Toronto Make-up Show

May blogged about this a while ago and I am extremely excited to announce that its ALMOST HERE!

Just a quick breakdown of the event - so hurry and purchase your tickets asap! The exhibitors is insane, the guest speakers are going to be amazing. For all you beauty junkies in the GTA - you have NO EXCUSE not to go!

Save these dates:
November 21 and 22, 2009 @ Heritage Court inside the Direct Energy Centre (located at 100 Princes’ Blvd. in Toronto)
Advance Tickets are $35.00cdn for one day or $60.00cdn for both days ( I would recommend both days! )

To purchase your tickets click HERE

If you decide to pick them at the door on the day of the event it will be $40.00cdn for each day and $70.00cdn for both!

Some of the amazing distributors:

Click HERE if you want a more indepth information on the event, workshops etc.

See you all there!

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Au Natural - Cargo Cosmetics

Model is wearing the essential kit with the exception of the eyeshadow, foundation, brows and eyeliner.
Photo: Helen Tran
Model:Stephanie
I have always been a CARGO Awarding Lip gloss and Blush Fan. Cargo really knows how to make them. Some of you may be familiar with the blu_ray line which came out about a year ago but I recently had the opportunity to use some of their products recently and I am simply impressed with it. My first attempt, I got Blogger Tina purchasing a kit when I used the products on her which she is upset with me at the moment since she's not a huge make-up fan and now a CARGO blu_ray fan. I think it was the blush/highlighter that really sold her.
<= This shoot was the second time I used it and just look how flawless her skin looks. Barely there! blu_ray is a line from CARGO which was actually designed for make-up artist to use in hi-def television/film, at the same time was also catered for your everyday woman that wanted to wear make-up but at the same time not feel made-up. Their challenge was to create make-up that looks perfectly natural. The make-up had to disappear under the scrutiny of high definition

Due to the popular demand from Make-up Artist and Women everywhere, CARGO decided to to expand their line. There latest line extension provides you with more must-have basics to enhance your daily routine.

This spring, CARGO provides even more tools to help you look flawless and natural in any light.
Introducing blu_ray™ Lip Gloss with new Timestrip® technology; new shades of blu_ray™ Pressed Powder; blu_ray™ Bronzer; and an amazing value set: the blu_ray™ Essentials Kit. ( retails for an amazing $59.00 USD and CDN)


This line includes:
blu_ray™ Lip Gloss with NEW Timestrip® technology -- $24
Developed for high-definition filming, blu_ray™ Lip Gloss provides fuller, smoother looking lips. The innovative formula contains hyaluronic acid spheres and a peptide chain to plump lips and reduce fine lines. blu_ray™ Lip Gloss also improves lip elasticity, comfort and hydration. Transparent pearl pigments ensure an even colour payoff.

CARGO has now enhanced blu_ray™ Lip Gloss with new Timestrip® technology, a groundbreaking system which ensures that you use your Lip Gloss only as long as it remains fresh and effective. To activate, just insert the strip into the cap of the gloss. The Timestrip® window will start turning red, indicating the passage of time. When nine months have gone by and the entire window is red, you know it is time to throw out your gloss. blu_ray™ Lip Gloss with Timestrip® technology is available in seven luscious colours:
Belize – Warm Sunny Pink
Panama – Muted Raspberry
Halifax – Palest Peach Blush
Bogota – Rich Red Plum
Vermont – Golden Café Latte
Laredo – Shimmering Nude
Montego – Classic Rose

blu_ray™ Pressed Powder (NEW shades) -- $32
blu_ray™ Pressed Powder’s photo chromatic pigments automatically colour correct make-up, so that colour stays consistent in all types of lighting. Its ultra-fine particles fill in fine lines, while micronized light diffusers reflect light randomly to camouflage imperfections. The result: great coverage that looks completely natural, day in and day out.

blu_ray™ Bronzer -- $30
A matte bronzer that looks incredibly natural, without any shine or shimmer. This high-technology Bronzer contains photochromatic pigments to automatically colour correct make-up so that colour stays consistent in all types of lighting. The ultra-fine optical blurring pigments randomly scatter light to camouflage imperfections. The result is a natural-looking matte glow that is never orange or streaky.

