. Women constitute half of all the people in the world living with HIV/AIDS. While overall HIV/AIDS rates have stabilized in many countries, more adult women than ever before are now living with HIV in every region of the world. In the U.S., the number of AIDS diagnoses among women has tripled since 1985. In sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute more than 59 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS.

The rates are just as alarming for men. In the U.S., just over 75 percent of adults and adolescents living with an AIDS diagnosis are men, with almost two-thirds infected with HIV through male-to-male sexual contact. These numbers are even higher for men of colour.

The new M·A·C VIVA GLAM campaign was shot by photographer Nick Knight. The campaign visual will launch with VIVA GLAM Gaga 2 Lipstick (a light warm beige) and Lipglass (a light neutral pinked beige) in North America on February 17, 2011 and internationally in March 2011 (Suggested Retail Price $14.50 U.S./$16.50 CDN).

ABOUT THE M·A·C AIDS FUND The M.A.C AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of M.A.C Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. MAF is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical giver in the arena, MAF is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, MAF has raised $202 million (U.S) exclusively through the sale of M.A.C’s VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass, donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information visit www.macaidsfund.org


MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 is in stores now!

C.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

Kiehls' Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

1) You're the third eye de-puffer I've tried and you're my favourite. I don't want to try any more.

2) You're short and stubby, but that means less draggage when I apply you under my eye. One swipe and we're done! It also means you don't take up much room in the medicine cabinet and you don't fall over like the tall skinny eye de-puffers do.

3) You don't feel oily or greasy on my skin and it's almost like there's nothing there when I apply you.

4) You WORK! My undereye area is smooth and less puffy after I use you.

This is what Kiehl's has to say: This lightweight cooling de-puffing eye stick is formulated with caffeine and refreshing Arctic Root to minimize puffiness, and to help revive and awaken tired eyes. Convenient and portable packaging also allows the formula to glide on easily, providing an instant cooling effect.

What it says: This "no baggage," portable eye stick is the ultimate pick-me-up for tired eyes on the go. Enriched with Caffeine, Arctic Root and Hibiscus Extract, our anytime formula gently glides under the eye area to provide an immediate cooling effect, while hydrating and helping reduce the look of signs of fatigue common with active lifestyles. The appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles is diminished. 

It's a short tube, maybe 3-4 inches tall and the product twists up, like a deodorant or lip balm. It has the texture of a light lip balm. The Facial Fuel Eye De-puffer retails for about $18.50 US. 

You apply it directly to the eye area, sweeping it from the outside corners in along the eye socket. You can apply it above your eye as well. It feels smooth and cool on the skin and is very soothing on raw, first-thing-in-the-AM eyes, puffy eyes. It definitely helps to minimize minor puffiness and plumps the skin ever so slightly to decrease fine lines. There is very little fragrance. You can use your finger (I use my pinkie) to tap in any excess product on your skin.

LOVE!

C.

MAC Peacocky EOTD Tutorial

I have a confession to make - I hauled all 15 of the Peacocky Mega Metal Shadows! Though I know Peacocky is old news due to the imminent release of a certain collection featuring a female cartoon heroine, I thought I would challenge myself to bring you a series of EOTD's featuring all 15 shades. Not all at once of course. That would be crazy talk.

For this look I wanted to use some unlikely colours together. I typically do not like oranges/coppers so I thought I would start the challenge there. The four shades I selected to be used for this look are Tweet Me, Peek-At-You, Paparazz-She and Odalisque.

Clockwise from left: Tweet Me, Peek-At-You, Odalisque and Paparazz-She.

Products Used (all MAC unless otherwise noted)

Select Cover Concealer NW 25

Medium Blot Powder Loose

Tweet Me, Peek-At-You, Paparazz-She and Odalisque Mega Metal Shadows

Graphblack Technakohl Liner

Siahi Fluidline Liner

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Very Black

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Clear

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo Brunette

1. Conceal undereye area and set with powder. Fill in brows with brow powder and set with clear mascara. In the center of the lid apply Paparazz-She with a 242 brush.

