Experiencing FACE atelier at IMATS

By now you know I’m a big fan of both Canadian businesses and cosmetics. So, when I had the opportunity to meet Debbie Bondar, CEO of FACE atelier, I jumped at the chance. FACE atelier has developed a cult following with celebrity make-up artists and can be seen on many famous faces including Madonna and Lady Gaga.

To be honest, I’m not sure what I was more excited about – meeting an inspiring and successful woman behind a cult cosmetics firm on the verge of greatness or checking out some of the unique products in the FACE atelier line. 


Thanks to FACE atelier. I had a press pass to the recent IMATS show in Toronto. So did my friend, Anita Clarke so we decided to check it out together. We spent most of the time having our make-up applied by a make-up artist at the FACE atelier booth.

What we heard was true, the foundation is fantastic – we each got to take some Ultra Foundation Pro home – and I’ve been using mine faithfully ever since. Sorry Bobbi Brown I really liked using Skin Foundation SPF 15 but FACE atelier is a bit easier to apply, feels just as light but seems to really enhance my appearance. I’m not ready to hand over my Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge just yet but I have been alternating with FACE atelier’s powder blush that comes in an easy-open, one-piece compact for easier handling.

Two products I’ve tried and will be adding to my make-up bag soon are the lip glaze (it’s not gummy or sticky like other products I’ve tried) and the transforming gel – it turns any powder into a paint – perfect for turning regular eye shadow into gel liners – I’ve either been using other gel liners but have been disappointed in the lack of colour options or mixing contact lens solution with my eye shadow with so-so results. I also came to the realizing that make-up brushes really do make a difference and it’s worth investing in the best quality ones you can afford.

Find FACE atelier online or in select locations.

My take on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

I’ve been approached by Matchstick (a word of mouth marketing company) to do product reviews several times. Unlike most of the companies who contact me, Matchstick required me to complete a survey first to ensure I’m part of the demographic they are targeting for their clients. In the past, I’ve never made it past the survey stage because of my age.

Things have changed. This time around, I wrote back and asked Danah, their new blogger relations co-ordinator, why they keep contacting me since it was a waste of everyone’s time. I also mentioned that you – yes, all of you reading this post right now – don’t belong to one age band and it was short-sighted of them to discount Bargainista because I am older than the top of their age band for most products. (People who follow this blog are anywhere from teens to at least mid-50s.) She approached me because of a mascara program for L’Oreal Paris. I assured her women their 40s still wear mascara. ;-)

Danah and I met at a Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch. I talked to her about blogger influence, the next day she had a chat with her client and they decided to include women in my age group in the program. Well, I’m still not convinced they made this decision for the right reasons but I was happy to participate, get a better sense of what Matchstick was all about and try some new make-up.

I was quite impressed when I received a cosmetic bag (“The Glam Kit”) filled with two containers of L’Oréal Paris European version Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara. the product I was asked to review and some other stuff:
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Cosmetic Bag
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Cosmetic Brush
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Eye Shadow Quad in Grey
• 1 x Carbon Black Liquid Liner
• 1 x Guide to Smokey Eyes

You may remember it wasn’t that long ago I reviewed another new mascara. So I hope you don’t mind if I make a few comparisons.

I’ve been spending a lot of money on mascara so I wasn’t expecting much from L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara – it’s available for $14.99 at most drug and grocery stores. I’ve been using this product for about a month now. (I figured I needed to try it for a while to give it a fair shot.) At first, I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest benefit was this product didn’t smudge. I wear contact lenses and usually buy waterproof mascara. It still smudges. Guess what this cheap stuff that isn’t waterproof doesn’t smudge at all.

Similar to the Lancôme XXL Cils Booster, the first step of the L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is a white cream I applied to my lashes. The second step is a black mascara. I like how both tubes are part of one package but I found the application awkward because the two brushes emerge from the middle and the cream and mascara products need to be screwed apart from either end. It would be easier if the brushes were contained in the tops like typical mascara tubes.

I really liked the staying power of this product. It lasts all day and stays on all night if you’re like me and sometimes to tired to remove your make-up before bed. (shh!). My eyelashes looked long and lush. It also washes off very easily with soap and water.

What I didn’t like was my eyelashes looked a too thick and unnatural. (I much prefer the appearance of my eyelashes after an application of Lancôme Oscillating Mascara.) I also found my eyelashes were more likely to fallout while I was washing it off.