Or the BEST DEAL
blu_ray™ Essentials Kit -- $49 (a regular retail value of $110!)
A collection of everything you need for natural, picture-perfect beauty in a flash. The blu_ray™ Essentials Kit contains four must-haves for your real-life close-ups:

blu_ray™ Mascara
Under the magnifying glass of high-definition, CARGO’s blu_ray™ Mascara lengthens, curls, defines and separates lashes. blu_ray™ Mascara creates lashes that are full and long, yet look perfectly natural. The special comb applicator guarantees that you won’t miss a single lash in those hard-to-reach areas.

blu_ray™ Lip Gloss with Timestrip® technology in Belize
The innovative lip plumping formula with the high-tech Timestrip® component in a universally flattering warm pink shade.

blu_ray™ Bronzer
For a radiant, matte summer glow, any time of the year. Skin looks gently bronzed, never orange or streaky.

blu_ray™ Blush/Highlighter in Peach
The ultimate blush and highlighter in one! This universally flattering shade is perfect for spring. blu_ray™ Blush/Highlighter has photo chromatic pigments that adjust to ambient lighting to provide a natural finish, day or night. For perfectly glowing skin, the irregular particle size diffuses light and creates an optical blurring that imparts a softer, more refined complexion. Micro-fine particles fill in fine lines.

For more information visit the blu_ray website.

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Choosing the right Foundation

Some foundation tips to take in consideration when choosing one.

If you forget to remove your makeup before going to bed, we all know that its not good for your skin. I'm sure we get really lazy, especially after a long night of partying, who really wants to take that extra 5 mins or so to clean up that mess ( Cleaning / Moist towels may be your best friend at this point - but do a proper cleanse in the morning) .

Most modern foundations not only moisturize skin, but also protect it from harmful environment. Most foundation creams contain solar-control factors – (SPF, Titanium Dioxide)it's very important to protect your skin with SPF - especially in the Summer and Winter. Sun exposure increases and helps age lines, spots, wrinkles - the whole nine yards. You will notice women that are in very hot sunny places are likely to have more lines than someone who doesn't - with the exception of " cosmetic surgery". Any form of cosmetic applied to the skin is basically protection for that area such as foundation (face) lipstick (lips) etc.

Stick Foundation: Most stick foundation is a " All - In - One" thing. Concealer foundation and set powder. Normally, its good with the coverage and it's quick application. Good for someone that is on the go and needs minimal make-up. ( Perscriptives, Bobbi Brown)

Cream Foundation: Some cream foundations can be used as concealers because its very rich and thick. I would say cream foundation probably has longest lasting than the other foundations. It can be heavy and cakey at times. It's really depends which ones you buy. Every make the consistency and ingredients are different so results will vary. Nowadays, most cream foundation contain silicon, which means it does not stick directly to skin but rather creates a tiny layer over the skin, protecting it allowing air to circulate. Also most brands, the pigmentation is very fine that it's hard to clog pores like the old traditional foundations. So, not all creams clog pores. Thanks to the new modern creams. (RCMA, Cinema Secrets, Make-up Forever, Clinique)

Mousse Foundation: Mousse foundation is a cream foundation in a whipped consistency. It gives a lighter coverage than cream foundation and its also good on mature skin because mousse foundation doesn't settle in fine lines. The finish is mostly matte but it leaves your skin very velvety. ( Maybelline)

Liquid Foundation: Liquid foundation is probably the most common and popular of the choices because it pratically works on everyone. Liquid foundation gives good coverage, you can get them to light - medium full) and there are many formulas to choose from ( water based, silicone etc) and types ( matte finish, dewey finish, oil free etc) ( Make-up Forever Face and Body, Vincent Long Water Canvas, Perscriptives, Revlon, and Cover Girl)

Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizer is basically a moisturizer with some colour/pigmentation in it. It's ideal for someone who doesn't wear a lot of makeup but just wants to even out their skin. ( MAC, Almay)

Cream to Powder: It is used recommended for oily skin since it sets to a matte. It's fast and convenient and a fast alternative to liquid foundation. (MAC, Smashbox)
Powder Foundation: Is a powder that is heavier on the pigmentation to give more coverage than a blotting / press powder. It's ideal for someone who is shiny/oily and just needs to eliminate shine and even out the skin tone. ( Make-up Forever and Smashbox wet/dry)

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