2. Using the same brush, apply Tweet Me to the inner and outer 1/3 of the eye lid, blending over the edges of Paparazz-She. Also run Tweet me along the bottom lash line.

3. Using Graphblack liner, tightline the upper eyelid creating a thicker line towards the outer edge. Using a 219 brush, smudge the liner out.

4. Using the 219, pack Odalisque on top of the black liner, also using this shadow to cut the crease, creating a "V" on the outer edge of the eye. Also sweep the shadow halfway on the bottom lid, close to the lashes.

5. Using a 266, line the top lashes with Siahi fluidline, creating a small angled cat tail at the end. Apply Peek-At-You on the inner tear duct using a clean 219.

6. Finish by curling the lases and applying black mascara.

I think this look is a bit unusual as it contrasts and layers warm and cool colours. Odalisque turns a mossier green when layered on top of Paparazz-She. I wasn't sure at first if this combination would be too muddy or strange, but I think it works. I could see this eye working very well in the fall, maybe with a copper coloured lipgloss. Photos were taken indoors with a flash, so keep in mind the contrast between warm and cool is more striking in person.

J

Anna Sui Eye Brightener Review and Swatches

Eye brighteners are one of those beauty products that you may or may not need, depending on your routine. It may be an unnecessary product if you use an eye primer, for example or use a base for your eyeshadow or do not have uneven skin tone on your eyes. It may be useful, however, if you do not use an eye primer or eyeshadow base or if you don't wear eyeshadow or wear a lot of eyeshadow.

With this in mind, read on for the Beauty Squared review of Anna Sui's Eye Brightener. This particular eye brightener is meant to act as a highlight or to conceal discolouration of the eyelids in preparation of eyeshadow application. It comes in one shade (01 Bright Beige) and comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator.

Directions for use, according to the back of the box are to apply to the eye area prior to eyeshadow application. This is how I tested it.

Tube decorated in typical Anna Sui design.

The tip of the wand is a rose.



Anna Sui Eye Brightener swatched on NW15-20 skin

This is a very light highlighter/concealer with the trademark Anna Sui rose fragrance (all of her beauty products have a rose scent). If you have very dark undereye circles this product won't do much. As an eyelid brightener, it works well, as you can see below. Because it has a slight shimmery quality, it works well as a highlighter as well. It's a very subtle highlighter though, and gives a natural glow. So if you want a very natural glow or don't wear a lot of makeup, this is a nice option. For someone who wears makeup or has darker skin than I do, I recommend you pass on it.

It doesn't work effectively as a primer to keep your eyeshadow from fading or creasing but it works to provide you with a "blank canvas" so to speak for keeping your eyeshadow colours true. Think about using a paintbrush and dab of blue paint on a piece of white paper as compared to an off-white or pink or light brown piece of paper. Using a fleshtone base underneath your eyeshadow helps your eyeshadows come across as truer. 

Left eye - with eye brightner, right eye - without

To sum up, this is a nice product but perhaps unnecessary to many makeup collections. If you already have an eye primer or a fleshtoned base colour for use under your makeup or if you have a highlighter that you like to use on your browbones, inner eyes, cheekbones, temples, etc. you can skip this.

C.

La Senza Nail Polish and Lipgloss Review and Swatches

Canada's version of Victoria's Secret has come out with a line of beauty products. The La Senza Beauty line includes lip glosses, nail polishes, body lotions and powders, massage oils and fragrances.


BeautySquared was sent a few glosses and nail polishes to try out recently.The glosses retail for $7.50 CDN each or 2 for $10 CDN.



La Senza lipglosses in Lingerista and Love Marilyn

Lipgloss swatches: Top: Lingerista and Bottom: Love Marilyn

I was impressed by the shades I was sent. Often with less expensive makeup products, the shades tend to be overly glitterly or bland. These two glosses are both very wearable for many skin tones. I absolutely love the Love Marilyn stain-like raspberry gloss. Lingerista is a softly peachy, shimmery soft pink gloss. Both had some glitter in it but it's nowhere near over the top. The gloss is easy to apply and scented with mint but they are not overly fragranced.