At first, when the product was fresh it had a perfect consistency. Not to thin or thick. After two week, it became very gummy. I guess that’s where it shows the difference between premium beauty counter products and drugstore brands.

I’ve had a lot of eyelash experience in the past few months. Coincidently, I wore professionally applied lash extensions for my cousin’s wedding in December. If you watch this video, the make-up artist claims you’ll get the same results from Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara. The lash extensions looked natural. They made me look like I had more lashes. I disagree that Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara produces the same results.

Expert Advice

Over to you…
I’m not ready to give up on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara entirely. I don’t miss raccoon eyes. So if you know of another mascara that also staying power but maintains a fresh consistency until the last application, please leave a comment and let me know.

Save $5…
If you’d like to try L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara and get a coupon mailed to for $5 off, you can sign up online and enter the code “2HMT” in the upper right-hand corner. I’m not sure about you but I think it would make a lot more sense and be more eco-friendly if you could print a coupon right off their website. Don’t you? Besides, then you could buy it right away

If you’ve tried L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara, Matchstick would love to get your feedback too. Please take a couple minutes to complete this survey.

One more thing: Matchstick, I’m so glad you let me participate in this program but I find the process you put your bloggers (and “influencers”) through to onerous. I much prefer trying products without any strings attached. Oh ya, and I haven’t received follow-up phone call from you yet. Your instructions stated you’d be calling me for feedback about a week after I received “The Glam Kit”. Several of the links you’ve sent me are broken too.

Tip of the Week: Shoppers Optimum points

Despite what you may think, I’m not a huge fan of loyalty programs. Not because they don’t help me save money but because I hate carrying all kinds of extra cards in my wallet. With most programs, it takes forever to get the even smallest reward.

Shoppers Optimum card is one exception. Shoppers’ Drug Mart is my neighbourhood drugstore. Here’s how it works: For every $1 you spend, you earn 1o Shoppers Optimum rewards point. Once you earn at least 3,500 points you can cash them in for store credit. [Update, I accidentally transposed the amount spent with the number of points earned. It has been corrected. Thanks Chris for alerting me to the error.]

There are also all kinds of products with extra bonus points and other special offers when you can earn all kinds of bonus points. I make a habit of stocking up on days when they offer 10x or 20x the points on purchases. For example, starting today if you spend $50 or more at the cosmetics counter, you’ll get 20x the points.

I’ve also learned a big secret. Twice a year Shoppers’ offers extra credit when you cash in your Optimum points (July and November). At 75,000 points (the max.), instead of getting the usual $150 credit I’ve been getting $200 to use towards a shopping spree (I have to pay the tax.) It’s also the time when I pamper myself and try out a new high-priced goodie from the cosmetics counter.

Recently, they’ve introduced a program where you can donate your Optimum points to a registered charity – I just found out while researching for this post. What a great idea!

Revealing my beauty secrets tag challenge

My friend Kim Vallée of At Home with Kim Vallée tagged me. When I first learned about it, I wasn’t too thrilled because I’ve done the tag meme thing enough times but this was different. This one is about sharing beauty secrets. What fun. How could I resist?

Make-up and I go way back. My earliest memories was playing with fake-up when I was young as 4. I think the brand was called Little Lady and there was no better gift anyone could give me. Of course I could apply it to my heart’s content but nothing would appear on my face. To this day I remember the taste and smell of the lipstick.

Although I consider myself a low-maintenance woman, I have been wearing make-up since I was about 12. The only thing that’s changed over the years is that I apply more while it keeps looking like less and less. I’m all about the natural look.

Recently, I had the most incredible facial at Cozy Nails. I realized once every couple of years is NOT enough. I’m making a point of getting them every season from now on.

My Foundation: All from Bobbi Brown
Foundation stick in Warm Sand 2.5 is a necessity. Occasionally, I use the creamy concealer kit in Warm Ivory and corrector in Light Bisque.

My Mascara: Lancôme Définicils, waterproof black. I wear contacts so waterproof is a must. I also wear CILS Booster XL mascara base – for longer wear, longer lashes and less smudging.

My Blush: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks and Lips in Blushed Rose.

My Eye Shadow: Bobbi Brown Neutral Eye Shadow Palette and award-winning long-wear cream shadow in Bone.

My Day Cream: Lancôme. I just switched to Primordial Skin Recharge. I always make sure my moisturizer contains SPF. This one has SPF 15.