The two polishes I was sent are Moscow Nights (dark purple) and Reykjavik Lights (glittery silver). La Senza nail polishes retail for $6.50 CDN each or 2 for $10 CDN. I like the international city names! These polishes are small, which I like, since it's very rare I finish a bottle of polish before it gets hard and I have to toss it out. The polish went on well and covered well (the application below is two coats for each shade).

La Senza nailpolishes: Moscow Nights and Reykjavik Lights

I liked Moscow Nights a lot and will wear it. It's dark enough that I won't feel like I have flashes of colour on my fingertips and I like the subtle metallicness.

Moscow Nights

Reykjavik Lights is not one I'd wear as I'm not a fan of glitter polishes. But I was impressed by the way this one looked on. It almost won me over!

Reykjavik Lights

Impressive for an inexpensive beauty line, don't you think?

C.

Body Blitz's Blitz on the Go

I have heard whispers about Body Blitz for months now and a friend of mine is absolutely hooked on it. I've never developed that love for spas that seems to come with being a girl - I've never had a facial or a seaweed wrap and only had my first manicures and pedicures about a year ago - so it never intrigued me until I kept hearing girls and women talking about - strangers and coworkers alike. Recently I was invited to a launch for Body Blitz's new product line so I thought, ok finally I'll see what this place is all about. 

It was a cold, drizzly evening when I met up with my friend, the Body Blitz superfan, and we made our way to the spa, located on Adelaide Street West between Spadina and Bathurst. It was a different world when we stepped inside the spa - bright, warm and pleasingly fragrant. We were invited to use the pools at the launch party but only a few brave souls took advantage. Normally, Body Blitz is women-only but for this special occasion men were allowed inside. I hope they considered themselves lucky!

Body Blitz's main space is a large room with one glass wall, wooden beams and lounge chairs and three pools - one large salt water jacuzzi and two smaller pools, one filled with ice water and the other with green tea. Body Blitz offers treatments in addition to the therapeutic waters, such as scrubs, mud masks, scalp treatments and massage. There is also an infared sauna.

It's simple really, Body Blitz is all about relaxation, not trying to sell you on the latest skin treatment or anti-aging wonder product. They do have a product line, newly launched, called Blitz On the Go meant to provide an extension of the spa services.

We were provided with samples of each product to take home and try out. Here are my impressions of each:




The Body Blitz facial line.

 




Balancing Face Toner,  $22

What Body Blitz says: 
Vitamin infused toner helps skin retain its moisture while it balances the skin. The  plant extracts, rich in antioxidants, help revitalize and restore suppleness. Enriched with Moroccan argan oil. Alcohol free. With aloe vera, provitamin B, argan oil and herbal extract of nettle, green tea, saw palmetto and red pepper.

What Beauty Squared says:

I like this toner. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth without feeling like it's taken away all the moisture. It smells fresh. It's restored my faith in toner.



Exfoliating Face Wash, $28


What Body Blitz says: 
This gentle exfoliating face wash contains herbal and plant extracts to nourish the skin as it gently cleanses. The apricot seed kernet powder is a very mild, 'skin friendly' natural exfoliate. With sunflower seed oil, shea butter, green tea extract and sea kelp extract.

What Beauty Squared says:

This is a very creamy and luxurious exfoliator that feels gorgeous on my skin. It smells fresh and the apricot seed kernel powder is extremely gentle yet gives and effective exfoliation. This is not a great cleanser for the end of the day however, since it does not remove make-up well. Save it for morning or simply as an exfoliator.

Green Clay Face Mask,  $28


What Body Blitz says: 
This gentle, yet effective mask draws out toxins and environmental pollutants to help revitalize dull, tired complections while giving your face a nice lift and glow. With green clay, sea kelp, green tea and castor oil.

What Beauty Squared says:

This clay mask had an amazingly smooth and creamy texture, not in the least bit gritty or thick. It didn't feel heavy on and had a gentle scent. It was a treat to have on. Afterwards, my skin felt smooth, moisturized and clean and looked fresh.