My Lipstick: M•A•C Viva Glam V - all revenue goes to M•A•C AIDS fund. I wear lip balm every night before I go to bed. Currently, I’m using Daily Lip Care (purple tube, vanilla scent) by Polysporin that I received in my swag bag as a media sponsor of the last ChickAdvisor Queen Street Shop Crawl.

My Beauty Product Brand: Bobbi Brown fills more of my make-up bag than any other brand.

My Essential Beauty Product: Cetaphil. I swear by this stuff. It’s the best eye make-up remover I’ve ever tried. It's gentle, effective, non-stinging, and an excellent facial cleanser as well.

My Favorite Makeup Product: Not sure I have a favourite. I wouldn’t want to do without any of the above.

My Perfume: I use Gautier Le Lait body lotion everyday. I don’t wear perfume; it makes me sneeze.

My Nails: Manicures are my guilty pleasure. My salon uses Essie and OPI products. I flip between the two depending on the colour I feel like wearing.

My Feet: Vichy foot care products with podexine, specifically Cracked Heel Repairer and Reconditioning Care for Dry Feet, everyday.

My Hands: I just discovered an awesome hand repair cream from La Roche-Posay. It’s rich and creamy without being greasy and it’s probably the only one I’ve tried that’s non-irritating.

Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Dove unscented moisturizing soap, Cetaphil moisturizer, lip moisturizer w/SPF and lots of sunscreen.

Women I admire for their beauty: I admire women who are confident in their own skin and embrace aging gracefully without the help of restylane fills and botox.

Woman with the Best Sense of Style: Audrey Hepburn

My Ultimate Dream (but I do not believe in selling my soul to the devil for it): No clue.

How Do I Define Womanhood: Grace with a sense of style – according to Kim, I can’t top that one either.

My Favorite Fashion Publication: In Style

I am tagging four women and one man with style:

Two of the the TFBB gals...
Henna of Canadian Beauty
Anita of iwant igot

My mani-pedi buddies...
Michelle of Mish’s Playground
Kathryn of That Kathryn Girl

And, the new guy on the blogroll...
Tris of Manscaping 101

My PinUp Lip Balm Prize

Canadian Beauty is always giving away free cosmetics and other beauty products.

I rarely enter contests ’cause I rarely ever win.

A few weeks ago I got lucky and won an 8-Ball Gift Tin from PinUp Lip Balm. It included all 8 luscious flavors:
• Citrus Punch
• Gimme Grape
• Love That Lemonade!
• Mocha Loca Chocolata
• Peppermint Twist
• Royal Raspberry
• The Boys Love Coconut
• Voluptuous Vanilla

PinUp Lip Balm is made with all natural products and is not tested on animals. My prize retails for $32 (plus shipping) or $4 for individual containers. Yummy!

Wondering why I’m telling you about this?
I received a lovely personalized, hand-written note from PinUp asking me to spread the word. Very cool. FYI, their website doesn’t work that well so I can’t tell you where to buy it other than their online store. Not so cool.

Canadian Beauty has another great giveaway this week. It’s for 2 Nair prize packs. Why don’t you try entering and see what happens. You might just get lucky! If so, let us know.

Beauty Confidential - how to look like a million bucks for less

One of my favourite holiday surprises was receiving a copy of Beauty Confidential, a new book by former magazine beauty editor, Nadine Haobsh (aka blogger Jolie in NYC).

Nadine is big on developing personal style and doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty even if it’s the mantra espoused by her peers.

Although I read beauty mags at the hairdresser, I’ve never paid much attention to beauty books. Until now that is.

Beauty Confidential is written in a light conversational style and chalk full of valuable tips about every beauty concern under the sun. The format is useful too. Each chapter includes a “product guide” listing each product mentioned in the chapter, along with it’s website address and price range. How handy.

If you’re like me and find yourself collecting cosmetics, hair care and skin care goodies, this handy little beauty book is a must read. You’ll learn when to save your money and what products are splurge-worthy in order to look your best.

Good haircuts and colour are worth the big bucks but you can follow Nadine’s illustrated step-by-step instructions and learn to blow-dry your own hair like a pro. Learn how to groom and trim your eyebrows properly, give your self a professional manicure and lots more. Why throw money away on expensive nail polish when you don’t have to when the less-expensive brands will do. Did you know lots of drugstore skincare products are formulated the same way as others costing megabucks?