Replenishing Face Moisturizer,  $45



What Body Blitz says: 
Combining the best of nature and science, this mega-moisturizing, lightweight face cream helps fight all signs of aging. With Moroccan argan oil and RenovageTM, two super-star anti-aging ingredients. With organic argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, olive oil, provitamin B and RenovageTM.


What Beauty Squared says:

 Very light and non-greasy, but very moisturizing. A beautiful face moisturizer. A bit too light for me as a night cream in the winter and I would never use this as a daily moisturizer because there's no SPF or sun protection.

Body Blitz Argan Oil Face Serum, $65

What Body Blitz says: 
This high quality Moroccan oil is the world's richest natural source of vitamin E and has remarkable anti-aging properties. At Body Blitz, we only use extra virgin cold-pressed argan oil for our face serum. With 75% organic argan oil, organic olive oil, organic aloe vera and organic rose hip. 


What Beauty Squared says:
I'm a big fan of argan oil. I mix it into my hair product every day, but I've never tried it on my skin. 


This face serum can be used in the hair as well as on the face. I tried it on my cheeks when my skin decided to freak out on me recently, breaking out and getting dry and flaky. The face serum was extremely soothing and gave my skin some moisture without overpowering it.

Mint-Lime Body Wash, $18



What Body Blitz says: 
A gentle wash that soothes and calms skin while the argan oil moisturizes and hydrates the body. Enriched with Moroccan argan oil. With argan oil, aloe vera and provitamin B.


What Beauty Squared says: 
This is a great body wash, very fragrant, however I don't find it all that moisturizing or hydrating. It certainly doesn't dry out my skin, and it effectively lather and cleans but I still need to apply lotion or moisturizer after I shower using this. The scent is wonderfully stimulating and makes it the perfect body wash for summertime. 


Mint-Lime Body Lotion, $22



What Body Blitz says: 
Light body moisturizer that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin without a hint of greasiness. Enriched with Moroccan argan oil. With argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, caffeine and shea butter.


What Beauty Squared says:
The Mint-Lime Body Lotion has the same scent as the Body Wash - fresh and lively. I had only a small amount as a sample, so I chose to use it on one of my lower legs after shaving. It's winter, so my skin is dry and I anticipated only having enough in the sample for one leg. I was wrong though, the consistency and moisturizing properties of this lotion allowed me to use it on both legs and still have half of my sample left over! It's light, completely non-greasy and probably better suited for more moderate temperatures (or less dehydrated skin) but I was impressed by the silkiness of my skin after using it.



Cute little samples of the new line.

Overview: This is a spa line, so as you might expect, the Blitz On the Go products are luxurious. They did what they said they would and I would recommend each of these products.

So warmed by the humid air, bubbly pools and soothing atmosphere of Body Blitz and refreshed by Mojitos and hand, foot and back massages using the moisturizers of the new line, we headed back out into the yucky weather, wanting to return very soon and get into those healing waters.

.

C.

MAC Wonder Woman: What Will You Haul?

As most of you already know, MAC launches their Wonder Woman Collection February 10th in stores and TODAY online. There has been a lot of buzz on the blogs about this collection, some overwhelmingly excited and some not-so-much. A lot of the criticism surrounding this release is the jumbo sized versions of products and their corresponding increase in price.

For an incredibly in depth, well organized and thorough review of this collection, look no further than Christine's blog at Temptalia: http://www.temptalia.com/mac-wonder-woman-overall-recommendations

Usually, I'm chomping at the bit to buy almost everything associated with a specialty MAC release, but with the gigantic sized products and increased prices I'm not so sure...I mean I barely make a dent in the regular sized products I buy on account of the large and ever growing stash I already have. So do I really need a Mineralize Skinfinish that's twice the size of a regular one? Not really.

We want to know if you are jumping on this bandwagon - what do you think of the collection, and what if anything are you going to be hauling? Let us know what your picks and rejects are...here are my preliminary picks:

1. Amazon Princess Blush

2. Mighty Aphrodite Blush

3. Pink Power Mineralize Skinfinish

4.Valiant Eyeshadow quad

5. Opulash Mascara in Army of Amazon's

What do you intend to get? Let us know in the comments!

J