You’ll get lists of all the best beauty products (i.e. shampoo, mascara, skin cream, blush, foundation, sunscreen, etc.) and why those products have earned their stripes. Even some of my personal favourites including Lancôme Definicils mascara, Essie nail polish and Cetaphil were list-worthy. ; )

So, if you’re like most women I know and have a stockpile of make-up, skin creams, hair care, body lotions and potions, Beauty Confidential is a smart investment.

Anita Roddick, you’ll be missed

I can’t remember a time without The Body Shop. It was founded 31 years ago and although it became part of the L’Oreal Group last year, the successful beauty products chain continues to operate independently.

I definitely have my favorite Body Shop items such as the Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion. But the one thing that has always stood out in my mind is the legacy created by founder, Anita Roddick who died on Monday.

Dame Anita Roddick through The Body Shop has probably done more for corporate social responsibility and animal rights than anyone. At the very least, Ms. Roddick was a pioneer who made a difference.

What’s your favorite product from The Body Shop? How will you remember Anita Roddick? Leave a comment.

Technorati tag: Anita Roddick, corporate social responsibilty, CSR, L’Oreal, The Body Shop

Sucked in by Sephora

My make-up habits are routine. I had the benefit of having a Bobbi Brown make-up artist review my habits last May. I love Bobbi Brown but to be honest, with the exception of a regime of concealer products that cost a small fortune, my appearance is pretty much the same.

All that changed when I stopped into Sephora with my niece who was visiting me from Montreal. She loves Sephora and it’s a must-see every time she’s in town. This time, she thought about having a makeover and had cold feet ‘cause she thought she’d be obligated to buy the products they used on her face. I kept telling her she didn’t have to buy anything. So, she took my advice and tried a new look. The make-up artist was amazing and made sure to teach every step along the way.

I couldn’t just stand by and watch, so just for fun, I asked to try the new smoky eye look for fall. I had my choice of which type of smoky eye I wanted. I was open to suggestion. She demonstrated both an intense and not-so-intense look. They both looked great but involved a much more made-up look than I’m used to. My niece thought it looked amazing. And wouldn’t you know, CARGO has a limited edition smoky-eye kit exclusive to Sephora for $45. It includes a fabulous brush, black mascara and a grey SmokyEye Eyeliner Duo. Individually priced, the items total $86. What a bargain. I had to buy it. Luckily, a CARGO rep was on-site and she spent another 15 min. with me showing me how to achieve a smoky-eyed look suitable for the office.

But what lipstick would I use? NARS has a wonderful pale colour, Belle de Jour. It’s a perfect complement for the smoky-eye look. I usually wear MAC Viva Glam but I couldn’t pass this one up even for the hefty $30 price tag.

So there you have it… a little trip to Sephora with my niece cost me $75 big ones plus tax. My niece bought a couple sale items for her mom and sister – total costs: about $25. Oh well, at least she still thinks her aunt in Toronto is cool. ; )

Technorati tags: Bobbi Brown, CARGO, MAC, NARS, Sephora, smoky eyes

Tip of the Week - awesome make-up remover

You probably know by now, I don't spend a lot of time pimping specific products. There’s an awesome one I’ve been using for years and I thought I should share it with you...

I love Cetaphil cleanser. My dermatologist recommended it years ago because I had eczema on my hands. I started using it on my face too.

I’ve tried literally dozens of make-up removers. Many of them high-priced. Several of them are oily, messy, smelly and/or sting my eyes. In my experience, Cetaphil does the best job of removing eye make-up. It’s fragrance-free, easy to use and gentle on my eyes. Best of all, a 460 ml bottle lasts me about 6 months and it’s costs about $12. Now that’s a real bargain. Don’t you think?

I found an order form for a free sample, if you want to try some.

Apparently, Cetaphil is also a treatment for lice.

What’s your favorite eye make-up remover? Leave a comment.

Technorati tags: Cetaphil, cleanser, lice, make-up remover

Lancôme’s got it all in the bag at Holts

Spend $50 or more on Lancôme products at Holt Renfrew and get this:

• White canvas tote and matching cosmetic bag
• Absolue Premium Bx -30ml
• Absolue Premium Bx Eye -4.2ml
• Colour Design Delux Compact, (warm or cool palette) - 3ml
• L’Extreme Mascara in Black
• Le Crayon Khôl in Black Coffee
• Hypnôse EDP miniature Splash - 5ml
• Le Rouge Absolu lipstick (warm or cool colour)

Find a location near you.

Note: the promo runs through April 15 or while supplies last, only one per customer.

Technorati tags: bargains, cosmetics, Holt Renfrew, Lancôme, make-up, shopping

Estée Lauder's got a brand new bag at Holts

Spend $60 or more on Estée Lauder products at Holt Renfrew and get this:

• Batik-print bag and matching cosmetic bag
• Re-Nutrive Ultimate Lifting Cream -7ml
• Re-Nutrive Ultimate Lifting Cream -7ml
• Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Sunstone - 3ml
• More than Mascara in Rich Black
• Golden-fluted compact with Pure Colour Eye Shadows

Find a location near you.

Note: the promo runs through Mar. 4 or while supplies last, only one per customer.

Technorati tags: bargains, cosmetics, Estée Lauder, Holt Renfrew, make-up, shopping

Clinique bonus at The Bay

Denise M. asked me to share her favourite cosmetic promo...
The Bay has a sweet Clinique bonus package now through Feb. 25.

Buy $26.50 or more of Clinique products you'll get:
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Deep Comfort Body Butter
• Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
• Different Lipstick in Think Bronze
• Different Lipstick in A Different Grape
• High Impact Mascara in Black
• Cosmetics Bag

Note: This offer is valid while quantities last. Check with your nearest Bay location for details.

Technorati tags: bargains, beauty, Clinique, cosmetics, The Bay

Barbie inspires M•A•C

When I was a little girl, I played with dolls. Barbies were may absolute favorite. The first recollection I have was when I was 3. My late grandfather always wanted me to cut my hair so for his birthday, I gave my first Barbie her first hair cut.

Last week I received some mail (yes, the real kind not e-mail) from M•A•C. I was so excited when I opened the envelope and saw a compact-shaped fold-out booklet with a hot pink silhouette of Barbie's head beside the M•A•C logo.

Barbie Loves M•A•C is the Barbie-inspired new spring collection available at M•A•C stores and cosmetic counters starting tomorrow. It's full of hot pinks, neutrals and bright eye shadows with names like Playful, Whistle and Springtime Skipper.

M•A•C even built a whole set of looks around Barbie themes. My fav is Malibu Barbie. (See the pic on the right.) What's yours?

For a limited time you can even buy powdered blushes and eye shadows with an etching of Barbie's head. There are special edition items like the M•A•C Barbie and M•A•C Barbie Ts too.

Do you collect Barbies? Would you wear Barbie make-up? Is Barbie still a good role model for girls in 2007 or is she a throwback to the '60s?

Leave a comment and tell us what you think.

Technorati tags: Barbie, cosmetics, dolls, M•A•C, make-up

Pamper me

Just before the stores closed on Saturday, I remembered I hadn't bought a gift for my son's Hebrew school teacher. I needed something for first thing Sunday morning. The last place I wanted to go was the mall (strange but true, I do whatever I can to avoid malls in December.)

I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I wanted to buy her something nice that she would appreciate. Then I remembered a quaint little shop on Yonge St. just north of Eglinton called SABON (all products are made in Israel.)

SABON reminds me of a cross between Lush, L'Occitane and an old-fashioned apothecary. They're known for their bath, body and facial products including a new skin-care line for men. Check out the home products too.

My personal favorite are the handmade fresh cut soaps. Made with natural ingredients and aromatherapeutic oils made from an old Australian recipe, in scrumptious scents like vanilla coconut and dulce de leche, there's something for every one. I quite like the shea butter bars too.

Three items of note:
• No animal testing
• Prices start at about $6
• Have cash on hand for purchases under $15, (I only had $5 so the cashier regretfully agreed to accept my debit card for a $10 purchase)
• You can shop online but I don't recommend it; their website cries out for a redesign

Technorati tags: cosmetics, customer service, gifts, home decor, shopping

Kiss and make-up

M-A-C Cosmetics is having a "Friends and Family Sale" Wednesday and Thursday:


I love their lipsticks, especially the VIVA GLAM line. Buy a VIVA GLAM lipstick of lipglass and 100% of the purchase price goes to the M-A-C AIDS Fund.

For those of you who don't know, M-A-C has a recycling program. Return 6 of their make-up containers in exchange for a free lipstick of your choice. Not all containers are eligible.

Note: This sale does not apply to M-A-C counters in department stores. Please check your local M-A-C store for details.

Technorati tags: cosmetics, sales, shopping, VIVA GLAM